Regarding #4:

My options for timer are different than listed in the post. When I go to timer:wakeup, I see a channel and a time. This doesn't seem to be the same.

For timer: sleep and timer:wakeup, I can choose enable and disable. I don't know how to set these to keep the "press any key" message from showing up each day.

Can you walk me through this?I don't see any options listed for Timer in the first post. All it says is that you can set them 1 minute apart and perhaps defeat the Auto-Shutoff.Auto Shut-off Workaround. It appears that you can defeat the Auto Shut-off feature by setting the General Settings/Timer: Turn Off option. You can set the Timer: Wake-up option for 1 minute later to keep the unit on virtually 24/7. This can be especially useful if you have the 8300HD connected to a Replay TV or other devices that rely on the 8300HD being on for channel changing, etc.IIRC, folks who tried this at the time set the Time:Turn Off to something like 1:15 am (Day = Daily) and the Timer:Wake Up to 1:16 am (Channel should make no difference). The only reason this was an issue at the time is because even if you were there to press a key, it still shut off.

Is there any particular reason why you don't turn the 8300 off when it's not being used? AFAIK, this should avoid the message in the first place.

Is there any particular reason why you don't turn the 8300 off when it's not being used? AFAIK, this should avoid the message in the first place.

Doesn't turning it off (or and standby or whatever you want to call it) stop the buffer. In that, if I turn the unit on I won't be able to rewind, the buffer will start? So if you kept it on you will always have a buffer on the channel that it is tuned to. I could be wrong, but I thought I have turned the unit on and wanted to rewind because it was in the middle of something that I just happened to want to watch and I couldn't rewind because it started the buffer as soon as I turned it on.


SARA 1.88.xx

That's true CZ, but I seriously doubt that is his reasoning. Even if it were, there is no reason not to turn it off at some point (like when you go to bed or just using the Timers as suggested) if the message and auto-shutdown bothers you enough to post the question and that's why I asked. It's difficult to give a good answer when we don't know the whole story.

I guess I'd also have to wonder why not just record the stuff you (might) want to watch rather than hit or miss catching something in the buffer by leaving the unit on 24/7. I suspect too that you aren't watching TV in the wee hours when the Auto-Shutdown occurs. :)

Also, AFAIK turning it Off doesn't really stop the buffer, turning it On actually resets the buffer. Unless you tune to a non-bufferable channel, the current channel is always being buffered.

Also, AFAIK turning it Off doesn't really stop the buffer, turning it On actually resets the buffer. Unless you tune to a non-bufferable channel, the current channel is always being buffered.

That makes sense so you it can record when its Off. I wonder why they would restart the buffer when it gets turned on. Might have something to do with a reboot, making sure everytime it comes on it has a clean buffer? but i think i am getting off topic..

Is there any particular reason why you don't turn the 8300 off when it's not being used? AFAIK, this should avoid the message in the first place.

I don't like the message option. With a new system, my wife is already fumbling with the remote trying to get things turned on. This is just one less thing to worry about.

I know it's no big deal, but I don't like it.

Hey,
I'm new to TWC in Houston <snip>
I have the 8300HD and 8300 SD DVR's and a couple of questions:
4) Most importantly: how do I stop the stupid "press any key to watch TV" message? Can't it just stay on all the time like my DTV HD20?
Steve
Contact your cable company and request that they remove this option. It is a global selectable option from them and many areas do not use it due to either problems or annoyances. Here in Vegas it was turned off immediately because a large amount of viewership is actually awake at that time due to rotating schedules. If enough people call in and make them aware of the issue, they will turn it off.
My personal experience was that the message could freeze on the screen when using the wake up timers. I use the wake up timer to turn on the TV and STB to a specific time and channel to watch the morning news (STB at least 1 hour earlier to buffer news). The "press any key" message would be stuck on the screen and could only be cleared by turning the unit back off and then on again, clearing my buffer.

vegggas

Placing 3000HD Behind Cabinet Doors

I see that SA sells a USB repeater for placing the 3000HD behind a cabinet door. Does anyone know if the local TWC store would have these? I'm in Houston.

Placing 3000HD Behind Cabinet Doors

I see that SA sells a USB repeater for placing the 3000HD behind a cabinet door. Does anyone know if the local TWC store would have these? I'm in Houston.

try SA did you actually check their site? it's ecommerce.

try SA did you actually check their site? it's ecommerce.

I know it is. However, I caught up with a TWC truck on my street this afternoon and he said that it will not work with the 8300HD. In this market, the USB is disabled (so he says).

I actually need something that will control my DVD player too. Any thoughts? Radio Shack has a stupid look pyramid that converts the IR to RF and back again. I don't really need that since the receiver and emitter will be in the same cabinet.

What should I use?

I know it is. However, I caught up with a TWC truck on my street this afternoon and he said that it will not work with the 8300HD. In this market, the USB is disabled (so he says).And what makes you think that he knows? These guys basically know what they have been told - and cable companies often don't tell there people more than they NEED TO KNOW. ;)

I actually need something that will control my DVD player too. Any thoughts? Radio Shack has a stupid look pyramid that converts the IR to RF and back again. I don't really need that since the receiver and emitter will be in the same cabinet.

What should I use?That gadget works fine, but you are right, you don't need it. Here is a link (http://www.smarthome.com/prodindex.asp?catid=258) to a place that sells lots of IR stuff. I'm sure that there are others out there too.

The IR extender from SA works great, I have one. It only gets power from the USB port. I got mine from the SA site and it came in a couple of days.

The USB port is also a great I-Pod Charger port and a good power port for laptop style LED lights for dark theater rooms. :D :D :D

Really, the SA IR extender works fine, regardless of the cable company settings. It's a hardwired and power bus solution.

vegggas

Dave,

Just saw this over on HDTVoice and thought you might find it interesting:
Rogers is currently rolling out new firmware for all STBs during the next couple of weeks. This firmware will address many of the shortcomings of the old firmware we've been running.

We will be getting v1.89 for the SA8300HD, which will provide a whole bunch of new features and also get rid of a lot of the old glitches like the "kickout to live" bug.

It should also resolve the DST issues that we've had twice a year.

I don't know the version numbers for all the STB, however, all will be updated since the DST issue comes up in a few months.

Here's the rollout schedule.

January 8 - 12
DNCS E; Richmond Hill, Woodbridge, Thornhill, Markham, Barrie and Scarborough

January 15 - 19
DNCS A; GTA Central, Mississauga, Brampton, Pine Ridge, Ajax, Oshawa and Newmarket

January 22 - 26
DNCS B; South West Ontario - London/Kitchener and Ottawa

The rollout may be faster if no glitches are encountered. People in the January 8 areas have already confirmed receiving the new firmware last night.


vegggas,

Have you seen 1.89.x.x yet?

Just a note to anyone using Timeslot recordings. The President's speech tonight has changed most Primetime schedules for tonight and you might to check your recording schedules. :)

I only mention this because some folks don't trust the First Run option. I also noticed that our local CBS station (or the network perhaps) apparently didn't set the First Run flag for Criminal Minds tonight even though it is set for CSI:NY, so I needed to schedule it individually instead of using the First Run option. :(

Dave,

Just saw this over on HDTVoice and thought you might find it interesting:


vegggas,

Have you seen 1.89.x.x yet?

Oh oh! Looks like it's time to watch the 8300 like a hawk! It will be interesting to see what I get in the next few days (Toronto Central). Will report back if there's anything interesting.

I've been trying to gather some data regarding average HD bitrates on cable. There have been a few posts about doing this that are based on the changes in the hard drive diagnostic data when you delete a HD program. The problem that I seem to have is that the diagnostic data seems to be in different units than it used to be. So the old info here does not seem to be valid. The attached shows the info screen for my system. I have a 250GB external hard drive and when this photo was taken the drives were approximately 49% full. I was hoping that someone like veggas or DoubleDAZ might have information about the current screen. Incidentally, the last three diagnostic screens that show HDD INFO (screen 33), and the two HDD Partition screens (screen 34 & 35) show "Information Unavailable" for all data fields.

Just a note to anyone using Timeslot recordings. The President's speech tonight has changed most Primetime schedules for tonight and you might to check your recording schedules. :)

I only mention this because some folks don't trust the First Run option. I also noticed that our local CBS station (or the network perhaps) apparently didn't set the First Run flag for Criminal Minds tonight even though it is set for CSI:NY, so I needed to schedule it individually instead of using the First Run option. :(Dave, what episode title does your IPG show for "Criminal Minds"? Mine is showing "Aftermath," and that is not a First Run episode. Additionally, the episode of CSI:NY being run here is "Oedipus Hex," which also is not a First Run episode. Perhaps these are choices made by our local affiliate due to the president's speech; however, I would like to confirm that by verifying the episodes that your local CBS station is running.

Many thanks!

Scarlett

I have a couple questions about the 8300HD DVR.

Is it normal for the box, while hooked up through HDMI, to display SD channels in 1080i?

When watching these 1080i SD channels, I do not get a stretch option, only Zoom1 and Zoom2. (I have it set at Auto DVI/HDMI right now.)

If these are normal, is there a way to get the SD channels to display in 480, and/or is there away to get these channels stretched?

Incidentally, the last three diagnostic screens that show HDD INFO (screen 33), and the two HDD Partition screens (screen 34 & 35) show "Information Unavailable" for all data fields.Dave, how long have you had your current version of SARA? Your version and mine are the same, and my HDD information also is "Unavailable" on those same screens. That information was available to us before the last firmware update in Feb. 2006. Your experience seems to confirm my suspicion that it is SARA version dependent. I do not understand why information that was available to us in an earlier version has now been made unavailable! This defies logic. I have been unable to get a response of any kind from my local TWC executives, both of whom have been immediately forthcoming with answers in the past, regarding this issue, as well as questions concerning the deployment of Mystro/Navigator in our area.

On a list of services available to us, I noticed an item labeled "Digital Navigator a la carte" that costs $7 a month, and a second item labeled "Digital Navigator and Digital Tier Combo" that costs $7.95 a month. When I called to inquire about what that service included, I was told it was a STB for customers who wanted only the first 78 channels. The CSR was unclear as to what the second service offered. When I explained my confusion about the terminology, she stated that the current "Digital Navigator" service is not the same as "Mystro" and that they have been given no information about when that "service" will be available. Again, this is illogical, as well as confusing. Why would TWC deploy an altogether different technology, but use the same terminology for a current service to describe the newer service?

On an email form that invites questions concerning TWC, the following is stated:
Contact us using the form below regarding any questions or issues you have for Time Warner Cable Austin. Customers are our number one priority and we'll make every effort to get your questions answered in a timely fashion. This has not been my recent experience. I have sent two emails and left a voice message for one TWC exec, and I have sent a follow-up email to his immediate supervisor, with absolutely no response of any kind! Additionally, prices are being increased with no previous notice of any kind. This is an extreme departure from its practices in the past, and I am at a loss to understand what has prompted the new policies. On the other hand, I have to remember that AOL now has a voice in TWC operations! Not what I would call a positive change.

Because of the virtual monopoly enjoyed by TWC in each of its markets, there is no viable alternative that is comparable. Overall, I am satisfied with the level of service that it provides. However, I do not appreciate being ignored and/or brushed aside when I have legitimate questions and concerns--especially by a company which states that its "customers are our number one priority"!

I now realize that I am totally off-topic, and I apologize for the distraction. Not sure where this post belongs--can someone point me in the right direction? If so, I will move it.

Many thanks!

Scarlett

Dave, what episode title does your IPG show for "Criminal Minds"? Mine is showing "Aftermath," and that is not a First Run episode. Additionally, the episode of CSI:NY being run here is "Oedipus Hex," which also is not a First Run episode. Perhaps these are choices made by our local affiliate due to the president's speech; however, I would like to confirm that by verifying the episodes that your local CBS station is running.

Many thanks!

ScarlettIt appears that CBS changed their mind since yesterday's announcement, even TitanTV now shows reruns when they showed New for both just last night. The announcement simply said everything was being pushed back a half-hour and specifically mentioned "new episodes". CSI was indicated as a First Run in the IPG when I added it back to my Season Passes and it still is, CM wasn't. I'm still recording both just in case. :)

If these are normal, is there a way to get the SD channels to display in 480, and/or is there away to get these channels stretched?Two questions:
1. Can your TV accept 480i signals via HDMI?
2. If it can, do you have 480i enabled in the initial setup?

Dave,

Just saw this over on HDTVoice and thought you might find it interesting:


vegggas,

Have you seen 1.89.x.x yet?

I haven't seen 1.88.xx yet.

I now realize that I am totally off-topic, and I apologize for the distraction. Not sure where this post belongs--can someone point me in the right direction? If so, I will move it. Nothing is off-topic here. ;) I do try to get some posts reposted in other threads because that is where the viewers are for that particular topic. However, all posts, even bashers (New Year's Resolution - decided that bashers simply show their childishness/ignorance and need a forum too :) ) are welcome here. :D

Re missing data, could it be that the data is missing because the SATAs weren't formatted using that SARA version, or something equally silly?

I haven't seen 1.88.x.x yet.Yeah, we're still technically on 1.87.x.x here, but Cox has been really good about letting those who want 1.88.19.1 have it inspite of the problems. I happen to have 1.88.22.1, but it hasn't fixed any of those problems that I can see. Before you ask, the main problem is that I can freeze the screen for several seconds simply by (too) quickly pressing FF/REW and Play, etc. But, the Start From Beginning is worth any hassle. :)

Nothing is off-topic here. ;) I do try to get some posts reposted in other threads because that is where the viewers are for that particular topic. However, all posts, even bashers (New Year's Resolution - decided that bashers simply show their childishness/ignorance and need a forum too :) ) are welcome here. :D

Re missing data, could it be that the data is missing because the SATAs weren't formatted using that SARA version, or something equally silly?Okay, I guess I deserved that, but although I have been called many things, "childish and ignorant" are not among them. :) However, I would much rather be called "ignorant" than "stupid."

I don't think the missing data can be attributed to not having formatted the SATA under our current SARA version, because I had to get a brand new 8300HD (build date of December 22, 2006) the day of the Sugar Bowl, Jan. 3, 2007. I formatted my SATA drive the next day, so it has been formatted under our current SARA version. I think we are going to have to look for something even sillier unless and until we get a candid response from TWC. I was told by a TSR that the information was unavailable because I had an external SATA drive connected, and if I would disconnect it, the information (for the internal drive at least) would again be available--not true. I tried it. That information was available under the previous SARA version, with or without the external SATA drive connected. There is some other explanation, and TWC knows what it is! Oops, there I go again...must be the ignorant child in me! At least I cannot be accused of name-calling! :)

Scarlett

ROTFLMAO!!!! :D

10-4 on the formatting suggestion.

