Any other data needed, please advise.

Thanks...

Nick

There is quite a lot of useful info in the first post - including a link to a thread specifically about external drives.

The short answer is yes, it will work. See the database in my sig for a list of compatible drives.

xnappo

Anyone know the Remote Universal Code for the 8300HDC? I hate having 2 remotes and I cannot get either one to do both TV and DVR. Is it expecting a lot for my TV's universal remote to be able to pause, FF etc the DVR? Thanks

Apparently when it's in HDMI mode it doesn't (unless you invoke it?)! ... Does anyone know why the SA8300HDC doesn't maintain the buffer in HDMI mode like it does in component mode? Is there any way to get the SA8300HDC to maintain the buffer in HDMI mode (i.e., like it does in component mode)?I don't think it's that cut-and-dried. Many people use their SARA-based 8300HDs with HDMI connections, and don't notice this behavior. Whether it's because their setup doesn't behave like yours, or because most folks turn their TVs and 8300s off and on at the same time so they'd never notice, I dunno.

Again, I don't have an HDMI setup, so I can't test out theories. (Some HDMI equipment behaves differently from other HDMI equipment, anyway, so each combination of equipment has the potential to produce slightly different rules of behavior.) However, if I recall correctly the only other times I've heard of people complain about surprising buffer behavior with an HDMI connection was when the TV got turned off and the 8300HD stayed on. As a user, you'd expect the 8300HD to continue behaving consistently regardless of whether the TV was on or off. With component connections, there's no way for the 8300HD to "know" whether the TV is on or off, so it *has* to behave the same regardless. With HDMI, there's two-way communication between the devices, so the 8300HD *can* know the TV is off. Perhaps it's just lazy, and chooses not to spend the electrons to fill the buffer if it knows no one's watching. I can't explain why it does what it does, I can only point out that it does it.

Apparently, you have a choice: Do you prefer to use an HDMI connection and choose give up the buffer when you turn off the TV, or do you prefer the buffer always be available and choose to give up HDMI?

Apparently, "HDMI" = cake, "buffer available even when TV off" = eating it...

When I leave the SA8300 DVR on the same channel all day, and then go to rewind it, the memory buffer is empty (the status bar is all red). If I go to rewind it 5 minutes later, it'll let me rewind it 5 minutes. It seems like the buffer is triggered to remember only at certain times.



Hi,

I've seen this thread and will try to add some info, but please forgive me if I've missed some of the discussion.

1) I have HDMI

2) I ocassionally notice this "can't rewind" issue, but it's very uncommon.

(Do you see this problem 100% of the time???)

3) I've never tried to determine if it happens when I'm recording another program at the same time, etc....

4) I never use the PIP trick.

5) I agree- the easiest way is to simply start recording in the middle of the program and then erase when you're done.

Of course not, but those other solutions are hampered by DRM rules. You can make copies of recorded content as long as that content allows more than one copy to be made. You have to remember that the DRV is the
"first" copy. therefore anything coded as "copy Once" is not allowed to be copied off the DVR. And, AFAIK, the only stuff allowed to be copied multiple times is local channel content, making Firewire essentially a non-player and that is just what the Hollywood crowd wants.

Are you sure that a DVR recording would be the first "copy"? Kinda scratching my head on that. But then again I have no idea how "copy once" works.

You'd think they would at least allow "move" (copy/erase).

Are you sure that a DVR recording would be the first "copy"? Kinda scratching my head on that. But then again I have no idea how "copy once" works.Not sure why the head scratching. The purpose of the broadcast flag is to limit a user's ability to duplicate or transfer perfect digital copies of programs, in an effort to limit propagation of intellectual property. I.e., the content providers want to limit the ability for viewers to share programs with other viewers, so that more people pay to see the programs. (Analog replays via S-video or composite are not affected by the broadcast flag, though analog reproduction can be hindered by other copy protection schemes like Macrovision (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrovision).)

The original broadcast is a stream, and embedded in that stream is a flag that can be set to "copy once". Any broadcast flag-compliant device (let's call that a BFCD) that records (copies) that original stream is supposed to recognize that flag, and in turn set a flag in its recording to "copy never".

When the first device plays back its recording with the "copy never" flag set, then other BFCDs will respect that flag and refuse to make subsequent recordings.

So, say you have a DVR and a DVD recorder, and both are BFCDs. When a "copy once" show is broadcast, you could record that broadcast on either your DVR, your DVD recorder, or both.

But after that, you won't be able to make any further *digital* copies, since the DVR recording now has the "copy never" flag set. Your BFCD DVD recorder will refuse to copy the digital stream from the DVR. (You could still make a lower-quality copy from the S-video or composite outputs of the DVR.)

Currently, there's no legal mandate in place in the US that devices must honor the broadcast flag. Wikipedia has a reasonable summary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_flag) of the status of the broadcast flag.

philherz,

The "can't rewind" problem is what I see most of the time. I can't say that it happens 100% of the time because once in a while the buffer is there. I just can't figure out what controls it being there or not.

I think jruhnke is correct, in that, the presence of the buffer is somehow affected by the television being on or off.

- David

philherz,

The "can't rewind" problem is what I see most of the time. I can't say that it happens 100% of the time because once in a while the buffer is there. I just can't figure out what controls it being there or not.

I think jruhnke is correct, in that, the presence of the buffer is somehow affected by the television being on or off.

- David

Dave,

I'm far from an expert here, but my wife's watching a movie right now. I hit rewind during a commercial and it shows all that's in the buffer. (She turned the movie on about 10 minutes after it started.)

That's the way it normally works for us 99% of the time, although it occassionally won't allow any rewind & that's always confused me!!!

Of course, the TV's been on for hours now......

PS: Too lazy to go back through all of the posts.....did you try a hard reboot?

phil,

I think I figured out the pattern. As long as:

(a) Your TV is on and set to the same channel, AND
(b) Your TV's input is set to the SA8300...

...the buffer will fill.

But as soon as you:

(1) Turn the TV off, OR
(2) Switch the input on your TV to something other than the SA8300...

...the buffer will empty.

Apparently, the above two actions only empty the buffer in HDMI mode. If you're using component inputs, these two actions will not affect the buffer (i.e., the buffer will be maintained).

... and I thought I had really messed up in 2003 when I bought a "last-year's" CRT on sale without DVI/HDMI inputs...

Glad you figured it out. Because the Harry Potter book was here, I got to spend some time playing with the buffer last night to see how the SARA one works, but I did not find anything different than jruhnke mentioned (no HDMI).

v/r,
C-F

... and I thought I had really messed up in 2003 when I bought a "last-year's" CRT on sale without DVI/HDMI inputs...

Glad you figured it out. Because the Harry Potter book was here, I got to spend some time playing with the buffer last night to see how the SARA one works, but I did not find anything different than jruhnke mentioned (no HDMI).

v/r,
C-F

Jesus. HDCP is the worst thing in consumer electronics in a long long time.

xnappo

phil,

I think I figured out the pattern. As long as:

(a) Your TV is on and set to the same channel, AND
(b) Your TV's input is set to the SA8300...

...the buffer will fill.

But as soon as you:

(1) Turn the TV off, OR
(2) Switch the input on your TV to something other than the SA8300...

...the buffer will empty.

Apparently, the above two actions only empty the buffer in HDMI mode. If you're using component inputs, these two actions will not affect the buffer (i.e., the buffer will be maintained).

Dave,

I just tried to duplicate your theory after watching something for about an hour. Remember, I'm using HDMI.

1) Regular rewind worked fine
2) Turned the TV off & back on 10 seconds later.....rewind worked fine
3) Switched to an input other than the 8300 & then back to cable....rewind worked fine

I never lost what was in the buffer. I only seem to lose it when I switch channels, which is the way it's supposed to work.

Maybe my SARA version is different than yours.

Maybe your 8300 is just broken....

???????????????????????????????????

I just tried to duplicate your theory after watching something for about an hour. Remember, I'm using HDMI.

1) Regular rewind worked fine
2) Turned the TV off & back on 10 seconds later.....rewind worked fine
3) Switched to an input other than the 8300 & then back to cable....rewind worked fine

Maybe my SARA version is different than yours.

Maybe your 8300 is just broken....

???????????????????????????????????From my note yesterday: "Some HDMI equipment behaves differently from other HDMI equipment, anyway, so each combination of equipment has the potential to produce slightly different rules of behavior." It's quite possible that your TV maintains HDCP handshaking with the 8300HD when it's switched to another input source or even if the TV is "off" (because it's really only in "standby"), whereas David's doesn't, and his 8300 is responding to that loss of handshaking.

Maybe different 8300HD software versions behave differently, but I doubt he's going to see different behavior if he swaps his box out.

I am pure HDMI to the TV and I do not recall ever not having the buffer, not that I use it much and I don't do the PIP thing just use record and delete it once I'm caught up.
I don't remember the SARA version it is above 1.89 Cablevision NYC, I'll try checking the buffer tonight and get the SARA version.

Hi

I have the HD 8300 DVR connected to my Samsung 46" 1080p over component cables

The closed captions work fine on regular def channels. However, on HD channels, I sometimes (not always) see a significant delay on the CC... the delay is equal to about one sentence (the sentence you see in HD was the one spoken before the current one).

Has anyone else experienced this and was anyone able to fix it?

Regards

I have the same issue. ESPN-HD on 8300HDC - sending direct HDMI to XBR3. Switched inputs to play some PS3 (currently, direct HDMI to TV...eventually running through a receiver). Switched back to cable...no buffer.

At least I see this may be a common issue and it may be a software issue and/or a TV talking to cable box issue. I hope it gets fixed somehow though...

The closed captions work fine on regular def channels. However, on HD channels, I sometimes (not always) see a significant delay on the CC... the delay is equal to about one sentence (the sentence you see in HD was the one spoken before the current one).In my experience, CC performance varies from channel to channel and even from show to show. My biggest gripe is that some shows format their CCs without proper end-of-line markers, so something that should look like this:

I WANT TO KNOW WHERE YOU
WENT LAST NIGHT!

comes out looking like this:

WENT LAST NIGHT!WHERE YOU

Like your situation, I only notice this occasional behavior on HD channels--never SD.

At any rate, CC timing is set with the broadcaster; the viewer can't adjust them if they're out of sync with the show. (I'm not aware of any user settings that affect how carriage returns and/or line feeds are treated, either!)

1.89.20.1 record while watching buffer bug "fixed"?

IIRC, in previous SARA, if you had been watching a channel for a while and then decided to record, the recording got the whole buffer, even if that went back beyond the start of the current program.

No more.

I was watching two successive 1/2 hour programs. A bit into the second, I decided to record. After that, the first program was still in the buffer - i could rewind into it. But after switching to another channel and then going to the DVR, only the second program was in the recording. This even though when I selected record I adjusted the start time to the start of the first program.

Am I confused, or is this new behavior?

Am I confused, or is this new behavior?I don't think this is new behavior. I'm using 1.88.25.1, and recording a show in progress only grabs the portion of the buffer that corresponds to the show in progress.

I don't recall ever seeing the behavior you describe (grabbing the whole buffer even if it included prior shows), and I used 1.87.x.x for over a year.

I believe the problem as described in the first post relates to wanting to only grab a portion of a program starting from the current location, like a specific video on MTV, a specific song from a movie on HBO, etc. When one is 10 minutes into a porgram and they press Record, the buffer back to the beginning of the program is recorded instead of the recording starting from the current location and continuing until Stop is pressed. As pointed out in the first post, the only way around this is to change channels right before the part you want to begin recording.

Is there a way to search the guide for more than one day at a time?

My guide has 7 days of data. If I want to see if a particular show is going to be on in the next 7 days, how do I search the entire upcoming week without doing an individual search on each of the 7 days?

Is there a way to search the guide for more than one day at a time?

My guide has 7 days of data. If I want to see if a particular show is going to be on in the next 7 days, how do I search the entire upcoming week without doing an individual search on each of the 7 days?You can't, the search function in SARA really sucks and many of us with SARA use something else, like TitanTV on the internet.

I thought I had read somewhere that you could do something to the box so that when you pressed FF on the remote instead of FF1 it would go automatically to FF3 (or whichever you wanted). Since I use FF3 almost exclusively, does anyone know the way to do this?

Thanks,
Harold

Harold,

What you are thinking of is the "feature" that when you come out of FF by pressing the replay button the next time you press FF it goes to the next faster speed then the last one you used. So if you were using FF2 and hit replay, the next time you hit FF it will be FF3. If you come out of that by hitting replay, the next time you hit FF it will be FF4.

Hi Remy,

Yes, but that just cycles thru them, right, it won't stay on one speed?

I may very well be mistaken, but I sure thought I read somewhere that there was a way to always make it go at FF3 w/just one touch. Maybe it was a hack of the box itself?

Harold

I may very well be mistaken, but I sure thought I read somewhere that there was a way to always make it go at FF3 w/just one touch. Maybe it was a hack of the box itself?I think you're mistaken. I've never heard of such a trick, nor have I heard of any "hacks" to the box (unless you consider adding an external drive a "hack"), and I've been following the 8300-related threads here for years.

You might have heard that you can go to FF3 all the time via a programable remote (ie Harmony) where you could program a macro on that do it. There are no hacks of these boxes, you don't own them.

Owned or not, the boxes certainly get hacked.

Harold

Owned or not, the boxes certainly get hacked.Probably true, but the only hack I've ever read about was simply replacing the internal HDD with a larger one. I can't imagine what could be done to the box to alter FF behavior, other than using a remote with macro capability. It would be nice though to be able to set the default FF speed vs cycling through them.

Possibly I'm remembering the box I had before the first dvr (SD) a few yrs ago. I don't know if that was an SA box or not, doesn't much matter.

Yes, it would be nice.

H

I got my SA 8300HD from TW and I get my tv this afternoon. I was looking thru the online manual for the 8300HD and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to setup my box. The cable box will upconvert. The tv is a 1080p and as I understand it, it also upconverts. So should I just set the cable box to "Pass-Through"?

Thanks,
Harold

I got my SA 8300HD from TW and I get my tv this afternoon. I was looking thru the online manual for the 8300HD and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to setup my box. The cable box will upconvert. The tv is a 1080p and as I understand it, it also upconverts. So should I just set the cable box to "Pass-Through"?

Thanks,
Harold

It's a good bet that your new TV does a better job of converting than the 8300 and you don't want to cause a double conversion (ie 720p->1080i->1080p) because you lose half your resolution. So, yes, set the 8300 to pass-though. Just make sure the 8300 knows about all the resolutions the TV can handle (which is probably all of them). This can be set from the set-up menu.

If you are not sure how to get to the set-up menu, look at the first post in this thread.

It's a good bet that your new TV does a better job of converting than the 8300 and you don't want to cause a double conversion (ie 720p->1080i->1080p) because you lose half your resolution. So, yes, set the 8300 to pass-though. Just make sure the 8300 knows about all the resolutions the TV can handle (which is probably all of them). This can be set from the set-up menu.

If you are not sure how to get to the set-up menu, look at the first post in this thread.

There is a trade-off here - if you set it to passthrough/HDMI auto, every time you switch channels and there is a resolution change your TV will have to resync.

I personally don't think the box does that bad a job, and just let it convert everything to 1080i (my TV is 1080p, so only one scaling step here).

Try it both ways and see which you like better.

xnappo

There is a trade-off here - if you set it to passthrough/HDMI auto, every time you switch channels and there is a resolution change your TV will have to resync.

I personally don't think the box does that bad a job, and just let it convert everything to 1080i (my TV is 1080p, so only one scaling step here).

Try it both ways and see which you like better.

xnappo

I may be wrong here, but if you let the box convert to 1080i won't there be a problem with SD showing up in a 4:3 screen on your tv? Maybe some people like that, but i like the SD blown up to full screen.

I may be wrong here, but if you let the box convert to 1080i won't there be a problem with SD showing up in a 4:3 screen on your tv? Maybe some people like that, but i like the SD blown up to full screen.

Ewww! Yuck! But yes, if you like everyone looking fat, this isn't a very good option. My cable box does have a stretch mode, but it isn't progressive like the TVs so looks even worse. As I have mentioned before - it would be nice if all the zoom modes worked in all resolutions.

