SA 8300 HD Tips & Tricks -- SARA [Text View] - Page 6

dravenstone

08-30-05, 04:46 PM

DD From way back on page 11 said:

They are also working to fix the problem of watching a program from the beginning that is still recording. Right now, REW is the only way to get to the beginning. When the recording stops, it will kick you out to "live" TV and that is also supposed to be fixed at some point.

Hey Dave, I used to chat with you on the phx forums before they vanished. I was catching up on the SA boxes in PHX as football season gets started and came across this thread.

Every now and again I remember that I have the SA box and record a movie or two in HD to watch later, but I'll be honest, I have it for football. I'm reading through this thread now, but only on page 11 of 42 (42! nice) and the two things I care about are the ability to start an in progress recording at the beginning of the recording and NOT get kicked out to live if I'm in the middle of watching it when it ends. All the posts up to the point I've reached (and yes, I've actually read most of the first 11 pages!) indicate this is a common problem and complaint that is not resolved.

Football is not as fun to watch when you already know what the score is in the third quarter because you had to look at the screen to stop the recording and start a new one.

Perhaps when I get through the next 31 pages of posts I will know something new. Man, I would be REALLY happy to hear that these two completely unacceptable flaws have been resolved. I know it's not a tivo, and I can live with that (despite being a die hard tivo fan) but for watching sports, the absurd work arounds of stopping the recording and starting a new one (as well as being kicked out to the end in the middle of a game!) are completely unacceptable and impractical, because the freaking networks have the score plastered all over the screen.
Also, I've noticed that from time to time when I turn on something that is midway through being recorded and (while blocking the majority of the screen from my eyes with my other hand!) hit rewind three times and wait for it to get back to the begining, typically giving me time to paint my living room, sometimes it will only rewind as far as the buffer, though I swear that sometimes it will go all the way to the begining. There must be something that is causing this (Perhaps starting from the "list" as opposed to just hitting rewind) any thoughts anyone on that.

-ds

DoubleDAZ

08-30-05, 10:29 PM

DS,

Until Cox and others release the new software, the "kick out to live' and no "start from beginning" are still problems. Although some cableco's have a newer version with fixes, it's been suggested that no other cableco's will release that software because a new OS update is coming with all these fixes in the OS vs in patches. ETA is anywhere from mid-Sep and beyond. Las Vegas is supposed to go mid-Oct, but no word yet about Phoenix and I haven't checked on San Diego recently.

Regarding rewind, it should only go back to the beginning of the buffer. The only reason watching a recording is even possible (due to patents) is that SA uses the buffered program vs the recorded program. I believe they recently reached an agreement with the patent holder (Tivo?) and that's why they can now offer a fix for this. I could be wrong though, so don't take that to the bank.

There are times if you join a program before it starts that you can manipulate the program using pause, REW, FF, etc., and not get kicked out to live. If you read the first post, there are some notes from vegggas about this.

Also, FWIW, you can look in my profile and find a link to the old forum in our new location (long story). :)

GRock

09-03-05, 01:34 AM

jonlowe

09-03-05, 11:29 AM

Just got my 8300hd from charter. Been trying to fiqure why no dolby output with the hdmi hooked up till I read the this forum. Has any of this been fixed with firmware upgrades from the cable providers?? This is frustrating.

You need to go to the second settings menu (more settings). There should be a digital output setting that you can change. It is described on page 9 of the Scientific Atlanta manual for the 8300. If it is not there (mine wasn't), getting hold of a competent tech at the cable company to turn it on is your only option. I got hold of one in Huntsville for Knology, and he did it for me. Now works great. Otherwise, you are stuck with component out for video to get Dolby Digital. That is the only workaround I know of. All current versions of SARA seem to have this option, if the cable company didn't disable it for some obscure reason.

Jon Lowe

Jim Boden

09-03-05, 04:19 PM

I’m having an occasional problem where the video is jerky when playing a recording. It’s like a cadence problem where parts of a frame are being dropped and is most noticeable on camera pans. AFAIK, it only happens with HD, not SD. The audio is always OK, not even a lip synch problem. I guess it’s possible the problem could originate with the cable company or its source provider.

Has anyone else seen this problem? If so, any thoughts on what might cause it?

I seem to remember reading a tip about defragging the hard drive, but can’t find where it’s documented. I’ve had the 8300 for about a year and thought defragging might help.

DoubleDAZ

09-03-05, 07:21 PM

Jim,

I don't recall seeing anything about defragging, but I've seen references to a "hard" reboot and reformatting the HDD, both of which are covered in the first post.

DoubleDAZ

09-03-05, 07:28 PM

DoubleDAZ

09-03-05, 07:32 PM

I would like to remind new folks to this thread that the first post contains a summary of various tips contained throughout this thread. That's not to say that reading it will answer all your questions, but many folks find the size of this thread intimidating and generally don't bother reading from the beginning. :)

TVjazzman

09-04-05, 10:22 AM

This may be so simple a question that I should feel silly, but a few posts back someone mentioned their DVD recorder having Component inputs.

If I split the component outputs of the SA 8300DVR and feed component input of the DVD recorder, is the image scaled to 480i (p?) is it 1080i?. Is it anamorphic?

Yes, I do mean component not composite in case anyone thinks I'm confused...

Anyone clear this up for me?

TVJazzman

davehancock

09-04-05, 11:49 AM

If I understand what you mean by "split" correctly - that using a "Y" adapter you feed both your TV and the DVD recorder, you will run into two problems:

1) The brightness and color quality will be reduced as you will have two loads drawing the signal levers from the 8300. You would need to use a component distribution amp to avoid this.

2) The component input on the DVD recorder would need SD signal (probably 480i - not 480p). So you would need to switch the output of the 8300 to 480i. At least on my cable system (w SARA 1.87.16.109) I would have to do that through the set-up procedure.

If I had such a DVD recorder I would run some tests to verify that using the component input actually gave better results than S-video. The HDNet test patterns are a good tool for this. I have also heard of some people having problems with copy protection with some Sony DVD recorders making recordings from the 8300HD. I have a Sony(S-video connection) and don't - but I initially did have a problem (that went away - not sure why).

TVjazzman

09-04-05, 03:34 PM

If I understand what you mean by "split" correctly - that using a "Y" adapter you feed both your TV and the DVD recorder, you will run into two problems:

1) The brightness and color quality will be reduced as you will have two loads drawing the signal levers from the 8300. You would need to use a component distribution amp to avoid this.

2) The component input on the DVD recorder would need SD signal (probably 480i - not 480p). So you would need to switch the output of the 8300 to 480i. At least on my cable system (w SARA 1.87.16.109) I would have to do that through the set-up procedure.

Your correct in that I do want to split the feed to TV and, DVD recorder, I would plan on a distribution amp to make the split, and your right, in hindsight I would have to downcovert signal before feeding to DVD recorder as I can't imagine the DVD recorder doing the downconversion for me.

I was going to buy a DVD recorder with component outputs to avoid some of the quality loss previously written about in going composite to the DVD recorder. HAve you had sucess with the S -video input and it's quality? As a step above straight composite feed, I assumed it wasn't much better, maybe I'm wrong?

Thanks for your insight.

TVJazzman

gvc

09-04-05, 06:14 PM

Why isn't there an "enter" key on the at8400 remote?? I could get rid of my TV remote completely if the 8400 had an "enter" key. Neither the selection key nor the # key work as an "enter" key when in TV mode for my Mits.

davehancock

09-04-05, 10:34 PM

TVjazzman

09-05-05, 08:42 AM

TVJazzman,

Well I feed my Sony RDR-GX300 with S-video from the 8300HD. Using HDNet test patterns I have determined that I get about 280 lines vertical resolution. Not DVD quality by any means, but OK. You do raise an interesting question however, though my DVD recorder does not have component inputs, I at least could connect the "Y" component lead to the composite input on the DVD-R and be able to pass & record a B&W picture. I could try that connection with the HDNet test pattern and see what resolution I am able to get. I'll do that and report back in a couple of days (probably Tues evening)

There are not many DVD-Rs that have component inputs. I know that one model Sony has them (one set).

Great, much appreciate it. There is a Phillips model that also has component inputs though it no longer may be a current model. It's just a bit disheartening to know that I can store good looking content on my DVR, but that a VHS tape made from a VHS tapedeck may actually look better than a DVD made straight from the DVR (so to speak, with D to A and A to D conversions in the process).

Thanks for considering my question and I look forward to seeing what you come up with...

Jim Boden

09-05-05, 09:36 PM

DoubleDAZ:

Thanks for the reply.

I have seen the reformatting tip in the first post. I might try it if the problem persists. Right now, it seems to happen at random.

davehancock

09-06-05, 05:26 PM

TVJazzman,

Well I feed my Sony RDR-GX300 with S-video from the 8300HD. Using HDNet test patterns I have determined that I get about 280 lines vertical resolution. Not DVD quality by any means, but OK. You do raise an interesting question however, though my DVD recorder does not have component inputs, I at least could connect the "Y" component lead to the composite input on the DVD-R and be able to pass & record a B&W picture. I could try that connection with the HDNet test pattern and see what resolution I am able to get. I'll do that and report back in a couple of days (probably Tues evening)

There are not many DVD-Rs that have component inputs. I know that one model Sony has them (one set).

Well I tried several different schemes to see if I could get better SD resolution from my 8300HD on HD recordings. The short and (not so) sweet answer is NO :mad: , if I set-up the 8300HD to 480i, standard screen, I got less than 300 lines resolution on the HDNet test patterns. I had the same results with the composite output, and the S-Video out. At 480i the test resolution test pattern was funny - it really did snow the lines merging, but rather just eliminated lines. I'm sure this is just an artifact of the downconversion process. But, the bottom line: it looked the same on all three outputs (composite, S-VHS, component) and you will not gain a thing when transferring HD recordings to DVD by getting a DVD recorder with component inputs. :(

vegggas

09-06-05, 10:27 PM

jonlowe

09-07-05, 08:47 AM

Is there any way to dim the display on the 8300HD, or make it go out entirely when the unit is in use, so it isn't so bright and distracting. Haven't found anything in the menus or FAQ that seems to cover this.

Thanks.

Jon

davehancock

09-07-05, 10:43 AM

Was this a comparison based on the DVD recording, or straight from the downcoverted outputs on a display?
What I'm asking, is the downressed output that bad when viewed directly, or is it the recording process (analog converted back to digital again) on the DVD player, and then reconverted again (D to A) to be redisplayed on the set?

Specific Questions:

1) Is the display device Analog or Digital?

2) Is the DVD player output Analog or Digital (DVI/HDMI)?

3) What is the measured output, and overall quality of the downressed signal shown directly on the display for each output? (Digital TV's will add another conversion back to digital if they can't display native 480i or scan double up to 960i)

4) What is the measured output, and overall quality of the downressed signal recorded on the DVD and compared with the direct display for each output?

5) Is the recording process of an analog signal being degraded further by the DVD recorders processing?

vegggas

Thanks for your questions Vegggas, this ought to make for an interesting dialog.

First, Yes, the downressed output did look just as bad when viewed directly. There was no difference (in resolution) between viewing it directly on my display (Sony 34XBR800) or through the DVD recorder (Sony RDR-GX300).

As for your specific questions:

1) Display is analog (input was component)

2) Likewise DVD player output was analog.

3) I wish that I could answer this more fully. I used the HDNet resolution test pattern that I have recorded on the DVR. The lowest resolution that this pattern has is 300 lines. The pattern has 7 lines, getting closer together. In HD, my set can resolve about 740 lines on these patterns. When the 8300 downresses this to 480i, the pattern does not just blur the lines, it starts deleting them. The attached photo shows this. As I said above, there are the same results with any physical output.

4) The DVD recording (at either HQ or SP speed) is pretty much the same (the majority of the PQ loss is in the 8300 downressolution process.

5) Not noticably.

I need emphasize that these tests were taken from a DVR'd recordig of the HDNet test patterns. I have not ascertained that the same happens "live", though I suspect that it will (perhaps I need to watch "live" next Tues AM). Also, actual video images from downressed HD programs (such as TNT's "The Closer") look better than these test patterns would indicate.

Veggas, you raised issues about the D to A and A to D process in the DVD recorder. I am not sure in my recorder if the signal is going through that process when you are watching what is being recorded (in other words: when you are watching a "live" image through the recorder, are you watching a signal that has been digitized in the recorder, and then converted back to analog?)

dagsmcd

09-08-05, 10:56 AM

Hi all.

I want to folow up on the issue of sending sound through a home theater system via the 8300HD. From your posts and the suer guide, I understand the issue of resetting the system to Dolby Digital when your TV does not have DD sound capability. But what if your tv has no speakers at all.

I am considering purchasing a professional version Panasonic plasma as my display, with no speakers, but configured with HDMI inputs. My plan is to run the HDMI from the 8300HD to the plasma for video and the digital out from the 8300HD to my receiver (and then speakers) for all sound. Can I do this, even though some SD signals will not have digital sound. Will running the HDMI to the plasma prevent sound from also running through the digial out to the receiver. If so, should I configure the plasma with DVI inputs to avoid the issue (and simply convert the HDMI out on the 8300HD to run to the DVI nput)?

Thanks in advance for any clarification of this issue.

mikepaul

09-08-05, 03:12 PM

if I set-up the 8300HD to 480i, standard screen, I got less than 300 lines resolution on the HDNet test patterns. I had the same results with the composite output, and the S-Video out. At 480i the test resolution test pattern was funny - it really did snow the lines merging, but rather just eliminated lines. I'm sure this is just an artifact of the downconversion process. But, the bottom line: it looked the same on all three outputs (composite, S-VHS, component) and you will not gain a thing when transferring HD recordings to DVD by getting a DVD recorder with component inputs. :(I used the "output to VCR" option for the first time the other day, and had never even attached my VCR to the 8300HD or any DVR I've had in almost a year because the video out was only active when PIP was on, last I tried it.

Using cable-out from the 8300HD (set at 1080i mode) the scaled-down HD image was grainy but looked acceptable. It was also on all the time, which was a surprise (must have missed any previous mention that it was working like the boxes of old.) I tried the video-out instead, and the graininess was either gone or just a lot less. When I set my RCA F38310 in Full mode, the widescreen image was OK.

