Just check my SA8300HD for software versions. Comcast service in CT.

Software Versions
PTV OS: OS, Home Server Edition 1.8
Flash: 1.88.25.1
App(s):
vodlink v1.29.6.1
ispguid: v2.0.6

Question for you all.
My cableco just in the past week or two upgraded us to Sara 1.88.24.2. Will
this version handle daylight savings time change this weekend? Or do we need
to upgraded to 1.89.xx.x??
Cableco is Atlantic Broadband here in south central Pa.Click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9957980&&#post9957980) to go to my post from yesterday (3-6-07) that answers your questions.

Daz,
Yes I may have offered it up at one time. Whats weird is that I don't get 2 recordings but 1 short one. If I were to reboot the box during a recording it will make a second one, which is weird. I have had times where I was watching a movie on HDnet and tried to record and it would lock up the box. I didn't investigate the levels though. I wonder if there are different level requirements for watching vs. recording?I doubt it, but I also doubt levels, by themselves, are the problem. I suspect there is more to it than just the level, such as noise, spikes of some sort, signals sent by cableco, etc. If it werre a really big problem that affected more users, I'm sure someone could go through the trouble of compiling pertinent data, like location, time of day, channel, Component/HDMI, and anything else that could conceivably cause this phenom, but it still seems rather rare, so that will not happen.

Well the hard reboot seems to have helped for now.
I'd exchange the boxbut I have all six star wars movies in HD and don't really want to lose them

I just did that and had no problem. It simply took me to the channel I was watching. I went back to 800 and resumed watching my recording.

I forgot one important step...
1. Start watching a previously recorded show.
2. Switch to a LIVE show/ch.
3. List, and Highlight the recorded show you started watching earlier.
3.5 Hit Select to get playback/erase/etc. options.
4. Hit Exit.

That's when I get put back on the recording playback channel.

Well, that's an important step. I just tried it again and still had no problem, just like my earlier test. But, my "other" channel was recording, so I'll try it again tomorrow when nothing is recording to make sure.

Hi,

I didn't see this particular situation addressed yet. I'm running SARA 1.89.17.1 with a 500 gb esata hdd. Everything worked flawlessly, even after the recent SARA update, until this last week. When fast forwarding through a recording (I usually use two arrow speed) the fast-forward would jump to 4 arrows. Then, the real damage happened. Although all of my recordings are dutifully listed, more than half of them go to the generic digital playback channel screen instead of playing the selected item. The other recordings play as usual. I tried a hard boot, following the instructions listed at the beginning of this thread, to no avail. Incidentally, I'm at 67% recording capacity with 94 recordings. Any thoughts? I'm gonna kick myself for not catching up on Heroes sooner...

Thanks!

TTx

so, I think I've got sara 1.89.18.1 (I've got the ff four arrows). But I've noticed a couple of IPG problems. The first is if I use the IPG to find a show, lets say "Cops" at 7:30pm on Court TV. I select it, hit the record button and select "all episodes", and then the triangle button on the remote, and select "this day at this time". So, it turns red, set to record. I stay in the IPG and select the same show "Cops" but to start at 8:00pm, all episodes, "this day at this time". When it returns to the IPG after selected "OK" or triangle, the episode from 7:30pm, is no longer red to record. So, I think it won't allow me to record two consecutive episodes of the same show with the same settings. I believe that the results are the same if I select "anyday at this time".

The second issue is maybe not a bug. After opening the IPG, select date, and then pick a day a couple in advance. Then select title and scroll to the "c"'s. Then scroll to "Cops". If you look at the date, it reverted back to the current date.

Anyone else with the same "bugs"?

stosh,

I get the same results. The only thing I can suggest is to try scheduling the first episode and alter the Stop time to match the end of the 2nd episode. That worked for me, but I don't know if the Stop time will be saved when the place-holder gets set/reset after the first recording, you'll simply have to check it the day after the first recording after the IPG updates.

The second item is simply the way it works. Some folks call that a bug, I call it poor design. What's even worse is that if you search for Cops first and then change the date, it takes you back to the beginning of the C's.

Hi,

I didn't see this particular situation addressed yet. I'm running SARA 1.89.17.1 with a 500 gb esata hdd. Everything worked flawlessly, even after the recent SARA update, until this last week. When fast forwarding through a recording (I usually use two arrow speed) the fast-forward would jump to 4 arrows. Then, the real damage happened. Although all of my recordings are dutifully listed, more than half of them go to the generic digital playback channel screen instead of playing the selected item. The other recordings play as usual. I tried a hard boot, following the instructions listed at the beginning of this thread, to no avail. Incidentally, I'm at 67% recording capacity with 94 recordings. Any thoughts? I'm gonna kick myself for not catching up on Heroes sooner...

Thanks!

TTxProbably one of three things has happened:

(1) Your external drive is no longer being "seen" by the 8300--possibly due to the SATA cable's becoming disconnected, partially or otherwise, or

(2) Your external hard drive has failed, or

(3) You have a bad encosure.

The fact that all of your recordings still appear in the Recorded List--and that some still play--is proof that the internal hard drive is still working. If your external drive has not failed, and if you are able to reconnect it and it is recognized by the 8300, your recordings should still be there and available to you to watch.

Have you checked the diagnostic screens to see how much disk space is being reported, and also whether or not a second drive is being reported? Do that first, then power down and check all cables, starting with the cabling in your external enclosure. Make sure all cables are firmly seated, then reconnect the external hard drive, power it on and wait for it to spin up, then do another hard reboot and see if you get the message that the external has been detected and will work with the 8300. Even if you don't get that message, see if you can access any of the recorded programs that were unavailable before. If so, it was a cabling problem. If not, put the hard drive in your computer and run diagnostics on it. If it tests bad, and is still under warranty, send it back to the manufacturer. If it tests okay, then you may have a bad enclosure. Otherwise, I'm out of ideas!

Let us know the outcome.

Scarlett

so, I think I've got sara 1.89.18.1 (I've got the ff four arrows). But I've noticed a couple of IPG problems. The first is if I use the IPG to find a show, lets say "Cops" at 7:30pm on Court TV. I select it, hit the record button and select "all episodes", and then the triangle button on the remote, and select "this day at this time". So, it turns red, set to record. I stay in the IPG and select the same show "Cops" but to start at 8:00pm, all episodes, "this day at this time". When it returns to the IPG after selected "OK" or triangle, the episode from 7:30pm, is no longer red to record. So, I think it won't allow me to record two consecutive episodes of the same show with the same settings. I believe that the results are the same if I select "anyday at this time".

The second issue is maybe not a bug. After opening the IPG, select date, and then pick a day a couple in advance. Then select title and scroll to the "c"'s. Then scroll to "Cops". If you look at the date, it reverted back to the current date.

Anyone else with the same "bugs"?The first issue is not unique to 1.89.x.x. That is the way it works in the other versions too. The problem is that SARA only allows you to record a specific show using one timeslot if you use record all episodes and a timeslot selection. If you select a second timeslot for the same show, it deletes the scheduled recordings for any other timeslots for that show. DoubleDAZ and I tested this last year. Another option is to set up a manual recording for the second timeslot.

To get around the second issue, select the title first and then you can change the date.

Otherwise, I'm out of ideas!

Let us know the outcome.

Scarlett[/QUOTE]

Thanks for all of the detailed advice, Scarlett. I'll follow your instructions and report back this weekend. Fingers crossed...

TTx

Jusst connected the 8300HD up using HDMI to Pioneer 82TXS Receiver and then HDMI out to Pioneer 1140HD. The picture and sound keeps locking up every 10 minutes or so. Any suggestions?

Jusst connected the 8300HD up using HDMI to Pioneer 82TXS Receiver and then HDMI out to Pioneer 1140HD. The picture and sound keeps locking up every 10 minutes or so. Any suggestions?Use component. :)

Just connected the 8300HD up using HDMI to Pioneer 82TXS Receiver and then HDMI out to Pioneer 1140HD. The picture and sound keeps locking up every 10 minutes or so. Any suggestions?Try the reboot and hard reboot mentioned in the first post. Be sure to let us know if either helps.

Got up this morning and checked my scheduled recordings for today. All were fine except Rome. Because we don't change time here, Rome (normally at 10:00 pm, now at 9:00 pm) created a 3-recording conflict at 9:00 pm MST and was automatically cancelled while the other 2 (Without A Trace and Dresden Files) were left intact. In the past all 3 would have remained scheduled and none would have recorded.

Try the reboot and hard reboot mentioned in the first post. Be sure to let us know if either helps.

Neither of the reboots worked. I had also tried switching to component and also bypassing the receiver. Seems like a STB issue. Should I just exchange it since I have not setup any recordings yet?

I have a Cablevision 8300HD, SARA 1.88.23a.100.

As of this morning, if I schedule a manual recording with am times, I see am times reduced by an hour in the scheduled recording display! pm times are not affected.

Yesterday, when I scheduled a recording, am times were increased by an hour!

I don't understand why they've messed this up so badly.

Recordings are specified in local time. If they had just left everything alone and reset the box's local time, everything would have worked just fine, except for the very rare possibility that a program would have moved its (local time) time slot.

But the whole point of DST is to avoid changing the local time specifications in schedules by moving the clock relative to the sun instead! So that would only happen if the schedule was for a station in a place that didn't have DST.

Neither of the reboots worked. I had also tried switching to component and also bypassing the receiver. Seems like a STB issue. Should I just exchange it since I have not setup any recordings yet?I would exchange it and if the new one has problems, then get the signla levels checked. Of course, you could follow the tips in the first post and check signal levels before you return the one you have to save yourself some hassle if that is the real problem. Being as it's Sunday, you've got nothing to lose. :)

Neither of the reboots worked. I had also tried switching to component and also bypassing the receiver. Seems like a STB issue. Should I just exchange it since I have not setup any recordings yet?Where are you located, and who is your provider? We have had HDMI issues in Austin, regardless of signal levels--that's why I suggested component, but you obviously have already tried that to no avail.

If your signal levels look okay, I would trade the 8300 for a newer build tomorrow. I am still using component, rather than HDMI, but I have had fewer issues overall with my Dec. 2006 8300HD--and it has a Maxtor hard drive! :)

Scarlett

Since the DST change has happened, is anyone still on SARA 1.87.x.x or earlier?

Since the DST change has happened, is anyone still on SARA 1.87.x.x or earlier?No, but we are on 1.89.17.100 and everything was fine (with scheduled recordings and such) this morning. :)

No, but we are on 1.29.17.100

Is that from the year 1999? :eek:

Is that from the year 1999? :eek: :o Good point - I'll fix it. (But the right version is in my sig)

The problem is that SARA only allows you to record a specific show using one timeslot if you use record all episodes and a timeslot selection. If you select a second timeslot for the same show, it deletes the scheduled recordings for any other timeslots for that show.

yea, thanks, I guess that makes sense somewhat. The other issue I can't understand is that if you pick all episodes, on any day on that channel, if there is one on one day that causes a conflict of some osrt, deleting that one, deltes the recording of all the episodes. Is that correct?

The other issue I can't understand is that if you pick all episodes, on any day on that channel, if there is one on one day that causes a conflict of some osrt, deleting that one, deltes the recording of all the episodes. Is that correct?

That is correct.

how come when i switch the source on my tv to my xbox then switch back to hdmi/tv all i get is 480i? i then have to go back into setup wizard on my 8300 and go thru that process all over again to get 1080i. it wont even disply my resolution choices when i hit the setting button once. its almost like the 8300 forget but when i go into the wizard all my resolution settings are saved. for some reason the box always reverts back to 480i when i switch the source. this is really burning me up. it started when i upgraded from 8000 to 8300 and started using hdmi. any clues?

btw tv is a new smasung 61 dlp.

how come when i switch the source on my tv to my xbox then switch back to hdmi/tv all i get is 480i? i then have to go back into setup wizard on my 8300 and go thru that process all over again to get 1080i. it wont even disply my resolution choices when i hit the setting button once. its almost like the 8300 forget but when i go into the wizard all my resolution settings are saved. for some reason the box always reverts back to 480i when i switch the source. this is really burning me up. it started when i upgraded from 8000 to 8300 and started using hdmi. any clues?

btw tv is a new smasung 61 dlp.

Try unplugging the box and booting it up again. It seems like the settings don't get 'locked in' until the next reboot. I had this problem with component video - I don't use HDMI because it is satan.

xnappo

Try unplugging the box and booting it up again. It seems like the settings don't get 'locked in' until the next reboot. I had this problem with component video - I don't use HDMI because it is satan.

xnappo
tks for response...i tried it but that didnt work :( this seems like a known problem as comcast heard of this problem before but didnt have an answer for me.

anyone wiht hdmi experience?

I suspect you are losing the HDCP handshake. You might try turning off the 8300 whenever you switch inputs and then turn it back on after you switch back.

also are u guys getting pixeling on hd broadcast channels? when i watch abc for example sometimes i get pixeling...never on hbo though. is this normal?

I suspect you are losing the HDCP handshake. You might try turning off the 8300 whenever you switch inputs and then turn it back on after you switch back.
just tried it. turned off 8300 and and back on....still going to 480i

I am also having the same problem with my 8300HD only in the past few days. Seems to have started after I tried to use the "Copy to VCR" function. Tried unplugging, etc. and still revert to 480i after TV is turned off and back on. I also have to go back through the setup to get access to HD resolutions again. I tried removing connection for my DVDR, which is what I was using to record when I tried "Record to VCR", thinking that the 8300HD might be downgrading resolution to mathc worst possible output choice, but no go. Cannot seem to figure this out, only been happening over the past week or so...

God this 8300HD is a POS, I hate almost every minute of using it, everything from this, to sloooooow menus (can be a minute to load menu to choose guide), to VOD not working properly, to just about every aspect of the user experience. Too bad it is reall the only reasonable choice for HD programming.

Can the SA 8300 record to a DVD recorder instead of VCR?

Just swapped out the 8300HD in my den with the bedroom unit and it appears to be the 8300, as now the issue does not exost in the Den and does in the bedroom.

Guess I am returning yet another 8300HD for a swap. In 1 year I have swapped out the unit 4 times now, this is beyond suck.

Guess I am returning yet another 8300HD for a swap. In 1 year I have swapped out the unit 4 times now, this is beyond suck.And someone else will probably end up with the one you turn in. There ought to be a way to totally disable these things so they have to go through a repair process to be re-certified. I'd be willing to bet at least some of those 4 were used units and broke to begin with even if they worked for a while.

Can the SA 8300 record to a DVD recorder instead of VCR?Yes, it doesn't care what device is on the other end of analog cables as long as you aren't trying to record in HD.

also are u guys getting pixeling on hd broadcast channels? when i watch abc for example sometimes i get pixeling...never on hbo though. is this normal?

