DEIFan, you are absolutely correct.

Dave,

I'm only relaying the experience of a friend since the subject came up. The gray bars are supposed to mimic average phosphor wear, but like I said, there is a very thin line where the bar meets the image that burned-in on his Hitachi, other sets could be different in this regard. The set never was on torch mode, it was adjusted with DVE right out of the box, and he simply never thought about there being a thin line between the bar and the image. Like I also said, it has since gone away (or at least he can no longer see it under the same conditions that he used to see it).

FWIW, it's long been accepted (AFAIK) that none of the bugs, etc., will cause a problem as long as 4:3 images and bugs are not viewed for extended periods of time and the set has been adjusted from torch mode. But, part of the problem with bugs is that they generally overlap the same screen location and are very close in color. Even if you alternate channels, part of the image may still be part of a new bug and you can get that overlapped part burned in if you watch similar channels for extended periods, even stretched.

IMO, the only folks that are really at risk are those who tend to watch a lot of news/sports channels. They may think that by changing channels they are avoiding the problem, but they perhaps forget that many of those channels have similar displays with many display areas (tickers, scoreboards, etc.) overlapping from one channel to the next.

Thanks DeiFan and DoubleDAZ - I was afraid of that! :(

Does anybody know of a way to dim the display on the 8300HD short of getting a piece of window tinting and slapping it over the face plate?

I recently set up my 8300 with componet cables and a digital coax cable. My TV is a Hitachi Rear Projection HD TV. I have my box set to passthrough and have no complaints about the picture or how the TV displays the various video signals.

However like most of us I thought I should attempt to improve the picture. To that end I ordered a HDMI to DVI cable thinking that would improve my video. Since I ordered the cable I have read about a number of problems, i.e. the digital out being turned off, proper aspect ratios due to video signals. I also read that the Digital connection will not improve a rear projection TV's picture. Am I wasting my time in attempting to hook up the HDMI to DVI cable? Should I just send it back and save my money?

Thanks for any opinions.

Peace, LTK

Does anybody know of a way to dim the display on the 8300HD short of getting a piece of window tinting and slapping it over the face plate?No, it is what it is. :)

I recently set up my 8300 with componet cables and a digital coax cable. My TV is a Hitachi Rear Projection HD TV. I have my box set to passthrough and have no complaints about the picture or how the TV displays the various video signals.
I've got a Hitachi 51S700, recently plugged in an HDMi-DVI cable to see if the picture quality improved. To be honest, I can't see any difference, but I left it attached. Also, I have had absolutely no problems with the 8300 syncing up with the Hitachi. I just turn it on, and it works every time.

I recently set up my 8300 with componet cables and a digital coax cable. My TV is a Hitachi Rear Projection HD TV. I have my box set to passthrough and have no complaints about the picture or how the TV displays the various video signals.

However like most of us I thought I should attempt to improve the picture. To that end I ordered a HDMI to DVI cable thinking that would improve my video. Since I ordered the cable I have read about a number of problems, i.e. the digital out being turned off, proper aspect ratios due to video signals. I also read that the Digital connection will not improve a rear projection TV's picture. Am I wasting my time in attempting to hook up the HDMI to DVI cable? Should I just send it back and save my money?

Thanks for any opinions.

Peace, LTK
LTK,
I have a Sammy DLP and bought an HDMI/DVI cable. I did not see any difference in PQ between that and component video. My set has been professionally calibrated and then tweaked using AVIA DVD. Some people can see the differences, so for me it was a waste of money. So I returned the cable. Try it yourself, and if you can't tell the difference, then return it.

HDMI is just a scheme to "upgrade" from component video and have some really cool copy protection :)

OK, was this a fluke? I started watching a scheduled recording, ff thru commercials to try and catch up before it ends but I didn't make it. Fully expecting to get dumped into live tv, to my surprise I wasn't!?!?! I noticed my record light was still on, so after I finished watching the show, I flipped to the recording listing and noticed that another show was currently being recorded. Could this be why I didn't get dumped to live tv? Anyone else run across this? SARA 1.87.16.1.

Here's an explanation from a post by vegggas:
That's the way it works. The main tuner is using the buffer AND being recorded. As long as you are viewing the buffer, you have 1 hour of timeshifting, independent of the recording. I frequently will have the main channel set to something I want to record that lasts 1 hour.Once it starts, I hit pause. At that point, I will hit LIST and switch over to the DVR channel, but the buffer will still be in progress. I can choose a half hour program, which usually lasts about 20 min, or an hour program that lasts about 40 min. At the end of my pre-recorded show, I will punch in the channel number where I paused, and begin viewing where I left off at the paused point. At the end of the program, it doesn't kick me out because it's in the buffer, UNLESS it needs to change the channel for dual recording. A single recording will happen in the background. This is almost a nightly ritual for me and works about 95% of the time. I can watch multiple primetime shows in the span of a few hours, depending on how many commercials there are to skip over.

How do you determine which is the "main tuner" buffer? There are a few times where I think I'm using the main buffer only to find it switch channel half way through.

That is something I've never been able to figure out except, I suppose, when you turn the TV and 8300 on, you should be viewing the main tuner. My understanding then is that if the unit is on and this is the channel being recorded, when you select it from the recording list, you are actually taken to the buffer vs the recording (because of the Tivo patents). When you rewind, you are rewinding in the buffer, not the recording itself. When the recording ends, you are still in the buffer and that's why you don't get kicked out to live.

If, however, you turn the 8300 on, that resets the buffer even if that is the channel being recorded. In this case, when you select the recording from the list, you are taken to the recording (though I don't know why this doesn't violate the patent, maybe it does). Now when you rewind, you are rewinding the recording, not the buffer, and when the recording ends, it kicks you out to live.

I'm having major problems here and I hope someone can help, because Cox sure can't.

I have the Viewsonic n2750w LCD TV with DVI-D input. And I'm trying to connect the SA 8300 to it with a HDMI/DVI cable.

Unfortunately all I see is a quick flash of "Copy Protection : your HDMI/DVI port is disabled" and then immediately the picture goes to snow. I can still hear everything, but see only snow. Of course, if I go back to components, everything is fine.

I've called Cox FIVE times about this, and none of them can help me. A couple of techs said I needed a special Cox HDMI/DVI cable (that turned out to be wrong - I went down to Cox to get it and the people there didn't know what the hell I was talking about). But none have been able to answer my simple question :

Is there some sort of setting on the 8300 I need to enable to get the HDMI port to "kick on"? Or is it always on and its something with my TV?

I know its not the cable, because I've tried two cables on it and both gave me the same problem.

If anyone has any suggestions I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

The HDMI port is active, just hook it up and if the TV responds to the HDCP questioning from the SA8300, all should be good. Of course, in practice that's not always the case. There have been a few reported HDMI/DVI problems. Have you contacted the manufacturer, or checked the manual, to confirm that your TV is HDCP compliant? I think that would be the next step.

The HDMI port is active, just hook it up and if the TV responds to the HDCP questioning from the SA8300, all should be good. Of course, in practice that's not always the case. There have been a few reported HDMI/DVI problems. Have you contacted the manufacturer, or checked the manual, to confirm that your TV is HDCP compliant? I think that would be the next step.

I checked the Viewsonic website and it says "Add versatility to your LCD TV with support for digital (DVI) with HDCP content protection and analog (VGA) signals, plus component, composite, S-video, and TV" so I'm assuming it supports HDCP.

I really don't know what to do next. Would you suggest I call the TV manufacturer and see if they have any ideas?

Well, I found out the answer -

I called Scientific Atlanta and they said the HDMI port is set to "on" by default. But when the cable company gets the box, they update it with their own firmware which turns the HDMI port "off".

So I called Cox again and asked about a firmware update. After a brief wait on hold, the operator told me the reason the HDMI is turned off is because the FCC has told Cox to disable the HDMI ports on their boxes due to copyright protection. I guess there's some sort of way to copy programming through that output? In any event, he said no firmware update will be sent out to turn the HDMI on until the FCC allows it. So basically the HDMI port is useless to me.

Oh well. At least I got a straight answer and I know its not my TV. :)

Well, I found out the answer -

I called Scientific Atlanta and they said the HDMI port is set to "on" by default. But when the cable company gets the box, they update it with their own firmware which turns the HDMI port "off".

So I called Cox again and asked about a firmware update. After a brief wait on hold, the operator told me the reason the HDMI is turned off is because the FCC has told Cox to disable the HDMI ports on their boxes due to copyright protection. I guess there's some sort of way to copy programming through that output? In any event, he said no firmware update will be sent out to turn the HDMI on until the FCC allows it. So basically the HDMI port is useless to me.

Oh well. At least I got a straight answer and I know its not my TV. :)

I don't use it but my HDMI port works!

Cox...told me the reason the HDMI is turned off is because the FCC has told Cox to disable the HDMI ports on their boxes due to copyright protection.
That seems an unlikely thing for the FCC to do.

There are many cable and satellite set-top boxes still providing HDMI, not to mention the DVD players that are loose and whose HDMI jacks are unable to be shut off. The HDMI output on my 8300 from Charter was working until a couple days ago when I gave it back, and lots of folks here have had no problem using HDMI [which, by the way, was designed with copy protection to prevent exactly what Cox says the FCC is worried about].

Cox is giving you bogus info. I don't believe they're under FCC orders to shut off HDMI. And any FCC order like that would start a wildfire around here and other boards.

That seems an unlikely thing for the FCC to do.

There are many cable and satellite set-top boxes still providing HDMI, not to mention the DVD players that are loose and whose HDMI jacks are unable to be shut off. The HDMI output on my 8300 from Charter was working until a couple days ago when I gave it back, and lots of folks here have had no problem using HDMI [which, by the way, was designed with copy protection to prevent exactly what Cox says the FCC is worried about].

Cox is giving you bogus info. I don't believe they're under FCC orders to shut off HDMI. And any FCC order like that would start a wildfire around here and other boards.

Yeah, it does sound kind of bogus. I'll probably call back tomorrow morning and speak to a Supervisor.

good thing i never signed on on this hdmi "train"...i tested my sa8300hd when i got it and it worked ..but i use a barco crt..hense hdmi didnt make much sense ..since i also use a video rrocessor..

anyhow

Martin

I posted this under another heading, but I think it really belongs here:

My 8300HD works fine, but when I go to archive a recording via the "copy to vcr" function, I get jaggies... like scan lines that aren't quite lined up. If I just do a playback and record off of that, there is no problem. Cox cable was useless... they never heard of this, suggested I switch out the box. I did so and the jaggies continue. I've played with some settings but no difference. Any suggestions?

Joxer suggested that it might be a firmware bug problem. Anyone know of this and any kind of fix? Thanks! :)

Ok, I think I have a workaround. My TV is HD and so I set the box up for an HD signal. If I drop the box to SDTV, then the jaggies go away. Which is a bit of a pain to say the least, but at least it's doable. It's still pretty screwy that the only time the jaggies occur is when the "copy to VCR" function is selected, IMHO.

Steve - I believe the same thing happened on my cable system after an FW update to 1.87.16.1 in March. I don't use the function, but it was reported on a local HDTV forum.

I apologize if it has been mentioned before but does anyone know how to cancel a single episode from a series of episodes ? In other words, I have a 'season pass' of a show but I detected in the recorded list duplicates of the show (airing at 2:00am) and I don't want to record those. When I try to cancel just that episode, I'm only given the option to cancel all episodes matching that description.

Running FW 1.87.14.1

TIA

I don't think that you actually can remove just one show. I've tried the same thing as you and each time I remove the one episode, it removes the "season pass" I've set up. Very annoying.

I don't think that you actually can remove just one show. I've tried the same thing as you and each time I remove the one episode, it removes the "season pass" I've set up. Very annoying.

Thanks for the post. I'm glad I was not overlooking the obvious :D

DEIfan, thanks, nice to know it's not just me. I guess I can hope they put out a new firmware (someday). :(

If you choose the "All Programs, On this Channel, in this time slot" you should not get the duplicates and still have the "Season Pass", however, if the program happens to repeat on a different day on the same channel and in the same time slot then you will get the duplicate reocording and not be able to delete it without losing the "Season Pass" feature. This was the case when Enterprise (in my area) would air on Friday and Sunday nights at the same time. I ended up just setting a re-occurring "Manual Recording" on Friday Nights from 8-9pm so that I did not get the duplicate on Sunday Nights. The only drawbacks to the Manual Recording option is that you will get all episodes including reruns since the "First-Run" only option of the "All episodes" feature will also record any duplicates of a show running during the same week. You also will not get the title of the show. It will just say "Manual Recording" when you pull up the "List" and also show the time it recorded. When Sci-Fridays returns on the SciFi channel in July, this will become an issue (with me at least) so I will have to return to the "All Programs.....in this time slot" option for Sci-Fridays. I just hope Sci-Fi doesn't re-air the programs in the same time slot during the rest of days of the week.

I have Comcast SARA SA8300HD. During my plasma break-in period I would like to stretch 4:3 to 16:9 but I can't get the SA to do that. I checked the sticky and it gave options that I can't find. My choices are Fixed, HDMI/DVI, Upconvert-1 and Upconvert-2 from the menu and settings screens.

I'm sorry if this has been covered earlier but I didn't see it.

Can someone help me? Or is Comcast's SARA different than Cox's? I don't know my release number, but this is a new box being tested.

Thanks,

Rich N.

I have Comcast SARA SA8300HD. During my plasma break-in period I would like to stretch 4:3 to 16:9 but I can't get the SA to do that. I checked the sticky and it gave options that I can't find. My choices are Fixed, HDMI/DVI, Upconvert-1 and Upconvert-2 from the menu and settings screens.

I'm sorry if this has been covered earlier but I didn't see it.

Can someone help me? Or is Comcast's SARA different than Cox's? I don't know my release number, but this is a new box being tested.

Thanks,

Rich N.

One way is just to zoom the picture by hitting the # button on your remote whenever you are on a channel with pillar bars.

Or, if your TV can be set to automatically stretch a 480i signal you can set your DVR for pass through.

I'm new to this forum so hopefully this question isn't redundant. I just received our 8300HD today and tried testing the DVR feature Record All Episodes, First-Run. What I'm finding is that I can not schedule two different shows with the first-run criteria...the second show just doesn't show up in the list. I tried setting up two shows to record by 'time slot', then changed each one to first-run. It deleted the second show all together. The shows are on at different times/channels. I'm just wondering if I'm missing a setting somewhere.