[edit - that 'as I have mentioned before' was talking about my TV - I was thinking I was in the thread for my set :) ]

xnappo

I've got it fixed on 1080i (tv is 1080p), at least for now. I do prefer the fullscreen SD, but the resolution change when you're channel surfing is insane and it takes forever. Besides, w/a 56" screen, even the 4:3 screen is about 46" and looks fantastic.

First day w/my new tv, btw. This thing is awesome.

Harold

I've got it fixed on 1080i (tv is 1080p), at least for now. I do prefer the fullscreen SD, but the resolution change when you're channel surfing is insane and it takes forever. Besides, w/a 56" screen, even the 4:3 screen is about 46" and looks fantastic.

First day w/my new tv, btw. This thing is awesome.

Harold

You can still get full screen using the '#' key on the remote. It is just a linear stretch though - not progressive like most newer TVs.

xnappo

Ewww! Yuck! But yes, if you like everyone looking fat, this isn't a very good option. My cable box does have a stretch mode, but it isn't progressive like the TVs so looks even worse. As I have mentioned before - it would be nice if all the zoom modes worked in all resolutions.

xnappo

The 8300 stretch mode is terrible. Plus if you use the box, you have to hit the remote every time you change to a SD channel. My tv has a fairly good "expansion" for 480i and it does it automatically. Just personal preference, but I don't like 4-3.

I've got it fixed on 1080i (tv is 1080p), at least for now. I do prefer the fullscreen SD, but the resolution change when you're channel surfing is insane and it takes forever. Besides, w/a 56" screen, even the 4:3 screen is about 46" and looks fantastic.Unless your SD/HD channels are all over the map, enabling 480i just for SD should not cause that much of a problem when scanning through channels. The reformat should only take place when going to/from SD/HD and for me that is twice, all my HD channels are grouped together. I have a CRT-based HDTV, so burn-in was the initial reason for "expanding" SD, but I've grown very accustomed to it, I'm not sure I could go back without a fuss. The bigger problem usually is enabling 720p. That causes reformatting quite frequently when scanning through channels and many folks can't tell a difference between 720p/1080i on their sets anyway, I couldn't. You might want to give 480i a try just to see.

The bigger problem usually is enabling 720p. That causes reformatting quite frequently when scanning through channels and many folks can't tell a difference between 720p/1080i on their sets anyway, I couldn't. You've got that right. 720P programming is a royal pain on our local cableco. Cox SD only has 1080i and 480i capability for their local commercials and on many HD channels (the ESPNs, in particular) they keep switching between the network commercials at 720p, their own at 1080i and the program again at 720p.

San Diego Cox
SARA 1.89

You've got that right. 720P programming is a royal pain on our local cableco. Cox SD only has 1080i and 480i capability for their local commercials and on many HD channels (the ESPNs, in particular) they keep switching between the network commercials at 720p, their own at 1080i and the program again at 720p.That might be the case here too because we are currently having issues whereby the local insert comes over the end of the national commercial, etc. They are working on the issue with the equipment maker and I haven't checked lately. I did watch ESPN yesterday though for the race and didn't notice a problem, but then I don't really pay that close of attention.

I have been having problems with my 8300HD on the upper channels like above 500 my picture will freeze and the tile has any one experienced this problem. I have it hooked up through a HDMI cable. I do not have a problem with it on a dvd player that has HDMI. I think that it might be a problem with both the cable company and the 8300HD. RF Paramameters are tuner 1: 13 dbmv FDC 1dBmV and RDC 52 Dbmv. I have tried both with and without a drop amp and still have problems. All jack are terminated if there is not an end point. Any sugestions?

I have been having problems with my 8300HD on the upper channels like above 500 my picture will freeze and the tile has any one experienced this problem. I have it hooked up through a HDMI cable. I do not have a problem with it on a dvd player that has HDMI. I think that it might be a problem with both the cable company and the 8300HD. RF Paramameters are tuner 1: 13 dbmv FDC 1dBmV and RDC 52 Dbmv. I have tried both with and without a drop amp and still have problems. All jack are terminated if there is not an end point. Any sugestions?

What is the signal to noise ratio? (SNR)? It should be 33 or higher. If your SNR is bad, amps won't help. You likely have a bad splitter or a bad cable somewhere.

xnappo

I have been having problems with my 8300HD on the upper channels like above 500 my picture will freeze and the tile has any one experienced this problem. I have it hooked up through a HDMI cable. I do not have a problem with it on a dvd player that has HDMI. I think that it might be a problem with both the cable company and the 8300HD. RF Paramameters are tuner 1: 13 dbmv FDC 1dBmV and RDC 52 Dbmv. I have tried both with and without a drop amp and still have problems. All jack are terminated if there is not an end point. Any sugestions?

I've had problems where I won't get any picture on HD or premium content if I don't use the cable company's cables. It boggles my mind. I tried two "cheap" rg6 jumpers from home depot as well as two "pro grade" cables from a local shop. With either plugged directly from the wall to the cable box I'd get a black screen on some HD channels (ESPN but not Discovery) and a black screen on all my Starz channels. I still got the guide displays so it was definitely signal related.

When I use the coax cables the installer gave me everything is fine. Wall to box directly or through my surge supressor (using two of the cables they gave me). I'm wondering what is so magical about the cables they're giving me. Am I missing something here?

I'd like to open up the diagnostic menu to see the signal strength and such, but haven't yet as I am just coming up to speed on all of this and only found out there is a diagnostic menu yesterday. :)

well my s/n is 35. I am fustrated that I will watch the hd channels just fine but the other channels in the 100 also will just start to freeze and pixilate.

After getting the SA 8300HD working with my new 42" LCD over component and dolby digital sound via my Denon receiver over optical, my wife has asked (gasp) if I can go "down" to just a stereo sound feed so that the receiver can convert the signal to the 5.1 surround emulation that she likes so much out of the receiver (better than Dolby Digital to her taste).

So the question I have is, since the only other option besides "HDMI" and "Dolby Digital" is "Other" in the General Settings -> Digital Audio menu of the 8300, would that give me the straight stereo sound (and if so, do I just need composite RCA runs from the 8300 to the receiver?

So sorry for "dumbing down" this thread... But a happy wife is....

Thanks much!

After getting the SA 8300HD working with my new 42" LCD over component and dolby digital sound via my Denon receiver over optical, my wife has asked (gasp) if I can go "down" to just a stereo sound feed so that the receiver can convert the signal to the 5.1 surround emulation that she likes so much out of the receiver (better than Dolby Digital to her taste).

So the question I have is, since the only other option besides "HDMI" and "Dolby Digital" is "Other" in the General Settings -> Digital Audio menu of the 8300, would that give me the straight stereo sound (and if so, do I just need composite RCA runs from the 8300 to the receiver?

So sorry for "dumbing down" this thread... But a happy wife is....

Thanks much!

Buy her a new set of earmufs. She can wear them while watching TV, it will give you the same result.

After getting the SA 8300HD working with my new 42" LCD over component and dolby digital sound via my Denon receiver over optical, my wife has asked (gasp) if I can go "down" to just a stereo sound feed so that the receiver can convert the signal to the 5.1 surround emulation that she likes so much out of the receiver (better than Dolby Digital to her taste).

So the question I have is, since the only other option besides "HDMI" and "Dolby Digital" is "Other" in the General Settings -> Digital Audio menu of the 8300, would that give me the straight stereo sound (and if so, do I just need composite RCA runs from the 8300 to the receiver?

So sorry for "dumbing down" this thread... But a happy wife is....

Thanks much!

The RCA R & L from the 8300 to your receiver should work...you could prob leave both hooked up to two different inputs on your receiver, one input when shes watching and the optical when you watch....optical is usually always on...

Is everyone else paying around $25 just for the 8300HD & DVR service? I can't believe Cox charges this much for just the box and dvr. I'm about ready to drop this ****** antiquated box and buy a Tivo. :mad:

Sorry that this is a bit OT

Is everyone else paying around $25 just for the 8300HD & DVR service? I can't believe Cox charges this much for just the box and dvr. I'm about ready to drop this ****** antiquated box and buy a Tivo. :mad:

Sorry that this is a bit OT

Careful: You may shortly (year or so) find your TiVo is what is antiquated (no SDV, no OnDemand, etc.). Plus you have monthly fees to TiVo and still need to rent one or two CableCards.

Yes, in many ways the TiVo may be better, but you will end up owning what it IS (not what you want it to be).

Is everyone else paying around $25 just for the 8300HD & DVR service? I can't believe Cox charges this much for just the box and dvr. I'm about ready to drop this ****** antiquated box and buy a Tivo. :mad:Cox doesn't, Cox-Phoenix does, because they can. Many Cox markets charge a lot less that we pay here, but that is true of every cableco, prices vary by location.

Anyway, there are already many posts in this and other threads making the same old complaints about the SA8300HD as you do, so if you don't like what you have, buy the Tivo and be done with it. Then, as the Other Dave said, when, not if, your favorite channels go SDV, let us know how it's working for you. SDV is probably still a ways off, so you'll get plenty of use out of your Tivo. The difference is you'll be paying more of the cost to Tivo and less to Cox.

From what I've seen, Tivo service is something like $16.99/mo, unless you opt for a 3-year commitment and pay up front or something. The new TivoHD is now less than $300. You then have to rent 2 cablecards for a nominal fee, unless you can find a single M-Card to rent. Sometimes you get hit with double digital gateway fees for the 2 cards, so the pricing can get a little iffy. It's best to make sure of everything before you jump ship if pricing is important to you. I can guarantee you will be happy with the Tivo, at least until SDV or until something breaks out of warranty.

Just, please, don't garbage up this thread with yet more complaints that serve no purpose, except to get it off your chest. If you want sympathy, read though this thread and find all the other complaint posts. We are stuck with the SA8300HD and SARA. The only choice we have right now is to buy a Tivo if we want to stick with cable. If not, Dish and DirecTV are still out there waiting to take your money.

Of course, I can't keep you from posting here, so all I can do is ask that you resist the urge. We've heard it all before and most of us are here to help make the best of the situation. :)

Well-said, DD. Thanks.

Sorry, thought I'd spice up the thread with a drunken rant. I'll go back to my emo chat room

Sorry, thought I'd spice up the thread with a drunken rant. I'll go back to my emo chat roomROTFLMAO! If we hadn't heard it all so many times before, it might have been funny. But after a few years now it gets old. I understand the need to rant now and then, especially those new to the wonderful world of cable DVRs, but the time would be much better spent ranting to the cableco than here.

I, personally, have sent numerous emails to Cox regarding the limitations of SARA. Unfortunately, though they have not fallen on deaf ears, things move very slowly and relief will not come for a while yet. There is little to be gained at this point until they roll out OCAP and we see what that has to offer eventually in the way of more options. And OCAP itself will not bring those options, but it will pave the way.

My advice, assuming you'd prefer a cable DVR solution, is to make your desires known to Cox in a carefully worded email. You'll most likely get a canned response, but that doesn't mean your comments won't get forwarded to the right department. If more unhappy users would do that instead of ranting here to no end, perhaps they would have upgraded the interface already. There are better interfaces out there, and not just Passport or Tivo, but the cableco needs to hear from users.

Unfortunately, the current stuff works pretty well for it's intended use, to simply replace the VCR. However, it doesn't however hold it's own very well in the feature department against better interfaces like Passport, Tivo, or even newer offerings from TVGuide, etc. But those all cost money and the sad fact is that most subscribers don't frequent these forums and have no clue as to what is available to make life easier. If I didn't have ready access to TitanTV, etc., I'd be much more vocal in my criticism. If they had the technical ability to offer other interfaces along side SARA, I'd also be more vocal in my desire for such options.

And to be fair, the only real deficiencies are the crappy fonts/colors (though those has absolutely nothing to do with function), the lack of a decent search function, the lack of a priority scheme to handle conflicts, and perhaps more recording options ala Tivo's Wishlist, all of which can be gotten externally via TitanTV, etc.

And to be fair, the only real deficiencies are the crappy fonts/colors (though those has absolutely nothing to do with function), the lack of a decent search function, the lack of a priority scheme to handle conflicts, and perhaps more recording options ala Tivo's Wishlist, all of which can be gotten externally via TitanTV, etc.

What about all the bugs that they can't manage to fix? It is completely unreliable. That makes it total garbage.

What about all the bugs that they can't manage to fix? It is completely unreliable. That makes it total garbage.

Hmm, something must be wrong with your box/signal - I haven't had it miss a recording in two years (since 1.87.x) - and we use it a LOT.

xnappo

What about all the bugs that they can't manage to fix? It is completely unreliable. That makes it total garbage.You say to-may-to, I to-mah-to!

I've had mine for almost 3 years now, through 5 software versions, recording 2 programs almost all the time while time-shifting just about everything we watch during primetime. The TV, AVR, and DVR come on at 6:00 am and don't usually go off until 10:00 pm, unless we go somewhere after work or my wife leaves during the day, then all is shut off.

I've never missed a recording that couldn't be traced to an IPG error. Never lost a recording that I didn't delete. Never had a conflict that I didn't catch. Very few audio/video glitches that couldn't be traced to local broadcast problems, especially our local ABC. I can go days without seeing any pixelation (Today is Sunday and the last time I saw any breakup was Thursday).

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I doubt it. I suspect it's a combination of my diligence and my cableco/signal levels, among other things. I keep my scheduled recordings clean by deleting old series recordings until the new season starts. I also watch what I record or delete it, usually within 2 weeks of recording. I record both SD/HD and generally record at least 6-10 programs every day (and I've been doing that since day 1). I did fill the drive once last year when I went on vacation because I had miscalculated what I was recording.

Unlike some, I don't reboot unless I have too. I have had some ghost recordings show up cauing a 3-way conflict and needed to reboot to clear them out, but that's happened maybe 3 times in those 3 years and hasn't happened at all since version 1.89.x.x was released. I currently have 26 series recordings and 7 individual recordings scheduled. I receive a daily email of what's on in HD for all my HD channels and I add to the schedule as needed for anything that strikes my fancy. I use TitanTV on my wireless notebook, so I don't care about 14 day IPGs, a better search function, etc. I'd like all that, but my workarounds work for me. And I'm not the only one having relatively good luck with my unit.

To be sure, there are problems and that's why there is a First Post here with many tips. I use them, I accept the limitations, and I get the most out of what I have. I test things to find out how they work rather than expecting them to work as I think they should or as they did with previous hardware/software. I haven't used Tivo, but I have used Passport and Moxi, so I know there are better software packages out there. But, the only choice I have is to keep what I've got or buy into Tivo, which I'm not yet ready to do, mostly because of SDV questions at this point.

I can't help it that you have problems, but my experience tells me that those problems are caused by something other than the hardware/software itself, mostly likely the cableco, signal levels, etc., And the user. Many problems have been limited to a large degree to certain cableco's and locations. And, of course, those having problems are the most likely to post here and voice their displeasure. Others, like many friends here in Phoenix, just sit back and enjoy their recordings. And even some technology-challenged friends I have aren't having any problems, though they tend to use the DVR simply as a replacement for their VCR and don't time-shift the majority of their viewing like I do.

You say to-may-to, I to-mah-to!


Great post. Mine was more compact though :D

xnappo

I'll chime in with a "ditto" to the other Dave's response. :)

You say to-may-to, I to-mah-to!

I've had mine for almost 3 years now........

Right-On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What about all the bugs that they can't manage to fix? It is completely unreliable. That makes it total garbage.

I first got an 8300 about two years ago. I liked it, but when I had a couple of problems, it was swapped out for a Moxie (I didn't know about the self-fixes that I subsequently found on this site). Now THAT MOXIE was the worst piece of crap that I have ever seen, although some new software version supposedly improved it.

Fortunately, I after months of hounding my cable company I was able to get another 8300. I "seemed" to have a problem with a missed recording and took the advice given to me here to do a hard reboot and I haven't seen a problem since. The only other problem that has come up is "involuntary" reboots. I don't know whether this was the box or a cable company issue.

As far as search issues, I was directed here to use Titan TV and I have been delighted with that site.

If you are having a lot of problems, do all the suggested fixes and if that doesn't work get yourself a replacement.

Is it ok to have both my HDMI and Component cables connected to the 8300 at the same time? I'd like to compare HD quality on my TV between the two.