This is not normal. Have you checked your signal levels? See post number 2 of this thread. Be sure to report your QAM S/N ratio. Should be at least 33db. Be sure to be on a 'problem' channel when you look.

xnappo

Just swapped out the 8300HD in my den with the bedroom unit and it appears to be the 8300, as now the issue does not exost in the Den and does in the bedroom.

Guess I am returning yet another 8300HD for a swap. In 1 year I have swapped out the unit 4 times now, this is beyond suck.

Same problem with having to reprogram. Just started happening recently. Is the only fix to swap out for another unit. I tried re-booting, no help. What's the bug and why is SA not giving us a fix.
Bill
The Woodlands, TX

Yes, it doesn't care what device is on the other end of analog cables as long as you aren't trying to record HD.Does this mean you can't transfer HD programming to DVD--or that it simply won't record in HD?

Scarlett

This is not normal. Have you checked your signal levels? See post number 2 of this thread. Be sure to report your QAM S/N ratio. Should be at least 33db. Be sure to be on a 'problem' channel when you look.

xnappo
i viewed post #2 tks. but how to i pull up the signal menu?

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I did a search, and I didn't find my specific problem. My STB sometimes loses its HD settings after being turned off. I have to run through the setup process again, even though it shows that all the formats/resolutions are already recognized. One time, it was showing 480i on the front display, but was displaying 1080i on the TV on some HD channels, other HD channels were outputting 480i. Are there any fixes for this, or is this just a problem with this box we have to live with?

Thanks for your help,

Dave

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I did a search, and I didn't find my specific problem. My STB sometimes loses its HD settings after being turned off. I have to run through the setup process again, even though it shows that all the formats/resolutions are already recognized. One time, it was showing 480i on the front display, but was displaying 1080i on the TV on some HD channels, other HD channels were outputting 480i. Are there any fixes for this, or is this just a problem with this box we have to live with?

Thanks for your help,

Dave

I hope somebody has the answer. I have the same problem. Sure hate to have to go through the set-up process everytime I turn on my plasma. :(
Bill

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I did a search, and I didn't find my specific problem. My STB sometimes loses its HD settings after being turned off. I have to run through the setup process again, even though it shows that all the formats/resolutions are already recognized. One time, it was showing 480i on the front display, but was displaying 1080i on the TV on some HD channels, other HD channels were outputting 480i. Are there any fixes for this, or is this just a problem with this box we have to live with?

Thanks for your help,

DaveI have found that the HARD REBOOT (Unplug power from 8300, wait 30 seconds, plug power back in WHILE HOLDING IN FRONT PANEL POWER BUTTON, continue to hold POWER until "boot" shows on display, resume operation when time shows on front panel) has fixed this problem.

Does this mean you can't transfer HD programming to DVD--or that it simply won't record in HD?

ScarlettOh, you can transfer HD programming to DVD. The problem is that there are no DVD recorders that record HD from analog (component) inputs.

What Dave was saying was that the 8300 has no way of knowing what is connected to the component jacks because that is strictly an analog connection.

BTW, You CAN record reasonably high quality SD Anamorphic DVDs from HD programs - please see the 2nd post on this thread.

Does this mean you can't transfer HD programming to DVD--or that it simply won't record in HD?

ScarlettCan't you read? I said as long as you aren't trying to record in HD. ;)

I hope you don't notice the edit date in the OP. :) :D :)

Can't you read? I said as long as you aren't trying to record in HD. ;)

I hope you don't notice the edit date in the OP. :) :D :)Of course I didn't notice the edit date! As you pointed out, I can't read. :)

Scarlett

I tried rebooting the STB a couple of times, and now when the STB first powers on, it is still in 480i mode. It seems I have to go to an analogue/480i channel and then when I come back to the HD channels, they are in HD again. The analogue channels aren't even right; my TV is in "zoom" mode for some reason on those, then when I come back to them from the HD channels, they are back to "full" mode. Really annoying. Do I just have a defective box and need to exchange for another one? For me it wouldn't be a huge deal, but my wife is not very technically savvy, and I have a Harmony remote set up so it should just be a matter of pressing "watch TV" and everything should work. The STB is throwing a wrench in this simplicity. I am thinking of setting up the remote so the STB never powers off. Would this cause any harm to the box, ie overheating, or premature hard drive failure?

Thanks,

Dave

I tried rebooting the STB a couple of times, and now when the STB first powers on, it is still in 480i mode. It seems I have to go to an analogue/480i channel and then when I come back to the HD channels, they are in HD again. The analogue channels aren't even right; my TV is in "zoom" mode for some reason on those, then when I come back to them from the HD channels, they are back to "full" mode. Really annoying. Do I just have a defective box and need to exchange for another one? For me it wouldn't be a huge deal, but my wife is not very technically savvy, and I have a Harmony remote set up so it should just be a matter of pressing "watch TV" and everything should work. The STB is throwing a wrench in this simplicity. I am thinking of setting up the remote so the STB never powers off. Would this cause any harm to the box, ie overheating, or premature hard drive failure?

Thanks,

Dave
Where are you located? What version of SARA do you have? Have you tried a Hard Reboot (detailed on Page 1 of this thread) after running the Set-Up Wizard for the HD modes? I used to have this problem and found that the Hard Reboot would fix it.

OK, tried HARD REBOOT, and this did not affect the issue at all. Same problem, turn off the TV and 8300HD needs to go back through setup to discplay any HD resolutions. Interestingly it does display HDTV on the front panel, but will not output any HD resolutions, just 480i after TV is turned off. Tried the same box on 2 Sony LCD TVs and issue was the same, tried different HDMI cables to ensure it was not a cable issue also.

Guess this one is definitely going back...

OK, tried HARD REBOOT, and this did not affect the issue at all. Same problem, turn off the TV and 8300HD needs to go back through setup to discplay any HD resolutions. Interestingly it does display HDTV on the front panel, but will not output any HD resolutions, just 480i after TV is turned off. Tried the same box on 2 Sony LCD TVs and issue was the same, tried different HDMI cables to ensure it was not a cable issue also.

Guess this one is definitely going back...Before you take it back (and have the same thing happen again) try component connections. If that works, it might really being your TV telling the 8300 (via HDMI) that it wants 480i. I assume that you have all resolutions enabled in the set-up wizard and have the format set to Auto HDMI. If you have the format set to Fixed at 1080i or 720p, do you have the problem through HDMI?

Delta,

This is a known problem with some software versions. Go into General Settiongs and see if you have a Viewer: Power On option. If you do, set it to an analog channel. Now, power on/off and then change to an HD channel.

Plus, you might want to read through the first 2 posts in this thread.

Thanks Dave,

I have been reading through the first couple of posts on this thread. I did do the hard reboot per your instructions, and I found the same instructions on the first page of this thread as well. I am not sure which version of SARA I have. I will have to check that tonight when I get home. I have had the box for about a year though. On the first page of this thread, it says that the newer software versions seem to fix this problem. Perhaps I should just do the reset option...just power down the box overnight and plug it in and let it reload th OS. If I do that, it should get the latest version of the OS loaded, right? I have a a bit of stuff on the hdd that I don't want to lose yet if I exchange the box for another one.

Also, not sure how to program the box to come on to a certain channel upon power-up. My remote used to be able to do this, and I had it set up, but they seemed to have taken this feature away when I had to reconfigure my remote for my new PDP-6070HD TV.

BTW, my location is central MD.

Thanks for all your help,

Dave

Delta,

You may have to press the CBL button to get into cable mode. When you press the Settings button twice, you should see the list of General Settings options. One of these should be the Set: Power On option.

FWIW, the 1.89.19.1 version I have does fix that problem and some cableco's have disabled the option to change the Power On channel in favor of forcing their info channel at Power On.

Before you take it back (and have the same thing happen again) try component connections. If that works, it might really being your TV telling the 8300 (via HDMI) that it wants 480i. I assume that you have all resolutions enabled in the set-up wizard and have the format set to Auto HDMI. If you have the format set to Fixed at 1080i or 720p, do you have the problem through HDMI?

Dave, thanks for the response. I have tried the same box on 2 televisions and it has the same issue on both with different HDMI cables in each case. I do have all resolutions enabled and tried both Fixed and Auto HDMI and the same problem persists, but only with 1 of my 8300HDs. I have had this box for a while and the problem only started about a week ago after I tried to Copy to VCR. Now I agree it appears that if I turn off the TV and then turn it back on the HDMI does not respond appropriately on this box and it downgrades to the least common denominator 480i resolution.

As a reference I am running SARA 1.88.23.100.

May have been asked before so I apologize if it has. Is there a way to "play all" in recorded settings. I have like 7 Dragnet recordings saved and I would like to push play all then roll over and go to sleep. Something like I do with the Honeymooners Classic 39 DVD.

Hey guys,

Sorry to interrupt. Does anyone know where I can find the remote code list for the remote thats comes with the 8300? I cant find it for the life of me.

Ant help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hey guys,

Sorry to interrupt. Does anyone know where I can find the remote code list for the remote thats comes with the 8300? I cant find it for the life of me.

Ant help is greatly appreciated.

ThanksThere are a number of remotes that could come with the 8300HD. Check out the instructions here (http://www.scientificatlanta.com/explorerclub/index_new.asp).

Thanks Dave,

I have been reading through the first couple of posts on this thread. I did do the hard reboot per your instructions, and I found the same instructions on the first page of this thread as well. I am not sure which version of SARA I have. I will have to check that tonight when I get home. I have had the box for about a year though. On the first page of this thread, it says that the newer software versions seem to fix this problem. Perhaps I should just do the reset option...just power down the box overnight and plug it in and let it reload th OS. If I do that, it should get the latest version of the OS loaded, right? I have a a bit of stuff on the hdd that I don't want to lose yet if I exchange the box for another one.

Also, not sure how to program the box to come on to a certain channel upon power-up. My remote used to be able to do this, and I had it set up, but they seemed to have taken this feature away when I had to reconfigure my remote for my new PDP-6070HD TV.

BTW, my location is central MD.

Thanks for all your help,

DaveYou can't download a new version of the OS by doing a hard reboot. For example, if you are on 1.88.x.x and do a hard reboot you will still be on 1.88.x.x, although it may be a fresh copy of 1.88.x.x if your box needs it. Your cable company has to send out 1.89.x.x before you will get it. If you have 1.88.x.x, it is a known problem. Here is a description of the problem from post # 2 with some workarounds:

1.88.x.x - Bugs Remaining (Not all-inclusive)
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.
NOTE: Appears to be fixed in 1.89.x.x

So, I've read others having this problem. It just happened to me last night for the first time...

After recording "West Side Story" off of HDNet Movies, I ended up with 3 parts or "shows": a 4 min "show", a 7 min "show", and a show with the remainder of the movie.

Did we ever determine with certainty what causes this? Was it signal strength dropping out?

Again, first time I saw it...

Thanks,
Eph

Did we ever determine with certainty what causes this?No, we simply assume something with signal levels, some unknown spike or some extraneous signal on the line. If you lose power during a recording, it will stop and then usually restart when power comes back (if the end time has not passed). Since this is similar to what happens when you get multiple recordings, it kind of follows that the signal is being interrupted for some reason. If it does this often, then it's more likely something in the box itself is causing the problem. There are also indications that some versions of the software (like those ending in .a100, etc.) exhibited the problem more than others.

I went in and looked, and my SARA version is 1.88.xx.xx. I disconected the power cord and unplugged the coax and HDMI cable and the box has been sitting since about 2am last night/this morning. I won't plug it back in until I get home from work tonight; until at least 11pm. So will it download the latest version of SARA (1.89.xx.xx) when it gets power again?

Thanks,

Dave

I went in and looked, and my SARA version is 1.88.xx.xx. I disconected the power cord and unplugged the coax and HDMI cable and the box has been sitting since about 2am last night/this morning. I won't plug it back in until I get home from work tonight; until at least 11pm. So will it download the latest version of SARA (1.89.xx.xx) when it gets power again?

Thanks,

Dave

Dave,

You cannot make the box download the most current version of the software. Only your cable company can PUSH the most current version onto your box. In other words, when you cable company decides to upgrade, they will send a signal to your box with the updated software.

Unplugging it only makes it reload whatever software your cable company already has pushed onto it.

Dave,

You cannot make the box download the most current version of the software. Only your cable company can PUSH the most current version onto your box. In other words, when you cable company decides to upgrade, they will send a signal to your box with the updated software.

Unplugging it only makes it reload whatever software your cable company already has pushed onto it.


So it looks like I am stuck with this problem. I wonder if I exchange for another box if the new box will have updated software?

The box does not show an option under settings for a power-on channel, so I can't even bypass it with that. I noticed last night that the box actually went in to 480i mode on an HD channel while surfing around, and then went back in to HD mode again when I changed the channel. What a PITA.

Dave

I wonder if I exchange for another box if the new box will have updated software?


No, the new box would just download the same software you are running on your current box.

So it looks like I am stuck with this problem. I wonder if I exchange for another box if the new box will have updated software?

The box does not show an option under settings for a power-on channel, so I can't even bypass it with that. I noticed last night that the box actually went in to 480i mode on an HD channel while surfing around, and then went back in to HD mode again when I changed the channel. What a PITA.

Dave

Dave,

This is where you are getting confused. The box has nothing to do with the software version. The cable company regulates that. In other words the only way you are going to get the latest software updates is by either your cable company upgrading its system or you move to a place where the cable company is utilizing upgraded software.

Dave,

This is where you are getting confused. The box has nothing to do with the software version. The cable company regulates that. In other words the only way you are going to get the latest software updates is by either your cable company upgrading its system or you move to a place where the cable company is utilizing upgraded software.


OK, my logic was that I was thinking that maybe that the cable co had newer boxes with more updated software. I really doubt if I will call Comcast about this. I'm sure this is the last of their priorities.

Dave

OK, my logic was that I was thinking that maybe that the cable co had newer boxes with more updated software. I really doubt if I will call Comcast about this. I'm sure this is the last of their priorities.
Rarely will there be some boxes on one version within a system while others are on a different version. In fact, the only circumstance I can think of would be if there is beta testing. Otherwise, when they roll out a new version, everyone gets it simultaneously in the wee hours of the morning. Perhaps, they do it in waves over a period of a few days. Boxes handed out are all running the "current" version.

Boxes handed out are all running the "current" version.That wasn't the case when I got my box from Cox San Diego. As soon as I connected it, it went through a number of "reboots" before it started working. I assume it was reloading software since there were some other messages displayed (I can't remember what, exactly). This was in May, 2006.