I'm new to this forum so hopefully this question isn't redundant. I just received our 8300HD today and tried testing the DVR feature Record All Episodes, First-Run. What I'm finding is that I can not schedule two different shows with the first-run criteria...the second show just doesn't show up in the list. I tried setting up two shows to record by 'time slot', then changed each one to first-run. It deleted the second show all together. The shows are on at different times/channels. I'm just wondering if I'm missing a setting somewhere.

If the episode you are trying to set up the 'new first run' option with is not flagged as a new first run it does not set up the recording.

That's probably it! Thank you so much!

That's probably it! Thank you so much!

Be careful with the 'first run' option. Most guides do not provide this info. To ensure your shows are recorded, just record all episodes and delete as needed after they are recorded :)

One way is just to zoom the picture by hitting the # button on your remote whenever you are on a channel with pillar bars.

Or, if your TV can be set to automatically stretch a 480i signal you can set your DVR for pass through.

Thanks, Bill, I'll try that.

Rich N.

Just wanted to update everyone. The Cablevision EVP who posts on the Yahoo forum has said that they have finished in house testing on the new SARA code and will begin beta testing tonight. He has confirmed that it solves the kick out to live bug. In previous posts he said it also contains a start from beginning option, 4th FF and RW speed (128x), activates the front aux inputs, and replaces the auto shut off with a hard drive spin down. I'll update as more information becomes available.

He just posted that this update will start to be pushed to us next week. Can't wait, I'll report back when I get it.

I've been gone from this forum for a while, so sorry if this is a repeat. My SA8300 works fine on pass through using componenet cables. I'm wondering if HDMI may make my PQ even better, but a while back people were having problems with HDMI cables and the box. Any current issues/concerns with this, and should I expect any PQ improvement?

Supposedly it should make your picture quality better. With HDMI, your digital signal never undergoes any conversion (it always stays as a digital signal from cable co. to box to TV). Component would have to convert the digital signal your receive from your cable co to analog, then your TV would reconvert it back to digital to display it, but I haven't done a side by side comparison :)

Sorry just read the HDMI info on the last page. I'll be a little more specific this time:

a. Has anyone actually experienced a noticeable PQ improvement on a fixed panel (i.e. plasma or lcd flat panel) display using the HDMI cable?
b. Should I anticipate any problems getting the HDMI to work on Adelphia cable?
c. Will trying this out risk re-setting the box so that it doesn't work correctly in the current modes? (I read reports of this happening a while back).

I tried the HDMI once and reverted back to component cables. I bought a Monster Cable HDMI to DVI adapter because the Monster Cable DVI cable that I bought over a year ago to use with the SA8000 HD DVR has never been used because they never activated the port. I hooked everything up and I was not happy with the PQ. I tried this about three months ago and I returned the adapter the next day. I am in a Time Warner market using 1.87.19.1

A lot of the difference in PQ will depend on your display. If your display immediately converts the digital HDMI/DVI bit stream to analog then you are less likely to see an improvement. If your display maintains and processes the digital bit stream you are more likely to see an improvement.

The 8300HD does a better job of DtoA conversion than the 8000HD. Thus the PQ on component of the 8300HD is better (than the 8000HD).

There have been other issues with HDMI that are very display dependent:
1) HDCP compatability - has been a real problem for some.
2) Digital Audio (Dolby 5.1) to separate surround sound systems (only an issue with 8300HD to displays with HDMI inputs).
3) Few (older) DVI displays were really designed for computer input and user does not have some picture controls (Brightness, Color, etc.)

IF you don't have these issues the HDMI/DVI connection will likely result in an equal or better picture quality.

By #2 do you mean that it will be a problem if I wish to run the HDMI connection from the 8300 to the TV for video and a seperate component or optical out from the 8300 to my receiver for sound?

30 Second skip on the SA8300HD using the MX-800 with SARA

I had found a program for the MX-800 to get a 30 second skip, but apparently it was for Passport software and didn’t work properly for SARA. The following coding gave approximately a 30 second skip on SARA

FF
0.02 second delay
FF
0.02 second delay
FF
1.0 second delay
PLAY

The 0.02 second delay was what was recommended for the Passport software. On my MX-800 when I enter it, it shows up as a 0.0 delay. Perhaps it’s really 0.02 and the display is just truncated. In any event it works.

The same programming also works for approximately 1, 3, and 15 minutes skips, if only the final delay is changed as shown in the table.

Delay -- Skip

2 seconds -- 1 Minute
6 seconds -- 3 Minute
22 seconds -- 15 minutes.

Simply changing the FF to RWD gives backward skips of the same durations.

30 Second skip on the SA8300HD using the MX-800 with SARA
I had found a program for the MX-800 to get a 30 second skip,


I made a macro for my MX-850 for a 1 minute skip:

FF
FF
FF
<delay 1.8>
Play

I found the 1.8 second delay to give me the closest to 1 minute. It is not perfect but better than trying to do it manually. With the built in replay I can back it up pretty quickly if it happens to go a little farther than needed.

This is a feature that should really be in SARA software though.

Ok, Cablevision pushed out SARA 1.88.6.2 last night.

I think the news is mostly very encouraging.

Here's what I can tell so far:

1) Kicked to live but is FIXED! I can't really tell exactly what they did and I don't remember exactly how it worked before, but something is different. I think if you are recording live TV and are watching live, you watch on the channel the show is on. As soon as you are recording behind live, you switch over to the DVR channel. If you hit LIVE, you go back to the regular channel. Either way, it's fixed.

2) 4th FF/RW speed at 128x. It takes about 1 minute to get to the end of a 2 hour show.

3) Play from beginning option. If you go into LIST and select a show currently recording, you have an option to play from beginning. If you tune to the channel you are recording in the middle of the show and hit stop, you don't get an option to play from beginning. I think you should there too.

4) Browser bar has the day of week, start and end times of the shows now.

5) I think the screen blanks after a while now if you pause your DVR.

6) Supposed to be some change in the overnight poweroff being replaced by a hard drive spin-down.

7) Front inputs are supposed to be active now. Haven't tested that.

Some things that haven't been fixed

1) When you are in FF3 mode and hit instant replay, then hit FF again, you go to FF4 (the next FF step) instead of FF1. It's always been like that, but I don't know why they can't fix it.

2) Can't manually edit the end time of a scheduled recording (i.e. for sporting events, you can't program it from the guide and then manually add an hr to the end).

3) I haven't checked the bug that didn't allow you to schedule 2 different all episode (in this time slot) recordings of a show with indentical names.


If anyone wants me to test anything tonight, I'll be happy to do so.


Hopefully, bookmarking and better conflict management is next.

For me, the updates in this SARA pretty much get the box to be about 95% of what I want. The rest is pretty much gravy.

I think you'll all be really happy. Call your Cable companies and push for this update!

Ok, Cablevision pushed out SARA 1.88.6.2 last night.

If anyone wants me to test anything tonight, I'll be happy to do so.Thanks for the update.

Features to test:
1) Firewire
2) Firewire
3) Firewire
Etc. :)

Even if you don't have a Firewire component ... looking at the diagnostic sreens might give some hints ...Hopefully, bookmarking and better conflict management is next.Amen to conflict management (personally I don't really care about bookmarking).

Lexluthor,

Do you record to DVD or VCR from the SA8300?

I would like you to find out if they fixed the Copy to VCR bug. If you didn't know, the problem is that if you select a program that you recorded in the LIST menu and then the option "Copy to VCR" for a recorded program (press "A" after that to start playback to the DVD-R/VCR), the resultant recording on the DVD-
R/VCR has very poor quality with noticeable "Jaggies". You don't really have to record anything just plug your monitor into the "Copy to VCR" outputs on the back of the STB and start playback of a recording using the method I explained above and check if you still see the jaggies. It is easily noticeable around the network bug of the show you are playing back. Our current workaround is to just playback a recorded program normally (as if you were watching it) and just capture the video/audio from the standard line outputs on the back of the 8300. The problem with that is that you are locked into watching the program again cause if you turn off the STB or change channels then you capture that as well onto your new recording. The Copy to VCR option let's you do your recording in the background while you can surf, watch a different channel or just turn off the STB. I want this convienence back! I just hope enough people complained about it when they broke it in the last upgrade so they could have incorporated the fix in this new release.

Thanks!

Sorry, I've never used the copy to VCR feature.

Does this mean you won't try it? :o

It's really just a matter of getting some cables and connecting the Copy to VCR outputs on the back of the SA8300 and plugging the other end into an available input on your TV or Monitor. Choose the "Copy to VCR" function on one of your recordings and then switch your TV or monitor to the corresponding input. Once you have confirmed the existence or non-existence of the "Jaggies" then you switch back to the normal input on your TV/Monitor (Component or HDMI) and then go back to your list of recordings, choose the program you had copied to VCR and then choose "Stop Copying to VCR". That's it! Pleeeeaaaasseee! :D

I agree... Please try it...
I tought I was imaging it... as I am in Vegas and it work wn I first got hooked up....

Does amyone know if the maxtor esata drive and the newegg box works in vegas... New box at highpoint has esata internal and correct cable to plug in direct to SA8300.. NewEgg $63
:)

We also received the upgrade here in NJ. I briefly tried the "Copy to VCR" feature on an episode of LOST. I didn't notice any difference between the output when using the feature and when using the std def output during normal playback.

I'll experiment some more with other recordings.

I agree... Please try it...
I tought I was imaging it... as I am in Vegas and it work wn I first got hooked up....

Does amyone know if the maxtor esata drive and the newegg box works in vegas... New box at highpoint has esata internal and correct cable to plug in direct to SA8300.. NewEgg $63
:)

I just installed a Maxtor 300 GB Quickview Expander drive here in Vegas and it works. I had to reboot the SA 8300 HD 4 times before it recognized the Maxtor drive and asked if I wanted to format it. Once formatted my space utilization went from 94 to 31%.

We have never had a software upgrade here in Florida, and are still working with SARA 1.85.14.1. (Brighthouse cable)

We have never had a software upgrade here in Florida, and are still working with SARA 1.85.14.1. (Brighthouse cable)
In the golden Triangle area of Texas Time Warner is running
SARA 1.87.4.3 - It was installed last October!

I didn't notice any difference between the output when using the feature and when using the std def output during normal playback.

This is encouraging news! :) If you don't see the jaggies on the screen bug on the copy to vcr outputs then that means they fixed the problem in the new FW release. Can anyone else with the new FW please confirm?

How do I drop my box to Sd... I am only getting about 20 hrs on recording and the same annoying shake in vcr fuction...
How big is hd?

Thanks for the info.....
I wanted to get one of those fast Esata Max Drives with 5 yr warranty... I know I don't need that speed and buffer but as tme moves on I may want to move it to my computer and the speed would be used there..
New egg has all 3 tyes of boxes ... ide to sats...sata to sata and sata 2 with cable..

how do I check my version # in Vegas or anyone in Vegas already know it?

DO YOU KNOW vegas software version...

To check your version number, go to the first post on the first page of this thread. DoubleDAZ posted how to get into the diagnostic menus to see what version you are running. Also, to enable other resolutions, other than HD, see the "Removing Bars on SD Channels" heading about the setup screens. Lastly, the HDD is 160Gb.

To check your version number, go to the first post on the first page of this thread. DoubleDAZ posted how to get into the diagnostic menus to see what version you are running. Also, to enable other resolutions, other than HD, see the "Removing Bars on SD Channels" heading about the setup screens. Lastly, the HDD is 160Gb.
WOW! Thanks... That answers all my questions ....
Brevity IS the SOUL of WIT!
I AM SMILING :) :) :)

just wondering how to switch to the auxiliary input on the sa 8300 hd dvr

Background

Auto Shut-off Workaround. It appears that you can defeat the Auto Shut-off feature by setting the General Settings/Timer: Turn Off option. You can set the Timer: Wake-up option for 1 minute later to keep the unit on virtually 24/7. This can be especially useful if you have the 8300HD connected to a Replay TV or other devices that rely on the 8300HD being on for channel changing, etc.




Just had the SA8300 installed with Charter in Westborough, MA. It's a nice package but I will be keeping my ReplayTV as my main DVR. Most of the TV surfing will also be through RTV because of the tv quide and show search features.

I've been trying to do the Auto Shut-off (Power save) workaround described above without success. When I setup the wake-up option it's asking for a specific channel and time.

I appreciate if someone can help out a newbie with the setup.

I'm running Sara version 1.85.x.x.

Thanks
Jerome

Hi all
I have the SA8300 HD DVR hooked up via HDMI to a Panny plasma. The volume dosen't work using the remote that came with the SA unit so I have to use my television remote. Is there a way to make it work? Its' a pain in the butt to use one for changing channels and the other for sound. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

HDMI passes digital sound to your TV which is fixed volume. The volume control of SA only controls analog audio. Get a universal remote that let you assign volume control and channel control independently.

Is there a way to make it work?Depends on the remote. The standard Scientific Atlanta remotes that my cable company deploys with the 8300HD makes it pretty easy:
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/734357.pdf (see pg. 12)

Manuals for all SciAtl remotes available here:
http://www.scientificatlanta.com/explorerclub/default.asp

Thanks for the info. The odd thing is that none of the remotes on the user guide pages look like mine. That page should have all the remotes they use, right?

Thanks for the info. The odd thing is that none of the remotes on the user guide pages look like mine. That page should have all the remotes they use, right?It has all the Scientific Atlanta remotes.

However, there are several companies that make Scientific Atlanta compatible remotes which cable companies can buy instead of the Scientific Atlanta ones ...

For example: http://www.uei.com/

I'd look on the back of the remote and see if you can find anything that looks like a manufacturer / model number and then do a Google ...

Also check your cable company's web site. They might have manuals for their remotes on-line.

For example:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/centralny/customer/cable/default.html

I started using the 8300 yesterday, and as my first DVR experience, it is just awesome! I tried using the theme filters, but it's just too cumbersome. What I want to do is see what baseball games will be on INHD1 and INHD2 over the next two weeks. If I search for "baseball" it brings up every single baseball related program on all 600 channels. I came up with about 100 selections just from 10pm-5am.

Well, eventually I decided to just go to the INHD website... but I wonder, can you run theme searches for one specific channel?

but I wonder, can you run theme searches for one specific channel?No.

You also can't filter out channels you don't recieve or any number of other things that could be done to make searching / finding programs easier / less cumbersome ...