Thanks,
Harold

Is it ok to have both my HDMI and Component cables connected to the 8300 at the same time? I'd like to compare HD quality on my TV between the two.

Thanks,
HaroldIt's OK - but probably won't work as when HDMI is detected (usually) the component outputs are turned off. You might be able to "trick it" by unplugging the HDMI (on either end) though.

Hmm, something must be wrong with your box/signal - I haven't had it miss a recording in two years (since 1.87.x) - and we use it a LOT.

xnappo

That's an old version. All my problems with TV syncing, missed recordings, dead recordings, and a number of other things started happening with versions that were newer than that.

I can't help it that you have problems, but my experience tells me that those problems are caused by something other than the hardware/software itself, mostly likely the cableco, signal levels, etc., And the user.

Sorry, but most of the bugs I have found have been repeatable on multiple boxes in multiple locations. Learned that the "get a new box" or "we'll send someone out to look at it" options that Cablevision always tries first is a total waste of time.

I will repeat, the software in this thing is a total piece of garbage and completely unreliable.

Hmm, something must be wrong with your box/signal - I haven't had it miss a recording in two years (since 1.87.x) - and we use it a LOT.That's an old version. All my problems with TV syncing, missed recordings, dead recordings, and a number of other things started happening with versions that were newer than that.Xnappo's signature in the note you quoted says he's currently using SARA version 1.89.17.1.

His point was that he's used SARA for two years, spanning versions between 1.87.x and 1.89.17.1, and hasn't had the problems you described.

Xnappo's signature in the note you quoted says he's currently using SARA version 1.89.17.1.

His point was that he's used SARA for two years, spanning versions between 1.87.x and 1.89.17.1, and hasn't had the problems you described.

Yes, true, don't know when his cable company switched to various versions or if his cable company does anything special.

However, too many of these problems are reproducible and/or happen to too many people to write them off like it's just their opinion that there's problems.

I have a question, im not sure where I would go to ask this but here goes... i have a sammy dlp and got the 8300 to fill the screen for me while watching sdtv by going through the advanced setup ect, i then put my settings on the box to "auto dvi/hdmi." Anyway my tv is fine but I tried to do this to my friends tv and it wont work, I did everything the same as on my tv. By the way I also did it on my sharp lcd and it worked fine. So I dont understand why it wont work on his 8300. We have the same box same service provider ...everything. his tv is a toshiba DLP, here is a link to his specs http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/televisions/product.asp?model=52hmx84 thanks for all the help

I have a question about the SA8300HD and CC.....I haven't been able to get CC on any channels with my Samsung HDTV unless I use just the plain coax cable which is a terrible picture. I would love to know what I'm doing incorrectly. I know the tv is capable and the box is capable of cc......so why don't they work together with either composite or HDMI? Thanks for any help.

I have a question about the SA8300HD and CC.....I haven't been able to get CC on any channels with my Samsung HDTV unless I use just the plain coax cable which is a terrible picture. I would love to know what I'm doing incorrectly. I know the tv is capable and the box is capable of cc......so why don't they work together with either composite or HDMI? Thanks for any help.

In the menu, when you turn cc on, do you then hit OK? It won't "take" if you don't hit OK. I don't have hdmi, but the feature works fine with my component cables.

Thanks - somehow it's working now. I'm going to switch back to HDMI cable and see if it still works. Is there a way to allow the TV to handle the CC, rather than the STB? It seems that the TV has better formatting.......but the access to CC on the TV is 'grayed out' so the STB must be over-riding the TV?

However, too many of these problems are reproducible and/or happen to too many people to write them off like it's just their opinion that there's problems.Conversely, there are too many people who are using the box just fine to say categorically that "It is completely unreliable. That makes it total garbage.", which is the specific comment to which Xnappo was responding.

I'd bet most users would more or less agree with DoubleDAZ's sentiments: "To be sure, there are problems and that's why there is a First Post here with many tips. I use them, I accept the limitations, and I get the most out of what I have." It's unfortunate that your situation has been less satisfactory than most.

Sorry, but most of the bugs I have found have been repeatable on multiple boxes in multiple locations. Learned that the "get a new box" or "we'll send someone out to look at it" options that Cablevision always tries first is a total waste of time.

I will repeat, the software in this thing is a total piece of garbage and completely unreliable.You can repeat all you want, that doesn't make it fact for everyone and every cableco.

You did hit the nail on the head though when you mentioned Cablevision. They have had the worst track record with the SA8300HD and that's because they almost always have a unique version of the SARA software, usually ending in a100 or something like that.

There is no doubt folks like you have repeatable problems, and that makes your statement true for you and Cablevision, but how do you then explain that I and others don't have such problems? I can generally point to a specific software version and cableco, and signal levels.

Many folks who have the same software on the same cableco as I do have problems, but that is usually because they are trying to make the software do things like their other system did, usually Tivo, or they simply don't take the time to manage their recordings or they have signal problems that they haven't gotten fixed. I can assure you that at least one of my tech-challenged friends doesn't do any of the things I do and he still doesn't have any problems. He srets up his recordings and they record, simple as that.

One can argue that a user shouldn't have to do things and I would agree with you, but if it's such a useless system, why do you still have it? Or are you just here to raise a ruckus? :)

FWIW, I'd be interested in hearing about just one bug that you find repeatable so we can actually discuss a hard fact as opposed to rhetoric.

Thanks - somehow it's working now. I'm going to switch back to HDMI cable and see if it still works. Is there a way to allow the TV to handle the CC, rather than the STB? It seems that the TV has better formatting.......but the access to CC on the TV is 'grayed out' so the STB must be over-riding the TV?

It might depend on HDMI vs. Component or it might depend on the tv. On my set-up the tv CC works, but only on SD channels. I haven't thought about why it doesn't work on HD channels, but no use wondering about something you can't do anything about.

For NTSC, the CC signal is in Line 21 of the vertical blanking field. (http://www.robson.org/capfaq/technical.html) Sometimes shows up as a black and white noise line at the top of SD shows viewed on the HD channels (mis-adjusted over-scan settings / equipment?). So any channel you send the NTSC to the TV should get this and view it with the TV settings (i.e. RF coax).

DTV channels have another standard, DTVCC (EIA 708 / CEA-708-B), but all non-exempt programming should have captions by now...

My main TV is an HDTV monitor and all captioning comes from the cable box, even on the 480i signals over component. You do have to press OK on that setting for SARA to get it to stick, just moving the selector to "on" and closing the settings box does not work (as mentioned).

I see captions on most analog, digital and HD programming (notable exception is BSG on Universal :( ) If you use component cables to the TV, I *thought* you would have to change all the settings on the STB, but maybe some NTSC is sent out 480i...

My bedroom/RV LCD has NTSC, ATSC, and QAM tuner (with CableCard) and I see captions on all the types of channels...

I have no idea about HDMI, I used it briefly in the RV at some park or another with Adelphia/SA8300HD, but no real testing...


This is one area that you should be able to influence, but like Firewire (single supported stb) and resolution changes (converting everything in the stb), it may involve a trade-off somewhere else that you find more important...





<<more than you wanted to know>>

An old reference article... Broadcast Engineering (2004) (http://broadcastengineering.com/mag/broadcasting_special_report_methods/)

But ATSC FAQ (http://www.atsc.org/faq/faq_closed.html) references a 2004 document as well:Technical Papers and Presentations on DTV Closed Captioning

The following documents provide detailed information on closed captioning for digital television:

Implementing Closed Captioning for DTV (http://www.atsc.org/faq/Implementing_Closed_Captioning.pdf) This presentation was given by Graham Jones (NAB) at the 2004 NAB Broadcast Engineering Conference. The paper provides a thorough discussion of DTV CC requirements and practices.

PowerPoint Presentation on CC Implementation (http://www.atsc.org/faq/Implementing_Closed_Captioning-slides.pdf) This detailed presentation provides supporting graphics to the NAB BEC paper above.<</more>>

v/r,
C-F

I found a neat trick to enable quick cc on/off

I set my cc in my 8300 to "on mute" in the 8300's settings

When I when to activate/deactivate cc, I set the STB to "mute" (I still have sound... by my receiver... the TV speakers are off anyway).

This avoids having to go into the 8300 menu to turn the cc on/off.

I haven't found a way to program that into my universal remote (logitech 880) yet though, so I keep both the universal and the 8300 remote around (I prefer the 8300 remote to browse the online guide anyway).

I found a neat trick to enable quick cc on/off

I set my cc in my 8300 to "on mute" in the 8300's settings

When I when to activate/deactivate cc, I set the STB to "mute" (I still have sound... by my receiver... the TV speakers are off anyway).

This avoids having to go into the 8300 menu to turn the cc on/off.

I haven't found a way to program that into my universal remote (logitech 880) yet though, so I keep both the universal and the 8300 remote around (I prefer the 8300 remote to browse the online guide anyway).
I haven't done this for the 8300, but I have learned additional commands for other devices with both the 880 and 890.

I am not sure these are the exact steps, but it should be close.

1. Select Customize Buttons for your activity.
2. Select Additional Buttons
3. Select Learn Commands
4. Go to the bottom of the page, enter a name that you like and select learn command
5. Press the mute button on the remote you got with the 8300

This should show the command name you entered on the LCD of your 880.

In Austin we just got a firmware push from:
1.89.17.1
to:
1.89.21.3

Anyone know of any differences?

Thanks,
xnappo

You can repeat all you want, that doesn't make it fact for everyone and every cableco.

You did hit the nail on the head though when you mentioned Cablevision. They have had the worst track record with the SA8300HD and that's because they almost always have a unique version of the SARA software, usually ending in a100 or something like that.

There is no doubt folks like you have repeatable problems, and that makes your statement true for you and Cablevision, but how do you then explain that I and others don't have such problems? I can generally point to a specific software version and cableco, and signal levels.

Many folks who have the same software on the same cableco as I do have problems, but that is usually because they are trying to make the software do things like their other system did, usually Tivo, or they simply don't take the time to manage their recordings or they have signal problems that they haven't gotten fixed. I can assure you that at least one of my tech-challenged friends doesn't do any of the things I do and he still doesn't have any problems. He srets up his recordings and they record, simple as that.

One can argue that a user shouldn't have to do things and I would agree with you, but if it's such a useless system, why do you still have it? Or are you just here to raise a ruckus? :)

FWIW, I'd be interested in hearing about just one bug that you find repeatable so we can actually discuss a hard fact as opposed to rhetoric.

I really don't care if you don't see the problems. Missing recordings, dead (blank) recordings, lost disk space, locking up and rebooting, losing HDCP handshaking, flickering, etc.... All bugs. All have very little to do with signal strength. All in multiple locations on multiple units with clean signals on new cables.

I've seen too many products that people claim to have no problems with that are blatantly broken and I know they are blatantly broken because I've seen the source code and can hit serious problems with the supposed working product within minutes. Maybe I can get Cablevision to send me the source code for the 8300, then I could find out just how bad it is and make my current bug list look like it's nothing.

"Why do I still have it?" What kind of stupid question is that? What's the other choices? Directv's high-def offering is horrible and their DVR isn't so hot. FIOS has a good offering but their DVR is apparently as bad as Cablevisions. Tivo? Well, the new lower cost unit that just came out in the past week has some possibilities, I'm just waiting for reports on it to see how well it works. That's a lot more choices than most people have and their still isn't a good solution.

Companies get away with delivering garbage because people let them. What's even worse is some people defend them. That ticks me off to no end.

"Why do I still have it?" What kind of stupid question is that? What's the other choices? ... Companies get away with delivering garbage because people let them.Make up your mind. You complain that "companies get away with delivering garbage because people let them," and then you admit that you're one of the very people who is letting them get away with it. The *only* language that your cableco understands is revenue and profit. If you believe they are ripping you off, then DON'T PLAY THEIR GAME. Don't be an enabler. Refuse to pay for their DVR service, and turn your box back in.

To continue to pay sends only one message to the cableco: Their product is worth what you're paying for it. If you truly don't believe that's true, then put your money where your mouth is: Back in *your* pocket, and not in Cablevision's.

Conversely, if you're not willing to give up your DVR, then quitcher griping...or at least gripe to your cableco, who might possibly be able to do something to make your experience better, not to us, who are powerless to help you.

What's even worse is some people defend them. That ticks me off to no end.I'm not sure anyone here is "defending" anything so much as expressing that not everyone sees the same problems with the box that you report. It's a fact that the box *can* perform adequately, because it demonstrably *does* for Xnappo, DoubleDAZ, myself, and many others. That it does not for you is unfortunate. Logically, since it works for us and does not for you, your problems *must* be somehow unique to your specific situation and not generic to the box or its fundamental software. Maybe it's your cableco, your city, your neighborhood, your house, or your living room. But it's something that is not present in Austin, Houston, Phoenix, and other places.

Ultimately, I have to ask you: Why are we having this discussion? What does it accomplish to come here and gripe about your "garbage" device? Can anyone on this list do anything to help your situation?

No. We can't.

Do any of us benefit from listening to your bashing of the box based on an experience very different from the majority of users on this thread?

No. We don't.

So why are we having this conversation? All it's doing is getting a handful of people torqued off to no good end.

So why are we having this conversation? All it's doing is getting a handful of people torqued off to no good end.I was in kind of a foul mood last night and got sucked in to trying to have a discussion, but you've pointed out just how useless that is and I will refrain from any further response. If he can't see that his problems are more with his cableco, then nothing more we can say will help him, not that he's even looking for help.

I have a question about the SA8300HD and CC.....I haven't been able to get CC on any channels with my Samsung HDTV unless I use just the plain coax cable which is a terrible picture. I would love to know what I'm doing incorrectly. I know the tv is capable and the box is capable of cc......so why don't they work together with either composite or HDMI? Thanks for any help.


I'm hard of hearing, so CC is a requirement for me, else TV is almost useless. I too would prefer to have my TV handle CC as I think the font style options are better. The SA8300HD allows me to change text and background color, or make them "clear" if I choose, so there's a plus to both options.

Anyway, back to your concern. I am using HDMI, and I am forced to use the 8300 for captions on analog and digital / HDTV channels. Same thing with component output which I used for a day before picking up a cheap cable.

I have a Hitachi P50T501 plasma, for reference.

I have a question, im not sure where I would go to ask this but here goes... i have a sammy dlp and got the 8300 to fill the screen for me while watching sdtv by going through the advanced setup ect, i then put my settings on the box to "auto dvi/hdmi." Anyway my tv is fine but I tried to do this to my friends tv and it wont work, I did everything the same as on my tv. By the way I also did it on my sharp lcd and it worked fine. So I dont understand why it wont work on his 8300. We have the same box same service provider ...everything. his tv is a toshiba DLP, here is a link to his specs thanks for all the help

Are you using the auto aspect function on your friend's DLP (page 35 of the manual for that TV describes this), and is the cable box outputting SD signals as 480i and not upconverting them?

I have my SA8300HD configured in the initial advanced setup to use all its available output formats (480i/p standard and widescreen, 720p, 1080i). If the simple setup was used, everything is output at 1080i including SD, so the TV will think everything incoming is an HD program.

My Hitachi tv is configured to use its auto aspect feature. Without auto, it will leave it in the selected aspect ratio (I use only my TV's 4:3 Expanded and 16:9 Standard1 formats). Auto will put 480i/p signals into 4:3 Expanded and 720 or 1080 into 16:9 Standard1 automatically.

I was in kind of a foul mood last night and got sucked in to trying to have a discussion, but you've pointed out just how useless that is and I will refrain from any further response. If he can't see that his problems are more with his cableco, then nothing more we can say will help him, not that he's even looking for help.

Wow. Amazing. Must be my specific location in the universe. Hmm, except, maybe, if you search through this thread you'll find various people reporting all of these problems.

And I wasn't looking for help, especially from people like you who are no help at all. My original post was in response to someone else that was having a problem that I've seen and I made a comment that the 8300 is garbage so they know not to expect to much, and the cable company fanboys chime in to defend their wonderful 8300.

And with such total nonsense remarks like "why are you using it" when anyone with a half clue knows that there's no other way to record in high def and there's not a big market of competing products to choose from I just halve to wonder what stake you have in this garbage. And FYI, I have called the cable company, and I have complained, and I have swapped units a number of times, and they have refunded DVR charges, and I'm still going to switch to an alternative as soon as their is one.

