I just noticed yesterday that several of my TVGOS channels had become disabled. I re-enabled them yesterday, and today, there's still no listings for them. These are HBOHD, Showtime-HD, and Cinemax-HD.

Comcast says there's nothing wrong with their transmission. Other premium channels, such as Starz, are populating fine.

Same thing happened to me with HBOHD, Showtime HD and Cinemax HD. I only pay for HBOHD but noticed all 3 were at the bottom of my listings and were shut off.
HBOHD worked fine for me at first but I reset my guide a few weeks back and it wouldn't appear. I had to add it from the list that I think populates for comcast channels, I have wide open west. It works so I'm happy about that but it was off yesterday when I went to check what was playing and had to turn it back on. Weird. :confused:

... HBOHD worked fine for me at first but I reset my guide a few weeks back and it wouldn't appear. I had to add it from the list that I think populates for comcast channels
Now that you mention it, that happened to me too. They all repopulated after I found and re-enabled them, though. Neither HBO-HD nor Showtime-HD have icons, though Cinemax-HD does.

Now that you mention it, that happened to me too. They all repopulated after I found and re-enabled them, though. Neither HBO-HD nor Showtime-HD have icons, though Cinemax-HD does.

Exactly the same for me, HBOHD used to have an icon and now it doesn't. When I had Toshiba on the phone for another issue I told them about this.

It doesn't bother me too much since the other (comcast lineup) HBOHD is working and I can program my DVR using that listing. But if it keeps getting turned off then it'll be a problem as my DVR won't record.

Exactly the same for me, HBOHD used to have an icon and now it doesn't. When I had Toshiba on the phone for another issue I told them about this.

It doesn't bother me too much since the other (comcast lineup) HBOHD is working and I can program my DVR using that listing. But if it keeps getting turned off then it'll be a problem as my DVR won't record.

Gemstar must me messing around with the channel lineup and listing data. Yesterday my ESPN-HD and NESN-HD had been turned off. Last week several of my local network HD channels had been turned off.

I have a Toshiba 56HM195, v.1.3.1 SW, and CableCard, all working together with TVGOS. The CableCard was just installed last Saturday. TVGOS was populated by Monday morning and channel maps / labels are mostly there.

Just wanted to throw out a bit of hope for my fellow Toshiba 1.3.1 w/ CableCard users. I'll knock on wood, though, since it's only my 3rd day of guide data.

Setup:

56HM195 w/1.3.1 (installed prior to CC install).
Cable in Ant 1.
OTA Antenna on ANT2.
CableCard = SA PowerKey CC.
Time Warner Cable - Rochester NY
Host Channel = PBS 11 (cable).

After 1 1/2 week, TVGOS w/ CC still working without any major issues. Some small issues where a couple of Digital Channels will not tune (just a black screen) but it's only 2 channels that I know of.

Does any one know what happened to the tvgos.theabsolutenuts.com site?
Appears to be gone.

Judging by the error at the main virtual host (http://www.theabsolutenuts.com/) I'd bet their just having technical difficulties.

WOW - nice to see I'm not alone going CRAZY with TVGOS!

I was very surprised to find this issue under Display Devices? I post and follow the DVR forum where there are also many TVGOS problems discussed.

I've had (and returned) 2 Pioneer 531 DVR's because I couldn't get their TVGOS to work for more than a week or so, now I just got a Panasonic EH75V - and of course can't get its TVGOS to work!

(Perhaps I'm the problem?)

Anyone have any info on the Comcast in the Tampa Bay - Sarasota Area?

Can anyone point me to a website or phone number - or offer any suggestions?

Thanks!

WOW - nice to see I'm not alone going CRAZY with TVGOS!

I was very surprised to find this issue under Display Devices? I post and follow the DVR forum where there are also many TVGOS problems discussed.

I've had (and returned) 2 Pioneer 531 DVR's because I couldn't get their TVGOS to work for more than a week or so, now I just got a Panasonic EH75V - and of course can't get its TVGOS to work!

(Perhaps I'm the problem?)

Anyone have any info on the Comcast in the Tampa Bay - Sarasota Area?

Can anyone point me to a website or phone number - or offer any suggestions?