Check out the following two sites. If you've got access to the internet while in front of the TV they can make programming the DVR significantly easier ...

http://www.titantv.com
http://tv.yahoo.com

FWIW

The other day I picked up a Motorola broadband signal amplifier model # 484095-001-00 that I happened to stumble across at CC. I hooked it up before the splitter that goes to my 8300 HD DVR's. Before doing this the average signal strength for the HD channels was anywhere from -1 to +3dbmv. Ater powering up the amp the signal increased to +17dbmv!! My picture appears more 3D, more brighter and much more sharper on HD material. It also improved SD material a lot. My tv's are a Hit 57s700 and a Hit 42hdt50 PDP. My cable system is Adelphia in NE Ohio. For me this was a very worthwhile $80 tweak as I have tried other signal boosters to no avail. Just thought I would share this.

Signal boost will not change PQ of digital channels unless your original signal is too low (< -15dbmv) and cause picture break up. It may improve analog channel PQ. The ideal signal level is close to 0 dbmv. Too much signal may cause damage to your STB or TV. And if you really have signal level problem, your cable co should provide you with a free cable amp (like the one I had right now) w/o spending your own money. Just my .02.

I'll add my .02: I agree completely with Foxbat - the statement:
My picture appears more 3D, more brighter and much more sharper on HD material. Tells me that the writer just THINKS those things happened. It's the same process that sells a lot of "high end" cable (spend $$$$, imagine great results). ;)

Yeah, you guys are probably right. It is in my head. I am just in this quest for the perfect picture. If the ideal signal is 0dbmv (which is what I was getting before the amp) I will probably return it. Tell me though how can too much signal damage my equipment?

Can anyone comment on the accuracy of the following quote I'm pasting from a different section of this forum?

If you wish to use the s-video jack for higher quality video, note that on the standard definition 8300 you won't be able to use Copy to VCR with s-video (it works on the HiDef 8300HD however). That means your DVR is tied up for as long as it takes to transfer the program in real time, and you have to make sure that you or other family members don't press any buttons on the remote as it puts on screen menus that will end up being recorded, or worse the recording gets aborted.

I'm getting the SA8300 (std def)next week and would be really disappointed to learn that only the HD model allows an S-Video connection for use with the 'copy to vcr' feature. Can anyone confirm or invalidate this?

Thanks!

mobgre,

I doubt if it is possible to damage your equipment with the amp that you purchased - but too high a level does cause malfunction with the 8300HD.

Andante,

At most of the participants in this thread have the HD versions (after all, it is "SA8300HD Tips & Tricks) you might not get much response. Maybe the answer is to try to get the HD version. Different systems have different policies on this. Also, I've started to suggest actually buying a HDTV - you can find good 30" widescreen monitors these days for around $700.

There have been other issues with HDMI that are very display dependent:
2) Digital Audio (Dolby 5.1) to separate surround sound systems (only an issue with 8300HD to displays with HDMI inputs).


Is thia still an issue? Is there going to be some sort of additional menu like the Passport has? Anyone use the HDMI for video and the optical/digital out for Dolby 5.1 audio successfully?

It works fine for me (SARA 1.87.16.1). HDMI to TV, and dig. audio to AVR for 5.1.

It works fine for me (SARA 1.87.16.1). HDMI to TV, and dig. audio to AVR for 5.1.

Awesome. Thanks DEIFan!

The issue of HDMI and separate digital audio out is dependent on the "handshaking" taking place between the TV and the 8300. In other words, it works OK with some TVs, not with others.

OK. Thanks for the clarification, Dave. MY set is an Pio. Elite PRO-530HDi.

The issue of HDMI and separate digital audio out is dependent on the "handshaking" taking place between the TV and the 8300. In other words, it works OK with some TVs, not with others.

I have a Panasonic PD50U. I guess I also have the problem where 5.1 digital audio is not output when the HDMI connector is used. I guess it must be the "passport" software that has a setting where you can force HDMI to digital out (instead of analog)?

JCPZero

OK, I finally read every post in this thread and in my TV owners thread. I was just wondering what the best connections and options are for my setup. HDMI or component, I have read HDMI does nothing for rear projection tvs. Should I use pass-through/auto-HDMI or pass-through? Also, how can I find out what my signal strength is? When I went to my diag. page, under RF parameters it has tuner 1 FDC= -11 dBmV, and RDC= 36 dBmV. My SARA is 1.87.16.1. Are 'Software Anomalies' anything I should be concerned with? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm just a newbie with a lot of new stuff, pretty much everything listed below is new to me except for the gaming consoles and JVC. Also, one last thing, I had my 8300 connected to my TV via component but I ordered an HDMI to HDMI cable from RAM. Well I have my TV set to auto aspect, which works awesomely, but after I switched over to HMDI, I no longer get the switch over to 16x9 standard when I watch an HD channel. I have had no problem with my SD analog or SD digital channels, they all come through as 4x3 expanded. Any ideas? Sorry if this isnt the place to ask, but since it happened when I changed connection to my 8300 I thought it would be ok.

I have a Panasonic PD50U. I guess I also have the problem where 5.1 digital audio is not output when the HDMI connector is used. I guess it must be the "passport" software that has a setting where you can force HDMI to digital out (instead of analog)?

JCPZero

It's the other way around. If you have SARA software, you simply need to turn the digital audio out on in the settings screen so that your AVR can receive DD 5.1 via digital audio out (coax or optical). Your TV will probably never receive 5.1 via HDMI because it is incapable of decoding DD5.1. If you have Passport software, you're screwed because such setting does not exist and you're force to get digital audio from HDMI connection.

Also, how can I find out what my signal strength is? When I went to my diag. page, under RF parameters it has tuner 1 FDC= -11 dBmV, and RDC= 36 dBmV.

Look for Signal Level (appears in first page and 3rd of 4th page). If it is within +-15 dbmV, you're fine. Close to 0 dbmV is the best. Also check S/N ratio in 3rd or 4th page. It should be > 30db. The higher the better.

OK, my S/N value jumps between 29-30 dB. I dont see a listing titled 'signal level.' Is it not the FDC level or RDC level value I listed before?

It's the other way around. If you have SARA software, you simply need to turn the digital audio out on in the settings screen so that your AVR can receive DD 5.1 via digital audio out (coax or optical). Your TV will probably never receive 5.1 via HDMI because it is incapable of decoding DD5.1. If you have Passport software, you're screwed because such setting does not exist and you're force to get digital audio from HDMI connection.

I have Sara 1.85.14.1. The only place I see anything dealing with HDMI is in the SET Picture under more settings. Can someone point out exaclty the label in settings for the audio selection?

JCPZero

You can not select audio format for HDMI becuause it is auto-negotiated. Basically your TV tells 8300 what format it can accept. In most cases, it will be 2-ch digital stereo only as that is what most TVs can do.

What SARA software let you do is instead of sending 2-ch digital stereo to your TV, you can tell 8300 to send full DD 5.1 sound through digital audio out instead. So in a full Home Theater setup, you can still enjoy DD 5.1 surround sound instead being limited to 2-ch stereo once HDMI is used. People with Passport software are not that lucky. They are force to chose either using HDMI to digital picture conenction but with 2-ch stereo only from TV or using component video connection and listen to DD 5.1 surround sound. They can't do both.

What SARA software let you do is instead of sending 2-ch digital stereo to your TV, you can tell 8300 to send full DD 5.1 sound through digital audio out instead.

I cannot find this audio setting, can someone give an specific location where I would find it - I don't see it under settings or more settings? I have Sara 1.85.14.1 (which knowing my small local cablco is probably not the latest).

JCPZero

Look for Signal Level (appears in first page and 3rd of 4th page). If it is within +-15 dbmV, you're fine. Close to 0 dbmV is the best. Also check S/N ratio in 3rd or 4th page. It should be > 30db. The higher the better.

An out of range signal shows up in red (well, orange-red), on my box. There is a number after the signal that says some number per sec. Can you please explain what that number is. My signal is OK, but that number varies, but seems to always be red.

An out of range signal shows up in red (well, orange-red), on my box. There is a number after the signal that says some number per sec. Can you please explain what that number is. My signal is OK, but that number varies, but seems to always be red.

There is a number like that and I believe it refers to number of errors or error corrections per second. If you have high number in there, that means you have a lot of noise in line and cause errors in receiving the digital stream. These indicators only mean something if you have something wrong in your picture like pixelations and drop outs. Otherwise, don't worry about it.

Could my -11 dBmV be because I have my internet connection and cable connection feeding from a splitter right out of the wall? For some reason when they hooked up my cable jacks, they made one of them run only if you connect it to a splitter from the one in the front of the house. Weird because its all behind the wall, why not just run 2 separate lines. Oh well cheap Cox I guess. The splitter I have is from Cox, so its not the top of the line or anything. I just ordered another one that is 2.5Ghz, this one is only 1000 Megahtz. On the two out sources they are labeled 3.5 dB each. Not really sure what that means, they both lose 3.5 dB from the source? Hopefully it will b ecoming in tommorrow so I can see if any difference is made. While I am at it, should I get the high performance RG6 cable from RAM, or just use the RG6 I have already? This cable was made by a friend who used to install satelites, but that was a few years ago, so the cable isnt new, nor does it have gold connectors, he said it wasnt that big of a deal.

I cannot find this audio setting, can someone give an specific location where I would find it - I don't see it under settings or more settings? I have Sara 1.85.14.1 (which knowing my small local cablco is probably not the latest).

JCPZero
General Settings -> Audio: Digital Out -> Dolby Digital

Unfortunately, some cableco's, regardless of SARA version, have not enabled this option, so you may not see it.

Could my -11 dBmV be because I have my internet connection and cable connection feeding from a splitter right out of the wall? For some reason when they hooked up my cable jacks, they made one of them run only if you connect it to a splitter from the one in the front of the house. Weird because its all behind the wall, why not just run 2 separate lines. Oh well cheap Cox I guess. The splitter I have is from Cox, so its not the top of the line or anything. I just ordered another one that is 2.5Ghz, this one is only 1000 Megahtz. On the two out sources they are labeled 3.5 dB each. Not really sure what that means, they both lose 3.5 dB from the source? Hopefully it will b ecoming in tommorrow so I can see if any difference is made. While I am at it, should I get the high performance RG6 cable from RAM, or just use the RG6 I have already? This cable was made by a friend who used to install satelites, but that was a few years ago, so the cable isnt new, nor does it have gold connectors, he said it wasnt that big of a deal.


-11 dbmV is good enough. Mine works even at -20 dbmV.

Each two-way splitter will have 3.5db signal loss. And the splitter from Cox is good enough because most cable plants are either 750MHz max or 850MHz max. Don't waste your money on those 2.5G ones because most of them are for sattelite use and will block your cable modem signal. You will find those 2.5G splitter's low end is usually 45MHz or 50MHz while a splitter from your cable co is 5Mhz to 1GHz. Cable modems use lower end 20 to 40 MHz for its communication channels.

General Settings -> Audio: Digital Out -> Dolby Digital

Unfortunately, some cableco's, regardless of SARA version, have not enabled this option, so you may not see it.

Dave, Is this an issue of cableco implementing it, or rather the handshaking taking place between particular TV models (designs) and the 8300? The reports of this problem have been scattered - so it looks like a cableco issue, but I think I've seen a pattern that suggests that it really is a handshake issue between particular TVs (many of them) and the 8300.

I remember reading something about connecting the cable directly to the tv and not through the cable box and then connecting the cablebox. I tried this and it did not work. All I get is 1080i.

I have passthrough enabled in the setup wizard. I have 480 and 1080i enabled. My Panny does not do 720. But everything is sent to me in 1080i. I use both component (HD shows) and composite (standard shows)connections on the 8300HD. How can I get 480 resolution on standard tv shows?

PS I searched though 37 pages of this post, but could not find the info.

SD channels are 480i only. As long as you have 480i enabled, your TV will receive 480i. Composite video can only carry 480i signal. It is impossible to carry 1080i through it. So what makes you think you received 1080i all the time?

Dave, Is this an issue of cableco implementing it, or rather the handshaking taking place between particular TV models (designs) and the 8300? The reports of this problem have been scattered - so it looks like a cableco issue, but I think I've seen a pattern that suggests that it really is a handshake issue between particular TVs (many of them) and the 8300.Well, it very well could be a handshake problem. I thought I read that someone contacted their cableco and got the option enabled, but I could be wrong, that was quite a while ago and I really haven't kept track. I'm not sure why a cableco would not enable the option, if that is what it is, so it could very well be a handshake issue. Perhaps others who didn't/don't have the option can chime in and offer some insight. I'd be surprised though that different TV makers would do things that differently. Since most TVs don't do 5.1, you'd think there would be a whole lot of folks with the problem and very few with the option enabled. Vegggas, any ideas?

SD channels are 480i only. As long as you have 480i enabled, your TV will receive 480i. Composite video can only carry 480i signal. It is impossible to carry 1080i through it. So what makes you think you received 1080i all the time?I seem to remember some discussion a while back that indicated the 8300 was displaying the 1080i indicator for some folks even though that was not the format being displayed. I don't remember if this was in a specific software version or exactly what the problem was. I guess we';ll have to wait for some more info before we can answer the question.

I remember reading something about connecting the cable directly to the tv and not through the cable box and then connecting the cablebox. I tried this and it did not work. All I get is 1080i.

I have passthrough enabled in the setup wizard. I have 480 and 1080i enabled. My Panny does not do 720. But everything is sent to me in 1080i. I use both component (HD shows) and composite (standard shows)connections on the 8300HD. How can I get 480 resolution on standard tv shows?
I would suggest you double-check your settings. If both 480i and 1080i are enabled and Pass-Through is set in the General Settings/Set: Picture Format, then you should be getting 480i on the SD channels. I'll echo Foxbat and ask how you know you are only getting 1080i?

As for the direct line to the TV, before the 8300HD was released, some folks were unhappy with the SD PQ of the 3250HD and the 3100HD only output 1080i. So, they split the cable and ran one line direct to the TV and the other line to the box and then to the TV on another input. They would then watch HD using the input with the box connected and watch SD using the input with the direct line. This approach had nothing to do with the Pass-Through option and once the 3250HD software was updated and the 8300HD was released, the SD PQ was much improved and most of us stopped splitting the cable altogether.

the SD PQ was much improved and most of us stopped splitting the cable altogether.