I'm sure the cable company execs thank you for happily enjoying whatever crap they feed you.

Newbie here that I am, I would rather not see bickering, arguing or nitpicking that has little to do with the point of the forum. Makes me not want to read or contribute, and I doubt I'm alone in that. Could you please move that to PM's or email?

Newbie here that I am, I would rather not see bickering, arguing or nitpicking that has little to do with the point of the forum. Makes me want to not read or contribute, and I doubt I'm alone in that. Could you please move that to PM's or email?

Nicely said!!!

Amen...........

Newbie here that I am, I would rather not see bickering, arguing or nitpicking that has little to do with the point of the forum. Makes me not want to read or contribute, and I doubt I'm alone in that. Could you please move that to PM's or email?You've got a PM on the way. :)

I haven't done this for the 8300, but I have learned additional commands for other devices with both the 880 and 890.

I am not sure these are the exact steps, but it should be close.

1. Select Customize Buttons for your activity.
2. Select Additional Buttons
3. Select Learn Commands
4. Go to the bottom of the page, enter a name that you like and select learn command
5. Press the mute button on the remote you got with the 8300

This should show the command name you entered on the LCD of your 880.

BruceS, what you explained above worked perfectly.

I now only need one remote, and it includes turning cc on and off, thanks a lot

Next thing I need is a way to make my Harmony control the PS3 lol

Next thing I need is a way to make my Harmony control the PS3 lol

You can have your wish. Just came out a couple months ago from Nyko. Has a USB receiver and remote. Harmony still doesn't have the IR codes in their library. Just learn all the buttons from the remote.

http://shop.remoteshoppe.com/categoryNavigationDocument.hg?categoryId=14

Anyone ever hear of a SARA- Scientific Atlanta TV Channel? I was thumbing through TitanTV for my area/system and ran across it. There was no description. But, it wasn't on my cable system when I tuned to it. Some sort of "tech channel"?

Essentially, videotape - a huge leap backwards. :eek:

I read the Digital VHS quality is exceptional allowing a person to record a quality DVD from it.

I'm not sure where to start with this problem so I figured I'd ask here to see if it's a known problem. This morning when I got up and turned on my surround sound system all it would do is sound like a CD skipping fast on any digital channel. Turn to analog and it was fine. I'm hooked up via optical so I'm wondering if it could be something in the box?

I've tried a DVD and it seems to play fine.

So has this been an issue with the 8300HD or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks!

Just got a new TV (Pio 6010FD) and hooked up via HDMI for the first time. I found that this disabled DD5.1 audio outout via toslink. The FAQ explains the Settings work around. But, I found another one which could also go into the FAQ.

If you connect to an HDMI input that allows analog in and set the TV to use analog in, then you can set the 8300 audio to DD5.1 and leave it there so no settings changes are necessary to get DD5.1 from your receiver.

I'm not sure where to start with this problem so I figured I'd ask here to see if it's a known problem. This morning when I got up and turned on my surround sound system all it would do is sound like a CD skipping fast on any digital channel. Turn to analog and it was fine. I'm hooked up via optical so I'm wondering if it could be something in the box?

I've tried a DVD and it seems to play fine.

So has this been an issue with the 8300HD or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks!


I guess I should have done this from the start, but I pulled the plug on the back and let it reboot. Seems fine now.

I have the M7820 (http://support.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=94ded1f9-8ab5-4af5-8b96-d18cc60087b4)that came with the 8300HD. I can't find any remote codes for controlling my Infocus 7200 Projector. All I really need is the power button. Does anyone know if this is possible? The unit is in my closet, and I'd like to buy a cheap rf/ir extender, rather then a $300 Harmony 890.

Is it normal for the HDMI connection to remain "ON" after turning off the 8300?
My set displays noise (vary faint green pixels, w/o any sound) instead of a black screen with the "NO SIGNAL" indicator.
Is this normal? Should I be concerned?
:confused:

I usually turn off the box and plasma just before I leave the room, so I never noticed this before.

Thanks,
Vicky
____________________
LG 42PC1DA plasma
Sony NS75H dvd player
TW 8300HD dvr
Panasonic SA-HE200 receiver
Bose Acoustimass-5 speakers
HSU Performance 2 speakers (wishlist)

Is it normal for the HDMI connection to remain "ON" after turning off the 8300?
My set displays noise (vary faint green pixels, w/o any sound) instead of a black screen with the "NO SIGNAL" indicator.
Is this normal? Should I be concerned?Probably not. I suspect that is a characteristic of your set. But, it shouldn't be anything to worry about.

Probably not. I suspect that is a characteristic of your set. But, it shouldn't be anything to worry about.

That maybe correct, however my dvd player is also connected via hdmi but does not exhibit this problem.

Thanks,
Vicky
____________________
LG 42PC1DA plasma
Sony NS75H dvd player
TW 8300HD dvr
Panasonic SA-HE200 receiver
Bose Acoustimass-5 speakers
HSU Performance 2 speakers (wishlist)

That maybe correct, however my dvd player is also connected via hdmi but does not exhibit this problem.Just a thought, that could be because the 8300 is never really off. It just goes into standby mode when you turn the power off, it will still record while off.

Is it normal for the HDMI connection to remain "ON" after turning off the 8300?
My set displays noise (vary faint green pixels, w/o any sound) instead of a black screen with the "NO SIGNAL" indicator.
Is this normal? Should I be concerned?


I usually turn off the box and plasma just before I leave the room, so I never noticed this before.
It's normal for a "possessed" piece of equipment:rolleyes: I've had a few times when the box was off & not recording, but it was really on. Sending a signal (picture & sound) on a channel that I don't watch. Then it whispered "Have you checked the children?":eek:
Seriously, I Power off and/or reboot and it has always fixed it.

Just a thought, that could be because the 8300 is never really off. It just goes into standby mode when you turn the power off, it will still record while off.Dave, maybe - though I don't know what happens to the HDMI signal lines when the box goes into standby. The thing that I was suspecting (but don't really know) is that many plasma sets "play games" with levels to avoid "burn-in" coupled with the fact that they need to essentially use noise to represent dark shades could lead to this effect.

But, the major point, is that it is not something to be concerned about.

Dave, maybe - though I don't know what happens to the HDMI signal lines when the box goes into standby. The thing that I was suspecting (but don't really know) is that many plasma sets "play games" with levels to avoid "burn-in" coupled with the fact that they need to essentially use noise to represent dark shades could lead to this effect.

But, the major point, is that it is not something to be concerned about.
Since it does not happen on her HDMI connected DVD player, I think she's isolated the problem. Since my 8300 does many weird things, I would blame it first.
1) Occasionally I press the DVD List button & it flashes the list for 1/2 second (This requires a reboot to fix)
2) An old show gets mapped to to a recently recorded show (This happened once)
3) And of course the famous box is supposedly off, but it really on. I know most electronics are really on all the time. But the 8300 can take it to another level.

Even the Component output of the 8300 does something when the unit is turned off. With the 8300 turn-off, I get a near black screen. With the 8300 un-pluged, I get a no-signal message.

I am wondering if it is possible to have 1 8300 hd dvr and one regular HD set top box and stream recorded shows to the other box?

I basically want to have one box that i record shows on and multiple rooms to view them in. Is this possible?

I am wondering if it is possible to have 1 8300 hd dvr and one regular HD set top box and stream recorded shows to the other box?

I basically want to have one box that i record shows on and multiple rooms to view them in. Is this possible?Not in HD in the other rooms.

SA has a Multi-Room (MR) model that just what you want (can watch one program in the main room and a 2nd one in another room - but only SD there), but few cable companies have deployed them.

There is a "cheap" (free) version, where you can watch (but only in SD) what is being shown (in SD or HD) on the main set - just run the RF out from the SA8300HD to the other sets. The RF out (ch 3 or 4) will have a downconverted version of what is on the HD out of the DVR.

Hey guys, I have a weird issue with my 8300HD that maybe you can help out with. If this isn't the right area post, please point me to the correct one as I couldn't find a better place.

I have the 8300 hooked up via component to my LG 42LC2D. The only HDMI input on the LG is already taken up by the Oppo 981HD. When I have everything plugged in and turned on, I get video noise on the TV from the cable box. The noise is horizontal lines rolling up slowly. They are not constant where you can't see the image, but they are definitely noticable. Some are a faint green or red line, some are thicker lines and some are thinner lines. I've troubleshot it where it isn't the surge protector, the component input on the TV or the 8300 box itself as I have tried a different protector, input and box respectively. I have another 8300HD box hooked up downstairs in my basement and this does not happen on that box downstairs, but it does upstairs with the same box.

I basically have figured it out it must be the power outlet with a bad ground and the component video is sending this bad ground noise from the 8300 to the TV. I tried another outlet in the same room on the same circuit with the exact same results. Any thoughts on what I can do other than using the HDMI output on the 8300?

... I get video noise on the TV from the cable box. The noise is horizontal lines rolling up slowly. They are not constant where you can't see the image, but they are definitely noticable. Some are a faint green or red line, some are thicker lines and some are thinner lines...I haven't seen that on my setup here in Phoenix, but when we were housesitting for friends on San Diego a few months back, I noticed faint colored bands scrolling up the screen at a rate that I thought suggested 60Hz noise (17- to 20-second cycle?). I don't think our friends had ever noticed this problem in their relatively new HDTV setup, and I knew I hadn't changed any connections or done anything that should have caused the problem, so I didn't spend much time trying to debug it. As I recall, the bands were only visible when we were watching the output of the 8300HD cable box, not their DVD player.

It seems to me that one possibility might be a bad cable -- that is, improper shielding on one or more of the three component cables. All the equipment was plugged into the same power strip. I agree with the general idea that it looks like a grounding problem, but isn't it more likely that it could be a problem with the video connections themselves rather than the AC supply?

I'm not an electrical engineer and haven't ever addressed or solved anything that was verified to be a ground loop problem, so if someone else has more pertinent experience and advice, that may be what's needed. I just wanted to share what I had seen because I thought your problem sounded similar.

Ah yes, I completely forgot to mention I tried a few different component cables :)

I knew I forgot to add one thing in there.

... I completely forgot to mention I tried a few different component cables :)I realized I might well have been making an unwarranted assumption. Sorry for introducing more noise into the discussion!

Any thoughts on what I can do other than using the HDMI output on the 8300?Could it be that the loop is from the cable outlet? Aren't the cable runs grounded where they come into the house? Could it be holding a ground that matches the downstairs circuit, but off from the upstairs one?

Alternately, did you check the power cable on the TV? My 8300 and CRT-TV only have two prong plugs, but the LCD has a three prong...

v/r,
C-F

<not an electrician>

Do you have a line amp in the system? I've seen similar problems when an AC powered line amp is connected without using the correct voltage inserter to power the amp or it is hooked up wrong.

You can try inserting a DC Power block in the cable line to see if that clears the problem. Parts Express has one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=180-192&CFID=4162076&CFTOKEN=82367611

http://www.partsexpress.com/images/180-192m.jpg

I thought I remembered something about current on the component outs on the 8300HD link:#140 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=6737072&postcount=140) I searched but did not come up with a hit. I just did not search for DC until cctvtech mentioned it.

Not that it is likely your problem though...

v/r,
C-F

No, that is not a symptom of voltage on the component video. That appears as a bright green overall hue to the picture.

I was referring to voltage on the "cable" cable itself.

Just a post to affirm good results with My DVR Expander by WDC. Worked absolutely as advertised right out of the box after I fried a 300G Maxtor and then had bad luck trying to replace with a Seagate, a new 500G Maxtor and an exact duplicate of the 300G I had fried.

I would not hesitate to recommend this.

I just happen to have 2 eSATA 500 meg drives.

1)Is it possible to have both connected simultaneously to the 8300 HD or

2) is it possible to switch between the two units with some sort of e-SATA switch?

1)Is it possible to have both connected simultaneously to the 8300 HD or

No.

2) is it possible to switch between the two units with some sort of e-SATA switch?

Yes - this works fine(on Sara - not sure about Passport/Navigator)

xnappo

How would I do this????????

How would I do this????????

You just hook one up and record stuff on it. If you disconnect power and hook the other up, you can record on it. Shows on the first drive will still show up in the list, but will be unplayable of course. You can disconnect power and switch back and forth as you please.

This is certainly not a supported feature - I don't know if there would be long-term stability issues...

xnappo

This is certainly not a supported feature - I don't know if there would be long-term stability issues...But, in fact, with most all cable systems ANY external HD is "unsupported", let alone two. :rolleyes:

But, in fact, with most all cable systems ANY external HD is "unsupported", let alone two. :rolleyes:

Of course. What I meant was I don't know if the software was written to be able to handle it, or if it just happens to work. I suspect the latter.

xnappo

I've been reading through and wondering if someone could help me.

I have my SA 8300 HD hooked up to my plasma via HDMI. I recently connected the 8300 to my Onkyo receiver via optical audio out from the 8300 to the receiver.

I know how to switch to Dolby Digital in the audio settings feature of the 8300 that I can access through my remote and I switch from HDMI to Dolby Digital when I want to listen to TV through my home theater.

My problem is the audio when I switch to Dolby Digital is often out of synch on channels like Starz HD and Showtime HD. Horribly out of synch. When I go back to HDMI and listen through my plasma's speakers, everything is in synch.

I'm not sure what else to play with or if this is strictly caused by the fact that I'm going HDMI in, to my plasma, but it's pretty bad and very strange since some channels are better in synch than others when I'm using my receiver.

My receiver is dolby digital and is decoding it, but it's a few years old and has no HDMI on it, so that's why I'm going HDMI directly to the TV from the 8300.

Is this a problem with my receiver, the 8300 or Cablevision of Westchester, NY?

If anyone has any advice, I'd appreciate it.

Is this a problem with my receiver, the 8300 or Cablevision of Westchester, NY?

If anyone has any advice, I'd appreciate it.

Sounds like a receiver problem to me. I have my 8300HD via Cablevision hooked up to my Sony HT with HDMI and Optical Audio and have not seen any out of sync issues.

Does a hard reboot lose the recorded programs already on the drive or lose the scheduled recordings already programed in?

Thanks for any help : )

Does a hard reboot lose the recorded programs already on the drive or lose the scheduled recordings already programed in?

Thanks for any help : )No (In fact, I've had one or two occasions where it effectively recovered a "lost" program)

Has anyone seen this... I have one channel HDUNI that give the message; not available please try again later. Everything thing else works.. including on demand channels like HD showcase on Demand... etc. Apparently this channel is one of the new switched channels. It worked fine on Sunday evening.. Monday morning gone. I have rebooted. Is it more likely a defective 8300 or something outside the building. It seems I am the only HD subcriber in my building so I can't ask around. Curious what people think it might be?

After reading your message I turned on UNIHD, it works fine. I'm running SARA 1.89.17.1

You just hook one up and record stuff on it. If you disconnect power and hook the other up, you can record on it. Shows on the first drive will still show up in the list, but will be unplayable of course. You can disconnect power and switch back and forth as you please.

This is certainly not a supported feature - I don't know if there would be long-term stability issues...

xnappo

Hmmm, this is really interesting. You could use one drive for your everyday recordings that you don't wish to keep, like sports and such, and the other drive for permanent stuff, like Planet Earth and favorite movies. Just keep a list of which is on which drive.

Thanks for the info,
Harold

Hmmm, this is really interesting. You could use one drive for your everyday recordings that you don't wish to keep, like sports and such, and the other drive for permanent stuff, like Planet Earth and favorite movies. Just keep a list of which is on which drive.

Thanks for the info,
Harold

Just remember that recordings on an external drive are only viewable on the DVR they were recorded from. Should your SA8300 crap out all recordings on the external drive are toast too. So there is no such thing as "permanent". The SA manual mentions a couple of times that the DVR is not a long term storage device.

Just remember that recordings on an external drive are only viewable on the DVR they were recorded from. Should your SA8300 crap out all recordings on the external drive are toast too. So there is no such thing as "permanent". The SA manual mentions a couple of times that the DVR is not a long term storage device.