Thanks!
I have a Toshiba RDXS34 DVD recorder. I purchased it in Jan and had problems with the TVGOS through April. I rarely got listings (in Rochester, Minnesota area). I kept working for many weeks with the Toshiba tech support person that worked on TVGOS problems. We gathered info to pass on to TVGOS. Eventually they solved a hardware problem at one of the host stations. I have had listings ever since. With all the forum comments I thought it might be my recorder but it ended up being other technical problems. I would suggest you keep hounding your machine's tech support people until they get the proper info to TVGOS. TVGOS will not work with private individuals (I would suspect they would be overwhelmed). Hope you have patience because it could take quite a while. I stopped calling Toshiba for a while and suddenly it started to work after a number of weeks. The wait was worth it. Even though the guide is not perfect, it sure is nice to have. I really have liked my XS34 (I purchased it for archiving home videos to DVD). I like it even more now because of the ease of recording TV programs. Good luck.

I'm with Comcast in Sarasota, Fl. I have two Sony DHG HDD 500 DVR's which have been working nearly perfectly for four months until I lost the clock and all guide updates last week. My host channel had been 1:0:3(cable channel 3) and I was receiving good VBI data on Ch 3 until I stopped getting updates last week but none since. I've found that I still get good VBI packets on two other cable channels(7ABC & 13FOX).

I've tried front panel reset, reset factory defaults, the 963214785 code to force VBI channel and even restore factory defaults which formats the hard drives in attempts to get 7 or 13 as my host channel but nothing has worked. Both 500's now show a blank for the host channel. I've also called Sony, Channel 3, and Comcast. But found no one who had any knowledge about TVGOS.(Comcast wouldn't connect me to an engineer and I've left two voice mails which haven't been returned at Channel 3 engineering. Second level support at Sony was better but I don't think he knew as much as I've learned from this thread.)
TWO QUESTIONS:

1. Does anyone know how I can force the machines to pick a host channel with good VBI data?


2. Is anyone else having the same problems in the Tampa - Sarasota area? (Siesta Key Jim I posted this on a different thread - I'm on LongboatKey - it looks as if we're having the same problems. If you'll PM me you phone # I'd like to call. Thanks - Earl P)



Thanks in advance for any info on this subject

Quick Update:
I have had my Toshiba 62HM94 for about a year and a half now and my TV Guide has still never worked. Toshiba stopped calling me back a long time ago. In addition the clock on my Tv is way off and I am unable to reset the time. It keeps telling me that it gets the correct time from the TV Guide....which doesn't work in the fist place. This has all been a major annoyance.

I'm with Comcast in Sarasota, Fl. I have two Sony DHG HDD 500 DVR's which have been working nearly perfectly for four months until I lost the clock and all guide updates last week. My host channel had been 1:0:3(cable channel 3) and I was receiving good VBI data on Ch 3 until I stopped getting updates last week but none since. I've found that I still get good VBI packets on two other cable channels(7ABC & 13FOX).

I've tried front panel reset, reset factory defaults, the 963214785 code to force VBI channel and even restore factory defaults which formats the hard drives in attempts to get 7 or 13 as my host channel but nothing has worked. Both 500's now show a blank for the host channel. I've also called Sony, Channel 3, and Comcast. But found no one who had any knowledge about TVGOS.(Comcast wouldn't connect me to an engineer and I've left two voice mails which haven't been returned at Channel 3 engineering. Second level support at Sony was better but I don't think he knew as much as I've learned from this thread.)
TWO QUESTIONS:

1. Does anyone know how I can force the machines to pick a host channel with good VBI data?


2. Is anyone else having the same problems in the Tampa - Sarasota area? (Siesta Key Jim I posted this on a different thread - I'm on LongboatKey - it looks as if we're having the same problems. If you'll PM me you phone # I'd like to call. Thanks - Earl P)



Thanks in advance for any info on this subject

It sounds like the TVGOS data has stopped altogether. If you can't lock onto the clock data it can't proceed beyond that to get listing data. The data is supposed to come in on a specific channel for your area, so even though you still see VBI data on other channels, that VBI data is not related to TVGOS.

The process for these kinds of problems is to go through your product manufacturer, Sony, who should then be contacting Gemstar (owner of TVGOS) to troubleshoot the issue with Comcast. Gemstar will not talk directly to users, so when you call Sony you should insist on speaking to a TVGOS support prime.

Also, there is no way to force it to look at a specific host channel (which then tells it what VBI channel to use). That is done automatically when TVGOS is enabled and it scans all channels for the data. If it's unable to identify the host channel after about 72 hours, it resets and starts again.

Quick Update:
I have had my Toshiba 62HM94 for about a year and a half now and my TV Guide has still never worked. Toshiba stopped calling me back a long time ago. In addition the clock on my Tv is way off and I am unable to reset the time. It keeps telling me that it gets the correct time from the TV Guide....which doesn't work in the fist place. This has all been a major annoyance.