Agreed but I still keep the splitting for the sake of easier setup for my kid. They only need turn on TV itself to watch cartoons rather than have to turn on cable box and receiver and change TV to specific input.

When I am watching both SD and HD via the 8300HD cable box/DVR, it shows 1080i on the box itself. That is why I thought I was receiving everything in 1080i. I went through the setup wizard a second time to be sure I had 480 and 1080 enabled, as well as Passthough. I was trying to get the display on the 8300HD to show 480 for SD stations and 1080 for HD.

Mine does show 480 for SD and 1080 for HD. What version of software are you using? I have the 1.87.16.1 version, but it was the same with the earlier 1.85.x.x I had.

marchristensen,
If you're watching SD channels, does your Panny allows you to adjust aspect ratio? I know most TVs, especially Panny TVs, won't allow you adjust any aspect ratio in 1080i or 720p mode.

Also, when you say enable 480 resolution, is it 480i, 480i wide, 480p or 480p wide? SD channels are all normal 480i.

To be clear, you enable sepcific resolutions first in a setup wizard which requires press two buttons together to get into the mode. Then you go into settings/setup page and setup picture format to pass-through instead of fixed. If you're using HDMI port of the box, the pass-through will be called AutoDVI instead in picture format. In early days of SA3250HD (and maybe 8300HD), ppl often found that their boxes were reset overnight by unknown reasons. When it is reset, picture format will be reset to fixed mode if you're using component output.

Foxbat121, Thanks for taking the time to reply. My Panny plasma does not allow me to stretch component but I can stretch composite. So I use both component and composite connections out of the 8300HD into the Panny plasma. When watching HD via component, the screen is filled. When watching SD via composite, I use the JUST aspect ratio setting in the Panny to fill the screen.

The picture looks fine. I just noticed that the cablebox reports 1080i for all channels - both HD and SD channels.

I did follow the instructions you laid out and ran the setup wizard and selected 480i wide, 480p wide, and 1080i. I also used the settings in the 8300HD to set to passthrough.

No matter what channel I select, the box reports 1080i.
Thank you for any help you can provide.

I did follow the instructions you laid out and ran the setup wizard and selected 480i wide, 480p wide, and 1080i. I also used the settings in the 8300HD to set to passthrough.


The SD channels are 480i normal not wide. If you didn't enable 480i normal, it probably will force the box to search for different resolution to fit. Hence all channels are 1080i. I don't know why SA even bother to list 480i wide or 480p wide resolutions because no channels will use these resolution natively.
When your Panny receives 480i signal via component, it should allow you to adjust aspect ratio. If it won't, you're receiving 1080i instead.

Here's some additional info on the DD sound issue and HDMI from our Vegas thread. Hope it helps.

Joe B

Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeVegas
Quick sound question for those experts out there. I've got a Sammy HLP 5063 hooked up HDMI to the SA 8300 HD. My Sammy manual says that the TV is compatable with "all" sound formats, however, when I set my sound to Dolby Digital (in the menu on the SA 8300) I get no sound through my TV speaker. I'm already running an optical line to my home theater and DD works fine there. It seems that the Sammy is not compatable with the DD? If this is true I will just have to live with it.

BTW, the reason I care is that sometimes it would be nice to simply listen to the audio w/o turning on my HT. I know I can go into the menu everytime and change the sound format when I wish to do this. It's just a pain and I hate unnecessary button pushes if I can avoid them.

Any help/suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.


Some TVs, even if they can decode 5.1 sound, may only be able to do that when the signal comes in through their OTA or Cable tuner. In those cases, when the TV's HDMI input gets 5.1 digital sound, the TV may not be able to decode that. Thus it may ask for the set top to send it stereo audio (PCM), when the two handshake.

The 8300 has a way to override the handshake audio selection of HDMI (between TV-8300), which you reference in your post. Obviously, if that is set to Dolby Digital and the TV can only decode PCM on HDMI, the TV will not produce sound.

A quick test to see if your TV asks for and can decode dolby digital (5.1) from an HDMI source...
-on 8300, select Audio: Digital Out to HDMI
-on 8300, select a channel which you know has Dolby Digital 5.1
-Connect HDMI from the 8300 to your TV
-Connect optical or coax audio to your HT
Check to see if your HT display indicates it is getting 5.1 or 2.0? If it is reading 2.0 or something other than 5.1, the HDMI of the TV is selecting PCM audio on the 8300. Since the 8300 uses a common digital signal on HDMI and the Coax&Optical outs, the format HDMI forces will also go to the HT.

So you probably have three choices:
-in the 8300 audio menu, select HDMI. This will let the TV force PCM audio. You should hear audio from the TV, but you probably only get 2 channel audio (PCM) to the HT.
-in the 8300 audio menu, select Dolby Digital. This will give 5.1 to the HT (if the tuned channel has it), but probably will give the TV something it can not handle and thus no sound.
-connect the 8300 to your TV with YPbPr and L-R audio. Then use optical or coax audio to your HT. This seperates the sound output, sending stereo to your TV and full digital 5.1 to your HT.


--Lane

The solution that I use is fairly straightforward. My requirements:

* I want to use HDMI to connect the SA8300HD to my Pioneer PDP-4304 monitor.

* I want to use the monitor's speakers at times.

* I want to use my stereo system to get Dolby 5.1 at times.

All I have done is hooked up both HDMI and analog audio cables from the 8300 to the monitor, run a digital audio cable to my receiver and set the Audio: Digital Out setting to Dolby 5.1.

This does not work for me because I have no analog audio capability with the HDMI input on my Sammy.

Your set-up is the one I wish I could run with my TV.

Joe B

I don't mean analog via HDMI, I mean a separate pair of analog audio cables.

You're still not following me. The HDMI input on the back of the TV does not have any other audio source associated with it. For example, the DVI input has analog audio inputs along side it. Since with HDMI the audio is carried in the same cable as video, my TV does not have separate audio inputs with the HDMI connection. Therefore, when I select HDMI as my video source on the TV, the only audio source is also from the HDMI cable.

J

You can separate out the audio (using the 8300HD) to send the audio via cables separate from the HDMI. e.g. I have my HDMI cable running from the 8300HD -> TV. I also have an coax cable carrying the digital audio from the 8300HD to my receiver. You should be able to use a coax cable or even L/R audio cables to run the audio into your TV (instead of using the HDMI)

If you have a DVI input that has the analog L/R inputs, could you get an adapter/cable and use that input or are you using the DVI input for something else? Shouldn't the DVI and HDMI inputs provide the same picture?

(Don't have either on my TV...)

v/r,
C-F

You can separate out the audio (using the 8300HD) to send the audio via cables separate from the HDMI. e.g. I have my HDMI cable running from the 8300HD -> TV. I also have an coax cable carrying the digital audio from the 8300HD to my receiver. You should be able to use a coax cable or even L/R audio cables to run the audio into your TV (instead of using the HDMI)
LoL! You still don't get it!

He wants to use HDMI for best video. But his TV don't have analog audio input allocated for HDMI video. Analog audio inputs are only for component, composite and S-Video. The only audio that can play out in the TV is HDMI audio when select your video source to HDMI.

Thank you Foxbat!!!

Cannon-Fodder--I suppose I could do the HDMI to DVI adaptor routine, but I fear eventually the signal will require the built-in copyright protection of the HDMI and I'd have to go back to what I am doing now anyway.

Additionally, the picture I get through HDMI (on my TV) is definitely superior to the component option.

Finally, I want to make it clear that I can still get 5.1 DD through my home theater or 2-channel stereo through my TV, just not at the same time (I must change the audio out option in the settings menu). My goal was to be able to turn on the TV and listen to the audio directly through the TV OR fire up the home theater and listen to the DD signal (when available) WITHOUT accessing the settings menu every time I changed my speaker output. Unfortunately, my TV (Sammy DLP), does not allow this.

Sorry to beat a dead horse.

Joe

Joe,

I'm looking at adding a pair stereo speakers to my plasma and have been playing around tonight. My inputs are the same as yours and my results are the same as yours. If I set the audio output to HDMI I can get sound out of the TV speakers but only get 2.0 on my pre/pro. If I set it to DD out I get 5.1 on the pre/pro but no sound from the TV. Pretty much what has already been discussed here.

I think as a work around I'm just going to program a small macro into my HT Master remote to swap the output from HDMI <-> DD in the setup menu with a single button push. It always defaults to HDMI when entering the menu so a set number of button pushes programmed into a macro should work.

On a positive note, I've discovered that by feeding PCM to the pre/pro I can get a fairly even volume level between channels. When feeding it DD there has always been a huge volume difference between the analog (sub 100) and digital (over 100) channels. As much as 20 dB in some cases, which made channel surfing a challenge and can be quite startling if you forget to reduce the volume when going from a digital channel to an analog channel.

LoL! You still don't get it!

He wants to use HDMI for best video. But his TV don't have analog audio input allocated for HDMI video. Analog audio inputs are only for component, composite and S-Video. The only audio that can play out in the TV is HDMI audio when select your video source to HDMI.

So I was right then...if he has what I suggested he could do it, he doesn't, so he can't :D

You're still not following me. The HDMI input on the back of the TV does not have any other audio source associated with it. For example, the DVI input has analog audio inputs along side it. Since with HDMI the audio is carried in the same cable as video, my TV does not have separate audio inputs with the HDMI connection. Therefore, when I select HDMI as my video source on the TV, the only audio source is also from the HDMI cable.

J

I get it. On my Pioneer monitor the HDMI input does have analog audio input associated with it, that's the difference.

Paul,

I wish mine was set up that way, then it would be perfect. I didn't mean to come across like an ass. It seems sometimes these forums encourage that sort of behavior. Thanks for the response.

Joe

Thank you Foxbat!!!

Cannon-Fodder--I suppose I could do the HDMI to DVI adaptor routine, but I fear eventually the signal will require the built-in copyright protection of the HDMI and I'd have to go back to what I am doing now anyway.

DVI port should have the same exact copy-protection like HDMI has, i.e. HDCP. In this aspect, DVI and HDMI is identical. What HDMI has over DVI is (1) capable of carry higher resolution YCbCr instead of RGB but it is mostly limited by source device (2) carry digital audio in the same connection which can be a blessing or hassle.

Foxbat, do you have a link to a good summary on those differences between DVI and HDMI*, I sort of naively thought they were basically the same absent the audio?

I did look to see that HDCP on DVI was mentioned in the HL-P5063W brochure, not that I can afford one...

v/r,
C-F

* No challenge, just being lazy, and I will get distracted by pretty colors if I search around too much.

hey guys! before I start reading through this thread, can you tell me if its applicable to the 8300 that Cablevision gives its n.j. customers?
thanks!

Although the powers that be added Cox to the title, the thread is generally applicable to all 8300HD's that use SARA software given some minor operation differences between the various releases being used at any given time. Most all tips and tricks are contained in the first post with extraneous discussions, plus some off-topic stuff, contained throughout the thread. After you review the first post, ask any questions you have and someone will undoubtedly provide an answer. The thread is NOT applicable to those using Passport software.

How do I tell what software my 8300HD is using?

TIA,

Mike

Foxbat, do you have a link to a good summary on those differences between DVI and HDMI*, I sort of naively thought they were basically the same absent the audio?

I think DVD forum recently has a thread about this topic.

Mike, try going into the diagnostics page and checking the version # using the instructions on the first page. If that doesn't work, then try the link to the Passport thread; it is up there also.
Somewhat simpler, but maybe less foolproof as I don't know how SARA boots, would be to unplug it and plug it back in, if you don't see a Passport loading screen (you have push the power button to turn the output on during boot), you might be a SARA guy.


Thanks Foxbat, found it. HDMI 10 bit DVI 8 bit? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=556134)

v/r,
C-F

Has anyone seen this before...I turn off my TV, 8300, and surround sound. When I turn just my TV back on, the cable box's LCD display shows the last channel I was watching for about 2 seconds, and the cable is ON. The LCD still only displays time as if it is off, but my cable is on. I cant turn the channel or do anything with the remote, until I actually hit the power button and the box then turns on. Strange. I think this may be the cause of my TV not being able to switch between the HDMI and component connections in input 1 when the cable box is 'off'.

Yes. I see this daily. You must use HDMI port for connection as well. What I think happens is whenever you turn TV on, HDCP handshake happens. After HDCP handshake, the video continues to output although the STB appears off.

It only happens when you turn TV on.

So then my only choice is to unplug the HDMI cable, correct?

Is your TV has shared input between HDMI and component input? If so, simply turn on the cable box and turn it off should turn the video off. I think this is a bug introduced in new firemware (I have 1.87.17.1 now). I don't remember I encountered this problem in previous firmware (1.87.14.1)

I tried that, it still didnt work. I think it has something to do with the box never really being off, just in standby mode.

Any chance you have to the TV power cord plugged into the 8300HD?

Or, any chance the remote is configured to turn on the 8300HD along with the TV? If so and this happens in the wrong sequence, can't that mess up the handshake and cause problems?

Like Foxbat alluded to, what version of software are you using?

hey guys! before I start reading through this thread, can you tell me if its applicable to the 8300 that Cablevision gives its n.j. customers?
thanks!

Yes, it is.

Happy reading.

Any chance you have to the TV power cord plugged into the 8300HD?

Or, any chance the remote is configured to turn on the 8300HD along with the TV? If so and this happens in the wrong sequence, can't that mess up the handshake and cause problems?

Like Foxbat alluded to, what version of software are you using?

I dont think I CAN have the TV power cord plugged into the 8300HD. But no, I dont anyway, they both have separate plugs into the Monster Power box. I also thought maybe it was the remote, so I tried using the TV remote to turn on just the TV, still no change.I am using SARA version 1.87.16.1 . I will call Cox tommorrow to see if they have any insight, maybe they are working on adding some channels, and that is affecting it somehow. I know we are scheduled to receive 4 more channels starting Aug. 1. So that may be the culprit. Thanks for trying to help though, keep all the ideas coming please. :D

Like I said, it is a firmware bug and you have to live with it until SA fixes it and Cox deploys it.

Re: power on sequence and HDCP handshake mess up. HDCP source device (i.e. 8300HD) suppose to monitor display device (check some register values in display device) at least twice a second to see if device is ready or need to reinitiate HDCP handshake. Old firmware only do HDCP handshake at power up or initial HDMI cable connection. Hence a lot of problem with TVs. New firmware follows HDCP guide lines and can initiate HDCP handshake any time it sees needed.