Remy,

Right. Better I should have said "as much 'permanence' as we can get right now".

H

I want to buy a WD "DVR Expander" (500G) but as far as I can tell it's only available on WD's web site, and their shipping policy says they don't ship to Canada.

Is it sold anywhere else?

Has anyone seen this... I have one channel HDUNI that give the message; not available please try again later. Everything thing else works.. including on demand channels like HD showcase on Demand... etc. Apparently this channel is one of the new switched channels...

I'm on cablevision, and the bottom line is that switched video is broken on the 8300HD. Some people have been told by CV that its broken, others that its intentionally turned off!!, and others that they don't know how to use the DVR! As CV moves more stuff to switched, the noise level in DSLReports increases.

The two symptoms are the not available message, and scheduled recording failing in ways which sometimes require a reboot.

Some people have had success with recording if they leave the DVR tuned to the station they plan to record, but thats not a viable solution in most cases.

Complain - maybe enought complaints will get someones attention. Before I gave up on the SDV channel I was trying to use, I did get a refund for its cost each month. But a spent way to much time on the phone.

Hi,
New to the forums - I have a few questions :

1. To find out what version of SARA I am using I assume I have to go through the diagnostics screen?
2. How do I know if I am running the latest software?
3. Is there any way to force an update?
4. Is there any way to chance to the Passport software or is that decided on by your cable company?

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Hi,
New to the forums - I have a few questions :

1. To find out what version of SARA I am using I assume I have to go through the diagnostics screen?Check the start of this thread.
2. How do I know if I am running the latest software?By seeing what other folks have on this thread. But, keep in mind that the versions may differ slightly due to local considerations.
3. Is there any way to force an update?Usually not. The real problem with the system software is that it MUST be compatible with the rest of the cable system. Cable needs to check out a new version in their system (and honestly, they all too often throw a new version out there without thoroughly checking its compatibility in their system).
4. Is there any way to chance to the Passport software or is that decided on by your cable company?No way - the choice of Passport or SARA is really dictated by the architecture of your particular cable system*. So if the system was built for SARA the system then all STBs need to run SARA**.

NOTES:
*It always helps to include your location in your user profile. We have no idea "where you are coming from" and the cable systems are very regionalized.
**Cable systems are moving to more universal architecture called OCAP. What appears to be happening is that some TW systems are now running both Passport and OCAP and new cable boxes are OCAP with TW using their OCAP user software - Navigator (which is pretty bad software right now). Ultimately, there will likely be systems with both SARA and OCAP. But that hasn't started to happen yet.

Thanks for the advice - updated my profile - thanks :)

Do you have a line amp in the system? I've seen similar problems when an AC powered line amp is connected without using the correct voltage inserter to power the amp or it is hooked up wrong.

You can try inserting a DC Power block in the cable line to see if that clears the problem. Parts Express has one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=180-192&CFID=4162076&CFTOKEN=82367611

http://www.partsexpress.com/images/180-192m.jpg

No I don't have a line amp in the system. I like the DC Power Block idea, but I already ordered another HDMI cable. I have an HDMI switcher that I'll use between the 981HD and 8300HD, assuming the 'noise' doesn't come through that as well (which I doubt). I'll post if it doesn't fix my issue.

Thanks for the help CANNON-FODDER and cctvtech!

As a result of my complaining to Comcast about the SA8000 not having sound when first turned on, they sent a tech who did not have an 8300 with him. He said he would come back but that it would be quicker if I went to the office to pick one up. I did and installed it myself same plugs as 8000. Problem is that the color on my Sony KF-50WE610 is lacks all red. Adjusting the color to full red hue on the TV helps a little bit. Seems to me there must be something about the 8300 that is doing this as that was the only variable but i can find no control for color on the 8300. Any ideas? Thank you very much for reading this.

Bob H. Manassas, VA

As a result of my complaining to Comcast about the SA8000 not having sound when first turned on, they sent a tech who did not have an 8300 with him. He said he would come back but that it would be quicker if I went to the office to pick one up. I did and installed it myself same plugs as 8000. Problem is that the color on my Sony KF-50WE610 is lacks all red. Adjusting the color to full red hue on the TV helps a little bit. Seems to me there must be something about the 8300 that is doing this as that was the only variable but i can find no control for color on the 8300. Any ideas? Thank you very much for reading this.

Bob H. Manassas, VA

I am not positive, but I think you may need one of these:
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/1183.htm
Most TVs are okay, however some can't take the DC level the SA8300 puts on the line. Older SA8300s (and SA8000s) don't have this issue.

Here is a post describing the problem:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=6701178&postcount=23

xnappo

As a result of my complaining to Comcast about the SA8000 not having sound when first turned on, they sent a tech who did not have an 8300 with him. He said he would come back but that it would be quicker if I went to the office to pick one up. I did and installed it myself same plugs as 8000. Problem is that the color on my Sony KF-50WE610 is lacks all red. Adjusting the color to full red hue on the TV helps a little bit. Seems to me there must be something about the 8300 that is doing this as that was the only variable but i can find no control for color on the 8300. Any ideas? Thank you very much for reading this.

Bob H. Manassas, VAEither you have the connections wrong (switched Pr & Pb) or the 8300 that they gave you is defective (this is also likely as any 8300HDs that they give out these days (as opposed to 8300HDCs) are used and may have been returned by someone else for exactly the same problem).

This drive will not work with the Scientific Atlanta DVR. The reason is that the drive electronics try to negotiate the baud rate with the host. Since the Scientific Atlanta box does not support this protocol, no connection is established and the drive is not recognized.

The difference between this drive and the My DVR Expander is that the DVR expander does not use the baud rate negotiation, and thus is recognized by the DVR.

Stephen Mahan

This drive will not work with the Scientific Atlanta DVR. The reason is that the drive electronics try to negotiate the baud rate with the host. Since the Scientific Atlanta box does not support this protocol, no connection is established and the drive is not recognized.

The difference between this drive and the My DVR Expander is that the DVR expander does not use the baud rate negotiation, and thus is recognized by the DVR.

Stephen MahanDid you check this out FIRST on the 8300 External Drive Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559)? That's where discussion of external drives goes on.

Thanks for the advice - updated my profile - thanks :)Also, be advised that you will have the lastest software your cableco provides. It doesn't really matter what everyone else is using, except to try to get your cableco to upgrade.

One other thing is that even if you have the same software as someone else, you might not have the same IPG database. I just returned from visiting my daughter in El Paso and couldn't believe how far behind TWC is there. They have a 1.89.x.x version of SARA, but no New or HD indicator, hence none of the newer recording options. Obviously, they don't like it compared to the Passport they had in North Carolina, but unlike some, they aren't "crying" about it. Oh yeah, and, they'll only be there a year for school anyway. :)

I picked up a HDMI cable today, hooked it up and I get a message from my SA 8300hd say that my TV does not support HDCP. I tried several reboots of the STB , different inputs, rain dance. Has anybody had this happen or could point me in the right direction.

The only thing I can think of is to make sure the TV is on before powering up the 8300. If that doesn't work, then your TV may indeed not support HDCP and you are out of luck with HDMI. If it doesn't, I don't know of anything you can do.

My LG 42Lb5D advertises that it accepts HDCP. I know from another thread that people are not having this issue. Oh well, thanks for your insight, I guess I'll be calling LG.Im sure they will say that it is the 8300.

SARA V. 1.88.25.1

... El Paso ... far behind ... unlike some, they aren't "crying" about it. Oh yeah, and, they'll only be there a year for school anyway. :)Who? Me? ... didn't think I was 'crying', I'll only admit to a grumble or two. :p
Too much work / school here for much TV, but it's creeping back in now that we are in a house w/DVR and out of the RV...

Congrats and luck to your daughter / spouse on the school (SGMA?).

v/r,
C-F

Either you have the connections wrong (switched Pr & Pb) or the 8300 that they gave you is defective (this is also likely as any 8300HDs that they give out these days (as opposed to 8300HDCs) are used and may have been returned by someone else for exactly the same problem).

I'll admit it...stupidity reigns.

Although I did not switch Pr and Pb...I did let the red connector fall off...duh...gotta get longer cables.

All fixed and working perfectly now (he said, slinking quietly away).

Who? Me? ... didn't think I was 'crying', I'll only admit to a grumble or two. :p
Too much work / school here for much TV, but it's creeping back in now that we are in a house w/DVR and out of the RV...

Congrats and luck to your daughter / spouse on the school (SGMA?).

v/r,
C-FROTFLMAO!

Yeah, spouse is at SGMA. They live in the new Aero Vista housing at Biggs Field. We went out to lunch at Cattleman's Steak House and were pretty disappointed, very expensive for a so-so meal. Ever been to Ardovino's over in Sunland Park by the racetrack/casino?

no New or HD indicator, hence none of the newer recording options. Obviously, they don't like it compared to the Passport they had in North Carolina, but unlike some, they aren't "crying" about it.

i dont have "New or HD indicator" either (see sig for version) :mad:

lowers head sulking

:D

i dont have "New or HD indicator" either (see sig for version) :mad:Yet, I we have the same version of SARA and have had both "New" and "HD" indicators for some time now. So it really is related to the IPG source.

on my remote that TWC gave me, when i press "input" to switch to my PS3 it won't allow me to go to my ps3. i have my sa 8300HD connected via HDMI to my Mitsu 57732 tv. when i do press the input button a lil' popup on my screen appears. it shows me the video connections that my tv have, such as 2 HDMI (ps3 and cable) and component (dvd). but i'm not allowed to switch from one to the other. my remote that came w/ the tv does allow me to switch over. so i'm thinking, is it a remote control issue?

Yep, sounds like a remote control issue.

You might want to look into a universal remote. I have the Logitech Harmony 880 (I never had a universal remote before... just had the various 4-5-6 remotes nearby and drove my GF crazy) and I have to admit it is fantastic.

on my remote that TWC gave me, when i press "input" to switch to my PS3 it won't allow me to go to my ps3. i have my sa 8300HD connected via HDMI to my Mitsu 57732 tv. when i do press the input button a lil' popup on my screen appears. it shows me the video connections that my tv have, such as 2 HDMI (ps3 and cable) and component (dvd). but i'm not allowed to switch from one to the other. my remote that came w/ the tv does allow me to switch over. so i'm thinking, is it a remote control issue?

Well, on my set up the first press of the button just brings up the pop-up, the next press starts cycling through the active inputs one by one. You probably know this, but just in case...

Well, on my set up the first press of the button just brings up the pop-up, the next press starts cycling through the active inputs one by one. You probably know this, but just in case...

i tried that w/ the cable's remote and to no avail. i'll just use my tv issued remote. i guess if it begins to really bother me then i'll go ahead and buy a good universal.

Also, be advised that you will have the lastest software your cableco provides. It doesn't really matter what everyone else is using, except to try to get your cableco to upgrade.

One other thing is that even if you have the same software as someone else, you might not have the same IPG database. I just returned from visiting my daughter in El Paso and couldn't believe how far behind TWC is there. They have a 1.89.x.x version of SARA, but no New or HD indicator, hence none of the newer recording options. Obviously, they don't like it compared to the Passport they had in North Carolina, but unlike some, they aren't "crying" about it. Oh yeah, and, they'll only be there a year for school anyway. :)Dave,
I realize the New and HD indicators are part of the IPG.
Are you saying that the newer recording options require the Tribune Data Version 2 IPG also?

FYI for those interested in how SDV appears in the diag screens:

New versions of the SARA firmware have some SDV specific screens:
37 - Switched Digital Video
38 - SDV MINI Carousel
39 - SDV Session Info
37 and 38 seem pretty useless. 39 however is interesting. Here is how the interesting fields behave with different channel types:

Fixed QAM/analog:
Name-Status: SDV61444-Ready
SamSvcld/Type: <channel number>/Broadcast
Act Time: n/a
SDV Freq: 0MHz

SDV Channel:
Name-Status: SDV61444-Pending (until lock), then -Ready
SamSvcld/Type: <some number>/Switched
Act Time: <date and time status went to ready>
SDV Freq: Changes depending on SDV pool that gets assigned

Once you go through a few, you begin to figure out which QAM frequencies are assigned to the SDV pool, and can just identify them easily from the normal stuff on page 1.

xnappo

Thanks for posting that Xnappo.

... Ardovino's ...No, I will have to try it, but we liked Bella Napoli (Bella Napoli Restaurant, 6331 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX Tel: (915) 584-3321) enough to go back a couple times. For lunch, there is an Italian restaurant hidden on the corner of Fred Wilson and Dyer, but the servings are huge...

v/r,
C-F

No, I will have to try it, but we liked Bella Napoli (Bella Napoli Restaurant, 6331 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX Tel: (915) 584-3321) enough to go back a couple times. For lunch, there is an Italian restaurant hidden on the corner of Fred Wilson and Dyer, but the servings are huge...

v/r,
C-FIf you do try it, let me know how it was. I have no idea of prices. They are not on the website and there was no menu outside when we drove by when they were closed. I guess it's ambiance is set up for the sunsets as it is out in the boondocks and not much to look at during the day. I'll email those other suggestions to my daughter and add them to my list of places to try in October.

Last night, I noticed that the HD8300 was not recording when it should at 8pm. I then tried to push the record button to manually record what I am watching right away and this one was not working either. I checked disc usage and its only 6%. I even changed the battery of the remote but this did not help.

After trying different ways, all of a sudden it started recording after I push the record button. It sounds like its the HD fault and not the remote since the programmed recording is not working too. Is it time to return the HD for another one?

My LG 42Lb5D advertises that it accepts HDCP. I know from another thread that people are not having this issue. Oh well, thanks for your insight, I guess I'll be calling LG.Im sure they will say that it is the 8300.

SARA V. 1.88.25.1

Well, I did exchange it and it works fine (HDMI signal looks noticeably better than component on my set) They gave me the 8300HDC with SARA 1.90. This may sound elementary but what use would a cable card have on a STB. I thought the idea of the cable card was to eliminate the STB.

This may sound elementary but what use would a cable card have on a STB. I thought the idea of the cable card was to eliminate the STB.The FCC has banned cable from supplying customers with NEW STBs that have "Integrated Security" effective 7/1/07. While there are some longer term solutions (DCAS) that we will likely see in a year or so, cable's only short term solution has been to deploy boxes that use CableCards (the real function of the CableCard is to supply security).

BTW: The CableCard products need a slightly different version of software - that's why you have SARA version 1.90, while others in your area have 1.89. TW Passport folks are really getting screwed though - as those getting CableCard boxes are getting stuck with Navigator!

The FCC has banned cable from supplying customers with NEW STBs that have "Integrated Security" effective 7/1/07. While there are some longer term solutions (DCAS) that we will likely see in a year or so, cable's only short term solution has been to deploy boxes that use CableCards (the real function of the CableCard is to supply security).

BTW: The CableCard products need a slightly different version of software - that's why you have SARA version 1.90, while others in your area have 1.89. TW Passport folks are really getting screwed though - as those getting CableCard boxes are getting stuck with Navigator!Houston and Galveston are still at 1.88.25.1. We haven't even been updated to 1.89.x.x.
I would like to know if 1.90.x.x has the new features of 1.89.x.x?

Houston and Galveston are still at 1.88.25.1. We haven't even been updated to 1.89.x.x.
I would like to know if 1.90.x.x has the new features of 1.89.x.x?

i picked up my 8300HDC with SARA 1.90.x.x in Galveston Wednesday. I haven't been able to tell if anything has changed. I could probably specific questions if you were curious.

i picked up my 8300HDC with SARA 1.90.x.x in Galveston Wednesday. I haven't been able to tell if anything has changed. I could probably specific questions if you were curious.
The following are two new features in SARA 1.89.x.x from the first post in this thread.
* NEW Flag now displayed in IPG (displays on date/time line in Menu and on last line of Program Description). Note: requires Tribune Data Version 2, otherwise all programs may be listed as NEW.
Do you see "NEW" displayed in the IPG if the program is new?

* Recording future-dated episodes provides options for those wanting to record episodes other than First Run, but not all rerun episodes:
On this channel this day in this time slot
On this channel at any time
On this channel any day in this time slot
Do you see the "On this channel this day in this time slot" menu option when you set a program to record "All episodes"? Note: The key words are "this day"

Both of these features are in 1.89.x.x but are NOT in 1.88.x.x. I am trying to determine if 1.90.x.x used 1.89.x.x as a base and I think if these two features are in it then it did. It should be fairly easy to determine if these two features are in 1.90.x.x.