The Toshiba RDXS34 DVD recorder which I have could not have the clock set after the initial setting except through TV Guide until I got the latest firmware patch. Now there is a clock set function available. I am sure Toshiba heard many complaints about this from those that could not get the guide working. I am not familiar with the 62HM94. Are there ways to update your firmware?

Also, there is no way to force it to look at a specific host channel (which then tells it what VBI channel to use). That is done automatically when TVGOS is enabled and it scans all channels for the data. If it's unable to identify the host channel after about 72 hours, it resets and starts again.
True you cannot force a specific channel as the host. However, it was suggested by a Toshiba TVGOS "expert" when debugging my TVGOS problems on my RDXS34 DVD recorder that if there is a channel I don't want to pick up due to problems I could try to encourage my unit to choose another one as follows:
1. disable the channel I don't want as host by editing it out in the channel editor.
2. power down the box, unplug it for 5 seconds, and then replug it in.
3. power up as normal. If you understand the TVGOS diagnostic screens, you should be able to go to the "Slicing" pages a verify that the counters have been cleared. (Of course, you have to later shut it down in order to pick up the downloads)

This procedure clears some stats in the TVGOS including the host channel locked in. It will then start to search for a host channel and give higher priority to the channels that are enabled. Note that it can eventually come back and use the edited out channel if it does not find one it likes but at least it is supposed to give other channels a chance.

Thanks MAGREDC5 for your suggestion to insist on speaking to a TVGOS support prime. I have talked to a Sony 2nd level support. I didn't know there was such a thing as a TVGOS support prime. I have an event ID# so I'll call back and try your suggestion. I'm pretty sure the problem lies either with WEDU or Comcast but I don't have enough clout to reach a knowledgable person at either place.

Magredc5, I called Sony 2nd level tech support again but they didn't seem to know anything about a TVGOS support prime. They said they'd send an email to GEMSTAR to alert them to the problem but wouldn't promise me any feedback. Do you have any suggestion(or phone #) on how to get through to a TVGOS support prime? Thanks - EP

True you cannot force a specific channel as the host. However, it was suggested by a Toshiba TVGOS "expert" when debugging my TVGOS problems on my RDXS34 DVD recorder that if there is a channel I don't want to pick up due to problems I could try to encourage my unit to choose another one as follows:
1. disable the channel I don't want as host by editing it out in the channel editor.
2. power down the box, unplug it for 5 seconds, and then replug it in.
3. power up as normal. If you understand the TVGOS diagnostic screens, you should be able to go to the "Slicing" pages a verify that the counters have been cleared. (Of course, you have to later shut it down in order to pick up the downloads)

This procedure clears some stats in the TVGOS including the host channel locked in. It will then start to search for a host channel and give higher priority to the channels that are enabled. Note that it can eventually come back and use the edited out channel if it does not find one it likes but at least it is supposed to give other channels a chance.
That is correct, they had me try that because my tv was picking up the wrong channel for the clock source. I followed that process and my TV still ended up picking up the wrong channel. I've had my TV for about a year and still have no info or hope, until the next firmware update is available.

True you cannot force a specific channel as the host. However, it was suggested by a Toshiba TVGOS "expert" when debugging my TVGOS problems on my RDXS34 DVD recorder that if there is a channel I don't want to pick up due to problems I could try to encourage my unit to choose another one as follows:
1. disable the channel I don't want as host by editing it out in the channel editor.
2. power down the box, unplug it for 5 seconds, and then replug it in.
3. power up as normal. If you understand the TVGOS diagnostic screens, you should be able to go to the "Slicing" pages a verify that the counters have been cleared. (Of course, you have to later shut it down in order to pick up the downloads)

This procedure clears some stats in the TVGOS including the host channel locked in. It will then start to search for a host channel and give higher priority to the channels that are enabled. Note that it can eventually come back and use the edited out channel if it does not find one it likes but at least it is supposed to give other channels a chance.

Yes, this procedure is required if you are not getting listing data, but it means you've already been successful in downloading a channel map into TVGOS. The problem here is that Stingray1 can't even get to that point since no clock is being set, and no channel map is being downloaded. Only after that happens can you edit the channel map. In my case, my TVGOS VBI channel was incorrectly defined in the channel map as WGBH 97, when in fact it was WGBH 99, so I have to manually edit the tune-to channel every time I reinitialize TVGOS.