I've been trying to gather some data regarding average HD bitrates on cable. There have been a few posts about doing this that are based on the changes in the hard drive diagnostic data when you delete a HD program. The problem that I seem to have is that the diagnostic data seems to be in different units than it used to be. So the old info here does not seem to be valid. The attached shows the info screen for my system. I have a 250GB external hard drive and when this photo was taken the drives were approximately 49% full. I was hoping that someone like veggas or DoubleDAZ might have information about the current screen. Incidentally, the last three diagnostic screens that show HDD INFO (screen 33), and the two HDD Partition screens (screen 34 & 35) show "Information Unavailable" for all data fields.
I'm not known as a hard drive expert, but here you go.
For recording space, you are interested in the AVFS partition, which is a groupng of your internal and external drive (if connected).
Size = Sector size - usually 512 bytes each. Yours is 765084800 (*512) =391723417600 actual bytes available on the AVFS partition.
Capacity = Total available clusters (minimum manageable sized groups of sectors) yours is 162784 clusters
Cluser size = Size of each cluster = 4700 sectors or 2406400 bytes as chunked groups of space. This is the smallest that a chunk of space can be broken into.
Free space= total free clusters = yours is 81121
Everything is based on clusters. If you use 1 byte of a cluster, the entire cluster is used. You are showing 81121 free clusters out of 162784 total available clusters or roughly 49.83% free space.
Your conversion datarates will be an estimate based on how many clusters are used for a given program and how many total seconds were recorded. Even then, the bitrate is varible with peaks as high as the maximum bit rate, and as low as half that for a "talking head" scene. Your calculated rates will be an average, based on content, so it will vary wildly.

vegggas

Two questions:
1. Can your TV accept 480i signals via HDMI?
2. If it can, do you have 480i enabled in the initial setup?

I'm pretty sure it can accept 480i over HDMI, and I do have 480i enabled in the initial setup.

Anyone know why I would get an HDCP Copy Protection error when trying to send 480p from the SA8300HD to a Samsung LN-S4051 over HDMI?

Everything is based on clusters. If you use 1 byte of a cluster, the entire cluster is used.
As a point of reference for those experienced in things PC, this is what's known as cluster overhang which became a problem with FAT16 as hard drives increased in capacity, more and more space was lost. Smaller partitions - Partition Magic took off at that time - was a workaround. FAT32 nearly eliminated the problem, especially as hard drives DECREASED in price.

The sleep timer trick to stop the "press any key" message does not work. I must be doing it wrong. I still got the message this morning.

BTW, my box has a build date of 11/2006 so it is fairly new. I have the remote with the three blue buttons above the arrow. I am hearing that another remote supplied by TWC in Houston allows programmable activities to be added. Anyone else see this?

I'm not known as a hard drive expert, but here you go.
For recording space, you are interested in the AVFS partition, which is a groupng of your internal and external drive (if connected).Thanks for the insight - I'll need to digest this and will get report back in a day or two.
Your conversion datarates will be an estimate based on how many clusters are used for a given program and how many total seconds were recorded. Even then, the bitrate is varible with peaks as high as the maximum bit rate, and as low as half that for a "talking head" scene. Your calculated rates will be an average, based on content, so it will vary wildly.Yeh, I realize that, but there have been debates in several places about cable vs OTA vs dish HD bitrates and this seems to be the main way (using TiVo's or some other recording method). Though our local TW system puts only 2 HD channels on a QAM, I am fairly sure that there is little "grooming" - but I'd like to have a method available to do some "audits".

davehancock,
I meant to post these earlier in case they would help, but I didn't get to it.

The spreadsheet from the [how much space is lost to formatting] discussion has the formulas and conversions from clusters to GB already done (KB/MB/GB at the bottom) if you like. Passport Thread #3694 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7693720&&#post7693720)

Just for reference, michaeltscott's archived thread on bit-rate. (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464273)

v/r,
C-F

davehancock,
I meant to post these earlier in case they would help, but I didn't get to it.

The spreadsheet from the [how much space is lost to formatting] discussion has the formulas and conversions from clusters to GB already done (KB/MB/GB at the bottom) if you like. Passport Thread #3694 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7693720&&#post7693720)

Just for reference, michaeltscott's archived thread on bit-rate. (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464273)

v/r,
C-F
Thanks, but I am quite familiar with Mike Scott's post. The other link is for Passport. The problem I had was that the HDD Info on our current version of SARA is different than what was presented with the version of SARA that had been used in those posts. I believe that the reply from veggas provided the information I need to allow me to make the calculations.

davehancock,
I meant to post these earlier in case they would help, but I didn't get to it.

The spreadsheet from the [how much space is lost to formatting] discussion has the formulas and conversions from clusters to GB already done (KB/MB/GB at the bottom) if you like. Passport Thread #3694 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7693720&&#post7693720)

Just for reference, michaeltscott's archived thread on bit-rate. (http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464273)
What am I missing, C-F? These two files in Passport thread #3694, while having a TXT extension, internally look like XLS and HTM files. When opened in Notepad, they are gibberish. Should they be saved as XLS and HTM files before opening?

What am I missing, C-F? These two files in Passport thread #3694, while having a TXT extension, internally look like XLS and HTM files. When opened in Notepad, they are gibberish. Should they be saved as XLS and HTM files before opening?Worked fine for me (though the Passport link was not relevant). But, pepar, I was having some similar problems with some threads when the site was screwed up earlier this week.
.

Just trying to help, usually after the fact.
vegggas' post had the info, but the spreadsheet was already done so it might have been useful.

pepar, yes the files were appended with ".txt" because of file-name sending limitations on my work computers.
I guess if you have to manually re-name them they become safe...

v/r,
C-F

Edit - Sorry, my intent was only to offer the cluster conversion numbers (with AVFS cluster @4700 512 byte sectors and ITFS @2) and the formulas for byte-sector-cluster. I was looking for BLOUP's pictures from when I put the SARA numbers in that sheet because I did not know what information had changed and what you were looking for.

I have a couple of questions regarding recordings. I have the SA8300 set up to record all first run episodes of House on Fox. It recorded it on Tuesday; the next episode isn't on for 3 weeks. The Scheduled Recording screen has an episode scheduled on 1/18. When I try to get info on this episode, nothing shows up. Same with Grey's Anatomy. It is recording now, the next episode is scheduled for Saturday 1/20. Seabisquit is on at that time.

Should I cancel these episode which are obviously not on, or is the DVR going to figure it out and not record anything? Or is it going to record what's on at that time?

Thanks!

From the first post in the thread:

Place-Holders For Future Recordings (1.88.x.x). The 8300HD sets place-holders to keep track of future recordings for recurring scheduled recordings (weekly or less frequent). These are set as soon as a recording starts and are scheduled for 9 days out (don't ask why, I don't know). Unfortunately, these place-holders can make things look incorrect when viewing highlighted items in the IPG looking for potential conflicts or just reviewing upcoming recordings. I'll offer an example of how they look and how they can skew what the IPG appears to portray.
Justice on FOX airs weekly on Monday nights at 8:00 pm. When the regularly scheduled recording starts, a new place-holder is set for the next episode, but it is dated for the following Wednesday and will appear as such in the Scheduled Recordings list. It is easily identified as a place-holder. When you press INFO, you get an empty display window.
Criminal Minds on CBS and Lost on ABC both air weekly on Wednesday nights at 8:00 pm and when you view the IPG, both of these are highlighted for recording.
Nothing is scheduled to record on FOX on Wednesday nights at 8:00 pm, so nothing should be highlighted. However, if you check further, you will see that whatever airs on FOX on Wednesday nights at 8:00 pm is also highlighted (MLB Post-Game as of this posting).
Even though this appears to be incorrect and may cause a conflict whereby nothing will be recorded, is it only highlighted because of the place-holder for Justice and not because anything will actually get recorded. It does not need to be cancelled.
In my test, the place-holders are reset for the correct day once the next episode appears in the IPG, usually after the nightly IPG update. Others have had them reset shortly after mid-night, while still others have them wait to reset until the actual day of recording. I've only tested this once, so it's quite possible other variables influence the resets and they all apply.
It's important to note that you need to be careful when reviewing the IPG and the Scheduled Recordings list for upcoming recordings, all may not be as it appears and you may inadvertently cancel recordings that are not erroneous.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4682052&&#post4682052

is there any way to set up 30 second advance when watchin the dvr?

is there any way to set up 30 second advance when watchin the dvr?

No, you have to use regular FF.

No, you have to use regular FF.

I have my JP1 remote (www.hifi-remote.com/forums) programmed with macros to do 30 second and 3 minute skips(not exactly 3 minutes but average commercial break length).

This is brute-force of course (ffwd,ffwd,ffwd,<wait>,play).

Not a function of the cable box, but something to consider.

xnappo

I can't seem to find the procedure to format the internal hard drive, I know I found it on AVS somewhere, but I've searched and searched and can't find it now. I seem to remember that there's a button combination you press on the display and it asks Format? can anyone point the way or know what buttons to press?

Thanks......

Lon

I can't seem to find the procedure to format the internal hard drive, I know I found it on AVS somewhere, but I've searched and searched and can't find it now. I seem to remember that there's a button combination you press on the display and it asks Format? can anyone point the way or know what buttons to press?

Thanks......

LonIt's in the very first post in this thread, Part Two, Last Resort:

Last Resort. If for some reason you can't get the STB to do what you want and you've rebooted it by unplugging it, etc., this is a "last resort" item - say just before taking the unit back, you can try reformatting the HDD. The SA8000HD (and presummably the SA8300HD) has a fairly simple procedure to erase the drive (start clean). Note that this process will erase all scheduled programming and will cause the unit to reload all programming data from your cable provider. On the plus side, it will repair any fragmenting problems.
Press and hold PAUSE until Mail led is lit.
Press PAGE down or (-), and then press LIST three times.
Turn box off. When turned back on, formatting will begin.If this isn't what you were asking about, please rephrase your question and post again. There is a different procedure for forcing a re-download of the firmware to the internal hard drive, which is not as radical and does not erase recorded or scheduled programs. That information also can be found in the first post in this thread.

Scarlett

Thanks Scarlett,

That would have been a logical place to look, I guess my searching skills suck !

Lon

I'm not known as a hard drive expert, but here you go.
Thanks, that worked out fine. The average data that I've worked out is just where I would expect it to be

Thanks again. :)

Thanks Scarlett,

That would have been a logical place to look, I guess my searching skills suck !

LonNot really. As others have noted, this isn't a particularly "search-friendly" forum. However, as you pointed out, the first post in any long thread is a logical place to start looking. If it has been updated, as this one has, there is an excellent chance that you will find what you are looking for. I have read every post in this thread--many of them more than once--but there are few people as OCD as I am. :) Even so, I occasionally have problems finding what I want. Hope you found what you needed!

Scarlett

My SA 8300HDDVR would not give me the prompt after 4 boot trys performing the steps by the book.

Then, when just about to call it quits and return the external drive, I unplugged the external drive with the DVR powered up and on, and the SATA drive powered up and on. It gave me a warning message that I had just done so. Then, I knew the drive was being seen.

I performed the reboot again, and the next time, the format screen was displayed.

I had passed this on to one other individual here and it solved his problem also. You may want to give it a try.

I just tried the hard re-boot to solve my issues. It did not quite go as the instructions said. I never got the period to let me know it was finished.

Here were my steps and what happened:

1) Unplugged box for 15 seconds
2) Unplugged external drive for 15 seconds
3) Plugged external back in
4) While holding "power" on the 8300 i plugged it back in and held the button for 20 seconds.
5) After about a minute the clock came back.

I have not turned it back on yet, is this normal or was something done wrong?

What you did is correct, but there seems to be some disagreement on just what happens and how long it will take. vegggas offered an explantation of what the dots mean and that is included in the first (or second actually) post. My simplistic understanding is that if it senses there is something wrong with the software, it will reload the software from the headend. Otherwise, it just copies it from ROM to RAM. It may download the software no matter what, but that may not take all that long. I believe it also reloads the IPG, but if the IPG data is already there, you may still be able to access what's there until the download is complete. In either case, you may not notice anything different. I've never watched the dots and I've never had it take very long either, but using those procedures resolved some problems for me that just pulling the plug didn't. In any case, I don't know of any problems turning it back on once the time reappears. IIRC when the time came back and I turned it on, there was still a delay before anything appeared on the TV until it was done doing whatever it was doing. :)

Thanks. I actually tried it twice to make sure. Both times I held the power button until "boot" appeared and did not turn the dvr on until the time reappeared.

Hopefully this will help whatever was going on. I used to have a slight pause until the harddrive would spin up but it's not doing that so I dunno.

I also read on another forum that it was best to turn the tv on first with hdmi to help the handshake, anyone seen this to be true?

Generally turning on the TV at the same time (or even a tad later) allows enough time for the TV to be ready to handshake by the time the 8300 makes the request. If it's not, then the 8300 may not receive the right response and you get an HDCP error. Also, some might be a little touchier than others, so YMMV. AFAIK folks who use after-market remotes (like the Harmony series) that turn everything on together haven't mentioned any problems. My H688 seems to turn the TV on first, followed quickly by the 8300, and then the Denon AVR brings up the rear by a couple of seconds.

Thanks!

Sorry for the queer beginning. I am in NYC and have a 8300HD with SARA on it. My tv is the TH50px60u. The STB is connected via the HDMI to the tv. I would like to have a digital out connected to the reciever in case I watch regular tv and want to route the sound to my speakers. In the settings menu when the audio is selected to anything other than HDMI Auto I get no sound whatsoever. If I select Dolby Digital no sound out of the tv. Is the Panny capable of Dolby Digital??? Or am i crazy?

No. Your TV (common issuse) will not accept Dolby Digital through the HDMI input.
Your best bet is to run digital audio to the receiver and analog to the TV.

vegggas

Woo Hoo!

Sara 1.88 is NOW available on Rogers (Toronto) - just unplug your machine and let it reboot :)

Finally - 4 forward speeds...

Why does my 8300HD keep freezing HD content on me?

This has been my second box and the problem occurs with HD channels NBC,Fox,ABC,WB,CBS, and ESPN only.

When I watch HD channels, mostly ESPN when the logo for the top 10 plays come on it usually freezes and then the above stations will freeze on an image but continues to output sound. Every other HD channels perform perfect....HBO....Showtime.

It's such a problem because I have to unplug it and replug it for it to be normal again...which takes 5-7 min. This is my second box and It's driving me mad.

I have the same box downstairs on my other TV and it never does it.

Also another weird problem.....When my sister's Chocolate Verizon phone gets a text message or a call....the picture freezes....and comes back....unless she's taking a call then the picture and sound will start to distort a little.

Thanks.

Why does my 8300HD keep freezing HD content on me?

This has been my second box and the problem occurs with HD channels NBC,Fox,ABC,WB,CBS, and ESPN only.

When I watch HD channels, mostly ESPN when the logo for the top 10 plays come on it usually freezes and then the above stations will freeze on an image but continues to output sound. Every other HD channels perform perfect....HBO....Showtime.

It's such a problem because I have to unplug it and replug it for it to be normal again...which takes 5-7 min. This is my second box and It's driving me mad.

I have the same box downstairs on my other TV and it never does it.

Also another weird problem.....When my sister's Chocolate Verizon phone gets a text message or a call....the picture freezes....and comes back....unless she's taking a call then the picture and sound will start to distort a little.

Thanks.

Check your signal levels, particularly your signal to noise. See posts 1&2 for how to get into diags.

The fact your sisters phone messes up your cable signal definitely makes it sounds like a bad cable letting in outside signals(ingress).

Please add your location, carrier and software version to your sig.


Regards,
xnappo

Woo Hoo!

Sara 1.88 is NOW available on Rogers (Toronto) - just unplug your machine and let it reboot :)

Finally - 4 forward speeds...Can you verify it's only 1.88.x.x? I've seen reports that it's actually 1.89.x.x.

1.88.19.1 is now available (finally) on Cox Fairfax, Virginia. Better late then never....