Thanks

I seem to recall seeing warnings that you can lose capabilites like "live" and "fastforward"/ after adding an external drive? Is this true/ still true?
Where can I find more info on this. Just want to know what I am getting into and the workarounds... thanks much, jeff.

Now noticed that this loss in capability could be due to buffering on internal drive versus external drive and not due to actually adding the drive itself.... is this correct? If this is true, is there any way to "reserve" the necessary buffer space on the internal drive and force the recordings to the external?

2hightec,

Recordings are saved to the HDD with the most free space, automatically. All of the FF and other functions should operate as if you didn't have an external HDD. Make sure you have a 16MB (or better) cache on the external drive to prevent buffer problems.

TTx

I seem to recall seeing warnings that you can lose capabilites like "live" and "fastforward"/ after adding an external drive? Is this true/ still true?
Where can I find more info on this. Just want to know what I am getting into and the workarounds... thanks much, jeff.

Now noticed that this loss in capability could be due to buffering on internal drive versus external drive and not due to actually adding the drive itself.... is this correct? If this is true, is there any way to "reserve" the necessary buffer space on the internal drive and force the recordings to the external?The buffer issues only exist with Passport. I assume as you are posting on a SARA thread that this doesn't apply to you.

I'd strongly suggest that you add you location to your profile (you can find it under your User CP). That often helps identify the particular cable system that you are on and helps us help you.

This thead (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559) is devoted to extenal drives for the 8300 - though it often fails to differentiate the differences between SARA and Passport.

Anyone else have Comcast "on demand" lockup pretty regulary and require a reboot of the box to get it working again? Very annoying, makes me hate using on demand...

I don't use On Demand very much, but when I first got a digital box here in Houston three years ago, I bought a couple of movies and had problems. It'd get stuck FFing, or would freeze up during regular playback, etc. Not sure I watched a single movie error-free.

That turned me off of On Demand for a long time. Recently, I tried it again, and had a much better experience. Browsed the menu, made my purchase, watched the movie (with a fair bit of pause/resume/FF/REW action), and had no glitches.

Dunno if the system's been improved, or if I just got lucky.

Dunno if the system's been improved, or if I just got lucky.

I use it all the time in Austin... It used to be buggy but works well now. Been watching Mad Men in HD with great success...

xnappo

Hi

I have the 8300 HD DVR at Videotron in Montreal.
I seem to have an issue when trying to play recorded movies. I was wondering if others have that.

Basically, I'll go in "list", pick a movie and choose "play", then nothing happens.
If I retry, nothing happens. To fix it, I have to choose another movie, choose "play", that one will start, then I go back to the first movie I wanted and choose "play", and then it works.

Anyone else got that?

Hi

I have the 8300 HD DVR at Videotron in Montreal.
I seem to have an issue when trying to play recorded movies. I was wondering if others have that.

Basically, I'll go in "list", pick a movie and choose "play", then nothing happens.
If I retry, nothing happens. To fix it, I have to choose another movie, choose "play", that one will start, then I go back to the first movie I wanted and choose "play", and then it works.

Anyone else got that?This was discussed quite a while ago, but I don't remember all the details. All I remember is that it happens from time to time, though I haven't seen it since that discussion. If it's happening too often though, try a reboot to see if that helps.

This was discussed quite a while ago, but I don't remember all the details. All I remember is that it happens from time to time, though I haven't seen it since that discussion. If it's happening too often though, try a reboot to see if that helps.I see that every now and then (had it just the other day). It seemed to come with 1.89.xx.xx. Reboots don't seem to make any difference for me. But then it happens so infrequently, the "fix" is simple and a reboot is such a pain - so why bother with the reboot?

I have had problems with shows not playing and I am not on 1.89.x.x. It doesn't seem to happen on 1.88.25.1, but it happened on 1.87.16.a104. Sometimes, I was able to play another show and then it would play the original show that it wouldn't play to begin with. Other times, I had to reboot and then the original show might play, but sometimes I could never get the original show to play no matter what I did.

I think the keyword here is "seem". Although I didn't notice it before 1.89 either, I assume I just never hit the right circumstance to cause the problem. Like The Other Dave says, there isn't much that can be done and I really don't remember rebooting either, just mentioned that if it was an on-going problem. I haven't run into it since the early days after loading 1.89.

I have had problems with shows not playing and I am not on 1.89.x.x. It doesn't seem to happen on 1.88.25.1, but it happened on 1.87.16.a104. Sometimes, I was able to play another show and then it would play the original show that it wouldn't play to begin with. Other times, I had to reboot and then the original show might play, but sometimes I could never get the original show to play no matter what I did.

Wow, we're not the only ones this has happened to. I have exactly the same situation above, sometimes just having to erase the program un-watched. We were thinking of replacing the 8300 but I guess that wouldn't help.

Thanks,

Rich N.

Last week after the TW cable guys came out to solve a wire problem they swaped in the new 8300HDC DVR. We had been using the previous 8300HD model. I notice now some drop outs in video and audio when watching live.. I have not seen it on a recording. When it drops out the buffer is gone. It is not happening every time we watch, for instance it has been on several hours this morning and no problem. Last night it was doing it... and I noticed that a show was recording.. We had also earlier that evening switched via HDMI to a DVD player. I am thinking perhaps one or the other may initiate this behavior. I am asking them to bring me back the previous model on Wednesday. Meanwhile I am trying to find the pattern. Anyone get this new DVR and have noticed any differences? We are using HDMI. It might be related to the way this new box handles HDMI... thats my hunch.. I think there are bugs in the player.

I also found on this forum people reporting similar things..

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r18956308-Scientific-Atlanta-8300HDC

Anyone had and experience with the SA4250HDC

8300 HDC with SARA 1.90

I noticed a different behavior from 8300 HDC from the previous model 8300 HD... on HDMI

Turn the DVR on before the TV.... If you have digital audio to an amp there will be no sound from digital out until the TV is on... plus turn off the TV during a show... and back on.. no buffer. That did not happen before this model..

Anyone else get one of these yet? What is your feedback using HDMI?

Can some knowledgable person tell me the differences/benefits between the 8300HD/PVR ( older model, I guess) and the newer 8300HDC/PVR? I'm not sure if I should go for the newer model.

Can some knowledgable person tell me the differences/benefits between the 8300HD/PVR ( older model, I guess) and the newer 8300HDC/PVR? I'm not sure if I should go for the newer model.


the HDC utilizes a cable card. the other doesn't. depending on your cable co and where you are either one could come with various operating software and versions.

Here is a link to a thread where that is discussed:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11118043#post11118043

There is little advantage to going for the newer model dvr with cable card and depending on what cable provider and what DVR operating system you have it can have major disadvantages (see my post in the other thread).

Can some knowledgable person tell me the differences/benefits between the 8300HD/PVR ( older model, I guess) and the newer 8300HDC/PVR? I'm not sure if I should go for the newer model.

I have been skimming and searching this thread and this question has probably been answered but I can’t find an answer that works for me.

I am trying to get the box to pass SD 480 4:3 (not stretched) and 720p natively through HDMI. I used to have the box hooked up to my Samsung 720 DLP directly and I recently purchased a Denon 3808 AVR that should allow all resolutions to be input through HDMI.

No matter what combinations I try, I cannot get the box to pass SD 480 4:3.

In advanced settings, I have chosen 720p and 480 i/p widescreen. The 480 i/p standard shows the test screen and the subsequent SD channels to be stretched to fill the screen. This seems very counter intuitive to me, am I doing something wrong? I would think 480 i/p should be 4:3.

Settings>Picture Size>Normal
Settings>Settings>Set Picture Format>Auto DVI/HDMI.

Any help would sincerely appreciated. One of the reasons I got the Denon was to help clean up some of the SD channels with the DCDi processing. Thanks in advance.

Make sure your TV is not set to automatically stretch SD content.

jkim90,

The basic problem is likely that your TV will not accept 480i through HDMI (many do not). The work-around is to send 480p, as you tried, and then, as RemyM points out, your set is set to stretch 480p (because anamorphic DVDs need you to stretch the image).

Make sure your TV is not set to automatically stretch SD content.

jkim90,

The basic problem is likely that your TV will not accept 480i through HDMI (many do not). The work-around is to send 480p, as you tried, and then, as RemyM points out, your set is set to stretch 480p (because anamorphic DVDs need you to stretch the image).

Thanks for the reply. I think I wasn't clear on my setup... I have the 8300 run to the Denon AVR which upscales to 720 (or passes 720). So the TV should only see a 720 signal (never 480) and I am trying to get the box to output 480.

There is no stretch function for SD, it is only available for the overall port (hdmi, component, etc.).

I guess I am not clear on two things:
1) Why 480 i/p standard seems to be stretched to 16:9 and 480 i/p widescreen is 4:3? This seems reverse of what it should be to me, no?
2) Why when I set 480 i/p is 720 output out of the 8300 when the Denon can handle the 480 input?

Thanks again for the help, much appreciated.

I am trying to get the box to output 480.Why? And what makes you think it isn't? Not sure I understand what your goal is. If the Denon only outputs 720p, what are you trying to accomplish?
1) Why 480 i/p standard seems to be stretched to 16:9 and 480 i/p widescreen is 4:3? This seems reverse of what it should be to me, no?This is not correct (you should read through the first post). Standard is not stretched and Widescreen is letterboxed. If Standard IS stretched on your setup, then you have something set to do the stretching. I use 480i/p Standard and it is 4:3 with bars on the sides. I use the TV to "expand" it to fill the screen. The difference between Standard and Widescreen is which device you want to use to do the stretching; TV - use Standard, 8300 - use Widescreen.
2) Why when I set 480 i/p is 720 output out of the 8300 when the Denon can handle the 480 input?How do you know what is being output? What option in General Settings/Set:Picture Format are you using? Auto-HDMI, Pass-Through, Upconvert 1/2, Fixed?

Interesting glitch on my 8300. The sound, without warning, just quit. A soft reboot cleared it up. However, I had a sinking feeling that I was going to have to get a new box, which probably meant a Moxie.

One interesting thing I noted, when I rebooted it updated the "place holders", scheduled recordings for programs not scheduled over the next week. I have several of these, waiting for the shows to come back on the air (No, I don't have Studio 60 anymore). Well I noticed that when I rebooted, the dates for the place holders reset to the max 7 days.

One interesting thing I noted, when I rebooted it updated the "place holders", scheduled recordings for programs not scheduled over the next week. I have several of these, waiting for the shows to come back on the air (No, I don't have Studio 60 anymore). Well I noticed that when I rebooted, the dates for the place holders reset to the max 7 days.

With the 1.89.xx.x version that's what it does to the placeholders everytime it reboots. I wish it would push them out that far everyday. Would keep things less confusing

Dave - Thanks for the response. I did read the whole first post and some of this is still a struggle for me. Sorry, it's why I turn to you guys for help. :o

Why? And what makes you think it isn't? Not sure I understand what your goal is. If the Tenon only outputs 720p, what are you trying to accomplish?

My goal is to run SD 480 4:3 into the Denon and have the Denon upscale to 720.

This is not correct (you should read through the first post). Standard is not stretched and Widescreen is letterboxed. If Standard IS stretched on your setup, then you have something set to do the stretching. I use 480i/p Standard and it is 4:3 with bars on the sides. I use the TV to "expand" it to fill the screen. The difference between Standard and Widescreen is which device you want to use to do the stretching; TV - use Standard, 8300 - use Widescreen.

Standard is definitely stretched on my set and you guys were right, the TV was doing the stretching. If I set my TV to 4:3 (vs expand) and the 8300 to 480 standard, SD looks correct. HD however is compressed with bars top and bottom. Funny, when I had 480 widescreen turned on (8300) and TV to expand, the picture showed up as 4:3. Almost a double negative.

How do you know what is being output? What option in General Settings/Set:Picture Format are you using? Auto-HDMI, Pass-Through, Upconvert 1/2, Fixed?

The 8300 says it is outputting 480 and then the Denon says it is 480>720 upscaling. The Format is Auto-HDMI.

I want 4:3 for SD and 16:9 for HD (all native resolutions). I have both working ok but I need to change the setting on the TV to flip between the different formats. Any further thoughts? Thanks for the help.

Cheers,
Jason

The 8300 says it is outputting 480 and then the Denon says it is 480>720 upscaling. The Format is Auto-HDMI.

I want 4:3 for SD and 16:9 for HD (all native resolutions). I have both working ok but I need to change the setting on the TV to flip between the different formats. Any further thoughts? Thanks for the help.
This is where I guess I'm getting confused and I'm not sure you can get where you want to be going through the Denon. If I understand correctly, the 8300 appears to be feeding a 4:3 480 image for SD channels, but the Denon conversion is resulting in a full screen 720 image and this is not what you want. I'm not sure what you mean by flipping the formats on the TV, but it seems that if you leave the TV set to get the correct aspect ratio for HD channels, you then get a stretched image for the upconversion the Denon is supplying. I think you mentioned that the TV format for HDMI is all or nothing, so I think the problem lies with how the TV handles the signal coming from the Denon. Have you tried going directly from the 8300 to the TV via HDMI just to see how it works without the Denon in the loop? I assume your thinking is that the Denon upconversion will give you a better picture for SD channels.

I've been reading through the thread and I have a question guys.

I go through HDMI from the box to my Hitachi plasma. Soon, I'll be going through an Onkyo TXSR605. For now though, it looks like it's passing everything through at 1080i which is fine for my HD content but my SD content all has black bars.

Should I leave it this way or is there a way to get better picture quality on SD channels by going into the setup and changing things around?

Basically, since all my SD channels have black bars on the side, I have to hit the # button to scan through all the zooms/stretch available for 1080i.

I'm just really curious if having it give me everything at 10801 is hurting my picture quality in SD or not and if changing things up might give my SD picture quality a boost.

Also what is the correct setting for picture format in my situation? Right now I'm set to fixed.

Thanks in advance.

I've been reading through the thread and I have a question guys.

I go through HDMI from the box to my Hitachi plasma. Soon, I'll be going through an Onkyo TXSR605. For now though, it looks like it's passing everything through at 1080i which is fine for my HD content but my SD content all has black bars.

Should I leave it this way or is there a way to get better picture quality on SD channels by going into the setup and changing things around?

Basically, since all my SD channels have black bars on the side, I have to hit the # button to scan through all the zooms/stretch available for 1080i.

If your SD picture has black bars only on the side and not on top and bottom, then stretching or zooming the picture will either give you an image in the wrong aspect ratio (i.e., everything stretched horizontally like taffy) or will cut off the top and bottom of the transmitted picture. If the SD image is letterboxed (that is, if it has black bars on all 4 sides, then usually "Zoom 1" will make it fit your set without elongating the image, and with only a little cut off on the top and bottom, if anything.

Here's my take on this: I hate watching a picture that's dimensionally distorted. Not only that, whenever you zoom or stretch, you are asking your cable box to interpolate (i.e., take the pixels you have and make new ones that will fill the gaps between original 480 lines of SD signal and the 1080 lines that you're wanting to fill on your TV). Most HD TV's can perform the same functions, but the result isn't much different than what you get via the SA8300. The result, either way, is a blurry, out of focus picture.

Since most of us on this board are sticklers for good audio and picture quality, I can't understand why any of us would knowingly choose these zoom or stretch options. But chacun a son gout...

Got our previous SA8300HD back... things are back to normal, no more problems. Don't let them give you one of the new 8300 HDC DVR's... unless they have worked out the bugs.

8300 HDC with SARA 1.90

I noticed a different behavior from 8300 HDC from the previous model 8300 HD... on HDMI

Turn the DVR on before the TV.... If you have digital audio to an amp there will be no sound from digital out until the TV is on... plus turn off the TV during a show... and back on.. no buffer. That did not happen before this model..

Anyone else get one of these yet? What is your feedback using HDMI?
Do you know what your previous (before the HDC box) was? There was apparently an "update" of HDCP software in 1.89.xx.xx. Things that worked in 1.88.xx.xx don't in 1.89/1.90 and other things that didn't work in 1.88 (pass-through in HDMI switching receivers) now do.