Stingray1: Sony should have a TVGOS application prime, Toshiba does. The fact that they sent an email to Gemstar is a good start. Maybe Sony's Level 2 support is set up to deal with it - keep calling them to check on the status and Gemstar's response, and if necessary ask for a supervisor. That generally gets things moving a bit better.

An update on my TVGOS problems:

I finally reached an engineer at WEDU in Tampa. They were having problems transmitting guide data via fiber to Comcast in Saratoa. Happy to say the problem appears to be fixed as my clock is now correct, I'm receiving VBI packets on channel 3(Comcast), and my guide is filling out. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Hoping someone could answer this for me......

I am in the Toronto, Canada area and recently bought the 56HM195 in a package which came with the VCR/DVD home theatre system and the Symbio recorder. I run the cable box to the Television via component video connection. I have yet to be able to get any listings on my TVGoS and have been waiting after the setup for like two days. Any suggestions? And how is the symbio going to work if it only runs on either ANT1, 2 or Video 1 as i have been reading. I only get HD channels via the cable box my provider has given me and I obviously need to run that via the component video. I am really confused on how I can get this whole thing to work properly. Without using the symbio, everything is fine right now. But the thing is useless to me if i can't use it with my cable box. Any help would be much appreciated.

Also, anyone have any excessive fan noise with this TV??

Hoping someone could answer this for me......

I am in the Toronto, Canada area and recently bought the 56HM195 in a package which came with the VCR/DVD home theatre system and the Symbio recorder. I run the cable box to the Television via component video connection. I have yet to be able to get any listings on my TVGoS and have been waiting after the setup for like two days. Any suggestions? And how is the symbio going to work if it only runs on either ANT1, 2 or Video 1 as i have been reading. I only get HD channels via the cable box my provider has given me and I obviously need to run that via the component video. I am really confused on how I can get this whole thing to work properly. Without using the symbio, everything is fine right now. But the thing is useless to me if i can't use it with my cable box. Any help would be much appreciated.

Also, anyone have any excessive fan noise with this TV??

You should be able to get TVGOS with your setup assuming your cable box is connected to VIDEO1 and you've followed the setup procedure exactly (i.e. configured the G-Link cable and cable box code). Also, you need to leave your cable box ON even when the TV is OFF since the TVGOS application needs to control the cable box to tune to the correct Host/VBI channel to receive it's data.

On the Symbio, it will record any source into the TV on ANT 1, ANT 2, or VIDEO 1 while connected to the TV via the firewire port. Again, I'm assuming your cablebox is connected to the TV's VIDEO 1 port with component, so this should work. But again, the cablebox needs to be ON at all times so TVGOS can controll it via the G-Link. There is a way you can manually schedule recordings on the Symbio via the Schedule screen in TVGOS, but I assume that means the TVGOS must at least have a clock signal.

You should be able to get TVGOS with your setup assuming your cable box is connected to VIDEO1 and you've followed the setup procedure exactly (i.e. configured the G-Link cable and cable box code). Also, you need to leave your cable box ON even when the TV is OFF since the TVGOS application needs to control the cable box to tune to the correct Host/VBI channel to receive it's data.

On the Symbio, it will record any source into the TV on ANT 1, ANT 2, or VIDEO 1 while connected to the TV via the firewire port. Again, I'm assuming your cablebox is connected to the TV's VIDEO 1 port with component, so this should work. But again, the cablebox needs to be ON at all times so TVGOS can controll it via the G-Link. There is a way you can manually schedule recordings on the Symbio via the Schedule screen in TVGOS, but I assume that means the TVGOS must at least have a clock signal.

Thanks for your response, however, I am confused about something you said. Video 1 on my TV would consist of the standard RCA video or S-Video connection. The component video is via Colorstream 1 and is a separate input and connection on the back of my TV. This is the only connection which supports component video. So, in reality, i am not plugged into ANT 1,2 or Video 1. That is the problem with this device. Any thoughts?

Thanks for your response, however, I am confused about something you said. Video 1 on my TV would consist of the standard RCA video or S-Video connection. The component video is via Colorstream 1 and is a separate input and connection on the back of my TV. This is the only connection which supports component video. So, in reality, i am not plugged into ANT 1,2 or Video 1. That is the problem with this device. Any thoughts?
I think that you should call Toshiba and ask them. The Symbio manual says "Video 1" and does not say "Colorstream 1". Most likely it doesn't record from component, but that seems odd to me. If they can record S-Video, why not component?

Thanks for your response, however, I am confused about something you said. Video 1 on my TV would consist of the standard RCA video or S-Video connection. The component video is via Colorstream 1 and is a separate input and connection on the back of my TV. This is the only connection which supports component video. So, in reality, i am not plugged into ANT 1,2 or Video 1. That is the problem with this device. Any thoughts?