If you want some interesting reading, you might peruse the latest User's Guide now posted on SA's website. There are references to options that we don't have with 1.88.x.x and I assume they apply to 1.89.x.x. One is "Block:Titles" to keep titles for blocked channels from showing up in the IPG. Another is record "on this channel on this day at this time" (or something like that). :)

Another is record "on this channel on this day at this time" (or something like that). :)

That would be a great addition. I record a couple of shows that don't use the first run flag and repeat the same show on a different day at the same time. If I use timeslot I get it twice which can cause conflicts with other recordings, so I end up having to schedule one time recordings each week. I could use manual recording but I prefer to see the name of the show in the list.

Can you verify it's only 1.88.x.x? I've seen reports that it's actually 1.89.x.x.
confirmed ! SARA 1.89.16.2 is now installed on my box. I'm in Toronto

confirmed ! SARA 1.89.16.2 is now installed on my box. I'm in TorontoDoes SARA 1.89.16.2 have the new recording option "on this channel on this day at this time" (or something like that) :) that DoubleDAZ mentioned in his post?

1.88.19.1 is now available (finally) on Cox Fairfax, Virginia. Better late then never....


I still have 1.87...

I unplugged the box and plugged it back in to let it boot up...

Still the same...

Has anyone heard rumors about Cox offering TIVO on their 8300HD boxes for an additional charge? I participated in a couple of Cox Town Hall surveys recently asking my interest in features that I'm sure are from TIVO.

They push it to you. Rebooting can only download it if something happened to keep the original push from loading, like the box was disconnected at the time.

FWIW, here's some info I received from 57U over on HDTVoice is response to my question if he got 1.89.x.x and if it correlates to the newest SA8300HD User's Guide:
Yes, we just got 1.89. Those two options are available. Here's a summary of the major differences we found between 1.87 and 1.89 (Rogers skipped 1.88).

1. Font on the channel description bar had changed. There's no longer bold on the date (Mon 5:00pm-5:00am)... instead the text is a bit larger and a bit squished so that the first line of text (program name) will actually hit the second line of text if the program name contains a character with a tail (y, p, etc.).
(Same as 1.88)

1.a) Second line of text now includes the show's rating - or at least it usually does.
(New in 1.89)

2. We have 4x FF and REW (Approx 120X, in addition to 4X, 10X, 30X).
(Same as 1.88)

3. The "kickout to live" is fixed!
(Same as 1.88)
(Only applies to the recording, not the live buffer)

4. Categories (Talk Shows, Sci-Fi) are now shown in the description details of each show so that you can laugh at the fact "SHOPTV" is considered News.
(New in 1.89)

5. Recording future-dated episodes provides options for those wanting to record both "Canadian Idol", "Red Green" and "Rick Mercer":
On this channel this day in this time slot
On this channel at any time
On this channel any day in this time slot
(New in 1.89)

6. Play from beginning option when you select a currently recording program from your program list... though oddly not available when actually on the program (I thought I would be able to get to it by pressing "Stop"... nope).
(Same as 1.88)

7. Program description for each show now shows in the upper left corner when the guide on the screen.
(Same as 1.88)

8. Program description is now available with the info button while you are watching a recorded program instead of only showing Channel 950 showing.
(New in 1.89)

9. If you block a rating, lets say PG-13, then all references anywhere in the system to any program with a PG-13 rating says "Title Blocked" until you enter the four digit code to unlock the system.
(New in 1.89)

10. Firewire is enabled.
(Same as 1.88)

11. If you enter a channel number that doesn't exist, rather than flashing ??? in the channel number field and then doing nothing, it instead switches to the next channel above the channel you requested.
(Same as 1.88)Using 1.88.x.x I don't get ??? when entering a channel that does not exist. However, others with 1.88.x.x report that they do, so this seems to be cableco specific somehow, though I can't imagine why.

12. A small new feature that I noticed is when watching a pre-recorded program, if you press the Live button it returns to the channel you were previously viewing before selecting the recorded program.
(Same as 1.88)

13. Firmware MAY now be compatible with HDMI switching receivers.
(Same as 1.88)

14. The front AUX input is also now enabled. Just plug in something and press the Video Source button on your remote while in CBL mode. Can't PVR from Aux though...
(Same as 1.88)

15. With this upgrade, the DAY UP and DAY DOWN buttons on the remote control (if you have them) are fully operational.
(New in 1.89, but I don't have these buttons, so I really don't know for sure.)

16. If you set up a recording for "On this channel any day in this time slot" or "On this channel any time" and adjust the start and/or end times, the adjustment will be applied to all recordings for that title. ie 8:05, Done "intelligently".
(Same as 1.88)

17. The "A scheduled recording of XXXXXX will begin in 2 minutes" message now stays on for 20 seconds compared to previous 5 or so. I used to leave it, now I hit EXIT.
(Same as 1.88)

The above are "fixes". Here are issues.

A. When switching from live TV to a previously recorded program, the channel indicator does not change to 950. It remains where it was before switching. This might cause some confusion.
(New in 1.89)

B. Issue not resolved (same as before): When you are in FF mode and hit Instant Replay, then hit FF again, you go to the next higher FF step instead of FF1. When you are in the top step FF and hit Instant Replay, then hit FF again, you go to Play instead of FF1.
(Same as 1.88)

C. Surfing through the IPG (right arrow for example) is slower than before.
(New in 1.89 - I didn't notice this in 1.88)

Source: 57U - HDTVoice.com

Edit: I've noted differences between 1.88 and 1.89.

Woah those are nice fixes. Especially the kick out to live. Also being able to see info on a pre-recorded show you are watching. I hope my Knology rolls this out sometime soon.

C_Z,

Kick out is only fixed if you are watching the recording, not live rewound to the beginning. It was fixed in 1.88.x.x, but 57U's cableco skipped that version.

You can see the program info now (at least with 1.88.x.x), but you have to go back to the list (to the recording you are watching) and then press Info.

Can you verify it's only 1.88.x.x? I've seen reports that it's actually 1.89.x.x.

Oops! I got so excited with 4 forward speeds, that I assumed it was 1.88.

You're right - it's 1.89.16.2 !

FWIW, here's some info I received from 57U over on HDTVoice is response to my question if he got 1.89.x.x and if it correlates to the newest SA8300HD User's Guide:

OK, what does the firewire port let you do? Is it input like AUX? or output?

It's output, to let you copy stuff, including HD, to DVHS tape and other Firewire-compatible equipment. The caveat is that what you can really copy is limited by 5C copy-protection rules, where that has been implemented. Here, it's basically limited us to local digital channels, so it's practical use is questionable, unless your goal is to simply archive network series, etc.

Oh, my bad. I thought it was talking about a real "kick out to live" fix. Well that blows. I guess a comparison of 1.88 to 1.89 might be better to see what I would actually get if it got rolled out to me.

C_Z,

Reread my earlier post. I've noted the differences between 1.88 and 1.89. I'm also getting clarification on the kickout to live issue, but I don't think it's been totally fixed.

Ok, already got clarification and it's like I said, fixed for the recording, but not for the live buffer.

Thanks

Sorry if posted already, but this thread is getting huge.

I have two SA8300HD with external SATA. One works fine. THe other sometimes will record a portion of the show (7 minutes, 24, etc). No where near the entire show. I have set both up to record some of the same shows (American Idol this week) and the first works just fine.. the other not.. On the one that does not work, I also get a ot of 'glitches' (temporay freezing, etc) while watching shows that do record in their entirity. Any ideas?

TIA

Z

Sorry if posted already, but this thread is getting huge.

I have two SA8300HD with external SATA. One works fine. THe other sometimes will record a portion of the show (7 minutes, 24, etc). No where near the entire show. I have set both up to record some of the same shows (American Idol this week) and the first works just fine.. the other not.. On the one that does not work, I also get a ot of 'glitches' (temporay freezing, etc) while watching shows that do record in their entirity. Any ideas?

TIA

Z

Check to see if you are getting different signal levels at the different boxes. You can get the info on how to check the levels from the first post of this thread.

Sorry if posted already, but this thread is getting huge.

I have two SA8300HD with external SATA. One works fine. THe other sometimes will record a portion of the show (7 minutes, 24, etc). No where near the entire show. I have set both up to record some of the same shows (American Idol this week) and the first works just fine.. the other not.. On the one that does not work, I also get a ot of 'glitches' (temporay freezing, etc) while watching shows that do record in their entirity. Any ideas?

TIA

Z

What drives and enclosures do you have on each?

See the database in my sig. Also see link to SATA thread once you go to the database page.

xnappo

What drives and enclosures do you have on each?

See the database in my sig. Also see link to SATA thread once you go to the database page.

xnappo

EZ Bus DTS and I believe the drives are Western Digital. Both are set up exactly the same. One works.. the other worked for a month or two.. the kaputz...

EZ Bus DTS and I believe the drives are Western Digital. Both are set up exactly the same. One works.. the other worked for a month or two.. the kaputz...

Interesting. Can you please report the hardware version number and build date of the 8300(on the bottom of the box) when you get a chance?

Thanks,
xnappo

So we got upgraded to 1.88 Firmware a few days ago, we've got the fourth fas-foward option, and some other bells and whistles.

However recording is now BROKEN!

Check this:

I have "My Name is Earl", "The Office", "Scrubs", and "30 Rock" all set to record, they're all on the same channel from 11PM til about 1AM.

Then I go to setup CSI right above it to record and I get the "You can't record 3 things at once, choose a show to cancel" and normal it's supposed to list the two shows already scheduled, plus the one you're trying to schedule, right? Well Now it just lists the one show, plus the show I'm just trying to record! HOW IS THAT A CONFLICT!?! stupid stupid box.

*fumes*

So I clear all my scheduled records. Choose Scrubs and 30 Rock (12AM - 1AM) and set them to record, then I try and record CSI and get the damn error again, THERE'S NOTHING ELSE SET TO RECORD! WHERE'S MY DUAL TUNER GOODNESS!?

*angry*

Anyone else having this insanity?

- D

EDIT: Basically it looks like I only have one tuner working... It's very odd.

Scrubs is recording now (12:00 - 12:30 AM), then 30 Rock (12:30 AM - 1:00 AM)

When I go to record CSI it brings up 30 Rock, and the very show I'm trying to record as "conflicts". I can't even reset the box because I've been away for a while and there's a bunch of shows I want to watch still. I've tried resetting the box by unplugging it and waiting and plugging it back in, when I did all the shows were red in the guide tonight, yet they didn't record.... *sigh*

Too late to help now, but this has happened to me in the past, twice I think, including before getting 1.88.x.x, so AFAIK it's got nothing to do with new software per se. 1.88.x.x. did change the way place-holders work and that could have had something to do with it, but who know? Anyway, I resolved it by deleting the scheduled recordings, "hard" rebooting the 8300 (holding the Power button while plugging the power cord back in), and then rescheduling the recordings for that time period. Simply deleting and rescheduling didn't help because whatever was conflicting was probably still in the cache. BTW, the unseen "conflict" kept anything from being recorded.

I received the latest 1.89xxx version of SARA in Toronto. The only differences from 1.87xxx that I can see is 4X FF (very nice), and a couple of minor changes to the record all option. Everything else is as before. Mind you, Rogers cable has not implemented any of the features like place holders, first run flag, etc. It's still very basic.

So we got upgraded to 1.88 Firmware a few days ago, we've got the fourth fas-foward option, and some other bells and whistles.

However recording is now BROKEN!

Check this:

I have "My Name is Earl", "The Office", "Scrubs", and "30 Rock" all set to record, they're all on the same channel from 11PM til about 1AM.

Then I go to setup CSI right above it to record and I get the "You can't record 3 things at once, choose a show to cancel" and normal it's supposed to list the two shows already scheduled, plus the one you're trying to schedule, right? Well Now it just lists the one show, plus the show I'm just trying to record! HOW IS THAT A CONFLICT!?! stupid stupid box.

*fumes*

So I clear all my scheduled records. Choose Scrubs and 30 Rock (12AM - 1AM) and set them to record, then I try and record CSI and get the damn error again, THERE'S NOTHING ELSE SET TO RECORD! WHERE'S MY DUAL TUNER GOODNESS!?

*angry*

Anyone else having this insanity?

- D

EDIT: Basically it looks like I only have one tuner working... It's very odd.

Scrubs is recording now (12:00 - 12:30 AM), then 30 Rock (12:30 AM - 1:00 AM)

When I go to record CSI it brings up 30 Rock, and the very show I'm trying to record as "conflicts". I can't even reset the box because I've been away for a while and there's a bunch of shows I want to watch still. I've tried resetting the box by unplugging it and waiting and plugging it back in, when I did all the shows were red in the guide tonight, yet they didn't record.... *sigh*I had a couple of similar problems before I got 1.88.22.1 and deleting the scheduled recordings, rebooting, and then reentering them fixed it each time. I think DoubleDAZ is correct that it is not related specifically to 1.88.22.1 but it has been there and it is not fixed yet. It doesn't happen often. Rebooting every week seems to prevent some of the strange problems.

I know I'll probably get bashed for this but finding something in a 165 page thread is an exercise in futility.

Is there a way I can get the shows on my 8300 to my computer? I thought about getting DVD recorder and just using the "Send to VCR" option but from what I've heard it only sends a 320x240 signal. I'd like to be able to retain more quality and at least get DVD 720x480. If I could get the shows to the computer I could re-encode them to whatever I wanted.

No, not bashed, but there is a thread on this topic, look for Recording to a PC or something like that. Also, Dave Hancock has posted (several times) his method of recording anamorphic DVDs, so you might check back through his posts, though he'll probably see this and respond. His method seems to produce the best results.

Dave,

If you send me those instructions, I'll add them to the 1st/2nd post. I probably should have done that a long time ago. :)

No, not bashed, but there is a thread on this topic, look for Recording to a PC or something like that. Also, Dave Hancock has posted (several times) his method of recording anamorphic DVDs, so you might check back through his posts, though he'll probably see this and respond. His method seems to produce the best results.

Dave,

If you send me those instructions, I'll add them to the 1st/2nd post. I probably should have done that a long time ago. :)
Dave, I'll send you a PM with the info so you can post it. BTW, it wasn't "my method" (I wish I could remember who originally posted it) but I do frequently use it. Having it in your post is a great idea. (the I can post a link to it whenever I need it).

Got your PM and will work on adding the info as soon as I catch up reading these threads. :)

Anamorphic DVD instructions are now in Post #2.

Thanks to all for this thread. As an ex-Tivo user, I thought I was either going insane or that I had the buggiest dvr in existence.

The problem is that Charter (Fort Worth, TX) still has me on SARA 1.87.xx.x. Is this the only cable system anywhere that hasn't updated?

I read some posts that said that any cable system that hasn't updated will soon be forced to because of a Daylight Savings issue. Can someone confirm that this is the case? My experience with Charter so far is that only something like this would prompt them to actually do something. Certainly customer feedback will not prompt any action.

Though I am thankful for the tips and workarounds, I am fed up with dealing with the bugginess, to the point where I am considering a drastic solution such as switching to satellite or just going back to reading books.

Thanks again.

Cox here still officially uses 1.87.x.x, but they've allowed some to have 1.88.19.1 (and even 1.88.22.1) on an individual basis. So, no, charter is not the only one.

I'm trying to get confirmation that a change is coming for DST, but so far, no luck with that. They still have until Mar 11, so it's not do or die yet.

Thanks to all for this thread. As an ex-Tivo user, I thought I was either going insane or that I had the buggiest dvr in existence.

The problem is that Charter (Fort Worth, TX) still has me on SARA 1.87.xx.x. Is this the only cable system anywhere that hasn't updated?