Perhaps I'm less than a perfectionist, but I'm now seriously looking forward to getting a non-DVR box that does the same scaling that the 8300HD is doing, since my DVD making equipment is in another room. I don't want to pay the extra money for another DVR, but would like to be able to make DVDs off the HD channels.

The question is, am I missing some detail, where I should run the box in something other than 1080i to do things like copy-to-VCR?...

CANNON-FODDER

09-08-05, 07:31 PM

MikePaul,
Assuming I read correctly, you are speaking of recording in real-time from a non-DVR STB.

Does your cable provider use Pioneer BD-V3510HD boxes (Voyager)?
That box output the best HD-sourced picture I have seen from the composite output. Easily ten times better than the 8x00HD STB. I was taping things using the VCR and just quit when I got the DVR because of the quality (combined with the DVR part...).

Using the 4:3, SQUEEZE settings generated output in [anamorphic] 16:9 that I use the TV (4:3) WIDE mode to view correctly, - these were the same settings that I normally viewed 1080i-component over the 4:3 HDTV-monitor.

Caveat: I'm not in a SARA market, so I am unsure of the software cross-compatability of that box, or how the settings would work out with SARA style output options.

v/r,
C-F

mikepaul

09-08-05, 07:56 PM

This is SARA territory, and SA boxes are all I hear about.

From the previous discussion, it didn't sound like 1080i was being used for this kind of job, and I wondered what difference it would make. So far, it looks like I'd have to pay for another 8300HD to do what I want, and my cable budget is tighter than I'd like already...

ChiefWigum

09-09-05, 08:14 AM

Hi,

I have the SA 8300 HD, a JVC D-VHS deck, and a Mac Mini. Is it possible to connect the 8300 to the Mac Mini so that I can copy programs saved on the DVR to DVDs?

Thank you,

Louise

odinala

09-10-05, 11:00 AM

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?

Jon
jonlowe
Did you ever get this resolved? I'm also on Knology with the 8300HD and have the same issue. Calling Customer Service got me nowhere.

jonlowe

09-11-05, 08:35 AM

jonlowe
Did you ever get this resolved? I'm also on Knology with the 8300HD and have the same issue. Calling Customer Service got me nowhere.

No I didn't. Finall gave up, and either manually select the right resolution, or just leave it at 1080i and live with it.

Jon

clemsontiger10

09-11-05, 07:15 PM

I am with Comcast and am new to my SA8300

I have been looking thru these posts and was wondering how can I copy programs to my computer.

I'd like to do some editing to make a highlight video. Can i just use a usb to firewire connector?

Thanks

TxPres

09-11-05, 09:10 PM

I have a SA8300 with SARA. I am now having a problem that when I am watching a recorded show and the recorder begins to record a new show, it switches me from the recorded show to the new show being recorded. To get back I have to hit LIST, then find the show I was watching and select it again. The good news is that it rejoins it at the same place it was when it kicked me out.
I have had the unit for several months and don't remember it doing this when I first got it, but I could be wrong. I am with TW in Austin, TX.
Is this normal?

gvc

09-13-05, 02:17 PM

Lampei

09-13-05, 09:56 PM

DoubleDAZ

09-13-05, 10:00 PM

gvc,

No, I do not, but I doubt it. I say this because I see nothing in the OS remotely tied to the front A/V inputs, though I'll admit it's not something I've really spent a lot of time digging into. I assume they could be helpful for those who have HDTVs without such inputs; to view PC slideshows, digital camera images, camcorder videos, etc., and they would facilitate playing the audio through the receiver even for those of us who have the inputs on our HDTVs. I suspect they are in the same category as the USB connections, future use to be determined (read that as when someone is willing to pay them to activate them). :)

gvc

09-13-05, 11:27 PM

I was hoping it would allow dvr hard drive recording from different av sources that might be connected to those inputs.

DoubleDAZ

09-13-05, 11:55 PM

I figured that was what you were after. :) I'm sure that would be possible, dependng on how things are wired internally, but my guess that is not the case. I asume they would tend to be for camcorders, PCs, and digital cameras.

miamichillin99

09-14-05, 04:06 PM

New experiment for anyone interested.

I was wondering if there was a resolution or picture quality difference b/w the following:

1. Initial set-up (GUIDE + INFO) is set to SDTV. Connect an SDTV via the s-video output. Watch HD content to verify resolution and picture quality.

2. Inital set-up is seto to HDTV. Connect an SDTV via s-video output. Watch HD content to verify resolution and picture quality.

I see a difference visually but would like some scientific results. Or if someone can point me in the right direction on how to conduct this experiment that would be great.

Lampei

09-14-05, 10:39 PM

Argh!!!! I'm getting the FOX multiple recording error we used to get back in February (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5122323#post5122323) It just started up last night during Prison Break. :( I thought I had seen the last of it. It had about 6 recordings for Prison Break, and 7 or 8 tonight for Bones and House :mad: When will it end???!?!

I'm probably talking completely to myself here :), but I just called tech support at Brighthouse again and they seem to think (myself included) that it's a signal problem with FOX (which makes sense as it's only happening on FOX).

My SARA version is 1.87.16.a109 anyone else having any problems with that version? I've forgotten already, but what's the next version after this one?
Thanks.

davehancock

09-15-05, 12:33 PM

I've heard that there is a bug in SARA that can cause this, under certain circumstances, with a (single) specific QAM channel on the cable system. Here, in Rochester, that channel carries HBO HD & Showtime HD. You might have the same problem there and the "problem" channel there in Clearwater carries FOX.

The problem that I've seen occurs when recording something from the problem QAM channel and you finish watching a previously recorded program. When you erase the program you were watching, the box freezes and goes into aq reboot cycle. When it comes back from that cycle, it reboots again. It continues this cycling until the recording on the problem QAM channel is finished. The result is many segments of the program being recorded - but with significantg (3 minutes or so) gaps.

Our SARA is also 1.87.16.a109 - but we've seen this on an earlier version. I understand that SA is aware of this cycling problem and (sometime) there will be a fix.

There are higherversions of SARA out there, but (of course) they have had their problems. I don't believe that the fix for this problem has been implemented yet in any version.

Lampei

09-15-05, 01:47 PM

Yeah, the only weird thing is that it more or less starts recording as soon as it stopped so I only miss a second or 2 of the recording (between breaks). I got an "official" response back from the tech guys :)

"Our engineers have identified an issue with the provider and their
encoding equipment that was "pid hopping" [or] changing the program number
embedded in the broadcast, which causes our equipment to run behind and thus
cause the segmented recordings on this channel and this channel only."

I must say I've been really happy with Brighthouse overall. They really do seem to look into problems quickly and will update their customers on status regularly.

I checked the diagnostics menu and found several errors right at the time that it would break from recording. CWatchTV.cpp exception WatchTV(suspend) Hopefully it'll be fixed soon.

I have now begun to see another problem though. Every time my DVR begins recording a new show, it will switch to that channel (even if it's only recording one show or even if I'm watching channel 899, the recorded content playback channel). It never used to do this, but since the "pid hopping" started it's started to do it. I'm going to try rebooting the box (again) and see if that fixes the problem, but it's really annoying (especially with the FOX problem, as it switches over every minute, 2 minutes, etc. or however long the broken recording is).

davehancock

09-15-05, 02:44 PM

Yeh Lampei,

It looks like your problem is different than the one I described. Also the explanation from Brighthouse makes sense.

The new problem you reported, has been reported elsewhere here (a different AVS thread) and seems related to the new version of SARA (which was implemented here about a month ago to facilitate caller ID display on the screen for customers with digital phone supplied by TW).

ultracat

09-16-05, 08:56 AM

Hi, I was wondering if I could call on all of your expertise to help me with 2 separate issues I'm having with my new Plasma and possibly the SA8300HD:

1) This one has always been a problem, even with my old CRT tv. I'm getting occaisional macroblocking (HD channels) and pixellation (SD channels). It's not constant, but briefly on part of the screen a few times an hour. Also, the PVR seems to "stutter" the image and sound occaisionally in playback. I have two lines out from the cable box on the outside of my house. One line goes to my cable modem (internet), the other into the house for CATV. The CATV line is split once with a two-line 1gz -/+3db splitter. The split CATV line goes to my SA8300HD downstairs and also to a SA3250 + SD CRT in the bedroom. The bedroom tv signal looks not so hot on analogue channels, and will not even display some DTV channels.

On the PVR the QAM is about -9dbmV, but I notice the err/sec is often around 1500-1600 and is displayed as orange (a warning I believe).

Can anyone help with this? Is it the splitting that's doing it, or maybe a sub-par cable running from outside(or both) ? Should I get and install a signal booster? Will Rogers Cable do this for me or do I have to do it myself?

2) This one is more specific to my new TV and SA8300HD that I bought at the same time (before I had a SD CRT and the SD PVR). Everything looks fine using component, but when I try to hookup my plasma to the PVR with an HDMI to DVI cable (Steren, good quality) I see a 1/2" black or sometimes green bar on the extreme right edge of the screen on HD channels. On SD channels, there is nothing on the sides of the picture but at the top of the picture is a 1/2" black bar with what looks like some cut-off number and characters.

What's going on here? A problem with my PVR DVI output, maybe a faulty DVI cable, or is it the DVI input on my TV?

I could just use component only, but then I'll have to buy an expensive component switcher and I don't really want to do that.

Any thoughts suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

davehancock

09-16-05, 11:44 AM

ultracat

09-16-05, 03:51 PM

ultracat,

From your post(Rogers and some of the brands you mention), I would assume you are somewhere in Canada. It sometimes is helpful if you have your location in your profile.

RE: Problem #1, it would appear that you do have a marginal signal level issue. I don't know about Rogers, but Time Warner will take care of the problem (install amps, new lines, whatever) at no cost (or you could say that the cost is built into the monthly fee). I'd suggest calling them.

RE: Problem #2, that certainly is not a familiar brand of plasma. But I suspect that it's DVI input is designed for a computer input and what your plasma is doing is NOT scaling the 8300 out to it's 768p scan. I suspect that you will need to go the component route. One "scheme" for switching that I've heard of is just to use a passive (cheap) TV switcher, connecting Y to the composite video, Pr to Left Audio and Pb to Right Audio. That works if you don't need to switch audio. If you do need to switch audio you could by a 2nd switch for that. Maybe others have a better switching solution.

#1 Thanks! I've called Rogers (yes, I'm in Canada - Toronto) and they're coming next week to strengthen the signal.

#2 When I go into diagnostic mode on the SA8300 it shows a successful HDCP handsake/authentication with the DVI connection. I took that to mean it should handle tv input through the DVI - or is HDCP only part of the picture? Yes, it is a cheap-a$$ plasma - made in china with a Samsung panel. So, you think it's just a weak internal scaler then? There's a thread on my plasma and other owners with 8300 (but USA cable companies) are not having an issue with the DVI input. All said and done, I might just stick with the component and get a switcher when I can afford it - returning the plasma for servicing would be a pain (no in-house service).

A question about DVI - I'm not too familar with these cables. One of the pins is a bit depressed compared to all the others. Is that normal for a DVI-D, or does mine have a physical defect?

markrubin

09-18-05, 07:07 AM

John P

09-18-05, 12:31 PM

Sticky thread changes:

many sticky threads in this forum will be combined or reaaranged

for example, a new combined sticky for all SA 8300 posts will be started, with links to existing stickys which will be unstuck

if you have any ideas or comments on how this is done, feel free to post them or PM me

Thanks ;)

Threads for 8300's using SARA software and Passport software should not be combined. This is the operating system for the 8300 and gives them different characteristics / problems.

davehancock

09-18-05, 12:45 PM

Threads for 8300's using SARA software and Passport software should not be combined. This is the operating system for the 8300 and gives them different characteristics / problems.

I agree - but it would be helpful for the FIRST sticky in each thread be one on how to find which you have.

markrubin

09-18-05, 12:45 PM

Threads for 8300's using SARA software and Passport software should not be combined. This is the operating system for the 8300 and gives them different characteristics / problems.

agreed

here is a sample template:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6211330&&#post6211330

DoubleDAZ

09-18-05, 01:17 PM

I don't believe he is talking about combining the threads as much as creating a single sticky with links to existing threads. If you look at what he's done already in the Recorders forum, he's replaced 10 sticky's with 1. Some of the 8300 threads (SATA for example) have already been unstuck and I assume the rest will be unstuck when he adds them to the sticky. He has created a sample thread for discussions on how best to do this.

dtass68

09-18-05, 09:37 PM

DoubleDAZ

09-18-05, 09:49 PM

I just set up a test (pausing one channel without recording it until a recording on another channel starts) to see if that happens here with Cox, though I've never noticed it since I don't pause all that often. The reason you can't rewind is because when it switched to the recording channel, it reset the buffer. I'll let you know in about 15 minutes what my test shows.

dtass68

09-18-05, 11:45 PM

like I said this just started happening recently. I've had the dvr since it came out and now have the HD dvr. I pause allot. I have two kids and that is one of my favorite features. Now here is my new predicament, I had Pearl Harbor paused tonight as I was putting kids to bed. When I came back I decided to REC. the program so I wouldn't have the same problem. So when I hit Record I lost my buffer and it went real time and started from that point. I was so mad i just watched something else. I will be curious how your test goes Doubledaz. by the way I have Sara software

DoubleDAZ

09-19-05, 12:04 AM

Well, the test didn't help because nothing happened. It didn't switch channels and I was able to play, rewind, etc. I also use SARA, version 1.87.16.1 (IIRC), so the problem might be limited to your cableco/SARA version. I do use Pause, but I don't recall using it past an hour point where a recording would generally start. That's why I decided to set up a specific test and I assume you can repeat the problem by setting up a similar test. What version of SARA are you using? 1.88.x.x by any chance?

Lampei

09-19-05, 10:05 AM

dtass68,
Have you tried rebooting your box lately? I ended up turning off my 8300 for about 30 minutes then booting it back up again, and that seemed to fix it (knock on wood). It's been recording correctly again since I restarted.

LYU370

09-19-05, 10:37 AM

Yes Lampei, I also live in clearwater and am having the same problems. i had paused the Gators game Sat. night ( not recording it) and when a recording came on it switched to the recording show. When I went back to the Gator game it was in real time and could not rewind. This just started happening recently. I hope they resolve this fast.
Yep, this had happened to me a few months back. Rebooting the box fixed it for a while then it came back. But the last month or so has been pretty good, no problems. Firmware hasn't changed on the box, so I'm not sure what causes the problem to appear.

