Most cableco's will have some type of analog signal until 2012.
When the world ends? :)

Anyone seen this problem? I hit the list button on my box and a ESPN PPV box pops up and it does this everytime until I turn the 8300 off then back on again from the remote. It's done this for the last two days. We have been leaving the box on most of the night lately. I work late and the wife watches it most of the evening. not sure if that would have anything to do with it or not. I haven't checked to see if they have updated the software. I'm on TW out of Buffalo NY. So far it's not a big issue just kind of annoying.:(

Bill

Anyone seen this problem? I hit the list button on my box and a ESPN PPV box pops up and it does this everytime until I turn the 8300 off then back on again from the remote. It's done this for the last two days. We have been leaving the box on most of the night lately. I work late and the wife watches it most of the evening. not sure if that would have anything to do with it or not. I haven't checked to see if they have updated the software. I'm on TW out of Buffalo NY. So far it's not a big issue just kind of annoying.:(

BillSome times odd things happen. Try a HARD reboot:

Unplug power from the 8300 and wait at least 30 seconds (usually most convenient to unplug in the rear of the 8300).
WHILE HOLDING in front panel POWER button, plug power back in.
KEEP HOLDING POWER until "boot" appears on front panel.
Box can be used when time reappears on front panel.

Some times odd things happen. Try a HARD reboot:

Unplug power from the 8300 and wait at least 30 seconds (usually most convenient to unplug in the rear of the 8300).
WHILE HOLDING in front panel POWER button, plug power back in.
KEEP HOLDING POWER until "boot" appears on front panel.
Box can be used when time reappears on front panel.



Thanks dave, I'll try it if it gets worse. I don't want to take any chances lossing my external drive.

Bill

Thanks dave, I'll try it if it gets worse. I don't want to take any chances lossing my external drive.

BillNo issue with the external drive. I've had one for 3 years and probably do a hard reboot once a month (on average). Many suggest it as good preventative medicine.

I make a lot of anamorphic DVDs from recorded HD content (See first post). This requires changing box to SD mode, and every so often the box gets in a "funny" state due to the stuff I do. The Hard Reboot always fixes it,and I've never had a bad result.

Is there a way to get newer software than what the cable op feeds? There's 1.89.24.1 and we have 1.89.18.1 except on our cablecard STBs, which have a 1.90 version.

;13441240']Is there a way to get newer software than what the cable op feeds? There's 1.89.24.1 and we have 1.89.18.1 except on our cablecard STBs, which have a 1.90 version.No, the software you get comes from the cableco servers - so you can only get what they have. BUT, it is important to note that the software that they provide needs to be compatible with their system. And every system is different - so each system needs to test a new version of software on a few (usually employees) customers before making a wide release.

Does anyone have the Sony Blu-Ray BDP-S300 dvd player? I can't get the remote with my SA 8300 to recognize it. Am looking for a code that will at least let me have some of the functions.

Code lookup for various cable system R/C, incl URC Atlas R/C is found here:
http://www.urcsupport.com/

One-For-All (also UEI) is found here:
http://www.ofausa.com/

Code lookup for various cable system R/C, incl URC Atlas R/C is found here:
http://www.urcsupport.com/

One-For-All (also UEI) is found here:
http://www.ofausa.com/
I have already tried the ones that supposedly work with mine but thanks. Was hoping someone had found one. Will check out the One-For-All.

Just noticed in another thread someone reporting that they have successfully copied data off their 160G HDD onto a new 320G HDD and then put the new HDD in their 8300 (owned). Here's a link to that post for anyone interested:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13447494#post13447494

Does anyone have the Sony Blu-Ray BDP-S300 dvd player? I can't get the remote with my SA 8300 to recognize it. Am looking for a code that will at least let me have some of the functions.
Ask this question in one or more Blu-Ray threads.

FYI: I know the same Atlas R/C codes work various S-A/Pioneer/Pace cable
boxes/DVRs on both TWC (Navigator/Passport) and COX (SARA)....
so the cable IR codes seem to be very generic....

I have some questions, which have probably been answered already in this long thread, but I couldn't find the answers. My apologies for that :)

It seems that whenever I turn the TV on after not watching it for a while, I get a "Press any key to watch tv" screensaver type message. How can I disable this? It's not a big deal but I'm concerned that it might interfere with DVR recordings. It also means that the recording buffer is empty - for instance, if I just turn on the TV and want to rewind, I can't. Note that "Timer: Turn Off" is Disabled.
Hitting Guide doesn't take me directly to guide; it takes me to a menu where I then have to select Channel Guide. A minor irritant. Is there any way I can go straight to the guide?
How do I view the play status bar (with the red and green colors) without pausing/rewinding the recording? When I had Comcast DVR hitting play would bring up how far into the recording it was without doing anything, but here play activates slow-mo.
Is there any way I can make channel changing quicker? I remember my Comcast DVR had some sort of setting that didn't require you to hit zeroes first.
How do I upgrade the firmware?

Note that I have an Explorer 8300HD Rev 2.9, with what looks to be SARA software. The first post says to look for the "Software Versions" page in Diagnostics, which is page 3 for me, but I don't see anything similar to "1.85.14.3"? Here's what it says:
PTV OS: OS, Home Server Edition 1.10
Flash: DVR1.5.2_8300_DOC.DC.LR_F.p.1503
App(s): GpiClient v3.0.7.2273 bodclient v.3.1.5
Another diagnostics page, page 14, says "SARA Information" but I don't see a version number there.

I have some questions, which have probably been answered already in this long thread, but I couldn't find the answers. My apologies for that :)

It seems that whenever I turn the TV on after not watching it for a while, I get a "Press any key to watch tv" screensaver type message. How can I disable this? It's not a big deal but I'm concerned that it might interfere with DVR recordings. It also means that the recording buffer is empty - for instance, if I just turn on the TV and want to rewind, I can't. Note that "Timer: Turn Off" is Disabled.
Hitting Guide doesn't take me directly to guide; it takes me to a menu where I then have to select Channel Guide. A minor irritant. Is there any way I can go straight to the guide?
How do I view the play status bar (with the red and green colors) without pausing/rewinding the recording? When I had Comcast DVR hitting play would bring up how far into the recording it was without doing anything, but here play activates slow-mo.
Is there any way I can make channel changing quicker? I remember my Comcast DVR had some sort of setting that didn't require you to hit zeroes first.
How do I upgrade the firmware?

Note that I have an Explorer 8300HD Rev 2.9, with what looks to be SARA software. The first post says to look for the "Software Versions" page in Diagnostics, which is page 3 for me, but I don't see anything similar to "1.85.14.3"? Here's what it says:

Another diagnostics page, page 14, says "SARA Information" but I don't see a version number there.

Go to the SA HD PVR thread click on it then click on SA 8300 tips and tricks you'll see all the ways to use the box. If you keep on going thru the diagnosytic screens you'll come to software version # 1.89.xxxxx or 1.90.xxxxx. Try it. You'll like it. :cool:

Go to the SA HD PVR thread click on it then click on SA 8300 tips and tricks you'll see all the ways to use the box. If you keep on going thru the diagnosytic screens you'll come to software version # 1.89.xxxxx or 1.90.xxxxx. Try it. You'll like it. :cool:This IS the Tips & Tricks thread :) , all he has do is go to the First Post to find the info you mentioned.

It seems that whenever I turn the TV on after not watching it for a while, I get a "Press any key to watch tv" screensaver type message. How can I disable this? It's not a big deal but I'm concerned that it might interfere with DVR recordings. It also means that the recording buffer is empty - for instance, if I just turn on the TV and want to rewind, I can't. Note that "Timer: Turn Off" is Disabled.Simply turn the 8300 OFF when you aren't using it. It will still record your scheduled programs.
Hitting Guide doesn't take me directly to guide; it takes me to a menu where I then have to select Channel Guide. A minor irritant. Is there any way I can go straight to the guide?Not that I'm aware of. Many of us don't have that extra step, but it all depends on how the cableco implemented things.
How do I view the play status bar (with the red and green colors) without pausing/rewinding the recording? When I had Comcast DVR hitting play would bring up how far into the recording it was without doing anything, but here play activates slow-mo.Well, you no longer have your Comcast DVR, so things are different. :) I don't know of any way to view the status bar without pressing an action key.
Is there any way I can make channel changing quicker? I remember my Comcast DVR had some sort of setting that didn't require you to hit zeroes first.You can hit the Select key after you enter the channel number.
How do I upgrade the firmware?YOU don't, the cableco does when/if they implement a new version.
Another diagnostics page, page 14, says "SARA Information" but I don't see a version number there.If you have SARA, try page 17, Component Information, SARA info should be the 3rd line down.

I have some questions, which have probably been answered already in this long thread, but I couldn't find the answers. My apologies for that :)
Note that I have an Explorer 8300HD Rev 2.9, with what looks to be SARA software. The first post says to look for the "Software Versions" page in Diagnostics, which is page 3 for me, but I don't see anything similar to "1.85.14.3"? Here's what it says:

Another diagnostics page, page 14, says "SARA Information" but I don't see a version number there.

Based on your location and description sounds like you are a Cablevision sub like me. Everybody else answered your questions properly. Just an FYI, we are already on one of the latest SARA versions, 1.89.15.2 it is pretty far along in the screens to get the version number. We are supposed to get an update soon to address a couple of issues like recording Switched Digital Video channels. That will be important with the upcoming move of the VOOM channels to SDV.

Based on your location and description sounds like you are a Cablevision sub like me. Everybody else answered your questions properly. Just an FYI, we are already on one of the latest SARA versions, 1.89.15.2 it is pretty far along in the screens to get the version number. We are supposed to get an update soon to address a couple of issues like recording Switched Digital Video channels. That will be important with the upcoming move of the VOOM channels to SDV.There is a lot later stuff than 1.89.15.2.

There is a lot later stuff than 1.89.15.2.

Maybe for CC boxes but we don't have those. CV got a waiver until 7/09. We aren't missing many features the rest of you have, the couple I know of are supposed to be coming in this next update.

Maybe for CC boxes but we don't have those. CV got a waiver until 7/09. We aren't missing many features the rest of you have, the couple I know of are supposed to be coming in this next update.
CC boxes are 1.90.xx.xx


In any event, 1.89.15.xx is by no means the latest for non CC boxes.

CC boxes are 1.90.xx.xx


In any event, 1.89.15.xx is by no means the latest for non CC boxes.

I'm CableVision in Westchester, NY and on 1.89.20.1

Hi, i just picked up the SA Explorer 8300HD and luckily found this thread. I am trying to do a "pass through" like my Digital box was set to so i can allow my tv to do the converting but i don't see a setting for it. The only options i have are upconvert-1, upconvert-2, fixed and auto dvi/hdmi. I have looked around and tried a search in this enormous thread to no avail. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I believe Auto DVI/HDMI will give the same setup as you had previously. You only get the Fixed choice with other connection types (composite/component).

I believe Auto DVI/HDMI will give the same setup as you had previously. You only get the Fixed choice with other connection types (composite/component).I believe you mean Pass-Through ;) and that would be correct. Auto DVI/HDMI replaces Pass-Through when a DVI/HDMI connection is used. Both pass whatever resolutions are enabled in the Initial Setup. If the unit is new, it might have defaulted to only enabling 1080i and others will have to be enabled by going through the setup routine (see First Post or User's Guide).

Oops, Dave's right I misposted.

Just got left Comcast and went to Wide Open West in MI. I now have a SA 8300 HDC with SARA and two questions.

1. Is there any way to see a list of the series recordings that I have created other than in the scheduled recordings list. For example if I have created a recording that is not showing up becasue I have set it to first run only and want to change it to include reruns do I just have to create another series?

2. How are priorites set. If I end up with three overlaping series recordings which one gets dumped, and am I notified?

Thanks,

First of all, welcome to the wonderful world of SARA! :)

Second, you might want to read through the FIrst Post in this thread.

1. Is there any way to see a list of the series recordings that I have created other than in the scheduled recordings list. For example if I have created a recording that is not showing up becasue I have set it to first run only and want to change it to include reruns do I just have to create another series?Just create a new recording, it will supercede the old one.

As a note, if you "think" you created a First Run series recording by selecting a program from the Guide, you probably didn't if there is no First Run episode in the Guide for that week. I don't know why the software doesn't show an error or create a Place-Holder, but it doesn't it.

If you have a series recording scheduled, it should show up in the list with an old date, making it a Place-Holder. If it's there, you can edit it, but if it's not there (as mentioned above), nothing got set.

2. How are priorites set. If I end up with three overlaping series recordings which one gets dumped, and am I notified?We don't know for sure how the Priority Scheme works, but there is info inthe First Post on this issue. Depending on the version of SARA you have, you may not even have a Priority Scheme and if you inadvertently end up with a conflict, nothing will get recorded. In later versions, 2 of the conflicting porgrams will get recorded and I believe it is based on Start Time, then maybe Channel Number or something equally non-specific. Here there are a lot of variables:

1. Program A starts at 8:59 (like ER every week) :) , Program B at 9:00, and Program C at 9:01. Programs A&B will get recorded.

2. Program A starts at 8:59 on Ch 1, Program B at 9:00 on Ch 2, and Program C at 9:00 on Ch 3. I believe Programs A&B will get recorded.

There are many other examples one could set up and then you can always edit Start Times to throw a wrinkle into the mix. I tested some conflicts I was able to manually create by going through TitanTV to see what was not New one week, but would be New the next. I don't recall if Channel Number was a criteria or not, but I do know example #1 is correct. I did set up example #2, but don't remember if it was Channel Number or something else that trigger which 2 got recorded. And, no, you will not get notified.

Thanks for the detialed responce. As always several pluses and minuses between the one I gave up, motorola 3416, and what I have now. But so far nothing I cannot work with.

Thanks for the detialed responce. As always several pluses and minuses between the one I gave up, motorola 3416, and what I have now. But so far nothing I cannot work with.You're welcome. Just be glad you got SARA "after" several changes have been made over the years. Most of the options that make it functional have been added within the past 12 months or so.

I just got the 8300HDC.

On some/many HD recordings of 1 hour duration, it divides the programming into a 53 minute segment and a 7 minute segment. For instance, LOST will be recorded from 9:00-9:53pm and then a second segment from 9:53-10:00. What is wrong here?

Second, just a question; if I have setup the PVR to record all shows of LOST, for instance, and then LOST is cancelled, how do I delete it from the SA8300 so that I don't fillup the schedule with cancelled shows?

Thanks

Simply turn the 8300 OFF when you aren't using it. It will still record your scheduled programs.
This clears out the buffer though, which is the main irritant with the screen saver. Also I'm not clear on why I'd want to ever turn the box off?
I don't know of any way to view the status bar without pressing an action key.
Well that stinks :(
You can hit the Select key after you enter the channel number.
Thanks.
If you have SARA, try page 17, Component Information, SARA info should be the 3rd line down.
Thanks, it's 1.89.22.2.
Based on your location and description sounds like you are a Cablevision sub like me.
Yes, unfortunately :) The Comcast DVR is much much better.

So it looks like the DVR will only remember the current location of one partially watch recording and only as long as you leave it turned on. Is this true? Do most people leave it on all the time or just not care about this?

This clears out the buffer though, which is the main irritant with the screen saver. Also I'm not clear on why I'd want to ever turn the box off?To avoid the message you are complaining about? :)

I take it you leave it set on a channel you like to review when you get up, so you want the buffer intact? Of course, if you record 2 programs at the same time during the night, that clears the buffer too. FWIW, I turn mine off whenever it's not in-use just like any hardware, but to each his/her own.

So it looks like the DVR will only remember the current location of one partially watch recording and only as long as you leave it turned on. Is this true?Pretty much. :)

Do most people leave it on all the time or just not care about this?I don't, I don't. Admittedly, it's pretty much on from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm, unless both my wife and I are gone at the same time. I have mine set to tune a local channel when it powers on. Everything gets turned off/on with one press of my Harmony remote.

My box has been on 24/7 since I got it in '05. It shuts itself off, I never do unless I do a reboot.

So it looks like the DVR will only remember the current location of one partially watch recording and only as long as you leave it turned on. Is this true? Do most people leave it on all the time or just not care about this?If you change the channel away from the DVR playback channel, you can turn off the DVR and it will still remember the current location of a partially watched recording at least most of the time. There were times when this did not work for me. A workaround is to press the stop button and note the Stopped at time, but you need to press the "Play from current location" menu selection and change away from the DVR playback channel if you want it to try to remember the current location.

If you change the channel away from the DVR playback channel, you can turn off the DVR and it will still remember the current location of a partially watched recording at least most of the time. There were times when this did not work for me. A workaround is to press the stop button and note the Stopped at time, but you need to press the "Play from current location" menu selection and change away from the DVR playback channel if you want it to try to remember the current location.

In addition, I believe you can leave it on the playback channel, turn the box off and when you turn the box back on again, you can play from the last watched point in the recording (box needs to be set to turn on to the last watched channel). However, IIRC, if you then move to another channel, it loses the spot.

You kind of wonder why they don't improve the software over time to enhance it. Lots of little improvements that could be done with out mu7ch sweat. But, I guess there are too few of us maniacs that want perfection for them to worry about.

You kind of wonder why they don't improve the software over time to enhance it. Lots of little improvements that could be done with out mu7ch sweat. But, I guess there are too few of us maniacs that want perfection for them to worry about.Part of the problem may be that TWC is moving to Navigator and Cox is moving away from SARA. I believe Comcast is also moving away from SARA, so who will be left? Cablevision? Bright House? Charter?

I'm probably wrong, but I've always thought that SARA was just a barebones offering to have a platform for cableco's who didn't want to license something else, like Passport.

Part of the problem may be that TWC is moving to Navigator and Cox is moving away from SARA. I believe Comcast is also moving away from SARA, so who will be left? Cablevision? Bright House?

I'm probably wrong, but I've always thought that SARA was just a barebones offering to have a platform for cableco's who didn't want to license something else, like Passport.

Charter uses SARA. However, they also deploy a lot of Moxie boxes with totally different software; sort of a split system. I live in fear that one day Charter will come take my SA8300 away. "From my cold dead hands". Not that SA is so great, but that it is ten times better than the Moxie which I can say first hand, sucked big time. If that day comes, I'll probably switch to Dish for the DVR.

Part of the problem may be that TWC is moving to Navigator and Cox is moving away from SARA. I believe Comcast is also moving away from SARA, so who will be left? Cablevision? Bright House?

I'm probably wrong, but I've always thought that SARA was just a barebones offering to have a platform for cableco's who didn't want to license something else, like Passport.

In my quest to get a box with live Firewire ports I spoke to a Comcast engineer Monday and was told SARA would be replaced with something from TVGuide. No date given for the switch.

Bob:)
Comcast-SA8300HD & SA4250HDC-SARA 1.89.22.2/1.61.5.108-PhilipsBRBurner(CyberLink Software)

In my quest to get a box with live Firewire ports I spoke to a Comcast engineer Monday and was told SARA would be replaced with something from TVGuide. No date given for the switch.I believe both Cox and Comcast signed agreements with Gemstar/TV Guide for their software based on Passport, but I didn't feel like digging for the article to make sure.

I get the error msg above when I hit the 'DVR' button. There is another sentence in the message window:

"Recording and playback are not available at this time."