I read some posts that said that any cable system that hasn't updated will soon be forced to because of a Daylight Savings issue. Can someone confirm that this is the case? My experience with Charter so far is that only something like this would prompt them to actually do something. Certainly customer feedback will not prompt any action.

Though I am thankful for the tips and workarounds, I am fed up with dealing with the bugginess, to the point where I am considering a drastic solution such as switching to satellite or just going back to reading books.

Thanks again.

Same here with Charter in MA - still on 1.87.32.1. I have an email from their DVR support back in September saying they have no plans to update the DVR software at all. It's frustrating dealing with them - Verizon FiOS can't get here soon enough.

I'm attempting to set up my 8300 HD from Comcast and am wondering how best to set it up for use with my Samsung HL-S5687w.

So far I seem to have gotten the best results from choosing 480p and selecting Auto/HDMI from the format menu. However, when I switched sources from my DVD player back to the cable box, the picture suddenly looked awful.

Thoughts and/or suggestions would be most welcome.

Thanks.

I noticed on SA's website they had an IR extender that would allow you to leave a STB behind closed doors with the sensor outside and a flasher stuck on the front.The IR extender from SA works great, I have one. It only gets power from the USB port. I got mine from the SA site and it came in a couple of days.I ordered an IR Extender via SA's web site, and had the same results as RemyM. It arrived in a few days, and works great! I'm using it with a 3250HD, but it just has three components (other than the wire):

IR sensor
IR emitter
USB connector to obtain power

so it should work fine with any SA STB/DVR.

I just purchased a receiver that does digital upconverting of my component out to my TV. I can run HDMI to it, if I need to, well, I would like to....and ultimately I would like to also run the component to the TV. This would allow me to watch TV without having to have the receiver on all the time.

Question:

Can I run both HDMI and component out of the 8300HD? If I can, is there something special from a toggling perspective to be able to watch and hear TV depending on what I am using?

Thanks!

The problem is that Charter (Fort Worth, TX) still has me on SARA 1.87.xx.x. Is this the only cable system anywhere that hasn't updated?

I read some posts that said that any cable system that hasn't updated will soon be forced to because of a Daylight Savings issue.

worse for us here in hawaii. we still haven't been updated plus we don't have daylight saving time so probably nothing coming soon.

I have a Sharp LC 37D42U. I've found that its best to let the 8300HD do all the work. I set it to fixed 720i and it upconverts the SD content. An additional advantage is that switching from SD to HD it much faster if the TV doesn't have to re-negotiate the format.

I just purchased a receiver that does digital upconverting of my component out to my TV. I can run HDMI to it, if I need to, well, I would like to....and ultimately I would like to also run the component to the TV. This would allow me to watch TV without having to have the receiver on all the time.

Question:

Can I run both HDMI and component out of the 8300HD? If I can, is there something special from a toggling perspective to be able to watch and hear TV depending on what I am using?

Thanks!Probably not - usually (though there could be some exceptions). The "rules" basically say that when there is a digital connection the component outputs are supposed to be disconnected. You may also have problems running HDMI from the 8300 to the AVR and then on to the TV via HDMI. Your best available solution is likely to be to run HDMI directly to the TV and just run the optical out from the 8300 to the AVR.

I have a Sharp LC 37D42U. I've found that its best to let the 8300HD do all the work. I set it to fixed 720i and it upconverts the SD content. An additional advantage is that switching from SD to HD it much faster if the TV doesn't have to re-negotiate the format.

Not necessarily true. I have found that the scaler on my Pioneer 5070 plasma is much better than the scaler in the 8300 and our DVD player. I let it pass the signal and the TV does the scaling. Far better picture quality.

Makes sense--rental box conversion vs $3000 TV conversion. The Pioneer is fast on the scaling too. Only a split second "snap" to go from 480i to 1080i, etc.

Probably not - usually (though there could be some exceptions). The "rules" basically say that when there is a digital connection the component outputs are supposed to be disconnected. You may also have problems running HDMI from the 8300 to the AVR and then on to the TV via HDMI. Your best available solution is likely to be to run HDMI directly to the TV and just run the optical out from the 8300 to the AVR.

Have not heard about too many problems running out the HDMI from 8300 ->SR674 -> HDMI TV. I may try and see if both work.

As far as the 8300 HDMI -> TV, I am not willing to do that since I only have one HDMI input and running component -> SR674 and Oppo -> SR674 then -> HDMI TV, I have better picture quality and stereo. Should it be a big deal to have my receiver running all the time for TV and DVD? IT does get a little hot. We watch a few hours of TV a night.

Is there a way to watch a recorded program from the spot it was stopped? I thought I had seen this option before. When I hit play it always starts from the beginning.

Pat,

If you are watching a recording and then press Stop (or just tune to another channel), you can tune back to the Playback Channel (800 here) and press Play to resume where you left off.

If you select another recording to watch, then the first recording can only be restarted from the beginning.

If you reselect the original recording from the List, it will also restart from the beginning.

SARA does not have Bookmarks. So the only way to resume a recording is to make sure you don't watch another recording before going back to the Playback Channel.

Sorry if this is in the thread somewhere - but looking for help. I just upgraded to Fios TV from Cablevision. All I'm trying to do is watch the left over content that I have on the 8300HD. I've plugged it into my TV but aren't able to get to the DVR menu.

Any ideas? Again sorry if this is a novice question.

AFAIK, if you no longer have Cablevision, you no longer have access to the Playback Channel (800 here), etc., and you are SOL. The 8300 is not a standalone player.

Can I run both HDMI and component out of the 8300HD? If I can, is there something special from a toggling perspective to be able to watch and hear TV depending on what I am using?

I have done this successfully. I have the HDMI output from the 8300 going to one of the HDMI inputs on my Receiver, and the Component output going directly to my TV. I, or most often my wife, am able to watch TV using the Component output without turning on the whole Home Theater setup. When desired I can crank up the surround sound gear that utilizes the HDMI output.

This works as long as I turn the Receiver off when using the Component connection. As soon as I turn the Receiver on, the HDMI negotiates the encrypted link (8300-> Receiver->TV) and the Component output on the 8300 gets turned off.

The trick is that you MUST route the HDMI output through a HDMI switching Receiver, or HDMI switch of some sort, to prevent the HDMI link on the 8300 from negotiating when you want to use the Component output. You cannot use the Component output if the HDMI thinks it is active.

I have done this successfully.

That is what I wanted to hear and what I thought was logically possible to begin with. I have my Harmony remote programmed with a function called TV w/Stereo and TV without. The without does not turn on the receiver, which would do as your set-up is. Thanks for letting me know. I will go ahead and order that other HDMI from Monoprice and get at it.

The trick is that you MUST route the HDMI output through a HDMI switching Receiver, or HDMI switch of some sort, to prevent the HDMI link on the 8300 from negotiating when you want to use the Component output. You cannot use the Component output if the HDMI thinks it is active.Great point Mike! The problem with this (and a caution to other folks) is that there has been an issue out there with many HDMI switching receivers not working well with cable boxes.

There have been rumors that some versions of STB software have fixed this - but this has not yet been clear.

Mike, what kind of receiver do you have? I recall that some Sony receivers did work fine and that most Denon receivers did not (don't know what the story is with others).

It never hurts to try the HDMI - especially with low cost cables from Monoprice. But one shouldn't invest in an HDMI switching receiver for this feature without return privileges or other assurances that the receiver will play nice with your cable STB and display.

That is what I wanted to hear and what I thought was logically possible to begin with. I have my Harmony remote programmed with a function called TV w/Stereo and TV without. The without does not turn on the receiver, which would do as your set-up is. Thanks for letting me know. I will go ahead and order that other HDMI from Monoprice and get at it.

I did that very thing. I use a Harmony 720 with one activity called "Watch TV - Basic" and another activity called "Watch TV - Full". Works well and has a high WAF (wife acceptance factor).

Great point Mike! The problem with this (and a caution to other folks) is that there has been an issue out there with many HDMI switching receivers not working well with cable boxes.

OK, I will tell, but only if you promise not to laugh. This is my home office system and I did parts of it on the cheap, putting the emphasis towards network connectivity. The Receiver is a cheap Sony AV Receiver (STR-K900) that came with a 5.1 speaker set. It has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. I have the output hooked up to an Olevia 537H TV, one input to the SA8300HD and the other input to an upconverting Helios H3000 DVD player that is also is a media server which is networked into my 3+ terabyte network storage server. I can play AVI, MPEG, TS, ISO, WMV files etc directly off of the network and have them upconverted to 1080i by the Helios which will then output via HDMI.

The HDMI switching of this AVR works flawlessly in this configuration.

My next step is to figure out how to get HD TS streams off of the 8300 onto my network.

worse for us here in hawaii. we still haven't been updated plus we don't have daylight saving time so probably nothing coming soon.

I hate to say this, but I don't feel sorry for those of you in Hawaii. Tomorrow's high here is supposed to be all of 21 degrees (and that ain't celclius).

OK, I will tell, but only if you promise not to laugh. This is my home office system and I did parts of it on the cheap, putting the emphasis towards network connectivity. The Receiver is a cheap Sony AV Receiver (STR-K900) that came with a 5.1 speaker set. It has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output. I have the output hooked up to an Olevia 537H TV, one input to the SA8300HD and the other input to an upconverting Helios H3000 DVD player that is also is a media server which is networked into my 3+ terabyte network storage server. I can play AVI, MPEG, TS, ISO, WMV files etc directly off of the network and have them upconverted to 1080i by the Helios which will then output via HDMI.

The HDMI switching of this AVR works flawlessly in this configuration.

My next step is to figure out how to get HD TS streams off of the 8300 onto my network.

Mine setup is high on the WAF. Everything is hidden in an amoire. speaker wire through the wall connect to a 7.1 plate, in attic, dropped satellites on ceiling. She is not too keen in the new subwoofer, but I am working on that.

I have mine running through my Onkyo TX-sr674 to the TV. Your stuff seems funny, but it really is not. You just run network, mine is compact. :D

OK, I will tell, but only if you promise not to laugh. ......The Receiver is a cheap Sony AV Receiver (STR-K900) that came with a 5.1 speaker set. It has two HDMI inputs and one HDMI output.Thanks Mike (no laughing) - that is right in line (Sony HDMI works) with experience to date.

Did I read somewhere that TWC is adding TIVO back to the STB DVR's? Maybe I was dreaming....

Did I read somewhere that TWC is adding TIVO back to the STB DVR's? Maybe I was dreaming....What do you mean by: "adding TIVO back to the STB DVR's". Adding TiVo software to the existing TW supplied DVRs, letting TiVo PVRs work in the TW cable system, or something else?

worse for us here in hawaii. we still haven't been updated plus we don't have daylight saving time so probably nothing coming soon.
That was then. This morning we got SARA 1.89.17.1.

What do you mean by: "adding TIVO back to the STB DVR's". Adding TiVo software to the existing TW supplied DVRs, letting TiVo PVRs work in the TW cable system, or something else?

I found it. It's a deal with Comcast that will allow a software change to current DVR's changing them to the TIVO interface. I don't think it works with some DVR's however. I can't find the original article but here's the TIVO page:

http://www.tivo.com/cms_static/press_124.html

Did I read somewhere that TWC is adding TIVO back to the STB DVR's? Maybe I was dreaming....Comcast and Cox are working with TiVo to run the TiVo software on their cable DVR set top boxes. Your followup post describes how Comcast is working with TiVo. TWC is working on its own software, Digital Navigator, to replace SARA and Passport on its DVR set top boxes. Click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8434087&&#post8434087) to go to a thread dedicated to Digital Navigator. I doubt if TWC will work with TiVo on a product that will compete with Digital Navigator.

It's confusing here in Houston---TWC just became Comcast so I'm assuming the TIVO will coming here soon. Hopefully!

Comcast has said that Houston customers won't see any immediate changes. In about a year, customers' Roadrunner e-mail addresses, channel lineups and channel assignments will probably change. The first change, putting the Comcast letterhead on bills, isn't expected until spring.

The only changes they have made is to raise prices and change account numbers. Comcast is still using the Time Warner Cable name and is even advertising for new employees using the Time Warner Cable name. On the TV commercials they use the Time Warner Cable name, but in the newspaper they use the Comcast name to recruit new employees. This seems very strange to me.

Comcast has several options to upgrade the DVRs in Houston. They can wait until the TiVo software is ready for the SA DVRs that are already deployed. They can use Motorola DVRs with either TiVo software or I-Guide software when the software is ready. Comcast can offer the Panasonic DVR when it is ready and the cable head end is converted to OCAP. I don't think any of these options will be done soon.

COMCAST in Reston, VA. Mine was just upgraded from 1.87.23.1 to 1.88.25.1

That was then. This morning we got SARA 1.89.17.1.

hah a yeah! it must have been something i said!

Apparently, we got version 1.89.17.1 of SARA a few days ago. Ever since that time, when watching TV via HDMI the screen will go black for a few seconds (while the audio continues). This happens approximately twice every minute and is very annoying. Looks like I'll be on the phone with TWC tonight.

Anyone know a fix for this?

So, I have my 8300HD set up to record "all first run episodes" of Grey's Anatomy, keeping two episodes until I erase.

I had the show from last week on there and hadn't watched it yet. Last night's show was successfully recorded. But, when I went to look at my recorded shows, last week's show was gone!

Did I do something wrong in my setup?
Anybody ever have this problem?

Thanks,
Eph

I was reading through the SA8300 manual (http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003870.pdf)(P.27) and saw a feature that seemed real useful, "Multi-Room DVR System"

I did a search on here and didn't really find anyone talking about it....does anyone know if you're able to do this?

to me it would make sense for cable company to disable this feature 'cuz they'd make more moeny on you buying more DVR boxes but has anyone tried this or know of anyone that has?

Resolution question:

I have a Pioneer 5070 plasma connected to the SA8300HD cable box. I have made sure that all the resolutions pass through from the 8300 to the TV. When a 1080i program comes on, the entire frame is filled. When a 480i program comes on, sometimes it is filled, other times it has bars on the sides. I select "wide" on the TV to fill the screen completely. What does "full" do? Does it show the bars on 480i and full screen with HD programming? Why would it go back and forth on 480i? I would like all 480i to fill the screen.

Also, I may have had the 8300HD "zooming" as well. I can't see a way to make sure it is at the native screen. When I cycle through using the 8300HD, I see zoom 1 and zoom 2 and something else that looks weird but nothing to indicate it is at the normal screen. Is there a way to disable this function too? I don't want the cable box to do anything. Just send the plain 'ol signal to the Pioneer. Very confusing....

I followed DoubleDaz's instructions to hard reboot (in his second post at the begining of this thread - thanks yet again for your efforts helping the rest of us out). Unfortunately either I'm screwing up or something's not working right with my STB.

I'll rewind a second. About a month ago I added a WD 250GB HDD in an Apricorn enclosure. Things worked peachy until about 2 weeks ago when I started to get dropouts in the audio and video signal. Moving images would briefly pixelate and the audio would stutter (is the video symptom what is refered to as "macroblocking"?). Two weeks ago is was minor and rarely. Now, its so often and so invasive as to be basically unwatchable. Add to that that shows have stopped recording 10-15 minutes into a recording and suddenly what was once working is approaching useless.

So, I tried a hard reboot as per DoubleDaz' instructions. I unplugged the STB for 30+ seconds, pressed the power button and kept it pressed then repluged the STB back in all the while keeping the power button pressed. The problem occurs when the STB doesn't seem to re-download. Within about 10-15 seconds the clock is back on. This seems to be counter to what I've read about it taking a few minutes for the clock to come back on after the data transfer is complete. Either way, I recorded some new shows last night and they are still having problems (signal quality AND stopping before the recording ends).