DoubleDAZ

09-19-05, 11:20 AM

Sorry, just assumed that had been tried. It's always best to try a reboot (unplug/replug power cord) and then try a "hard" reboot (unplug power cord and then press/hold power button when plugging it back in) if that doesn't help. Sometimes the problem goes away for good and sometimes it comes back. Cableco's seem to send signals (or something) that reset settings, though it's mostly been things like the display format (from Pass-Through to Fixed, etc.), but who knows what they really do to make our lives miserable. :)

dtass68

09-19-05, 05:36 PM

No haven't tried the reboot. Guess i should have done that first. DUH Double What does the Hard boot do exactly? I have rebooted many times but have never heard of a hard boot. Thanks for all your help. I will reboot right now.

DoubleDAZ

09-19-05, 06:23 PM

I don't know all the particulars, but vegggas tells me it does more than the reboot just unplugging the power cord does. In addition to rebooting the 8300, it forces a download of the SARA software, clears the cache, etc. Oftentimes, a simple reboot will fix a problem that only needs something in the 8300 reset. Other times, the software itself may be hosed and a new download is needed to get everything back in sync, including the IPG. And, it does take a little longer to complete.

dtass68

09-19-05, 06:35 PM

Well did reboot and ran a test. It is back to normal for now. Thanks everyone for all your responses. I can't believe I didn't do this first. If this stays good I will be kicking myself for a while. lol

DoubleDAZ

09-19-05, 07:15 PM

I'm sorry I didn't think about it earlier either. I guess I've just been around this thread too long and assume folks try the things mentioned in the first post. :)

vegggas

09-19-05, 07:30 PM

:eek:
I need some confirmation on a possible problem with the IPG data for NBC tonight.
I have scheduled recordings (ALL EPISODES, NEW EPISODES ONLY) of Surface, Las Vegas and Medium tonight.
Looking through my scheduled programs in the IPG, I noticed that they are NOT highlighted red, like the other shows on other networks. If I make one of the programs the highlighted selection, it does go red and says it will be recorded in the information window. Moving the selection off the page, it reverts back to clear again.
I checked the 8000DVR, and the same thing happens there too. This leads me to believe that there is glitch in the IPG data, that MAY result in a missed recording.
Can anyone else confirm this is happening on their system? Better yet, can anyone on the East coast feed see this problem before the recording takes place, and then report back that it will still record anyway?

thanks
vegggas

vegggas

09-19-05, 07:39 PM

I just happened to check the rest of the week - NBC recordings are not showing up as red in the guide for the rest of the week. Looking at the scheduled recordings does show a recording though...
I anticipate a problem... sigh...

vegggas

markrubin

09-19-05, 08:09 PM

I have 8300/SARA/Comcast, NJ

I set it to record all first episodes of Surface NBCHD 232

it started recording OK :)

gbtide

09-19-05, 08:14 PM

Just hooked up my 8300 using HDMI after months of using component. The picture is great, but the program text, including the description, appears fuzzy. This is not an issue when using component. It occurs in pass through and the upconvert modes.

Has anyone else seen this when using hdmi? I apologize if this has been convered elsewhere in this thread, I did numerous searches but did not find anything.

Thanks

DoubleDAZ

09-19-05, 08:15 PM

vegggas, mine all appear to be okay here in Phoenix, so I guess you'll have to stay home tonight, at least until you know whether or not the first one starts recording.

vegggas

09-19-05, 08:18 PM

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll post on my local tread about the descrepancies.

vegggas

Belcherwm

09-19-05, 08:23 PM

My NBC scheduled recordings all look good via Comcast. Surface started right on time.

vegggas

09-19-05, 08:35 PM

I called the local Cox Cable co, and they didn't know anything - 10 minutes later, now the guide is correct again...
I checked the whole week and everything that is supposed to be highlighted for recording is now highlighted in red. There must have been a glitch in the local Giude that was corrected.

vegggas

vandu

09-22-05, 03:47 PM

Some time ago I read that not all cable companies provide the “Audio: Digital Out” option in the General Settings menu. Not having this option prevents me from feeding a 5 channel audio signal to my AVR through the optical output on the 8300HD, when using HDMI. On page 5 of the SFA users guide it states that you need to enter the “Audio: Digital Out” option and change the output to Dolby Digital in order to get 5 channel output.
I’ve been unsuccessful in getting TWC in central Texas to provide this option. We have SARA 1.87.16.a109 firmware. The technicians I have spoken to have no clue as to what I’m talking about.
Does anyone know what a cable company has to do to turn this option on?

assJack1

09-25-05, 11:24 AM

Donald V

09-25-05, 12:15 PM

I just got a Samsung 50" HLR5067 dlp and have it hooked up via HDMI from my 8300HD. The sammy only gets a signal when being sent 720p, 1080i, or 480p widescreen....i have to use my svideo input for all the sd channels. Is this correct? i would rather not have to switch from hdmi to svideo all the time...the sammy does a much better job upconverting the 480i to 720p then the 8300HD. Any suggestions?

Donald :)

DoubleDAZ

09-25-05, 01:11 PM

To turn on the DD option, I believe they have to 'push' new software to you. Unless there is a compelling reason for them to do so, it likely wont happen. However, it may show up on a periodic upgrade. I suspect that cable companies don't want to mess with things that are working and wait until they get critical mass before releasing a patch.
I don't believe this is the case. IIRC, this option has been there since day one (though the available settings changed to include HDMI when they activated HDMI) and I believe the cableco has to enable it in whatever they do prior to releasing software. I can't believe it's that difficult for a cableco engineer to find the Audio: Digital Out option in their setup routine. I seem to remember one guy went through 3-4 folks before he finally got to talk to one that was able to enable this option. Of course, this assumes SARA software, not Passport.

troll565

09-25-05, 05:37 PM

Donald V

09-25-05, 08:12 PM

Set your 8300HD to Upconvert 2

if I do that then the 8300HD will convert the signal from 480i to 720p...I want the 8300HD to send a 480i signal over the HDMI cable and then the samsung hlr5067 to upconvert it because it does a *much* better job...

Donald :)

vegggas

09-25-05, 08:51 PM

if I do that then the 8300HD will convert the signal from 480i to 720p...I want the 8300HD to send a 480i signal over the HDMI cable and then the samsung hlr5067 to upconvert it because it does a *much* better job...

Donald :)
Donald,
Your TV will NOT ACCEPT a 480i signal over the HDMI connection!!! If you attempt to override the TV's HDMI two way communication (it's not the STB) that says what resolutions it can accept and force a 480i signal from the STB, you will get NO VIDEO because your TV's HDMI input will not know what to do with it. If you want to convert 480i signals on your set, use TV has to use the component inputs.

Assjack, others,
HDMI is a two way communication A/V cable. The display devices send out commands to only allow the video and audio settings the display can accept. For those who can't get Dolby Digital 5.1 over HDMI, it's because your set is telling the STB to NOT send a 5.1 signal because it CAN'T handle it, and instead send a PCM digital signal. What you are asking the cable company to do is to OVERRIDE your TV's settings by manually forcing a setting that your display can't handle. Some displays have a setting in their advanced features that allow either a PCM or bitstream signal on the input of the HDMI. If you want DD 5.1, you have to change that to bitstream. Those that don't have that setting, or only allow PCM over HDMI are limited to that type of input only. A STB only has one A-to-D output Encoder, and that is either going to output PCM, or DD signals.

vegggas

Charlie_Phogg

09-25-05, 09:16 PM

if I do that then the 8300HD will convert the signal from 480i to 720p...I want the 8300HD to send a 480i signal over the HDMI cable and then the samsung hlr5067 to upconvert it because it does a *much* better job...

Donald :)

No it won't. Upconvert 2:

480i/480p -> 480p
720p/1080i -> 720p

My Panny Plasma acts the same. It won't display 480i over HDMI so I use Upconvert 1. Like Veggas said, if you want your display to do the conversion you will need to hook it up via component.

cdp1276

09-27-05, 07:54 AM

bohbot16

09-27-05, 10:19 AM

Has anyone seen the issue where the box stops recording before the show is done?
I had this happening to me last year. For some reason the cable co had my box listed in my account twice: one dvr and one hd. They were sending conflicting signals to the box, which was causing the problem.

DouglasCleary

09-27-05, 03:32 PM

I have one of these boxes from Cablevision and I am finding "dot crawl" (http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Articles/VideoArtefacts/VideoArtefactsDotCrawl.html) in my hi-def channels. I am using a high quality HDMI connection and since you shouldn't ever see dot crawl with a cable higher than composite I am at a loss. The cable company had me exchange my box for a new one but that hasn't helped. Anyone else experience anything like this.

davehancock

09-27-05, 04:03 PM

DouglasCleary,

I have no idea - but it might help if you tell us what your display is and what your settings are on your 8300. Also do you see it on all programs - or just a few? Is it there on all HD channels, or just certain ones?

cdp1276

09-27-05, 07:31 PM

I had this happening to me last year. For some reason the cable co had my box listed in my account twice: one dvr and one hd. They were sending conflicting signals to the box, which was causing the problem.

Well I emailed the head of our TWC Rochester DVR office today and heard nothing back from her. I then wasted 25 mins on hold with the help center only to be walked through making sure I don't have conflicts. I'm not a rookie I explained to her and that this wasn't the issue. Besides the software tells you if you have conflicts. She says well you obviously must know the problem if you have all the answers. I said I wouldn't be wasting my time with you if I knew the answer. I did try to ask her 3 times to check my account as you indicate and she says that wouldn't cause the issue but she would report the problem. I have my doubts that I will see anything from that. Does anyone have any other ideas? I hate to be missing programs like this and not be able to depend on the box.

assJack1

09-27-05, 08:56 PM

I recieved my Hitachi 500GB drive and cooldrive case yesterday. I mounted the drive into the case and powered it up without any SATA cables hooked. I did not hear the HDD spin up. Normally to me this means it's a bad drive. However, I have never used a SATA one before I am starting to wonder if a signal from the device 8300HD is required before the motor kicks in.

Any ideas before I call ZipZoomFly?

davehancock

09-27-05, 09:04 PM

Why not connect the SATA?

Why not the External Drive Forum (did you mix them up?)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559&page=1&pp=30 ;)

assJack1

09-27-05, 09:10 PM

Why not connect the SATA?

Why not the External Drive Forum (did you mix them up?)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559&page=1&pp=30 ;)

Yeah, Dave - wrong forum. I'm running on little sleep. Sorry.

Foxbat121

09-27-05, 09:47 PM

No it won't. Upconvert 2:

480i/480p -> 480p
720p/1080i -> 720p

My Panny Plasma acts the same. It won't display 480i over HDMI so I use Upconvert 1. Like Veggas said, if you want your display to do the conversion you will need to hook it up via component.

Or you can run 8300 setup wizard to disable 480i output altogether. Keep it in AutoDVI mode and now your 480i SD channels will be in 480p and HDs stay the same.

Donald V

09-28-05, 12:07 AM

Or you can run 8300 setup wizard to disable 480i output altogether. Keep it in AutoDVI mode and now your 480i SD channels will be in 480p and HDs stay the same.

When I did that...all the sd channels were upconverted to 1080i on the 8300HD when it was in Auto HDMI/DVI mode.... :confused:

Donald :)

qz8675309

09-28-05, 12:33 AM

First of all, I just love this thread and have read almost all of it.....very cool stuff

I live in NJ and use Cablevision and and have a SA 8300 HD DVR. I have Home Server Version 1.8 and Sara Software version 1.88.11.2. I have had issues over the last 2-3 weeks (I have owned this DVR for about 9 months with no previous issues) where the picture freezes for 5 seconds and than continues. Sometimes the when the picture freezes I hear a ticking sound on the back of the 8300. I have had two service calls and they keep saying that it is a signal strength issue but have yet to resolve it. Each time saying it is fixed, leaving and the problem reoccurs.

I have no idea what the issue is but it seemed to me that it is a hardware issue.

I have tried to do a hard reboot and also wiped out the DVR programs(HDD Reboot) and that still did not fix the issue. The signal level is -1DBMV. Cablevision is coming for the 4the time but I am not confident they know what the issue is.

Anybody have any similar issues?

Any insight would be appreciated as I am very frustrated.

Thanks
Mike

vegggas

09-28-05, 01:53 AM

Has anyone seen the issue where the box stops recording before the show is done? Over the last week 4 times now it has just stopped at different points of the show. For example last night it stopped after recording 34 minutes of Surface and then again after 39 minutes of Medium. Last week it stopped after 14 mins of recording invasion. Last night I was using the box to watch some other shows already recorded but last week when it also failed twice I wasn't home. I have SARA 1.87.16.109a with Maxtor QuickView Expander - 300GB External Drive and hope someone has some idea how I can fix this.
You need to do a hard reboot to clear the memory buffers. See the first post of this thread for specific instructions. The memory gets frragmented with use, especially with many recordings being watched dlelted, etc.

qz8675309,
You are using Cablevision's version of software that other cable co's have opted to not use until a final version is released. Maybe others with CV can chime in or you can post in a local forum for people with your version.
When tuned to an HD channel, what is your QAM signal strength and error rate? Also, is this happening on just one channel or many? How HOT is your STB? The problem sounds like a source problem, except for the ticking sound you describe.
keep us posted.

vegggas

qz8675309

09-28-05, 07:25 AM

You need to do a hard reboot to clear the memory buffers. See the first post of this thread for specific instructions. The memory gets frragmented with use, especially with many recordings being watched dlelted, etc.

qz8675309,
You are using Cablevision's version of software that other cable co's have opted to not use until a final version is released. Maybe others with CV can chime in or you can post in a local forum for people with your version.
When tuned to an HD channel, what is your QAM signal strength and error rate? Also, is this happening on just one channel or many? How HOT is your STB? The problem sounds like a source problem, except for the ticking sound you describe.
keep us posted.

vegggas

The problem happens on all channels but has only started over the last three weeks. What is wierd is that if I am watching a live program it pauses and I "lose" that 5-10 seconds of material. If I am wataching a recorded show it freezes and I will actually not "lose" that info. I just have to wiat until the freezing gets unstuck and then it continue the show where it left off. I have not noticed if my box gets unusually hot .

Where would I find the info about the QAM signal strength and error Rate. Is it on the disagnostic page , what page?