That wasn't the case when I got my box from Cox San Diego. As soon as I connected it, it went through a number of "reboots" before it started working. I assume it was reloading software since there were some other messages displayed (I can't remember what, exactly).
Yeah, what am I saying. They are *supposed to* check them before handing them out.

This question may had been answered already. Does anyone know if the SA8300HD able to output HDMI and Component at the same time?

Currently, when I plug in the HDMI port, the component port is automatically disabled. I have to keep unplug the HDMI port If I want to use the component port!

pepar,

I know Cox here doesn't check anything. They give you a box (mine was unopened from SA) and the first thing it does is download the latest firmware. We also had 3 different versions of SARA in use for most of last year; 1.87 for most, 1.88 for Firewire users (including those who simply wanted new options), and 1.89 for testing. I don't think they even check returned units and that's why the failure rate seems so high. :)

pepar,

I know Cox here doesn't check anything. They give you a box (mine was unopened from SA) and the first thing it does is download the latest firmware. We also had 3 different versions of SARA in use for most of last year; 1.87 for most, 1.88 for Firewire users (including those who simply wanted new options), and 1.89 for testing. I don't think they even check returned units and that's why the failure rate seems so high. :)

Yeah, I had one with a bad hard drive and returned it with a big-a** sticker with 'BAD HARD DRIVE' written on it in sharpie. At least it would take a conscious effort and some WD-40 to send it back out.

xnappo

The box does not show an option under settings for a power-on channel, so I can't even bypass it with that. I noticed last night that the box actually went in to 480i mode on an HD channel while surfing around, and then went back in to HD mode again when I changed the channel. What a PITA.Just want to make sure that you looked in the General Settings (press Settings twice) and not the Quick Settings for the Set: Power On option?

The other thing you might want to try is to tune to an SD channel before turning the unit off. When you do that, does it power back on to that channel or a different one? Does it always power on to the same channel?

Also, are you sure it went into 480i mode on the HD channel or did they just happen to switch from HD to SD? Many of ours do that all too often.

This question may had been answered already. Does anyone know if the SA8300HD able to output HDMI and Component at the same time?

Currently, when I plug in the HDMI port, the component port is automatically disabled. I have to keep unplug the HDMI port If I want to use the component port!That's the way it works - no component if HDMI is connected. Sorry

pepar,

I know Cox here doesn't check anything. They give you a box (mine was unopened from SA) and the first thing it does is download the latest firmware. We also had 3 different versions of SARA in use for most of last year; 1.87 for most, 1.88 for Firewire users (including those who simply wanted new options), and 1.89 for testing. I don't think they even check returned units and that's why the failure rate seems so high. :)
I am *so* rooting for the telcos to succeed in the efforts to deliver video and finally provide competition for the cablecos.

I wasn't saying that as a dig on Cox, I don't think they are any different than any other provider. My BIL got QwestTV/DSL and I had to go over and 'splain it all to him, even though I'd never seen the system. CSRs and techs leave a lot to be desired no matter who they represent IMHO.

Also, never forget that someone trying to get your business initially will shower you with service, once hooked, don't expect much. :)

That's the way it works - no component if HDMI is connected. Sorry

Thanks to DRM and DMCA and other BS copy protection........

Thanks to DRM and DMCA and other BS copy protection........
I'm not so sure about that as I believe both outputs worked simultaneously with previous firmware versions. It would make no sense for DRM to prohibit simultaneous usage as a pirate could simply use only the component output.

I'm not so sure about that as I believe both outputs worked simultaneously with previous firmware versions. It would make no sense for DRM to prohibit simultaneous usage as a pirate could simply use only the component output.
sure, because the cable co's and developers for 8300 software are completely logical/rational folks :rolleyes:

Haven't I read rumors/comments that the goal is to do away with Component inputs/outputs altogether to insure DRM, etc., control?

Just want to make sure that you looked in the General Settings (press Settings twice) and not the Quick Settings for the Set: Power On option?

The other thing you might want to try is to tune to an SD channel before turning the unit off. When you do that, does it power back on to that channel or a different one? Does it always power on to the same channel?

Also, are you sure it went into 480i mode on the HD channel or did they just happen to switch from HD to SD? Many of ours do that all too often.


Yep it was under General Settings for the box. The menu that allows you to adjust picture, audio, etc.

It powers up on a Comcast billboard suggesting upgrading to HD. Before, I never saw that because my remote used to automatically put it on my selected channel before my old crt even warmed up.

I'm sure it went back in to 480i mode because all the HD channels were in 480i mode.

For now, my workaround is just having set up my remote so that the box is never powered down. That box runs a little on the warm side. I need to get fans and install them in the A/V cabinet.

Dave

Haven't I read rumors/comments that the goal is to do away with Component inputs/outputs altogether to insure DRM, etc., control?
That would be the goal of the content owners who continually refer to it as "plugging the analog hole." Here's Wikipedia on it (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analog_hole). It is quite extensive in its explanation of the issue.

Yep it was under General Settings for the box. The menu that allows you to adjust picture, audio, etc.

It powers up on a Comcast billboard suggesting upgrading to HD. Before, I never saw that because my remote used to automatically put it on my selected channel before my old crt even warmed up.

I'm sure it went back in to 480i mode because all the HD channels were in 480i mode.

For now, my workaround is just having set up my remote so that the box is never powered down. That box runs a little on the warm side. I need to get fans and install them in the A/V cabinet.

Dave

I am curious to know if removing the 480p option in the set up wizard will keep this from happening.

Haven't I read rumors/comments that the goal is to do away with Component inputs/outputs altogether to insure DRM, etc., control?
Not gonna happen for standard Cable/SAT/OTA STB interface....too many people don't
have open HDMI ports....and many 2-3 year old SDTV/HDTV's didn't even have DVI/HDMI....

And don't forget many people (me too) have given up trying to get DVI/HDMI to work correctly,
so there are probably unrepairable problems inherent in the early DVI/HDMI I/F chips....

However, it has already happened for "new" applications, such as upconverting DVD players
and highest rez output for HD-DVD/BD.

So it COULD happen when/if 1080p outputs become available, which might be restricted to certain
"pay TV" programs delivered via MPEG4 IPTV function included in this year's crop of Cable STB's....

BTW: There is NO WAY you can plug the "analog hole" for an informed hacker--inside any HDTV,
decrypted signals are converted to RGB and/or YPbPr (component) prior to being displayed.....

I am curious to know if removing the 480p option in the set up wizard will keep this from happening.

Nope, already tried...just upconverts 480i to 1080i or 720p. I even had it go out of HD mode when left powered on when changing between SD and HD channels. This must be a very bad case of this.

Dave

Delta,

The thing is that if this is simply the power on in 480i bug, then simply changing to/from an SD/HD channel should reset it and that should not entail further switches to 480i mode unless turned off/on again. Changing from 1080i to 480i, etc., is not normal operation with any software version that I am aware of. If a Hard Reboot didn't resolve it, then you might want to consider swapping boxes.

...BTW: There is NO WAY you can plug the "analog hole" for an informed hacker--inside any HDTV, decrypted signals are converted to RGB and/or YPbPr (component) prior to being displayed...Even in an LCD?

I was keel-hauled last time I proposed this. Could not discuss it on here money to record high-def analog signal = money enough to [collect] it another [less lossy] way the points where that occurs in the CRT were evidently inside some consolidated package right before the high current bits (see previous point ref. money-bandwidth-time tradeoffs).I still never bought that bit of magic smoke about not getting at it (with the proper care)...

v/r,
C-F

Delta,

The thing is that if this is simply the power on in 480i bug, then simply changing to/from an SD/HD channel should reset it and that should not entail further switches to 480i mode unless turned off/on again. Changing from 1080i to 480i, etc., is not normal operation with any software version that I am aware of. If a Hard Reboot didn't resolve it, then you might want to consider swapping boxes.

I have my remote configured to leave the stb on. I noticed last night that when I powered down everything but the box, the stb went right to 480i mode. Perhaps it's a conflict with the HDMI on my TV? When the TV went off, the box went in to 480i. I am wondering if I used component outputs instead if that would help the problem? Is there a noticeable difference in pq? I have a Pioneer PDP-6070HD btw.

I too am at the point where I am just considering swapping boxes. It's just I have some stuff on the hdd that I am not ready to let go yet.

Dave

If that is the case, I would definitely connect Component and see what happens, HDMI is still problematic. I'd hate to see you swap boxes for no reason.

I have my remote configured to leave the stb on. I noticed last night that when I powered down everything but the box, the stb went right to 480i mode. Perhaps it's a conflict with the HDMI on my TV? When the TV went off, the box went in to 480i. I am wondering if I used component outputs instead if that would help the problem? Is there a noticeable difference in pq? I have a Pioneer PDP-6070HD btw.

I too am at the point where I am just considering swapping boxes. It's just I have some stuff on the hdd that I am not ready to let go yet.

DaveDave, I had to run down your first post to determine your provider and software. Please consider adding this information to your signature so that it will appear in all future posts. :)

You have Comcast, and I have Time Warner. We are both running SARA software, but I have the later 1.89.x.x version, although this shouldn't make any difference with respect to your HDMI problems. We have had so many problems trying to use HDMI that most of us here in Austin are using only component. When I got my HDTV, I asked for recommendations for an HDMI cable. It was at that time that I learned of the many HDMI issues, and I was further told that there was no discernible difference in picture quality. This was when we were using the same version of SARA that you have now.

I have used component cables without issue, and if the picture quality with HDMI was any better than I get with component, I would be extremely surprised. I definitely would suggest that you at least try component cables before you trade your box for a different one. If you have the same problems with component, then the problem may very well be in the box.

Scarlett

Uhhh so you consider the fact that the HDMI interface does not work properly, not a problem with the box?

I have the same issue with one of my 8300HDs and I don't think swtiching to component cables solves the problem that the HDMI does not work properly. That is akin to the joke about the guy who goes into the doctor and says "It hurts when I raise my arm like this" and the doctor says "Don't raise your arm like that.". Problem: "HDMI does not work properly", Solution: "Don't use HDMI"???

You are right, No reasonable man was found at the summit of a mountain...

However, the general consensus seems to be: if you enjoy the show over component and you have the inputs and do not have a overwhelming need to use HDMI just becausethen life is much simpler with three cables.

It begs the oft used question: How much is your time worth?

Mine just got a whole lot more expensive for the next year or so.

v/r,
C-F

Uhhh so you consider the fact that the HDMI interface does not work properly, not a problem with the box?

I have the same issue with one of my 8300HDs and I don't think swtiching to component cables solves the problem that the HDMI does not work properly. That is akin to the joke about the guy who goes into the doctor and says "It hurts when I raise my arm like this" and the doctor says "Don't raise your arm like that.". Problem: "HDMI does not work properly", Solution: "Don't use HDMI"???

Well, actually yes.

HDMI is buggy and evil - don't use it.

xnappo

Well, actually yes.

HDMI is buggy and evil - don't use it.

xnappoJust a reminder (needs to be done every now and then):

The problem is not HDMI, the problem is HDCP, which is a digital copy protection protocol mandated for all digital connections between cable boxes and displays. The same problems would exist with DVI connections as well.

But the net effect is the same: because HDMI uses HDCP, and HDCP is buggy, then using HDMI invites problems.

I'll hold off additional nits on this for a month or so. :rolleyes:

Smooth sailing with HDMI between the 8300HD and my Samsung LN-S4051

OK...I was just going to use the component outputs. With the component outputs on the box, everything was fine. Of course, I didn't have an A-B comparison for pq because when using HDMI, the component output is disabled. So I hooked the HDMI back up, but left the component connections still hooked to the TV. The box does NOT lose HD now. So I am guessing that the component cables are somehow keeping everything straight. Maybe a grounding problem between the box and the TV?? Doesn't seem possible, but weirder things have happened. So, I just opened up one of the freebie A/V cables that came with one of my DVD players and just keep that hooked to a component input on my TV. Now the box does not go back to 480i mode when turned off. So for now, it seems to be OK. I have turned the whole system on and off several times, and it seems to be keeping HD mode when I go to HD channels and back and forth to 480i channels.

Dave

And that seems to reinforce the idea that the problem was an HDMI/HDCP disconnect between the 8300 and your HDTV. We should have suggested that because that has worked for some in the past with other problems.

This is my first post on to this thread. I have an SA8300HD box that I have had for 6-8 weeks now. My provider is Cox, in Tucson, AZ.

Everything was fine at first, but since DST started I have been having problems with this box. About a month ago, this firmware was updated to v1.89. I originally noticed that the box behaved differently because the fourth fast-forward and rewind speed was added, and I was suddenly able to start a recording in progress at the beginning (and not get kicked out when the recording finished). I did not get the software version at the time, but is currently running v1.89.18.1. It may have been updated again since I originally noticed these changes -- I can't say for sure.

Note that here in AZ we do not go on DST, so the start times of programs on most cable stations were shifted in the IPG. I had several programs scheduled to record that now run at a different time (an hour earlier) than they did the week before DST started.

I was away the weekend of the time change, but when I came back on Tuesday I noticed that some of my programs had been recorded and some had not. I re-scheduled the programs that did not record and didn't think much of it. I have been through the time change with a couple of SA8000s for the last couple of years and never had to do more than this.

I first noticed a problem when I attempted to schedule a one-time recording at time when there was already one program scheduled to record. I got a popup saying that I could not record three programs at once asking me to delete one of them, but only two programs were listed - the one that was already scheduled and the one I was trying to add. I did not make the connection at the time, but I believe that the time in question was when one of my scheduled recordings used to take place before DST started.

So it seems that I have these phantom recording timers set that I can't see. Here is what I have done in an attempt to resolve the problem, in addition to several power-down reboots (which did pretty much nothing):

1) I deleted all visible scheduled recordings, one at a time, until the list was empty.

2) I rebooted the box by pulling the plug for 15 seconds. After the reboot, 8 scheduled recordings appeared in my list. All of them were scheduled for a week from today (Wednesday, April 4th), and all of them appear to have the incorrect times for the programs they are supposed to record.

3) I deleted all of these scheduled recordings and rebooted again. Much to my surprise, the same list appeared again!

4) I deleted all of them again and this time performed a hard reboot by holding the power button in while reconnecting power to the box.

5) Guess what, they are still there! I can't get rid of them!

I have also tried editing individual entries to change them to record the program at any time and even tried to change the record times but the changes will not save.

Anybody have any ideas how to fix this problem? Is there some way to completely get rid of all of the timers without formatting the hard drive?

TIA...