Paul,

I wish mine was set up that way, then it would be perfect. I didn't mean to come across like an ass. It seems sometimes these forums encourage that sort of behavior. Thanks for the response.

Joe

Joe:

I also have a HLP 5063 here in Vegas. I have a HDMI to DVI cable from my SA 8300 HD to my HDTV and analog cables for 2 channel sound. I have the optical digital output from my cable box to my receiver. This way I can watch the set with either the internal speakers, which I almost never do, or through the full DD 5.1 setup as I choose. I do not see any reason why you cannot do that.

Orange,

I was wondering if there would be any quality difference in the picture between DVI and HDMI. I thought I read somewhere that HDMI could pass more info and therefore was superior to DVI. If not, I might get an adaptor and try it out. Thanks for the help.

Joe

Orange,

I was wondering if there would be any quality difference in the picture between DVI and HDMI. I thought I read somewhere that HDMI could pass more info and therefore was superior to DVI. If not, I might get an adaptor and try it out. Thanks for the help.

Joe
To my knowledge the video quality between the DVI and HDMI is identical, but others who are experts may know more. Instead of using an adapter, which is large and heavy and may cause the connection to become loose, you are better using a DVI - HDMI cable. I got mine at www.bluejeanscable.com.

Anyone know why my SA8300 is showing up no space available when I only have 3 hours of data (2 is HD, 1 is SD)? Thanks.

Anyone know why my SA8300 is showing up no space available when I only have 3 hours of data (2 is HD, 1 is SD)? Thanks.
Sounds like a corrupted buffer or data. Try a hard boot, as described in the first post, to reset all the buffers. If that fails, delete the programs, one by one, to see if the space returns to normal. Hard reboot after regaining space, or deleting all content.

vegggas

Sounds like a corrupted buffer or data. Try a hard boot, as described in the first post, to reset all the buffers. If that fails, delete the programs, one by one, to see if the space returns to normal. Hard reboot after regaining space, or deleting all content.

vegggas

Thanks Vegggas...that did it. Previous to the reboot I had deleted one by one which didn't work and interesting enough after the reboot I didn't lose the data I had previously recorded which was a plus. Hopefully this is a one time problem but this is why I love the TWC setup where I can just swap it out if it continues.

I just got a Yamaha RX-V4600 AV Receiver with HDMI switching. I tried running my SA 8300 through the receiver to my Sony HS51 projector. When connected through the receiver, it won't complete the HDCP handshake. (It works fine when connected directly to the projector, or through a Gefen HDMI switcher.) My thread in the Receivers Forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5962278#post5962278) (In that thread, I link to three other forum members having the same problem with the 8300, BUT with different HDMI switching receivers than mine, so it would seem to be a problem with the 8300.)

Is there a firmware update for this problem? My cableco is using the Passport software. Thanks.

Craig

Hi craig John


Sorry to hear about your handshaking probem.....as far as i know all firmware/software upgrades are done auto by the teleco/cableco...do you know wht version you have??
i belive you have to hold one of the buttons on the unit (not the remote) for ten seconds and the mail icon starts flashing and it shows all the info superimposed on the picture.....
i do hope you find a fix..but as i mentioned...you cant upgrade by your own....
(...but i could be wrong....)

I connected my sa8300 straght to a 50inch panasonics plasma with hdcp/hdmi and it worked fine at first but kept on loosing the hanshake deallie for some readon....(but then again it has been gooid to me this past month..knock onwood for me plases...hehe)

anyhow

Martin out

The HDCP handshake can go away (on any device) by several factors. The most common is delay caused by cable length or devices within a chain. HDMI is designed to be a one-to-one connection. Any connector, adaptor, switcher, etc. causes delay in the line. Too much delay and the handshake fails. The other factor is impedance/voltage drop, caused by the same cable length issues. There is not enough signal available to travel through too long of a cable, or through non-amplified switches.
The problem lies within the switch, not the source device. The STB is doing what it's supposed to do - Prevent anything except a one-to-one connection from source to display. Anything in the chain will possibly break that handshake. It's up to the switch to become transparant enought to fool the source device, wether it's an STB, DVD player, or other HDCP device.
vegggas

My 8300HD of 4 months started acting weird lately...when using the 'copy to VCR' function, sometimes the ausdio will revert to whatever program I am watching instead of what should be the recording ones...it happens after about 30 mins to an hour into the recording...Example...recorded 'Battlestar Galactica' copy to VCR is going, audio is that show going to DVD recorder, switch to something else, watching the news and maybe the last 10 mins of 'Galactica' appears with my newscaster's voice over the video as if I switched audio inputs. Very anoying since it was fine beore and is happening intermittently.

Then...yesterday my box starts to reboot several times a day. I'm with Oceanic Time Warner Hilo on SARA...their CS says to bring the box in since it of course shouldn't be doing that but I was curious if anyone had that problem.

Anyone know why my SA8300 is showing up no space available when I only have 3 hours of data (2 is HD, 1 is SD)? Thanks.

You're lucky. I had the same problem and did the requisite reboot. Now my DVR says:

DISK TROUBLE UNRECOVERABLE WRITE ERROR

I am afraid I will have to return my DVR box and lose all my recordings. Any ideas on how I can avoid this?

Newbie here.. How do you watch a recorded program in progress from the beginning? Lets say I am recording a show, it's already half way. So I goto "Recorded List" and see the listing has red background on it.. When I hit SEL (Options / Play), it just resume back to live tv (still recording). Is there a way to watch from the beginning without REW?

Thanks for your help.

Newbie here.. How do you watch a recorded program in progress from the beginning? Lets say I am recording a show, it's already half way. So I goto "Recorded List" and see the listing has red background on it.. When I hit SEL (Options / Play), it just resume back to live tv (still recording). Is there a way to watch from the beginning without REW?

Thanks for your help.

Can't say for certain the option is there when you are recording, but if you hit stop you should get a menu of options. One of them normally is play from begining.

Hope that helps.

Mike

Can't say for certain the option is there when you are recording, but if you hit stop you should get a menu of options. One of them normally is play from begining.

Hope that helps.

Mike

Thanks Mike. Yeah, it's there when you are playing after you are finished recording.. but not while you are recording... Just wondering if that's a bug/feature.. I know on my Tivo, I can just watch it anytime by hitting the Tivo button, even while it's recording..

--removed--

Posting under another thread~.

You're lucky. I had the same problem and did the requisite reboot. Now my DVR says:

DISK TROUBLE UNRECOVERABLE WRITE ERROR

I am afraid I will have to return my DVR box and lose all my recordings. Any ideas on how I can avoid this?

I've had this same problem with TWO friggin 8300 boxes, and it's really pissing me off. This box, IMO, is a piece of sh*t.

The DISK TROUBLE UNRECOVERABLE WRITE ERROR usually shows up once the 8300 is powered on after the HD craps out, and will usually result in odd behavior of the unit (i.e. not being able to record or receiving "out of disk space" errors even if you're only using a small percentage of disk space).

SA is probably using cheap, crappy parts, and the HD most likely does not get enough ventilation, so it just melts down and stops functioning after an arbitrary amount of time. Reformatting the HD (as noted in the first post of this topic) temporarily resolves the problem, but the recording problems return rather quickly (well, that's because the HD is shot beyond use). My LIST area will show 0% disk space used, but I'll try to schedule a recording, and sure enough I'll receive an error about not having enough disk space (and there are absolutely NO recordings on the box because I had to format the damn HD). Honestly, I don't record much with it (every now and again I'll record a concert or a movie or two that I want to watch at a later date). But the 8300's piss-poor, TIVO-like real-time recording features probably do take a toll on the HD, and I wish I could disable this feature as I don't use it at all.

BOTH SA 8300s had HD failures after about 3-4 months of regular usage. I've lost all my recordings and programmings twice, and I'm at the end of the road with this thing. DVR on the 8300 is useless, and the HD failures are absolutely unacceptable. I've had it with this box, and it seems like the problem is much more common than I thought. SA's products are substandard pieces of trash. IF I could sledgehammer this box without having to pay big bucks to replace the thing, I'd smash it to bits in a second.

Oh yeah, and to answer the question about returning the 8300, plan on it. You've already lost your recordings (recovering them is probably not possible, as your HD has suffered hardware failure). I'll be returning my 8300 unit; this will be my 3rd 8300 in 6 months. Will the 3rd 8300 be a charm? I think not...

Thanks Mike. Yeah, it's there when you are playing after you are finished recording.. but not while you are recording... Just wondering if that's a bug/feature.. I know on my Tivo, I can just watch it anytime by hitting the Tivo button, even while it's recording..
It's bug (actually, the lack of a feature) and the option has been added in the latest beta software. Until SA fixes other errors in that software, releases it, and cableco's intall it, you are stuck with REW and then getting kicked out to live when the recording finishes.

from the top post: could you explain more?

"Auto Shut-off Workaround. It appears that you can defeat the Auto Shut-off feature by setting the General Settings/Timer: Turn Off option. You can set the Timer: Wake-up option for 1 minute later to keep the unit on virtually 24/7. "

I want the 8300 to stay on 24/7 or close to it, but it is not clear how I set the various timers:

Timer ALL
Sleep
turn OFF
Wake-UP

thanks for any help :)

Mark"

Mark,

There is no reason to leave the 8300 on 24/7. It never really shuts all the way off anyway, it simply goes into a stand-by mode, and scheduled recordings still take place with the power "off".

That said, I'm not sure that item applies to anyone anymore. Initial versions of the software shut the unit off sometime between approximately 1:15 and 6:00 am, even if you were watching something. It displayed a message to hit any button to keep it on, but that option didn't work at the time. I believe that has been changed in later versions, but I could be wrong as I haven't been up that late to watch anything, it was mostly a problem for night owls. I turn mine off when I go to bed and back on when I get up in the morning.

What folks used to do though was set the Turn Off option to something like 1:30 and the Wake Up option to 1:31. I don't remember if the cabelco controlled the auto-shutoff time (I assum it did), but folks were able to determine when the shutoff usually occured and get around it by using the timers. As long as the unit was shut off sometime between 1:15 and 6:00, but before the auto time, it then didn't automatically shut itself off when that time came.

Dave

my issue is when I select the 8300 on my system remote, I often find the PVR off, so I have to add a channel macro or get discrete power on/off codes:

when I select the 8300, I want it to stay at last channel: last ch does not bring the 8300 out of standby!

It's bug (actually, the lack of a feature) and the option has been added in the latest beta software. Until SA fixes other errors in that software, releases it, and cableco's intall it, you are stuck with REW and then getting kicked out to live when the recording finishes.

Thanks for the reply! I guess just wait and see for the next update.. Will it be auto update from Time Warner Cable?

Not sure exactly what you are asking, but it sounds like you want to automate a remote turn on and stay at whatever channel you were on previously, instead of a dedicated turn on channel, or using the power button toggle.
Do this - Go into your GENERAL SETTINGS, and find VIEWER:POWER ON.
In the list of Power On channels, between the lowest and highest channels, there is the option for LAST CHANNEL - Choose that one. Now, whetever method you choose to turn on the unit, except a dedicated wake up timer, it will go to the last channel viewed. If you want to set an easy macro, make sure that the SET:POWER-ON KEYS is set to both POWER and NUMERIC. In your macro, choose a non-existing channel to turn on the box, such as sending "0", and the STB will turn on, but not change channels.

Is that what you're looking for?

vegggas

In your macro, choose a non-existing channel to turn on the box, such as sending "0", and the STB will turn on, but not change channels.


That's not the way my 8300HD works. If I key in "0" it will change to channel "1", which is the closest. If I key in, say, "777", it will change to "800". It always goes to the next higher channel that is available.

On my turn-on macro, I key in "001" then "last" which returns to the original channel. Unfortunately, I turn thing off most of the time when I'm not around so it isn't sucking down power continuously. Hence, it always returns to channel "01".

Thanks for the ideas:

came up with a two stroke macro:

0
last

this works and is quick

Thanks for the reply! I guess just wait and see for the next update.. Will it be auto update from Time Warner Cable?Yes, auto-update by the cableco is the only way they provide new software releases. Additionally, other than these forums, there is usually absolutely no indication that an update has taken place. You have to constantly check once you know the update has been released by SA. Even then, you may have to bug your cableco to get the update and release it.

Thanks for the ideas:

came up with a two stroke macro:

0
last

this works and is quick

Geez. So simple, but so neccessary. Less than a minute to reprogram the family room. Now I've got to take another couple of minutes to do the HT. My wife and kids are going to be much happier.

Dave,

This should be on the front page. Don't forget the step about changing the Power-On to Power and Numeric.

I have mine set to turn off the display when powered off (no clock) and I noticed about three days ago that the blinking light that used to indicate it "ready" is now solid - no blinking. I guess some firmware update came through.

At any rate, NEVER buy a Scientific Atlanta DVR, always rent. They have a horrible failure rate. I have a friend who is a senior tech for a cable company, and his 8200HD had failed 3 times now.

My 8300HD, so far, is doing fine.

This should be on the front page. Don't forget the step about changing the Power-On to Power and Numeric.Ask and yee shall receive. :)

I don't use macros, so let me know if you think there is a better title or way of explaining it.

I'm not sure what the big deal is. I rarely watch the same channel when I come back to watch TV after being away, but apparently enough of you do that this tip is helpful. I assume it's probably like a news/sports channel in the case of adults or maybe a cartoon network in the case of kids.

I must admit that we generally watch our local independent newscast (Good Morning Arizona) in the morning, so mine is set to tune that channel when turned on. I didn't even know you could turn the unit on simply by entering a channel number, so I learned something and will have to experiment with that a bit. I doubt it will be useful to me though since I use my Harmony remote to turn all my equipment on/off with a single button press. :)

Newbie here, I need some help finding out why does my 8300hd-dvr keep loosing the 1080I output to a Infocus 4805 projector whenever I switch the source to a DVD player and then try returning to the 8300. It kicks out, the only way to get the signal back is to reboot the 8300. Any suggestions, and thank you for reading!

Dave,

The macro is pretty significant since this creates a discrete power on for the 8300HD. Also, a power off is simply the power on macro plus a power toggle. This is important for many universal remote control users who want bullet proof control of turning this box off or on. This way, even if someone inadvertently turns the 8300HD on from its front panel, the remote will not get out of sync when issuing power on/off commands.