On the diagnostic pages (page 14) SAra Information it does say I have software Anomalies, one says "too few resfile resources should be 240 is 239!"

The frustrating part is that Cablevision has no idea how to fix this.

cdp1276

09-28-05, 08:27 AM

You need to do a hard reboot to clear the memory buffers. See the first post of this thread for specific instructions. The memory gets fragmented with use, especially with many recordings being watched deleted, etc.

Thanks much I will give that a go and your first page gives instructions for a "Forced Reboot" is that different than a "Hard Reboot" which I assume would be removing the power? Also I understand a reboot only frees up memory. For example, if the Movies on Demand application was resident in memory, a reboot will drop the application to free up memory. A reboot does not do any type of defrag process. I guess SA has my logs from the box and is looking at them. I hope I hear back from them with a fix or your reboot solution I did this morning resolves things and it isn't a hardware failure requiring the box to be replaced.

RaveD

09-28-05, 09:32 AM

... Sometimes the when the picture freezes I hear a ticking sound on the back of the 8300.
A ticking sound could be an indication that the hard drive is failing.

I just started experiencing the same exact effect on my 8300 that you describe, but it is after I installed an external drive that I suspect is bad.

I am guessing that if the hard drive has errors it can lock up the CPU of the box waiting for I/O to complete. The result would be freezing (if it happened during playback) or pixelation/jumps (if it happens during recording).

I believe there is a procedure to reformat the hard drive; it might help.

Foxbat121

09-28-05, 09:50 AM

When I did that...all the sd channels were upconverted to 1080i on the 8300HD when it was in Auto HDMI/DVI mode.... :confused:

Donald :)

That only happens when you didn't have 480p normal (not 480p Widescreen because there is no such format in cable channels) enabled IIRC.

Donald V

09-28-05, 07:38 PM

That only happens when you didn't have 480p normal (not 480p Widescreen because there is no such format in cable channels) enabled IIRC.

When I enable 480p, 720p, and 1080i only it doesn't work. On the channels that it is outputing 480p the sammy says no signal...hmmm

Donald :)

Foxbat121

09-28-05, 09:10 PM

So the problem is your TV then. My TV can unofficially support 480i via DVI but I liked 480p PQ better. In the end though, I set 8300HD to fixed 720p resolution to speed up channel surfing. PQ difference is minimal, IMO.

DoubleDAZ

09-28-05, 11:10 PM

Thanks much I will give that a go and your first page gives instructions for a "Forced Reboot" is that different than a "Hard Reboot" which I assume would be removing the power?Check again, I added vegggas' instructions for the Hard Reboot. :)

marchristensen

09-29-05, 09:41 AM

While this may be obvious to most, I just read about it on the Yahoo forum and think it is just great.

To have the ability to watch a third show, while you are recording two shows on the 8300, just split the cable BEFORE the going in to the 8300. Connect the 8300 as you currently have it connected. Connect the other split cable directly into your tv or vcr if your tv does not have a tuner. You then have the ability to watch non-premium stations from the direct connection while the 8300 is recording two shows. You will need to watch your signal strength to be sure the 8300 has what it needs, but this worked out well for me.

qz8675309

09-29-05, 01:02 PM

You need to do a hard reboot to clear the memory buffers. See the first post of this thread for specific instructions. The memory gets frragmented with use, especially with many recordings being watched dlelted, etc.

qz8675309,
You are using Cablevision's version of software that other cable co's have opted to not use until a final version is released. Maybe others with CV can chime in or you can post in a local forum for people with your version.
When tuned to an HD channel, what is your QAM signal strength and error rate? Also, is this happening on just one channel or many? How HOT is your STB? The problem sounds like a source problem, except for the ticking sound you describe.
keep us posted.

vegggas

Well, Cablevision came out again today and confirmed that the problem is a software issue and they are not sure when it will be fixed. I guess the upgraded software they are using has some kinks in it. I am getting a new Non DVR box to watch HD for the time being

Anybody know when the new Final software will be released?

DoubleDAZ

09-29-05, 07:33 PM

While this may be obvious to most, I just read about it on the Yahoo forum and think it is just great. Here's is a quote from the first post in this thread (where the master list of tips is kept updated ;) ):Viewing A Third Program. No matter how many tuners the 8300HD has (2), there are times when they are simply not enough (how many are? ). Oftentimes, you will already be recording 2 programs and you want to watch (or even record) just one more. Well, you still can, but you will be limited to OTA or analog cable channels and SD resolution. There is nothing to keep you from hooking up an antenna to the ANT input on your TV and switching to that input to view a third program. There is also nothing to keep you from splitting your cable and running a second line to your TV to do the same thing. There is also nothing to keep you from running that second line to a VCR and then to your TV to view/record the third program.)

RemyM

09-30-05, 08:36 AM

Well, Cablevision came out again today and confirmed that the problem is a software issue and they are not sure when it will be fixed. I guess the upgraded software they are using has some kinks in it. I am getting a new Non DVR box to watch HD for the time being

I have an 8300HD from CV and do not have this issue. There also hasn't been any complaints about this on the CV Yahoo forum. If it was a software bug then it would be more widespread.

DoubleDAZ

09-30-05, 09:34 AM

It looks like you both need to post your version information to clear this up, or as is more likely the case, muddy the waters even more. :)

qz8675309

09-30-05, 09:49 AM

It looks like you both need to post your version information to clear this up, or as is more likely the case, muddy the waters even more. :)

I have Home Server Version 1.8 and Sara Software version 1.88.11.2. CV said they were having his issue in Keensburg NJ and now Piscataway NJ......

RemyM

09-30-05, 10:06 AM

I have the same version, all of CV land has the same SARA version running on the DVR's.

markrubin

09-30-05, 04:35 PM

I have been talking with DoubleDAZ about a problem with my 8300/SARA from Comcast

the stb seems to be stuck in a HD stretch mode and I cannot change it

I have gone into setup and selected 720p & 1080i: all other modes locked out

when viewing INHD 2, the screen is clearly streched: the HD zoom button on the remote does nothing: changing the picture format menu does nothing

using component video out: I know it is not the display(Fujitsu P63) because when I connect my 3250 it works fine

DoubleDAZ thinks it might be defective but I am open to any other ideas?

Thanks

DoubleDAZ

09-30-05, 08:43 PM

Mark, you never answered my last question, that is what the Picture Size was in the Quick Settings. If this is something other than "Normal" and you can't change it, then you might try a "Hard" Reboot (I don't remember if you already tried that). If that doesn't work, I think the box is bad.

markrubin

10-01-05, 08:52 AM

DoubleDAZ

10-01-05, 09:36 AM

Mark,

I'm glad that fixed it, but for future reference the "Fixed" setting was not the one I was after. There are 2 different menus of settings; Quick Settings and General Settings. If you press the Settings button only once, you get to the Quick Settings menu (look at the title at the top). When you press it a second time, you then get to the General Settings menu, the one where you found the Picture Format option (Fixed, Pass-Through, etc.).

If you press the Settings button once and stay in the Quick Settings menu, scroll down and you should find an option for Picture Size. When not zooming, this should be set to Normal and this was the setting I was asking about.

Let me know if you now understand what I was asking about.

markrubin

10-01-05, 09:44 AM

Foxbat121

10-01-05, 11:39 AM

StevenZ

10-01-05, 06:29 PM

...I am finding "dot crawl"...in my hi-def channels. I am using a high quality HDMI connection and since you shouldn't ever see dot crawl with a cable higher than composite I am at a loss.
HDMI is capable of passing along dot crawl generated by equipment along the way. Just today, I was surprised to see dot crawl on an OTA Fox HD broadcast fed in 720p over HDMI to my native-720p Samsung HLP4674. When I dropped the feed to 480p and let the Samsung do its own upconversion to 720p, the dot crawl went away.

The normal composite-video limitations that lead to dot crawl don't exist with HDMI, but the quirks of different upconversion processes seem to be capable of creating dot crawl digitally.

You might try selecting another output resolution to prevent the artifacts you've noticed.

DoubleDAZ

10-01-05, 07:46 PM

My local Cox starts to offer MR DVR service. No detail info I can get yet. All I see the $39.99 for installation and activation. I'd like to know if HD playback is supported from other non-DVR box in the house before I jump in. Last time I heard only SD playback is supported (long time ago).I thought some of the earlier discussions centered around the SA8300MR-SD being the first unit available. I thought the SA8300MR-HD, when released, would push an HD image to another HD box, like the SA3250HD. I don't remember where that earlier discussion is though. Are you sure they are offering the HD version (wherever you are :) )?

foghorn2

10-02-05, 12:15 AM

Foxbat121

10-02-05, 12:45 AM

It is offered in Fairfax, VA. In fact they even setup a MRDVR hot line phone number for ordering and tech support. Unfortunately, I can't reach anyone from the sales to get any information. Either there is long waiting or no one is answering the phone. The flyer didn't even mention HD (or SD in the matter). So it might possibly just the SD version. I'll try to call them again but just wondering if anyone here get any information.

Foxbat121

10-02-05, 12:48 AM

I thought some of the earlier discussions centered around the SA8300MR-SD being the first unit available. I thought the SA8300MR-HD, when released, would push an HD image to another HD box, like the SA3250HD. I don't remember where that earlier discussion is though. Are you sure they are offering the HD version (wherever you are :) )?

I seemed to remember even the 8300HDMR-HD can only push SD to other boxes. The flyer does mention that it requires SA 2000 Rev. 3 or later STB.

DoubleDAZ

10-02-05, 12:43 PM

FoxBat121,

I think you are correct. FWIW, here is a quote from page 13 of the SA8300HD-MR Getting Started guide from S-A's website:
What Features Are Not Currently Supported In MR-DVR?
Currently, MR-DVR does not support Explorer HD set-tops as client set-tops. The HD recordings from the 8300 MR-DVR server are not available for playback on Explorer HD set-tops in a multi-room environment.

StevenZ

10-06-05, 02:53 PM

I think the 8300HD's HDMI jack says "HDMI" next to it, in regular text.

Does anyone have an 8300HD with an HDMI logo, either on the front panel or near the jack?

I'm told it's a no-no to put the logo on a product that isn't HDMI-certified. While the logo's not required, seeing one on the 8300HD would be a good sign.

Jim Boden

10-06-05, 03:24 PM

StevenZ:

Just checked the back of mine and it appears to have the correct HDMI logo, complete with the stylized D. I bought mine over a year ago.

GRock

10-07-05, 06:21 PM

GRock,

The first post contains an item titled "Audio Out Using HDMI Connection" that discusses how to get DD audio. As Jon Lowe mentioned, this only works if your cableco has enabled that option in the General Settings.
Called charter to see if they could upgrade the software (or enable the setting) to get Dolby with the hdmi hooked up since it is not a selection under settings as per SA manual. They would only send out a local tech guy who knew less than I did. He was suppose to call some top tech guy in Birmingham area and get an answer and call me back. Well that was three weeks ago. If I keep pressing does anyone know if they (charter) can upgrade the there software (or enable the setting) on demand if needed? or is charter behind the times. My $100 dollar HDMI cable is collecting dust! Paul Allen please help!

vegggas

10-07-05, 06:32 PM

Called charter to see if they could upgrade the software (or enable the setting) to get Dolby with the hdmi hooked up since it is not a selection under settings as per SA manual. They would only send out a local tech guy who knew less than I did. He was suppose to call some top tech guy in Birmingham area and get an answer and call me back. Well that was three weeks ago. If I keep pressing does anyone know if they (charter) can upgrade the there software (or enable the setting) on demand if needed? or is charter behind the times. My $100 dollar HDMI cable is collecting dust! Paul Allen please help!
Isn't there a feature on your TV set to turn off or accept digital Audio over HDMI? That way your TV won't be forcing the STB to pass PCM instead of DD5.1
Just for the record, your STB WILL pass DD5.1 over HDMI. But, Your TV is telling it to NOT send DD5.1 because the TV can't accept that type of signal and instead, send a different format (probably PCM).

vegggas

rgathright

10-07-05, 08:08 PM

Just started to dig for info concerning this product. What is the deal with the audio with HDMI? I know the new HDTVs have HDMI, but how many home theaters do not have an audio/video receiver? Are they running the HDMI to the TV and then to the A/V receiver? So to use HDMI you would still have to run a audio cable out to the receiver?

Lampei

10-08-05, 04:42 PM

I run a digital coax cable from the 8300 to my receiver (making sure to select the digital audio option on the 8300 setup) and then run the HDMI cable from the 8300 to the TV. Until they get (inexpensive) HDMI switching receivers, I think this is the best method currently available. So in answer to your question, maybe :) If you want to use a receiver for your sound, you'll need to do something like I mention. If you want to use the audio on your TV, you would just plug the HDMI cable into your TV and the sound will play through your TV's speakers (with no audio cables necessary...just the 1 HDMI cable carrying audio and video).

TChips

10-09-05, 02:27 AM

vandu

10-09-05, 08:20 AM

I was not able to get 5 channel audio through the optical output on my 8300, when using HDMI. The 8300 owners manual (page 5) states that you have to go to the general settings menu and select Dolby Digital from the “Audio: Digital Out” option. This feature was not available in my General Settings window. I talked to 3 levels of technical support (TWC) and got nowhere. The technical support group told me that I could only get 5 channel audio with HDMI if I ordered one of the premium packages, which I wasn’t interested in. I then sent an e-mail to customer service (TWC) about a month ago asking if they could turn the feature on. I received an e-mail on Friday saying my e-mail had been forwarded to their engineering department and that the feature had now been turned on. I checked my general settings menu and the “Audio: Digital Out” feature is now there. I set it to Dolby Digital. My AVR now displays Dolby Digital and not PCM. More importantly I’m now getting 5.1 audio from my surround speakers.

rgathright

10-09-05, 11:33 AM

Did you have to subscribe to a premium package?

DoubleDAZ

10-09-05, 12:45 PM

TChips,

I don't know that I've heard of this problem, certainly not recently. Have you noticed whether or not the recorded list actually shows that the recording is an hour long or is the program title simply in the list with a 0 length? How often is this happening and what shows are involved? Is there any particular time of day involved?

Also, what is your location and why not add it to your profile, it does help diagnose some problems?

vandu

10-09-05, 01:56 PM

Did you have to subscribe to a premium package?

No.

rgathright

10-09-05, 02:08 PM

I have the Home Theater 9000 remote control. Will this work with the SA8300 DVR? If not will their remote work with my Sony HDTV and A/V Receiver?