Do you have any recordings that you need to save? If not, you could do a "hard reboot". This will clear everything.:
Hard Reboot. A Hard Reboot will refresh all available software and modules on the system, as well as clear out the memory cache. The IPG and other data may take up to 30 minutes or more to fully download.
Turn off the 8300 and wait 5 or more seconds.
Unplug the power cord from the 8300 and wait 5 or more seconds.
If you are resetting an external drive too, unplug it's power cord at this point and wait 5 or more seconds, then plug the power cord back into the external drive and wait 5 or more seconds.
Press and hold the power button on the 8300's front panel. While the power button is depressed, plug the 8300 power cord back in. Continue to hold the power button until the 8300 display says "boot" and/or begins to cycle a few times (usually about 15 seconds).
NOTE: A Hard Reboot will resolve MANY issues with not only external drives, but memory issues too. You should WAIT until the reboot is completely finished before powering up. It usually takes about 5 - 10 min, depending on your application and IPG data. The best way to determine when the download is finished is to watch the front panel indicators. On the front panel, where the : (colon) seperates the hours and minutes, the bottom " . " dot will appear after all the OS firmware has been loaded. An STB getting a download or initializing will be blank. Leave the STB alone until the dot appears.

Do you have any recordings that you need to save? If not, you could do a "hard reboot". This will clear everything.:
I thought that, along with refreshing all the software, it rebuilds the recordings list, not erases the recordings. :confused:

Well, according to eegorr's 4th numbered step -- it evidently did not erase the scheduled recordings...

Maybe try the "no power for at least 30 min to a day" variation that someone mentioned recently.

v/r,
C-F

I thought that, along with refreshing all the software, it rebuilds the recordings list, not erases the recordings. :confused:No, you're right, the reboot will not erase any recordings and he said he already tried that in step 4.

C_F mentioned unplugging for 30 mins to 24 hours, but I believe that is unplugging the CABLE, not just the power. I think this essentially de-authorizes the box until you connect it all back up again. It seems like the recordings are not getting totally erased for some reason and a reformat may be the only thing that will fix it.

I would do a hard reboot, (leave off) and let the STB sit overnight or while at work to let it do the disk utilities and defragging that can scan the disk and clear errors. You could be deleting the info stored in Ram, but the hard data stored on the disk is recovered on a reboot. Maybe that area of the disk may need to be defragged.

The procedure for letting the STB sit disconnected is to remove all cables and connections (like removing from the rack to return to the cable co) and let it sit until all the internal capacitors are drained to completely reset the unit. It may work in less than 30 minitues or may take up to a 12 hours to fully reset.

vegggas

Thanks guys for catching my omissions.
I meant to offer it as an last avenue before a trade-in, since the hard reboot did not work - although I failed to mention that as well.

v/r,
C-F

I have my remote configured to leave the stb on. I noticed last night that when I powered down everything but the box, the stb went right to 480i mode. Perhaps it's a conflict with the HDMI on my TV? When the TV went off, the box went in to 480i. I am wondering if I used component outputs instead if that would help the problem? Is there a noticeable difference in pq? I have a Pioneer PDP-6070HD btw.

I too am at the point where I am just considering swapping boxes. It's just I have some stuff on the hdd that I am not ready to let go yet.

Dave

I was having this same problem and was wondering if it might be the HDMI connections. The conditions varied, but different combinations of turning the box off or switching inputs caused the box to switch to 480i. The crazy thing was that one box was staying on 1080i, and two others kept switching back to 480i no matter what I did with settings. After reading lots of posts and trying different settings, connections, etc. I finally called Cox Cable in Las Vegas today.

We spent a long time going through all of the settings that I had already experimented with. The technical support person eventually did some sort of reset on the box from their end (not sure which of the reboots it is that are referred to in the first post? She did ask if I had anything recorded that I wouldn't want to lose, which I didn't) and PROBLEM SOLVED!. She did that on the second box and PROBLEM SOLVED! I'm hoping the problem stays solved, but things are good right now.

They might have to ability to do something other than one of the reboots/resets listed in the first post, but I don't know what it is or if it can be done by the user. It could also simply be one that is listed and we just don't know it. Maybe vegggas will see this and comment. If they can force it, I would think the user should be able to do it too.

I thought I'd throw this out. I was having problems with one of my three 8300s starting a month or so ago. Lots of breakups on a couple of the network HD channels, especially FOX. Since it was happening on only one box I knew it was the box or the cable feeding it.

Turns out it was my surge protector. I've had it in the chain for 2 plus years and I guess it is starting to "change" enough to degrade the signal. Once it was out the signal came up from -15dBmV to 10dBmV. I'm going to try a power conditioner because I've got a slight ground loop issue on my video.

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

This is a quote from an old post. How do I do this? Do I run HDMI for the video and analog for the audio? If so, what settings do I use to have the correct sound get through?

I want the 8300hd to come on in the middle of the night, so that I can record a show using a VCR. I have wired the unit through a modulator to put its TV@ output on a channel that my VCR can record, and have done this successfully during the day.

The problem is the auto shut off message and action that comes on in the middle of the night. The last post on this topic indicated the trick does not work. Can anybody help me with a trick that does? I tried timer wake-up at 1:59 am last night and the message appeared on the tape after ten minutes. There must be a way, short of recording the show on the DVR and then copying to tape.

I thought I'd throw this out. I was having problems with one of my three 8300s starting a month or so ago. Lots of breakups on a couple of the network HD channels, especially FOX. Since it was happening on only one box I knew it was the box or the cable feeding it.

Turns out it was my surge protector. I've had it in the chain for 2 plus years and I guess it is starting to "change" enough to degrade the signal. Once it was out the signal came up from -15dBmV to 10dBmV. I'm going to try a power conditioner because I've got a slight ground loop issue on my video.

I experience the same/similar thing. We have 2 8300's and the one upstairs, all of a sudden, couldn't seem to record or tune any HD content. I was just about to bring the box back when i thought to remove the surge suppressor from the incoming coax path. As you stated, the suppressor was the culprit. It's a shame that something designed to be a benefit can turn out to be a detriment. Good thing we were both smart enough to find that flaw, rather than blame the box/cableco!

OK...I was just going to use the component outputs. With the component outputs on the box, everything was fine. Of course, I didn't have an A-B comparison for pq because when using HDMI, the component output is disabled. So I hooked the HDMI back up, but left the component connections still hooked to the TV. The box does NOT lose HD now. So I am guessing that the component cables are somehow keeping everything straight. Maybe a grounding problem between the box and the TV?? Doesn't seem possible, but weirder things have happened. So, I just opened up one of the freebie A/V cables that came with one of my DVD players and just keep that hooked to a component input on my TV. Now the box does not go back to 480i mode when turned off. So for now, it seems to be OK. I have turned the whole system on and off several times, and it seems to be keeping HD mode when I go to HD channels and back and forth to 480i channels.

Dave
can u explain this in more detail pls. i have the sme problem as u however the problem arises when i switch source to say my dvd pl;ayer or xbox and go back to tv.

if i am understanding u correctly...u are saying that u have components still hooked up to the tv but they are going nowhere? and that fixed the problem.

Can you explain this in more detail please? I have the same problem as you, however the problem arises when I switch source to, say my dvd player or xbox, and go back to tv.

If I am understanding you correctly... you are saying that you have components still hooked up to the tv, but they are going nowhere? And that fixed the problem?

I think the idea here is that you need another cable to connect the 8300HD to your TV in order for the two to have a common ground connection. DeltaMW has a set of component cables running from the 8300HD to his TV, but isn't sending the picture signal through them. If your TV takes an RF coax input, you might try connecting that instead of component, depending on how many free component connections your TV has. Either way, connect the additional cable(s) along with the HDMI cable.

My brother and I both live in the same town and both have Charter for our cableco. He upgraded to the 8300HD last week - I was at his house yesterday and noticed that the appearance of his menus and guide had been updated. I checked the software version on his box and it is 1.89.20.1. I have been running 1.88.xx.x since the DST update and still have the "old" menu and guide interface. When I got home I double-checked the software version on my 8300HD and it had been updated to 1.89.20.1 but my guide and menus are still the same old ones. How can this be? We have the same box on the same cable system in the same town with the same software. He mentioned that his guides changed overnight a few days ago. Hopefully it's a rolling update and I get it soon - it was definitely much nicer than the current one.

Hello, first time poster here. I've been searching for this problem on this thread but I haven't been able to find a conclusive answer. Hopefully someone knows whats wrong.

For about a couple weeks now whenever I record any network HD channel (ABC, FOX, NBC, etc...) the box reboots while it's recording. After the reboot it continues recording the program but when I go to view it I just get the DVR menu screen. I have no problems recording from the other HD channels such as ESPN or HBO, just the network channels. I've already replaced the box twice. I'm not using a surge protector either. I'm running version 1.88.23.a100. One thing I've noticed is that my diagnostic screen shows my current FDC status as "unlocked" , level "unavailable", and S/N 0db. Could that be what's causing the problem? Also my current RDC says unavailble also. My QAM levels are good, Level -2db and S/N 36db. I'm going to place a call in to Cablevision on Monday but I was hoping someone here had some insight as to what might be causing this.

Also, when I tune in to one of the network HD channels sometimes I just get a black screen. No sound either. I looked at my signal levels while on the black screen but they look good (except for the FDC level). I've tried several hard reboots but nothing.

Thanks in advance for any help you guys may have.

So my entertainment center was accumulating too much heat and something needed to be done. I made a few cuts with the old jigsaw, took an old 80mm computer case fan and mounted it within the entertainment center. Without a computer in close proximity for power, I sliced off one end of a USB cable, stripped the insulation from the red and black power leads, did the same with the fan and soldered and taped them together. I then ran the other in tact USB end to the front of the SA8300 and plugged it in the usb port. Voila power and a much cooler entertainment center.

My brother and I both live in the same town and both have Charter for our cableco. He upgraded to the 8300HD last week - I was at his house yesterday and noticed that the appearance of his menus and guide had been updated. I checked the software version on his box and it is 1.89.20.1. I have been running 1.88.xx.x since the DST update and still have the "old" menu and guide interface. When I got home I double-checked the software version on my 8300HD and it had been updated to 1.89.20.1 but my guide and menus are still the same old ones. How can this be? We have the same box on the same cable system in the same town with the same software. He mentioned that his guides changed overnight a few days ago. Hopefully it's a rolling update and I get it soon - it was definitely much nicer than the current one.
how do u check the software thats currently running

how do u check the software thats currently running
read through the first 2 posts.

I'm having an unbelievably frustrating problem with my SA8300HD. For the past couple weeks, a lot of recordings have been messed up, as they will randomly (and often, probably about every 10 seconds) stutter/breakup/hang, and usually once it does the box becomes unresponsive until it gets out of its little snag. At first I thought it was the signal, except I went to a recording from January that I knew was perfect, and that started hanging as well (when I say hang, I mean that the picture will freeze and sound will stop, then it will resume like 5-10 seconds later), not to mention my signal levels in the diagnostic screens were perfect. I should add that this happens with live TV as well (although not nearly as often, and usually within 30 minutes of turning on the box)

Thinking it was maybe the hard drive, I did both a hard reboot and then a reformat once it became clear that nothing was working. Even after the reformat, it's still doing it; any ideas what this could be? Or do I simply have a faulty box and need to get a new one? Any input would be appreciated.

I am trying to output an SA8300 to two hd tv's in different rooms - one via hdmi and the other using component cables. Unfortunately, as soon as the hdmi input is activated, the video on the component connection is lost. Is there no way to have both outputs active simultaneously? Thanks.

I'm having an unbelievably frustrating problem with my SA8300HD. For the past couple weeks, a lot of recordings have been messed up, as they will randomly (and often, probably about every 10 seconds) stutter/breakup/hang, and usually once it does the box becomes unresponsive until it gets out of its little snag. At first I thought it was the signal, except I went to a recording from January that I knew was perfect, and that started hanging as well (when I say hang, I mean that the picture will freeze and sound will stop, then it will resume like 5-10 seconds later), not to mention my signal levels in the diagnostic screens were perfect. I should add that this happens with live TV as well (although not nearly as often, and usually within 30 minutes of turning on the box)

Thinking it was maybe the hard drive, I did both a hard reboot and then a reformat once it became clear that nothing was working. Even after the reformat, it's still doing it; any ideas what this could be? Or do I simply have a faulty box and need to get a new one? Any input would be appreciated.

Since you've already reformated and rebooted I'd just swap it out at your local cable retail location. One of the only good things about these ill functioning machines is that you don't own them.

I am trying to output an SA8300 to two hd tv's in different rooms - one via hdmi and the other using component cables. Unfortunately, as soon as the hdmi input is activated, the video on the component connection is lost. Is there no way to have both outputs active simultaneously? Thanks.Sorry Allan, that's the way it is (apparently part of the HDCP rules). Probably the best approach is to go the component distribution amp route. There are also HDMI splitters. From what I've read the non-powered ones won't work, though this one from Monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10113&cs_id=1011301&p_id=3049&style=&seq=1&format=2#description) MIGHT work.

Thanks Dave. Yes, I saw the Monoprice options and was hoping to avoid spending $150 or more :). Well, at least my Series 3 TiVo supports simultaneous transmission to all outputs.

Since you've already reformated and rebooted I'd just swap it out at your local cable retail location. One of the only good things about these ill functioning machines is that you don't own them.

I've been messing around with things a little further and here's what I've found (this is going to be a bunch of rambling nonsense, as I have no idea what I'm talking about):

I went into the diagnostic screen just to double check signal levels, and I noticed that I was getting an orange number on page 1 next to Tuner 1 (and the signal level), something like 1470/sec. I then went to page 5 and noticed I was getting a TON of Corr bytes, along the lines of 6k every 'update'. I switched to another cable jack on the opposite wall of my HT setup, ran the cable across the floor and hooked it up to the 8300. I immediately noticed that I was getting a lot less corr bytes (about 100 every update, if at all), although the number on page 1 was still in orange (although a little lower; around 470/s IIRC).

I'm not sure this would explain a perfectly fine recording getting messed up, but it may explain why live TV tends to stutter a lot (along with lockups when I'm scrolling through the guide). I'm wondering what this change would represent in terms of what is wrong with my box (if it is connected at all). Thanks again!

I'm not sure this would explain a perfectly fine recording getting messed up, but it may explain why live TV tends to stutter a lot (along with lockups when I'm scrolling through the guide). I'm wondering what this change would represent in terms of what is wrong with my box (if it is connected at all). Thanks again!

What is your S/N number on page 5? Look at it on a 'bad' channel.

xnappo

What is your S/N number on page 5? Look at it on a 'bad' channel.

xnappo

It ranges from 32dB to 35dB, with a level of -2 dBmV and still a ton of corr bytes. The Errs Avg/Inst is 2080 / 2856

FDC is -9 dBmV, RDC is 52 dBmV


EDIT: the channel I'm on right now (TNT HD; numbers above were for Discovery HD) is ranging from 30-31dB S/N.