I've just been switched from an 8300HD to an 8300HDC (sara) and I've got audio dropouts and intermittent video freezing. I'm using component cables from the dvr directly to the display, and a coaxial digital cable fromthe DVR to my receiver. I'm going to try a hard reboot, but in lieu of that, are they any solutions?

thanks.

Does anyone know why the SA8300HDC doesn't maintain the buffer in HDMI mode like it does in component mode? Is there any way to get the SA8300HDC to maintain the buffer in HDMI mode (i.e., like it does in component mode)?

I just gave back the 8300 HDC SARA 1.90 and got back my previous 8300 HD 1.89.

There is a difference to how HDMI is handled. The old box is more forgiving of what device is turned on first... and will not lose its buffer if the TV is turned off. The new HDC box will not maintain the buffer if the HDMI device it is connected to is turned off. In addition, if the TV is turned off, so is the SPDIF AUDIO switched off.. unlike the older box.

I am happy to have the previous box back... of course it might be the SARA upgrade to 1.90 that makes the differerence, and not the model?

I've just been switched from an 8300HD to an 8300HDC (sara) and I've got audio dropouts and intermittent video freezing. I'm using component cables from the dvr directly to the display, and a coaxial digital cable fromthe DVR to my receiver. I'm going to try a hard reboot, but in lieu of that, are they any solutions?

thanks.

Yes, I had video and audio dropouts on HDMI... just a second or two and then the buffer would be gone as well.. Gave the new box back and put in the old one again.. now I have no problems.

Hi all,

I am complete newb when it comes to operating HD hands-on; after three years of reading, doing my research and waiting, I took the plunge and bought last week the Sony KDS55A2020 SXRD and hooked it up on Friday to a SA 8300 HD PVR via the Videotron Illico service here in Montreal.

My problem: While I can ostensibly view the HD channels I have in HD, for some reason they are all getting "clipped" so that no matter what I try with my TV or PVR settings, the HD image is getting cut off at the normal 4:3 sides. When I press "guide" on the PVR remote the full 16:9 HD image appears complete in the upper right of the channel listing, but when I go back to select it, sure enough the image is cut off in a 4:3 aspect ratio. In other words, watching the sports crawl for TSN HD at the bottom of the screen, the "TSN" logo at the lower right of the screen is cut off half-way into the "S" irrespective of whether I watch it in 4:3 or stretch it to 16:9, wide, wide zoom, or anything else.

The TV recognizes the PVR is sending a 16:9 signal (in theory), because it does automatically convert that channel to "wide" mode, but what it's actually doing is stretching an HD feed in 4:3 to 16:9; I need to cycle through the "WIDE" mode settings to return to 4:3 to view the HD signal, but with the missing image on the left and right.

I'm connected via component cables for now (waiting on HDMI cables from Monoprice :)) and in my setup of the PVR, ran through the picture options and enabled everything (1080i, 720p, etc.). I also set the picture format to "Pass-through" on the PVR.

Can somebody please offer some advice? I'm getting completely baffled and frustrated now that I'm actually trying to deal with HD myself; I was really hoping I'd be able to enjoy tonight's Pats-Chargers game with a perfect picture, but I'm losing hope rapidly...

Just a thought, but is the 8300 set to 16:9? There is an initial setup option where you set the format, 4:3 or 16:9.

Strange, I found some advice on another forum that solved the problem... I didn't realize that I needed to only select three picture formats in the advanced setup options (1080i, 720p, 480i Standard)... I had been able to view all six picture formats during the testing, so I just assumed I needed to select all six and keep them active. By removing three out of the four 480 options (and with a hard reboot, I guess that could have been it...?), I was able to get the picture to display as it should.

And in time for the game, too, so the story had a happy ending. Doubly so since the Pats handled the Chargers without any problem!

I have my SA8300HD connected to my plasma with component cables. I am thinking about having an outdoor party for a night football game and would like to connect an S-Video cable to a projector. Will the cable box display to both the projector and TV or does one connection override the other?

I have my SA8300HD connected to my plasma with component cables. I am thinking about having an outdoor party for a night football game and would like to connect an S-Video cable to a projector. Will the cable box display to both the projector and TV or does one connection override the other?No, all the analog outputs are active at the same time. If the program is HD, the S-Video out will be a SD version of the program (letterboxed & all).

Strange, I found some advice on another forum that solved the problem... I didn't realize that I needed to only select three picture formats in the advanced setup options (1080i, 720p, 480i Standard)... I had been able to view all six picture formats during the testing, so I just assumed I needed to select all six and keep them active. By removing three out of the four 480 options (and with a hard reboot, I guess that could have been it...?), I was able to get the picture to display as it should.

And in time for the game, too, so the story had a happy ending. Doubly so since the Pats handled the Chargers without any problem!If you haven't read the first post in this thread, you should do so. It explains the difference in the Standard and Widescreen formats and probably could have saved you some time and headache.

Welp, my 8300 is 0-for-1 on the season. Premiere of Prison Break tonight, and though it's listed red in the channel guide, and shows up in the recorded programs list, it didn't record a thing.

I seriously don't understand how you screw this software up. Any reasonably skilled programmer should be able to make it 100% bulletproof inside a week. I hope the Navigator gets here quick.

Welp, my 8300 is 0-for-1 on the season. Premiere of Prison Break tonight, and though it's listed red in the channel guide, and shows up in the recorded programs list, it didn't record a thing.

I seriously don't understand how you screw this software up. Any reasonably skilled programmer should be able to make it 100% bulletproof inside a week. I hope the Navigator gets here quick.

Quite a while back I recorded something and when I went to play it back I got a black screen. I went to the box itself and hit play )or select, select, I forget)and it then worked. I have read where a reboot might get it working too.

Yeah, it's frustrating, but I've been pretty lucky myself and have been satisfied with the 8300. Much better than a moxie I had for a while.

Welp, my 8300 is 0-for-1 on the season. Premiere of Prison Break tonight, and though it's listed red in the channel guide, and shows up in the recorded programs list, it didn't record a thing.Try playing another program and then come back to Prison Break. There is a playback bug that shows up infrequently in the newest version of SARA.

I seriously don't understand how you screw this software up. Any reasonably skilled programmer should be able to make it 100% bulletproof inside a week. I hope the Navigator gets here quick.It's a lot more complex than you can imagine (and beyond the scope of any single programmer).

You MUST be joking about Navigator!:rolleyes: If not, you are not aware of what is going on there.

Welp, my 8300 is 0-for-1 on the season. Premiere of Prison Break tonight, and though it's listed red in the channel guide, and shows up in the recorded programs list, it didn't record a thing.

I seriously don't understand how you screw this software up. Any reasonably skilled programmer should be able to make it 100% bulletproof inside a week. I hope the Navigator gets here quick.There is a known problem that seems to have been introduced in SARA 1.89.x.x that keeps "some" recordings from being viewed until another recording is selected and then the original one reselected. As The Other Dave suggested, try viewing another recording and then reselect Prison Break. Let us know what happens.

I hope the Navigator gets here quick.I can't believe you said that, unless you work for TWC and haven't been following the Navigator thread. :)

Heh honestly I only read the beginning of the thread on it so far. Evidently it's not living up to initial expectations, eh? :D

Here's more details on what happened:
- We immediately started PB recording on the non-HD channel when we realized it wasn't recording on the HD channel. The SD recording, started halfway through, worked fine.
- It wouldn't let us browse to another recording, as if it was recording two channels already.
- When the recording completed, the item in the Recorded List (which was red, and displayed 1hr, it looked fine) simply disappeared.
- The new show immediately following PB did the exact same thing. No recording light on the front of the box, but it showed up (was red) in the Recorded List and Channel Guide, and when it was done "recording", it disappeared from the Recorded List.

I'm really hoping this isn't going to be a trend for shows this season.

Chris,

My advice would be to do a hard reboot as outlined in the first post and then schedule some test recordings to see if the problem is still there before more shows debut Sunday. Your problem is obviously different than what we assumed by your OP.

Here's some questions based on your latest post:

How did you know it wasn't recording to begin with? Did you try to select it to view it while it was recording?

When you say it wouldn't let you browse, would it simply offer to switch to the "other" recording? It sounds as if it thought it was still recording the HD channel.

As far as disappearing, that doesn't surprise me if it thought it was recording and really wasn't. Not sure what would have happened though if you had simply switched to the SD channel and not started recording it. My guess is something confused the software and when it finished, there was nothing to save, so it deleted the item from the list. Can't guess at exactly what happened. This is one I've only read about and never experienced myself. If the hard reboot doesn't help, you may need to replace it, but my guess (hope?) is that it will work okay after.

BTW, how long have you had this 8300?

I knew it wasn't recording because at 8:30 I noticed that the red recording light on the front of the box wasn't on -- I went into my Recorded Programs list and it was there, so I tried starting to play it, and it just brought me to the standard channel 875 screen when nothing is playing back/recording.

I then went to the SD channel and started it recording. Then it wouldn't let me change channels, just as it does if it was actually recording. I could watch either the HD or SD channels. Both had the red "rec" box on the program description.

I actually did a hard reboot last week because I wasn't getting program info for any shows. The reboot did fix that problem.

I've had this box for a couple years and generally the box has been pretty good, though it has in the past mysteriously not recorded programs or only recorded portions of programs for no detectable reason. This only happens once a month or so...probably not even that much, and we record at least a few things per day.

And I still maintain I could write software that was more robust than the 8300 in less than a week. :D

I knew it wasn't recording because at 8:30 I noticed that the red recording light on the front of the box wasn't on -- I went into my Recorded Programs list and it was there, so I tried starting to play it, and it just brought me to the standard channel 875 screen when nothing is playing back/recording.
:D

I've seen similar behavior when trying to record a SDV channel. There are bugs, at least in my Cablevision version, which cause the 8300HD to fail to tune the station. When that happens, the system seems to be recording, and one tuner is locked up. There is sometimes no way to stop the bogus recording except reboot. In my case, what is left after reboot is an empty recording.

IIRC though, the record light is on in this state.

Millwood1,

That is a very good point and perhaps Chris is in an area where SDV is being tested/implemented. If he mentioned it, I didn't catch what cableco he uses in Austin, so who knows. I do think that Cablevision versions of SARA seem to have more problems than others, at least from what's been posted in this thread over the years. Chris shouldbe able to look at the diagnostics to see if SDV might be a cause.

I'm using TWC here in Austin. How would I tell if SDV is active in my area?

I'm running SARA 1.89.21.3, if that helps any.

Under the SDV diagnostic page it lists Authorized: No, Status: Pending, SDV Channels: 0. Under SDV Session Info it currently lists two sessions, one for the 9am recording that's currently recording, and one for 9:09, which is probably about when I turned the box on.

I'm using TWC here in Austin. How would I tell if SDV is active in my area?

I'm running SARA 1.89.21.3, if that helps any.

Under the SDV diagnostic page it lists Authorized: No, Status: Pending, SDV Channels: 0. Under SDV Session Info it currently lists two sessions, one for the 9am recording that's currently recording, and one for 9:09, which is probably about when I turned the box on.

SDV is quite active in Austin. You can get a list of the channels that are SDV vs. 'normal' in the files section of our local discussion group (groups.yahoo.com/group/cable.

Alternatively see this post for how to determine if a channel is switched yourself:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11464993&postcount=6156

xnappo

I knew it wasn't recording because at 8:30 I noticed that the red recording light on the front of the box wasn't on -- I went into my Recorded Programs list and it was there, so I tried starting to play it, and it just brought me to the standard channel 875 screen when nothing is playing back/recording.

I then went to the SD channel and started it recording. Then it wouldn't let me change channels, just as it does if it was actually recording. I could watch either the HD or SD channels. Both had the red "rec" box on the program description.

I actually did a hard reboot last week because I wasn't getting program info for any shows. The reboot did fix that problem.

I've had this box for a couple years and generally the box has been pretty good, though it has in the past mysteriously not recorded programs or only recorded portions of programs for no detectable reason. This only happens once a month or so...probably not even that much, and we record at least a few things per day.

And I still maintain I could write software that was more robust than the 8300 in less than a week. :D

Yup, had that happen. Thinks it recording but the light isn't on, and it's not.

I should note that while it would take more than a week to do this software, the quality of the software in the 8300 is pathetic. 10-1 says its been outsourced to 1000 unqualified and barely paid programmers in India.

When it happened to me I called and yelled at Cablevision to fix it. Of course they couldn't but the did give me credit for what I paid for the DVR for the month. So at least I got what I paid for. Pathetic.

xnappo,

Have you run into that problem? I don't know if SDV has anything to do with it, so it's just something to consider at this point. These problems seem to be cropping up more and more lately, at least at some locations.

I should note that while it would take more than a week to do this software, the quality of the software in the 8300 is pathetic. 10-1 says its been outsourced to 1000 unqualified and barely paid programmers in India.I sure wish you would have started doing the software a couple of weeks ago then. :rolleyes:

Not to pick on you, but I don't know what you have against folks from India. Everything I've ever read says they are in big demand and get more high-paying work-visa's than anyone else. I'll grant you they are difficult to understand at times, but I've never had one give up and not fix a problem for me. I don't really care who's on the other end of the line as long as my problem gets fixed.

All I need to look at is the difficulty TWC is having with Navigator and Tivo is having with their Comcast/Moto port to know that this software is not as easy as many think (as I've said many times before, but couldn't resist another attempt at sanity). I have no doubt many of us could "design" the functionality much better than SA has, but coding for a multitude of platforms is another story IMHO. It also seems quite rude to speak that way of folks you don't even know, but that certainly isn't the first time those kinds of comments have been made here and probably won't be the last, sigh.....

xnappo,

Have you run into that problem? I don't know if SDV has anything to do with it, so it's just something to consider at this point. These problems seem to be cropping up more and more lately, at least at some locations.

Well, there have been two problems with SDV in Austin. They are likely related to each other. The most common is getting a recording of the wrong channel. The second is PERHAPS what is described here - basically the box doesn't correctly request the channel.

We had a SARA push here a few weeks ago (sorry - don't remember if I updated my sig, and am away from home right now) that seemed to have helped though not completely made the problem go away.

xnappo

Not to pick on you, but I don't know what you have against folks from India. Everything I've ever read says they are in big demand and get more high-paying work-visa's than anyone else. I'll grant you they are difficult to understand at times, but I've never had one give up and not fix a problem for me. I don't really care who's on the other end of the line as long as my problem gets fixed.

Not picking on Indians specifically, they just happen to be the current "outsource for as cheap as possible" destination. A big part of the problem is that the management doing the outsourcing are not sharp enough to understand why using larger numbers of less qualified people is not a good idea, which also means they are not sharp enough to manage the development correctly either, so the result is total garbage. The stupid part is that with all the problems, they really don't save any money, but it looks good on paper.

I'm also having the 'Not Recording problem. This is my 2nd 8300HD in about a month. It sometimes records a scheduled program - and sometimes, it doesn't!!! This just isn't acceptable. Anyone know what might be going on - and how to fix it? BTW, the signal strength has measured good - in fact, we have an amplifier at the junction box. Thanks.

TWC in Columbia SC

I'm also having the 'Not Recording problem. This is my 2nd 8300HD in about a month. It sometimes records a scheduled program - and sometimes, it doesn't!!! This just isn't acceptable. Anyone know what might be going on - and how to fix it? BTW, the signal strength has measured good - in fact, we have an amplifier at the junction box. Thanks.

TWC in Columbia SC

Can you see it the stations involved are using switched digital video. Because the 8300HD is broken as far as SDV is concerned in Cablevision, and maybe elsewhere.

I'm also having the 'Not Recording problem. This is my 2nd 8300HD in about a month. It sometimes records a scheduled program - and sometimes, it doesn't!!! This just isn't acceptable. Anyone know what might be going on - and how to fix it? BTW, the signal strength has measured good - in fact, we have an amplifier at the junction box. Thanks.

TWC in Columbia SC

No solution. I try to reboot these boxes at least once a week and if there's something critical I want to make sure records I record it on 2 of them.