Any thoughts of advice? Thanks in advance.

I was reading through the SA8300 manual (http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003870.pdf)(P.27) and saw a feature that seemed real useful, "Multi-Room DVR System"

I did a search on here and didn't really find anyone talking about it....does anyone know if you're able to do this?

to me it would make sense for cable company to disable this feature 'cuz they'd make more moeny on you buying more DVR boxes but has anyone tried this or know of anyone that has?By in large (I believe there are a few exceptions) cable has not deployed the multi-room DVR. It is not a matter of just enabling or disabling - it is a different box. To use it, the other rooms need to have a cable STB. Also a cable technician would need to install a filter on the cable line coming into your home - to keep "your" programs from appearing on neighbor's boxes.

TWC to update SARA Firmware:



Dear Mike,

Thank you for contacting Time Warner Cable's Customer Care email
department. Our Technical Operation Department will be performing
updates to the firmware in the next two weeks.

We appreciate your business and strive for your satisfaction. Please
select reply when responding to this email to ensure that previous
communications are included.

Sharon Jones
Customer Care Specialist
Greensboro Customer Service (336) 379-0200
Greensboro Repair (336) 379-0207

Also a cable technician would need to install a filter on the cable line coming into your home - to keep "your" programs from appearing on neighbor's boxes.

...but I want to watch your recordings too! I forsee "neighborhood watch" taking on a whole new meaning!

Apparently, we got version 1.89.17.1 of SARA a few days ago. Ever since that time, when watching TV via HDMI the screen will go black for a few seconds (while the audio continues). This happens approximately twice every minute and is very annoying. Looks like I'll be on the phone with TWC tonight.

Anyone know a fix for this?
Nobody else having issues with the new SARA software?

Nobody else having issues with the new SARA software?Sounds like some changes were in there for HDCP. HDCP is very display dependent. As HDCP does not have very good interoperability standards, so a change that, on the surface, should improve things may make operation worse on some displays.

I have a new 8300HD feeding a Sony SXRD via both component and HDMI. I find that the HDMI periodically blanks when I an recording one HD program while viewing another HD program. The component output shows no problems. Is this a known issue?

I am having a problem getting the 8300HD to boot back up. I unplugged power from the 8300, as I was getting ready to connect an external storage device. I needed to disconnect power from the 8300HD in order to get the box to recognize the external drive. The problem is, the box is not booting back up. I have never had this happen before and I don't know what the problem is. I have disconnected power from my 8300 on more than one occasion so I don't think that is the problem. My box normally takes no longer than 2 minutes to reboot. I gave it more than 5 minutes and, after getting impatient, pushed the power button. It came on, but all I got was a blue screen with the words "Scientific Atlanta," "Explorer" on it. I rebooted the box again (and again) manually by pushing the "volume up/down" and "info" buttons at the same time. I keep getting the same result. I called TW, and she tells me that every once in a while, the box will need to take an extra long time to reboot, telling me to give it about an hour! Right now it's been about 30 minutes, but I don't know if I believe what that rep told me. Is there anyone who knows of a way to fix this problem? I am really getting frustrated and would appreciate anyone with knowledge on this situation. Thanks in advance.

I followed DoubleDaz's instructions to hard reboot (in his second post at the begining of this thread - thanks yet again for your efforts helping the rest of us out). Unfortunately either I'm screwing up or something's not working right with my STB.......................Within about 10-15 seconds the clock is back on. This seems to be counter to what I've read about it taking a few minutes for the clock to come back on after the data transfer is complete. Either way, I recorded some new shows last night and they are still having problems (signal quality AND stopping before the recording ends).You've got 2 problems going on here:

One is that there are known issues with some SATA drives that cause the problems you mentioned. There is a thread devoted to SATA drives and these problems have been discussed frequently there. Many folks report early success only to find that as the SATA drive begins to fill, they end up with the problems you are having.

The other is that AFAIK the hard reboot can take some time, but I've never had it takes more than a few minutes and it usually only takes several seconds. My theory is that it checks to see if the software stored in ROM is okay and current. If it is, there is no need to download it again, so it simply copies it to RAM. I believe the same is true for the IPG data, though it may downlaod that in the background and you don't notice it. Resetting internal indicators, clearing the cache, etc., only take a few seconds at the most.

All I really know for sure is that there have been problems I and others have experienced that were not fixed by simply unplugging/replugging the power cord and they were fixed with a hard reboot. As mentioned in the Tips post, it is not a panacea for all problems, but is something that should be tried before returning a unit.

Also, I've never watched the indicator "dots" as described in the post and it's been quite some time since I've rebooted. AFAIK, the time coming back on is not an indicator that the process is over. When the time comes back, I've turned the unit on many times and still have to wait several more seconds to a couple of minutes before a TV image was displayed. vegggas says that the process is complete when both dots in the time (colon) appear.

Apparently, we got version 1.89.17.1 of SARA a few days ago. Ever since that time, when watching TV via HDMI the screen will go black for a few seconds (while the audio continues). This happens approximately twice every minute and is very annoying. Looks like I'll be on the phone with TWC tonight.

Anyone know a fix for this?

I've been living with this problem for over a year and a half. While 1080i and 720p feeds work as they should, the 480i feeds blank out as you describe. I work around it by using S-Video inputs for 480i programing. Yeah, clunky, I know.

Maybe I'll get lucky and SARA 1.89.17.1 will fix it for me. Although, I'm not holding my breath.

Nobody else having issues with the new SARA software?Folks in Canada on Rogers Cable have had 1.89.x.x for a couple of weeks now and I haven't seen any complaints over on HDTVoice, but that's all relative to how many folks use HDMI.

I've been living with this problem for over a year and a half. While 1080i and 720p feeds work as they should, the 480i feeds blank out as you describe. I work around it by using S-Video inputs for 480i programing. Yeah, clunky, I know.

Maybe I'll get lucky and SARA 1.89.17.1 will fix it for me. Although, I'm not holding my breath.Some HDTVs do not accept 480i via HDMI. I believe some folks have had luck disabling 480i and enabling 480p. YMMV.

Dave Hancock,

I updated my Tips post on HDTVoice to include the Anamorphic DVD section and got a comment from 57U. I thought I'd post if for information only:
Thanks for the tip. You can also make anamorphic DVDs if your DVD recorder has component video inputs (some do, but on consumer units they're limited to 480i input). You set the SA8300HD to ONLY output 480i WIDESCREEN and Bob's your uncle.

PS, I've heard that the "technique" indicated in post 3 works, however, some people have reported little difference in final PQ on their TV, which is a bit strange. Perhaps the "Processing" done by the STB loses you the resolution you gain in the anamophic process.

Some HDTVs do not accept 480i via HDMI. I believe some folks have had luck disabling 480i and enabling 480p. YMMV.

Nope, been there done that. Besides, the TV explicitely states that it will except 480i via HDMI and was proven when feed 480i via HDMI from a DVD player. The SA8300HD's implementation of HDCP is the problem. Cable companies aren't willing or able to fix it correctly.

And unfortunately, SARA 1.89.17.1 didn't help any either.

Can I do anything useful with the USB port on the front of the 8300HD?

Can I do anything useful with the USB port on the front of the 8300HD?
I've read that there's power there and that a light or MP3 player could be charged. Nothing else though.

Report from Hawaii: The first day after the upgrade I had no problems... but yesterday there have been 3 new incidences that are not normal or I haven't experienced. I turned on the TV/ DVR (HDMI output) early this morning and things were fine... shut off TV, left DVR on, came back 4 hours later and when the TV came on there was a gray screen that said "press any key to watch TV" (have others seen this, is this new?) Ok, so I did that and the picture came on. Thinking this was a new power saving mode I decided to turn off the DVR when I was finished watching... there happened to be a movie recording at the time. When I came back a few hours later and turned on both the TV and DVR there was no picture and a bit of sound coming in and out. I figured it was an HDCP handshake issue and rebooted the DVR... fine, that solved the no picture problem. Then looking in the list of recorded shows, I noticed that the movie I had recorded hours ago and been split in two... at the point that I think I turned off the DVR.... I decided not to turn of the DVR the rest of the day. I do have it set up to turn off about midnight. This morning, so far, everything has been fine. Just thought I would report this in case it might help anyone
Aloha .... brad

I've read that there's power there and that a light or MP3 player could be charged. Nothing else though.

If you have a USB keyboard you can change channels with the arrow keys. Hooray!

xnappo

Can I do anything useful with the USB port on the front of the 8300HD?

You can plug in SA's IR extender so that you don't have to have the box where your TV is, or the box can be in a cabinet.

Report from Hawaii: The first day after the upgrade I had no problems... What upgrade?

What upgrade? SARA 1.89.17.1???

To BRADwhite: What TV do you have?

What upgrade?
Brad means the upgrade from SARA 1.87 to SARA 1.89.17.1 from TWC in Honolulu. That splitting a recorded program into two parts has happened to me a few times with the old SARA --- I thought it might be a brief cable or power outage.

Report from Hawaii: The first day after the upgrade I had no problems... but yesterday there have been 3 new incidences that are not normal or I haven't experienced. I turned on the TV/ DVR (HDMI output) early this morning and things were fine... shut off TV, left DVR on, came back 4 hours later and when the TV came on there was a gray screen that said "press any key to watch TV" (have others seen this, is this new?)OK, now that others have clued me in to the upgrade you were referring to - I'll say that the "press any key to watch TV" in the morning seemed to come with the upgrade that we received to 1.88.xx.xx. You guys are leapfrogging the 1.88 revision and going straight to the 1.89.

It appears that there have also been some HDCP changes in recent versions. Unfortunately, HDCP is partially dependent on the display, so making "improvements" in HDCP may actually result in additional problems for certain sets.

I am having a problem with my 8300HD. Starting yesterday, after unplugging the 8300HD to reboot it (connecting an external drive), the drive has not been able to reboot itself. The clock does not come on or anything. After waiting for about 30 minutes, I pushed the power button and got a blue screen with "Scientific Atlanta" on it. After another minute, I get the message "Advanced Services Not Available" and my standard, basic cable comes through. I have tried doing a reboot, hard reboot, forced reboot, and even a "last resort" (as described in the the first page of this thread) but was unable to get the 8300HD to boot back up. Finally, I gave up and exchanged the STB for a new one. You'd think all problems would be solved, but nope, the EXACT same thing happens with this NEW box! I called the tech people at TW (for about the 4th time now) and they said that it must be a "digital signal problem" and that I would have to wait for a tech to come out tomorrow, giving me an "all-day" appointment. By now I am very frustrated. I did NOT want to turn in my previous box if it was not the box's problem because I did not want to lose all I had on it. After learning that the problem may not lie in the box itself, I went back to the TW store to try and get my old one back. The man would not let me retrieve it, saying it was already "in the buffer," or something to that effect, and that it could not be given back to me. I literally had just turned the box in to them 30 minutes earlier so I did not see the problem with just handing it back to me. Now I lost everything on that box all for nothing, as this new box produces the same problem. I am really getting fed up with TW and I don't want to have to deal with them anymore. As far as this tech coming out, I am not all too optimistic that they will be able to do something I won't have figured out myself. Half the time I have to tell these techs how to correctly do something. Is there anyone who is familiar with a situation like mine and might be able to direct me on how to rectify it? I would be so greatful to anyone who can point me in the direction to go about fixing this problem. Looking forward to any response. Thanks in advance.

Was there a software update that caused a new problem?

For example I was watching American Idol and had buffered about 30 minutes (maybe less) and my screen popped up saying a recording was starting in 2minutes. So I hit record to finish recording what was left of AI and it only recorded the last two minutes. Althought I was at the 30-35 minute mark of the 1 hour show it started recording at real time (?) At the very least it should have started where I was viewing.

New bug?

Stupid question....but

I unplug my 8300HDDVR every night because I cannot sleep with it in my room. I know I can get a non-dvr box but I love the instant replays.

Should I do any special things before I unplug it at night for 12-14 hours? Would doing this every night eventually hurt the DVR?

I might get that IR extender you guys were talking about and hide it somewhere that would mask the noise but would still let it breath.

Was there a software update that caused a new problem?

For example I was watching American Idol and had buffered about 30 minutes (maybe less) and my screen popped up saying a recording was starting in 2minutes. So I hit record to finish recording what was left of AI and it only recorded the last two minutes. Althought I was at the 30-35 minute mark of the 1 hour show it started recording at real time (?) At the very least it should have started where I was viewing.

New bug?
Two old bugs, IMO:

1. It should have either recorded the last 30 minutes of American Idol (assuming it's a one hour program) or, if you had two other programs scheduled to record in this time, it should have warned you about the problem of not being able to record 3 things at once.

2. It should have saved for you as much as possible of the first 30 minutes of American Idol from its buffer.

For bug #2, I recall some past discussion where it was said that material from the buffer is saved, but in my experience it just isn't (except possibly when the very beginning of the program is in the buffer).

You can plug in SA's IR extender so that you don't have to have the box where your TV is, or the box can be in a cabinet.
I've read posts that indicate that that function requires the USB port to be turned on in software/firmware. Charging an iPod does not.

I unplug my 8300HDDVR every night because I cannot sleep with it in my room. I know I can get a non-dvr box but I love the instant replays.

Should I do any special things before I unplug it at night for 12-14 hours? Would doing this every night eventually hurt the DVR? The only thing I can think of that would happen is you won't get any automatic updates, but those, like the IPG update, should kick in as soon as you plug it back in. I would make sure I have no static electricity to possibly cause a discharge. I recently swapped my 8300 and 8240 around. I think I had some static buildup because as I was plugging the 8240 back in, my arm was laying across the top panel, and there was a flash when I plugged the cable in. It could have been something else, but the 8240 has been dead ever since.

FWIW, both units have been in our bedroom at one time or another and neither has caused us to lose any sleep, including when recording some late night programs.

I've read posts that indicate that that function requires the USB port to be turned on in software/firmware. Charging an iPod does not.I could be wrong, but I believe the only thing an IR Extender gets from the USB port is power and I think that is always on. It might be that is only true for 1.88.x.x and later versions of SARA. I seem to recall some of the discussion, but I thought it was only a question being asked,not a statement. I know some have ordered these from SA, plugged them in, and they worked. YMMV.

I could be wrong, but I believe the only thing an IR Extender gets from the USB port is power and I think that is always on. It might be that is only true for 1.88.x.x and later versions of SARA. I seem to recall some of the discussion, but I thought it was only a question being asked,not a statement. I know some have ordered these from SA, plugged them in, and they worked. YMMV.
Perhaps I'm not grokking what IR extender is being discussed. I thought it was a receiver that extended the 8300HD's own IR receiver to a remote location where IR commands could be received in the clear (of cabinet obstruction). If so, I *think* that requires the receiver be powered, but also communicating with the 8300HD.

I'm just back from two weeks of dodgy internet access, so maybe I missed something. And then, of course, this is SARA, on which I am w-a-y behind the curve.

Here's one of the posts I was referring to:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9571081&&#post9571081

I ordered an IR Extender via SA's web site, and had the same results as RemyM. It arrived in a few days, and works great! I'm using it with a 3250HD, but it just has three components (other than the wire):

IR sensor
IR emitter
USB connector to obtain power

so it should work fine with any SA STB/DVR.