It ranges from 32dB to 35dB, with a level of -2 dBmV and still a ton of corr bytes. The Errs Avg/Inst is 2080 / 2856

FDC is -9 dBmV, RDC is 52 dBmV

32db is borderline for S/N. I would guess you see it break up when it hits 32. Take out as many splitters as possible and see if it improves. I got a nick in my cable line when they installed my neighbors which caused this kind of problem. Could still be the box though.

xnappo

32db is borderline for S/N. I would guess you see it break up when it hits 32. Take out as many splitters as possible and see if it improves. I got a nick in my cable line when they installed my neighbors which caused this kind of problem. Could still be the box though.

xnappo

Hmm. It's actually running directly from the wall; I'm in an apartment complex and the cable tech said (when he came out to fix a spotty internet connection) that we're pretty much on the edge of the usable signal in this apartment. Would a signal booster help at all or would that just shove more corrupted bytes into the box?

Hmm. It's actually running directly from the wall; I'm in an apartment complex and the cable tech said (when he came out to fix a spotty internet connection) that we're pretty much on the edge of the usable signal in this apartment. Would a signal booster help at all or would that just shove more corrupted bytes into the box?

Unfortunately an amp won't help S/N. It does sound like your other levels aren't that great either - an amp would help with those but it will amplify the signal and noise equally. If you already have a good cable running to the wall, there isn't much else you can do other than try to get the cable co. to run a more direct line.

xnappo

Unfortunately an amp won't help S/N. It does sound like your other levels aren't that great either - an amp would help with those but it will amplify the signal and noise equally. If you already have a good cable running to the wall, there isn't much else you can do other than try to get the cable co. to run a more direct line.

xnappoPlus, if it needs an amp the cable company ought to be the one to supply it (around here, they {TW} usually do).

I've had the 8300 for 4 months now and today was the first problem. I have it set to record Friday Night Lights; it was the final episode today. About 45 minutes into the show I noticed that nothing was recording. I checked the recorded list, nothing. It did not start and stop. I then checked the scheduled recordings, and there it was sitting - To be recorded today 8-9 - except nothing was recording.

Is this common? Most of the stuff I have read was partial recording.

Thanks.

The most common problem is with the IPG not having the First Run flag set correctly (if you are using that option) or the Start/Stop time differs (if you are using a timeslot option). Another problem is if you accidently end up with more than 2 programs scheduled for the same time. this can happen when shows go on break and something else gets scheduled to record. Wehn the show comes back, there can be 3 or more now scheduled in that timeslot. Prior to version 1.89, nothing would record. After 1.89, one or more appear to simply get skipped.

In addition to the possible causes that DoubleDAZ listed, I think there is a bug in the software that causes this. I have had this happen several times. I have 2 DVRs hooked up to one TV and sometimes one of the DVRs misses recording a program but the other DVR records it. The recording option is the same (first run) on both DVRs and the program is still in the Scheduled Recordings list on the DVR that didn't record it.

Must be all that humidity over there in Houston. :)

Another problem that I have in addition to the one I posted previously is certain recordings will not play. This does not happen too often, maybe once a month. It looks like the program was recorded. It is in the Recorded List with the correct name, date, time, and length but when I try to play it only the Playback Channel screen is displayed. I have seen posts about this problem.

Every once on awhile I will attempt to play a recording and get a blank screen. I start playing another recording and it plays fine. I then go back to the first one and it now plays fine too. I haven't been able to identify any specific trend, but they always play the second time. Come to think of it, it seems to have happened on CBS' Y&R multiple times over the past couple of months and even that could have been limited to their playing around with multicasting 4 March Madness games. I don't recall if it's happened with anything else, so it could just have been something with our local CBS affiliate.

I have TW in Western NY with an SA8300HDDVR and noticed that after 1 1/2 years of perfect performance, the last few recorded programs are totally pixelated during playback.

Since I'm not sure if it's a local TW issue or an SA8300 issue, I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this problem in the past?

thnx

DoubleDAZ,

When I have a problem with a recording playing, I play another recording and then retry the original recording. That fixes the problem about 25% of the time for me. If it doesn't fix it, then I reboot and that fixes the problem about another 25% of the time. Sometimes after the reboot, I see some recent entries in the Recorded List that I have already erased. The erased programs should not be in the Recording List. (Note: If I try to play an erased recording only the Playback Channel screen is displayed, which is correct because the program was already erased.)

About half the time nothing I do allows me to watch a recording that does not play. (Note: This is not in reference to the erased programs which I know will not play.)

I am looking at my SA 8300 and noticed that Survivor has not started recording. Second program in a row that is not being recorded. I just set it up again, and started.

Interesting, I got something called "Instant Recording" which started 4/11 at 10:18 and lasted -17 minutes (negative lenght recordings??). I also got a Instant Recording in my Scheduled recording list on Mon 1/2 that is supposed to go from -5:00--5:00 a.m. What/s up with that?

And I got Heros from 3/14 still in my Scheduled Recording List.

So, is the unit so screwed up that I need to format? Or at least delete and redo all my recordings? Two recordings in a row not being recorded????

Thanks?

Pat,

My first suggestion is to do a "hard" reboot as described in the first 2 posts and see if that helps.

I've been messing around with things a little further and here's what I've found (this is going to be a bunch of rambling nonsense, as I have no idea what I'm talking about):

I went into the diagnostic screen just to double check signal levels, and I noticed that I was getting an orange number on page 1 next to Tuner 1 (and the signal level), something like 1470/sec. I then went to page 5 and noticed I was getting a TON of Corr bytes, along the lines of 6k every 'update'. I switched to another cable jack on the opposite wall of my HT setup, ran the cable across the floor and hooked it up to the 8300. I immediately noticed that I was getting a lot less corr bytes (about 100 every update, if at all), although the number on page 1 was still in orange (although a little lower; around 470/s IIRC).

I'm not sure this would explain a perfectly fine recording getting messed up, but it may explain why live TV tends to stutter a lot (along with lockups when I'm scrolling through the guide). I'm wondering what this change would represent in terms of what is wrong with my box (if it is connected at all). Thanks again!

I've been able to duplicate this problem; whenever I am watching live TV and start recording something else at the same time, that's when the breakups start like crazy. If I stop the recording, the live TV is fine (instantly). The recorded programs seem to have breakups no matter what.

Any further input? The input I've received so far has been much appreciated. I'm almost 95% sure I need a new box.

I've been able to duplicate this problem; whenever I am watching live TV and start recording something else at the same time, that's when the breakups start like crazy. If I stop the recording, the live TV is fine (instantly). The recorded programs seem to have breakups no matter what.

Any further input? The input I've received so far has been much appreciated. I'm almost 95% sure I need a new box.

It ranges from 32dB to 35dB, with a level of -2 dBmV and still a ton of corr bytes. The Errs Avg/Inst is 2080 / 2856

FDC is -9 dBmV, RDC is 52 dBmV
A new box will give you the same results. Your levels are the edge of cutoff for any kind of reliability and will be worse when under stress, such as recording.
With RDC at 52, there is too much loss back (return) to the headend and the stb is trying to compensate by pumping out a whopping 52dB of signal, which is overheating the box.
Usually indicates a wiring problem with the fittings, splitters, or barrels (wall plate connectors), etc.
The FDC is also at -9 (forward), which also indicates a wiring problem.
SN at that low of a range also indicates a wiring problem.
Since you have at least two connections, there must be some common point that is joined together with a splitter somewhere in the residence. Look behind the wall plates to see if your connections were daisy chained by the builder. You might see a splitter behind the wall.

vegggas

Hello, I'm a newbie to this thread perhaps someone can help me. How can I get analog sound from SA8300 when using the hdmi output? I run hdmi straight into my TV but when I do that my regular analog sound goes dead. I don't want to use hdmi for audio as I use dolby digital for my receiver. Thanks in advance.

Hello, I'm a newbie to this thread perhaps someone can help me. How can I get analog sound from SA8300 when using the hdmi output? I run hdmi straight into my TV but when I do that my regular analog sound goes dead. I don't want to use hdmi for audio as I use dolby digital for my receiver. Thanks in advance.

Run optical out of the SA8300 into the receiver (turn the output on the 8300 to DD this disables HDMI audio and enables DD thru the optical)

Run RCA's out of the SA8300 to HDMI 1 audio/analog audio in on your tv. Not sure if your TV has this or what it's labled but it should have an analog option for audio. Configure your TV to display the picture from the HDMI and the audio from the RCA's and you should be in business.

The receiver is now fed a healthy diet of Dolby Digital and the TV gets an analog signal from the RCA's.

It's a nice solution for when you just want to do a little channel surfing without turning on the amp.

Run optical out of the SA8300 into the receiver (turn the output on the 8300 to DD this disables HDMI audio and enables DD thru the optical)

Run RCA's out of the SA8300 to HDMI 1 audio/analog audio in on your tv. Not sure if your TV has this or what it's labled but it should have an analog option for audio. Configure your TV to display the picture from the HDMI and the audio from the RCA's and you should be in business.

The receiver is now fed a healthy diet of Dolby Digital and the TV gets an analog signal from the RCA's.

It's a nice solution for when you just want to do a little channel surfing without turning on the amp.

I tried that and I'm not getting any sound from SA8300. When I disconnect the cable box I get sound, when I reconnect it, nothing. I install Home Theaters and yet something as small as this is kicking my butt! I'm so confused :confused:

I tried that and I'm not getting any sound from SA8300. When I disconnect the cable box I get sound, when I reconnect it, nothing. I install Home Theaters and yet something as small as this is kicking my butt! I'm so confused :confused:

Very odd. I live in NYC so we're both using the same equipment and software as far as the 8300 is concerned.

I was running the setup as described in my earlier post, and the audio worked fine. Others have confirmed it. I recently switched to component out of the 8300 as I was growing tired of 10 second handshakes between channels. Looks just as good and performs 10X better than HDMI.

If you still want to roll with the HDMI configuration, I would recommend double checking you connections. I know there's two analog audio outs on the back of the 8300, you want the pair to the right of the components and above the coax. Make sure that's going to the analog audio in on the tv. On my Panny it's actually labeled HDMI 1 Audio.

The 8300 should be set on Dolby Digital output and the TV has to be set to ignore HDMI audio and accept analog audio via the rca's. I know I had to tinker thru a few menus on my Panny that weren't all that obvious to get the TV to play the analog source. I suspect that is also the problem you're having. Or you box is F'd, always a possibility with these awful things.

Very odd. I live in NYC so we're both using the same equipment and software as far as the 8300 is concerned.

I was running the setup as described in my earlier post, and the audio worked fine. Others have confirmed it. I recently switched to component out of the 8300 as I was growing tired of 10 second handshakes between channels. Looks just as good and performs 10X better than HDMI.

If you still want to roll with the HDMI configuration, I would recommend double checking you connections. I know there's two analog audio outs on the back of the 8300, you want the pair to the right of the components and above the coax. Make sure that's going to the analog audio in on the tv. On my Panny it's actually labeled HDMI 1 Audio.

The 8300 should be set on Dolby Digital output and the TV has to be set to ignore HDMI audio and accept analog audio via the rca's. I know I had to tinker thru a few menus on my Panny that weren't all that obvious to get the TV to play the analog source. I suspect that is also the problem you're having. Or you box is F'd, always a possibility with these awful things.

Thanks at least I know it's possible. It's funny that you mention that, I actually now think the hdmi looks better than component video, I used to think the total opposite. I'm going to refer to my televisions owners manual. Thanks.

I don't understand why you'd want analog sound from your TV if you've got a receiver. I have both digital and analog sound connected from the 8300 to my receiver, so that if a channel has digital sound I can get DD 5.1 and if a channel has analog stereo sound I can have the receiver decode that into 5.1 channels using Dolby ProLogic.

I don't understand why you'd want analog sound from your TV if you've got a receiver. I have both digital and analog sound connected from the 8300 to my receiver, so that if a channel has digital sound I can get DD 5.1 and if a channel has analog stereo sound I can have the receiver decode that into 5.1 channels using Dolby ProLogic.

Well, because I don't always want my receiver on. I do have digital coax going into my receiver for DPLIIX & DD, but most of time I watch cable through my TV speakers. I don't need full home theater experience when I'm watching the news. :D

A new box will give you the same results. Your levels are the edge of cutoff for any kind of reliability and will be worse when under stress, such as recording.
With RDC at 52, there is too much loss back (return) to the headend and the stb is trying to compensate by pumping out a whopping 52dB of signal, which is overheating the box.
Usually indicates a wiring problem with the fittings, splitters, or barrels (wall plate connectors), etc.
The FDC is also at -9 (forward), which also indicates a wiring problem.
SN at that low of a range also indicates a wiring problem.
Since you have at least two connections, there must be some common point that is joined together with a splitter somewhere in the residence. Look behind the wall plates to see if your connections were daisy chained by the builder. You might see a splitter behind the wall.

vegggas

Hmm. I went around the apartment and counted 5 wall connections, although one of those isn't connected (but is where the main 'IN' cable comes in and is then split 3 ways). Two of the jacks don't have splitters (including the one the TV is at), and the remaining two are basically on either side of the same wall; there's a splitter behind one of those, but I don't think that would affect the jack that my DVR is hooked up to.

I guess I'm still lost as to what the exact problem is, especially considering everything has worked fine for a few months. Also, I'm wondering what crappy wiring would have anything to do with playing recorded shows off the drive (shows that were previously flawless, but now breakup as badly as the newly recorded ones). Basically, I'm asking as to what (short of ripping up the whole apartment and rewiring it, which obviously isn't an option) can be done about my situation. Is it out of the realm of possibility that the box has a problem which is causing it to boost the return stream too much, not necessarily a wiring issue?

I do have digital coax going into my receiver for DPLIIX & DD, ...
But how about DPLIIX for analog?

But how about DPLIIX for analog?

To my ears DPLIIX sounds best with a dolby digital soundtrack. That's why I want to stay in dolby digital domain going to my receiver and analog going to the television. I digital connection can do regular PLIIX as well so there's no need to run a seperate pair of RCA's to the receiver.

I digital connection can do regular PLIIX as well so there's no need to run a seperate pair of RCA's to the receiver.
Well, my cable system still has plenty of analog channels with only analog sound. Without an analog connection from 8300 to my receiver, I would have no way to listen to analog channels in surround. Does your cable system supply digital sound for all channels? That would be convenient.