It's the 8300HD running SARA 1.89.20.1 from Cablevision. None of the buttons that access the HDD respond with any message. Just the 'DVR' button displays the message window described above.

On Page 31 of the diagnostics screen (HDD ID 1) the model & serial number show unavailable. Capacity shows 2047GB (yep..GB). HDD ID 2 shows unavailable for everything.

Yeah, I have an external SATA drive (about six months and no problems). I powered off, unplugged the external drive. No change.

I performed the cold-boot (remove power for minutes & hold power switch while connecting power cord) several times. It clunks (technical term) for a bit and the box shows an error countdown.

The box does do everything except let me access the HDD. No Pause, Rewind, or Fast-Forward. Both tuners work (PIP works).

If the error msg didn't say "not available at this time", I'd just assume it was time to forget the recordings and exchange the box. Is there anything else to try before exchanging the box?

Seems that particularly with the show Medium (its the only thing I record on NBC so it could be a channel thing) when I watch the recorded show, about every 5 seconds the audioy cuts out for 1 second. Has anyone seen this? Has happened 3 weeks in a row

If the error msg didn't say "not available at this time", I'd just assume it was time to forget the recordings and exchange the box. Is there anything else to try before exchanging the box?

Sadly, no I don't think so. I think your internal HD is a goner..

xnappo

Thank you... thought as much. First hardware problem in 32 years with Cablevision.

Anyone know how to program the SA8300 remote to operate the volume of a SAMSUNG 40" LN-T4061F LCD television?

Anyone know how to program the SA8300 remote to operate the volume of a SAMSUNG 40" LN-T4061F LCD television?

Which remote? They can vary, even from the same cable co in the same city...

In my case I've got a Samsung LN-T5265 and I was able to use one of the standard Samsung codes for the remote. However, I had to match the remote via a web search and find the online docs to do so. It was a replacement for one the kids lost and didn't match the documentation that I originally had.

Thank you... thought as much. First hardware problem in 32 years with Cablevision.

Just so you are aware - the recordings on your external HD are keyed to your broken box - so unfortunately you will lose those too.

xnappo

Here's Remote Control database for most Cable systems:
http://www.urcsupport.com/index.php

I've tried searching and reading some of the posts on this huge thread... but there's so much information that dates back a couple of years that I don't even know if it applies anymore.

I recently received a SA Explorer 8300HDC with service from Brighthouse Networks in Central Florida.

I checked both screenshots on the first post, and my software does not seem to match either SARA or Passport. However, by looking at the A-B-C button labels, mine would be: Navigator.

I connected the 8300HDC via HDMI to my Sony STR-DG910 receiver, and then connected the receiver via HDMI to my Phillips 42PFL7432D/37 42' LCD.

I encountered a couple of issues. The first one, and more annoying, is that when I access the Channel Guide or the recorded programs List and try to go back to the same channel, the channel feed does not resize to full size.

I'll expand, when you access the Channel Guide the current channel feed minimizes up to the right... if I decide not to change the channel and hit Exit on my remote, the channel guide goes away but the channel feed stays minimized. The only way to solve this without changing the channel and changing it back, is to turn PIP on and back off.

I also have an issue with resolution. The receiver seems to turn to 480p every time I turn the TV on. As soon as I turn the TV off, it goes back up to either 720p or 1080i.

I tried to access all the advanced settings and menus as indicated on the first post, but none of them worked... they seem to be locked out.

I changed my connection to component cables, and all the issues went away. Resolution output works fine and the channel feed goes back to full size like it should.

Of course, this means I need to go purchase either a digital coax or digital optical (which on is better?) audio cable since with the component cables provided I only get 2-channel audio.

Is this a known issue with HDMI that has no resolution? My provider's tech support did not seem to know much about the issue.

Thanks for any possible assistance!

Pibe38,

I don't know about your specific issue, but there are any number of problems when connecting via HDMI through an AVR, depending on the hardware involved. If you connect the 8300 directly to the TV via HDMI and don't encounter the same problem, then the AVR may not be passing a signal the TV likes. However, if you do get the same problem, then something is likely wrong with the 8300's HDMI port.

As a side note, as long as you read the First Post and then the last couple of pages no one should complain about your question. It's not expected that anyone read through this entire thread before posting a question. :)

Here's Remote Control database for most Cable systems:
http://www.urcsupport.com/index.phpThank you for posting this.

What a great site. The second number it gave me worked perfectly.

Pibe38,

I don't know about your specific issue, but there are any number of problems when connecting via HDMI through an AVR, depending on the hardware involved. If you connect the 8300 directly to the TV via HDMI and don't encounter the same problem, then the AVR may not be passing a signal the TV likes. However, if you do get the same problem, then something is likely wrong with the 8300's HDMI port.

As a side note, as long as you read the First Post and then the last couple of pages no one should complain about your question. It's not expected that anyone read through this entire thread before posting a question. :)
Thanks for the response.

Connecting the 8300HDC directly via HDMI to the TV was even worse... my signal on HD channels dropped to 480i.

:(

Connecting the 8300HDC directly via HDMI to the TV was even worse... my signal on HD channels dropped to 480i.Obviously, something is not right, but since you are using Navigator, you probably need to check that thread (see my signature for a link).

I've tried searching and reading some of the posts on this huge thread... but there's so much information that dates back a couple of years that I don't even know if it applies anymore.

I recently received a SA Explorer 8300HDC with service from Brighthouse Networks in Central Florida.

I checked both screenshots on the first post, and my software does not seem to match either SARA or Passport. However, by looking at the A-B-C button labels, mine would be: Navigator.

I connected the 8300HDC via HDMI to my Sony STR-DG910 receiver, and then connected the receiver via HDMI to my Phillips 42PFL7432D/37 42' LCD.

I encountered a couple of issues. The first one, and more annoying, is that when I access the Channel Guide or the recorded programs List and try to go back to the same channel, the channel feed does not resize to full size.

I'll expand, when you access the Channel Guide the current channel feed minimizes up to the right... if I decide not to change the channel and hit Exit on my remote, the channel guide goes away but the channel feed stays minimized. The only way to solve this without changing the channel and changing it back, is to turn PIP on and back off.

I also have an issue with resolution. The receiver seems to turn to 480p every time I turn the TV on. As soon as I turn the TV off, it goes back up to either 720p or 1080i.

I tried to access all the advanced settings and menus as indicated on the first post, but none of them worked... they seem to be locked out.

I changed my connection to component cables, and all the issues went away. Resolution output works fine and the channel feed goes back to full size like it should.

Of course, this means I need to go purchase either a digital coax or digital optical (which on is better?) audio cable since with the component cables provided I only get 2-channel audio.

Is this a known issue with HDMI that has no resolution? My provider's tech support did not seem to know much about the issue.

Thanks for any possible assistance!There is a thread dedicated to Navigator, just click on Nav in my signature to go to it.

PLEASE,

We are here to help. And we need your cooperation to be at our best.

Read the first post-Most answers are there! At least the simple ones. We believe our first post is unique among all threads in the amount of information it contains and in it’s easy readability!

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THANK YOU!
Bob:)
Comcast-SA8300HD & SA4250HDC-SARA 1.89.22.2/1.61.5.108-PhilipsBRBurner (CyberLink Software)

Well .. I have read the first post and there's a wealth of great information about this receiver and I commend all the contributors for their expertise and breadth of knowledge.

But, I seem to have misinterpreted the following first page passage? :

"Audio Out Using HDMI Connection. UG-2 HDMI connection will automatically select 2 channel stereo if TV does not support Dolby Digital (DD). In order to restore DD audio to receiver, change automatic setting. Press Settings twice and scroll to Audio: Digital Out. Change setting from HDMI to Dolby Digital. This will force DD audio to HDMI, as well as digital/optical audio outs."


I also did a search of this thread and noticed many others with the same problem that I have...ie...there is no sound available from the HDMI port when Dolby Digital is selected as an option in the settings menu. So, how can it be said that "this will force DD audio to HDMI"?? I dont get it.

Well .. I have read the first post and there's a wealth of great information about this receiver and I commend all the contributors for their expertise and breadth of knowledge.

But, I seem to have misinterpreted the following first page passage? :

"Audio Out Using HDMI Connection. UG-2 HDMI connection will automatically select 2 channel stereo if TV does not support Dolby Digital (DD). In order to restore DD audio to receiver, change automatic setting. Press Settings twice and scroll to Audio: Digital Out. Change setting from HDMI to Dolby Digital. This will force DD audio to HDMI, as well as digital/optical audio outs."


I also did a search of this thread and noticed many others with the same problem that I have...ie...there is no sound available from the HDMI port when Dolby Digital is selected as an option in the settings menu. So, how can it be said that "this will force DD audio to HDMI"?? I dont get it.It won't. When you set Audio to HDMI the 8300 then accepts commands from the TV as to what form of digital audio to send. In many cases the set will tell it to send 2.0. But in a few (very few) other cases the TV may accept 5.1 and internally convert it to 2.0. My Sony KDS 55A3000 is one of those sets.

So the particular results that one has depends on many factors - the TV being one.

BTW: This is one of the reasons that cable companies really hate HDMI - there are too many variations in TV behavior.

Well .. I have read the first post and there's a wealth of great information about this receiver and I commend all the contributors for their expertise and breadth of knowledge.

But, I seem to have misinterpreted the following first page passage? :

"Audio Out Using HDMI Connection. UG-2 HDMI connection will automatically select 2 channel stereo if TV does not support Dolby Digital (DD). In order to restore DD audio to receiver, change automatic setting. Press Settings twice and scroll to Audio: Digital Out. Change setting from HDMI to Dolby Digital. This will force DD audio to HDMI, as well as digital/optical audio outs."


I also did a search of this thread and noticed many others with the same problem that I have...ie...there is no sound available from the HDMI port when Dolby Digital is selected as an option in the settings menu. So, how can it be said that "this will force DD audio to HDMI"?? I dont get it.That's why there are references to the User's Guide. It contains a note that basically says if you select a setting that the TV cannot use, you will not get audio through the TV and will have to use an AVR. Sorry, but the First Post is not meant to duplicate everything in the User's Guide, sometimes you just have to RTM.

So the particular results that one has depends on many factors - the TV being one.

.

Thanks Dave and DoubleDaz for your replies. why cant things be simple anymore? :confused:


my HDTV manual clearly states:

"5. HDMI™ or DVI Devices
The HDMI™ interface supports uncompressed standard, enhanced and high definition digital video formats. This interface also supports existing digital multi-channel audio formats."

and:

"Digital Audio Signals:
When received with video signals, the TV is able to decode Dolby Digital signals and MPEG Audio signals."


So, I'm still confused as to why the HDTV cannot "hear" any sound from the HDMI output of the 8300 when DD is selected in the settings menu if , in fact, DD is "forced" to the HDMI using the setting as stated on page 1 of this thread. I'll just learn to live with it , I guess. Connecting component cables from the 8300 is not an option for me right now as all the available hdtv inputs are currently being used up by other equipment.

In case your wondering why this is important to me since I do have the digital coax connection to my receiver...in one word .."WIFE" . She does not want to use the receiver..all she wants to do is turn the tv on and hear the sound from it. I , on the other hand, enjoy the 5.1 DD audio through the receiver. Hopefully I can remember to change the 8300's audio setting back to HDMI before she uses the tv if I'm not around.

In case your wondering why this is important to me since I do have the digital coax connection to my receiver...in one word .."WIFE" . She does not want to use the receiver..all she wants to do is turn the tv on and hear the sound from it. I , on the other hand, enjoy the 5.1 DD audio through the receiver. Hopefully I can remember to change the 8300's audio setting back to HDMI before she uses the tv if I'm not around.

You can always get a wife-friendly universal remote. The Logitech Harmony line of remotes is very good and renowned for being wife-friendly. They are very easy to set up, and they are activity based, so all you have to do is press a button called "Watch TV" and it will turn on the TV, turn on the 8300, turn on the receiver, and set everything to the right input.

You can always get a wife-friendly universal remote. The Logitech Harmony line of remotes is very good and renowned for being wife-friendly. They are very easy to set up, and they are activity based, so all you have to do is press a button called "Watch TV" and it will turn on the TV, turn on the 8300, turn on the receiver, and set everything to the right input.


I have one already, but she doesnt want to use it. She just doesnt want to use the receiver sound at all when she watches tv..she rarely watches movies or anything else besides news channels and shopping channels.

I have one already, but she doesnt want to use it. She just doesnt want to use the receiver sound at all when she watches tv..she rarely watches movies or anything else besides news channels and shopping channels.gvc, that is EXACTLY my situation too! Drives me batty. My "solution" is to hook up the cable directly to the TV, in addition to going to the 8300. She never was willing to learn the wonders of the DVR, so she is content tuning on the TV (and she is satisfied with 4:3 SD on a 55" screen as well. I actually have my 8300 audio out set to DD, so the audio doesn't go to the TV (turning the speakers of on the TV is an issue with my set). It must be something with the Hancock women - I purchased a Harmony 880 for our daughter who lives in Maryland and she refuses to use it as well. I've had a series of "Universal" remotes going back 15-20 years, and they were complex to use. So I think that they are skeptical about ANY remote that I would buy.

in one word .."WIFE" . She does not want to use the receiver..AFAIK, the easiest way is to run a set of RCA audio cables to the TV. When using the AVR, you will need to remember to turn down the TV audio, but that's a small price to pay for wife acceptance.

Also, some versions of the DVR software apparently cutoff HDMI audio completely when the DVR is set to DD. I say "apparently" because I've never measured it.

SA Explorer 8300HD DVR.
Issue: Recorded Programs delete themselves shortly after being recorded. 1 out of 2 Scheduled, 1 out of 3, 2 out of 4, etc.
Tried to fix issue by: Formatting HD, Rebooting HD, TWC checked signal coming into house, AutoErase is Off. Recording Space is 2%.
Anyone have anything else I should try? TWC has no idea and doesn't believe that this is an issue. I read the first page and the last 2 pages of threads. I didn't see anyone with the same problem as me. Help please!

The only things I can think of are Auto Erase, Save Time, and Save Latest options. Perhaps it would help if you gave some specific examples and the recording options you are using. Did you try a hard reboot (holding Power button while plugging back in)?

AutoErase is OFF. Save Time is UNTIL I DELETE.

I just did a Hard Reboot. I don't know if that will help yet. I am recording as we speak. Hopefully this test record will not disappear.

Anyone heard of this issue before?

It has happened on both our SA boxes. One is HD DVR, other is Standard DVR. Both 8300 Explorers.

What happens is:
2 Programs are scheduled to record, they both record, but a few minutes after being in the list, one disappears. That is one example.




The only things I can think of are Auto Erase, Save Time, and Save Latest options. Perhaps it would help if you gave some specific examples and the recording options you are using. Did you try a hard reboot (holding Power button while plugging back in)?

The only things I can think of are Auto Erase, Save Time, and Save Latest options. Perhaps it would help if you gave some specific examples and the recording options you are using. Did you try a hard reboot (holding Power button while plugging back in)?
Also, I don't know what "Save Latest" is. That is the only option I can't find in my settings.

Also, I don't know what "Save Latest" is. That is the only option I can't find in my settings.Press Record and select All episodes. "Save Latest" is the right column on my display of options. Under that are 1-5 or All Episodes.

I do not recall ever reading about this, but I am getting on in years. :)

Also, what version of SARA are you using?

Press Record and select All episodes. "Save Latest" is the right column on my display of options. Under that are 1-5 or All Episodes.

I do not recall ever reading about this, but I am getting on in years. :)

Also, what version of SARA are you using?
Save Latest is set to "All Episodes".

I am trying to isolate the issue by eliminating if it is an HDTV Tier program issue or regular program issue or both. That is my next test of recordings I'm doing right now.

I will try to figure out what the SARA is as well. Thank You. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this. No one from TWC seems to have a clue what is going on. When the tech came to check the levels they were all in the acceptable range.

Press Record and select All episodes. "Save Latest" is the right column on my display of options. Under that are 1-5 or All Episodes.

I do not recall ever reading about this, but I am getting on in years. :)

Also, what version of SARA are you using?
There is a curved white backarrow on my program guide. Which SARA is that?

There is a curved white backarrow on my program guide. Which SARA is that?The First Post has instructions on how to find the version number in the diagnostics pages.

I am trying to isolate the issue by eliminating if it is an HDTV Tier program issue or regular program issue or both. That is my next test of recordings I'm doing right now.



I had a problem recording some programs while others worked fine. I tried to determine whether it was an SD or an HD problem.

BUT, in the long run, it didn't matter since a hard reboot made it go back to normal!

Just be careful trying to make too much sense of some of these problems until the easy stuff hasn't fixed it.

The First Post has instructions on how to find the version number in the diagnostics pages.
All I can tell you is that there is a curved white backarrow on the guide. I read the first page of this forum. I still don't understand how to find the SARA other than that.

I had a problem recording some programs while others worked fine. I tried to determine whether it was an SD or an HD problem.

BUT, in the long run, it didn't matter since a hard reboot made it go back to normal!

Just be careful trying to make too much sense of some of these problems until the easy stuff hasn't fixed it.
I did a hard reboot last night. Scheduled some recordings for after I went to bed. I wrote them down. This morning when I got up, 6 out of 7 were in the list. 1 out of 7 disappeared. there is only 10% of space used. AUTO ERASE is OFF. Can anyone help me?

All I can tell you is that there is a curved white backarrow on the guide. I read the first page of this forum. I still don't understand how to find the SARA other than that.Well, I guess you didn't read this then:

Diagnostics

Diagnostic Mode. There are two ways to enter Diagnostic Mode:
Press and hold Select on front of unit until Mail light starts to flash, then press INFO.
Press and hold Pause on remote until Mail light starts to flash (around 10-15 seconds), then press Page Up (-). On some remotes, Page (+) might need to be used instead.

Finding SARA Software Version. Enter Diagnostic Mode (see above item) and scroll through screens until you find one entitled "Software Versions". Version number will be in a format similar to 1.85.14.3. Also, there are a number of different naming conventions being used and only one is really accurate in sense that PTV OS version number can differentiate SARA versions across platforms. For example, both SA8000HD and SA8300HD run SARA 1.89.18.1. However, SA8000HD runs PTV OS 6.12.18.1 whereas SA8300HD runs PTV OS 6.14.81.1. This probably doesn't mean much in big scheme of things and is offered only for information when viewing diagnostics screens.

Well, I guess you didn't read this then:
SARA v1.89.17.1

Okay there it is. What does that mean? Does that help diagnosing the problem with my recordings disappearing?

It also says I have corr bytes: 126. uncor blks: 8. When the tech was here there were zero for both of those and he said that was good. Now it is showing a reading for both.

If there is anything else from the Diagnostic you want me to give you please let me know. Hopefully we can figure this out together! Thank you!!!

If there is anything else from the Diagnostic you want me to give you please let me know. Hopefully we can figure this out together! Thank you!!!

Signal to noise ratio for QAM on page 5. (S/N or SNR).

xnappo

SARA v1.89.17.1

Okay there it is. What does that mean? Does that help diagnosing the problem with my recordings disappearing?It shows you do in fact have SARA and one of the latest versions. You can also look on Page 5 to see what your signal levels are; Current QAM/Level, S/N, and Current RDC/Power. The First Post also includes info on what those should be. Since you've done the normal things to reset the box and if your signal levels are okay, you may have to swap out the box to see if that solves the issue.