The part about tuning into the same channel as when powered off is more of a nicety than a necessity, I guess. Plus, on my box, pressing 0, then last clears the onscreen guide that appears automatically when I power on the box (very annoying).

Hope this helps.

-D

Newbie here.. How do you watch a recorded program in progress from the beginning? Lets say I am recording a show, it's already half way. So I goto "Recorded List" and see the listing has red background on it.. When I hit SEL (Options / Play), it just resume back to live tv (still recording). Is there a way to watch from the beginning without REW?

Thanks for your help.

Those of us with Cablevision have a "play from beginning" option for recordings in progress. We received a SARA software update at the end of June that added that and also fixed the kick out to live bug when you start watching by using the play from beginning option. Apparently they're the only cable company deploying this latest version.

Dave,

The macro is pretty significant since this creates a discrete power on for the 8300HD. Also, a power off is simply the power on macro plus a power toggle. This is important for many universal remote control users who want bullet proof control of turning this box off or on. This way, even if someone inadvertently turns the 8300HD on from its front panel, the remote will not get out of sync when issuing power on/off commands.-D

Exactly. The 8300HD is deficient in several areas. Discrete remote codes are glaring example of one of these. I guess they never figured that it would be used in a HT setting.

Those of you with on/off issues, there are more tricks you can do. Someone mentioned that they can't use channel "0" because it changes to "1", and another says that the guide comes up whenever it's powered on. Use the "EXIT" button to clear commands before they are used.
Example, to power on, macro in channel "0" with a single press of "0", then press exit. The channel never changes, and the guide data is quickly erased too. The "EXIT" button clears all on-screen graphics and aborted any commands at any time it's used.
Another mentioned turning off the STB for power savings. Turning off the STB only clears the ram memory and shuts down the display. There is no significant power savings from turning off the STB as most power is used in the return signal amplifier (see diagnostics for RDC strength) back to the headend or node. The higher the RDC, the more power being used and the hotter the box will run.

The software used at Cablevision is a patch/hack for current versions, and has enough bugs so no other CableCo will deploy it. The rest are waiting for the complete version to be released soon in a complete new revision with the features built into the OS, rather than applied via a patched work-around.

RRO36 - If you are using a digital input on the Infocus, HDCP is turning off the output of the STB for copy protection purposes when you disrupt the continuous handshake between the two devices. When the handshake is broken, there is no signal available for you when you switch back. HDCP mandates that a secure connection be available before sending out a handshake to authorize a data stream. A disruption in the handshake would mean a shutdown of the signal until devices are reset and a secure connection is re-established.

vegggas

vegggas,

As always, thanks for adding to the macro discussion. I've added your latest comments to the first post.

DMILANI/Charlie,

I understand the importance of the macro and the lack of discreet codes for the 8300, but AFAIK, it's not the only HT piece of equipment without such codes. Hopefully they will see the error of their ways and design that in at some point, as others are doing/have done. Then too, I guess that's the price we pay when equipment is designed for low-cost cable use vs retail sales. If they competed directly with units from Tivo and ReplayTV, they'd certainly have to do a better job of adding "desirable" features or sink.

I only commented about the last channel thing to make sure I wasn't missing something. Like I said, I too use that feature, but if it was missing, it would not be a big deal for me. I assumed it was a matter of convenience and just wanted to make sure. :)

Vegggas, thank you for your responses, I'm using M-1 adapter to DVI to HDMI receptacle at the back of the HD-DVR box and utilizing the component cables to the DVd player, do you have any suggestions on how I can get around having to reboot the HD-DVR each time or am I asking to much of the projector to handshake with both the DVD player and the HD-DVR?

OBY

Isn't this one of those situations where turning things on/off in the right sequence helps with the HDCP handshaking?

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

I have SA8300/Cox in Phoenix. Last night I lost the sound for channels 2-99. All the other channels are fine - including channel 1. I have the sound hooked up to my receiver through the digital audio connection.

Any ideas how to fix this? My thought is that either Cox upadated my box, the box is broken, or I hit some weird menu setting and didn't realize it.

The software used at Cablevision is a patch/hack for current versions, and has enough bugs so no other CableCo will deploy it. The rest are waiting for the complete version to be released soon in a complete new revision with the features built into the OS, rather than applied via a patched work-around.


What bugs are you aware of in this patch?

The software used at Cablevision is a patch/hack for current versions, and has enough bugs so no other CableCo will deploy it. The rest are waiting for the complete version to be released soon in a complete new revision with the features built into the OS, rather than applied via a patched work-around.What bugs are you aware of in this patch?

1.88.6.2 is a patch on the old software. Basically, it's a beta test of the next full version of DVR software (DVR 1.5) coming out at the end of the summer. You could equate it to using USB on windows 95/98v1 (extremely buggy) compared to USB on win98SE or higher (less buggy). The revision with built in support directly embedded in the OS will be far less problematic than applied workarounds. Some cablevision users have reported problems after the update that were introduced by the patch. other cableco's are aware of the risks and are not deploying this patch and are awaiting a full version later.

vegggas

One bug that been experienced by a beta-tester I know is a lost recording rate of about 30%. This means that for every 10 scheduled recordings only 7 actually record. He has to constantly review his scheduled recordings and IPG to make sure the programs are flagged and even then they might not get recorded. I can line with the Start From Beginning and Kick Out To Live bugs awhile longer if the fixes come at the expense of los recordings. I should note that it may not actually be the software itself. They had an IPG update after they started using the beta software and the problem lies somewhere bewteen the two and the IPG could be more at fault in this instance.

Has anyone else experienced this problem?

I have SA8300/Cox in Phoenix. Last night I lost the sound for channels 2-99. All the other channels are fine - including channel 1. I have the sound hooked up to my receiver through the digital audio connection.

Any ideas how to fix this? My thought is that either Cox updated my box, the box is broken, or I hit some weird menu setting and didn't realize it.The first things I would check are the General Settings/Audio: Digital Out and Range options and the Quick Settings/Enable SAP toggle to see if one of those may be the problem. I played around with my settings for these though and still didn't lose the audio for the analog channels, so I doubt they would have that effect. You might also try connecting a L-R audio cable to see if that works. If none of that works, try a hard reboot (press and hold the power button while plugging in the power cord) to see if that clears things up.

My Dad in Fort Myers, FL, just got an 8300HD with Comcast. He is not getting ESPNHD nor the music channels. He is getting HD stations that are in 1080i. He's not sure about ABC (he'll find out tonight with MNF). I junderstand the music channels are 480p, so it almost appears he is not getting anything other than stations that are broadcast in 480i or 1080i. Could it be a setting in the 8300HD causing this? I had him go into settings and set it to Upconvert 2, but it didn't help. Seems odd to me. He has a new Panny TH-50PX500U which should be able to handle them all. Any info would be appreciated.

Those of you with on/off issues, there are more tricks you can do. Someone mentioned that they can't use channel "0" because it changes to "1", and another says that the guide comes up whenever it's powered on. Use the "EXIT" button to clear commands before they are used.
Thanks. This is a more elegant solution than I was using and I have updated all of my macros to use this method.

Another mentioned turning off the STB for power savings.
That was me. Sorry, I should have been more specific. When I say "turn it off" I actually am removing the mains power from it by means of a switched outlet that just so happens to be available next to the 8300HD location. It draws about 25W and not being a wasteful sort of person I just can't stand to have it sucking down power on a continual basis for no good reason. I do leave it powered up when I know I have scheduled recording coming up. Down side, occasionally I forget.

vegggas,

As always, thanks for adding to the macro discussion. I've added your latest comments to the first post.

DMILANI/Charlie,

I understand the importance of the macro and the lack of discreet codes for the 8300, but AFAIK, it's not the only HT piece of equipment without such codes. Hopefully they will see the error of their ways and design that in at some point, as others are doing/have done. Then too, I guess that's the price we pay when equipment is designed for low-cost cable use vs retail sales. If they competed directly with units from Tivo and ReplayTV, they'd certainly have to do a better job of adding "desirable" features or sink.

No it certainly isn't the only piece of gear out there without discreet codes but I will say after putting together my home theater system this spring it is the only device I have that doesn't have them. Luckily there is a work around that is pretty painless. You are right, if they had to compete with Tivo or Replay in an open marketplace there future might not be too bright.

You are right, if they had to compete with Tivo or Replay in an open marketplace there future might not be too bright.I honestly think they would step up to the plate and provide features that customers want. They almost started that 2 years ago when they tested marketing of HD tuners in retail stores. Unfortunately, cableco's were the only content providers that could use SA boxes, so the effort failed miserably IMO. I think SA is just as capable as anyone else in making HD equipment. Cableco's simply look at the bottomline and they are only interested in low-cost, feature-defficient stuff where they can make a killing even when charging relatively low rental rates. IMO, it would not take much to make the 8300HD or any SA equipment top of the line. I've never opened an 8300 or a Tivo, but I can't imagine the two being very different, it's all in the chipsets, etc., that are used. If cableco's were more compatible, I believe even the software could rival Tivo. Just my $.02 worth.

Thanks for your input Dave. It got me looking in the right place. I fixed my problem of not having audio on 2-99 by changing the Volume Control setting to Fixed. That brought the audio back.

What's really strange is that then I went back in and changed it to variable just to see what would happen and the problem didn't reappear. Odd.

Thanks for your input Dave. It got me looking in the right place. I fixed my problem of not having audio on 2-99 by changing the Volume Control setting to Fixed. That brought the audio back.

What's really strange is that then I went back in and changed it to variable just to see what would happen and the problem didn't reappear. Odd.Glad to hear you got your audio fixed. I've never had that happen to me, but strange things sometime happen when the box gets reset and that can happen fairly often depending on what your cableco is doing, etc. My Picure:Format resets to Fixed every once in awhile even though it still says Pass-Through. All I have to do though is go into General Settings and it corrects itself. It used to bug me that I couldn't figure exacly what happened, but I've given up trying so it doesn't bug me as much now.

Just picked up my 3rd SA 8300HD in 6 months (the past 2 both had HDD/DVR failures). This particular 8300 doesn't appear to save the HDTV settings (1080i) -- whenever my HDTV is powered off, then powered on again a few minutes to a few hours later, the box reverts to 480i across the board. The only way I've been able to fix the problem is to power the 8300HD off, hold down the guide + info buttons (as I did before I even started using the box) and set the 16x9/1080i video perferences, then everything is good (until the TV is powered off again). It's definitely an annoyance to have to do this EVERY time my HDTV is powered off, so I am asking any of you for a workaround or fix to this problem. I've already rebooted the 8300 using the volume - volume + buttons then turned my HDTV off -- the 8300 did the same thing, reverting to 480i immediately after the HDTV was powered off.

Anyhow, this didn't happen with my 2 previous 8300s, just this one. Any insight? Thanks in advance.

One bug that been experienced by a beta-tester I know is a lost recording rate of about 30%. This means that for every 10 scheduled recordings only 7 actually record. He has to constantly review his scheduled recordings and IPG to make sure the programs are flagged and even then they might not get recorded. I can line with the Start From Beginning and Kick Out To Live bugs awhile longer if the fixes come at the expense of los recordings. I should note that it may not actually be the software itself. They had an IPG update after they started using the beta software and the problem lies somewhere bewteen the two and the IPG could be more at fault in this instance.

Missed recordings are definitely the biggest, really only issue us Cablevision subscribers are seeing with this patch. I have had some missed recordings but not at a rate of 30%, I would put my rate at 5%. We have been lead to believe that most of the problem is a "back end" issue rather then a SARA issue. They did do a major UI update around the same time as the software push, but looks wise and function wise the IPG hasn't change. If it was strictly a SARA issue I think they would have rolled back the update by now. It went through in house testing and beta testing and the missed recordings were not noticed. It was only until the new SARA and new UI were in place together that the issue appeared.

Just picked up my 3rd SA 8300HD in 6 months (the past 2 both had HDD/DVR failures). This particular 8300 doesn't appear to save the HDTV settings (1080i) -- whenever my HDTV is powered off, then powered on again a few minutes to a few hours later, the box reverts to 480i across the board. The only way I've been able to fix the problem is to power the 8300HD off, hold down the guide + info buttons (as I did before I even started using the box) and set the 16x9/1080i video perferences, then everything is good (until the TV is powered off again). It's definitely an annoyance to have to do this EVERY time my HDTV is powered off, so I am asking any of you for a workaround or fix to this problem. I've already rebooted the 8300 using the volume - volume + buttons then turned my HDTV off -- the 8300 did the same thing, reverting to 480i immediately after the HDTV was powered off.

Anyhow, this didn't happen with my 2 previous 8300s, just this one. Any insight? Thanks in advance.


I'm getting the same thig. My first box was fine. This second box is doing exactly what you're describing.

I'm getting the same thig. My first box was fine. This second box is doing exactly what you're describing.

Does it screw up recording of HD programs? I just want to make sure that if I record something in HD while my TV is off, that the program isn't recorded in SD format. As long as that doesn't happen, I guess I can live with the glitch for now (unless this is a KNOWN defect with this box; in that case I'll return it and get a 4th friggin 8300).

I just got the 8300 box, and there is on way to check the remaining/used space on the HDD. Time Warner New York.

Could you please tell me how I can check the remaining space?

I just got the 8300 box, and there is on way to check the remaining/used space on the HDD. Time Warner New York.

Could you please tell me how I can check the remaining space?

TWC NYC is using Passport software, this thread is for the SA8300 running SARA software. With SARA you can check under preferences but I don't know how to do it with Passport. So if you are indeed running Passport post this in that thread.

I am sorry, I didn't know SARA was the O/S.
I will look for it.

Thank you for your reply and pointing it out.

Here you go (Passport Forum)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804

Does it screw up recording of HD programs? I just want to make sure that if I record something in HD while my TV is off, that the program isn't recorded in SD format. As long as that doesn't happen, I guess I can live with the glitch for now (unless this is a KNOWN defect with this box; in that case I'll return it and get a 4th friggin 8300).This is not a known defect with this unit, so a 4th might solve your problem. I can't think of any reason why turning the TV on/off would mess up the 8300. Other than HDCP handshaking with an HDMI connection, there really isn't any interaction between TV and 8300.

I'm with Cablevision, just got SARA 1.88.11.2 today. It's supposed to fix the problem with the skipped recordings we've been having.

If it does fix that, it's a real nice version because we have the start from beginning option and we don't get kicked to live anymore.