Well, my cable system still has plenty of analog channels with only analog sound. Without an analog connection from 8300 to my receiver, I would have no way to listen to analog channels in surround. Does your cable system supply digital sound for all channels? That would be convenient.

No my cable company still has splenty of analog channels. What I meant was there's no need to run a seperate pair of RCA's because the digital coax in receivers can handle analog signals as well. If it's broadcasted in DD, GREAT! But if not it will handle regular stereo sources as well and process them to DPLIIX. Ofcource the receiver re-incodes the analog into a language that the digital connection can understand but that's the why I have it installed and have always installed it for myself and clients.

I have TW in Western NY with an SA8300HDDVR and noticed that after 1 1/2 years of perfect performance, the last few recorded programs are totally pixelated during playback.

Since I'm not sure if it's a local TW issue or an SA8300 issue, I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this problem in the past?

thnx

Done some more checking....yesterday AM did 6 manual recodings- half were pixelated!

Yesterday PM did 6 manual recodings- ALL were fine!?!?

Any suggestions?????

First post to an excellent resource.

Prior to picking up our first HD cable box (the 8300hd), we were subscribed to expanded digital service with Comcast. No pay channels.

I hook up the 8300hd, all seems well (except the On Demand button goes to channel 199, a Japan anguage channel here in NH that says we are not allowed access, and we can't even find the On Demand menu or access any of the Pay channel on demand channels listed in the guide).

Two days after hookup, I am flipping thru channels and find that other than the channels mentioned above, we receive EVERY channel (HBO, etc) in the Comcast line-up.

My account activity shows the digital box turn-in, a $1.99 service change charge, and the receipt of the 8300hd. I was told without asking specifically about my "issue" that the $1.99 charge would be normal for a box swap.

Could this be a firmware or other issue related to the 8300HD, or is this simply a data entry mistake made when I swapped boxes?

Anyone have any experience with this issue?

Thanks,

Rick
NH

Probably the account configuration.

When getting new service after a move, or upgrading from basic service, a couple of times TWC has given us the full monty for 2-3 days or through the next week-end as a teaser.

We call our "due diligence" three attempts to alert and were usually told us it was standard practice and it was removed shortly. Long ago -- when they still used filters for basic / expanded (no digital), and RR was just coming out -- the calls went unanswered after a RR service call. C’est la Vie.

v/r,
C-F

Thanks.

Gonna call today with some other questions and throw in a question asking if they could tell me what service level they show us subscribed to.

If anyone happens to know, can you request updated firmware or do you just wait to get it. I've found that I have Sara 1.88.25.1, from the first post in this thread looks like 1.89 is most current and fixes my issue with the "On Demand" button. Gonna ask that one today when I call.

Rick
NH

Thanks.

Gonna call today with some other questions and throw in a question asking if they could tell me what service level they show us subscribed to.

If anyone happens to know, can you request updated firmware or do you just wait to get it. I've found that I have Sara 1.88.25.1, from the first post in this thread looks like 1.89 is most current and fixes my issue with the "On Demand" button. Gonna ask that one today when I call.

Rick
NH

You just get it when it's pushed out.

Could I get an explanation of SARA and Passport? I checked the FAQ ans glossary all to no avail. Thanks

SARA (by Scientific Atlanta), PASSPORT (by Aptiv, ex-Pioneer) and PASSPORT ECHO (for DVRs) are alternative software implementations.
They both run under Scientific Atlanta's PowerTV Real Time Operating System, which is adapted to run on a wide variety of STBs.

If you press GUIDE and look at the bottom of the screen, you may see A, B C button labels.
If they say TIME, THEME and SEARCH....it's probably PASSPORT:
http://www.aptivdigital.com/pdf/passportecho1.6gettingstarted.pdf

If you have a SETUP WIZARD and screens like the fol. it's probably SARA:
http://www.cox.com/support/digitalcable/dvr/pdf/SA_DVR_740246revD.pdf
Note the very crude graphics, esp for Extended Diagnostic Menus:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/sciatl/3.1_Using_diagnostic_screens

There are also several other alternative screen display systems....
And no, thus far, you don't get a choice....

Does anyone experience a nasty feedback hum when using the analog outs to the television speakers? I'm forced to use these when running the HDMI from my cable box otherwise my receiver can't get a DD signal? Both sets of RCA outs give the same hum. I've narrowed it down to the SA8300 as other anolog inputs into the tv are clean?

Does anyone experience a nasty feedback hum when using the analog outs to the television speakers? I'm forced to use these when running the HDMI from my cable box otherwise my receiver can't get a DD signal? Both sets or RCA outs give the same hum. I've narrowed it down to the box as other anolog inputs into the tv are clean?
I use the HDMI sound only at my TV. My box is a SARA version. In that version there is a setting for audio out. The choices are HDMI, Dolby Digital & Other. When I have it set to HDMI the TV gets sound and my receiver via optical will go into a non-Dolby Digital mode such as Pro Logic. When it is set to Dolby Digital there will be no sound at the TV via the HDMI but the receiver will output Dolby Digital. What a royal pain to switch back and forth.

Does anyone experience a nasty feedback hum when using the analog outs to the television speakers? I'm forced to use these when running the HDMI from my cable box otherwise my receiver can't get a DD signal? Both sets or RCA outs give the same hum. I've narrowed it down to the box as other anolog inputs into the tv are clean?
The analog output can be set to variable for TVs without a remote volume. It could be set too low. Make sure your amp/TV volume is tuned down, then walk up to the front of the STB and press the VOL+ button a few times and see if it helps. Then check your General Settings and make sure Audio is set to fixed, so that you have a good level to send to the TV. Now you can adjust your TV volume amplifier and it will be getting a correct line level signal.

vegggas

Hmm, just swapped out boxes, reporting the same signal levels (-9 FDC, 52 RDC)... yet the new one works perfectly. I guess I'm within the threshold after all.

I use the HDMI sound only at my TV. My box is a SARA version. In that version there is a setting for audio out. The choices are HDMI, Dolby Digital & Other. When I have it set to HDMI the TV gets sound and my receiver via optical will go into a non-Dolby Digital mode such as Pro Logic. When it is set to Dolby Digital there will be no sound at the TV via the HDMI but the receiver will output Dolby Digital. What a royal pain to switch back and forth.
I don't have to switch, with audio out set to Dolby Digital, because I never use my TV sound, and I have the 8300 analog audio also connected to my receiver. When a channel does not have digital sound, the receiver senses that there is no digital input signal and plays the signal on its analog inputs.

I use the HDMI sound only at my TV. My box is a SARA version. In that version there is a setting for audio out. The choices are HDMI, Dolby Digital & Other. When I have it set to HDMI the TV gets sound and my receiver via optical will go into a non-Dolby Digital mode such as Pro Logic. When it is set to Dolby Digital there will be no sound at the TV via the HDMI but the receiver will output Dolby Digital. What a royal pain to switch back and forth.

You can save yourself the pain of switching it back and forth if you set the SA8300 to Dolby Digital, leave the optical out to the receiver and run a set of analog RCA's to the TV. Just make sure you set your tv up to receive the audio from the 8300 via analog RCA instead of it's curent HDMI. It's how I have it and besides the odd hum (which Vegggas may have solved in the above post) it's a near perfect solution. You'll no longer have to switch back and fourth, the receiver gets a nice digital signal and the lesser analog signal is given to the lesser TV speakers.

I don't have to switch, with audio out set to Dolby Digital, because I never use my TV sound, and I have the 8300 analog audio also connected to my receiver. When a channel does not have digital sound, the receiver senses that there is no digital input signal and plays the signal on its analog inputs.


Analog signals can pass through the HDMI cable. If you disconnect the RCA's from the receiver you will continue to get sound from the sa8300 regardless of the signal.

Hmm, just swapped out boxes, reporting the same signal levels (-9 FDC, 52 RDC)... yet the new one works perfectly. I guess I'm within the threshold after all.
-10 FDC is considered failing, and will cause all kinds of problems with getting correct data. The strength measured may vary and drop as the box gets warmer, or the temps outside change. (note 3.5dB change = 1/2 power reduction of 2x power increse) Any RDC over about 45 starts having in impact. At 48.5, you are generating about twice the power of 45, and at 52, you are doubling again that amount over 45 (4x) of power required to make it back to the node reciever. Think of it like a stereo and speakers placed in your home. At 100 watts (assume the 45dB), you may be able to hear it anywhere in your home. To hear it in your neighbors home across the street, you may need 200 (~48.5dB) watts. To hear it around the corner in another home, you may need 400 (~52dB) watts of power. There is something impeding the signal getting back to the node, which the STB is auto negotiating a much higher power than should be neccessary. The same is true for the forward as it is being impeded to it's limits. There is something causing a loss of data transfer to your hookup.

That box will fail soon enough. If it's taking 52dB of signal strength to make it back to the node, the amount of heat and stress being generated on the circuits will cause it to have problem soon enough. Just because an air compressor can put out 200 lbs of air pressure doesn't mean you would want to put that much air in your car tires. You might get away with 40, maybe 45lbs (in a rated 35max), but I wouldn't want to be around or driving when it fails.

vegggas

Analog signals can pass through the HDMI cable. If you disconnect the RCA's from the receiver you will continue to get sound from the sa8300 regardless of the signal.
That's interesting, but is there some reason I'd want to do that? My receiver does a much better job with sound than my TV, for both analog and digital, and I don't have to switch sound processing modes when I change channels.

-10 FDC is considered failing, and will cause all kinds of problems with getting correct data. The strength measured may vary and drop as the box gets warmer, or the temps outside change. (note 3.5dB change = 1/2 power reduction of 2x power increse) Any RDC over about 45 starts having in impact. At 48.5, you are generating about twice the power of 45, and at 52, you are doubling again that amount over 45 (4x) of power required to make it back to the node reciever. Think of it like a stereo and speakers placed in your home. At 100 watts (assume the 45dB), you may be able to hear it anywhere in your home. To hear it in your neighbors home across the street, you may need 200 (~48.5dB) watts. To hear it around the corner in another home, you may need 400 (~52dB) watts of power. There is something impeding the signal getting back to the node, which the STB is auto negotiating a much higher power than should be neccessary. The same is true for the forward as it is being impeded to it's limits. There is something causing a loss of data transfer to your hookup.

That box will fail soon enough. If it's taking 52dB of signal strength to make it back to the node, the amount of heat and stress being generated on the circuits will cause it to have problem soon enough. Just because an air compressor can put out 200 lbs of air pressure doesn't mean you would want to put that much air in your car tires. You might get away with 40, maybe 45lbs (in a rated 35max), but I wouldn't want to be around or driving when it fails.

vegggas

Fair enough. Through some manuevering, I was able to get the signal levels to -3db for FDC and 48db for RDC (at 24.5mhz and 699usec delay; no idea if those have any relevance). Not the best numbers, but the best I can do given my current situation. Certainly better than -9 FDC and 52 RDC though, and hopefully they are good enough for a while.

I appreciate all the feedback, you certainly seem to know your stuff.

I just got my SA-8300 box today. I read the first 20 pages of this thread, but am still confused about the setup for my particular tv. I have a new Samsung LCD that is 1080P, but when using HDMI will not accept a 480i signal. When I go to select output sources, I cannot select 480i, but should I select standard 480p or 480p widescreen (along with 720P and 1080i)? I have it set for Auto HDMI/DVI passthrough. Right now, I have both 480p standard and 480p widescreen selected, but I don't think that's right. Help Please

I just got my SA-8300 box today. I read the first 20 pages of this thread, but am still confused about the setup for my particular tv. I have a new Samsung LCD that is 1080P, but when using HDMI will not accept a 480i signal. When I go to select output sources, I cannot select 480i, but should I select standard 480p or 480p widescreen (along with 720P and 1080i)? I have it set for Auto HDMI/DVI passthrough. Right now, I have both 480p standard and 480p widescreen selected, but I don't think that's right. Help Please

I *think* the 480p vs 480p widescreen is a bit of a personal preference. I don't like the cable box stretching the image and prefer my TV to do it , if I do it at all. Therefore I do not use the 480i or 480p widescreen modes. I just use 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i with my Sharp LC-37D90U which is also a 1080p display.

Hope this helps.

I *think* the 480p vs 480p widescreen is a bit of a personal preference. I don't like the cable box stretching the image and prefer my TV to do it , if I do it at all. Therefore I do not use the 480i or 480p widescreen modes. I just use 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i with my Sharp LC-37D90U which is also a 1080p display.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Aamilo! I don't have the option of using 480i, as my Samsung doesn't support it with HDMI. I would have to use component connections, if I want to pass 480i through. As it is, any 480i SD content is being upconverted to 1080i by my TV (with HDMI/DVI Auto) with varying degrees of PQ. I may try the component route and see how that looks.

Originally Posted by philherz
I have TW in Western NY with an SA8300HDDVR and noticed that after 1 1/2 years of perfect performance, the last few recorded programs are totally pixelated during playback.

Since I'm not sure if it's a local TW issue or an SA8300 issue, I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this problem in the past?

thnx

OK Pros, I've just done a lot of checking and every SD station that I attempted to rewind using the DVR was totally pixelated!

ALL of the digital stations, including the HD stations, after rewinding, were perfect!!!

Any ideas?

Is this a Time Warner or an SA8300 issue??

growl - you might want to try using just 480p, 720p, and 1080i, if you haven't already. The 480i stuff should get converted to 480p by the box and your TV should be OK with that.
Again, it's all up to personal preference but if you don't like the way it's up converted to 1080i then this might work for you. Personally I watch all my SD in 480i pillar box, but my wife on the other hand, like to use smart stretch on the TV to fill the screen when watching SD.

I have a new Samsung LCD that is 1080P, but when using HDMI will not accept a 480i signal. When I go to select output sources,This is fairly common to many TV's. Many will just not accept 480i over HDMI.

The solutions that have been offered do apply in those cases.

That's interesting, but is there some reason I'd want to do that? My receiver does a much better job with sound than my TV, for both analog and digital, and I don't have to switch sound processing modes when I change channels.


Sometimes I just want to watch the weather channel or the new and don't want to go through the fuss of turning on the receiver. The TV speakers more than suffice and the only way to get sound to them (if you still want the option of having dolby digital to your receiver) is to run analog rca's. If you don't use the TV speakers at all then there's no need for the rca. You're HDMI cable shoud do it all.

I am on Cablevision in Westchester NY. When I look at my 8300HD diags, there is NO FDC or RDC connection reported. Signal for both are "Unavailable". RDC freq is 0.000 HHz.

Current FDC shows Data Lock Lost.

But - things work - including the on screen program guide and video on demand.

Is there another way for the 8300HD to talk to the head end that CV is using?