Macro - Automate Remote Turn On. To automate remote turn-on and stay on whatever channel you previously had on (instead of a dedicated turn-on channel) without using the power button, go to General Settings/Viewer:Power On option. In list of Power On channels, select Last Channel. Now, no matter how you choose to turn unit on (except when using a dedicated wake up timer), it will go to last channel viewed.

I want/need to do the above to my 8300HD. I've never been in "setup". What's the quickest way to get to where I want to be to turn on "last channel viewed" please?

Macro - Automate Remote Turn On. To automate remote turn-on and stay on whatever channel you previously had on (instead of a dedicated turn-on channel) without using the power button, go to General Settings/Viewer:Power On option. In list of Power On channels, select Last Channel. Now, no matter how you choose to turn unit on (except when using a dedicated wake up timer), it will go to last channel viewed.

I want/need to do the above to my 8300HD. I've never been in "setup". What's the quickest way to get to where I want to be to turn on "last channel viewed" please?Doesn't anyone RTM anymore? It's not any "setup", it's in General Settings just like the post said, press the Settings button twice.

Also, you might want to read the first post here, you might see something else you can use.

Actually I was trying to use the button sequence I found in the great information in the first post on this thread. Guess the 8300's have come a long way since then.

I did stumble upong hitting "Menu" twice and found what I needed to do.

Doesn't anyone RTM anymore? It's not any "setup", it's in General Settings just like the post said, press the Settings button twice.

Also, you might want to read the first post here, you might see something else you can use.

It's a fast paced world today. No one wants to do any reading/research. They want someone else to do the legwork. Just answer their question. Thank god, there are still a few "patient and knowledgable" people helping us on this forum. Thank you.

tedmozer,

AFAIK, everything in the first post is still current, with minor differences for SARA software versions. I'm not sure what button sequence you were referring to, unless it was the Guide/Info for getting into the initial setup. This is way different, as you have discovered, than Menu (or Settings) to get to Quick Settings and General Settings. BTW, in case you missed it, when you are in General Settings, you can press Info and get more information on each option.

It's a fast paced world today. No one wants to do any reading/research. They want someone else to do the legwork. Just answer their question. Thank god, there are still a few "patient and knowledgable" people helping us on this forum. Thank you.That was meant to be kind of "tongue in cheek" because many folks aren't given manuals anymore. That's why the first post has links to the online manuals and the latest one for the 8300 is quite good and up to date.

But, you are right, many folks find it a lot easier and quicker to just ask the question and get the answer without researching themselves. The missing link in this is that they then always have to do that because they never learn how to research for themselves. Most of us don't mind answering, but we (I) try to then point folks in the right direction to minimize future questions where answers are readily avaiable.

And, I'm not picking on the OP here. He did read the first post (though maybe not the manual :) ) and just didn't find what he needed or was confused by the different terminology.

Hi, hello:

I had been getting a lot of pixilation on my HD channels so I placed a call to service. They came out last night and swapped out my box - a SA8300HD. There's something odd about the setup of this new box in that can't get my display back to what it was.

Here's what my old box did: On SD channels, it displayed the bars on the left/right. I think you folks call this "pillarbox"? The HD channels displayed in full 16:9. Neither SD or HD channels were "zoomed" or "stretched" - it's not an effect I care for anyway.

Now that I have the new box, *everything* is zoomed or stretched. SD and HD. The "#" key has no effect (it did work with the prev 8300HD). I've gone over post one of this thread (THANKS!) and tried various permutations of settings with no success. Here are a few of the things I've tried:

1) Did the info/guide setup routine. A few times in idiot mode, a few times in advanced. While doing the latter, I tried just 1080i, or 1080i with 480i, etc.

2) Settings/Settings: I'm set for pass-through, but tried the other various settings too. I think the old 8300HD was set to pass-though, but I'm not positive. I did verify that the STB knows that I have a widescreen tv in this menu too.

I called service bask this AM (Brighthouse) but of course, they can come out on Sunday night with almost no notice, but now it's going to be few days before they can get back to me.

I feel like I must be missing something simple or obvious here. Does anyone have an idea why everything is zoomed/stretched and my "#" key no longer works?

cheers!
Chris

Hi, hello:

...

Now that I have the new box, *everything* is zoomed or stretched. SD and HD. The "#" key has no effect (it did work with the prev 8300HD). I've gone over post one of this thread (THANKS!) and tried various permutations of settings with no success. Here are a few of the things I've tried:

...

I feel like I must be missing something simple or obvious here. Does anyone have an idea why everything is zoomed/stretched and my "#" key no longer works?

cheers!
Chris

I recently got an 8300HD that had no PIP and a couple of other broken features. It turned out that the remote was defective! It was an easy diagnose for me since it was my second one.

Not sure how you can test it - but if you have a drive in place, maybe you should go and tell them you need a new remote on spec.

Now that I have discovered where the second menu is on my 8300HD DVR, I've had fun playing. Unintentionally (so I don't know how it happened) my box went from displaying post #6232's new display (everything stretched) to displaying the picture "native". In other words, only showing full screen in a 1081 HD broadcast. At first I did not like it but could not figure how to go back. But then, the more I watched I decided that it was good the (new) way it was...... But, it would be nice to figure out how to go back to the original (all programs stretched).

Can anyone confirm this. The Cox csr told me the additional $7 for Showtime is SD only. So even if you have HBO, you still have to pay full price for SHOHD?Unless there is more to the story, I don't know what they are talking about, there is no "full" or any other price for SHOHD (or HBOHD/MAXHD/STZHD for that matter). You pay nothing extra for HD, other than the box rental (and DVR service if you have the DVR). The HD channel is always included with the Preimum package. If you subscribe to HBO you get channel 780, Max you get 781, SHO you get 782 and StarZ you get 783. The first Permium is $12.95 and each added one is $7, simple as that. And that is what my latest bill says. Do you not now get Channel 780 with your HBO subscription?

EDIT: I should have mentioned that I believe you live in the Phoenix area and this probably should be discussed in that thread. :)

It's the same on Cox San Diego. As long as you are paying the extra for HD service to begin with, adding a premium channel gives you both the SD and the HD versions of the channel. We recently added HBO and received all of the HBO channels for the one price: SD - HBOW, HBO2, HBOSG, HBOFW, HBOE, and HBO On Demand; HD - HBOW.

I searched through this thread and and couldn't find mention of it, so my apologies if this was covered elsewhere.

Since Comcast (since taking over from TWC) is raising my cable-tv rates and reducing my hd content (so they can broadcast more spanish and asian content - go figure ;^), I've decided to switch to Directv.

I'm wondering if there is any way to "record" the content of my 8300HD to another HD-DVR via "Copy to VCR" or other means. I've got quite a few hours of HD content I won't have time to view that I'd like to save before returning the DVR to Comcast.

mjp

I searched through this thread and and couldn't find mention of it, so my apologies if this was covered elsewhere.

Since Comcast (since taking over from TWC) is raising my cable-tv rates and reducing my hd content (so they can broadcast more spanish and asian content - go figure ;^), I've decided to switch to Directv.

I'm wondering if there is any way to "record" the content of my 8300HD to another HD-DVR via "Copy to VCR" or other means. I've got quite a few hours of HD content I won't have time to view that I'd like to save before returning the DVR to Comcast.

mjpThere is no way to transfer the HD recordings to another HD device (with the possible exception of transferring to some PCs via Firewire - but there a lot of limitations to that). Your best bet is to burn DVDs.

Check the very first post for Anamorphic DVDs. While the recordings won't be HD, they will be much better than standard DVDs

I'm in TWC-Austin, and here's the current software versions here.
Name Version Q Date
ROM Image 1.5.2.1404 F 05/23/07
OS 6.14.85.1 05/09/07
SARA 1.89.21.3 05/23/07
PowerKEY LIB 3.9.3.9 R 05/11/07
HAL Driver 1.7.7.2 R 05/11/07
firebus 1.9.12.1 06/06/05
fbdtcp 1.3.4.1 05/03/05
PHAL3 Driver 3.5.14.1009 R 05/11/07 Has it really been over four months since they made any updates?

Has it really been over four months since they made any updates?I could be wrong, but except for 1.90 for the HDCs, I don't think we'll be seeing any updates until OCAP is implemented.

I knew it wasn't recording because at 8:30 I noticed that the red recording light on the front of the box wasn't on -- I went into my Recorded Programs list and it was there, so I tried starting to play it, and it just brought me to the standard channel 875 screen when nothing is playing back/recording. :D

I have had the exact same problem for several months now. It started around the same time as the release of SARA 1.89.20.1 [on Cablevision]. The problem has been intermittent for me so I have been living with it. But, when the new TV season started this fall, it was affecting first-run shows that I or my wife really wanted to watch. So I decided to exchange my 8300HD DVR for a new one a week ago [I had the old unit for 2 years]. Unfortunately I still have the same problems.

I also have the following problems:

While recording a HD channel, the DVR would just reboot on it's own. Once the reboot is completed, it would resume recording the program. The result was 2 entries of the recorded program, one before the reboot and one after it, with several minutes missing between the 2 recordings while it rebooted.
When tuning to a HD channel, especially 702 - 707, sometimes I just get a blank screen with no audio. If I change the channel back and forth one or 2 times, it then tunes in properly.


I did a lot of testing this week and the problems I am experiencing only occur on the HD channels. When recording and watching only SD, with the DVR power on or off, there are no recording or tuning problems at all. I have excellent signal strength on all channels including the HD's. I have no pixilation or screen freezing problems.

I had posted my problems on the Yahoo Cablevision board. Luckily, one of the CV managers who frequents that board contacted me about my problems. CV pulled the logs from my 8300HD DVR and sent them to SA for analysis. Hopefully, they will be able to determine the problems quickly and provide a fix.

correctly stated above, I tried to return the 8300HDC and exchange it for an 8300HD but I was told that they no longer stock those - even thought the rep on the phone told me to bring it to the local office for exchange. So, I took another 8300HDC and now that doesn't work. I get the "box isn't authorized" message even though I had "tech support" send a signal and try to authorize the one. The audio and video dropouts don't seem so bad after all! I'm now waiting until thursday for a "technician" to come out and take a look. Since my wife will be here and I'll be at work, there no telling what I'll end up with! Just when the 8300HD was getting to a very stable place....

Your suffering is in support of "goodness", I think. The point of forcing the cable companies to use the same cable cards they offer to third parties (Tivo) was to force them to make the things work!

Not that I'd want to be an early adopter.

While in the 8300's diagnostic mode, pages 37, 38, and 39 are for Switched Digital Video. On page 37, it states:

Authorized: YES
SDV Channels: 13

I was looking for some help from those who are knowledgable with the 8300 as to what the above means. Does it mean there are 13 channels currently using switched digital video? If so, how would I find out which channels these are?

I am on Albany TWC's system. SARA 1.89.17.1

While in the 8300's diagnostic mode, pages 37, 38, and 39 are for Switched Digital Video. On page 37, it states:

Authorized: YES
SDV Channels: 13

I was looking for some help from those who are knowledgable with the 8300 as to what the above means. Does it mean there are 13 channels currently using switched digital video? If so, how would I find out which channels these are?

I am on Albany TWC's system. SARA 1.89.17.1Xnappo made a post about this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11464993&postcount=6156) back in August after SDV went "live" in August. He didn't have a direct answer to your question, but he did point out that Pg 39 had the answers: if you do tune to a SDV channel then:
1) The SamSvcid/Type will show a number and "/Switched" (if it is not switched it will show "Broadcast"
2) The SDV Freq: will show a number depending on the SDV pool that gets assigned.

I've just checked our local system (which was falsely reported a year ago as having SDV) and it shows no SDV for the channels previously reported as SDV - but that could change any day now)

So what do you get on (let's say UniversalHD) on these items?

I've tried to find my answer in this 200 page thread, but no luck so far. :)

I've been using a SA8000HD for a few years with no major problems. A couple of weeks ago, I decide to go into the advanced setup menu and only select 1080i so all sources (both HD and SD) would display in that format. (By the way, I use Component cables, not HDMI).

After making this change, every time I turn on the DVR, it shows everything in 480i SD 4x3 format. I have to go into the menu and change the display format to either upconvert or pass-through, and then it will correctly show everything in 1080i. But once I turn it off and turn it on again, it reverts back to the 480i.

I've tried going back into both the easy and advanced setup menu to set it again. But the problem still persists. Anyone else have this problem and how did you solve it?

I've tried to find my answer in this 200 page thread, but no luck so far. :)

I've been using a SA8000HD for a few years with no major problems. A couple of weeks ago, I decide to go into the advanced setup menu and only select 1080i so all sources (both HD and SD) would display in that format. (By the way, I use Component cables, not HDMI).

After making this change, every time I turn on the DVR, it shows everything in 480i SD 4x3 format. I have to go into the menu and change the display format to either upconvert or pass-through, and then it will correctly show everything in 1080i. But once I turn it off and turn it on again, it reverts back to the 480i.

I've tried going back into both the easy and advanced setup menu to set it again. But the problem still persists. Anyone else have this problem and how did you solve it?Every now and then I experience similar problems. I find that a HARD reboot always resolves it.:
1) Go through the set-up again, so everything is as you want it.
2) Unplug the box (probably in the back of the box)
3) Wait 30 seconds.
4) WHILE HOLDING THE FRONT PANEL POWER button, plug the power back in.
5) KEEP HOLDING POWER until "boot" appears on front panel.
6) Everything should be fine once the time appears on the front panel.

I have had the exact same problem for several months now. It started around the same time as the release of SARA 1.89.20.1 [on Cablevision]. The problem has been intermittent for me so I have been living with it. But, when the new TV season started this fall, it was affecting first-run shows that I or my wife really wanted to watch. So I decided to exchange my 8300HD DVR for a new one a week ago [I had the old unit for 2 years]. Unfortunately I still have the same problems.

I also have the following problems:

While recording a HD channel, the DVR would just reboot on it's own. Once the reboot is completed, it would resume recording the program. The result was 2 entries of the recorded program, one before the reboot and one after it, with several minutes missing between the 2 recordings while it rebooted.
When tuning to a HD channel, especially 702 - 707, sometimes I just get a blank screen with no audio. If I change the channel back and forth one or 2 times, it then tunes in properly.


I did a lot of testing this week and the problems I am experiencing only occur on the HD channels. When recording and watching only SD, with the DVR power on or off, there are no recording or tuning problems at all. I have excellent signal strength on all channels including the HD's. I have no pixilation or screen freezing problems.

I had posted my problems on the Yahoo Cablevision board. Luckily, one of the CV managers who frequents that board contacted me about my problems. CV pulled the logs from my 8300HD DVR and sent them to SA for analysis. Hopefully, they will be able to determine the problems quickly and provide a fix.

Last night we were watching 1 HD show and recording 2 others and my 8300HD rebooted as well. When it came back up it continued recording the 2 shows (so I'm missing about 3 minutes of each one). I'm running SARA 1.88. I've had this particular unit about a year and this hasn't happened before. Should I be concerned and try to get a replacement unit?
mjp

Last night we were watching 1 HD show and recording 2 others and my 8300HD rebooted as well. When it came back up it continued recording the 2 shows (so I'm missing about 3 minutes of each one). I'm running SARA 1.88. I've had this particular unit about a year and this hasn't happened before. Should I be concerned and try to get a replacement unit?
mjpI suspect that has happened to all of us a time or 2 (2 or 3 times in 3 years for me maybe). My take is that the cableco inadvertently sends some signal down the line that causes the reboot. For all I know, they might be trying to reset someone else's DVR and accidently used the wrong serial number or something. I don't think anyone has been able to pinpoint a cause that can be reproduced.

I suspect that has happened to all of us a time or 2 (2 or 3 times in 3 years for me maybe). My take is that the cableco inadvertently sends some signal down the line that causes the reboot. For all I know, they might be trying to reset someone else's DVR and accidently used the wrong serial number or something. I don't think anyone has been able to pinpoint a cause that can be reproduced.

Happens to me a little more often, perhaps once ever couple of months. I'll note it when I turn on the TV and it's tuned to channel 2- the sd channel that I never watch. It's also happened when I am heavily using the program guide, i.e. pushing the arrow button over and over.

Annoying but I guess I'll live with it. Kinda like my cable modem losing contact periodically.