Lampei

10-09-05, 08:27 PM

Hello there. I posted this a while ago, but I think I posted in the wrong place, so now that I found this thread, I thought I'd try here. I am an experienced DVR user as I have two Tivos and also used on of the Time Warner DVRs, but now I am using a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD DVR using SARA software version 1.87 and I'm about to go crazy trying to get this thing to work. First I had problems with it recording shows and then stopping the recording before the show ended so I'd only get partial recordings. I did a search on this problem and did a hard reboot which seemed to fix this problem. But now I have another problem that keeps cropping up no matter how many reboots I do. The DVR will just skip recording of shows that it is scheduled to record. The shows show up in my recorded list but when I click play I get nothing but a the DVR Playback channel main screen and no show. It's like the recorder recorded an hour of nothing. The DVR is set properly and the problem is hit and miss but it driving me insane. Why is this happening and how do I fix it? Thank you in advance!

You may need to reset your box again. You may also want to try removing the shows that are not being recorded and adding them back in again. I had some similar problems with my 8300 and reseting and removing and readding shows seemed to fix most of the problems. On mine, it would show that it was recording the show (red in guide, red "record" LED lit), but I would get the list screen. Once I rebooted the box, it actually removed the shows it said it was recording previously...very strange activity, but it eventually "figured it out" after the reset/reboot.

DoubleDAZ

10-09-05, 09:05 PM

One of the things that will cause problems like that is having programs scheduled for "this channel, any timeslot". As you add weekly recordings to the schedule, the "any timeslot" recordings can often end up causing conflicts where 3 or more programs end up on the schedule for the same timeslot when only 2 are allowed. The 8300 does not identify this as a potential conflict whereas the Tivo uses a priority scheme to handle this and record something.

In this case, nothing gets recorded and simply removing the offending programs from the schedule does not result in the remaining programs being recorded. They have to be deleted and rescheduled. I had this happen several times when I was recording all episodes of poker on ESPN where the timeslot changed frequently (along with some similar programs) and the timeslots overlapped other scheduled recordings. I was able to reproduce the problem at will.

TChips

10-10-05, 01:07 AM

[QUOTE=DoubleDAZ]TChips,

I don't know that I've heard of this problem, certainly not recently. Have you noticed whether or not the recorded list actually shows that the recording is an hour long or is the program title simply in the list with a 0 length? How often is this happening and what shows are involved? Is there any particular time of day involved? [QUOTE]

Hello, thanks for the response. I noticed that when this happens the recording list shows that the recording was 1 hour long but there is nothing there. It's happened a couple of times that I noticed. Now that I think of it, they were all on CBS HD.

I will do as suggested and fix the recordings from the any timeslot setting to prevent future conflicts. I will also try to reset the box, if I can find the instructions on the front of this thread and see if that helps. Thank you all so much.

DoubleDAZ

10-10-05, 09:56 AM

I will do as suggested and fix the recordings from the any timeslot setting to prevent future conflicts.I only mentioned this because former Tivo users aren't used to having to manually worry about this. The Tivo uses a priority scheme to record the highest priority/first scheduled recording whereas the 8300 just doesn't record anything. If you do a lot of recording of All Episodes/Any Timeslot where the timeslot changes and you also record several weekly/daily programs, you will undoubtedly end up with conflicts sooner or later.

I will also try to reset the box, if I can find the instructions on the front of this thread and see if that helps.If you did a hard reboot earlier, then you already know the instructions (unplug the power cord, then press/hold the power button while plugging the power cord back in until the diplay shows Boot or begins cycling). :)

John P

10-10-05, 04:00 PM

I have the Home Theater 9000 remote control. Will this work with the SA8300 DVR? If not will their remote work with my Sony HDTV and A/V Receiver?

Yes the 9000 will work. Load setup code 043 first. You will have to manually learn some of the buttons, guide, exit, A, B, C, pause, play, stop, fwd, rwd, live, list, rec, enter and possibly a few others.

tommy122

10-15-05, 10:01 AM

There are 2 different menus of settings; Quick Settings and General Settings. If you press the Settings button only once, you get to the Quick Settings menu (look at the title at the top). When you press it a second time, you then get to the General Settings menu, the one where you found the Picture Format option (Fixed, Pass-Through, etc.).

If you press the Settings button once and stay in the Quick Settings menu, scroll down and you should find an option for Picture Size. When not zooming, this should be set to Normal and this was the setting I was asking about.

My "Setting" button only toggles from off to on. I have to press the settings button and then select "More Settings" which takes me to General Settings. I have no selection for "picture size", "picture format" or "audio range" on either menu. Could these possibly be blocked out by TWC?

CANNON-FODDER

10-15-05, 10:45 AM

tommy122,
Are you running SARA, or PASSPORT? That is the way the Passport settings menus work. (Reboot to see if Passport Echo appears during boot).

v/r,
C-F

tommy122

10-15-05, 10:53 AM

tommy122,
Are you running SARA, or PASSPORT? That is the way the Passport settings menus work. (Reboot to see if Passport Echo appears during boot).

v/r,
C-F

Passport. I posted this in the wrong forum.

jimhh

10-18-05, 03:20 PM

Is there any way to have my 4:3 HDTV turn on WITHOUT the set’s letterbox bars coming up automatically? I’m pretty familiar with the set’s manual, but have found no way to control this inside the set. I don’t know if my STB settings control it.

Invariably, when I turn the set on, I wish to have the letterbox bars off. I must use the Panasonic remote to remove them. The majority of my viewing is done with full screen, whether the program is SD or HD. Sorry, if that breaks the code. Anyway: Help!

My 8300HD-DVR w/SARA software (Cox Cable in Fairfax County, Va.) is connected by HDMI/HDMI to a Panasonic CT-32HL44 HDTV monitor. My viewing habits include (a) sports in HD, full screen (w/stretch); (b) dramas (Lost, CSI, etc.) in HD full screen, OR, in 16:9 with letterbox bars; (3) non-HD programming in full screen.

I selected “Fixed 1080i” for the STB because including the 480i’s and 480p’s would not allow 1080i HD shows to go full screen. Also, including the whole package (except for 720p, which Cox doesn’t send), as recommended for the HDMI connection, called for more extreme Picture settings, and hurt PQ. PQ-wise, I’m pleased with Fixed.

Jim

davehancock

10-18-05, 04:26 PM

jimhh,

I think you have a tough request. It's tough because most products that deliver HD are designed with the assumption that the display will be 16:9. Even if it's a 4:3 display, the assumption is that the displayed image will be letterbox.

There may be arguments in favor of a 4:3 HD display, but as time goes on the proponderance of all programming will be 16:9.

garyft

10-18-05, 06:47 PM

rgathright

10-19-05, 11:22 AM

How dId you find out what version of software you have?

I have mine set for pass through. It is supposed to show whatever is sent.

HDTVFanAtic

10-19-05, 02:13 PM

Has anyone had any success with any drivers in Windows XP that work on the IEEE 1394 Ports of the 8300HD? I am aware of the 5c issues etc. but even if everything was 5c, the device should be properly seen and working.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6380734#post6380734

jimhh

10-19-05, 03:29 PM

Thanks for replying.

These standard format HDTVs remind us that HD is in a transitional period--quite a long one, at that! With your indulgence, I’ll just vent a little bit.

Lord knows, today’s advanced electronics allow for more optional television and STB settings than most of us will ever need. Then, there’s the exception or oversight. There is an Aspect button on my set’s remote, one of 48 buttons. But, unlike all the other buttons for TV, it has no matching aspect setting in the menu. And the default position is for 16:9. If I had my ‘druthers, I would change the default to 4:3 full screen. But instead, I’ve been foiled in my quest to (finally) use one remote only. That said, isn’t the HD programming we get fantastic!

Jim

jimhh

10-19-05, 03:51 PM

I posted this in another thread, but recently learned that I'm running the SARA software rather than passport, so I thought I'd put it here.

First, I have an 8300HD running SARA version 1.87.27.1 connected to a Toshiba 43H72 using component connections. I have all resolutions EXCEPT 720p enabled (TV does not support it). I have the picture format set to pass-through and the picture size set to normal.

I am on TWC in Austin, TX.

Now, the TV has a 4x3 screen. I went through the advanced setup and set the box for a TV with 4x3 screen. According to the user's guide on SA's site, the STB should automatically letterbox the picture when tuned to any HD channel, but it does not. I can set the TV to letterbox, but I have to change it manually whenever I switch between SD and HD channels.

Does anyone know of a way to get this setting to work?

We’re in the same fix, although I’m in Fairfax County, Va., and use Cox Cable for my 4:3 TV. I would like to have all the hours back that I spent on the SA site, reading through three different manuals that apply to the 8300HD-DVR STB. Despite going through the set-up routine and specifying that my set is 4:3, the STB acts as if I have widescreen set. So, like you, I make many manual changes to match what I watch. This hardly cause me any misery, but I feel disappointed when something doesn’t work the way I think it should.

Jim

HDTVFanAtic

10-20-05, 12:35 AM

Any way to wipe all the recorded material off your hard drive?

I have a 5 hour recording taking up 25% of my space that I can not get an option to delete?

TerryB

10-20-05, 06:49 AM

HDTVFanAtic,
Erase isn't an option listed directly below Play when you go to the recording from the list of recordings? I have never seen play without erase nearby?

You can reformat the drive (should be detailed in the front end of this thread) but that measure is usually reserved for a very sick unit.

TerryB

DoubleDAZ

10-20-05, 09:30 AM

If you select that recording and press Stop while it's playing, there isn't an option to Erase it?

TerryB is right. In the first post of this thread, there is an item that tells you how to force a reformat, though I've never had a need to try it.

vegggas

10-20-05, 10:45 AM

You should do a hard reboot first- Also found in the first post of this thread (see a trend?). Your virtual space table is corrupted and needs to be rebuilt.

vegggas

mweppner

10-20-05, 01:43 PM

davehancock

10-20-05, 05:22 PM

setting up an 8300 tomorrow, and I want to use a splitter just before the box to send one cable to the 8300 and one to a Tivo. The splitter I have is a 1x2, and each side says 3.5 dB. Is this a decent splitter? Is there anything better for a reasonable price? This seems pretty good to me based on some others I had lying around, but wanted to check and get some opinions on here. I'm hoping I won't need a signal booster anywhere in the setup.

Does the splitter say anything about max frequency (such as 1GHz)? This didn't used to be important, but now that cable is using frequencies near 1 GHz it is. If it doesn't say, assume it is not that high and get a new one.

Also, who is setting up the 8300? If it is a cable installer, he may well supply the splitter and wiring. Using the cable company splitter is best. If the cable guy does it, he will likely also check signal levels and put in an amp if needed. How much the cable guy is willing to do for "free" varies with the cable company and location (TW is real good here in Rochester, NY).

mweppner

10-20-05, 11:52 PM

thanks for the reply. I'm installing myself for my parents (timing issue - easier to pick up the box and go). I don't have the splitter with me - it's already at my parents house. But I'll check it before we complete everything. I also have a splitter over there that the cable guy gave me a few months ago when doing some work here, but I haven't taken a close look at it. I do know it was a 1x3, so I thought it may be weaker. At any rate, I'll check the max frequency, and if I don't see that on there, we'll head to Best Buy or Radio Shack before installing everything.

Thanks!

DoubleDAZ

10-21-05, 12:07 AM

Unless the installation is going to make it difficult to replace the splitter after the fact, there is no harm in using it to see if you have any problems. Also, when you pick up the box, if you haven't already, you might ask them for the correct splitter and save yourself a few bucks and some time.

mweppner

10-21-05, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the advice - that's probably what I'll do (try it and see). I've already picked up the box, but I may just swing by there again and ask for a splitter...with the equipment, cables, etc, that are being purchased, saving a little here and there really helps!

Thanks!

hsantos

10-21-05, 02:02 PM

Hi,

I have a Samsung HLR4664 and the 8300HD.
What would be the best configuration to get the best image from SD 4:3 and the HD 16:9??

Right now I activated 1080i, 720p, 480p Wide and 480p Standard

On SD i get the bars on the side... and some HD also shows up with bars on the side.

Im with Videotron as cable company.

Thanks

msg1

10-21-05, 02:20 PM

I'm having a recurring issue with my new SA8300HD (Cablevision of Westchester, NY).

When I select a prerecorded show from the DVR Guide and press Play I get a blank gray screen. If I exit to live TV and come back to the DVR channel (sometimes 2 or 3 times), then my prerecorded show will be queued up and ready to play. Is this a known issue? Is there something I may be doing wrong? Thanks for any suggestions.

HDTVFanAtic

10-21-05, 06:00 PM

You should do a hard reboot first- Also found in the first post of this thread (see a trend?). Your virtual space table is corrupted and needs to be rebuilt.

vegggas

Hard Boot did it. I never turn off a cable STB so I have to remember this thing is more like a computer than STB.

Any idea about what is going on in Windows XP that this does not work like the SA 3250HD in Windows XP?

vegggas

10-21-05, 06:35 PM

Hard Boot did it. I never turn off a cable STB so I have to remember this thing is more like a computer than STB.

Any idea about what is going on in Windows XP that this does not work like the SA 3250HD in Windows XP?

No STB specific drivers ever made and 5c enabled - non compliance with PC's.

HDTVFanAtic

10-22-05, 01:14 AM

Doesn't matter 5c or not, Windows XP knows the device is there, but does not show a device available with the drivers that have worked forever with the SA3250HD. There is something about the SA8300HD that it appears not to like.

BPlayer

10-22-05, 10:20 AM

I have a Samsung HLR4664 and the 8300HD.
What would be the best configuration to get the best image from SD 4:3 and the HD 16:9??

Right now I activated 1080i, 720p, 480p Wide and 480p Standard

On SD i get the bars on the side... and some HD also shows up with bars on the side.I do not like the stretch modes performed by the TV, but some suggest that if you watch it enough you willge tused to it. I only have 720p activated in my 8300 and this provides works well for me. For broadcasts in LBTX mode (mini 16:9), I use the cable box function to stretch the picture.

HDTVFanAtic

10-22-05, 01:20 PM

Update - bigger issues with SA8300HD.

It is not sending IEEE 1394 output properly to DVHS recorder as I thought it was.

The feed via IEEE 1394 can be seen via firewire to TV so it is active. However, the Mitsubishi 2000 DVHS stops recording after 1 minute and flashes CP (Copy Protection).