Losing recordings was a big problem though.

It's supposed to be deployed to all Cablevision DVRs early next week.

It would appear that the 8300HD does not support HDCP repeaters.

I'm trying to run two HDMI devices through the HDMI v1.1 ports on my Marantz SR9600 receiver. However all the 8300HD gives me is an error about lack of HDCP.

However, I of course have another HDMI device to check this with: a Sony HDTV DVR, and when going through the Marantz receiver is says "HDCP Authenticated Repeater" (going direct to the TV it says "HDCP Authenticated Display").

Now if I disconnect the TV's HDMI cable from the receiver, the receiver will suddenly start getting sound to decode (I guess since it is no longer repeating anything). And if I go direct from the 8300HD to the TV it works fine as well. But just not through the receiver, and it's not an HDCP negotiation problem either since the receiver's manual says it won't output any picture through the HDMI port unless the display is HDCP authenticated.

The receiver's manual cautions about some devices not supporting HDCP repeaters, and it seems the 8300HD is one of them.

Bummer.

We just got our first SARA software update since April here in TWC Rochester and we were suppose to be a test bed for SA. We just got version 1.87.16.109 and I was wondering if anyone knows what is in this version? I know it doesn't contain any of the really new features we want (skip to live bug, etc...). I also wondered if anyone knows of any problems I should watch for as well like missed recordings or???

From an earlier discussion on changes from 1.85.x.x to1.87.x.x:
1.87.x.x appears to be more stable and a tad quicker. It fixed the problem of having the video freeze when using FF/REW. It also allows the HD flag to be displayed in the IPG if the IPG has it. A lot of folks got an IPG update around the same time that they got the 1.87.x.x software and suddenly they had the Record New Episodes option. This option has been in the software since 1.85.x.x and the IPG simply needed to provide the First Run flag for it to become active.

I did a search on a problem I'm having and I couldn't find an answer, so hope someone knows or can advise concerning the following: I have a Samsung HLN437W1 HDTV set and the 8300 HDPVR, component hooked up in my family room. Picture loss was occuring, the picture would just black out but the sound would stay on. Changing the STB channels wouldn't bring the picture back, but turning the TV off for a minute and turning it back on would. I had Samsung come out and change out numerous parts, but the blackouts (three) started again last week. However, this time I switched the mode from component to CATV and the picture came back immediately in that mode and also in component every time. It happens at least once every few days...now I'm thinking it may be the 8300 losing the handshake in the component mode????? I have a Toshiba LCD HDTV hooked up to a 3250 HD STB in my bedroom and never have this problem. I am stumped....

Theres no handshake over component. It apears that you are losing sync (on the green) and dropping the picture out. Changing inputs or turning the set on/off lets the TV resync the signal. My first guess would be a bad cable. It's the easiest to check and change out. Make sure the cable path is direct from the STB to the TV, and replace the cable. If no cable is immediately available, try reversing the connections on both ends so that the green cable is on the red, and vice versas. If your screen changes color after a few days, you know you have a bad cable. Alternately, you could change out the STB's between the one in your Bedroom (3250) for a few days to see if the problem stays with the TV. If you do that, make sure you ONLY change the STB, and no cables so that you are testing the hardware only.

vegggas

Vegggas,

Appreciate your input. I switched out the Cox supplied cables with Monsters on both sets, so I'll switch back to the Cox cables on the Sammy and see what happens. I can't remember if I had the problem before I switched to Monsters, I started with the 3250 HD on the Sammy in May 04 and switched to the 8300 early this year, maybe March or April and I may have started using the Monsters then too. Hopefully, the cables are the issue, if not, I'll do the STB switch next. Thanks again.

I just wanted to post that I'm having the same problem with my 8300HD as tron1974. When I'm recording a show (HD or not), and I try to rewind while recording, the box reboots. This behavior just started a week ago, and it is 100% reproduce-able. Also, I have 2 boxes, and the behavior started on both boxes at the same time (so it's not definitely a box issue).

I am with Adelphia in Gloucester, MA, and I believe I have SARA (I'll have to check).

This behavior has also started happening with previously recorded programs. One day they work. The next day, if I try to rewind or play, they crash the box.

The usual sequence of events is:

1. record program.
2. rewind while recording
3. box freezes (can't change channels, turn it off, do anything) but the program continues to play for a few seconds.
4. box reboots - takes approx 1 minute to recover.
5. on reboot, recording automatically resumes.

Tech support is as clueless in my case as they were in tron1974's case -- "you can't rewind while recording, probably confusing the box" which we all know is complete bull.

I have also reproduced this behavior by using PIP while recording.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Replacing these boxes will mean that I've been through 10 boxes this year. I pay for every channel that Adelphia offers, plus OnDemand, HD, 2 boxes, and Cable Modem. You'd think I could get premium tech support or something. . .




I live in Rochester, NY and have TW and confirmed SARA.

When I try recording HDHBO and HDSHO at the same time and I go to HDHBO and hit rewind to start playing from the begining, my box reboots. It is the only channel that seems to make it reboot. The TW person said I was "confusing" the unit by trying to rewind a program that is being recorded. She said that the unit was not made to do that. I basically told her she was full of it and that a DVR is supposed to be able to rewind a program that is recording. My old TiVO was able to do that and so does this.

Has anyone had an issue with this where if you hit rewind on a HD channel it reboots?

The usual sequence of events is:

1. record program.
2. rewind while recording
3. box freezes (can't change channels, turn it off, do anything) but the program continues to play for a few seconds.
4. box reboots - takes approx 1 minute to recover.
5. on reboot, recording automatically resumes.

Both boxes having the same problem suggests that it is not the box, but does not eliminate them from the problem.

The symptoms are the same as one of the problems with my initial external SATA HDD (resolved by replacing the drive). I think the freeze occurs when the box is unable to retrieve the data required, and after a certain amount of time or number of uncorrectable events it is smart enought to reboot. I suspect a HDD problem with both boxes.

If possible, you should try a reformat of the HDD to see if that helps. You will loose all previously recoded programs and scheduled recordings in the process. The instructions for reformat are outlined earlier in this forum.

Here is what I would like the 8300HD to do:

1)720p stations, deliver the 720p signal directly to the tv
2)1080i stations, deliver the 1080i signal directly to the tv
3)480i stations, upconvert the signal to 720p before delivering to the tv

Is there any way I can do this? What combinations in the setup wizard
and picture format would I need to choose?

I can get 1) and 2) to work, but I can only get the 480i stations to
either pass through as 480i, or be upconverted to 1080i, I cannot get
them to be upconverted to 720p and still satisfy 1) and 2) abov

Can anyone help?

Don't enable the 480 (i/p/standard/widescreen) resolutions.

vegggas

Don't enable the 480 (i/p/standard/widescreen) resolutions.

vegggas

That seems to convert the 480 stations to 1080i, I want those to be converted to 720p, which I cannot figure out how to do.

Why do you want to do that? HDTVs generally only display either 720p or 1080i, so no matter what the 8300 passes, it is converted to one or the other for display. The only difference is whether to 8300 does the conversion or the TV does it and oftentimes the TV does a better job. Other than that, I don't believe there is any way to accomplish what you are trying.

Why do you want to do that? HDTVs generally only display either 720p or 1080i, so no matter what the 8300 passes, it is converted to one or the other for display. The only difference is whether to 8300 does the conversion or the TV does it and oftentimes the TV does a better job. Other than that, I don't believe there is any way to accomplish what you are trying.


That is exactly why I want to do that, My tv is 720p. I would obviously like all 720p programs to be delivered to the tv in 720p. The 480 programs I would like the box to upconvert to 720p for delivery to the tv(actually I would like to just pass 480 directly to the tv, but 480 over HDMI doensn't work on my tv). And then I would like 1080i programs to be delivered to the tv in 1080i. I realize that the tv will convert them to 720p for display, but the tv does a MUCH better job at converting the 1080i->720p than the 8300HD does.

Am I making sense here? I couldn't figure out a way to accomplish it, but I was hoping someone here would have figured it out already.

The only possibility at this time is what vegggas suggested.

Well, you'll simply have to live with 480 being converted to 1080i then as that's the only option at the moment if you don't want the 8300 to convert 1080i to 720p using Upconvert2. I have tried every option every time I get a software update and I have never been able to "see" a difference in PQ no matter what settings I use, so I simply enable 480i and 1080i and use Pass-Through. I don't use HDMI though, so I suppose that could make things a little different, but IMHO, it seems a waste of time trying to squeeze out every degree of PQ.

BTW, what exactly happens when you pass a 480 signal via HDMI?

I have recently purchased a Samsung 5678 1080p. I have Cox Cable Fairfax with a 8300HD hook-up via HDMI. It works fine so far. My question is regarding set-up. I beleive that in the initial set-up of the 8300 I may have enabled all inputs that it asked me about ie: 480i 480p 1080i etc.. I wasn't sure what to do. Can someone help me with the best set up settings for my TV. How do I reset them? :o

I have recently purchased a Samsung 5678 1080p. I have Cox Cable Fairfax with a 8300HD hook-up via HDMI. It works fine so far. My question is regarding set-up. I beleive that in the initial set-up of the 8300 I may have enabled all inputs that it asked me about ie: 480i 480p 1080i etc.. I wasn't sure what to do. Can someone help me with the best set up settings for my TV. How do I reset them? :o
To start the Setup Wizard do the following:
1. Turn on the HDTV
2. Make sure the 8300 is off
3. Press the Guide and Info buttons on the front panel at the same time
4. Press A on the remote in response to the Setup Wizard screen
5. Select B to use the Advanced Setup
6. Activate 720P and 1080i for Wide-Screen and disable all the others

Test it out and experiment with other settings.

The first post shows how to get into the setup routine. There is no reason to enable all formats as only 4 are used by Cox; 480p for the music channels, 480i for SD channels, 720p for ABC/ESPN, and 1080i for others.

But, there really is no reason to enable 480p for the music channels, you won't see any PQ difference, and it will only cause the screen to flicker (reformat) more often as you scan thru channels.

The same may be true for 720p, but you will have to decide if you see a noticeable difference in PQ if you disable 720p and let the 8300 pass ABC/ESPN as 1080i or if the flicker bothers you when going from 720p to 1080i to 480i, etc.

The main reason folks enable 480i is so they can stretch the image to fill the screen and avoid the black/gray sidebars (and burn-in problems) that come with SD content passed as 720p/1080i. Even though the 8300 lets you stretch these images, oftentimes the stretch options are not as good as those provided by the TV.

Well, you'll simply have to live with 480 being converted to 1080i then as that's the only option at the moment if you don't want the 8300 to convert 1080i to 720p using Upconvert2. I have tried every option every time I get a software update and I have never been able to "see" a difference in PQ no matter what settings I use, so I simply enable 480i and 1080i and use Pass-Through. I don't use HDMI though, so I suppose that could make things a little different, but IMHO, it seems a waste of time trying to squeeze out every degree of PQ.

BTW, what exactly happens when you pass a 480 signal via HDMI?

When I try to pass a 480(i or p) signal over HDMI My samsung 5063 just displays "NO SIGNAL"

That's interesting, I never read that before, thanks.

Thanks for the info, Dave and BPlayer. The picture looks best, I think, when 8300 outputs 1080i always, with no flicker between channels of diff. res. as when 720p is activated.

Need Help...

Okay. So I just hooked up a SONY DVD recorder to my HD8300. Now I know that I can copy shows I've recorded on the hard disk with Output 2 (Copy to VCR function), but it only has composite out and the downrezing is making the picture look horrible. Even my analog channels suffer and I've got the DVD recorder on the highest quality setting. Even the passthrough signal looks weak.

I'm still using the component out to my plasma since HDMI still has a few bugs in it and my plasma, a Fujitsu P50 is over 2.5 years old. It does support HDCP, but...

Of course, the S-Video is inactive unless I change the mode to SDTV. Don't want to have to do that every time.

Any other options to getting a good picture on DVD from the 8300HD?

I know I could always get an external SATA drive, but that is merely postponing the inevitability of needing to archive.

Thanks for any advice.

David

i just got an UNRECOVERABLE WRITE ERROR !!

damn SOB bastards....

lost my goodfellas, casino, donny brasco , and godfathers.


no good bastiges.

so is there any way to fix this crap?

c

I know this is a Cox thread, but there seems to be a lot of expertise here on what versions of SARA allow what. I'm on Knology here in Huntsville, AL with SARA 1.87.9.4. The 8300HD does NOT have the option to change the audio from PCM to Dolby Digital when the HDMI output is hooked up. Disconnecting the HDMI output allows DD to pass fine to my receiver over the digital optical out of the 8300HD. I've called Knology, and supposedly there is a tech on call to come here, but I want to be armed with the best info I can get. Does anyone have the above version of SARA or earlier and have the menu option allowing you to switch to DD with the HDMI output hooked up? Does anyone have the particulars that I need to give Knology on how to enable this feature in SARA at their end? Any contact at SA that I can give Knology on how to do this? Any service menu workaround I can do on the box to override SARA?

Thanks.

Jon Lowe

First of all, this is not specifically a Cox thread. The powers that be here added Cox Cable & SARA to the title shortly after I started the thread because they noted that some cableco's use Passport software. They became concerned that the info posted here would not apply to other cableco's, even those using SARA,s o they edited the title and I have not been able to get it changed. Since that time, there has been another thread started to deal with Passport-related posts, but most, if not all, SARA postings are here.

That said, there are others who also do not have the option you are referring to and I believe it's been determined that it is something the cableco needs to enable on their end, though I don't recall any specifics. The option has been there since version 1.85.x.x and seems to be the only way to get DD with HDMI. There is no SA contact that I know of (they generally do not talk with end-users) and no service menu or other workaround. AFAIK, folks who have be unable to get their cableco to enable the option have reverted to Component until another solution comes along or their cableco gets their heads out of the sand.

I know this is a Cox thread, but there seems to be a lot of expertise here on what versions of SARA allow what. I'm on Knology here in Huntsville, AL with SARA 1.87.9.4. The 8300HD does NOT have the option to change the audio from PCM to Dolby Digital when the HDMI output is hooked up. Disconnecting the HDMI output allows DD to pass fine to my receiver over the digital optical out of the 8300HD. I've called Knology, and supposedly there is a tech on call to come here, but I want to be armed with the best info I can get. Does anyone have the above version of SARA or earlier and have the menu option allowing you to switch to DD with the HDMI output hooked up? Does anyone have the particulars that I need to give Knology on how to enable this feature in SARA at their end? Any contact at SA that I can give Knology on how to do this? Any service menu workaround I can do on the box to override SARA?