What's going on?

Cablevision does some weird things exclusively on their networks. Check your local thread and ask there.
Your diagnostics could be specifically turned off, or they could be using the IP interface direct to STB. Check your local area thread to figure things out.

vegggas

growl - you might want to try using just 480p, 720p, and 1080i, if you haven't already. The 480i stuff should get converted to 480p by the box and your TV should be OK with that.
Again, it's all up to personal preference but if you don't like the way it's up converted to 1080i then this might work for you. Personally I watch all my SD in 480i pillar box, but my wife on the other hand, like to use smart stretch on the TV to fill the screen when watching SD.

Thanks aamilo. Unfortunately, even though I selected 480P as one of the output resolutions, my TV (since I selected Auto HDMI/DVI) does the processing, and for some reason none of the programs are displayed in 480P, only 1080i or 720P. The only problem with that is that in 1080i or 720P I don't get to use the "Zoom" modes of my TV (which are available with 480). Instead I have to use the "Just Scan" which leaves pillars and the possible problem of image retention, or I have to use "Wide-Fit" which stretches the image too much. I'm still playing with it, and will try component cables today. Thanks for your recommendations

Thanks Aamilo! I don't have the option of using 480i, as my Samsung doesn't support it with HDMI. I would have to use component connections, if I want to pass 480i through. As it is, any 480i SD content is being upconverted to 1080i by my TV (with HDMI/DVI Auto) with varying degrees of PQ. I may try the component route and see how that looks.

I also have a Samsung LCD which doesn't accept 480i via HDMI. I use 480p, 720p, and 1080i with Auto DVI. It works just fine set up that way.

I also have a Samsung LCD which doesn't accept 480i via HDMI. I use 480p, 720p, and 1080i with Auto DVI. It works just fine set up that way.

Thanks Jim! I just redid my setup and found that if I de-selected 480P Widescreen and selecting 480P Standard (which I didn't think it accepted the last time I tried it) worked just fine. Now the SD channels come up in 480P and I have the "Zoom" modes that I want from my TV (Samsung LN-T4066F). I appreciate your help.

Mine is working great just took a little adjusting with my new HDMI connection.

I have my 5th BrightHouse cable tech coming out tomorrow evening to try to program my remote. Can someone PLEASE offer me the code necessary to program my LN-T5265F and my Scientific Atlantic 8300HD HDDVR provided by my BrightHouse cable provider so that I can sequentially turn on and off the 8300HD and my television with one touch on the cable company's remote master power switch? One tech did it successfully on my other Samsung, so I know it's possible. The cable guys have been out four times. Noneone at my cable company has a clue as to what I'm speaking about. My remote is an Atlas DVR/PVR 5-DEVICE. THANKS A MILLION!!!

I'm a bit surprised that they are willing to do this - but:

Check page 19 of these instructions (http://www.remotecodelist.com/remotes/universal_electronics/dvr_univeremote_M1054.pdf).

Dave,

I believe the User's Guide for the remote can be found HERE (http://www.remotecodelist.com/remotes/universal_electronics/dvr_univeremote_M1054.pdf). He mentioned the Model TV, but not that Brand and I didn't feel like looking it up. :) I also can't believe Brighthouse is willing to roll a truck to program a remote, unless there is something I'm missing in all this.

Thanks Dave - the codes WERE different, but I went back and edited my posting to provide your link.

He did mention his brand in the post title (I frequently don't look at that either) - it was Samsung.

Thank you dave and doubled!!! I'll give this a try before my cable guy arrives. I've had only one tech in six DVR ugrades know how to do this and it only took him a few seconds. I figured for c. $140/month they'd be able to do this for me. BTW, I've temporarily signed up for "Time Guard" for a month. It only cost me c. $3 and I can call Brighthouse out for anything and there's no charge. They also subcontract out the initial installations, and thanks to one careless installer, I now have a four inch scratch on our new $3000 cherry console.

I'm gonna give it a shot myself. I can play the 8300 like a violin, but just cannot seem to get the knack of programming the remote, and as I've said, Brighthouse is clueless.

Does anyone know if these codes are listed in any particular order? This Samsung LN-t5265 has only been on the streets for c. two weeks. Also, given the time I invest trying to follow another 150 page Lnt-5265 owners' thread, is this programming breakdown described in any further detail elsewhere in this thread that I could access via a link without having to spend two days reading the thread? Thanks again, fellows...I OWE YOU ONE!!

Bob in Orlando :)

:)
Good Luck

He did mention his brand in the post title (I frequently don't look at that either) - it was Samsung.My bad, he sure did.

I'm gonna give it a shot myself. One thing to look for other than just the device codes are the instructions to control power on page 29 (I believe). These instructions are usually fairly easy to follow as long as you pay attention to what they say.

Also, if you run into trouble, don't hesitate to post your questions. At least now we'll know you have the User's Guide and gave it a shot. :)

One thing to look for other than just the device codes are the instructions to control power on page 29 (I believe). These instructions are usually fairly easy to follow as long as you pay attention to what they say.

Also, if you run into trouble, don't hesitate to post your questions. At least now we'll know you have the User's Guide and gave it a shot. :)


Thanks, DoubleDAZ!! I'm gonna wait 'til the smoke clears after my TV setup tomorrow by BB and also my late day visit by Brighthouse. I've gone through those instructions at least twenty times, and must be misinterpreting one command. I appreciate you're preliminary suggestions, and well might be bugging you in the future if I strike out. Like you, I HATE new guys who visit a forum and get "what they want", then vanish after having taken advantage of the knowledgeable posters. I can assure you that's not my intention; I'm just a techno challenged boomer. If all else fails, I'll ask the nine year old kid next door!! :) :)

Bob in Orlando...

I am on Cablevision in Westchester NY. When I look at my 8300HD diags, there is NO FDC or RDC connection reported. Signal for both are "Unavailable". RDC freq is 0.000 HHz.

Current FDC shows Data Lock Lost.

But - things work - including the on screen program guide and video on demand.

Is there another way for the 8300HD to talk to the head end that CV is using?

What's going on?
Cablevision announced that they would begin testing OCAP in (unspecified) N.Y. locations.

OCAP's DOCSIS Gateway (DSG) uses a much higher speed QAM-256 channel for FDC:
http://www1.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6348437.html?industryid=43675

The next step would be to add a QAM-256 moduator to new STB's for the RDC,
instead of the normally used QPSK modulator. This extra speed is needed
to support instant response for FF/RR commands on SDV (incl. STARTOVER)
channels as well as new "interactive" features....

Do you see "OCAP" or anything else unusual in the S/W version pages????

No problem, Bob. It's not that I dislike one-time posters, it's just difficult to provide help for something like this without specific questions. Even then the best we can often do is simply refer you to the User's Guide. Assuming you get the remote to recognize the new Samsung, it should just be a matter of following the instructions to set up the power control.

I am a Comcast (formerly Time Warner) customer with two 8300 HD units. Neither of my units has firewire. Is the cable company required to provide units with this capability upon request?

Is there any other way to get a digital av signal out of the unit other than firewire (such as a sata adaptor to get the signal into a computer for editing/archiving). I am not looking for an external SATA hard drive...I'd like to get the TS signal into the computer for editing. At least for non copy prohibited material like PBS HD.

Is there any other way to get a digital av signal out of the unit other than firewire ...
Only HDMI, so far as I know. I believe they are supposed to supply a stb with working firewire, but it wouldn't need to be an 8300.

Only HDMI, so far as I know. I believe they are supposed to supply a stb with working firewire, but it wouldn't need to be an 8300.That's correct - they are required to provide A working Firewire STB , upon request. That usually is a 3250HD.

That's correct - they are required to provide A working Firewire STB , upon request. That usually is a 3250HD.There was/is a mandate that cable companies provide a HD STB with 'functional' 1394 interfaces by April 1, 2004 upon request. And there is a mandate that HD STBs acquired by cable operators after July 1, 2005 include a 1394 interface. It has been debated on whether this means it has to be functional or just be there. I think it means it has to be functional.Click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7131770&&#post7131770) to go to my post that explains this. There are some posts before (#1447) and after (#1478) it that are relevant. This discussion was over a year ago.

Even if you get a 8300HD with working firewire ports, they will not work with a PC because it doesn't provide sufficent protection to prevent illegal copying of programs. A D-VHS recorder or TV with firewire ports is needed to use the firewire ports.

I have a lot of HD material recorded on both the internal and external hard disks. Is a D-VHS recorder the only option to dump the material off in HD? If not, what other options are there if a computer won't do it?

I have a lot of HD material recorded on both the internal and external hard disks. Is a D-VHS recorder the only option to dump the material off in HD? If not, what other options are there if a computer won't do it?There have been some (limited) successes. Check this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=593271&page=1).

In addition to the thread that Dave Hancock mentioned there are several more. Just look through the HDTV Recorders forum for threads about firewire and/or IEEE 1394. Even with a D-VHS recorder, there may be problems copying an existing DVR recording because of copy protection.

I'm having a problem and wanted to see if anyone has this happen:
recently, when accessing the On Demand stations , I'm able to go to the station, but I am unable to scroll to see the shows. The only solution I've found that works is to do a hard reboot and then they work. I'd rather not have to do that, does anyone have any other ideas?

thanks for the input.

Steve

Does any body know if there is a way to watch a different channel when the sa8300 is recording two different shows at one time. It would only let me switch between the channels being recorded. Thanks

It only has two tuners - so can only deal with 2 incoming channels. BUT, if you split the signal and run one split to your TV tuner, then you can tune directly on the TV the third channel, while the 8300 deals with the other two.

Connect cable coax to your HDTV's tuner (if it has one) or VCR and watch analog channels.

Or order up another cable box....and figure out how to connect to your HDTV....

Or, as you probably know (but just to cover the possibilities), watch something you recorded previously on the DVR disk, while using the two DVR tuners to record two new things.

FWIW, AT&T is coming out with a DVR box for their service that can record up to 4 SD channels at a time, but only one HD channel. :(

FWIW, AT&T is coming out with a DVR box for their service that can record up to 4 SD channels at a time, but only one HD channel. :(I must admit to recording something on an SD channel now and then, but this seems a bit backward to me.

Can't all be as cool as Double and go HD only.

I must admit to recording something on an SD channel now and then, but this seems a bit backward to me.
How much more could an HD tuner cost than an SD tuner? Sheesh. :confused:

FWIW, AT&T is coming out with a DVR box for their service that can record up to 4 SD channels at a time, but only one HD channel. :(
AT&T announced they will double U-verse data rate by the end of the year to watch/record two HD channels:
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/att_hd_streams_031907/
They do this by using both (vice current single) copper pairs going to your house.
Elsewhere I read it may be as soon as this summer in some locations....

I must admit to recording something on an SD channel now and then, but this seems a bit backward to me.
How much more could an HD tuner cost than an SD tuner? Sheesh. :confused:
Not really tuners in the way that you think. They're IP and data rate based, so throughput plays an important role. If they can't guarantee a consistant 38Mbps without any dips in the data through the STB, they can't record two HD streams.
SD is much more forgiving and can be ok at 2Mbps - 3.5Mbps per stream
Cable provides all the data at the same time on the network across all the channels, whereas IP based systems only send the data needed at the time.
BIG DIFFERENCE
Consider this:
Using only 50 QAM channels, cable delivers inside your home, about 2Gbps of digital channel data where you can tune in any channel on any number of TV's and have it streamed with no problem. That's just in a typical system still with 85 analog channels taking up the majority of all the bandwidth. Once they remove the 256QAM constraints, the bandwidth goes up dramatically. If they use a SDV model, which is similar to the IP model ATT is using, then they can dedicate Gigabytes of bandwidth instead of their 25Mbps.
Using data deleivery (IP or phone systems), you are usually limited to 25Mbps to 50Mbps connections and can only pull in what your incoming pipes can handle. Trying to stream multiple HD streams proves to be problematic if you bandwidth is limited below a sustained 39Mbps (19.2Mbps x 2).
Telcos have a long way to go to make up total bandwidth, but they have the lead in using just data networks and not having to support legacy systems.

vegggas

Cablevision announced that they would begin testing OCAP in (unspecified) N.Y. locations.

OCAP's DOCSIS Gateway (DSG) uses a much higher speed QAM-256 channel for FDC:
http://www1.cedmagazine.com/article/CA6348437.html?industryid=43675

The next step would be to add a QAM-256 moduator to new STB's for the RDC,
instead of the normally used QPSK modulator. This extra speed is needed
to support instant response for FF/RR commands on SDV (incl. STARTOVER)
channels as well as new "interactive" features....

Do you see "OCAP" or anything else unusual in the S/W version pages????

No - but I do see a DOCSIS information page with Upstream QPSK and Downstream QAM-256. Upstream is 28.016MH and Down is 603 MHz

So the RDC is standard QPSK, but FDC has been upgraded from
QPSK to QAM256...hence it's the new DSG....with a new DOCSIS info menu.

Baby steps......

I recently got one of these from Rogers Cable in Toronto. It seemed to be working fine for the first several weeks, every now and then it would split a program into two files, usually a 59 minute one and then a 1 minute one. Starting last week it has begun splitting shows into 5-6+ segments per one hour show, with missing seconds between files. It has done this while simultaneously recording a second show normally to a single file. It's really inconsistent. Around this time it also started behaviour where while watching live TV the pause/rewind live TV controls are unresponsive and I have to change channels away and then back to get the controls to work again. I've tried power cycling the box because that's the recommendation for most problems in the manual. It seems to help things for a while but eventually the same issues come back. I'm trying to figure out if this is just a bad box or if this is a common issue. It sure is frustrating.

I have a 8300HD from rogers Toronto also... and I have had show split in to 6 -7 parts it only seems to happen when the signal has problems... mainly on FOX when the commercial are from Global ie 24.... it is a pain in the ass, but I think it is because of a choppy signal.... I recorded 24 from FOXW (time shift) and I had no breaks at all, but it did not have the Global commercials inserted...

As for the FF RR not working, I had the same problem... unplug for 1 min or 2 and the problem would go away for a while but would start up again in a day or 2... had to swap the box... have not had that problem since.

Don

Thank you, I will see if I can switch the box. I hope you can do it in person and not by mail order. My splitting occurred with Fox eastern, like you said. I still get shows that do a 1 minute parts and then a 59 minute part that are not on Fox but now that you mention it I think the shows that split into 7 pieces were all on Fox. Drive and House. When I was watching and recording Drive simultaneously, the picture would black out for several seconds, and then those would be the times it split into a new file. One thing I've noticed with Fox west is there are these white speckles that flash on the screen every few minutes, I notice it on everything I record from that station.