Also, since I'm sensing some frustrations with my questions and attempts to narrow things down, I'll quit trying to help.

Edit: I just saw your latest post, so maybe I'm misinterpreting your comments. Let us know the signal levels and we'll go from there. I'd hate to see you try a new box if we can eliminate the obvious.

AFAIK, the easiest way is to run a set of RCA audio cables to the TV. When using the AVR, you will need to remember to turn down the TV audio, but that's a small price to pay for wife acceptance.

Also, some versions of the DVR software apparently cutoff HDMI audio completely when the DVR is set to DD. I say "apparently" because I've never measured it.

My hdtv has a pair of rca audio inputs associated with the HDMI input and I have tried to run the cables from the 8300 audio out to those hdtv audio inputs but still get no sound. I read the manual (tv) about those inputs and it states those are to used in case the source equipment only has DVI out , which does not carry sound, and a hdmi to dvi converter cable is used. I dont know why it wouldnt work, though , just using hdmi to hdmi, but it doesn't :(

Signal to noise ratio for QAM on page 5. (S/N or SNR).

xnappo
S/N: 35 dB

What does that mean?

S/N: 35 dB

What does that mean?
I've already swapped out the box. That didn't change the issue. Unfortunately it keeps "deleting" on average about one of the recordings out of 2. We have 2 boxes. One is HD on is SD. It appears to be doing it on both. I am still doing trial and error. I will give more info shortly. I appreciate all the help. Only one supervisor at TWC said he had even heard of this issue. Everyone else has told me that it is not a widespread issue so they can't do anything about it, and they have never heard of such a thing.

It shows you do in fact have SARA and one of the latest versions. You can also look on Page 5 to see what your signal levels are; Current QAM/Level, S/N, and Current RDC/Power. The First Post also includes info on what those should be. Since you've done the normal things to reset the box and if your signal levels are okay, you may have to swap out the box to see if that solves the issue.

Also, since I'm sensing some frustrations with my questions and attempts to narrow things down, I'll quit trying to help.

Edit: I just saw your latest post, so maybe I'm misinterpreting your comments. Let us know the signal levels and we'll go from there. I'd hate to see you try a new box if we can eliminate the obvious.
Current QAM Level: 0 dBmV
Current QAM S/N: 36 dB
Current RDC Power: 39 dBmV

What else should i relay to you?

I have one already, but she doesnt want to use it. She just doesnt want to use the receiver sound at all when she watches tv..she rarely watches movies or anything else besides news channels and shopping channels.

What I do is this. Run the HDMI from the box to the TV. Run a digital cable to the AVR. When she turns on the tv she'll get sound via the HDMI. When you are watching, just turn on the AVR and mute or turn down the sound on the TV.

What I do is this. Run the HDMI from the box to the TV. Run a digital cable to the AVR. When she turns on the tv she'll get sound via the HDMI. When you are watching, just turn on the AVR and mute or turn down the sound on the TV.


thats my setup but when the 8300 is set to output Dolby Digital , the only sound that the TV receives is through the digital out of the 8300. There is no HDMI sound output at all. Even though the manual of my hdtv says it will accept and decode multichannel sound from the hdmi connection, it clearly wont work for some reason. I have tried resetting the tv but that didnt "kick it on". Unless my hdtv is defective in decoding 5.1 throught the hdmi input, I can only assume that the software version (sara) for my box just doesnt allow simultaneous dolby digital output from both the coax and the hdmi at the same time .

The hdtv will only receive sound from the HDMI connection when HDMI is selected under the audio options in the settings menu of the 8300 . And, If the audio settings for the 8300 are set for HDMI output, then there is no Dolby Digital output from the coax digital out (but there still is regular prologic audio being fed the receiver.)

I just got done doing test recordings.
It always erases 1 of the recordings from the list on the HD box. So far I can't seem to figure if it has a preference, but one of the recorded programs always goes missing shortly after being recorded.
Also, the 8 uncor blks is still there in the diagnostic.

Okay. The latest info is this:
The SD box downstairs appears to be recording and saving all programs normally.
The HD box upstairs deletes the recording within a second or two after the recording completes. I watched the recording disappear from the List at the conclusion of the recording. Since it was set to not be deleted until I Erased it and the hard drive capacity is 35% something is obviously wrong, possibly with the firmware. The Firmware is 20.00K20. Does anyone know what that means or if something is wrong?

Okay. The latest info is this:
The SD box downstairs appears to be recording and saving all programs normally.
The HD box upstairs deletes the recording within a second or two after the recording completes. I watched the recording disappear from the List at the conclusion of the recording. Since it was set to not be deleted until I Erased it and the hard drive capacity is 35% something is obviously wrong, possibly with the firmware. The Firmware is 20.00K20. Does anyone know what that means or if something is wrong?

If you've done the reboots already, just get another box. It's just plain not working right.

Okay. The latest info is this:
The SD box downstairs appears to be recording and saving all programs normally.
The HD box upstairs deletes the recording within a second or two after the recording completes. I watched the recording disappear from the List at the conclusion of the recording. Since it was set to not be deleted until I Erased it and the hard drive capacity is 35% something is obviously wrong, possibly with the firmware. The Firmware is 20.00K20. Does anyone know what that means or if something is wrong?

I'll leave it to the experts on this board to give you a definitive answer, but I've been following your thread and found it pretty strange that both boxes were having the same problem.

Since the SD box is behaving properly, I'd guess it's something with the HD box and I'd be tempted to just switch it out, but maybe the more knowledgeable folks can come up with something else to try.....

GOOD LUCK!!!

I'll leave it to the experts on this board to give you a definitive answer, but I've been following your thread and found it pretty strange that both boxes were having the same problem.

Since the SD box is behaving properly, I'd guess it's something with the HD box and I'd be tempted to just switch it out, but maybe the more knowledgeable folks can come up with something else to try.....

GOOD LUCK!!!
I just got another box and it's WORSE! can you believe that now all channels are pixelated and freezing. I did a hard boot. Still happens. My levels are all fine. The tech just said to leave it powered off all night. I don't see how that is going to fix this problem. I wonder if the DVR problems will continue with this box. :(

Did you check the s/n (signal-to-noise ratio) in the service menu? These boxes require a particular s/n, not signal strength, per se. It's possible you are having a problem with the cable system or your house wiring.

Did you check the s/n (signal-to-noise ratio) in the service menu? These boxes require a particular s/n, not signal strength, per se. It's possible you are having a problem with the cable system or your house wiring.He did (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13578746&postcount=7085). Did you miss that?

I just got another box and it's WORSE! can you believe that now all channels are pixelated and freezing. I did a hard boot. Still happens. My levels are all fine. The tech just said to leave it powered off all night. I don't see how that is going to fix this problem. I wonder if the DVR problems will continue with this box. :(I don't either, but completely disconnecting a box overnight is one step in the trouble-shooting process and can reset a seemingly dead box. However, since you just got it, it's already been sitting disconnected, so I'm not sure what the tech is thinking.

My bet is you didn't get a new box and you may just have another bad one that someone turned it without telling them it was bad or they just put it back on the shelf anyway. If nothing else, check to see if the recording problem has gone away and then simply get another box. I know it's frustrating, but there isn't much else to do with the way some cableco's manage their inventory. I've read about folks who have had to go through 5-6 boxes before getting one that worked. These boxes are a lot more fragile than the old non-DVR/non-HD units and I don't think they do a very good job of checking them out when they are returned.

FWIW, your levels do look okay, so I don't think that is a problem. Do you have a splitter in the loop by any chance?

I don't either, but completely disconnecting a box overnight is one step in the trouble-shooting process and can reset a seemingly dead box. However, since you just got it, it's already been sitting disconnected, so I'm not sure what the tech is thinking.

My bet is you didn't get a new box and you may just have another bad one that someone turned it without telling them it was bad or they just put it back on the shelf anyway. If nothing else, check to see if the recording problem has gone away and then simply get another box. I know it's frustrating, but there isn't much else to do with the way some cableco's manage their inventory. I've read about folks who have had to go through 5-6 boxes before getting one that worked. These boxes are a lot more fragile than the old non-DVR/non-HD units and I don't think they do a very good job of checking them out when they are returned.

FWIW, your levels do look okay, so I don't think that is a problem. Do you have a splitter in the loop by any chance?
I have it going through my pioneer audio receiver. but i've never had a problem like this before. If I switch video sources on my tv and go to the source with the coax going straight back to the tv. it is STILL all pixeled and freezing every few seconds. so that eliminates the receiver. the standard box downstairs works fine. no pixels, no freezing.

i have now been through 3 hd s/a boxes. the first one was right out of the box, brand new, never touched. the second one was used briefly. and this box seems to have been used more frequently.

where can i find instructions to do a hdd format on this box?

i'm doing test recordings right now to see if i can at least fix one issue, despite this new issue coming up with the latest box.

For example:
ESPN2 works fine.
ESPN2HD is pixelated and totally messed up.
The same goes for all the other higher channels.
What does that mean?

Tried to fix issue by: Formatting HD, Rebooting HD, TWC checked signal coming into house, AutoErase is Off. Recording Space is 2%.

I have it going through my pioneer audio receiver. but i've never had a problem like this before. If I switch video sources on my tv and go to the source with the coax going straight back to the tv. it is STILL all pixeled and freezing every few seconds. so that eliminates the receiver. the standard box downstairs works fine. no pixels, no freezing.

i have now been through 3 hd s/a boxes. the first one was right out of the box, brand new, never touched. the second one was used briefly. and this box seems to have been used more frequently.

where can i find instructions to do a hdd format on this box?

i'm doing test recordings right now to see if i can at least fix one issue, despite this new issue coming up with the latest box.The highlighted comments have me confused. You said you read the First Post and formatted the HD in the first box. Now you are asking where the instructions are. :confused:

At any rate, formatting instructions are in the First Post.

Also, FWIW, switching TV inputs may eliminate the receiver as being a problem, but it doesn't necessarily eliminate the cable from the wall, etc. I once ran into a problem where I was using a cable for over a year and all of a sudden started having problems. The TV worked fine, but the internet became intermittent. Turned out the cable was not even connected on the other side of the wall plate, it had just been touching enough to seem like it was okay for the year.

My point is it doesn't take much for something simple to go wrong. Unless you've checked, the tech could have bent the middle pin on the cable when he connected it to the new box. I doubt any of this is your problem and you may have already double-checked connections, etc., but unless you do everything yourself, you never know and simple things are easy to check/eliminate. IMHO, the tech should not have left with the video freezing, etc.

For example:
ESPN2 works fine.
ESPN2HD is pixelated and totally messed up.
The same goes for all the other higher channels.
What does that mean?Good question. It really just means that ESPN2 doesn't need as much processing as ESPN2HD. ESPN2 is SD (lower quality) and the fact that it appears to be okay doesn't really mean a lot. Pixelation, etc., is usually a sign of a level problem and will show up more in HD channels. Since your levels seem fine though, I still lean toward the box being bad, again.

You can drive yourself nuts trying to pinpoint the specific cause for any problem. Most of us just go through the various steps (rebooting, reformatting, check connections, etc.) and then replace the box. In your case, I'd say you'll find your recording problem is now gone with the old box, but you are left with video problems on the replacement.

The highlighted comments have me confused. You said you read the First Post and formatted the HD in the first box. Now you are asking where the instructions are. :confused:

At any rate, formatting instructions are in the First Post.

Also, FWIW, switching TV inputs may eliminate the receiver as being a problem, but it doesn't necessarily eliminate the cable from the wall, etc. I once ran into a problem where I was using a cable for over a year and all of a sudden started having problems. The TV worked fine, but the internet became intermittent. Turned out the cable was not even connected on the other side of the wall plate, it had just been touching enough to seem like it was okay for the year.

My point is it doesn't take much for something simple to go wrong. Unless you've checked, the tech could have bent the middle pin on the cable when he connected it to the new box. I doubt any of this is your problem and you may have already double-checked connections, etc., but unless you do everything yourself, you never know and simple things are easy to check/eliminate. IMHO, the tech should not have left with the video freezing, etc.
I'm sorry. I read the first page over and over. I must be just overtired and looking at the computer too much. I can't find where the format is. I will look again. Yes, I formatted the last box, but that was on the phone w/tech support. I didn't do it by myself.

As for the tech leaving w/video freezing, he didn't. sorry for the confusion. he left with the dvr recorder deleting programs sunday. that box had zero video problems.

the one i swapped for today now has video problems but so far the dvr recording issues are non existent.

Pixelation, etc., is usually a sign of a level problem and will show up more in HD channels. Since your levels seem fine though, I still lean toward the box being bad, again.Just a caution for Numb3rs here: the levels can change a fair amount with different channels. S/N can go to pot on just one or two QAM channels due to signal leakage from broadcast channels into the cable system. Signal level often degrades considerably with higher QAM frequencies. And, by the way, the QAM frequency bears no relationship to the channel number that shows up on the guide

So 3 boxes down, maybe 2 to 3 more to go in order to get one that works or hasn't been recycled...I definitely believe you that my cable co. is not fixing these boxes and is just recycling them b/c their inventory is so low. I have even tried going to three different offices to get different boxes.
I really wish Verizon FIOS would be avail in my area soon. This is getting tiring to say the least. And I dont want to go to Satellite b/c it costs so much.

I'm sorry. I read the first page over and over. I must be just overtired and looking at the computer too much. I can't find where the format is. I will look again. Yes, I formatted the last box, but that was on the phone w/tech support. I didn't do it by myself.

As for the tech leaving w/video freezing, he didn't. sorry for the confusion. he left with the dvr recorder deleting programs sunday. that box had zero video problems.

the one i swapped for today now has video problems but so far the dvr recording issues are non existent.Ok, my apologies, that explains a lot. :)
BTW, what is your location and who is your cableco?

I also see why you might have missed the instructions if you were simply looking through the list. So, I've added the word "Reformat" to the item list to make it easier to find. Those of us who have been here awhile have read the First Post so many times we know it by heart, we tend to forget about newbies. :)

At any rate, here are those instructions:
Last Resort. If for some reason you can't get STB to do what you want and you've rebooted it by unplugging it, etc., this is a "last resort" item - say just before taking unit back, you can try reformatting the HDD. The format operation resets all data on the DVR, including all recordings, preferences and scheduled recordings. It is a "factory fresh" reset.

When doing the format procedure, there are times where it won't always "take" and will have to be redone again. The procedure is to get the mail light blinking from the remote control by holding down the pause button. Once blinking do not press anything else except the page down (page -) button on the remote three times while watching the display. The display should say something like HDD-1 and then HDD-2 or HDD-F. Once on the setting you want (typically the third press) leave it alone and put the remote down. In a few minutes, the DVR will reboot and reformat on it's own. Once complete in about 10 to 15 minutes (depending on RDC and FDC signal level quality) the unit will be available to be turned on, but it's best to leave it off and come back at a later time after it has completely downloaded all of the guide data and info.
Press and hold PAUSE until Mail led is lit.
Press PAGE down or (-), and then press LIST three times.
Turn box off. When turned back on, formatting will begin.
Total Reset. From AVS - vegggas:
I don't think this is common knowledge, but it could save many users a lot of grief. Most failed units can be revived with total reset performed by user, depending on failure type. Instead of replacing unit and losing your shows, try this trick as last (or first) resort. This is known to reset unit no longer displaying Video, unable to lock on to one/both tuners, unable to read Hard Drive, or no longer able to get a download (display counting or hunting).
Complete reset can be done by removing power and all connections for an extended amount of time. This means remove power cable, coax cable(s), eSATA cable, everything, so it can fully discharge capacitors and memory. This can take anywhere from 4 - 24 hours (although it MIGHT work in less than 30 Min), so pick a time that you are not going to be using unit, like overnight and while at work.
After leaving it disconnected overnight, repower it (but don't turn it on) with just the basic connections (no eSATA) and let it sit until it gets a full download, which could take a long time. Basic OS download should be complete once you see time, or dot (depending on your settings), appear on front panel, usually within 3-7 minutes. IPG may take up to an hour, but unit could be turned on at this point.
If it works, unpower unit and reconnect as normal, consider yourself lucky you didn't have to swap it out.
BTW, leaving unit off while repowering and downloading is always a good idea and should be done whenver you may reboot unit. Powering on while downloading OS can result in early fragmentation of memory and erratic results.

Ok, my apologies, that explains a lot. :)
BTW, what is your location and who is your cableco?

I also see why you might have missed the instructions if you were simply looking through the list. So, I've added the word "Reformat" to the item list to make it easier to find. Those of us who have been here awhile have read the First Post so many times we know it by heart, we tend to forget about newbies. :)

At any rate, here are those instructions:
Thank You!

Location: Maine
Cable co.: Time Warner

So 3 boxes down, maybe 2 to 3 more to go in order to get one that works or hasn't been recycled...I definitely believe you that my cable co. is not fixing these boxes and is just recycling them b/c their inventory is so low. I have even tried going to three different offices to get different boxes.
I really wish Verizon FIOS would be avail in my area soon. This is getting tiring to say the least. And I dont want to go to Satellite b/c it costs so much.Not only that, but when you finally get it all working, it won't be that long before they move you from SARA to Navigator with all it's problems. I feel fortunate that my 8300 has been working fine for over 4 years and Cox is a fairly stable cableco. Once the upgrades are complete, we should be back on par with DirecTV, excluding sports I guess. Anyway, hang in there. You'll get it worked out sooner or later. I'd be hitting TWC up for a service credit for your time and trouble too.

Are there any known problems with editing recording times for series recording? There's been a few series where I've tried to edit the end time to a later time, selected first run, hit accept...but it doesn't save. To change the end time, I have to delete the series recording, and then remake it.

Not only that, but when you finally get it all working, it won't be that long before they move you from SARA to Navigator with all it's problems. I feel fortunate that my 8300 has been working fine for over 4 years and Cox is a fairly stable cableco. Once the upgrades are complete, we should be back on par with DirecTV, excluding sports I guess. Anyway, hang in there. You'll get it worked out sooner or later. I'd be hitting TWC up for a service credit for your time and trouble too.
I really am not looking forward to all of that. I just woke up this morning and checked the 5 recordings I scheduled last night. Only 2 out of 5 were saved. It erased 3 out of 5 recordings! I tried to reformat the HDD. That obviously didn't do anything. I guess I have to bring this box back now too, seeing as how it is worse than the previous one.

They have given us some credit for our problems, but it hardly seems like enough compared to us having problems since 4 months ago and our cable bill being so high. Not to mention the problem hasn't been fixed yet.

I really am not looking forward to all of that. I just woke up this morning and checked the 5 recordings I scheduled last night. Only 2 out of 5 were saved. It erased 3 out of 5 recordings! I tried to reformat the HDD. That obviously didn't do anything. I guess I have to bring this box back now too, seeing as how it is worse than the previous one.