The unit records fine from a SA3250HD.

I have checked the diagnostics screen on both and the SA3250 and the SA8300 appear identical - but clearly something is tripping it up from the 8300.

Has anyone gotten a DVHS to record properly from an IEEE1394 output from a SA8300.

vegggas

10-22-05, 02:18 PM

HDTVFanAtic

10-22-05, 06:58 PM

The Copy Protection is within the streams flags. If the 3250 can pass the information, but the 8300 can't because of copy protection, then consider this. If a program is flagged copy once, that condition is met with the 8300 because all content is copied to the hard drive, either through buffers or stored on the drive. This would prohibit another copy from being made.
Not sure of all the CP rules, but there may be a way of offloading stored content by using the archive to VCR function, which should MOVE the stored content from one 5C device to another 5C compliant device.
I would focus your efforts on the recording forum.

vegggas

First, I tried to record live content. It would not work.

Then I tried to move the content to the VCR from the 8300, using the firewire instead of the SVHS analog output specified in the menu.

That failed in the same way.

Furthermore, the OTA Networks that have free on 5c also fail the output with a Copy Protection warning on the DVHS.

Thus, something is not working properly in the 8300HD.

DoubleDAZ

10-22-05, 07:42 PM

I have asked Mark to add the thread that HDTVFanAtic created to the Master 8300 list. I have also asked him to move the few posts here regarding recording with the 8300 via firewire to the new thread and I suggest the discussion be moved there to make it easier to find the information. Once the 8300 software fully supports firewire, I expect this subject will draw a fair amount of interest. So, unless someone objects, here is the link to the new thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=593271

EDIT: Mark added the link to the Master list, but doesn't think he can move the individual posts. HDTVFanAtic, maybe you can summarize the info posted so far in this thread for those that join the new thread.

HDTVFanAtic

10-22-05, 09:06 PM

kkimmel

10-23-05, 07:39 AM

Jim Boden

10-23-05, 01:49 PM

This may be obvious to everyone here, but I discovered that when you want to record all occurrences of a program, the name of the program has to be exact, otherwise it won’t record. It may account for why people sometimes “lose” recordings which they believe have been scheduled. Here’s what happened to me:

Our movie network is rerunning all episodes of The Sopranos from the beginning up to the end of the last season. I set it to record all episodes in all time slots. This worked great for several weeks until I noticed it didn’t record one episode last week. I checked the scheduled recordings list and found nothing more for The Sopranos, even though it’s still being shown.

Confused, I did some checking and noticed the upcoming Sopranos episodes, including the one which was missing, are now called The Sopranos [5.1] instead of The Sopranos. Obviously, the program name has changed, which is why it wasn’t scheduled to record. I’ve noticed that some program names also include other things like [HD] or [Letterbox] as extensions of the original program’s name.

If you’re having similar problems, be sure to check the program name carefully.

rgathright

10-23-05, 02:26 PM

What would make the 8300 hang up and reboot? Everytime it has happened we are going through the guide.

DoubleDAZ

10-23-05, 02:36 PM

Jim, some friends and I noticed this back when The Rebel Billionaire was on. It seemed to go away, so I never added anything to the first post. But, since you brought it up, I've added the following:
Lost or Missing Recordings. Most of us probably schedule several All or New episode recordings when the fall season starts and then forget about them. However, the success of these scheduled recordings depends enirely on the title of the program matching the title when the recording was scheduled. Oftentimes, the title in the IPG changes, sometimes as often as weekly, and that can reak havoc with your schedule. While it's impossible to attribute every lost or missing recording to a title change, a few folks, including me, periodically check our schedule and have noticed such title changes. The Rebel Billionaire used to change to just The Billionaire every other week and recordings were missed. The title for The Sporanos reruns appears to be doing the same thing as networks try to add info like HD or 5.1 to some titles. Depending on who provides your cableco's IPG data, this may or may not happen to you, but it seems worthwhile to periodically check your scheduled recordings list against the IPG to make sure recordings are flagged for the coming week. (Jim Boden)

DoubleDAZ

10-23-05, 02:37 PM

What would make the 8300 hang up and reboot? Everytime it has happened we are going through the guide.Try a "hard" reboot (see the first post for instructions).

Jim Boden

10-23-05, 02:46 PM

DoubleDAZ:

Thanks for updating the post.

longtimewolf

10-23-05, 07:04 PM

I am new to the DVR thing and have never used TiVO and now I have the HD8300 with PVR and LOVE IT>...

Question it this....with football continually going over on Sundays...how do I get it to record just 60 MINs? Right now I am OVER RECORDING 1 hour and I usally get all my shows....but you would think they would set a trigger on each show to let the STB know when the show is over and the new one begins...is there such a thing????

Thanks...

DoubleDAZ

10-23-05, 07:50 PM

Not that I know of. Recordings are based on IPG data and as long as that doesn't change (which it doesn't in this case), the 8300 has no way of knowing if the game went over it's timeslot. If a DVR could key on some kind of incoming data instead of the IPG, it might be possible, but then it would have to be checking every channel every minute and that's just not possible.

HDTVFanAtic

10-24-05, 02:26 AM

I have recently moved which required that I switch my cable service from TWC (Passport) to COX (SARA). With the TWC 8300HD the channel buffers are active at all times and I could swap without a PIP activation. ie. pause tuner #1, swap to tuner #2, and later swap back to tuner #1 resuming the program at the pause point. This is not possible with the COX 8300HD. The channel buffers only seem to be active on the current tuner or only while PIP is active with no capability to pause one while watching the second. Any software udates in the future or does anyone running SARA currently have the active buffers as does the Passport?

The instruction manual for the 8300 on the SA website says the buffer only works on the current channel. It doesn't specifically speak to the PIP but does say once you change the channel that is where the buffer begins and will change with every channel change.

You might have found an undocumented feature or flaw in the underlying system, depending on how you look at it.

brcobb

10-25-05, 10:59 PM

HDTVFanAtic

10-26-05, 02:17 AM

For those of you utilizing the firewire ports, what version of the SARA software are you running? Are you able to view/record all channels, analog and digita?
I am trying to get my 8300HD updated with software that will enable the firewire ports and it is a long and winding road. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

I have yet to find anyone claiming that the IEEE 1394 ports are operating as they are supposed to - see the thread on this subject that is under the 8300HD topics linked in the stickies.

djwilso

10-26-05, 08:44 PM

I have had my 8300HD for a couple days now, and I've noticed one problem. After I went through the HDTV setup wizard and enabled all resolutions, sometimes when I switch from a SD to an HD channel, the picture sent to the TV continually flashes to black to the picture to black, on and on.

The only way to fix it is to switch to an SD channel and then back to the HD channel.

I am in Phoenix, have Cox digital cable, and a Sony KDSR60XBR1 60" HDTV. I have the 8300HD connected by HDMI cable. I have the 8300HD picture format set to Auto DVI/HDMI in the preferences.

Has anyone seen this happen before? The problem only began after completing the wizard. When the box was just outputting 1080i all the time, it did not do this.

Thanks,
Dennis

cdp1276

10-26-05, 08:49 PM

I've had my 8300HD for over a year and a half with TWC Rochester, NY SARA 1.87.16.109 and have had that same problem since day one. They have never resolved it and I have no faith they ever will.

DoubleDAZ

10-26-05, 09:26 PM

Try disabling all but the formats you need. This is usually limited to 480i and 1080i, with 720p thrown in if you think you can see a difference on ABC, ESPN, and FOX using 720p vs 1080i. The Music Channels happen to be 480p, but I defy anyone to see a difference if only 480i is enabled. :) If this doesn't help, let us know.

NOTE: You might have to try a "hard" reboot to reset everything. See first post for instructions.

vegggas

10-26-05, 10:44 PM

djwilso

10-27-05, 07:52 PM

djwilso

10-27-05, 07:57 PM

HDMI is NOT ready for primetime.
Switch to component or manually set a fixed resolution. If it works for some, then they are lucky.
HDMI is based on the DISPLAY accurately controlling the STB for audio and video settings, which many do not do a very good job. Do a general search even outside the forum and you will see MANY with problems from all manufacturers and display types as well as interaction will all forms of STB's and DVD players.
[rant mode= on]
What's worse, is that with the new HD-DVD Formats coming soon with HDMI only HD outputs, you won't be able to listen to 5.1 sound because 90% of displays with HDMI do NOT accept the 5.1 audio and there is no provision for them to allow passthrough to the digital audio jacks. Try it now with your display before you get an HD-DVD format player.[/rant mode]

vegggas
edit: Thought I would add a recent thread about the failure of the HDMI format, although I've been doing extensive testing and seen the results myself. Read the linked
Dedicated link to HDMI AVS thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=595283) and Secrets of Home Theater HDMI problems (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?p=20160#post20160)
v

What you say is pretty much what my observation has been, that the display is controlling the STB instead of the other way around.

For example, if I have the 8300HD turned on and then turn the TV on, I notice that the 8300HD's display changes to the currently-tuned channel and that the audio from the digital audio jack turns on. I have since changed the digital output format in the 8300HD to "Other", which means that it no longer sends any audio to the TV. :rolleyes:

The digital video looks very good, but all the little gotchas with HDMI are pretty annoying.

Dennis

djwilso

10-27-05, 07:59 PM

I've had my 8300HD for over a year and a half with TWC Rochester, NY SARA 1.87.16.109 and have had that same problem since day one. They have never resolved it and I have no faith they ever will.

Well, thanks for letting me know that it's not just my unit. I'll probably go back to just having 480i and 1080i enabled as DoubleDAZ suggested.

Dennis

vegggas

10-29-05, 03:21 AM

Umm... You do realize that it's a modulated RF output on channel 3 or 4 right??? It can be set up for either Modulated or bypassed, based on your settings, just like the VCR. I think you may also have to set a 480i resolution in older versions of software, but not sure, since the RF out is rarely, if ever used since everything is downrezzed.
Unless you are using Passport software instead of SARA software, but that's another thread.

vegggas

DoubleDAZ

10-29-05, 09:18 AM

Owen, exactly what are you trying to use the Cable Out for? I don't recall if I ever tested mine or not since I have the 8300 connected to my VCR using an RCA-type video cable. I only hooked up the VCR so I could test the Output-To-VCR finction and the VCR hasn't actually been turned on in well over a year now and I don't know why it's even still connected. :)

As vegggas mentioned, it's modulated to Channel 3/4, so the uses for it are limited and then only for the currently active channel. I suppose it could be used to supply a signal to something like an analog TV in a kitchen where you just want to be able to keep up with what's on the main TV as you check on dinner. :)

DoubleDAZ

10-30-05, 04:19 PM

What's even worse is that the cable tech that exchanged your units didn't think of that. I swear ANY cable CSR that simply took the time to monitor a few threads here and there would all but make themselves invaluable to the cableco. Glad you got it resolved without swapping any more "bad" units. :)

DoubleDAZ

10-30-05, 05:26 PM

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't really chastizing the CSR (or didn't intend to anyway), but FWIW, there have to still be a lot of VCRs in use on non-HD setups where the Cable Out of a non-HD box is still used. I'll admit I didn't think of it either until vegggas mentioned it as it's been eons since I've connected a VCR with coax and that's why I asked what you were trying to use it for.

It does seem odd though that TWC-Houston wouldn't have a BIG note somewhere in the CSR HD activation cheat-sheets mentioning the need to identify the unit with the IEE designation and I'm sure some other TWC/Houston folks might find this tidbit of interest if they too are having similar problems getting Firewire working. Maybe some other cableco's are using a similar system and the info will help there too, another question to ask when having trouble. Good info all around. :)

mcmoore

10-30-05, 10:54 PM

What is with this DVR. I made the jump from TIVO because I now have HiDef. I so want TIVO's level of user interface. After the change of time last night in returning to Eastern Standard Time, all of my scheduled series are set to record 1 hour too early. Since they do not find the show on the schedule an hour early, it just did not record at all. I noticed it when it did not record West Wing tonight. Luckily, I still have TIVO recording all shows as a backup. ARRGH! I recently saw this machine using Passport software at my dad's house. It looks much more user friendly. I just cannot believe how far behind this software is.

M. Moore

CANNON-FODDER

10-31-05, 12:14 AM

Passport has or had the DST issue also. I do not put any series recording in with times anymore, but my wife had a manual recording for the weather that jumped back one hour today, so I have no reason to believe that it is fixed for Passport yet either.

v/r,
C-F

TerryB

10-31-05, 06:59 AM

The good news is that 1.88.11.2 beta version did not exhibit the DST problem.

TerryB

Jim Boden

10-31-05, 12:35 PM

The time change problem is inconsistent. I had the hour early problem with one program last night, but another was fine. Its scheduled recording time did not change. Weird.

vegggas

10-31-05, 12:53 PM

Looking at scheduled recordings on Sunday showed that many recordings were wrong. There were several highlighted recordings that appeared incorrect. One was Desperate HouseWives and Gray's Anatomy, that showed as recording, but for all three hours. When the time came to record each program, it determined that the 8:00 timeslot (old DH) was not used (correct) and that the 9:00 - 10:01 timeslot (real DH) was a repeat (as set in my ALL - New only) so it did not record (correct again) and at 10:01 Gray's recorded correctly.
There were a few other programs being recorded that had the time shift, but as the real time advanced, the recordings were corrected.
For me, even though it LOOKED like the recordings would be messed up, they all worked exactly as they were supposed to. This is similar to when a scheduled program is not available the next week, but you see the timeslot highlighted in red. When it comes time to record that slot, it rechecks the up to date data and does not record the wrong program (assuming you used the guide to set the recording).

vegggas

DoubleDAZ

10-31-05, 01:27 PM

vegggas,

Do you know exactly how the software does this? By that I mean, does it double-check the schedule against the IPG each time the IPG is updated? Once a night? Some other time?

I know that timeslots are highlighted even though I know the program is going to be a repeat or is not the same title and will not be recorded, but highlighting the timeslot seems to confuse a lot of folks. Perhaps they missed an episode and because the timeslot is highlighted until the last minute, they think the repeat will be recorded when it won't be.

I'm wondering why they can't check all variables each time it does it's thing and not even highlight the timeslot in the first place. One thing I noticed yesterday is that even though he DH repeat was highlighted, it still let me schedule a recording for a third show, so it must have known DH would not be recorded and would not cause a conflict.