Don't swap your box, there is a general problem recording FOX out of Buffalo on Rogers. It is limited to the Toronto area as most of the rest of Ontario gets the Detroit FOX feed.

FOX Buffalo made some changes awhile back that required Rogers to apparently have to pick up the signal from FOX Buffalo OTA and then transmit it over their network. That is the cause of the chopped recordings.

Currently the only solution is to record from the Global or FOX Seattle feeds and you'll have no problems.

Set-Top Box Leader Joins Other Industry-Leading Licensees, Including Sony, ReplayTV®, Motorola and XM

April 24, 2007 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Command Audio Corp., a pioneer in the development of broadcast on-demand media technology, today announced that Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company and a leader in the market for cable television set-top boxes, has purchased a license to use Command Audio’s patented PVR (personal video recorder, also known as digital video recorder, or DVR) technology.

Under terms of the agreement, Scientific Atlanta acquired a license to use Command Audio’s patented technology in all of its PVR set-top box products. The worldwide agreement runs for the life of Command Audio’s patents. No financial terms were disclosed.

Command Audio previously has licensed its patents and technology to industry leaders in the consumer and automotive electronics fields, including Motorola (NYSE:MOT), ReplayTV®, Sony (NYSE:SNE), XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:XMSR) and iBiquity Digital’s HD Radio™.

“Our patents are critical to the time-shifting functionality and convenience that millions of TV viewers are demanding,” said Don Bogue, Chairman and CEO of Command Audio. “Our license agreement with Scientific Atlanta further reinforces the strength and value of our patents in the enormous and fast-growing market for products with PVR functionality. We expect continued success as we actively protect and license our intellectual property.”

Industry analysts estimate that there were more than 25 million PVR units sold in 2006 and predict a growth rate in excess of 30 percent in 2007.

Command Audio holds more than 60 U.S. and foreign patents with applications that span the television, personal computer, digital radio, cell phone and game console industries.

“The demand for devices and services that provide consumers convenient time-shifting functionality for broadcast media is growing rapidly in each of our target markets,” said Bogue. “The Scientific Atlanta agreement speaks to our ability to license our technology to the most innovative and powerful participants in these fast-growing markets.”

About Command Audio:

Command Audio, founded in 1995, pioneered the development of broadcast on-demand interactive media. The Company owns and licenses a portfolio of U.S. and foreign patents covering the transmission, storage, navigation and consumer playback of the audio elements of broadcast media. These capabilities are offered in a variety of consumer and automotive electronic devices and in the services that transmit content to them. Some of the best-known products incorporating Command Audio’s technology are personal video recorders (PVRs, also known as digital video recorders, or DVRs), personal computers with PVR functionality and digital radios with record capability. Emerging applications include cellular telephones and game consoles.

Headquartered in Redwood Shores, CA, Command Audio is a privately-held company backed by strategic investors Macrovision, Motorola and Texas Instruments and leading financial investors, including Canaan Partners, Granite Ventures, J.P. Morgan Capital Partners and Paul Allen's Vulcan Ventures. Visit Command Audio at www.commandaudio.com. Contact: Gary Tobin, 415.256.9490.

About Scientific Atlanta:

Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company, is a leading supplier of digital-content contribution and distribution systems, transmission networks for broadband access to the home, digital interactive set-tops and subscriber systems designed for video, high-speed Internet and voice-over-IP (VoIP) networks, and worldwide customer service and support. Scientific Atlanta, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc. More information about Scientific Atlanta is available at http://www.scientificatlanta.com.

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070424005091&newsLang=en

I wonder if Scientific Atlanta will be adding more features or if this a move to prevent being sued by Command Audio Corp.?

Ahhh, Some of those pesky patents can be brought into the software soon.

vegggas

DoubleDAZ just totally bailed me out. I was all ready to watch the Suns tonight and my 8300HD picture was continually dropping out. I checked everything and I didn't know what to do when I thought "check the AVS forum before you call COX". 10 minutes later and the issue is resolved thanks to a hard reboot. Thanks!

Just go my new TV delivered - a JVC 61FN97. Great TV with great PQ.

Can anyone tell me how I can set up the remote for the SA8300 to control the TV volume? Is there a code to enter somewhere?

Thanks.

Set-Top Box Leader Joins Other Industry-Leading Licensees, Including Sony, ReplayTV®, Motorola and XM

That definitely means no Tivo on my Cox 8300HD. :(

Just go my new TV delivered - a JVC 61FN97. Great TV with great PQ.

Can anyone tell me how I can set up the remote for the SA8300 to control the TV volume? Is there a code to enter somewhere?

Thanks.
Try this http://cox.com/support/cable/pdf/remotecodes_sa2000.pdf

Just go my new TV delivered - a JVC 61FN97. Great TV with great PQ.

Can anyone tell me how I can set up the remote for the SA8300 to control the TV volume? Is there a code to enter somewhere?

Thanks.Yes, you should be able to program your remote. I just did this for my next-door neighbor, who had picked up a new SA8300HD from Cox but wasn't given a manual for the remote control. It (AT8400) was a different control than the one I have, and the links I could find on Cox's site haven't been working (for two or three weeks now), so I used a Google search to find an online manual that worked:
http://www.cox.com/oklahoma/DVR/at8400ug.pdf.

If the codes given in the prior post don't work, if that isn't the model remote you have, and if you can give us the model number or describe it, someone should be able to help.

Good luck!

That definitely means no Tivo on my Cox 8300HD. :(
Why do you say that? Tivo's effort to port their software to Moto and SA units is separate from anything SA does. All this does is allow Cox to perhaps provide a better DVR interface in the (near) future to compete with Tivo's offering whenever the port is finished.

May sound dumb guys but the "DVR" button on my remote for my SA8300HD will not work.
So I cannot access my recorded programs but all the other buttons work.
Do I have to reprogram or something? This only happened after I tried programming my TV to the remote (westinghouse 37" no luck :()

I live in NJ and added 320gig external hard drive. I used a simple Rosewill external case that has a built in fan which can be turned on or off and comes with all the appropriate cables.
Here is the link for the case if you are interested. It's been working great.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173040

I also got a special Seagate 7200 RPM hard drive ATA100 with 16mb cache that is designed for recording multi-media and video. It's the SV35 series. It's been flawless. Doesn't skip a beat at all.

I do have crazy problems with the the darn IPG listings. If I check out future recordings, there are ones in there from months ago. I just delete them all and then redo them. I may hard reset the box and see what happens. I think it has bugs...but some of them do. Just pulling the power cord helps out sometimes.

Hey, I have the URC 1067ABG1 remote, but need the code to configure it for my box. Anyone know the code for that? I can't seem to get it working. I'm still using my HT MX800 remote, but sometimes want to use the OEM remote that came with it. Any ideas on that? Thanks!

I do have crazy problems with the the darn IPG listings. If I check out future recordings, there are ones in there from months ago. I just delete them all and then redo them. I may hard reset the box and see what happens. I think it has bugs...but some of them do. Just pulling the power cord helps out sometimes.This behavior is not a bug, it's just how it works, and it's not completely senseless.

Here's an example that illustrates what you're probably seeing: You tell the box to record "Frasier" every Friday at 6pm from now 'til forever. That works great for months, and then the station that's been broadcasting "Frasier" decides to show something besides Frasier in that slot.

What does your STB do in that situation? It doesn't know if Frasier will ever show up again on Fridays at 6pm on that station, but that's what it's been told to look for, so it's going to continue to look for it until you tell it to stop.

Since it can't find a future show that meets its criteria, there's no "future recording" for it to list. The best it can do is show you the last episode it recorded that met your criteria, which might have been months ago if you haven't checked in a while.

If you leave everything alone, and the network starts showing Frasier on Fridays at 6pm again, your STB'll start recording those shows again.

If you don't want your box to watch for Frasier at 6pm anymore, then you can select that row and delete (or modify) it.

Since it can't find a future show that meets its criteria, there's no "future recording" for it to list. The best it can do is show you the last episode it recorded that met your criteria, which might have been months ago if you haven't checked in a while.
Yes, that's the best it can do, but is that the way you'd design it? It's so primitive. The fact that it can't distinguish between scheduling records for series and for specific episodes not only makes for this confusion about editing "past episodes", but prevents doing several things you'd naturally expect to be able to do. Like set up a series recording, but remove episodes you've already seen from the schedule, leaving the series itself on the schedule.

Yes, that's the best it can do, but is that the way you'd design it?I just said it wasn't a bug, and explained how it worked, in an attempt to be helpful. I wasn't defending it. The shortcomings of the SARA user interface have been well-documented throughout the 183 pages of this thread.

I just said it wasn't a bug, and explained how it worked, in an attempt to be helpful. I wasn't defending it. The shortcomings of the SARA user interface have been well-documented throughout the 183 pages of this thread.The issue here is that some people have certain expectations of how THEY think something SHOULD work.

Yes, that's the best it can do, but is that the way you'd design it? It's so primitive. The fact that it can't distinguish between scheduling records for series and for specific episodes not only makes for this confusion about editing "past episodes", but prevents doing several things you'd naturally expect to be able to do. Like set up a series recording, but remove episodes you've already seen from the schedule, leaving the series itself on the schedule.There is another issue concerning deleting scheduled recordings that do not appear to make sense. The following is from the first post in this thread. [Note: I think the 9 days (version 1.88.x.x) was changed to 7 days (version 1.89.x.x)].

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.

I have had the following occur with my 8300hd: If I am recording a show and watching another, when I finish watching if I erase that show, the recorded show is not saved past the time the erase button was hit. Should this be happening?

Are you recording both programs and watching one live?

Do you then erase the "live" one when you are finished watching but before it completes recording?

If so, I've read at least one post (quite awhile ago and maybe not in this thread) that might suggest there is a problem like you've described. The simple solution is to wait for the recording of the "live" program to finish before you erase it.

Yes, you have described the situation in at least one of the instances. Here's another, last night, I was recording 24 and watching the recorded "two and one-half men. When the recording I was watching reached the end, I erased it. The recording of 24 was not yet fininshed. Although the "recording" light stayed on, the saved version of 24 shows only 52 minutes, which corresponds to the time I erased the other show.

Yes, you have described the situation in at least one of the instances. Here's another, last night, I was recording 24 and watching the recorded "two and one-half men. When the recording I was watching reached the end, I erased it. The recording of 24 was not yet fininshed. Although the "recording" light stayed on, the saved version of 24 shows only 52 minutes, which corresponds to the time I erased the other show.Try doing a hard reboot and see if that corrects the problem. A hard reboot is described in the second post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4683407&&#post4683407) of this thread. Rebooting corrects a large variety of problems and should be one of the first things tried if you don't know or can't find any other solution. Good Luck!

... the saved version of 24 shows only 52 minutes, which corresponds to the time I erased the other show.
You might check to see whether the entire program was actually recorded, because the bug might be in the display of the recording length.

Either way, let us know and I'll do some testing to see if I can then duplicate the problem so I can add it to the first post. I know I've watched/deleted recordings while something is still recording, but it seems the key might be that both recordings start at the same time.

I can't seem to get my SA8300HD to complete a hard reboot. I've unplugged the device, held the power button while plugging it back in, but it doesn't do anything but follow the original boot sequence, and takes a total of like 45 seconds. I'm trying to see if a hard reboot will correct the device's abnormal behavior when displaying HD content (it reboots itself) My provider is Comcast.

Did you read the Note in the second post re following the activity? Oftentimes it appears that nothing different is happening and in many cases that might be kind of true. If the firmware passes tests, it doesn't get re-downloaded, just reloaded from flash memory. If the IPG data is okay, the same might be true. But, the internals will be reset, the cache will be cleared, etc. In many cases, that is the only part that really matters. If all else fails, try disconnecting everything, including the cable, overnight and reconnect it all in the morning.

Did you read the Note in the second post re following the activity? Oftentimes it appears that nothing different is happening and in many cases that might be kind of true. If the firmware passes tests, it doesn't get re-downloaded, just reloaded from flash memory. If the IPG data is okay, the same might be true. But, the internals will be reset, the cache will be cleared, etc. In many cases, that is the only part that really matters. If all else fails, try disconnecting everything, including the cable, overnight and reconnect it all in the morning.

I'll just leave it unplugged tonight and tomorrow-- I just got it today after comcast had it brought in with a shipment of boxes from another state.

Well, you really only need to leave it unplugged for a few hours at best, but that's up to you. I suspect though that if you just got it and did the power button reboot, you might need to exchange it for another one, especially if it wasn't a new unit to begin with.

The recording of 24 was not yet fininshed. Although the "recording" light stayed on, the saved version of 24 shows only 52 minutes, which corresponds to the time I erased the other show.

Better then me I got 49 minutes of 24, my wife had the TV on but was not watching it as whe was on our desktop computer with no line of site to the TV. She said she heard the sound freeze and looked that the TV and the picture was frozen for about a minute then it came back.
The next morning when we checked what was recorded it only showed 24 with 49 minutes. We were taping two programs at once as well.
This normally happens to us on channel 702 not 705 but it happens enough that we have moved tapping all channel 2 shows to the bedroom (Non-HD Tivo) and I was surprised to see this on channel 5.

The HD feed of 24 was messed up in a number of areas (I'm in NJ). There were numerous freeze-ups, making it pretty unwatchable. I initially though it was yet another screwup by the 8300HD, but this time it wasn't. Luckily I was watching it live so I switched to the TV tuner, saw the freeze-ups still occurring, then switched to the standard def feed, which was fine.

Hello?

Sorry, I'm sure it was asked a thousand times, but for the this particular box hooked up to a plasma, would you recommend using hdmi or component cables for the hookup?

Getting a lot of conflicting information.

thanks!!

Sorry, I'm sure it was asked a thousand times, but for the this particular box hooked up to a plasma, would you recommend using hdmi or component cables for the hookup?

Getting a lot of conflicting information.

thanks!!

For that plasma with this box, I'd suggest component.

For that plasma with this box, I'd suggest component.Not to be disagreeable - I'd always recommend trying HDMI with most any set.
1) The signal in the 8300HD is digital, and the signal processing in most sets are digital. If you use component connections, the 8300 has to convert the digital signal to analog, then the display has to convert the analog signal back to digital - this extra conversion cycle does not help anything.
2) On the other hand, HDMI does, at times, present challenges. Namely HDCP handshake issues and also potential issues with sound. And there are some displays that initially convert any digital signal to analog so there MAY not be an improvement (but most of the time there will be)

I recommend buying good quality low cost HDMI cables from MonoPrice (an AVS sponsor). You won't really buy better HDMI cables at any price elsewhere, and you only have to spend something less than $15 to try. BTW, their Premium component cables are pretty good too.