Here's one of the posts I was referring to:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9571081&&#post9571081
Ah HA!. So, it's a repeater that is simply powered by the USB connector. <light bulb>

Ah HA!. So, it's a repeater that is simply powered by the USB connector. <light bulb>By jove, I think you've got it! ;)

BTW. What did your internet problems turn out to be? Glad to see you're back.

You can plug in SA's IR extender so that you don't have to have the box where your TV is, or the box can be in a cabinet.


Where can this be gotten? It's just what I need!

By jove, I think you've got it! ;)
Finally!

Where can this be gotten? It's just what I need!Sheesh, look 3 posts above yours at the post I quoted. It's available via SA's website. :)

Where can this be gotten? It's just what I need!

http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_IRextender.htm

What's the latest on TiVO software for the SA8300 for Cox subscribers?

The best estimate we've got is still 2008, but that was before Tivo released it for the Comcast Moto boxes and based on a conversation I had back then with a Cox division manager here. I've seen nothing to indicate how far along Tivo is with the SA port. Maybe someone in-the-know can give us a better estimate.

Thanks for the quick reply Dave.

How much better is the Tivo interface compared to SA's? On a 1-10 scale, if SA is 6, what would Tivo be?

I've never used Tivo, but everyone else tells me it would be a 12-18. :)

I assume you know it will be an extra cost option and we're not sure yet what Tivo features it will not have, but there is no doubt it is better than SARA will probably ever be. I'm sure there is proabaly a Comcast Tivo thread somewhere.

Also, cableco's will be upgrading their IPG interfaces once OCAP is fully implemented, so there should be more options available in the next couple of years, including retail HD tuners/DVRs. All this is still pretty much open to speculation though.

Where can this be gotten? It's just what I need!http://www.sciatl.com/products/consumers/new_IRextender.htmYes, that's where I ordered mine.

One note: After I placed my order, I received a "confirmation" email that said I had ordered a cable modem (DPX-100) rather than the IR extender. When I queried SciAtl, their response said they were having problems with the server that provides the confirmation emails and were working to resolve the issue. I don't know whether the problem is still there, but if you are sure you ordered the correct item and the price charged was what you expected, you shouldn't be too concerned about bogus responses. I would still challenge anything that looks out of the ordinary, in the grand tradition of the Internet, but based on my experience you can expect prompt and accurate order fulfillment.

I Just order the IR extender and the email reply said modem...

An update on my SARA 1.89 here in Hawaii on Time Warner.... No problems noticed, HDMI/HDCP has been working fine since I rebooted. Keeping fingers crossed. I like the new features :) It's odd that the company has not posted anywhere what this update entailed. I read it here thanks to you guys. But it would make sense for them to post it on their site or somewhere??? Good PR if anything...

Aloha .... brad

I'm sure this question has been answered but it's hard to narrow it down in search so I'll ask again :)

I have a Sony KDFE55A20 LCD projection set. It has one HDMI input and my 8300 is connected via that input. My television accepts 1080i as a resolution but displays 720p as its native resolution (it will not display 1080i). So with my 8300 set to "Auto HDMI" it sends 1080i for many channels to my set when then down converts it to 720p. At least this is what I believe because my 8300 shows 1080i on the front of it and if I hit display on my TV, it shows the video source to be 1080i.

Should I disable 1080i as a resolution (pressing info and guide on the box) or should I go into the setup menu and select "UpConvert 2" (All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get converted to 720P)?

Thanks!

I hate to say this, but I don't feel sorry for those of you in Hawaii. Tomorrow's high here is supposed to be all of 21 degrees (and that ain't celclius).


It's been really cold here! Down to the low 60's/upper 50's at night.

Brrr. Chilly when you don't have heating systems, have lotsa windows and are scantily clad...

Eric

I'm sure this question has been answered but it's hard to narrow it down in search so I'll ask again :)

I have a Sony KDFE55A20 LCD projection set. It has one HDMI input and my 8300 is connected via that input. My television accepts 1080i as a resolution but displays 720p as its native resolution (it will not display 1080i). So with my 8300 set to "Auto HDMI" it sends 1080i for many channels to my set when then down converts it to 720p. At least this is what I believe because my 8300 shows 1080i on the front of it and if I hit display on my TV, it shows the video source to be 1080i.

Should I disable 1080i as a resolution (pressing info and guide on the box) or should I go into the setup menu and select "UpConvert 2" (All 480i and 480P signals get upconverted to 480P. All 720P and 1080i signals get converted to 720P)?

Thanks!
Conventional wisdom says to leave it as "Auto HDMI" as the set's usually do a better job of scaling than the 8300. You might want to double check this via a recorded program (preferably the HDNet test patterns if you can get them), but any 1080i program with a lot of detail will do. Just change the Picture Mode to Fixed and then on the first Menu change resolution between 720p and 1080i and see for yourself!. My guess is, that if you do see a difference, that 1080i will look slightly better - indicating the Sony does a better job with conversion to 720p than the 8300.

I just let my Samsung scale eitehr 720p or 1080i from the 8300. SD is sent in as 1808i. For some HDCP reason I cannot send 480p from the 8300 to my Samsung LCD via HDMI.

Conventional wisdom says to leave it as "Auto HDMI" as the set's usually do a better job of scaling than the 8300. You might want to double check this via a recorded program (preferably the HDNet test patterns if you can get them), but any 1080i program with a lot of detail will do. Just change the Picture Mode to Fixed and then on the first Menu change resolution between 720p and 1080i and see for yourself!. My guess is, that if you do see a difference, that 1080i will look slightly better - indicating the Sony does a better job with conversion to 720p than the 8300.

Thanks for the info, I'll look for the HDNet test patterns but will leave it as is for now :)

Two old bugs, IMO:

1. It should have either recorded the last 30 minutes of American Idol (assuming it's a one hour program) or, if you had two other programs scheduled to record in this time, it should have warned you about the problem of not being able to record 3 things at once.

2. It should have saved for you as much as possible of the first 30 minutes of American Idol from its buffer.

For bug #2, I recall some past discussion where it was said that material from the buffer is saved, but in my experience it just isn't (except possibly when the very beginning of the program is in the buffer).

I could have sworn that worked before. I just tried again on a buffered show knowing nothing was recording elsewhere and it did the same thing. Maybe it's always been that way but I don't remember it being so.

I've always been able to record from anywhere in the buffer and capture whatever was there. I do this rountinely when watching a channel like DIY and I see something I want to record for later. I've never tried though at the point where the warning message pops up, so I will try at the top of the hour when my next recording is scheduled to start. You might want to try a reboot and/or hard reboot just in case something is hung up somewhere.

Ok Houston, I can confirm we have a problem. :)

I hit the Record button at the top of the hour when the warning message was displayed. There was 45 minutes in the buffer for the channel I was watching. After pressing Record, I checked the list and it said there was a 2 minute recording in progress. However, after it finished recording, there was actually 15 minutes recorded. But, get this, it was the first 15 minutes of the buffer, the last 30 minutes was not recorded.

Now that I think about it though, I'm pretty sure all the programs I've recorded part way through have been half-hour programs and I've never before pressed Record when the warning message was displayed. I'll have to check this again as soon as I get the 1.89 upgrade to test.

Ok Houston, I can confirm we have a problem. :)

I hit the Record button at the top of the hour when the warning message was displayed. There was 45 minutes in the buffer for the channel I was watching. After pressing Record, I checked the list and it said there was a 2 minute recording in progress. However, after it finished recording, there was actually 15 minutes recorded. But, get this, it was the first 15 minutes of the buffer, the last 30 minutes was not recorded.

Now that I think about it though, I'm pretty sure all the programs I've recorded part way through have been half-hour programs and I've never before pressed Record when the warning message was displayed. I'll have to check this again as soon as I get the 1.89 upgrade to test.

What is the purpose of the warning message? It seems pretty dumb to me. Last night, I was watching a recording when the warning message came up 2 minutes before another recording was due. It stayed on the screen for a LONG time and was very annoying. Rogers cable here recently upgraded to 189.xxx and I've noticed the message stays on a lot longer than the previous 187.xxx version. I don't suppose there is any way to kill this message?

I don't suppose there is any way to kill this message?
Select Exit from your remote.

TTx

Select Exit from your remote.

TTx

Thanks. I didn't think of that. :)

Stupid question....but

I unplug my 8300HDDVR every night because I cannot sleep with it in my room. I know I can get a non-dvr box but I love the instant replays.

Should I do any special things before I unplug it at night for 12-14 hours? Would doing this every night eventually hurt the DVR?

I might get that IR extender you guys were talking about and hide it somewhere that would mask the noise but would still let it breath.

Scooby, I stumbled into this (noise) problem, recently. I had an 8000DVR in bedroom, upgraded TV to HD, box to 8300HD DVR and mounted it high on a shelf. Can't sleep with the hard drive spinning up and down all night with power off.

The trick (listed in the tricks) is BEFORE shutting 8300 down tune to non-buffered channel (here in Austin TWC something like music channels on 800's) and then hit PIP and SWAP PIP and tune the second tuner also to non-buffered channel. Then power off. After the normal few minutes after power off, the drive spins down and stays down (unless you have a recording scheduled for the middle of the night).

Kinda of a PIA, unless you have a programmable remote you can create a macro, but I think still better than plug and un-plug every nite. Plus you would be p*ssed if you forgot to plug in before you left in the morning and didn't record your fav show.

Finally!

Comcast gave us 1.88.25.1 in Western Prince William County VA.

Time to play and see what we got!

Thanks! Would the trick be irrelevant if you accidentally have a recorded program on after the trick? The noise bugs me so much I had to buy a white noise sleep fan machine to cover it.....and that doesn't even do it.

The last resort was to unplug it.

Would the trick be irrelevant if you accidentally have a recorded program on after the trick?Yes, once you change channels to record, the buffering starts again and so does whatever noise your hearing, at least on the one tuner. Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution, though neither of my units make much noise.

Thanks! Would the trick be irrelevant if you accidentally have a recorded program on after the trick? The noise bugs me so much I had to buy a white noise sleep fan machine to cover it.....and that doesn't even do it.

The last resort was to unplug it.

Not sure I understand your question?

What does "accidently" mean? and what does have a recorded program "on" mean?

If you mean, if after doing the trick, you have a scheduled recording for the middle of the nite, I answered that: "After the normal few minutes after power off, the drive spins down and stays down (unless you have a recording scheduled for the middle of the night)."

If you mean, you did the trick, but then started watching a previously recorded show from your List, then you are ok, as the tuners are still sitting on a "non-buffering" channel.

Hi all, new to the forum. Hope you can help. Have a 8300HD connected via HDMI to a Pioneer 4271 - for about 2 weeks now. TWC in Syracuse/Ithaca NY. Worked great! Then, we had a power outage and I started having problems. Specifically, the resolution continually resets itself to 480i.

More precisely: I run the HDTV wizard. All then works fine - I get 1080i, 720p as expected. Then, I turn off the box for some period of time (eg, overnight). Turning the box/TV back on the next day, I'm back again to 480i. But, oddly, when I re-run the HDTV wizard, the 720p/1080i resolutions are already available. Please read on before replying...

FYI: the box is set-up so that the picture format option is set to auto dvi/hdmi. Also, my TV can get 720p, 1080i, plus the various 480s. Having the box turn on to a SD channel, then moving to a HD channel, does nothing. Turning the box on to a HD channel directly does nothing. Soft and hard reboots have done nothing. I cannot seem to get rid of this problem.

Any ideas why this might be happening and what might be done to fix it? I have no idea what software version this box is running, or whether that makes a difference. If you need to know this please tell me how to find this out!!

Hi all, new to the forum. Hope you can help. Have a 8300HD connected via HDMI to a Pioneer 4271 - for about 2 weeks now. TWC in Syracuse/Ithaca NY. Worked great! Then, we had a power outage and I started having problems. Specifically, the resolution continually resets itself to 480i.

More precisely: I run the HDTV wizard. All then works fine - I get 1080i, 720p as expected. Then, I turn off the box for some period of time (eg, overnight). Turning the box/TV back on the next day, I'm back again to 480i. But, oddly, when I re-run the HDTV wizard, the 720p/1080i resolutions are already available. Please read on before replying...

FYI: the box is set-up so that the picture format option is set to auto dvi/hdmi. Also, my TV can get 720p, 1080i, plus the various 480s. Having the box turn on to a SD channel, then moving to a HD channel, does nothing. Turning the box on to a HD channel directly does nothing. Soft and hard reboots have done nothing. I cannot seem to get rid of this problem.

Any ideas why this might be happening and what might be done to fix it? I have no idea what software version this box is running, or whether that makes a difference. If you need to know this please tell me how to find this out!!
Are you using a surge suppressor on the 8300HD?

Hi all, new to the forum. Hope you can help. Have a 8300HD connected via HDMI to a Pioneer 4271 - for about 2 weeks now. TWC in Syracuse/Ithaca NY. Worked great! Then, we had a power outage and I started having problems. Specifically, the resolution continually resets itself to 480i.

More precisely: I run the HDTV wizard. All then works fine - I get 1080i, 720p as expected. Then, I turn off the box for some period of time (eg, overnight). Turning the box/TV back on the next day, I'm back again to 480i. But, oddly, when I re-run the HDTV wizard, the 720p/1080i resolutions are already available. Please read on before replying...

FYI: the box is set-up so that the picture format option is set to auto dvi/hdmi. Also, my TV can get 720p, 1080i, plus the various 480s. Having the box turn on to a SD channel, then moving to a HD channel, does nothing. Turning the box on to a HD channel directly does nothing. Soft and hard reboots have done nothing. I cannot seem to get rid of this problem.

Any ideas why this might be happening and what might be done to fix it? I have no idea what software version this box is running, or whether that makes a difference. If you need to know this please tell me how to find this out!!

For some reason the box "thinks" the regular set up is SD. I've had a similar issue and found that doing a Hard Reboot after running the set-up wizard will "fix" the right settings in the box. To do a Hard Reboot:
1) Unplug 8300 from power for 30 seconds (pulling connector in back works fine).
2) WHILE HOLDING FRONT PANEL POWER BUTTON: Plug power cord back in.
3) Continue to hold POWER until "boot" appears in front panel.
4) Wait a few minutes till time appears in front panel - and you are good to go.

:)

For some reason the box "thinks" the regular set up is SD. I've had a similar issue and found that doing a Hard Reboot after running the set-up wizard will "fix" the right settings in the box. To do a Hard Reboot:
1) Unplug 8300 from power for 30 seconds (pulling connector in back works fine).
2) WHILE HOLDING FRONT PANEL POWER BUTTON: Plug power cord back in.
3) Continue to hold POWER until "boot" appears in front panel.
4) Wait a few minutes till time appears in front panel - and you are good to go.
"Soft and hard reboots have done nothing."

I think cornell_prof should trying setting his 8300 in SD mode, do a hard reboot, then reset the 8300 in HD mode and try another hard reboot.

For some reason the box "thinks" the regular set up is SD. I've had a similar issue and found that doing a Hard Reboot after running the set-up wizard will "fix" the right settings in the box. To do a Hard Reboot:
1) Unplug 8300 from power for 30 seconds (pulling connector in back works fine).
2) WHILE HOLDING FRONT PANEL POWER BUTTON: Plug power cord back in.
3) Continue to hold POWER until "boot" appears in front panel.
4) Wait a few minutes till time appears in front panel - and you are good to go.

:)

Thanks. I did try this earlier today -- though I didn't leave it unplugged as long as 30 seconds (only 10-15 secs) in step 1. Will try it again and see whether that makes any difference.