They have given us some credit for our problems, but it hardly seems like enough compared to us having problems since 4 months ago and our cable bill being so high. Not to mention the problem hasn't been fixed yet.
I just went back and got my old box back. Their inventory is so low all they had left was the one I dropped off last night. Anyway, just to prove that I'm not going insane. I put it on and guess what, the audio/video issues are gone. So yes, the last box I just tried was more messed up than this one. No one in tech support has any idea what the problem is. Hardly anyone has even heard of recordings disappearing from the List.

I just went back and got my old box back. Their inventory is so low all they had left was the one I dropped off last night. Anyway, just to prove that I'm not going insane. I put it on and guess what, the audio/video issues are gone. So yes, the last box I just tried was more messed up than this one. No one in tech support has any idea what the problem is. Hardly anyone has even heard of recordings disappearing from the List.

I feel your pain.....sounds like Time Warner here in Western NY.

Getting ready to switch to DirecTV!!!!!

He did (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13578746&postcount=7085). Did you miss that?Yes, I did. Sorry!

http://oneyearbibleimages.com/mouth_tape.jpg

I just went back and got my old box back. Their inventory is so low all they had left was the one I dropped off last night. Anyway, just to prove that I'm not going insane. I put it on and guess what, the audio/video issues are gone. So yes, the last box I just tried was more messed up than this one. No one in tech support has any idea what the problem is. Hardly anyone has even heard of recordings disappearing from the List.Well, I've run out of ideas. I suspect the recordings are not actually happening even though they appear to be. People have had problems from time to time where it looks like a recording is taking place, but isn't (REC light is on, but nothing is recorded). IIRC though rebooting has resolved those issues.

If it were a loose connection or intermittent low signal level, you would be more likely to get split/short recordings. I've never heard of anyone else having this specific problem. But, since the SD box appears to work where it's located, I'd consider switching them to see if there is something on the line where the HD box is located that is causing the problem. I can't imagine what it would be, but I don't know what else to try. I'm assuming the problem is not limited to a specific channel or group of channels and there are no ampolifiers, etc., involved anywhere, just straight connections between the 8300, receiver, and TV.

Well, I've run out of ideas. I suspect the recordings are not actually happening even though they appear to be. People have had problems from time to time where it looks like a recording is taking place, but isn't (REC light is on, but nothing is recorded). IIRC though rebooting has resolved those issues.

If it were a loose connection or intermittent low signal level, you would be more likely to get split/short recordings. I've never heard of anyone else having this specific problem. But, since the SD box appears to work where it's located, I'd consider switching them to see if there is something on the line where the HD box is located that is causing the problem. I can't imagine what it would be, but I don't know what else to try. I'm assuming the problem is not limited to a specific channel or group of channels and there are no ampolifiers, etc., involved anywhere, just straight connections between the 8300, receiver, and TV.
Here is the latest update. I have done quite a bit of process of elimination. Here is what I have found so far:
It is not the hdbox. Reason: I switched the SD box and HD box from downstairs to upstairs and vice versa. There were no problems with recordings on either box.
It's not the cable coming from the wall to the splitter to the hdbox. and it's not the splitter. I eliminated the splitter altogether and the recordings still disappeared. I changed the coax cables to brand new ones (i ran into a Time warner truck on my way to the hardware store and got all new cables and a new splitter).
The issue continues.
Here is my theory...
The reason why there were no recording issues when I switched the SD box and HD box to opposite locations was because I couldnt record high def channels at the "normal HD location" with the SD box in that location. Does that make sense.
So what I'm going to try now is to record one hd channel and one sd channel and see what happens, then 2 hd channels, then 2 sd channels, etc.
I have a feeling the hd channels are not going to record for some reason. I will let you know in a half hour or so...

Here is the latest update. I have done quite a bit of process of elimination. Here is what I have found so far:
It is not the hdbox. Reason: I switched the SD box and HD box from downstairs to upstairs and vice versa. There were no problems with recordings on either box.
It's not the cable coming from the wall to the splitter to the hdbox. and it's not the splitter. I eliminated the splitter altogether and the recordings still disappeared. I changed the coax cables to brand new ones (i ran into a Time warner truck on my way to the hardware store and got all new cables and a new splitter).
The issue continues.
Here is my theory...
The reason why there were no recording issues when I switched the SD box and HD box to opposite locations was because I couldnt record high def channels at the "normal HD location" with the SD box in that location. Does that make sense.
So what I'm going to try now is to record one hd channel and one sd channel and see what happens, then 2 hd channels, then 2 sd channels, etc.
I have a feeling the hd channels are not going to record for some reason. I will let you know in a half hour or so...
GOT IT! I just did a test recording of a SD channel and a HD channel.
The SD channel recorded. The HD channel disappeared from the list right after it finished recording.
Does anyone know why that would happen? Why would it delete HD recordings right after they finish recording? but keep SD recordings.

GOT IT! I just did a test recording of a SD channel and a HD channel.
The SD channel recorded. The HD channel disappeared from the list right after it finished recording.
Does anyone know why that would happen? Why would it delete HD recordings right after they finish recording? but keep SD recordings.That looks suspiciously like there is something wrong with your account or the copy protection flags, though I have no idea what it could be. I assume we are talking regular HD channels (not PPV, OnDemand, or Start Over) and that it happens with all HD channels. I also assume there is no 1394 (Firewire) involved to a DVHS recorder or PC.

I think you need to talk to one of their engineers, but getting to do that might not be easy. It'll require starting with whatever CSR answers the phone, then maybe getting to a supervisor, etc., each time going through what you've done and what you've found. I have never heard of anything like this before, so you are treading in new territory.

MORE INFO:
I just tried more recordings thinking it was just an HD Tier Issue. Turns out when I recorded 2 HD channels at once, it kept one of them, deleted the other. It kept A&E HD program, but deleted the local CBSHD program.
So then I tried to record the local PBSHD program currently airing and I clicked, stop recording and save. Then went to the List and it disappeared.
So now I know it IS recording everything, but not SAVING everything. It refuses to SAVE the local HD channels for some odd reason that no one from tech support can answer.
Does anyone here know why it will not SAVE the local channel HD recordings, but it will save everything else?

MORE INFO:
I just tried more recordings thinking it was just an HD Tier Issue. Turns out when I recorded 2 HD channels at once, it kept one of them, deleted the other. It kept A&E HD program, but deleted the local CBSHD program.
So then I tried to record the local PBSHD program currently airing and I clicked, stop recording and save. Then went to the List and it disappeared.
So now I know it IS recording everything, but not SAVING everything. It refuses to SAVE the local HD channels for some odd reason that no one from tech support can answer.
Does anyone here know why it will not SAVE the local channel HD recordings, but it will save everything else?Just for kicks, you might go into Diagnostics and look at the copy flags at the bottom of page 32. They will be under the EMI column and should say something like once, freely, never, etc. Change channels from A&EHD to CBSHD, etc., to see if they change.

I'm grasping at straws here because I don't think this has anything to do with it and I have no idea why it's only affecting your box.

MORE INFO:
I just tried more recordings thinking it was just an HD Tier Issue. Turns out when I recorded 2 HD channels at once, it kept one of them, deleted the other. It kept A&E HD program, but deleted the local CBSHD program.
So then I tried to record the local PBSHD program currently airing and I clicked, stop recording and save. Then went to the List and it disappeared.
So now I know it IS recording everything, but not SAVING everything. It refuses to SAVE the local HD channels for some odd reason that no one from tech support can answer.
Does anyone here know why it will not SAVE the local channel HD recordings, but it will save everything else?

Just a stab here, but are you sure it is recording the program? Did you try to go to the recording WHILE it is recording and hit the play from beginning option? My apologies if you have already answered this.

Furthermore, if the HD box worked upstairs, obviously the box is fine and it has to be something in the feed to the box downstairs. If that's the case, best to get a tech out to trouble shoot and replace the coax.

Just for kicks, you might go into Diagnostics and look at the copy flags at the bottom of page 32. They will be under the EMI column and should say something like once, freely, never, etc. Change channels from A&EHD to CBSHD, etc., to see if they change.

I'm grasping at straws here because I don't think this has anything to do with it and I have no idea why it's only affecting your box.
I checked the flags like u asked. Here is what I've found:
On Channel ESPNHD the readings were: RF Disk EMI: Once, RF Video Output EMI: Once, RF Disk EMI: Freely.
On Channel CBSHD the readings changed to: Freely for all three sources.
What does that mean?

Just a stab here, but are you sure it is recording the program? Did you try to go to the recording WHILE it is recording and hit the play from beginning option? My apologies if you have already answered this.Good idea, I don't think he's tried that. I still think it just looks like it's recording, but isn't.

Furthermore, if the HD box worked upstairs, obviously the box is fine and it has to be something in the feed to the box downstairs. If that's the case, best to get a tech out to trouble shoot and replace the coax.I could be wrong, but I don't think he tried all that when he switched the boxes. I think he saw that he could record upstairs with the HD box and didn't try all the other channels until he got it back downstairs.

Just a stab here, but are you sure it is recording the program? Did you try to go to the recording WHILE it is recording and hit the play from beginning option? My apologies if you have already answered this.

Furthermore, if the HD box worked upstairs, obviously the box is fine and it has to be something in the feed to the box downstairs. If that's the case, best to get a tech out to trouble shoot and replace the coax.
First,
I just hunted down a tech on the road and he gave me some new coax cables and a splitter. So you can eliminate that as being the cause. B/c i replaced the cables(from the wall to the box) by myself. The only cable I haven't replaced is the one coming in from the ground outside into the house, to the wall jack upstairs.
Someone isn't supposed to show up until Friday sometime. And the last tech they sent had no idea what the problem was b/c he never heard of it before and neither did his coworkers.

Good idea, I don't think he's tried that. I still think it just looks like it's recording, but isn't.

I could be wrong, but I don't think he tried all that when he switched the boxes. I think he saw that he could record upstairs with the HD box and didn't try all the other channels until he got it back downstairs.
Thanks guys! I just tried that. I went to try and play one of the recordings on CBS HD and the screen is black. So you are right, it's not recording any of the local HD Channels at all. And the reason it is not saving any of the programs is b/c there is nothing there to save to the hard drive. makes sense. So now, we have to wonder and figure out why it's not recording those local hd channels, but it records and saves everything else fine.

I checked the flags like u asked. Here is what I've found:
On Channel ESPNHD the readings were: RF Disk EMI: Once, RF Video Output EMI: Once, RF Disk EMI: Freely.
On Channel CBSHD the readings changed to: Freely for all three sources.
What does that mean?That just means it probably has nothing to do with the problem because mine are just like that too and I have no recording problems. It was just a stab in the dark anyway.

FWIW, those flags affect recording via 1394 (Firewire) to a DVHS recorder. The Once would mean it can't be copied again because the DVR recording counts as one. The Freely means it could be copied as many times as wanted.

Thanks guys! I just tried that. I went to try and play one of the recordings on CBS HD and the screen is black. So you are right, it's not recording any of the local HD Channels at all. And the reason it is not saving any of the programs is b/c there is nothing there to save to the hard drive. makes sense. So now, we have to wonder and figure out why it's not recording those local hd channels, but it records and saves everything else fine.
I want to add that there are 2 options in the Currently Recording Program Options. When I hit the "Play from beginning" option, the screen goes black with no audio. When I hit the "Play from current location" option, it goes directly to the live part of the "recording" and everything shows up fine. What might that mean?

Good idea, I don't think he's tried that. I still think it just looks like it's recording, but isn't.

I could be wrong, but I don't think he tried all that when he switched the boxes. I think he saw that he could record upstairs with the HD box and didn't try all the other channels until he got it back downstairs.
I did try all the channels upstairs and downstairs on both boxes in both locations. Turns out, the only problem is the HD channels not being recorded. which i can only test on the hd box obviously. i wish i had 2 hd boxes. then i could run further tests. you guys have really been great. i think we may be getting somewhere with our process of elimination.

Thanks guys! I just tried that. I went to try and play one of the recordings on CBS HD and the screen is black. So you are right, it's not recording any of the local HD Channels at all. And the reason it is not saving any of the programs is b/c there is nothing there to save to the hard drive. makes sense. So now, we have to wonder and figure out why it's not recording those local hd channels, but it records and saves everything else fine.Wow, guess I was right a day or 2 ago, cool! ;)

At any rate, you are doing a great job of tracking this down. Even though I enjoy troubleshooting stuff like this, I might have given up before now. My guess is that it has nothing at all to do with your box.

So, you could try recordng CBSHD on the SD unit just to see if it will record/save, even though it won't be HD. I don't have an SD box, but I assume the SD box will let you tune those channels in SD.

You can also try to watch something on CBSHD to see if you can rewind, etc., while viewing live. If you can, then that suggests the buffers are working fine.

The only other item I can think of is Blocked Channels, but then you should not even be able to see the channel when you tune to it.

That just means it probably has nothing to do with the problem because mine are just like that too and I have no recording problems. It was just a stab in the dark anyway.

FWIW, those flags affect recording via 1394 (Firewire) to a DVHS recorder. The Once would mean it can't be copied again because the DVR recording counts as one. The Freely means it could be copied as many times as wanted.
I just managed to get it to record on CBSHD, but only black with no audio. What I did was click on "play from beginning" while it was recording and left the channel alone for 10 minutes. So it actually recorded the black video, but obviously no audio. The only reason i suspect that it recorded the black video was b/c I manually clicked on play from beginning, then play from current location shortly after. however, there is still no video or audio, just black for 10 mins.

I did try all the channels upstairs and downstairs on both boxes in both locations. Turns out, the only problem is the HD channels not being recorded. which i can only test on the hd box obviously. i wish i had 2 hd boxes. then i could run further tests. you guys have really been great. i think we may be getting somewhere with our process of elimination.Ok then, I think there has to be something wrong with some account setting in their system. This is obviously only affecting you, only for the local HD channels, and on both lines in your house. It's almost like they are not authorized, even though you can obviously watch them. If you tune CBSHD on the SD box, can you view it with bars on all sides?

Wow, guess I was right a day or 2 ago, cool! ;)

At any rate, you are doing a great job of tracking this down. Even though I enjoy troubleshooting stuff like this, I might have given up before now. My guess is that it has nothing at all to do with your box.

So, you could try recordng CBSHD on the SD unit just to see if it will record/save, even though it won't be HD. I don't have an SD box, but I assume the SD box will let you tune those channels in SD.

You can also try to watch something on CBSHD to see if you can rewind, etc., while viewing live. If you can, then that suggests the buffers are working fine.

The only other item I can think of is Blocked Channels, but then you should not even be able to see the channel when you tune to it.
Okay I went downstairs to check the SD box. When I brought up CBSHD downstairs it was black. So I tried to record it and it wouldn't record. It said Oprah in the guide, but no recording. All of the other HD tier channels on the SD box were also black.

Wow, guess I was right a day or 2 ago, cool! ;)

At any rate, you are doing a great job of tracking this down. Even though I enjoy troubleshooting stuff like this, I might have given up before now. My guess is that it has nothing at all to do with your box.

So, you could try recordng CBSHD on the SD unit just to see if it will record/save, even though it won't be HD. I don't have an SD box, but I assume the SD box will let you tune those channels in SD.

You can also try to watch something on CBSHD to see if you can rewind, etc., while viewing live. If you can, then that suggests the buffers are working fine.

The only other item I can think of is Blocked Channels, but then you should not even be able to see the channel when you tune to it.
On the HD box upstairs, I can see Oprah(CBSHD) fine, but when I try to do a live pause the screen goes black. same thing if i try to hit rewind.
So the only difference is, I can't see Oprah(CBSHD) at all downstairs on the SD box, but I can see her fine upstairs on the HD box.
The recording issue is the same on both boxes.

Okay I went downstairs to check the SD box. When I brought up CBSHD downstairs it was black. So I tried to record it and it wouldn't record. It said Oprah in the guide, but no recording. All of the other HD tier channels on the SD box were also black.Ok, that settles that, but doesn't help one bit. :(

So if the local hd channels are blocked why can I see them on the HD box?
Also, why does every single tech I talk to say all my codes look perfect on both boxes?


TWC is really frustrating me. They won't let me talk to a supervisor. They said just wait until someone comes out there on Friday. Then they said, but they doubt the tech will be able to fix the problem.

On the HD box upstairs, I can see Oprah(CBSHD) fine, but when I try to do a live pause the screen goes black. same thing if i try to hit rewind.
So the only difference is, I can't see Oprah(CBSHD) at all downstairs on the SD box, but I can see her fine upstairs on the HD box.
The recording issue is the same on both boxes.That suggests the locals are not even being buffered, hence nothing to record.

Ok, one more thing to try. Tune to CBSHD, then turn PIP on/off. Now see if you can pause/rewind.

That suggests the locals are not even being buffered, hence nothing to record.

Ok, one more thing to try. Tune to CBSHD, then turn PIP on/off. Now see if you can pause/rewind.
Went to channel 713 CBSHD. Turned pip on. box popped up with channel 0002 working fine. Then I hit pause and main screen went black (cbshd). then i changed the pip channel to 713 CBSHD and the pip is playing fine, but the main channel is still black.

I swapped the pip to a non local hd channel and pause/rewind works fine on the non local hd channel WHILE the pip is showing a live broadcast of cbshd.

So if the local hd channels are blocked why can I see them on the HD box?It was just a thought. Something is messed up somewhere and I don't believe it is the box, since it's only the local HD channels.

Also, why does every single tech I talk to say all my codes look perfect on both boxes?Not sure what codes they are talking about, but again, I don't think it's any setting in your box or any problem with levels, etc. I still think something it not right with your account settings in their system, where it authorizes the channels you have, etc. I have no idea what the problem could be specifically, but I do know folks have had strange problems until someone reviewed their account and set things right.

TWC is really frustrating me. They won't let me talk to a supervisor. They said just wait until someone comes out there on Friday. Then they said, but they doubt the tech will be able to fix the problem.Well, that doesn't surprise me and I also doubt the tech will be able to fix it. Some cableco's are better than others passing an issue like this up the chain. When the tech does get there, make sure you go through all this with him/her and don't let them leave without getting it resolved or at least pushed to their engineering department. Hopefully, they'll have another box to try, and if they do, make sure you go through all of this again while the tech is there. Once the tech can see what's going on, they should be able to figure it out eventually. At least now you know to watch the local stuff live and record the other channels.

Went to channel 713 CBSHD. Turned pip on. box popped up with channel 0002 working fine. Then I hit pause and main screen went black (cbshd). then i changed the pip channel to 713 CBSHD and the pip is playing fine, but the main channel is still black.Thanks for trying all this stuff. It's so hard troubleshooting over a network like this, but you're doing a super job.

Your locals are definitely not being buffered and I have no idea how that can even be possible. I'm going to PM a friend of mine and see if he has some time to read through this stuff. Maybe he'll have some idea of what might be the problem or something else we can try.

Thanks for trying all this stuff. It's so hard troubleshooting over a network like this, but you're doing a super job.

Your locals are definitely not being buffered and I have no idea how that can even be possible. I'm going to PM a friend of mine and see if he has some time to read through this stuff. Maybe he'll have some idea of what might be the problem or something else we can try.
Thank you so much. I have learned a ton. There is no point in me calling them back. I might as well just wait until the tech gets here Friday, right? Then maybe he can tell them what I've been telling them all along when he sees it with his own eyes.
I am so happy we figured most of it out. At least now I know I can't record any local HD channels, but I can set my box to record the local SD channels for my weekly shows!
Oh well, i really love HD but until Friday I cant watch my overnight shows in hd. no big deal. Hopefully engineering can get involved on Friday b/c no one else at TWC has any idea what I'm talking about, level 3 or not.
Thank you so much for all your help everyone! If anyone figures this out, PM me or just respond in this forum and I will check periodically to see what you've come up with. Someone has to know why it won't record/pause/rewind local hd channels.