Thanks.

Jon Lowe

Jon:

I am in the same boat as you. Your cable company is going to have to patch you up when they get around to releasing the updated firmware. It's a waiting game that I do not like, but nevertheless a waiting game. The only solution now is to use an HDMI to DVI converter output to the TV and route the audio to the A/V receiver.

Right now I have TW and they are using SARA, so don't let the title of the thread fool you. Good luck.

Jon:

I am in the same boat as you. Your cable company is going to have to patch you up when they get around to releasing the updated firmware. It's a waiting game that I do not like, but nevertheless a waiting game. The only solution now is to use an HDMI to DVI converter output to the TV and route the audio to the A/V receiver.

Right now I have TW and they are using SARA, so don't let the title of the thread fool you. Good luck.

Unfortunately, I don't have a DVI port on my flat panel, just HDMI. Is there a hardware trick to make the 8300HD THINK the set is Dolby Digital capable? Maybe a HDMI to DVI to HDMI converter?

This makes my head hurt!

Jon

There are two more tricks you can do:

(a) route the HDMI cable to a HDMI capable receiver and then to the TV. HDMI receivers are few and expensive -so probably you dont have this option.

(b) get a HDMI to DVI cable converter then convert the DVI back to HDMI. This will strip the audio. Next run the audio to your reciever. Convoluted but it seems like it would work.

Try here: http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_monitor_cables.html

Let us know what you do. Good luck. And oh yeah, call your cable company and tell them to get with it!

Re: routing the 8300HD to a HDMI receiver - I don't know about your firmware version but my 8300HD will *****NOT***** work going through a HDMI receiver (other HDMI devices of mine work fine). It does not recognise HDCP Repeaters as a valid HDCP device. I had a post in this thread on that just a few days ago.

Re: routing the 8300HD to a HDMI receiver - I don't know about your firmware version but my 8300HD will *****NOT***** work going through a HDMI receiver (other HDMI devices of mine work fine). It does not recognise HDCP Repeaters as a valid HDCP device. I had a post in this thread on that just a few days ago.

Thanks for the update. I'm gonna have to remember this one.

This all seems extremely convoluted IMHO vs simply using Component until the cableco enables the option or the software is changed to work around the issue. Also, I don't see anyone who has actually used the HDMI>DVI>HDMI suggestion, so you are on your own there. It may not work either or may introduce other problems. I would have thought someone would have already tried that and reported success in the last discussion if it did work. But, it's your money, time, etc., so press on and let us know what you find. If you find a solution, I'll add it to the first post.

I had previously tried the format -- didn't have any effect on the problem (it still occurred.

Update - I think I know what the problem was. After going through several tech support reps at Adelphia, one of them finally told me that my box was listed as HD-only in their system (instead of HD-DVR). He issued a request to my local office to update the status. The Local office called the next day and told me that the tech rep was full of it, but they would re-enter it in the system as an HD-DVR.

Beginning on that day, and for the past 2 days, the box has not experienced the same problem. Hopefully that fixes it.



Both boxes having the same problem suggests that it is not the box, but does not eliminate them from the problem.

The symptoms are the same as one of the problems with my initial external SATA HDD (resolved by replacing the drive). I think the freeze occurs when the box is unable to retrieve the data required, and after a certain amount of time or number of uncorrectable events it is smart enought to reboot. I suspect a HDD problem with both boxes.

If possible, you should try a reformat of the HDD to see if that helps. You will loose all previously recoded programs and scheduled recordings in the process. The instructions for reformat are outlined earlier in this forum.

This all seems extremely convoluted IMHO vs simply using Component until the cableco enables the option or the software is changed to work around the issue. Also, I don't see anyone who has actually used the HDMI>DVI>HDMI suggestion, so you are on your own there. It may not work either or may introduce other problems. I would have thought someone would have already tried that and reported success in the last discussion if it did work. But, it's your money, time, etc., so press on and let us know what you find. If you find a solution, I'll add it to the first post.

I found on another website that HDMI>DVI>HDMI still passes the audio signal, so I'm not going to try it. HOWEVER, I was able to contact the HD cable tech at Knology at the head end, and he told me today that he enabled the menu option, and I will try it tonite. Here's hoping!

Jon

Got home, checked it out, and the Dolby menu option was enabled. All is good with the world!

Jon

Fantasic!! Now you don't have to use any of the convoluted workarounds suggested here. It's actually pretty surprising you found a cable tech that understood you and was willing to fix things so quickly. Can we clone him/her? :)

Fantasic!! Now you don't have to use any of the convoluted workarounds suggested here. It's actually pretty surprising you found a cable tech that understood you and was willing to fix things so quickly. Can we clone him/her? :)

I wish. He actually participates in a local HD forum similar to, but much smaller than, this one, geared toward local HD reception and issues. He has been very helpful to the bleeding edge types with the 8300HD.

Jon

Ok, now two more questions. I have ONLY 1080i and 720p enabled via the initial setup, for use by the 8300HD. However, if I use the auto HDMI/DVI setting in the setting menu, many times the box switches to 480p, even on such HD stations as the local FOX affiliate, and other HD content. Doesn't seem to matter if the station is 720p or a 1080i broadcaster. Other times it will correctly select 1080i or 720p. I've doble checked the initial setup, adn only 720p and 1080i are selected. I can force it to a fixed setting, such as 720p, but I've found that the scaler in my display is better than the one in the 8300HD box. Any ideas what's up with this?

Second, any ideas what cable db readings I ought to get in the diagnostic screens for decent SD reception in the 8300HD? Most of the SD content is pretty crappy (grainy/noisy) thru the 8300. DVR recordings are particularly bad because of so much noise in the signal screwing up the encoding. My SVHS VCR makes MUCH better recordings than the DVR off of the same SD signal, probably because the VCR has digital noise reduction and is recording a straight analog signal to tape. I also find, on some stations, using the s-video out of the 8300 to my display makes for a MUCH better picture. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Jon

I'm with Cablevision, just got SARA 1.88.11.2 today. It's supposed to fix the problem with the skipped recordings we've been having.

I too have had this update since 8/12. Everything has been great, no missed recordings or things dropping from the schedule. With the start from beginning option, which fixes the kicked out to live issue, and the 4th FF and REW speed of 128X this DVR is now awesome.

Does 8300 has HDMI out? and available from comcast in Bay area!?

Yes the 8300HD has HDMI output. Sorry, don't know what Comcast is using in the bay area. You may want to check the Comcast Bay Area Reception thread for that info.

Just curious, has any other cable company besides Cablevision deployed 1.88.xx.xx yet? Never hear anyone else that has seen that release yet.

I'm still patiently waiting with 1.87.16.1.

Just curious, has any other cable company besides Cablevision deployed 1.88.xx.xx yet? Never hear anyone else that has seen that release yet.

I'm still patiently waiting with 1.87.16.1.
No.
Only cablevision has this version as an addition to the current software. All other cableco's are waiting for the next full rewritten version and complete release coming very soon (Sept release???).
Thanks to all cablevision beta testers who will make the final version work so good!

vegggas

Your welcome.

BTW, September of what year is the new release due? Considering that it took SA two years to get rid of the first batch of bugs I wonder how long it will really take them to release a complete rewrite and how many new bugs will they introduce in that version.

I'm not in front of my STB right now, but I think it's DVR version 1.4 The next version will then be DVR 1.5. All patches being done to the current version are being written into the OS of the next full version available in the next few weeks. Cablevision will not upgrade to the latest for quite a while, since they have the patches, but other cableco's will deploy the final version.

vegggas

vegggas, you are correct sir, the current OS, Home Server Edition is 1.4, so the next should be 1.5 as you said. Cynicism aside, I'll take whatever new software they provide even if features are missing or don't quite work the way we want them too. I'd even take broken software, as in early versions of 1.88.x.x, and be a beta-tester if I had that option. I look foward to seeing 1.5 start appearing next month and hope Cox-Phoenix releases it as soon as possible. Too bad they choose not to be first. :)

In general, Comcast and then Time Warner get the updates first, then Cox. Funny how that works... Comcast is number 1#, then TW is #2, then Cox is #3... Same order as the largest cable companies... Maybe a coincedence?
My GUESS is that Cox will roll out updates around the same time as the new HD channels in each area (Universal and TNT). Looks like I have to wait for October here in Vegas.

veggggas

Well, I guess it's a coin toss for me then. Sometimes we get things ahead of you, sometimes not. :)

Once in a while the YD channels will flicker. When I switch back to an SD channel I noticed that the box displays 1080 when it should be 480. I need to re-boot the box for it to go away.

Any ideas?

Hi, it's my first post, be nice to me!

Just got a SA8300 box, to replace my non-dvr SA unit which had major pixellation issues on HD channels. The only box my cable co had in stock (cablevison-nj) was the dVR 8300, so I picked it up.

I plugged it in yesterday, after a few seconds of startup info on the LED display, it continuously cycles numbers from zero to 850, and keeps going. It's been doing this for 18 hours now. Power on doesn't work, I called the cable co yesterday, they say this is normal, wait til it stops.

Maybe its formatting the HDD? Is this normal?

thanks,

Dave

Welcome to the forums!

This is certainly not normal behavor for 18 hours, only a few minutes at most. You can try a hard reboot (unplug the power cord - then press and hold the power button while plugging the power back cord in - hold it until the display starts cycling, about 10 seconds) to see if that clears it up.

It sounds like it may be stuck in it's initialization/format routine. If a hard reboot doesn't help, I would exchange it for a new one.

Let us know what happens.

540nj,
Another thought is that the pixelization on the previous set may be an indication of signal issues which are preventing the 8300 from exchanging the information required to complete its initialization. Is there another box (preferably HD) in the house that leads you to believe the cable signal is healthy?

TerryB

540nj, I think I know exactly what is going on with your box, since I had exactly the same issues, with my 8300HD's

I swapped out a box that had pixelation, because I thought my hard drive was bad. When I hooked up my new box (2 of them actually) it was scrolling through the numbers for hours. I kept calling the cable co. to see what was going on, and of course, they didn't know. They tried to contact the box and they couldn't. This went on for a couple of days. Finally what turned out to be wrong was that the signal on my lines was too HOT! This caused both the pixelation, and the inablilty to contact the box to activate it (the cause of the constant scrolling numbers).

You need to have your cable co. come out and check your lines for the proper signal. It can't be too low, or too high, or you will have problems.

Thanx for all the replies. I returned the box to the Cable Co, and got a new one. The replacement booted up in about 20 minutes total.

I still have the issue with pixelation on HD channels, so I will take Free's advice to have a service visit. I may try a direct connect to the incoming cable, since I have multiple branches for modem and other (non-HD) TVs.

When the installer first did the hook-up, he said signal strength was very high, this is the first I heard that too much sig could be a problem!

BTW, TV is Sony HS51 projector, via HDMI.

dave

I would definitely experiment with disconnecting the multiple branches. Mulitple branches tend to tell me your signal to the 8300 might be low. I had mine split 3 ways and had the cable running through one of those power strips. I removed all but one of the splits and the problems lessened. I removed the cable from the strip and have not had any problems since.

Usually, I can find the answer and never have to post, but couldn't find it this time in any threads. If after reading this you have a search tip that would have helped me find this answer - please let me know. I don't like to post.

I taped "Stargate SG-1", "Stargate Atlantis", and "Battlestar Galactica" on Friday on my Scientific Atlanta 8300 with Cox Cable in the Phoenix area.

I watched the shows today, but when I tried to use ZOOM1 I get a black bar on the left of my screen and the picture was pushed to the right. The left edge is also slightly jagged.

*Sci-Fi is a standard definition channel here in Phoenix - channel 50.
*These shows are shown widescreen on these channels - leaving a lot of black and just the show in the center of the screen when watched on a 16:9 display.
*I press # to go to ZOOM1 to fill the screen and the picture has a black bar on the left and the picture appears pushed to the right.
*I press # again to go to ZOOM2 and the bar is gone (screen completely filled - but too far zoomed in to watch).
*I press # again, it goes back to NORMAL (black on sides due to 4:3 channel, and black at top and bottom due to the way the show is shown on the channel).

The only view that has the issue is ZOOM1 and only on standard definition channels. I did the same process on Channel 705 (CBS High Definition) and the screen is always filled. On high definition channels, STRETCH becomes an option pressing #, but not on the standard definition channels.

I also have "Over*There" from F/X this week on the DVR and the same issue - F/X, Channel 27, is also broadcast in standard definition.

The other annoyance is that when watched in NORMAL mode several dots appear vertically in the lower right - it is a vertical row of dots just at the edge of the video - changes color depending on show, but stays the same throughout the show.

Settings/Setup
SET: Picture Format - UPCONVERT-2 (I have adjusted this setting to each option)
720p and 1080i are the only two formats selected

I have a projector connected to the 8300 through component video cables and also an HDTV monitor connected through HDMI to the same box. Only one display is on at a given time. The projector screen comes down in front of the projection TV, which turns off the TV at the same time. The HDMI connection to the projection TV produces the same results as the component connection to the projector.

Not sure what other information might be needed.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Does anyone have a suggestion to fix these issues?

I think you have an overscan issue with the 8300 (since you get the same results on 2 different TVs), but I don't know enough about that to give you any suggestions. I've asked someone else from the Phoenix thread to take a look at your post, I think he might know more about this and may be able to provide some help.

The one suggestion I do have is to enable 480i, switch to Pass-Through and use your TVs zoom modes instead of the 8300s. I've never heard of anyone saying the 8300's zoom modes were better than those on their TVs, I know my Hitachi does a much better job and I watch those same 3 programs weekly. My Expanded mode gets rid of the side bars while leaving relatively small top/bottom bars and retaining more of the image than the 8300s Zoom modes. If you have already experimented with this then just forget I menioned it. :)

Also, I suspect your TV will do a better job of converting formats than the 8300 does, so letting both 720p and 1080i pass through instead of being converted to 720p might give you a slightly better PQ on your some of your HD channels though I could never see any difference when I experimented with different settings.

Disconnecting a branch circuit fixed the problem with pixelation. Thanks for all the help.

Now if someone can get rid of the red wine spill by my bro in law last nite on the the HT carpet, things will be perfect around here!

dave