Dave,

Time out big fella! I think pepar was talking about the fact that cornell_prof had said he tried both soft and hard reboots. I don't believe he was throwing stones at your reply, he was simply quoting from the original post. :)

At any rate, I think cornell_prof should trying setting his 8300 in SD mode, do a hard reboot, then reset the 8300 in HD mode and try another hard reboot.

Thanks. Without meaning to sound stupid .... by "setting it in SD mode" do you mean that I should run the wizard again, set it up as SD? Then do a hard reboot, set the box to HD via the wizard, and finally hard reboot again?

Yes. Something seems to have it stuck in SD mode. Perhaps putting it in SD mode, rebooting, and then restting to HD will fix it.

Yes. Something seems to have it stuck in SD mode. Perhaps putting it in SD mode, rebooting, and then restting to HD will fix it.

When I turn off the box and press GUIDE/INFO together it goes to the HDTV set-up wizard. It does not give me the opportunity to put things into SD mode. Is this because the only connection to the TV is a HDMI cable?

When I turn off the box and press GUIDE/INFO together it goes to the HDTV set-up wizard. It does not give me the opportunity to put things into SD mode. Is this because the only connection to the TV is a HDMI cable?Might be - but try just pressing the "A" button on your remote - that will force the SD mode in the Wizard.

BTW: I regularly run into this issue (box powering up in SD") when I do my "anamorphic" trick. I've found that the Hard Reboot works all the time for this - of course your case is slightly different (different cause for getting into this mode). DoubleDaz's suggestion ought to do the trick though.

Might be - but try just pressing the "A" button on your remote - that will force the SD mode in the Wizard.

BTW: I regularly run into this issue (box powering up in SD") when I do my "anamorphic" trick. I've found that the Hard Reboot works all the time for this - of course your case is slightly different (different cause for getting into this mode). DoubleDaz's suggestion ought to do the trick though.

Sorry, maybe I wasn't specific enough. GUIDE/INFO leads to a screen
where you can only press "A". This leads to a screen with two options:
"Easy" and "Advanced" Setup. Either option then asks you to choose the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9). Finally, whether you chose easy or advanced
set-up dictates what happens next. Easy defaults to 1080i. Advanced allows
you to test a series of screens. None of this seems to be associated with
going into SD mode.

Sorry, maybe I wasn't specific enough. GUIDE/INFO leads to a screen
where you can only press "A". This leads to a screen with two options:
"Easy" and "Advanced" Setup. Either option then asks you to choose the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9). Finally, whether you chose easy or advanced
set-up dictates what happens next. Easy defaults to 1080i. Advanced allows
you to test a series of screens. None of this seems to be associated with
going into SD mode.
Usually when you do GUIDE-INFO (with Power off) you first get a screen that reflects the mode you are in: "A" to use Standard Definition and "B" to use High Definition. Normally you only get the the two option stage when you press "B". Now, if you do nothing the screen "flips" between SD & HD ("A" and "B") modes every 20 seconds or so. In any event, to exercise the other Dave's suggestion - press "A" and it should go to SD mode. Then after the Hard Reboot, do the wizard again, this time pressing "B" and then you'll get the two options.

cornell_prof mentioned a power outage and I asked if he was using a surge suppressor thinking that the box is scrambled, or damaged. With Passport (Dave!), the cableco can "hit" the box and fix things that reboots, hard and soft, do not. If that doesn't work, he should get them to swap for another box.

Usually when you do GUIDE-INFO (with Power off) you first get a screen that reflects the mode you are in: "A" to use Standard Definition and "B" to use High Definition. Normally you only get the the two option stage when you press "B". Now, if you do nothing the screen "flips" between SD & HD ("A" and "B") modes every 20 seconds or so. In any event, to exercise the other Dave's suggestion - press "A" and it should go to SD mode. Then after the Hard Reboot, do the wizard again, this time pressing "B" and then you'll get the two options.

I am pressing GUIDE/INFO with the power off. I don't get the first option; it automatically comes up as if you've pressed B. Pressing A at this point just starts the HDTV wizard. If you don't press anything, the screen goes blank after awhile (20-30 secs). Pressing A after it goes blank doesn't do anything.

In response to pepar, yes, the cable box itself is plugged into a high quality surge surpessor. But the cable line coming into the box is not run through there (though it could be); could the surge have come through the cable line itself?

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm heading off to snooze. Will try a bit more tomorrow. BTW, I found my SARA: 1.88.24.2

I am pressing GUIDE/INFO with the power off. I don't get the first option; it automatically comes up as if you've pressed B. Pressing A at this point just starts the HDTV wizard. If you don't press anything, the screen goes blank after awhile (20-30 secs). Pressing A after it goes blank doesn't do anything.

In response to pepar, yes, the cable box itself is plugged into a high quality surge surpessor. But the cable line coming into the box is not run through there (though it could be); could the surge have come through the cable line itself?
Sometimes when AC power is restored, there is a surge on the power line. Unless the outage was caused by lightning, it doesn't seem likely that a power surge came through the cable line. Unless somebody hit a pole and the wires got crossed. Dunno, just trying to think of different possibilities. If the reboots don't fix it, you'll need to contact the cable company. There's just nothing else a subscriber can do.

I am pressing GUIDE/INFO with the power off. I don't get the first option; it automatically comes up as if you've pressed B. Pressing A at this point just starts the HDTV wizard. If you don't press anything, the screen goes blank after awhile (20-30 secs). Pressing A after it goes blank doesn't do anything.

In response to pepar, yes, the cable box itself is plugged into a high quality surge surpessor. But the cable line coming into the box is not run through there (though it could be); could the surge have come through the cable line itself?

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm heading off to snooze. Will try a bit more tomorrow. BTW, I found my SARA: 1.88.24.2Well, your version of SARA is slightly different. I am puzzled a bit by what is happening with the Wizard - that definitely does not seem right. On the other hand, perhaps this behavior is normal with a HDMI connection (I have component).

I should add, that from what I've observed here, the 480i problem only happens AFTER the cable imposed overnight shut down. So you need to go through that before confirming that the problem is fixed (or isn't). If, after all your screwing around tonight you still have the problem you might try connecting to your set via component till you get the problem resolved - and then go back to HDMI. I know, that can be a hassle, but it probably is less of one than replacing the box.

Can someone point me to the drivers to get the 8300HD working with VLC Media viewer. I want to use firewire to watch on my PC like I used to with my Motorola box but can't seem to get the box recognized properly. I am guessing the drivers are different from the ones that work on the motorola (DVHS).

Well, your version of SARA is slightly different. I am puzzled a bit by what is happening with the Wizard - that definitely does not seem right. On the other hand, perhaps this behavior is normal with a HDMI connection (I have component).

I should add, that from what I've observed here, the 480i problem only happens AFTER the cable imposed overnight shut down. So you need to go through that before confirming that the problem is fixed (or isn't). If, after all your screwing around tonight you still have the problem you might try connecting to your set via component till you get the problem resolved - and then go back to HDMI. I know, that can be a hassle, but it probably is less of one than replacing the box.

Back to 480i this morning. But as I mentioned last night I could not ever get to SD mode, so I was unable to try Dave's multiple hard reboot suggestion. But something I did this morning suggests that this behavior is at least partially due to the use of a HDMI connection. This morning I went through the usual HDTV set up. I decided to leave the box on and turn off the TV. The box was set on a HD channel displaying 1080i while the TV was on. However, when I turned the TV off, the box switched back to 480i. And it wouldn't display HD again until I manually reset the box via HDTV setup.

Sounds to me like it could be another HDMI incompatibility issue.

Sounds to me like it could be another HDMI incompatibility issue.

Maybe. But that doesn't really explain why everyting worked just fine every day for the 2 weeks prior to the power outage. (Note: outage was not due to a lightning storm - it was out for ~30 seconds early one sunny morning and ~30 more seconds several hours later that same day. Probably something at the power company.)

BTW, when the box went back to 480i this morning, the HDTV indicator was not displayed. It occurred to me after posting my disappointment that this probably means the box is now in SD mode. :eek: So I implemented your double reboot suggestion and put it in HD mode before I left for work. Fingers crossed.

Maybe. But that doesn't really explain why everyting worked just fine every day for the 2 weeks prior to the power outage. (Note: outage was not due to a lightning storm - it was out for ~30 seconds early one sunny morning and ~30 more seconds several hours later that same day. Probably something at the power company.)

BTW, when the box went back to 480i this morning, the HDTV indicator was not displayed. It occurred to me after posting my disappointment that this probably means the box is now in SD mode. :eek: So I implemented your double reboot suggestion and put it in HD mode before I left for work. Fingers crossed.
I'll keep my fingers crossed but whenever my power goes out (and it did last weekend) the box reboots but stays with the same settings as prior to the power outage. Also, I have had to, on rare occasion, unplug the box to reboot and I've never lost my settings and modes. I have noticed however that sometimes when the outage is very short, the box does not have time to "power down" completely and can get "confused." The solution for me has been to unplug for 30 seconds and let it restart.

I'll keep my fingers crossed but whenever my power goes out (and it did last weekend) the box reboots but stays with the same settings as prior to the power outage. Also, I have had to, on rare occasion, unplug the box to reboot and I've never lost my settings and modes. I have noticed however that sometimes when the outage is very short, the box does not have time to "power down" completely and can get "confused." The solution for me has been to unplug for 30 seconds and let it restart.
This is one of the "reboots", but I forget if it's cold or hard. (Daves?) That fixes many things. After both cold and hard reboots, the cable company has another little trick. If that fails, it's swap time.

This is one of the "reboots", but I forget if it's cold or hard. (Daves?) That fixes many things. After both cold and hard reboots, the cable company has another little trick. If that fails, it's swap time.

Any suggestions on what to say to them if I call? My past experience has been that TWC is
largely staffed by those with a less-than-working knowledge of their own equipment.

Any suggestions on what to say to them if I call? My past experience has been that TWC is
largely staffed by those with a less-than-working knowledge of their own equipment.
I hear ya. Boil it down from what you posted here to something like "it won't hold my settings" and see what they say.

Any suggestions on what to say to them if I call? My past experience has been that TWC is
largely staffed by those with a less-than-working knowledge of their own equipment.
I like to call these people "script buddies" - they are only capable of working from a computer database. If it isn't there (on the screen) they have no knowledge.

A BIG CAUTION here: Because of some FCC actions there is a real shortage of SA8300HDs these days. Be very careful about swapping boxes - do not accept anything less than another SA8300HD box, and preferably a new one at that (what do you think that they do with boxes that other customers had problems with?). I have a friend here that had some issues and "swapped" his box - and they gave him a SA8000HD with the "promise" of a SA8300HD when it came in. That was 3 months ago, and he is still waiting. BTW: his problem really was a local line issue. (Now the person who got his old 8300 got one that was probably OK).

Hello,

My TV does not seem to be as sharp at home as it was at Best Buy and would like to know if I have my connections correct for optimum picture quality.

My STB connections are as follows:

Under OUT 1:
Cable #1 (3 wire cable) = - Red wire goes to Pr---Blue wire goes to Pb---Green wire goes to Video Y/V. I believe this is Component?

Next column to right still OUT 1:
Cable #2 (2 wire cable) = - White wire goes to L---Red wire goes to R--- I believe this is Composite?
These are hooked to Component #2 on the TV.

Are the above connections correct?

If not what would you suggest?

The only other changes I have made to the STB is that I have “Passed Through” all 6 resolutions to allow the TV do the scaling.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
---Jerry---
Edited Cable #2: Changed Pr to L and Pb to R.

Hello,

My TV does not seem to be as sharp at home as it was at Best Buy and would like to know if I have my connections correct for optimum picture quality.

My STB connections are as follows:

Under OUT 1:
Cable #1 (3 wire cable) = - Red wire goes to Pr---Blue wire goes to Pb---Green wire goes to Video Y/V. I believe this is Component?

Next column to right still OUT 1:
Cable #2 (2 wire cable) = - White wire goes to Pr---Red wire goes to Pb--- I believe this is Composite?
These are hooked to Component #2 on the TV.

Are the above connections correct?

If not what would you suggest?

The only other changes I have made to the STB is that I have “Passed Through” all 6 resolutions to allow the TV do the scaling.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
---Jerry---Opps: If I understand what you are saying correctly, the first connection (Cable #1) is correct - but there are real issues with Cable #2 - they should be for audio White wire from L audio out on TV to the L audio in on Component #1 on the TV, likewise the Red wire should be connected to the right audio.

My TV does not seem to be as sharp at home as it was at Best Buy and would like to know if I have my connections correct for optimum picture quality.

Once you get the connections set you'll want to check the TV's settings. Go to the TV section of AVS and find the thread that talks about your TV. Hopefully someone has posted some good settings. I just bought a new Sony LCD and didn't like the picture the factory settings was giving. Got the popular settings for it and the PQ is now perfect.

I like to call these people "script buddies" - they are only capable of working from a computer database. If it isn't there (on the screen) they have no knowledge.

A BIG CAUTION here: Because of some FCC actions there is a real shortage of SA8300HDs these days. Be very careful about swapping boxes - do not accept anything less than another SA8300HD box, and preferably a new one at that (what do you think that they do with boxes that other customers had problems with?). I have a friend here that had some issues and "swapped" his box - and they gave him a SA8000HD with the "promise" of a SA8300HD when it came in. That was 3 months ago, and he is still waiting. BTW: his problem really was a local line issue. (Now the person who got his old 8300 got one that was probably OK).If I may, I would like to emphasize Dave's warning. The shortage of 8300HDs is widespread from what I read and will not be getting better in the very short term. Hope my doesn't die on me. Yikes!

Any suggestions on what to say to them if I call? My past experience has been that TWC is
largely staffed by those with a less-than-working knowledge of their own equipment.

Cornell-prof, you don't need to switch your box (yet!).

This is covered in some other separate posts in this same forum, you can try a search (AVS is a big forum).

Anyway I developed this problem on BOTH of my boxes.

It truly is some really bad f*d-up code from SciAtl on their HDMI connection.

It almost appears random and illogical (both what causes it and the fix).

Anyway, on one box with one TV, I was finally able to fix it, by multiple reboots and setup, etc. However, I couldn't tell you what I did. Just kept trying things (like doing a rubic's cube!) until it worked. This was on an LCD TV which I wasn't as concerned with doing multiple power cycles.

On my other TV, it's a RPTV with lamp, and you can't just keep power cycling not good for the bulb, plus the TV enforces a cool down time out.

So I couldn't get anywhere on it for the longest time.

Finally, this is what worked. I hooked up COMPONENT cables (with HDMI unhooked), did a reboot and then set up the box in Pass-Thru. Then WITHOUT powering down either the TV nor the STB, I hooked up HDMI, and unhooked Component.

There is some bad code, and once something (who knows what) gets set, it loses it's mind about being able to really support HD on HDMI thru a power cycle, until you get it cleared up.

Good luck.

Cornell-Prof,

In addition to all my advice (don't change box) and lolfin's advice & comments - I have one more piece of advice. There will be a relatively minor software upgrade coming (1.89.xx.xx - see the other Dave's post at the beginning of this thread). It is mandatory because of the upcoming daylight savings change. There is a reasonable chance that they will fix this then. My guess is that they will roll this out to you within the next month. It has just started to roll out other places. Switch to component and wait for the SW change till you try to make this work again.

and guess what I can only get the HD channels on my Samsung 5053 and nothing below 99, all it says no signal source or words to that effect.