Thank you so much. I have learned a ton. There is no point in me calling them back. I might as well just wait until the tech gets here Friday, right? Then maybe he can tell them what I've been telling them all along when he sees it with his own eyes.
I am so happy we figured most of it out. At least now I know I can't record any local HD channels, but I can set my box to record the local SD channels for my weekly shows!
Oh well, i really love HD but until Friday I cant watch my overnight shows in hd. no big deal. Hopefully engineering can get involved on Friday b/c no one else at TWC has any idea what I'm talking about, level 3 or not.
Thank you so much for all your help everyone! If anyone figures this out, PM me or just respond in this forum and I will check periodically to see what you've come up with. Someone has to know why it won't record/pause/rewind local hd channels.

You're a patient guy. My box would have gone through the living room window by now. Make sure you let us know what the outcome is.

They are sending a supervisor technician. The only cables I have not swapped out and replaced are the cable coming from the drop and the cable from inside the wall going into the basement. Maybe there is a crack or something in one of those two wires. I don't know what the condition of the line coming in from the pole is. But it does go under a small creek.

You're a patient guy. My box would have gone through the living room window by now. Make sure you let us know what the outcome is.
I've been through 4 boxes, 3 offices, and 2-3 phone calls a day for weeks. patience truly is a virtue. trust me, it takes a lot to take the high road in this situation. especially when they wouldn't let me even talk to a supervisor the first few weeks. i had to be really PERSISTENT.

Looking to add a speaker system. Does the 8300hd "digital audio out" output 5.1 or 7.1, or does it just send audio to the receiver which outputs 5.1 or 7.1? Can I just buy a speaker set and bypass the receiver? Thanks

Ok then, I think there has to be something wrong with some account setting in their system. This is obviously only affecting you, only for the local HD channels, and on both lines in your house. It's almost like they are not authorized, even though you can obviously watch them. If you tune CBSHD on the SD box, can you view it with bars on all sides?Dave,

I don't think a SD box will show HD channels at all.

Thank you so much. I have learned a ton. There is no point in me calling them back. I might as well just wait until the tech gets here Friday, right? Then maybe he can tell them what I've been telling them all along when he sees it with his own eyes.
I am so happy we figured most of it out. At least now I know I can't record any local HD channels, but I can set my box to record the local SD channels for my weekly shows!
Oh well, i really love HD but until Friday I cant watch my overnight shows in hd. no big deal. Hopefully engineering can get involved on Friday b/c no one else at TWC has any idea what I'm talking about, level 3 or not.
Thank you so much for all your help everyone! If anyone figures this out, PM me or just respond in this forum and I will check periodically to see what you've come up with. Someone has to know why it won't record/pause/rewind local hd channels.Can you record national (non local) HD channels, like ESPN HD without problems?

If this is the case, then there may be a problem at the headend with some of the copy protection flags.

Dave,

I don't think a SD box will show HD channels at all.That's become rather obvious based on him trying and failing. :)

Can you record national (non local) HD channels, like ESPN HD without problems?

If this is the case, then there may be a problem at the headend with some of the copy protection flags.To catch you up, he's already said he can record any channel, SD or HD, except the local HD channels. He recorded A&E-HD and CBS-HD, but the CBS-HD recording was deleted. He also checked the copy flags and they are the same as mine, Freely or Once, depending on channel. Even if it were the flags, it should then affect everyone, not just him. He's also rebooted, hard rebooted, formatted the HDD, swapped SD/HD units upstairs and downstairs, etc. He also cannot pause, rewind, or fast forward live local HD channels, the picture goes blank. He tried viewing a recording in progress from the beginning and got a blank screen too. By doing that though, he was able to record 10 minutes of the blank screen. I still think something is not set right in his account, though I can't explain what, or why he can view the channels but not record them. He's talked to a couple of CSRs and techs and a supervisor tech is coming Friday. Hopefully, they will get somewhere then.

I saw a strange behavior last night. It was time for bed but the program which had just begun on PBS caught my eye so I pressed record, one time, accept, etc. and nothing happened.....So I did it again, and one more time so the warning that I cannot schedule three programs for the same time slot....!!!! So I canceled all three requests. Keep in mind this is a request(s) to record the program which is slipping away real time while I'm furiously thumbing the remote. I went through all of the above one more time and then turned off the 8300HD and when I turned it on again and went through the drill all was well. Very strange behavior.

This was the first excitement since the old beta test days.

TerryB

That's become rather obvious based on him trying and failing. :)

To catch you up, he's already said he can record any channel, SD or HD, except the local HD channels. He recorded A&E-HD and CBS-HD, but the CBS-HD recording was deleted. He also checked the copy flags and they are the same as mine, Freely or Once, depending on channel. Even if it were the flags, it should then affect everyone, not just him. He's also rebooted, hard rebooted, formatted the HDD, swapped SD/HD units upstairs and downstairs, etc. He also cannot pause, rewind, or fast forward live local HD channels, the picture goes blank. He tried viewing a recording in progress from the beginning and got a blank screen too. By doing that though, he was able to record 10 minutes of the blank screen. I still think something is not set right in his account, though I can't explain what, or why he can view the channels but not record them. He's talked to a couple of CSRs and techs and a supervisor tech is coming Friday. Hopefully, they will get somewhere then.
hopefully!

Newbie question...and I apologize in advance.

Got the 8300HDC installed last week to go along with my new Samsung 46650. I am running HDMI from the box to my tv, and optical audio from the box to my Onkyo HTIB receiver.

The cable guy did the advance setup and selected all input format ratios. He set the box to Upconvert2 and Normal screen size. Audio is set to Digital Out.

My question is, what would be the best setting(s) for PQ quality? I notice that my HD stations are showing 720p, and none are showing 1080i unless I force the 1080i setting by way of Easy Setup. 1080i seems crisper to me. The PQ on SD stations seems better by forcing 1080i, but I am confused.

Based on my setup, what settings would provide optimal PQ fopr both HD and SD broadcasts?

Thanks for your patience...

Chris

Newbie question...and I apologize in advance.

Got the 8300HDC installed last week to go along with my new Samsung 46650. I am running HDMI from the box to my tv, and optical audio from the box to my Onkyo HTIB receiver.

The cable guy did the advance setup and selected all input format ratios. He set the box to Upconvert2 and Normal screen size. Audio is set to Digital Out.

My question is, what would be the best setting(s) for PQ quality? I notice that my HD stations are showing 720p, and none are showing 1080i unless I force the 1080i setting by way of Easy Setup. 1080i seems crisper to me. The PQ on SD stations seems better by forcing 1080i, but I am confused.

Based on my setup, what settings would provide optimal PQ fopr both HD and SD broadcasts?

Thanks for your patience...

ChrisHe probably used Upconvert2 because your display is 720p (or close to it). They incorrectly assume that 720p will look better on it, but that is not always the case.

That said, there are no best settings, it's whatever looks best to you. Upconvert2 converts 1080i to 720p and passes through 480i/p. You can switch to Upconvert1 and convert 720p to 1080i while still passing through 480. Or you can go back through the initial setup and enable whichever formats you prefer and then use Pass-Through to accomplish the same thing. Play with the settings for a few days and then decide for yourself which way you want to do things.

Also, be advised that enabling each format and using Pass-Through will let your TV do any converting instead of the 8300. You may find that preferrable to either Upconvert option, but when surfing channels, there will be a slight delay and some video interference when going to/from 480, 720, and 1080. This reformatting may get annoying if you do a lot of channel surfing, so you may have to settle for disabling 720 or 1080, or using an Upconvert option. Again, it's totally up to you.

Also note that the basic reason for 480 is so your TV can stretch SD images to fill the screen.

He probably used Upconvert2 because your display is 720p (or close to it). They incorrectly assume that 720p will look better on it, but that is not always the case.

That said, there are no best settings, it's whatever looks best to you. Upconvert2 converts 1080i to 720p and passes through 480i/p. You can switch to Upconvert1 and convert 720p to 1080i while still passing through 480. Or you can go back through the initial setup and enable whichever formats you prefer and then use Pass-Through to accomplish the same thing. Play with the settings for a few days and then decide for yourself which way you want to do things.

Thanks for that advice. The set handles 1080p and I am using HDMI. But not sure many tv shows output in 1080i anyway these days...

C

Thanks for that advice. The set handles 1080p and I am using HDMI. But not sure many tv shows output in 1080i anyway these days...Most shows/channels are 1080i, 720p is pretty limited to Fox, ESPN, and a few others, though I'm not sure about the newer ones.

He probably used Upconvert2 because your display is 720p (or close to it). They incorrectly assume that 720p will look better on it, but that is not always the case.The LN46A650 is 1080P. Cable techs often use 720P on any HD TV, no matter what resolution it is capable of, to simplify their job.

If the vertical bars on SD channels don't bother you, set the box to "pass-through". That will send whatever format the channel is in to your set, unchanged.

The LN46A650 is 1080P. Cable techs often use 720P on any HD TV, no matter what resolution it is capable of, to simplify their job.

If the vertical bars on SD channels don't bother you, set the box to "pass-through". That will send whatever format the channel is in to your set, unchanged.I noted that in his reply. I should have thought of that vice assuming. Guess I was trying to let the tech off the hook, though I guess one could assume 720p would look better on a 1080p HDTV. :)

The LN46A650 is 1080P. Cable techs often use 720P on any HD TV, no matter what resolution it is capable of, to simplify their job.

If the vertical bars on SD channels don't bother you, set the box to "pass-through". That will send whatever format the channel is in to your set, unchanged.

No Pass-Through option with HDMI...I think Auto HDMI/DVI is the same choice?

If I do this, do I need to go back through the Advanced setup and choose all the individual ratios (480i --> 1080I and all in between)?

C

They are sending a supervisor technician. The only cables I have not swapped out and replaced are the cable coming from the drop and the cable from inside the wall going into the basement. Maybe there is a crack or something in one of those two wires. I don't know what the condition of the line coming in from the pole is. But it does go under a small creek.

From your description of your saga so far I really don't see how this could be a cable issue. I'd guess it's more likely to be some obscure copy protect flags they have set up locally and perhaps the software revision they are using locally (or worse a combination of the two). It wouldn't surprise me if they could screw this up on a account by account basis and they have some setting for allowing the customer to record HD that they've never (intentionally) encountered before yet it somehow got set the wrong way for you.

One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort.

No Pass-Through option with HDMI...I think Auto HDMI/DVI is the same choice?

If I do this, do I need to go back through the Advanced setup and choose all the individual ratios (480i --> 1080I and all in between)?

C

Auto HDMI/DVI is the same as pass through. If all the resolutions were already set up the first time then you won't need to do them again just because you are switching from up-convert to auto.

Auto HDMI/DVI is the same as pass through. If all the resolutions were already set up the first time then you won't need to do them again just because you are switching from up-convert to auto.

Thanks. I went through yesterday and re-did it by selecting Easy Setup which I think defaults it all to 1080i...so I think I need to go back and select Advanced and choose thenm all again, and the switch to Auto HDMI.

C

Auto HDMI/DVI is the same as pass through. If all the resolutions were already set up the first time then you won't need to do them again just because you are switching from up-convert to auto.To elaborate on that for a bit. Auto HDMI/DVI is actually letting the TV set tell the cable box which resolutions that it (the TV) is capable of receiving. IF the set is capable (as most are these days) of receiving 720p and 1080i, then the cable box will send whatever the broadcast is in. There have been several sets in the past that would not accept 480i over HDMI, so in those cases, the box would send 480p in the Auto HDMI/DVI mode.

Regarding setting the box to "fixed": If the TV set is 768x x 1366 (as most "720p" sets are) it is a mistake to set the cable box to fixed at either 720p or 1080i. The set must convert either to it's native resolution. If the box is set fixed to 720p, then 1080i programs will be converted TWICE: once to 720p in the cable box and AGAIN in the TV going from 720p to 768p. If you set the box to fixed at 1080i, then 720p broadcasts are the ones converted twice. Minimum loss of information and generation of artifacts will occur when there is only ONE conversion.

One reason for the cable tech to set these up wrong is to minimize customer complaints as sending "native" resolutions to the set can have it's own set of issues. For example, many sets take an objectionable time to change resolutions (the cable box does that quite well).

To elaborate on that for a bit. Auto HDMI/DVI is actually letting the TV set tell the cable box which resolutions that it (the TV) is capable of receiving. IF the set is capable (as most are these days) of receiving 720p and 1080i, then the cable box will send whatever the broadcast is in. There have been several sets in the past that would not accept 480i over HDMI, so in those cases, the box would send 480p in the Auto HDMI/DVI mode.

Regarding setting the box to "fixed": If the TV set is 768x x 1366 (as most "720p" sets are) it is a mistake to set the cable box to fixed at either 720p or 1080i. The set must convert either to it's native resolution. If the box is set fixed to 720p, then 1080i programs will be converted TWICE: once to 720p in the cable box and AGAIN in the TV going from 720p to 768p. If you set the box to fixed at 1080i, then 720p broadcasts are the ones converted twice. Minimum loss of information and generation of artifacts will occur when there is only ONE conversion.

One reason for the cable tech to set these up wrong is to minimize customer complaints as sending "native" resolutions to the set can have it's own set of issues. For example, many sets take an objectionable time to change resolutions (the cable box does that quite well).

Thanks Dave.

That being said, for a box that can send all formats and a tv that can display all formats including 1080p, the cable box should be set to which output? Auto HDMI and the tv is currently set to 16x9 display format?

I am still confused...sorry.

C

Thanks Dave.

That being said, for a box that can send all formats and a tv that can display all formats including 1080p, the cable box should be set to which output? Auto HDMI and the tv is currently set to 16x9 display format?Yes.

god i hope not. that would be brutal. at least i have some sort of cable. if they do that, i might just call up directv. for real.

god i hope not. that would be brutal. at least i have some sort of cable. if they do that, i might just call up directv. for real.?????????Did you forget to quote something? Not clear here what would be brutal.

god i hope not. that would be brutal. at least i have some sort of cable. if they do that, i might just call up directv. for real.

I think he was quoting this reply, specifically the last paragraph.


From your description of your saga so far I really don't see how this could be a cable issue. I'd guess it's more likely to be some obscure copy protect flags they have set up locally and perhaps the software revision they are using locally (or worse a combination of the two). It wouldn't surprise me if they could screw this up on a account by account basis and they have some setting for allowing the customer to record HD that they've never (intentionally) encountered before yet it somehow got set the wrong way for you.

One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort.

?????????Did you forget to quote something? Not clear here what would be brutal.
"One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort."

Can you record national (non local) HD channels, like ESPN HD without problems?

If this is the case, then there may be a problem at the headend with some of the copy protection flags.
today i found it it's not just the local hd channels. it's also a few of the other hd tier channels. do u want a list of them, i went through them all today.

An easy and quick way to do that would be to use the buffer to check recording capability on each channel. With the STB on, channel through several random channels to clear any buffers. Then, start on an SD channel and pause for about 10-25 seconds to get a buffer. While paused, press the frame advanced button (FF) to see if the video will advance one frame (good), or jump to live video (bad). You could alternately use the "jumpback" button (Replay) in most cases with similar results. Go through this process on every HD channel.


I just did the above. Here is what I've found:
The SD channels have no buffer problems, but the HD channels do, all of the local ones and some of the other ones.

704HD FOXHD Black screen
705HD (TimeWarner Digital Phone) it pauses, then goes frame by frame when I hit FF.
706HD NBCHD Black screen
708HD ABCHD Black screen
709HD CWHD Black screen
712HD MPBNHD Black screen
713HD CBSHD Black screen
735HD MHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
740HD A&EHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame, but not as quickly or smoothly as the other channels
745HD TNTHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
755HD HISTHD it pauses, then goes to a black screen.

It appears that the problem is not just the local HD channels.

759HD GEOHD it pauses, then goes to a black screen.
770HD HDNET it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
771HD HDNTM it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
772HD ESPNHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
773HD NESNHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
774HD MOJOHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame. 776HD HTHTRHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
777HD UNIVHD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
778HD ESPN2HD it pauses, then goes frame by frame.
779HD CSNHD not currently airing. default background goes black when hitting pause.
780HD TBSHD it goes black when hitting pause.

Thanks Dave.

That being said, for a box that can send all formats and a tv that can display all formats including 1080p, the cable box should be set to which output?
C
What was the answer to this?

Looking to add a speaker system. Does the 8300hd "digital audio out" output 5.1 or 7.1, or does it just send audio to the receiver which outputs 5.1 or 7.1? Can I just buy a speaker set and bypass the receiver?
Good question, anybody know the answer? Thanks

Originally Posted by davehancock
?????????Did you forget to quote something? Not clear here what would be brutal."One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort."Still, you are as clear as mud! What on earth are you talking about?

Originally Posted by capa2000
Thanks Dave.

That being said, for a box that can send all formats and a tv that can display all formats including 1080p, the cable box should be set to which output?
CWhat was the answer to this?

The CORRECT & COMPLETE quote of capa2000 is: Originally Posted by capa2000
Thanks Dave.

That being said, for a box that can send all formats and a tv that can display all formats including 1080p, the cable box should be set to which output? Auto HDMI and the tv is currently set to 16x9 display format?

You left out the highlighted part.

The answer (which I provided) was YES. (Yes, the correct setting is Auto HDMI for the box to send all formats to a TV that can display all formats).

It appears that the problem is not just the local HD channels.
True, but those non-locals that are also having problems might be on the same QAM frequency as the locals that are having problems. Were any of these recently added.

BTW, the S/Ns in your PM look fine to me. Also, since you are using Component, that rules out any HDMI issue, though I suppose the receiver could be casuing a problme with some frequencies. Did you run Component direct from the 8300 to TV and try this stuff?

From your description of your saga so far I really don't see how this could be a cable issue. I'd guess it's more likely to be some obscure copy protect flags they have set up locally and perhaps the software revision they are using locally (or worse a combination of the two). It wouldn't surprise me if they could screw this up on a account by account basis and they have some setting for allowing the customer to record HD that they've never (intentionally) encountered before yet it somehow got set the wrong way for you.

One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort.

god i hope not. that would be brutal. at least i have some sort of cable. if they do that, i might just call up directv. for real.
He was responding to the previous post.
?????????Did you forget to quote something? Not clear here what would be brutal.
He forgot to quote what follows.
"One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort."

Still, you are as clear as mud! What on earth are you talking about?

It's really not all that hard to follow, he was simply responding to the highlighted comment and forgot to quote it. His point is that at least now he can watch and record some things, but if they really mess up his account, he will not have anything until they fix it and that would be brutal. :)

The CORRECT & COMPLETE quote of capa2000 is:You left out the highlighted part.

The answer (which I provided) was YES. (Yes, the correct setting is Auto HDMI for the box to send all formats to a TV that can display all formats).