DoubleDAZ

10-31-05, 01:30 PM

The time change problem is inconsistent. I had the hour early problem with one program last night, but another was fine. Its scheduled recording time did not change. Weird.Could one of them have been an "all episodes in this timeslot" recording and the other a "new episodes" recording?

Jim Boden

10-31-05, 01:44 PM

DoubleDAZ:

No, both programs were set for all episodes in this time slot.

I should check my version of SARA. We don't have the new episodes option yet. Do you happen to know yours?

DoubleDAZ

10-31-05, 05:24 PM

Yeah, it's the 1.87.x.x version, but AFAIK it's not the software, it's the IPG. SARA from version 1.85.x.x has had the coding to provide the option, but most of us didn't actually see it until version 1.87.x.x when we also got an updated IPG with the First Run flag and HD indicator. You may have the latest software, but your IPG simply doesn't have the flags for the software to use. :(

The other thing I've noticed here is that IPG data for PBS and a few other channels is still an hour off, so any scheduled programs that should be wrong might actually end up recording right and will eventually get messed up when the IPG is corrected.

Tiyuri

10-31-05, 10:28 PM

The first time I saw a show highlighted to record that I knew was wrong it freaked me out. I came from ReplayTV where checking the guide is the only way to know what is going to record so I was pretty upset. However, as has been said, it works itself out in the end which is the important thing. The other weird thing, along the same lines, is that last week there were shows in the guide that I would never record on channels I don't record on that day with highlighted recordings (Medium and Two and Half Men jump to mind but a few others on NBC and CBS). They were not listed on my scheduled recordings but to be safe I cancelled each one from the guide.

Jim Boden

11-01-05, 11:15 AM

DoubleDAZ:

Thanks for the info about the IPG. I wasn't aware of that.

DoubleDAZ

11-01-05, 08:47 PM

You're welcome, Jim, but I must give credit to vegggas. He straightened me out about the software having the option but the flag not being in the IPG during a discussion on what was in the new 1.87.x.x software at the time. :)

Donald V

11-02-05, 03:16 AM

I recently got a new 8300HD from cox in phoenix due to moving and it is being really dumb. My other 8300HD worked fine but this one is recording programs that aren't being listed in the recorded programs list after being recorded. It only seems to happen when it is recording two programs at once, but not everytime. for example tonight I recorded NCIS, bones, my name is earl, the office, house, law and order:svu, and the suns game from 9:00 on. All programs were set to record the first run through the guide. So after watching the 8300HD record all the programs (I checked and I could only tune in the two channels being recorded and they had the REC in the IPG), I checked later and my name is earl, the office, and law and order: svu were all missing from the recorded programs list. I can't figure out what is going on. Both of the tuners are working. I can use the PIP functions...it isn't on any specific channel or anything. I have tried a hard reboot to no avail. I am thinking of returning this box and getting another...thank goodness for the newsgroups to get my HD programming...any suggestions?

Donald :)

DoubleDAZ

11-02-05, 08:24 AM

FWIW, I also recorded 2 programs all during those hours (while watching a previous recording) and none were missed (NCIS/Bones, House/CinC, Close To Home/Boston Legal). I know some folks around the country are having similar problems due to the change from DST and there is no apparent reason/trend. Although we don't change time here, the IPG has been messed up for PBS (still is) and at least one other cable network. I doubt any of that is causing your problem though. Since you've already tried a hard reboot, I can't think of anything else to try other than getting a new box.

mccabedoug

11-02-05, 10:50 AM

I posted this over on the Display forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6460459#post6460459) and thought I would post here as well and solicit thoughts. Forgive me for the redundancy.

If more than one choice of HD screen resolutions is available to choose from I lose my TV picture and it either requires a hard boot of the 8300HD or the TV. For example, if you tell the 8300HD that it can only output 720p (or 1080i or any other single resolution) the loss in picture problem does not occur. However, if you add even one additional choice (I selected 720p and/or 1080i) the picture gets lost when you change channels. Switching to Component input on the JVC set brings back the picture, but it is hopelessly lost when you switch back to HDMI input.

I've seen this in one other post (I think) in this thread and I was wondering what the thoughts are here.

vegggas

11-02-05, 12:09 PM

The Display is setting an incorrect timing pulse when swithcing resolutions. The HDMI communications are not ready. If there were a way to set specific resolutions and timings in the TV so that only the ones you want are selected, than that would solve the problem. Unfortunately, the TV tries all resolutions that it's capable of when switching resolutions and it confuses the STB by forcing an incompatible resolution or timing pulse.
Use component or stay at a fixed resolution. Also look at the HDMI thread and it's first posted link in my sig it's not just your display and the 8300, it's a majority of displays and source components. Some combos work, some don't - there are no guarantees.

mccabedoug

11-02-05, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the clarification. I will probably go with component and use the HDMI port when I purchase an upconverting DVD player that will not be changing screen resolutions as quickly as you do when you change channels.

This has been frustrating. I e-chatted with Charter Communications and they suposedly never heard of this HDMI problem.

Silly question - if I continue to use the HDMI port and I choose 720p or 1080i only on the 8300HD, what are the effects of doing this on the image quality for those stations that are not broadcasting at that resolution?

vegggas

11-03-05, 12:01 AM

For those that wanted to program your DVR remotely, the new deal today with Sprin and the top cable companies will allow programming and viewing your DVR through your phone or wireless device.
Link to main Sprint & Cable agreement thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=598612)
There is a lot of other features being touted, but this sounds promising. look for the first rollouts in 2nd qtr of 2006 as early as April in some markets.

mccabedoug , try it and see. Each display handles resolutions differently. If you can't see a difference, does it matter?

vegggas

cartload8

11-05-05, 12:11 AM

I've tried to enter the diagnostic mode on my 8300HD using both methods stated on page 1 of this thread, and neither of them work. My cable provider is Bright House Networks. I'd appreciate any help or advice. Thanks.

DoubleDAZ

11-05-05, 08:23 AM

Those instructions are for SARA software and you may be using Passport. There is another thread for Passport, but I don't know that the first post contains a similar summary of tips.

Pucky

11-05-05, 06:37 PM

I am having a few problems with my SA8300HD and my new Toshiba 62HM195. When HD is working, it is spectacular, but getting it to work is almost always a hassle. I have Adelphia in the Cleveland area.

I've tried quite a few things to fix these issues and can not figure out what is wrong. In addition, I swapped for a new box this morning and the problems are exactly the same, none seem to be because of a box defect--unless both boxes have the same problems. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

1. The number one problem that is truly infuriating to me...I have to "re-setup" the HD box nearly every time I watch tv, or switch tv inputs, or flip around for a while, etc. If I switch back to the HD channels, I can see from the front of the 8300HD that it is sending only a 480i signal (plus the obvious grey bars on the top/bottom or all four sides of the picture). I have to turn off the box, go into HD setup mode, choose advanced mode, I don't change anything (it appears to be set up correctly already), hit exit, power on, and presto--it then is working. Today is Saturday and I have been trying to fix this and some other things, so I've been flipping/switching inputs a lot. I've had to go through these motions at least 6 or 7 times today. What could be the cause of this?

I've thought it might be the HDMI "handshake" or whatever...but not really sure. In either case my options are limited--I can't use Component input because....

2. The picture into the component input is displayed all red/pink. I've checked and doublechecked the cable connection, the cable quality, and the tv input, it all seems to work fine when my DVD player is attached instead.

Any thoughts would be great. I love the HD but I don't love having to get off my comfortable couch to re-set up the box every day at least once.

vegggas

11-06-05, 03:24 AM

rgathright

11-06-05, 04:50 AM

How do you get this to work? Have been playing with the settings with no luck.

DoubleDAZ

11-06-05, 09:30 AM

Since you don't give any hints as to what you've tried, I'll simply tell you what my settings are for you to compare. I use SARA software in case that makes any difference.

General Settings -
CC: Background/Default-Default
CC: Characters/Default-Default-Default
CC: Options/Default-Set by program
CC: Source/Std CC1-Digital 1

I am then able to toggle the Quick Settings: Caption Off/On option on and off as needed.

ATJohn

11-06-05, 09:57 AM

I've got a side bar I can't get rid of in the 480i mode. The High Def is perfect. Is there any Horizontal, Vertical adjustments available to user.

Also what are other front panel functions are available on the 8300HD.

Andy

rgathright

11-06-05, 10:07 AM

ATJohn

11-06-05, 10:31 AM

__Josh125__

11-06-05, 01:52 PM

Hi all,

I set my S8300 box to ouput 720P only, then I realized that non-HD content would be letterboxed. I can't seem to figure out a way to stretch non-content while outputting 720P.
......any ideas or something I might be missing? I have a Sammy HLR5067 DLP.

Thanks :)

mscappa

11-06-05, 01:55 PM

Hi all,

I seem to be having an issue using my DVR remote to control my 50px500. I believe I have the 2200 remote for the SA 8300 HD DVR through COX. Anyway, has anyone been able to control this pdp using this equip? Any suggestions?

Also, I seem to be having issues with volume control on the DVR using HDMI. I thought I read somewhere there was an easy fix for this....anyone know what it is? I was previously using componant and the volume adjust on the DVR remote worked fine, but once I switched to HDMI, I can only adjust volume through the PDP remote!? HELP!!

chrisf826

11-06-05, 10:01 PM

RajeeK

11-07-05, 12:34 AM

I have a 8300 box using passport software. Does anyone know if this box has an option to change HDMI output between RBG and YCbCR ouputs? If so, how???? Thanks to anyone who can help.

AZKev

11-07-05, 12:38 AM

I am wondering if there is a way to completely wipe the parental control PIN, if your children mess it up and they wont tell you what the new pin is and you really dont want to have the box swapped? :mad:

Call your cable provider, they will reset it real time.

Then send your kids to me, I have a wonderful boot camp that will prevent it from happening again. :D My father was an 11th Airborne Drill Instructor and Jump Instructor during the Korean War. 5:00am wake ups 7 days a week with a bounced quarter after making our beds. Not kidding, it was a great way to raise three boys. Works wonders for ours too.

Sigwolf

11-07-05, 01:07 AM

Your display is forcing a non-supported STB resolution (probably 640x480i or 576i) via HDMI. Component would work better, since it depends on source material formats instead of display timings based on PC resolutions.
You say you can't use component (that's really weird - sounds like it's looking for RGB instead of Y-Pb-Pr signals), but if you MUST USE HDMI, throw out the TV's ability to select the best resolution for each format. Instead, use a FIXED resolution from the STB of either 1080i OR 720P for all content. This way the display won't send PC formatted resolution timings to the STB that force it to the default of 480i.
Check my sig below for HDMI failure issues and especially it's first link in the threads starting post.

vegggas

I also have a new Toshiba DLP and an Adelphia SA8300 in the Cleveland area, and I have the exact same problem. My component ins work fine, but they are both being used, leaving only HDMI open for the 8300. Setting up only the 1080i resolution and setting the Picture Format to FIXED does not correct it. The *moment* I change television inputs (to component 1 to watch a DVD, for example), the 8300 forces itself to 480i standard. It will then display all channels SD or HD in 480i until I INFO+GUIDE back into the resolution setup, which still correctly shows only 1080i turned on and no 480 resolutions active at all.

This behavior is exactly the same regardless of what resolutions are activated, and whether the Picture Format is set to FIXED, AUTO HDMI, or either UPCONVERT. It even occurs regardless of whether the 8300 is powered on or off, as soon as you change inputs on the television the box dumps to 480i. I've tried every combination I could think of. It would be a little more livable if you get access the resolution setup from the remote, but it's a real pain to have to physically go to the front panel of the 8300 every time you change television inputs.

If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them, because this is amazingly frustrating.

rgathright

11-07-05, 06:42 AM

Here are some things I have found concerning the HDMI on the 8300HD. If you have used the component video prior to using the HDMI, the unit stays locked in on the component video and needs to be hard booted.

I have also found the that the only way to keep the HDMI from dropping out, is to format the box with 1080i only and use the aspect button on the cable box to expand the picture.

Andy

I am in the process of changing from component to HDMI due to not having enough component inputs on my HDTV. My HDTV accepts up to 720p so is there anything special I need to do in order to get the HDMI to work. I understand that I need to power off the 8300 and then change the cable and then do a reboot.

Anything else?

TerryB

11-07-05, 06:49 AM

I have a 8300 box using passport software. Does anyone know if this box has an option to change HDMI output between RBG and YCbCR ouputs? If so, how???? Thanks to anyone who can help.

Hello Rajeek,
You have created the first digital oxymoron I have ever seen. RGB/YCbCr and HDMI are mutually exclusive as the first two are analog output choices and the last is a digital communications protocol. If you have an HDMI connection, the TV receives the picture in bits and bytes, not voltage levels.

TerryB

BPlayer

11-07-05, 09:42 AM

I set my S8300 box to ouput 720P only, then I realized that non-HD content would be letterboxed. I can't seem to figure out a way to stretch non-content while outputting 720P.Press the # on your remote to cycle through the 3 stretch modes and to return to normal mode.

__Josh125__

11-07-05, 10:39 AM

Press the # on your remote to cycle through the 3 stretch modes and to return to normal mode.

Thanks, I will give that a shot when I get home.

JohnnyG

11-07-05, 03:46 PM

You have created the first digital oxymoron I have ever seen. RGB/YCbCr and HDMI are mutually exclusive as the first two are analog output choices and the last is a digital communications protocol. If you have an HDMI connection, the TV receives the picture in bits and bytes, not voltage levels.
But, those bits and bytes can be in either RGB or YPrPb colour space, so the question was totally valid.

The answer is, AFAIK at least, no. It's probably YPrPb.

davehancock

11-07-05, 05:55 PM

But, those bits and bytes can be in either RGB or YPrPb colour space, so the question was totally valid.

The answer is, AFAIK at least, no. It's probably YPrPb.

The following is just one (of many) quotes from the HDMI spec:

Video pixel rates can range from 25MHz to 165MHz. Video formats with rates below 25MHz (e.g. 13.5MHz for 480i/NTSC) can be transmitted using a pixel-repetition scheme. The video pixels can be encoded in either RGB, YCBCR 4:4:4 or YCBCR 4:2:2 formats. In all three cases, up to 24 bits per pixel can be transferred.