Call CV and they said that "the 8300HD DVR box has problems with Samsung TV's". what else can go wrong?

Tech comming out Friday.

Does this sound correct about Samsungs?

Tired, have been at this all day, maybe tomorrow will be better.

Thanks for listening.
---Jerry---

Finally, this is what worked. I hooked up COMPONENT cables (with HDMI unhooked), did a reboot and then set up the box in Pass-Thru. Then WITHOUT powering down either the TV nor the STB, I hooked up HDMI, and unhooked Component.You beat me to it. :) I was thinking about this at work today and this was going to be my next suggestion. If nothing else, it should indicate whether or not there is really something wrong with the box to warrant trying to swap it. I know HDMI and Component are different, but if it works with Component, it will probably we worth keeping unless they can guarantee another 8300.

and guess what I can only get the HD channels on my Samsung 5053 and nothing below 99, all it says no signal source or words to that effect.

Call CV and they said that "the 8300HD DVR box has problems with Samsung TV's". what else can go wrong?

Tech comming out Friday.

Does this sound correct about Samsungs?

Tired, have been at this all day, maybe tomorrow will be better.

Thanks for listening.
---Jerry---If you have a set of Component cables (should have come with the box), connect them and see if you can then get all channels.

You beat me to it. :) I was thinking about this at work today and this was going to be my next suggestion. If nothing else, it should indicate whether or not there is really something wrong with the box to warrant trying to swap it. I know HDMI and Component are different, but if it works with Component, it will probably we worth keeping unless they can guarantee another 8300.

Well, I came home, and I' m back to 480i once again. So the problem is not part of the overnight reboot. Thanks for the additional suggestions - will try the component cable idea and see where things go. Boy this really ticks me off !!!! :mad:

]Finally, this is what worked. I hooked up COMPONENT cables (with HDMI unhooked), did a reboot and then set up the box in Pass-Thru. Then WITHOUT powering down either the TV nor the STB, I hooked up HDMI, and unhooked Component[/B].

There is some bad code, and once something (who knows what) gets set, it loses it's mind about being able to really support HD on HDMI thru a power cycle, until you get it cleared up.

Good luck.

I thought I read cautions in several of the forums to NEVER connect or disconnect an HDMI cable with power on to either the box or the tv. Something about the real possibility of screwing up the circuitry.

Is this true or a myth?

Well, I came home, and I'm back to 480i once again. So the problem is not part of the overnight reboot. Thanks for the additional suggestions - will try the component cable idea and see where things go. Boy this really ticks me off !!!! :mad:Well, there's no doubt power fluctuations can do damage, so it will be interesting to see what happens with the Component connection. I don't know about any problems hot-plugging HDMI, but there's always a risk I suppose. My suggestion was just going to be to try Component to reset the box and then power down, plug HDMI in, turn things back on, TV first, and see what happens. You can always try hot-plugging later, but I'd sure hate to see you mess up your TV circuits. At this point, it might be worth a call to the cableco to see about any 8300 shortage in your area.

I thought I read cautions in several of the forums to NEVER connect or disconnect an HDMI cable with power on to either the box or the tv. Something about the real possibility of screwing up the circuitry.

Is this true or a myth?I've never heard that and have hot plugged many a HDMI input during calibrations. I checked aroud a bit and see that pin 19 of the connector is a "Hot Plug Detect" pin. It's purpose is to detect if the connector is plugged in. I wonder if the existance of that pin gave rise to these rumors. Another consideration may be that HDCP may get messed up when the HDMI connection is established when the display (or source) does not connect it.

Given the lack of warnings about "hot plugging" HDMI, it would not appear that damage would occur.

Back to 480i this morning. But as I mentioned last night I could not ever get to SD mode, so I was unable to try Dave's multiple hard reboot suggestion. But something I did this morning suggests that this behavior is at least partially due to the use of a HDMI connection. This morning I went through the usual HDTV set up. I decided to leave the box on and turn off the TV. The box was set on a HD channel displaying 1080i while the TV was on. However, when I turned the TV off, the box switched back to 480i. And it wouldn't display HD again until I manually reset the box via HDTV setup.

I am having the same issue out of a new Panny TC-32LE60 with the SA8300 and have yet after several days to arrive at a solution other than a HDMI incompatibility. Really stinks...

Finally, this is what worked. I hooked up COMPONENT cables (with HDMI unhooked), did a reboot and then set up the box in Pass-Thru. Then WITHOUT powering down either the TV nor the STB, I hooked up HDMI, and unhooked Component.


Do you happen to remember how your "settings" were specified before
you did the HDMI -> comp cable switch? Meaning, did you have it on
'auto dvi/hdmi' (which is where mine is set now) or something else?
Did you make any changes to these settings as part of the process?

I got the IR extender for the 8300HD.. wow it makes a huge difference. I had put my 8300 too low in my component cabinet, and to change it would be a huge hassle. The extender has made the remote work almost from any angle in the room now. A simple solution. It arrived from SA in only 2 days ferderal express to Hawaii.. only $6 shipping. I can recommend it.... brad

Regarding the problem with switching settings, not holding the HD settings

Have you tried choosing "Fixed" instead of pass through? I remember a year ago when I first got HD and HDMI something like this was happening to me. It was all new to me at the time and it was confusing as to what was going on.... I went to fixed and its been no problem ever since. Just a thought... brad

Regarding the problem with switching settings, not holding the HD settings

Have you tried choosing "Fixed" instead of pass through? I remember a year ago when I first got HD and HDMI something like this was happening to me. It was all new to me at the time and it was confusing as to what was going on.... I went to fixed and its been no problem ever since. Just a thought... brad
"Fixed" means that the 8300HD is up-scaling (or down-rez'ing!) everything to one format. That's not a bad thing if the associated internal circuitry is better at that than that of the display. (Or, in the case of down-rez'ing, you don't mind throwing pixels away.) With any (relatively) new display, that's just not the case. Just my $.02.

If you have a set of Component cables (should have come with the box), connect them and see if you can then get all channels.
==================================
Dave,

Thanks for the reply.

I had it originally hooked up with Component and got all channels but it was suggested that I try it with HDMI to see if it would offer me a better picture.

It's hard for me to believe that Cablevision has a "problem with Samsungs" and Samsungs only. There must be many Samsung owners that have HDMI hooked up using CV. Anyone?

Any ideas would be appreciated.
---Jerry---

Opps: but there are real issues with Cable #2 - they should be for audio White wire from L audio out on TV to the L audio in on Component #1 on the TV, likewise the Red wire should be connected to the right audio.
===================
Dave,

You are correct, my mistake and have edited my original Post.

If you can would you read my post # 4969 and posssibly offer any suggestions you might have.

Thanks---Jerry---

I need help with my 8300HD. On Monday night I recorded 24 and Heroes at the same time.
I was able to watch Heroes without any problems but for some reason 24 did not show up in the list of recorded programs. After I rebooted the box, the program showed up in the recorded list. When I attempted to play it, the screen immediately returned to the DVR channel display but I wasn't able to play it. Any ideas of what's going on? Or how to prevent this from happening? Is there a way to retrieve that episode?

After I rebooted the box, the program showed up in the recorded list. When I attempted to play it, the screen immediately returned to the DVR channel display but I wasn't able to play it. Any ideas of what's going on? Or how to prevent this from happening? Is there a way to retrieve that episode?
Using an extension hard drive I had this happen to me after a power outage. I fixed it by doing a hard boot: turn off box, unplug, holding power button depressed plug in power and wait until displays shows "boot", release power button, wait until display shows time of day, turn box back on.

Do you happen to remember how your "settings" were specified before
you did the HDMI -> comp cable switch? Meaning, did you have it on
'auto dvi/hdmi' (which is where mine is set now) or something else?
Did you make any changes to these settings as part of the process?

Not sure it matters, what matters is getting it "unstuck". But yes, I had it on Auto for HDMI (of course that wasn't working!), and with Component, set on Passthru, checked with Component hook up that all the correct res's were being passed thru (i.e. for me, tune SD channel and it was 480p, Fox and it was 720p, ABC and it was 1080i). Then plugged HDMI in while powered on. Checked that with HDMI was in Auto mode, checked and all the res's, and it was working. Unplugged Component. Did a power off. Powered up, and working again like a charm.

Regarding the problem with switching settings, not holding the HD settings

Have you tried choosing "Fixed" instead of pass through? I remember a year ago when I first got HD and HDMI something like this was happening to me. It was all new to me at the time and it was confusing as to what was going on.... I went to fixed and its been no problem ever since. Just a thought... brad

I didn't go thru all the detail, but when the 8300 gets "stuck", then it does NOT matter which format mode you try, Auto, Fixed, Up Convert 1 or Up Convert 2.

After each power off and then on, it comes back in 480i.

I need help with my 8300HD. On Monday night I recorded 24 and Heroes at the same time.
I was able to watch Heroes without any problems but for some reason 24 did not show up in the list of recorded programs. After I rebooted the box, the program showed up in the recorded list. When I attempted to play it, the screen immediately returned to the DVR channel display but I wasn't able to play it. Any ideas of what's going on? Or how to prevent this from happening? Is there a way to retrieve that episode?

You won't be able to get 24 to play. When this stuff happens it's usually from either a signal problem or a memory problem that can cause phantom recording conflicts. Mine missed it's first recording in over 18 months a couple a weeks ago and I noticed that morning the the guide wasn't coming up. I should have rebooted the box then, but I didn't, and it missed it's next recording. Luckily it was only NBR. If it happens frequently you could have a bad box.

I thought I read cautions in several of the forums to NEVER connect or disconnect an HDMI cable with power on to either the box or the tv. Something about the real possibility of screwing up the circuitry.

Is this true or a myth?

Myth

HDMI is, by design, hot pluggable (as opposed to other connection designs that will usually work, but were not neccessarily designed for it).

Surrounding ground shield that contacts first, then a defined HotPlug signal to tell the source or sink to initiate handshaking protocol.

However, people (or service people) might tell you not to. Not because of it doesn't support it, because the "bell curve of noodle heads" will have someone trying to plug it into a auxillary 120volt socket or something!

[QUOTE=loflin] Finally, this is what worked. I hooked up COMPONENT cables (with HDMI unhooked), did a reboot and then set up the box in Pass-Thru. Then WITHOUT powering down either the TV nor the STB, I hooked up HDMI, and unhooked Component.

A (reserved) Hi-5 for Loflin! ;) I tried the idea described above just now and the behavior he described was right on the money. Hot-plugging the HDMI seemed to work just fine. The real test will be in the morning; if it continues to work then, I'll be sending a really big Hi-5 to Loflin (and Dave)! :D

For the benefit of others, here's exactly what I did. Before I started, the 8300HD was set-up for auto dvi/hdmi and also to power on to a HD channel. Not sure this or certain sequences below matter. With both the TV & cable box powered off:

1. Unplugged HDMI from TV & box
2. Put the component cables on
3. Did a hard reboot
4. Entered HDTV set-up
5. Turned on TV, then box
6. Went to settings -- box now in pass-through mode.
7. with the TV & box left on, plugged in HDMI to TV, then to box.
8. Changed TV source to display picture
9. Unplugged component cables from box, then TV
10. Turned off box, then TV
11. waited a few minutes; then, turned on box, then TV.

Box came on in 1080i. I checked settings, and pass/through had also changed to auto dvi/hdmi (I did not need to make this change).

Thanks to all who took pity on me & helped out. Will write tomorrow with
report of behavior after the box is off all night.

Will write tomorrow with
report of behavior after the box is off all night.We anxiously wait your report! ;)

We anxiously wait your report! ;)

It worked! A REALLY BIG Hi-5 for Loflin (and Dave)! :D

I have my box setup to power on to my local CBS digital channel. Box turns on in 480p instead of 1080i. If I switch to a regular channel and then go back to a hd channel it switches fine. I tried pass thru and up convert 1 and it didn't make any difference. It used to work fine before the software update. Any suggestions. I am using component cables if that makes any difference. TV doesn't have HDMI hookup. Thanks

I have my box setup to power on to my local CBS digital channel. Box turns on in 480p instead of 1080i. If I switch to a regular channel and then go back to a hd channel it switches fine. I tried pass thru and up convert 1 and it didn't make any difference. It used to work fine before the software update. Any suggestions. I am using component cables if that makes any difference. TV doesn't have HDMI hookup. Thanks

You don't say who your provider is, but that is an issue that pops up after some software updates. We had that problem on Cablevision with an update we got in the summer. Five months later we got another update that solved the problem. It's talked about in the first post.

You don't say who your provider is, but that is an issue that pops up after some software updates. We had that problem on Cablevision with an update we got in the summer. Five months later we got another update that solved the problem. It's talked about in the first post.

Charter in Newtown

You don't say who your provider is, but that is an issue that pops up after some software updates. We had that problem on Cablevision with an update we got in the summer. Five months later we got another update that solved the problem. It's talked about in the first post.FWIW, it appears to be fixed in the 1.89.18.1 version I just received. ;)

I have my box setup to power on to my local CBS digital channel. Box turns on in 480p instead of 1080i. If I switch to a regular channel and then go back to a hd channel it switches fine. I tried pass thru and up convert 1 and it didn't make any difference. It used to work fine before the software update. Any suggestions. I am using component cables if that makes any difference. TV doesn't have HDMI hookup. Thanks

The following very useful post seems relevant to your problem (from http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859&page=1&pp=30); there may be a more permanent solution posted later in this rather large forum:

# Turns On In 480i Mode - If the General Settings/Viewer: Power On is set to an HD channel or Last Channel (if that was HD), the unit will be in 480i mode when you turn it on. If you then tune to an SD channel and back, it will change to the correct HD mode. However, this can be minimized by setting the Power On option to an SD channel. It will then power up in the correct mode and change to HD when you tune to an HD channel. Another workaround is too simply cycle through the zoom modes using the # button.

FWIW, it appears to be fixed in the 1.89.18.1 version I just received. ;)

Still waiting for 1.89 from Cablevision. I emailed my CV contact and he was looking into it.

Is there new guide software as part of this 1.89? I got a 2nd HDTV and picked up a SA4250HD box from CV for it. The guide software running on that has a visible first run flag in the description. If it's first run it says "NEW" at the end of it. Of course this would be great on the SA8300.

I don't believe we got a new IPG, but the NEW flag in now displayed. Check Tips Part 2 and the only thing I can't confirm so far is the INFo being available for recorded programs. I'll have to see if that shows up with a new recording today, mine still show the Playback Channel stuff on recordings I have. I just got the upgrade this morning to test. :)

I’m trying this one more time to maybe find an answer before Cablevision “Tech” comes this afternoon.

I'm using Cablevisions SA 8300 HD DVR with my Samsung HPS 5053 HDTV and originally connected using component cables. Everything was and still is OK while using components.

I then wanted to try HDMI connection to see if the picture quality would improve, and the result was that I could not get any channels below 99 all it says no signal source or words to that effect. All HD channels and all above 99 were fine. When I switched back to component all was fine again???

When I got the TV (last Sunday) I set the box to pass through all 6 resolutions.

Was hoping I had some settings not correct and was looking for a quick fix as I hate to have CV play with it, scheduled service call this afternoon.

Any help quickly would be greatly appreciated.
---Jerry---

Jerry, I don't necessarily have the right answer - but I suspect that your set may not support 480i on HDMI in (many don't for some reason). I'd suggest running the set-up wizard again through the HDMI input and do not select 480i (use 480p).