Dave,

I reset so the cable sends out all formats (Advanced setup). TV is set to 16x9 and Normal picture mode and Auto HDMI setting.

However, watching Fox in HD tonite (American Idol) it says it is 720p. I think they broadcast in 1080i but will verify. Any clue why it may be defaulting to 720? The tv is capable of displaying up to 1080p.

Chris

Dave,

I reset so the cable sends out all formats (Advanced setup). TV is set to 16x9 and Normal picture mode and Auto HDMI setting.

However, watching Fox in HD tonite (American Idol) it says it is 720p. I think they broadcast in 1080i but will verify. Any clue why it may be defaulting to 720?

ChrisFOX (along with ABC) is normally 720p. CBS, NBC, CW are 1080i. That's what the network sends out, that is. [There are a few (VERY, Very Few) cases where local stations change this.] So it sounds like things are right.

Here is what I've found:
The SD channels have no buffer problems, but the HD channels do, all of the local ones and some of the other ones.

Here's a thought, have you checked to see what the format is on the ones that work vs. the ones that don't work? You can see the display on the front of the box: 720 vs 1080 (or even 480). Not sure what it would mean if they were all one or the other, but it's a thought (sorta, anyway).

BTW, you do realize that my comment about being without service for days or weeks if they need to reauthorize the box was (mostly) sarcastic? They're actually pretty good about that here, after we moved we had one box work properly but the other didn't. Called them up, they did the reauth and away things went. But given the way things have been working for you so far I'd make no real prediction as to what might happen for you.

Still, you are as clear as mud! What on earth are you talking about?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Numb3rs View Post
god i hope not. that would be brutal. at least i have some sort of cable. if they do that, i might just call up directv. for real.
I think he was quoting this reply, specifically the last paragraph.


Quote:
Originally Posted by scientest View Post
From your description of your saga so far I really don't see how this could be a cable issue. I'd guess it's more likely to be some obscure copy protect flags they have set up locally and perhaps the software revision they are using locally (or worse a combination of the two). It wouldn't surprise me if they could screw this up on a account by account basis and they have some setting for allowing the customer to record HD that they've never (intentionally) encountered before yet it somehow got set the wrong way for you.

One thing you might ask them to do is to start over with authorizing the box. Then of course if they screw up with that it could be days or weeks before you get anything, even SD, so that might be a last resort.

True, but those non-locals that are also having problems might be on the same QAM frequency as the locals that are having problems. Were any of these recently added.

BTW, the S/Ns in your PM look fine to me. Also, since you are using Component, that rules out any HDMI issue, though I suppose the receiver could be casuing a problme with some frequencies. Did you run Component direct from the 8300 to TV and try this stuff?
I've been avoiding that until last resort b/c of the position of my cables and being nearly impossible to get to. but i'll try.

Here's a thought, have you checked to see what the format is on the ones that work vs. the ones that don't work? You can see the display on the front of the box: 720 vs 1080 (or even 480). Not sure what it would mean if they were all one or the other, but it's a thought (sorta, anyway).

BTW, you do realize that my comment about being without service for days or weeks if they need to reauthorize the box was (mostly) sarcastic? They're actually pretty good about that here, after we moved we had one box work properly but the other didn't. Called them up, they did the reauth and away things went. But given the way things have been working for you so far I'd make no real prediction as to what might happen for you.
Thank you. Yes, who knows how long it would take. it's taken 4 months just to get someone to come out and look at the problem. and now they are finally sending a supervisor.

I'll check the channels now. It always says 1080i HDTV on all hd channels. However, it only says 1080i on SD channels. It never says 480 or 720, no matter what channel. The only thing that changes is the HDTV goes away on SD channels. That's all.

Thank you. Yes, who knows how long it would take. it's taken 4 months just to get someone to come out and look at the problem. and now they are finally sending a supervisor.

I'll check the channels now. It always says 1080i HDTV on all hd channels. However, it only says 1080i on SD channels. It never says 480 or 720, no matter what channel. The only thing that changes is the HDTV goes away on SD channels. That's all.
Probably b/c I have it set to fixed! Should I change that setting? Will that have anything to do with it?

Probably b/c I have it set to fixed! Should I change that setting? Will that have anything to do with it?At this point, just about anything is worth a try. Change it to Pass-Through. If they all still show as 1080i, that means 1080i is the only format that was enabled in initial setup. You can go back through setup (see First Post) and enable 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i. With it the way it is now, the box is converting everything to 1080i, but that really shouldn't have anything to do with the problem.

SARA v1.89.17.1

Okay there it is. What does that mean? Does that help diagnosing the problem with my recordings disappearing?If your cable company offers the SA 8300HDC, the cable card version of the SA 8300HD, you might have your cable company try that since your cable company has a limited supply of SA 8300HDs. Just make sure there are no other problems before keeping it.

Getting alot of "haze" on my Samsung 46 650 lcd using Charter in CT using the 8300 HDC with HDMI. Getting annoying real fast. Sort of a grayish pseudo-sparkling "haze"..especially in dark areas of the pic. On HD channels as well as SD.

Tried all different settings on the tv (Dynamic, Normal, Movie, etc) and adjusted color, tint, backlight, brightness, DNIe, etc...but can't get the pic real crisp for the most part. Only a handful of HD stations are how I envisioned they would be (in 720p or 1080i). The rest just appear to be just very good SD PQ.

Is it me? Or is it almost impossible to enjoy high-end LCD sets with today's STB's?

C

Getting alot of "haze" on my Samsung 46 650 lcd using Charter in CT using the 8300 HDC with HDMI. Getting annoying real fast. Sort of a grayish pseudo-sparkling "haze"..especially in dark areas of the pic.

Standard "sparkling" question # 63: have you tried swapping the HDMI cable?

At this point, just about anything is worth a try. Change it to Pass-Through. If they all still show as 1080i, that means 1080i is the only format that was enabled in initial setup. You can go back through setup (see First Post) and enable 480i/p, 720p, and 1080i. With it the way it is now, the box is converting everything to 1080i, but that really shouldn't have anything to do with the problem.
I used a brand new component cable, eliminated the receiver, straight into the tv. didn't change a thing. still the same issues continue.

I used a brand new component cable, eliminated the receiver, straight into the tv. didn't change a thing. still the same issues continue.

When you reported your S/N - was that while tuned to a channel that was messing up?

xnappo

When you reported your S/N - was that while tuned to a channel that was messing up?

xnappo
If the first theory does not find any difference between 1080i and 720p channels, but still has multiple failed channels, there could be interference on some frequencies. Go into the first page of Diagnostics to see the current frequncy of the tuner (or to the page with the "CURRENT QAM", remembering that it will take 5-10 seconds to update the numbers. Note each channel frequency that has a problem. CBS and PBS are on the same QAM frequency in my area, and probably theirs too. If on the Current QAM page, jot down the S/N ratio of each channel to.

I did the above, here is what I found:
704HD S/N: 33
705 36
706 36
708 33
710 36
712 36
713 35
735 36
740 36
745 37
755 36
759 36
770 35
771 36
772 36
773 36
774 36
776 36
777 36
778 35

On a side note: I was watching CSI on AEHD and it was clear for a while, then after about 20 mins it started pixelating and freezing.

Standard "sparkling" question # 63: have you tried swapping the HDMI cable?

Have not, but will. Or maybe a move to Component is in order? Component can deliver all formats including 1080p, yes?

The 3 HDMI cables I have were all ordered from monoprice and are exactly the same. I guess one could be substandard.

Does it make sense to go to Component or will I really be losing some PQ on HD stations?

Thanks again,

Chris

Have not, but will. Or maybe a move to Component is in order? Component can deliver all formats including 1080p, yes?Component can deliver all formats, usually except 1080p. Since the maximum resolution of TV channels is 1080i, it can deliver all formats the box is capable of providing.

UPDATE!!!

I just talked to a TWC Tech Super. and he said that he knows about the HD Tier Issue.
Turns out I was right all along. It is an SA issue. He said the SA boxes can't handle the amount of bytes in hd, hence the pixels, freezing, black screen, etc. They are working with SA to get a firmware upgrade. However, the firmware upgrade is not going to happen for another 6 months to a year! Incredible!
I find that incredible. I also find it amazing that this was the first person I talked to that knew about the issue. I have been telling them something was wrong for over 4 months! I have talked to almost every CSR and tech at TWC locally. Nobody believed me.
At least now I know I'm not going crazy. And neither are any of you! It's simply a SA issue. most likely firmware.
I need to go back to motorola. I'm not waiting 6 months to a year for a firmware upgrade. I'd rather go to direct tv!

He said the SA boxes can't handle the amount of bytes in hd, hence the pixels, freezing, black screen, etc. They are working with SA to get a firmware upgrade. However, the firmware upgrade is not going to happen for another 6 months to a year! Incredible!

That doesn't make sense either: how come the SA boxes work for people in other markets? (Like me!)

That doesn't make sense either: how come the SA boxes work for people in other markets? (Like me!)

Or in the same market for that matter. If all the boxes were not working in a market, all hell would break loose. I really wonder if they know what the problem is.

UPDATE!!!

I just talked to a TWC Tech Super. and he said that he knows about the HD Tier Issue.I think he is feeding you a line of BS longer than from here to there, and it's a long line from Phoenix to Maine. If any of that were true, there would be all kinds of people having the problem, not just you. I don't think he understands the problem you are having.

UPDATE!!!

I just talked to a TWC Tech Super. and he said that he knows about the HD Tier Issue.
Turns out I was right all along. It is an SA issue. He said the SA boxes can't handle the amount of bytes in hd, hence the pixels, freezing, black screen, etc. They are working with SA to get a firmware upgrade. However, the firmware upgrade is not going to happen for another 6 months to a year! Incredible!


What version of firmware they using there? 0.89????

Sounds pretty improbable!!!!!!

What version of firmware they using there? 0.89????

Sounds pretty improbable!!!!!!IIRC, it was later than yours and mine.

UPDATE!!!

I just talked to a TWC Tech Super. and he said that he knows about the HD Tier Issue.
Turns out I was right all along. It is an SA issue. He said the SA boxes can't handle the amount of bytes in hd, hence the pixels, freezing, black screen, etc. They are working with SA to get a firmware upgrade. However, the firmware upgrade is not going to happen for another 6 months to a year! Incredible!
I find that incredible. I also find it amazing that this was the first person I talked to that knew about the issue. I have been telling them something was wrong for over 4 months! I have talked to almost every CSR and tech at TWC locally. Nobody believed me.
At least now I know I'm not going crazy. And neither are any of you! It's simply a SA issue. most likely firmware.
I need to go back to motorola. I'm not waiting 6 months to a year for a firmware upgrade. I'd rather go to direct tv!That sounds like a problem that SA was having with the cable cards used in the SA 8300HDC which was fixed months ago.

I'm a TWC customer North of KC,MO. Just traded in an 8300DVR for an 8300HD DVR and hooked it to my new Panasonic Plasma with component cables. Nothing else is hooked to either the Box or the TV.

I'm trying to access the set up menu using the instructions in the guide I downloaded from sciatl dot com 40040007 by pushing the info and guide buttons on the front of the box with the HD off and the TV on and nothing happens.

The reason to access the wizard is to change the output from 480i to 720p or 1080i to clear the picture up on my TV.

Read a bit in places that this wizard is blocked with the new navigator software. Is that true? If so, what else can I try to upgrade the picture this box sends to my pretty new TV?

Thanks.

In general, should we be choosing 480i or 480p as a valid input/output or just remove it all together from the selection screen? In other wordds, start with the 720 ratios and include those and the 1080's?

C

I'm a TWC customer North of KC,MO. Just traded in an 8300DVR for an 8300HD DVR and hooked it to my new Panasonic Plasma with component cables. Nothing else is hooked to either the Box or the TV.

I'm trying to access the set up menu using the instructions in the guide I downloaded from sciatl dot com 40040007 by pushing the info and guide buttons on the front of the box with the HD off and the TV on and nothing happens.

The reason to access the wizard is to change the output from 480i to 720p or 1080i to clear the picture up on my TV.

Read a bit in places that this wizard is blocked with the new navigator software. Is that true? If so, what else can I try to upgrade the picture this box sends to my pretty new TV?

Thanks.

I would suggest trying a HDMI cable. With that you should be able to set the option for pass through and let the TV to all the scaling. That will likely provide the best picture.

In general, should we be choosing 480i or 480p as a valid input/output or just remove it all together from the selection screen? In other wordds, start with the 720 ratios and include those and the 1080's?There is no general concensus, it's whatever works best for you. Here are some thigns to consider:

1. Most non-HD channels are 480i and music channels are 480p. HD channels are 720p or 1080i, with most being 1080i.

2. If you do not enable 480, the 8300 is converting all those channels rather than your TV, and your TV may have a better scaler in it. If the 8300 converts them, many TVs cannot automatically expand/zoom them to eliminate the side bars.

3. If your TV is 720p, it's probably really 768. That means every channel is getting converted and many will get converted twice. If you only enable 720p, then the 8300 converts 1080i to 720p and the TV then converts it to 768. In many cases, this results in a slighly worse IQ than if you enabled 1080i and let the TV do the converting.

4. Some folks report better IQ with 720p disabled. This means the 8300 converts those to 1080i and the TV then converts to 768, but they say the result is better.

5. Some TVs do not play nice with 480i when using HDMI. They enable 480p and let the 8300 convert 480i for the TV.

6. If you enable 720p and 1080i, there is a delay while tuning as the TV converts formats. For some folks, this is more annoying than the slightly less optimum IQ and they disable one or the other.

My suggestion is to enable 480i or 480p along with 720p and 1080i. Live with them for awhile, disable them one at a time to see any difference, and then disable the ones you don't want. You may find that 1080i works best for you for all channels. Or oyu may find that you are not bothers by the format changes as you channel surf. Or you may not care about expanding/zooming non-HD channels. It's totally an individual choice.

Read a bit in places that this wizard is blocked with the new navigator software. Is that true? If so, what else can I try to upgrade the picture this box sends to my pretty new TV?You really need to hop on over to the Navigator thread (link in my sig). I'm not sure if setup is disabled or if it simply uses a different method for access with Navigator. The instructions you downloaded are for SA boxes using SARA (as is this thread), not Navigator or Passport.

Just as a comment though, disabling 480i will not necessarily result in a better IQ. Disabling it means the 8300 has to convert all those channels to something else and then your TV has to process the result. In many cases, the TV does a better job converting formats. The chipsets used in the 8300 are now over 5 years old and technology has changed with newer TVs. Don't get the idea that going from 480i to 1080i via the 8300 will give you a 1080i image, it's still a 480i image in 1080i format, big difference. Also, your TV has a default display resolutuon and has to convert all signals to that format.

Well, it looks my experiment with HDMI is over. I probably could have lived with the lengthy delay when I switched between SD and HD channels. Maybe I could have lived with having to reboot when my TV and the box just couldn't get synched.

However, in time the box started to really act up by not sending out HD, 1080i or 720p, even though I had set them. Note that I have made a bunch of anamorphic DVD's that I learned how to do on this site. Maybe the box just got tired of switching back and forth between SD and HD output of HD content. :-)

Even when I rebooted, hard and soft, sometimes it would work right for a while, but then it would randomly fail.

So, I switched back to component and problems went away. If someone can tell me how to fix the HDMI problem I'll try again.

Cablevision pushed out SARA 1.89.22.2 this morning. Some people were having problems with truncated recordings that this should fix.

We are still awaiting a fix for recording switched Digital Video channels. We can't record them unless we are tuned to the channel, so you can't schedule them in advance. Considering that they started to move the VOOM HD channels to SDV yesterday you would think they would have fixed that problem before the move. It's been going on for over a year on the international language channels and the league sports packages since those went to SDV. CV's Senior Technology Adviser said a fix is coming soon.

I am trying to find a solution to my home theater audio situation when used with a SA 8240 HDC (equivalent to SA 8300 for this purpose) provided by my cable provider (Cox, San Diego, CA), without spending a lot of money replacing my audio system's receiver/amplifier. I have seen some similar posts about the audio issues I will talk about here, but not specifically this case, and not presenting a possible solution (below). I would like to see if anyone else has a less expensive solution to what I would like to achieve, and to describe the one solution I have found so far.

My setup:
I have a new HDTV with HDMI inputs that incorporates HDCP connected via HDMI to my SA 8240 HDC. I also connected the 8240's optical Toslink output to my older audio system receiver/amplifier. The receiver/amplifier can process Dolby Digital 5.1. My audio system does NOT have HDMI.

The problem:
My problem is that when the 8240 is connected to the HDTV via HDMI, the 8240 will only either output audio over the HDMI or the optical Toslink, but not both at the same time. You have to choose which output in the 8240's setup menu. I want to play audio out both HDMI and optical (DD 5.1) at the same time so that my wife can choose to listen to the TV just through the TV speakers (she doesn’t like using the audio system) without having to go into the DVR’s setup procedure to switch the audio from optical to HDMI. I like to listen through the audio system, and I will probably forget to put the DVR audio output back to HDMI (and will therefore hear the complaints).

Also, if I select the optical output and turn off the TV, the DVR shuts off the audio out of the optical port. My wife would like to just listen to one of the digital music stations that my cable company provides without the TV on – just use the TV to select the channel then shut the TV off (so as to not waste power and not take time off the life of the TV). I would like to listen to the cable provided audio stations because I live in a rural, moutainous area that gets poor over-the-air radio reception, and don't want to pay for satellite radio.

Possible Solution:
I have seen some people at various online forums state that they spent $1000 or more on a new audio receiver/amplifier with HDMI to deal with this problem. I don’t want to do that. I like the receiver/amplifier I have, and don’t want to spend that much money to solve this.

Ideally, there would be a way for the 8240 to output on optical all the time (even with the TV off, or even with HDMI audio selected). However, it seems that the current version of the 8240 software just won't do that. Does anyone know if it can be made to do this?

Without a software solution in the 8240, another solution is to have a box that has full HDMI in, a full copy (audio+video) of the HDMI out (to go to the TV), and optical Toslink out (to go to the audio system). The box would have to do the following:
1) do the HDCP interaction with the 8240 even when the TV is off so that the DVR won’t shut off the audio when the TV is off (even for protected content). Note that in this mode (audio only, no TV), it is fine with me for the audio to simply be 2 channel, not Dolby Digital 5.1. (5.1 is preferred, but 2 channel might help meet the HDCP license terms)
2) when the TV is on, simultaneously send the 5.1 audio out the Toslink optical output and the normal HDMI audio + video over the HDMI output (even for protected content)

I have found a three boxes that would seem to do this, although all are more expensive than I would like. There are two from Octava Incorporated, the cheapest one being the HDDA12 at $189.
http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20distribution%20amp_splitter%202%20port.html
(They have another one with more ports that costs more.) I found a similar device from another company, but it cost much more. I did contact Octava to verify their unit could meet the above requirements, and they said it could.

I don’t really need the HDMI splitter aspect of the HDDA12, and was looking to spend no more than about $100 (about the value of the level of pain to convince my wife to learn to use the DVR setup procedure, and to not be able to use the digital radio stations on my cable system - don't want to leave the TV on just to listen to digital radio).

By-the-way, I want to keep the TV signal on HDMI, not component. I have tried both, and HDMI definitely produces the better picture, and can show protected content.