Here is another:

The video pixels carried across the link shall be in one of three different pixel encodings: RGB 4:4:4, YCBCR 4:4:4 or YCBCR 4:2:2.

JohnnyG

11-08-05, 10:42 AM

Just to clarify, when I said "The answer is, AFAIK at least, no. It's probably YPrPb." was in reference to the output of the 8300HD. There is no choice in the HDMI format that it outputs.

telemike

11-08-05, 10:58 AM

Does anyone experience a delay when outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 from the 8300HD to your surround reciever? I can only use PCM out with the 8300HD to avoid delay.

davehancock

11-08-05, 11:10 AM

Does anyone experience a delay when outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 from the 8300HD to your surround reciever? I can only use PCM out with the 8300HD to avoid delay.

No. I wonder if it is an issue with your receiver. I have experienced some lack of sync when there are drop outs (seems like more video is lost than audio). Pausing the playback gets them back in sync. But I think this is a different issue, and occurs with both DD 5.1 as well as straight stereo (PCM) and it happens only occasionally.

vandu

11-08-05, 01:12 PM

Does anyone experience a delay when outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 from the 8300HD to your surround reciever? I can only use PCM out with the 8300HD to avoid delay.

Lip sync or video delay is a common problem, when audio is fed to an AVR, bypassing the TV. That is why many of the newer AVRs have an audio delay feature. The newer micro display TVs are the biggest culprits. The more video processing a TV has to do the longer it takes to complete. When the audio bypasses the TV, the sync between the audio and the video is lost. I had a lip sync problem with a new 1080P DLP and solved it by purchasing an audio delay device http://www.felston.com/ . I didn’t want to purchase a new AVR to correct the problem and this device works very well.

JohnnyG

11-08-05, 03:47 PM

telemike, is the audio ahead of the video, or is the video ahead of the audio? Adjustable delay in the receiver will only help with the first part (audio ahead of video).

Pucky

11-08-05, 07:50 PM

Thanks for your help Vegggas. I tried resetting the box and a number of things, could not get the component to look right, it was all pink. Then, I figured it out. When trying to set up the STB, through component output, for HD (pushing Guide and Info on the box), the screen only gave me one option, "press A for SD mode". I was muttering to myself "I don't want SD Mode" and getting very frustrated, after a while, I just hit B anyway, and sure enough it started outputting HD no problem. (I will set aside the HDMI for now, oh well, it was just too much trouble having to re-set up the box every time I switched TV inputs or even channels sometimes.) (Incidentally, now if I press Guide and Info and enter HD setup mode, it only offers "B" choice, no "A" for SDTV. Over HDMI it always offered both choices.)

Some other issues to work out, but if anyone else had had this problem (not getting a "B" choice to set up HDTV) let me know.

I've been lurking for a long time before I bought the HDTV, and really appreciate the help.

________________________
QUOTE:
Your display is forcing a non-supported STB resolution (probably 640x480i or 576i) via HDMI. Component would work better, since it depends on source material formats instead of display timings based on PC resolutions.
You say you can't use component (that's really weird - sounds like it's looking for RGB instead of Y-Pb-Pr signals), but if you MUST USE HDMI, throw out the TV's ability to select the best resolution for each format. Instead, use a FIXED resolution from the STB of either 1080i OR 720P for all content. This way the display won't send PC formatted resolution timings to the STB that force it to the default of 480i.

maxman

11-08-05, 10:34 PM

Just got the SA8300HD (YEAH!) --- I know there must be a way to download recorded programs to burn to a disc --- can anyone help, or is this not an option with this box?

Thanks!

DoubleDAZ

11-08-05, 10:45 PM

It's not an option, at least not for HD, and SD is letter-boxed out the S-Video/Composite ports.

sheppardwk

11-09-05, 01:03 PM

I have the SA 8300HD DVR set up with component cables to my Samsung HL-R5667W and the picture is stunning, and Digital Out (5.1) works great through my Sony HT. However, I'm trying to improve the audio for the channels that don't output 5.1. Can someone briefly describe all of the audio options and what is the best set-up:

Volume Range: Wide/Narrow? What do these actually mean?
Volume: Fixed/Variable?

The volume on the box is turned all the way up to 30.

Thanks.

Jim Boden

11-09-05, 03:10 PM

davehancock

11-09-05, 03:38 PM

sheppardwk:

AFAIK, those audio settings don't affect DD 5.1. If I remember correctly, volume control has no effect either, although I could be wrong because I don't use it.

I leave audio on DD 5.1 for everything. I don’t know if switching to anything else will make a positive difference. The settings you mentioned will come into effect if you switch to an audio format other than DD 5.1. I forget what it is offhand because I never look at it.

Experiment with it, but I doubt you’ll want to switch audio settings all the time. Worst case, you’ll go back to 5.1 and leave it there. I assume you want to control volume through your Sony anyway and not through the cable box.

I don't have those volume range choices with my system (1.87.16.109) but I understand that they relate to dynamic range on DD programs. DD has the ability to operate in a "night mode" where the dynamic range is compressed. This setting is usually on DD receivers (mine is called Dynamic Range and the choices are Maximum, Standard and Minimum). I think that your "Narrow" is equivalent to Minimum and your "Wide" is the same as Standard. My receiver's Maximum clearly exaggerates the dyamic range and I have it set at Standard.

Jim is right about the volume, it makes no difference on the digital out.

MarketingProf

11-09-05, 03:40 PM

Although I have to admit, I have been curious about the Wide, Normal and Narrow settings for analog audio. I've tried them all and can only conclude that it refers to the sweep of the volume control. That is, on narrow you would have to move the volume many more tics to get the same increase in volume compared to Normal or Wide. Am I right on this?

Also, I've noticed that even when I have the volume all the way down, I can still hear it.

sheppardwk

11-09-05, 04:42 PM

I don't have those volume range choices with my system (1.87.16.109) but I understand that they relate to dynamic range on DD programs. DD has the ability to operate in a "night mode" where the dynamic range is compressed. This setting is usually on DD receivers (mine is called Dynamic Range and the choices are Maximum, Standard and Minimum). I think that your "Narrow" is equivalent to Minimum and your "Wide" is the same as Standard. My receiver's Maximum clearly exaggerates the dyamic range and I have it set at Standard.

Jim is right about the volume, it makes no difference on the digital out.

Yes, I enjoy the DD 5.1 on those channels that support it, but I was actually referring to the cable box settings and the audio through the TV - not through my stereo system. I'm just curious as to what the different settings/variables are and how it affects the volume through the TV.

vegggas

11-10-05, 02:36 AM

telemike

11-10-05, 07:29 AM

RE: audio delay issues. The video is ahead of the sound with DD5.1

DoubleDAZ

11-10-05, 08:20 AM

It seems like my previously recorded episodes of LOST were deleted automatically tonight. I had several episodes saved "Until I Erase", but 4 previous episodes were deleted automatially, leaving just last week's and tonight's episodes. ALL other programing was still available, including a recording from February, but only the LOST episodes were gone.

Can Anyone else confirm this on their DVR before I start getting postal?
Are time limited shows now appearing on cable DVR's from network programming?

I doubt this, but are you sure you didn't accidently have the number of episodes to save set to something other than All Episodes? I've never saved more than 2 episodes of anything, but it sure looks like there may be a bug in that part of the recording options. The options, other than All, go up to 5 episodes and you hit number 6, so my guess is that the number of episodes to save is not working quite right as opposed to something the networks may be doing. Does anyone have 6 or more episodes of anything saved?

Jim Boden

11-10-05, 09:08 AM

RE: audio delay issues. The video is ahead of the sound with DD5.1

That's interesting. I've always found the opposite to be true. Video delays are caused by things like 3/2 pull down processing. That's why audio delays are built into many processors/receivers. Delaying the audio compensates for the video delay and presumably reduces or eliminates the lip synch problem.

marchristensen

11-10-05, 09:42 AM

I have had shows that were set to Keep Till I Erase mysteriously disappear from my 8300HD too.

vegggas

11-10-05, 11:20 AM

Dave,
I always use the "Save until I erase" and "Save all episodes" option for my recordings (default). The scary thing is that I had SEVERAL episodes saved from the past several weeks (all repeats and one or two original airings) They were there yesterday, as I was scrolling through my list of shows, but after last nights episode, suddenly only the last episode and the current one was available, and my available recording space increased.
I did a hard boot, just in case the virtual table was corrupted, but to no avail. Seeing how much available recording space had increased was the big tip-off that they were definately gone.
I had heard about time sensitive recordings that will erase after a predetermined amount of time, and I am wondering if it is starting. I will contact some people at Cox and the local ABC station to see if they are starting to do that.

vegggas

telemike

11-10-05, 12:26 PM

That's interesting. I've always found the opposite to be true. Video delays are caused by things like 3/2 pull down processing. That's why audio delays are built into many processors/receivers. Delaying the audio compensates for the video delay and presumably reduces or eliminates the lip synch problem.

I'll have to double check which way is what again.....

dt_dc

11-10-05, 02:12 PM

It seems like my previously recorded episodes of LOST were deleted automatically tonight.Cox Fairfax, SARA 1.87.16.1

Were they recorded as "One Episode" or as "All Episodes" recordings?

If "One Episode" ... I've never had a "One Episode" recording be deleted for unexplained reasons. Can't help there.

But for "All Episodes" recordings ... there seem to be various bugs with them and save times ... surprised you haven't run into them before.

Basically:

1) "All Episode" Recordings will start getting Auto-Deleted if space is low regardless of "Save Until" setting.

This one I've seen lots of times. It doesn't matter if you flip them over to "Save Until I Delete". It doesn't matter if they're marked as "Save All Episodes". Auto-Delete will start erasing "All Episodes" recordings when space is needed.

2) "All Episode" recordings don't always respect the "Keep ___ Episodes" setting.

This one I've seen less times ... and it may actually be a result of #1. But, it sometimes seems like some random number of "All Episode" recordings will get cleared when there's a new recording of that episode regardless of the "Keep ___ Episodes" setting. Sometimes one old episode ... sometimes several ... I haven't seen much logic to it.

As a result of these (and other "All Episode" issues) I really don't use "All Episodes" all that often ... especially not for content I care about (or that's likely to raise conflicts). Basically I just use them for 1) shows for the kids 2) PTI, nightly news, and a few other daily shows 3) a few shows (especially some of my wife's shows) that I would otherwise completely forget about.

So ... I haven't tried to figure out exactly what the "All Episodes" save time bugs are. But be forewarned ... they are flakey.

Actually two other questions if "Lost" was an "All Episodes" recording:
1) Do you have anything saved that was recorded before last week's "Lost" other than "One Episode" "Save Until I Erase" recordings?
2) Was recording space full (or near full or almost full) when the old episodes got deleted?

Lampei

11-10-05, 06:16 PM

1) "All Episode" Recordings will start getting Auto-Deleted if space is low regardless of "Save Until" setting.

This one I've seen lots of times. It doesn't matter if you flip them over to "Save Until I Delete". It doesn't matter if they're marked as "Save All Episodes". Auto-Delete will start erasing "All Episodes" recordings when space is needed.

Mine doesn't seem to work like this. If I do "save until I delete" it will cease any new recordings on the 8300 until I make room by deleting some programs.

vegggas

11-10-05, 07:56 PM

For the record, I only had about 40% used space and continue to record and playback all other programs fine. If my drive space is full, the DVR will stop recording any further programs. That's a setting in the DVR that I use so that nothing gets erased. You can choose "Auto delete", which is the default, or delete only by user.
I have been using "All Episodes" for both seasons of Lost and "All New Episodes" for virtually all other programs without any problems.
I have recordings dating back to February 2005 that are still viewable. I still have the CBS viewings of Veronic Mars recorded and it's also set to record "All Episodes" in case CBS ever shows any more episodes.
Simply put, 4 weekly episodes of LOST, which I was saving to go back and review, were removed from my DVR, and no other programs were affected.

vegggas

DoubleDAZ

11-10-05, 08:41 PM

vegggas, how many episodes of VM do you have? Do you have over 5 of anything?

vegggas

11-10-05, 10:01 PM

I have two + entire seasons ( maybe 30 episodes?) of Amazing Race from the Game Show network with the Record All Episodes at Any Time (I manually delete the midnight repeats). Since it's a heavily compressed digital channel, and not in HD, it barely takes up any space. It always records and every few days, I go through and delete the ones I've already seen or duplicates.
I looked up some info about the TIVO red-flag incedent a few months ago. There was a flag set by the broadcaster that said to delete content after XX amount of time. It's part of the inherent Digital Rights Management (DRM) of digital broadcast flags and can be used by any broadcaster at anytime to prevent an active archive on a live DVR. I can only HOPE that my local ABC, or worse,the national network, was not testing this flag.
This is why I'm asking if anyone else had a similar experience with this show.
vegggas

tbuick6

11-11-05, 09:57 AM

I have a unique scenario in which I also have a Philips HDRW 720/17 DVD/DVR connected to my system. I have the 8300 connected to my Panasonic HDTV via HDMI. The Philips is connected to the 8300 via the S-Video connection. The problem: My Philips will only record from the 8300 if the TV is on. If the TV is off, I only get sound and an error message displayed that says my" TV does not support HDCP, please switch to component connection". If the TV is on, the Philips records programs perfectly. This is not a viable option since I'd have to leave my TV on 24/7 to insure my scheduled recordings on the Philips would take place. I like to use the HD8300 for HD recordings and leave the SD recording to the Philips. I remember reading somewhere that there is a command that can be entered via the 8300 remote that can disable the "HDCP handshake" requirement between the TV and 8300. Did I imagine this? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

PS - Using the component connection instead of HDMI is not an option I wish to use. I appreciate the quality of my HD picture too much with the HDMI connection and also am using the component connections on my TV for other devices.

Thanks.
Tom

dt_dc

11-11-05, 10:47 AM

For the record, I only had about 40% used space and continue to record and playback all other programs fine. (...) I have been using "All Episodes" for both seasons of Lost and "All New Episodes" for virtually all other programs without any problems.Then it sounds like #2 above. Like I said ... I haven't seen it often but I have seen it. Although, come to think of it, the two examples that first come to mind were both on the same channel so perhaps it is something that is channel/show specific.

I've got "Bob the Builder" and "Thomas the Tank Engine" all-episode" "any time" recodings (like I said ... I use them for the kids shows) ... both from the same PBS digital station ... and a couple times ... it's dropped all but the last two episodes.