Does anyone have ideas or knowledge of other products that would solve this problem for about $100 or less? I would imagine other people with non-HDMI receiver/amplifiers would like to have this same solution.

I am trying to find a solution to my home theater audio situation when used with a SA 8240 HDC (equivalent to SA 8300 for this purpose) provided by my cable provider (Cox, San Diego, CA), without spending a lot of money replacing my audio system's receiver/amplifier. I have seen some similar posts about the audio issues I will talk about here, but not specifically this case, and not presenting a possible solution (below). I would like to see if anyone else has a less expensive solution to what I would like to achieve, and to describe the one solution I have found so far.

My setup:
I have a new HDTV with HDMI inputs that incorporates HDCP connected via HDMI to my SA 8240 HDC. I also connected the 8240's optical Toslink output to my older audio system receiver/amplifier. The receiver/amplifier can process Dolby Digital 5.1. My audio system does NOT have HDMI.

The problem:
My problem is that when the 8240 is connected to the HDTV via HDMI, the 8240 will only either output audio over the HDMI or the optical Toslink, but not both at the same time. You have to choose which output in the 8240's setup menu. I want to play audio out both HDMI and optical (DD 5.1) at the same time so that my wife can choose to listen to the TV just through the TV speakers (she doesn’t like using the audio system) without having to go into the DVR’s setup procedure to switch the audio from optical to HDMI. I like to listen through the audio system, and I will probably forget to put the DVR audio output back to HDMI (and will therefore hear the complaints).

Also, if I select the optical output and turn off the TV, the DVR shuts off the audio out of the optical port. My wife would like to just listen to one of the digital music stations that my cable company provides without the TV on – just use the TV to select the channel then shut the TV off (so as to not waste power and not take time off the life of the TV). I would like to listen to the cable provided audio stations because I live in a rural, moutainous area that gets poor over-the-air radio reception, and don't want to pay for satellite radio.

Possible Solution:
I have seen some people at various online forums state that they spent $1000 or more on a new audio receiver/amplifier with HDMI to deal with this problem. I don’t want to do that. I like the receiver/amplifier I have, and don’t want to spend that much money to solve this.

Ideally, there would be a way for the 8240 to output on optical all the time (even with the TV off, or even with HDMI audio selected). However, it seems that the current version of the 8240 software just won't do that. Does anyone know if it can be made to do this?

Without a software solution in the 8240, another solution is to have a box that has full HDMI in, a full copy (audio+video) of the HDMI out (to go to the TV), and optical Toslink out (to go to the audio system). The box would have to do the following:
1) do the HDCP interaction with the 8240 even when the TV is off so that the DVR won’t shut off the audio when the TV is off (even for protected content). Note that in this mode (audio only, no TV), it is fine with me for the audio to simply be 2 channel, not Dolby Digital 5.1. (5.1 is preferred, but 2 channel might help meet the HDCP license terms)
2) when the TV is on, simultaneously send the 5.1 audio out the Toslink optical output and the normal HDMI audio + video over the HDMI output (even for protected content)

I have found a three boxes that would seem to do this, although all are more expensive than I would like. There are two from Octava Incorporated, the cheapest one being the HDDA12 at $189.
http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20distribution%20amp_splitter%202%20port.html
(They have another one with more ports that costs more.) I found a similar device from another company, but it cost much more. I did contact Octava to verify their unit could meet the above requirements, and they said it could.

I don’t really need the HDMI splitter aspect of the HDDA12, and was looking to spend no more than about $100 (about the value of the level of pain to convince my wife to learn to use the DVR setup procedure, and to not be able to use the digital radio stations on my cable system - don't want to leave the TV on just to listen to digital radio).

By-the-way, I want to keep the TV signal on HDMI, not component. I have tried both, and HDMI definitely produces the better picture, and can show protected content.

Does anyone have ideas or knowledge of other products that would solve this problem for about $100 or less? I would imagine other people with non-HDMI receiver/amplifiers would like to have this same solution.

Although I just ditched HDMI for component, when I did have HDMI going to the TV I had/have digital audio going to my AV system. The SA8300 output sound both to the TV via HDMI and audio cable to my AV. Perhaps the 8240 won't do this so maybe you should seek an 8300 from Cox.

Didn't you ask this question a couple of weeks ago? Pretty much the same question from someone whose wife didn't like the AV system.

I am trying to find a solution to my home theater audio situation when used with a SA 8240 HDC (equivalent to SA 8300 for this purpose) provided by my cable provider (Cox, San Diego, CA), without spending a lot of money replacing my audio system's receiver/amplifier. I have seen some similar posts about the audio issues I will talk about here, but not specifically this case, and not presenting a possible solution (below). I would like to see if anyone else has a less expensive solution to what I would like to achieve, and to describe the one solution I have found so far.This reply is along the same lines as BIGA$$TV, but if you go to the Settings Menu on the 8240 and go to Audio: Digital Out and set it to HDMI, you should get both. Now most TV's will send a request to the cable box to only send 2.0, but some sets don't (like some of this year's Sonys).

Another "solution" might be to use component with the analog audio signals for the wife's viewing, and use HDMI for your's. Whether that works might depend on what your set signals the HDMI line when something other than HDMI is selected.

Last approach: some TV's have a set of analog audio inputs for one of the HDMI inputs. You could run analog from to TV and use Dolby Digital in the settings menu.

This reply is along the same lines as BIGA$$TV, but if you go to the Settings Menu on the 8240 and go to Audio: Digital Out and set it to HDMI, you should get both. Now most TV's will send a request to the cable box to only send 2.0, but some sets don't (like some of this year's Sonys).

Another "solution" might be to use component with the analog audio signals for the wife's viewing, and use HDMI for your's. Whether that works might depend on what your set signals the HDMI line when something other than HDMI is selected.

Last approach: some TV's have a set of analog audio inputs for one of the HDMI inputs. You could run analog from to TV and use Dolby Digital in the settings menu.

Thanks for your response.

gvc had a similar (but not quite the same) question a week or so ago. I tried searching this thread and others, but couldn't find the answer. Also, I wanted to let others know that I have found at least one possible solution.

I have tried or considered all your suggestions.
1) When the HDMI out is selected, it only sends 2 channels to the audio system over optical, even on channels that have DD 5.1. I want the DD5.1 (when available) over the optical. You may be right in that the TV may be telling the 8240 to only send 2 channel over HDMI, which may be forcing 2 channel over the optical. This actually concerns me because if the TV is telling the 8240 to only send 2 channel when HDMI audio output is selected, then the Octava box may not do what I want because the multi-channel audio isn't being sent to it over HDMI. I will try researching this concern some more, but does anyone have an idea on how I can tell if only 2 channel audio is being sent over the HDMI?

2) I considered using component video for my wife's viewing, but I would again probably forget to set the TV back to component after I am done viewing with HDMI. My wife is pretty much a techno-phobe, and doesn't want to learn how to switch sources. She limits herself to the on-off buttons, volume on the TV, and channel on the DVR. (Would you believe that I am the Chief Technologist of a large aerospace business, and my wife is a techno-phobe? She never even learned to program a VCR. I guess it is one of those "opposites attract" things.)

3) I tried using the separate audio lines for the TV's HDMI input that also has 2 channel analog audio inputs, but when HDMI is plugged in and the Dolby Digital (optical) output is selected on the 8240, the TV thinks there should be audio on the HDMI (even though there isn't) and won't use the analog input jacks. Apparently there is still some handshaking on the HDMI line from the 8240 that it is audio capable, and the TV is trying to be too automated (to use the supposed best quality audio source). There isn't any way to override it on the TV that I could find. I was thinking of going through a pair of DVI adapters (which I don't have right now) to force the TV to think there wasn't audio on the HDMI, but I am not sure if that will actually work, and I am not sure if that is compatible with HDCP. Does anyone know? I will try researching it myself.

However, in all cases I have tried, when the TV is off but the HDMI cable plugged in, the 8240 shuts off the audio on all outputs. Hence, I can't listen to the cable's digital radio stations on the audio system with the TV off unless I unplug the HDMI cable (which I don't want to do). Maybe going through a pair of DVI adapters will stop it from doing this.

I was thinking of going through a pair of DVI adapters (which I don't have right now) to force the TV to think there wasn't audio on the HDMI, but I am not sure if that will actually work, and I am not sure if that is compatible with HDCP. Does anyone know? I will try researching it myself.I was going to suggest the DVI approach, but it has been awhile since I have seen anyone use that approach. Stands a chance. HDCP should work with that approach.

It is the set telling the box to send 2.0.

Have you explored using a Harmony remote? That's what I use (but I still can't get my wife to use it). One (of many) thing that it can do is set your TV to a predetermined mode (call it Initializing) when shutting down. That could leave the TV in the "wife friendly" mode and she can use the simple remote that she is used to. Most folks will tell you (I can just see the comments coming that will reinforce this) that that remote makes things very wife friendly.

Thanks for your response.

gvc had a similar (but not quite the same) question a week or so ago. I tried searching this thread and others, but couldn't find the answer. Also, I wanted to let others know that I have found at least one possible solution.



I can sympathize with you. My wife is the same way. She'll accidentally hit the wrong button on the remote (usually changes input) and if I'm not home to fix it, she can't watch TV even though I have shown her numerous times how to fix it herself.

Still puzzled why with my 8300 I got both audio outputs to work at the same time. Probably different software. I noticed people talk about a menu item for audio on the STB, but I have none. I guess my software just chooses it based on the connection.

... Still puzzled why with my 8300 I got both audio outputs to work at the same time. Probably different software. I noticed people talk about a menu item for audio on the STB, but I have none. I guess my software just chooses it based on the connection.

I did get both to work at the same time with the audio output selected to be HDMI, but only with 2 channel output on the optical, not Dolby Digital 5.1 on the optical. DaveHancock (above) states that this is likely because the TV is requesting 2 channel audio over the HDMI, which is then duplicated across the optical. Also, I never could get audio output at all on the optical or RCA jacks with HDMI connected and the TV off.

My rant:
It is rather silly that Scientific Atlanta didn't make this work better for people who have audio systems that don't have HDMI, and don't want to use the audio system all the time. It seems like it would have been very easy for them to do. After all, when you output Dolby Digital 5.1 on the optical, they do provide 2 channel analog on the RCA jacks. They could have also sent 2 channel audio (in digital form) over the HDMI and let the user turn the TV sound off when they were using their audio system. And why shut off all audio when the TV is off? Did they just not think of the digital radio stations on cable? I also noticed that the audio shuts off when you change the source selection on the TV, so I figured they thought were doing us a favor by shutting off the DVR audio when the TV isn't using the DVR's output. They are being too helpful, and thinking that everyone will have the same desires for audio system configuration. They should at least make it an option to shut off the audio when the HDMI handshake disappears. Argh!

So, Scientific Atlanta, if you are reading this, please do the following: (I know, not likely)
1) When Dolby Digital (optical or S/PDIF coax) output is selected, also send audio via HDMI. (Let the user turn off their TV's sound if they are using the audio system. This behavior can be a menu option.)
2) Make it a menu option to determine if the audio output is shut off from the optical (or coax, or RCA jack analog) when the HDMI cable is connected and the HDMI handshake disappears (such as when the TV is turned off or the TV changes to a different source).

Lotus_Nut,

Perhaps your rant is a bit misplaced. The box is only doing what the TV tells it too. And your TV is telling it to do that. Mine (Sony KDS-55A3000) works just the way you would want it to (it doesn't even ask for 2.0).

The tricky thing here is that with HDMI there is bidirectional communication between the source (the 8240) and the sink (your TV). Though it's logical to dump on the box, it can just as well be the TV. That's been one of the huge issues with HDMI, though the source seems obvious culprit, the sink can just as easily be at fault.

Agree with Hnacock, Lotus

My box still sent the audio via digital audio to my AV system when the TV is off. In fact, it was sort of a pain because sometimes I would just turn the TV off and not the STB in order to save a recording bookmark and the sound would still be going and I'd have to turn off the AV system. Seems the blame for your problem belongs to HDMI and the TV, not the STB.

Thanks for the replies back on this. It has helped direct my reading on the subject and gave some ideas for futher experiments to try. So, with the extra reading on HDMI (in particular EDIDs and audio formats), and some experiments, I now know a bit more (but not all) about what is going on. The bulk of this post is what I have learned about the DVR's operation regarding audio outputs, a work-around, and updated suggestions to Scientific Atlanta. I have one new question is at the end.

The HDMI connected HDTV sends to the DVR a block of data telling the DVR about itself over the DDC bus (which is part of HDMI). This block of data is called the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), and its purpose is to allow easy plug and play of various devices so you don't have to manually put in compatibility configuration settings. There have been various extensions to the EDID formats over time so that it can specify audio formats and other things. So, as Dave said, it is the TV telling the DVR to output simple 2 channel stereo PCM audio over the HDMI rather than 8 channel PCM, or AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1, or other formats. The DVR can request the EDID from the TV whenever it needs it, which is generally when it detects that the TV has turned on, when the DVR has turned on, or the HDMI cable has been plugged in (HDMI has a hot plug detect feature). If you want to know a lot more about EDIDs, there is a nice briefing at the following URL. By-the-way, it is over 11 Mbytes, so use caution if you have a slow connection.
http://www.quantumdata.com/pdf/EDID.pps
If you want to know a bit more about HDMI, try wikipedia.org (search for hdmi) and hdmi.org .


I did some more testing last night with my TV and DVR.

1) I connected an old small analog CRT TV the the DVR composite video port to see if the DVR was showing any messages when the HDMI connected HDTV was turned off, and, it was. When the HDTV is turned off, the DVR shuts off all audio and displays the following (for all channels, both copy protected and not):
Copy Protection
The DVI/HDMI output is blocked
Push Exit to cancel
When I push exit on the remote, the audio (optical and analog) and analog video turn back on even though the HDTV is off (and yes, I tried this without the old TV connected to the composite jack). Hooray - a solution to listening to digital radio with the TV off! (If I can get my wife to be willing to remember to push exit, that is. Still, this is an error-prone approach for the unknowing user.)

However, the sound is still 2 channel over the optical if HDMI output was selected for audio (even though the HDMI connected TV is off), although it will be DD 5.1 channel over the optical if Dolby Digital was selected.

2) I also tried unplugging the HDMI cable while the DVR HDMI output was selected to see what the DVR would do. While this solution approach is now moot because pushing "exit" as above is easier, I just thought I would relate what the DVR does in this situation. I did this both while the TV was on and after it was off. I also then checked to see what would happen when I plugged it back in.

When you unplug the HDMI cable from either end, the DVR will immediately start outputing audio at DD 5.1 (if available from the selected channel) over the optical for both HDMI and DolbyDigital settings of the DVR audio digital output. (I am guessing that the DVR simply defaults to Dolby Digital audio output if no HDMI is connected, regardless of what the digital audio output selection is. If you slect the "Other" digital audio output option, it will be 2 channel.) If you plug the cable back in, the audio goes off if the HDTV is off, or back to 2 channel if HDMI output was selected and the TV is on (I'm sure the EDID was sent back to the DVR again, which would cause it to go into 2 channel mode). When the HDTV is off and you plug the cable back in, the DVR displays the copy protection warning I showed in item 1 above, but when you push exit, it goes to a screen that suggests you use the component connections. The audio does not come back on.

So, in regards to my mild rant and suggestions to Scientific Atlanta from a few posts back, my suggestions still hold true. I have changed them a bit here (I have learned more).
a) Have a menu option that allows audio to be sent out the optical (and coax) output in Dolby Digital format while sending the audio over the HDMI in the format requested by the TV (or other HDMI device). There really is no reason to limit the optical output to what the HDMI TV says it wants over HDMI. The DVR is already pulling out the stereo 2 channel data to send to analog ports even when Dolby Digital out is selected, so HDMI output could be 2 channel while Dolby Digital is sent out optical. Another possibility would be to have separate items in the DVR's Audio settings menu for the audio format over optical (and digital coax) and whether the HDMI audio is put out. So, instead of an "Audio: Digital Out" item, have "Audio: HDMIout" (options Auto, 2 channel, or off), and "Audio: Optical&CoaxOut" (options Dolby Digital, 2 channel, off). I'm not even sure if the "off" selection is needed.

b) Either:
i) get smarter about recognizing that the HDMI connected TV turning off is not a copy protection violation, so no need to show the copy protection screen (keep outputting optical, SPDIF coax, analog audio and analog video),
or
ii) don't turn off audio when showing the copy protection screen. There is no copy protection violation if you aren't putting out HDMI. After all, audio and video return on all non-HDMI ports just by hitting the exit button. I shoudn't have to hit the exit button to get audio to return. This could be a DVR settings menu option for those like BIGA$$TV who want the audio to shut off when the TV is shut off because they don't like to turn off their audio system.


One further question for 8240/8300 users. Will this DVR output Dolby Digital over the HDMI when the EDID from the connected device says that it can accept it? I would imagine that someone who has connected through a HDMI audio receiver with AC-3 Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding (and then on to the TV) would know for sure. I am still considering getting a box that breaks out the Dolby Digital audio stream from HDMI and puts it onto an optical while sending on the video and 2 channel audio over HDMI to the TV (the Octava box I referenced in an earlier post). However, if the DVR won't put Dolby Digital 5.1 over the HDMI, then this isn't a solution. I have no way of testing it myself without buying more equipment. I would be most interested in hearing from people who have done it, and know for sure it was Dolby Digital that was being sent (not the audio receiver artificially creating more than 2 channels using ProLogic or other methods).

Is there a way to set the audio output level on the 8300HD?

Thanks,
Jim

Is there a way to set the audio output level on the 8300HD?

Thanks,
Jim

Press the settings button twice and you will see and option for it. If you want to control the volume via the box set it to variable. If you are using the TV or HT to control the volume set it to fixed.

Press the settings button twice and you will see and option for it. If you want to control the volume via the box set it to variable. If you are using the TV or HT to control the volume set it to fixed.I could be wrong, but I believe that only applies to the analog outs, not the digital outs.

I could be wrong, but I believe that only applies to the analog outs, not the digital outs.

I've never really understood this menu item. Really the best way to have the volume controlled by the tv or the STB is to set up your remote that way. However, if you want to control by the TV, it is best to set the box at max volume otherwise, on both of my TVs anyway, you have to set the TV volume fairly loud and it gives off a hum. The problem is that the box when it loses power will reset to midway volume. I recently set mine to fixed and I THINK perhaps it freezes the volume level on the box even it it loses power. I may be wrong.

In any event I sometimes use my AV system sound with a digital audio connection and sometimes just use the TV speakers. Works no matter how I have the menu item set.

I've never really understood this menu item. Really the best way to have the volume controlled by the tv or the STB is to set up your remote that way. However, if you want to control by the TV, it is best to set the box at max volume otherwise, on both of my TVs anyway, you have to set the TV volume fairly loud and it gives off a hum. The problem is that the box when it loses power will reset to midway volume. I recently set mine to fixed and I THINK perhaps it freezes the volume level on the box even it it loses power. I may be wrong.

In any event I sometimes use my AV system sound with a digital audio connection and sometimes just use the TV speakers. Works no matter how I have the menu item set.Here are some things to consider:

1. If you are using the TV to control the volume and using analog audio out to the TV, the volume should be set to Max and Fixed. Fixed really doesn't matter though if you have the remote set to control the TV volume. It's only useful with a remote that doesn't have the capability to control the TV volume when set to Cable mode. However, if you don't set the level to Max, you can get the hum you mentioned as you turn up the TV volume.

2. If you are using digital (optical, coax, HDMI) to the TV or AVR, neither volume level or Fixed have any impact AFAIK.

I just recieved my a replacement for my old 8300HDC that the drive crashed. I hooked up the new one exactly the same. HDMI to Onkyo 805 to Panny plasma. I setup the output resolution to 1080. Now, whenever I power off, or change inputs on the onkyo, the 8300 goes back to 480i. I have tried the settings for auto/hdmi and fixed. Nothing seems to work. I have searched and the only thing that I could find was an HDCP issue that was supposed to be fixed with firmware updates. I am sara .89.

Is there something that I am missing, or do I just have a bad box. Thanks for your help

--Scott

The problem:
My problem is that when the 8240 is connected to the HDTV via HDMI, the 8240 will only either output audio over the HDMI or the optical Toslink, but not both at the same time. You have to choose which output in the 8240's setup menu. I want to play audio out both HDMI and optical (DD 5.1) at the same time so that my wife can choose to listen to the TV just through the TV speakers (she doesn’t like using the audio system) without having to go into the DVR’s setup procedure to switch the audio from optical to HDMI. I like to listen through the audio system, and I will probably forget to put the DVR audio output back to HDMI (and will therefore hear the complaints).



As previously posted, thats my problem exactly with the technophobia wife. even though my HDTV's manual stated that it could decode 5.1, I just could not get the simultaneous output no matter what I tried. I finally just decided to use component connection instead of HDMI, and all is well in this household now. :)

As a side note about music digital output with the hdtv off, it works well with D*'s satellite receiver and their XM audio channels they provide which are soooooooooo much better (in music selection and sound quality) than what Cox provides.

I have attached info from the 8300 user guide regarding HDMI audio.

As previously posted, thats my problem exactly with the technophobia wife. even though my HDTV's manual stated that it could decode 5.1, I just could not get the simultaneous output no matter what I tried. I finally just decided to use component connection instead of HDMI, and all is well in this household now. :) I think the key here is what the TV is telling the 8300. Just because it can "decode" a 5.1 source may not mean it is correctly telling the 8300 that it can "accept" 5.1 audio. It may only be telling the 8300 that it can "output" 2.0 audio, which would technically be correct, so that is what the 8300 sends. I assume some TVs, like the Sony's Dave Hancok mentions, are telling the 8300 that is can accept 5.1 audio, so he gets a signal on all outputs. It's all in how they implemented HDMI and that has always been my complaint, the standard leaves too much to interpretation IMHO.

I just recieved my a replacement for my old 8300HDC that the drive crashed. I hooked up the new one exactly the same. HDMI to Onkyo 805 to Panny plasma. I setup the output resolution to 1080. Now, whenever I power off, or change inputs on the onkyo, the 8300 goes back to 480i. I have tried the settings for auto/hdmi and fixed. Nothing seems to work. I have searched and the only thing that I could find was an HDCP issue that was supposed to be fixed with firmware updates. I am sara .89.

Is there something that I am missing, or do I just have a bad box. Thanks for your help

--Scott

I had the same problems and finally threw up my hands and went back to component cables. Frankly I couldn't see any picture quality improvement on my Panny with HDMI and HDMI just seems to cause a lot of headaches for me anyway. So, I would recommend trying component. If you do, I would do the full set up, not just outputting 1080i.

I had the same problems and finally threw up my hands and went back to component cables. Frankly I couldn't see any picture quality improvement on my Panny with HDMI and HDMI just seems to cause a lot of headaches for me anyway. So, I would recommend trying component. If you do, I would do the full set up, not just outputting 1080i.Some people have had success temporarily reverting to Component, doing the setup, rebooting, then going back to HDMI. YMMV.

I don't use HDMI, but I've had the 480i problem and a hard reboot resolved it.

Some people have had success temporarily reverting to Component, doing the setup, rebooting, then going back to HDMI. YMMV.

I don't use HDMI, but I've had the 480i problem and a hard reboot resolved it.

I had the same problems and finally threw up my hands and went back to component cables. Frankly I couldn't see any picture quality improvement on my Panny with HDMI and HDMI just seems to cause a lot of headaches for me anyway. So, I would recommend trying component. If you do, I would do the full set up, not just outputting 1080i.


Hey guys, Thanks for the advice. I will give this a try when I get home from work tonight. As always, people here are invaluable. A BIG thank you for the help.:)

--Scott

Some people have had success temporarily reverting to Component, doing the setup, rebooting, then going back to HDMI. YMMV.

I don't use HDMI, but I've had the 480i problem and a hard reboot resolved it.

Thanks for the tip. Might try HDMI again since the cord is just hanging there behind the TV. I'll wait until I need some aggravation in my life. ;)

I had the same problems and finally threw up my hands and went back to component cables. Frankly I couldn't see any picture quality improvement on my Panny with HDMI and HDMI just seems to cause a lot of headaches for me anyway. So, I would recommend trying component. If you do, I would do the full set up, not just outputting 1080i.

My experience as well, and I did just as you did. Back to component and to be honest, I see no degradation in the PQ since all is broadcast at a max of 1080i anyway. There is no 1080p programming yet.

C

My experience as well, and I did just as you did. Back to component and to be honest, I see no degradation in the PQ since all is broadcast at a max of 1080i anyway. There is no 1080p programming yet.

C
There is no 1080i upper limit to component resolution. In fact, there are many displays, prior to HDMI being that common that accepted 1080P and higher resolutions over component or RGB.
HDMI just adds a single cable solution and transmits the data in a digital TDMS format instead of an analog format.
The differences in the way the two signals looks depends more on your display than the source material. Many digital panels don't process the component signal as well as an HDMI signal.

vegggas

Although there are numerous 1080p Component Video I/F implementations,
the "powers that be" blocked incorporation of 1080p in recent
C.V. I/F spec update....a roadblock to Cable/SAT/BD implementations:
http://www.ce.org/Standards/CEA-770.3-D_Final_PREVIEW.pdf
http://www.cepro.com/article/cea_mulls_spec_for_1080p_over_component_video/
http://www.cepro.com/article/cea_puts_kibosh_on_1080p_over_component

Obviously, they're trying to restrict higher resolutions to HDMI.

Pls. forgive the n00bishness of thes questions - I haven't been able to figure either out using search engines, and I'm dealing with trying to fix my Mom's system for her - I use both a different cable co. and different STB, so I'm very out of my element.

1. Is their truly no way to set the SA 8300 HD (SARA software, Palm Beach Cty., FL - Comcast) to record only new programs? This seems idiotic.

2. Her STB is arbitrarily not recording some episodes of season recordings, and doing other strange stuff. I know she sometimes tries to record more than three things per time slot - e.g., she'll have three "season passes" set up at the same time, not realizing that lately she's only been getting the shows that are not on hiatus, and then all of a sudden when they came off hiatus, there are conflicts and some things won't record. I'm not explaining that well - for example, on Thursdays she was recording both 30 Rock and CSI. When Grey's came off of hiatus this past week, 30 Rock didn't record. Is there any way to pre-check conflicts like that so she can decide what she wants to watch or to arrange season passes in order of priority. I'm assuming this is why she is "arbitrarily" missing some shows?

I just did a hard reboot - any other suggestions?

All in all, I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to upgrade her to a Tivo HD or if I should tell her to live with her STB until Tivo gets bought out/upgrades the TivoHD/Comcast S. Florida starts using Tivo software/whatever other ridiculous thing might happen in the world of DTV in the next year. I'm biased because I totally want TivoHD myself but can't afford it - she can, and thus I am tempted to switch her over so I can go back to the glory that is Tivo scheduling, but I don't want to waste her money if that's not going to help things.

Thanks!

1. Is their truly no way to set the SA 8300 HD (SARA software, Palm Beach Cty., FL - Comcast) to record only new programs? This seems idiotic.It is idiotic, but it isn't the software. The software has been capable from the beginning (well, at least 1.85.x.x), but cableco's have been slow to upgrade the IPG database they use. In your mother's case (the same with my daughter in El Paso iwht TWC), the IPG does not contain the First Run flag, therefore that option does not show up in the list and you are SOL until they upgrade.

2. Her STB is arbitrarily not recording some episodes of season recordings, and doing other strange stuff.........There is a priority scheme of sorts (though no user controls like Tivo) that deals with this. In the case of 30 Rock, both CSI and Grey's started on the hour, so they got recorded before 30 Rock, which started on the half hour. Unfortunately, all she can do is manually check for conflicts by reviewing the Scheduled Recording List looking for 3 recordings scheduled for the same time slot. She can also skim through the IPG each night looking for 3 programs that are highlighted, etc., but it's been so long since I tested this that I don't remember if the 3 programs remained highlighted or not.

All in all, I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to upgrade her to a Tivo HD or if I should tell her to live with her STB until Tivo gets bought out/upgrades the TivoHD/Comcast S. Florida starts using Tivo software/whatever other ridiculous thing might happen in the world of DTV in the next year. I'm biased because I totally want TivoHD myself but can't afford it - she can, and thus I am tempted to switch her over so I can go back to the glory that is Tivo scheduling, but I don't want to waste her money if that's not going to help things.I don't know enough about Tivo and Comcast to offer an opinion. If she can't (or won't) manage her scheduled recordings, then Tivo may be your only option. Once you know what to look for, managing recordings is not all that difficult, but it does take a few minutes on a regular basis to avoid such conflicts. Of course, this has been an unusual year for this kind of thing and during a normal year, this would probably not have been much of a problem. She would have had her series recordings set and that would have been that.

I'm sure a lot of folks would just get the Tivo. If she can afford it (the box and monthly fee) and expects to stick with cable, then it may be the best solution. There is a Comcast/Tivo thread and you might want to check there to make sure conflict resolution, First Run, etc., are included in the Comcast version. AFAIK, the Tivo HD uses the Comcast database, not Tivo's. If she's thinking of switch to sat though, the Tivo HD only works with cable, not sat.

Thanks for the info Dave - she tries to go through her listings but tends not to know which night shows should be on and which shows are on hiatus, so it gets screwed up. V. smart lady, but both doesn't care enough about it to look up schedules online and does care enough about it to be pissed when some show she wanted to watch doesn't get recorded. Hopefully now that I've cleaned out her recordings for shows that are on hiatus it should be a lot easier. I'll go check out the comcast tivo thread too!

There is no 1080i upper limit to component resolution. In fact, there are many displays, prior to HDMI being that common that accepted 1080P and higher resolutions over component or RGB.
HDMI just adds a single cable solution and transmits the data in a digital TDMS format instead of an analog format.
The differences in the way the two signals looks depends more on your display than the source material. Many digital panels don't process the component signal as well as an HDMI signal.

vegggas

My point was I cannot see any difference in watching 1080i material through my cable provider using component vs HDMI on my Samsung 46 650.

Hi guys, just got my service up and have a question:

It is my understand that I can't record two shows and watch a third live show all at once, so if I use the "Cable Out" plug at the back of the SA 8300 and connect to my TV using analog connection, I can bypass that limitation?

I'm using HDMI connection currently with 1080i fixed(but reverts to 480p every time I turn off my TV tho)

Hi guys, just got my service up and have a question:

It is my understand that I can't record two shows and watch a third live show all at once, so if I use the "Cable Out" plug at the back of the SA 8300 and connect to my TV using analog connection, I can bypass that limitation?


No - the cable out plug encodes the composite output into RF on channel 3.

However you can do what you want by putting a splitter before the cable in input and connecting the other side to your TV.

xnappo

No - the cable out plug encodes the composite output into RF on channel 3.

However you can do what you want by putting a splitter before the cable in input and connecting the other side to your TV.

xnappoJust to clarify a little more. If you split the cable, you will only have access to channels 2-99 in SD on whatever TV input you connect to. If your TV has an integrated QAM tuner, you could also get locals in HD by connecting to that input. The DVR has 2 tuners and you can record 2 programs while watching a 3rd "recorded" program. I have my cable split, but I can't remember the last time there were 3 programs on at the same time that I wanted to record/watch. :)

BTW, Shadow, which DVR do you have that is reverting to 480p?

Alright, thanks guys.

I'm using SA 8300 and my service is TWC. The remote is different than the one mentioned in this thread. It's got four alphabet number (A to D)

I'm using the "#" button every time I turn on my TV to solve the reverting problem. Upon further reading of this thread I've learned that it is a common problem with HDMI connections. But it seems that most of the time it will reverts to 480i rather than 480p, I assume they are of similar nature.

I'm using a Sony 52XBR3 with direct HDMI connection (not through any receiver or speaker system). Currently I don't have any component cables (should've kept the one that TWC provided, but at the time I didn't know about this glitch) to solve the reverting problem so I guess I'll just have to live with it. >_>

EDIT: This is what my remote looks like:

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3552/img0012va6.jpg

Just pick up a Component cable from TWC whenever you get a chance. Tell them you didn't take one with your 8300 because you thought HDMI would work better. The most they can do is say No. You may find that the IQ isn't as good with COmponent and decide to live with the HDMI problem, but it's worth checking IMHO.

Also, I believe some folks have had success setting things up using Component and then switching back to HDMI to find the reverting problem gone. YMMV.

Alright, thanks guys.

I'm using SA 8300 and my service is TWC. The remote is different than the one mentioned in this thread. It's got four alphabet number (A to D)

I'm using the "#" button every time I turn on my TV to solve the reverting problem. Upon further reading of this thread I've learned that it is a common problem with HDMI connections. But it seems that most of the time it will reverts to 480i rather than 480p, I assume they are of similar nature.

I'm using a Sony 52XBR3 with direct HDMI connection (not through any receiver or speaker system). Currently I don't have any component cables (should've kept the one that TWC provided, but at the time I didn't know about this glitch) to solve the reverting problem so I guess I'll just have to live with it. >_>

EDIT: This is what my remote looks like:

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3552/img0012va6.jpg

I don't think you are "resolving the problem" with the remote. You are simply zooming the picture to full screen, but it is still in SD and the picture is distorted and/or cut off. Keep trying the reboot, it will sometimes get it going. If not, get some component cables.

I'm pretty sure the "#" switches from 480p to 1080i since the difference in resolution quality (ABCHD, for example) is quite noticeable. The display info on my TV remote tells me that as well.

Oh so I should try reboot first? How can I reboot the 8300?

I'm pretty sure the "#" switches from 480p to 1080i since the difference in resolution quality (ABCHD, for example) is quite noticeable. The display info on my TV remote tells me that as well.

Oh so I should try reboot first? How can I reboot the 8300?You might want to read through the First Post here. It contains a lot of info and is maintained current.

Yes I should read it again.

Thanks for all the assistance.

BTW. Whenever I do a reboot, I do the "hard" reboot just out of habit. Oftentimes a simple reboot with fix something, but when it doesn't, you end up trying the hard reboot anyway, so I just skip that step. :)

I'll keep that in mind, thanks again :)

I'm pretty sure the "#" switches from 480p to 1080i since the difference in resolution quality (ABCHD, for example) is quite noticeable. The display info on my TV remote tells me that as well.

Oh so I should try reboot first? How can I reboot the 8300?

The 8300 will display the output. IIRC, it shows it right above the channel. I think you mean when you press the number sign on the remote, the TV screen will momentarily display what the input is- normal, zoom, etc., along with the resolution.

The 8300 will display the output. IIRC, it shows it right above the channel. I think you mean when you press the number sign on the remote, the TV screen will momentarily display what the input is- normal, zoom, etc., along with the resolution.Just a thought, and we don't have it here now, but I thought at one time there was a Quick Settings option for Display Format (480i/p, 720p, 1080i) or something like that and a key cycled through them just like a key cycles through the Zoom modes.

It's actually a dot thing next to the resolutions.

Having all dots on means that TV will adjust automatically depends on the signal that each channel offers. I only leave the dot next to 1080i, so the resolution should stay fixed. However, it will reverts to 480p whenever I turn off the TV.

Edit: I've tried hard reboot, still encounters reverting problem, guess I'll have to use component cable then.

Just a thought, and we don't have it here now, but I thought at one time there was a Quick Settings option for Display Format (480i/p, 720p, 1080i) or something like that and a key cycled through them just like a key cycles through the Zoom modes.

Well, on mine the quick settings menu on this is the same as using the number key on the remote.

I'm having a lot of trouble trying to record Inside the NBA, which is on at various times on TNT. I set it at least two different times to record All Episodes (setting it to 1 hour beyond the end time), "On this channel at any time", but it still sets the recording only sporadically - some shows it records, others it doesn't. For instance even though I'd set it twice before, tonight's episode wasn't going to be recorded; I made another "All Episodes" recording again.

Anybody know what the issue is here?

I'm having a lot of trouble trying to record Inside the NBA, which is on at various times on TNT. I set it at least two different times to record All Episodes (setting it to 1 hour beyond the end time), "On this channel at any time", but it still sets the recording only sporadically - some shows it records, others it doesn't. For instance even though I'd set it twice before, tonight's episode wasn't going to be recorded; I made another "All Episodes" recording again.

Anybody know what the issue is here?

Someone may know, but we'll need your Cable Co, Software, and Version to find the right member. See post #1 for clues.

Bob:)
Comcast-SA8300HD & SA4250HDC-SARA 1.89.22.2/1.61.5.108-PhilipsBRBurner(CyberLink Software)

I can only think of two one scenarios that might cause this. One is the title might be changed for different episodes, though I don't think this is it. The other is a 3-way conflict at some point.

So, do you record other programs? 2 at the same time? If so, is it possible you end up with a 3-way conflict when Inside The NBA happens to be on at the same time? From my experience, when 3 programs end up being scheduled for recording at the same time, one is not recorded. Since it is not recorded, a place-holder is not set for the next recording, essentially cancelling it. That is one of the main drawbacks to the All Episode schedule. You never know when you might inadverently cause a 3-way and mess things up.

If it's not once of these two things, I'm at a loss, but maybe this will lead to some dicsussion and other ideas. Of course, like BobCat says, more info might help.

I have SARA 1.89.22.2.
So, do you record other programs? 2 at the same time? If so, is it possible you end up with a 3-way conflict when Inside The NBA happens to be on at the same time?
No, it's the only program being recorded then, my DVR schedule is pretty bare. Guess it's just a weird thing with the software.

I have SARA 1.89.22.2.

No, it's the only program being recorded then, my DVR schedule is pretty bare. Guess it's just a weird thing with the software.Well, I know for a fact there used to be a similar problem recording The Billionaire (aka The Rebel Billionaire) a few years ago. Even though the title displayed in the Guide was the same each week, the "title" used for recording contained the word "Rebel" every other week. When 2 separate recordings were scheduled, all episodes got recorded.

There was also a similar problem on Rogers Cable up in Canada where sometimes their Guide would contain "(HD)" and some scheduled recordings would get missed because of it.

Something you might try, just to rule it out, is not padding it. There might be something where the padded times are throwing the software off when it looks at the Guide database. You'd have to check each time to make sure you schedule the following show to record so you don't miss anything if the game runs over.