Sorry, my confusion. I meant to say composite on VIDEO1, not component. The TV user manual explicitly lists only ANT1, ANT2 or VIDEO1 as inputs for TVGOS, so that's probably why you're not getting any data. And from your note it sounds like your cable box doesn't have any output other than component, is that right?

You can get TVGOS data by splitting the cable and feeding straight cable into ANT1 or ANT2, but that will only provide you with the listing data - you wouldn't be able to control your cable box since that's on another input.

Does anybody have any idea when the new firmware update (newer than 1.3.1) will be shipped? My problems is still completely unresolved and that's all I have to look forward to.

Does anybody have any idea when the new firmware update (newer than 1.3.1) will be shipped? My problems is still completely unresolved and that's all I have to look forward to.

I posted an update on the MX195 thread. I spoke to Toshiba CS last week and they told me the new S/W was going through the final "soak" testing in their quality labs and expected it to be available in about 2 weeks, maybe 3. So I expect that it should be available by the end of the month. I had them add me to an escalation list so I'll get contacted as soon as it's available. You should call them and have yourself added as well.

I posted an update on the MX195 thread. I spoke to Toshiba CS last week and they told me the new S/W was going through the final "soak" testing in their quality labs and expected it to be available in about 2 weeks, maybe 3. So I expect that it should be available by the end of the month. I had them add me to an escalation list so I'll get contacted as soon as it's available. You should call them and have yourself added as well.I actually am on that list thanks to you mentioning it earlier in this thread. I was just getting impatient because they had no timeline established so I could have been another year for all I knew. So 2 or 3 weeks isn't so bad, thanks for the update.

Was hoping someone could help me with a question. I am aware of all the problems people are having getting the TVGoS to update for them. But I have a question on my setup. I am wondering if the way I have everything configured is an issue. I have a Toshiba 56HM195 with a SA3250 STB and a toshiba DVD/VCR Home Theatre combo (came with the TV). I run my cable in to my STB, then out to the receiver and then back to the television. Standard hook up if i ever wanted to use the VCR to record off ANT1 etc..... I also have the STB connected to the component video Colorstream input for HD and use the DVD/VCR as my home theatre system. My speakers connect to that and run on an optical input. So I never use the receiver for anything other then sound at this point, and DVD play. Anyway, i recently used the g-link connector to sync up my STB with the TV and the test seemed to work. So I shut down my TV, left the cable box on and the cable box proceeded to start cycling through channels. I am assuming this is normal. However, after leaving it like this overnight, I did not even get a channel list. The clock works in the TVGoS main screen, but no channel list. Everytime I shut the TV off, the cable box continues to cycle. I understand that it takes 24 hours to get the guide, but the channel list too?? And when you start this process, do you have to leave the TV off for 24 hours in order for it to completely work? I thought the channel list appeared after a few hours. Anyway, I apologize if these seem like simple or redundant questions, but this is my first HD television and a little different animal for me then the others.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Was hoping someone could help me with a question. I am aware of all the problems people are having getting the TVGoS to update for them. But I have a question on my setup. I am wondering if the way I have everything configured is an issue. I have a Toshiba 56HM195 with a SA3250 STB and a toshiba DVD/VCR Home Theatre combo (came with the TV). I run my cable in to my STB, then out to the receiver and then back to the television. Standard hook up if i ever wanted to use the VCR to record off ANT1 etc..... I also have the STB connected to the component video Colorstream input for HD and use the DVD/VCR as my home theatre system. My speakers connect to that and run on an optical input. So I never use the receiver for anything other then sound at this point, and DVD play. Anyway, i recently used the g-link connector to sync up my STB with the TV and the test seemed to work. So I shut down my TV, left the cable box on and the cable box proceeded to start cycling through channels. I am assuming this is normal. However, after leaving it like this overnight, I did not even get a channel list. The clock works in the TVGoS main screen, but no channel list. Everytime I shut the TV off, the cable box continues to cycle. I understand that it takes 24 hours to get the guide, but the channel list too?? And when you start this process, do you have to leave the TV off for 24 hours in order for it to completely work? I thought the channel list appeared after a few hours. Anyway, I apologize if these seem like simple or redundant questions, but this is my first HD television and a little different animal for me then the others.

Any help would be much appreciated.Well that's good that it's cycling through your channels, that's normal. And it's very good that it's picked up the clock, that means that it's found, what is normally (but not always) the Host channel, which is where the guide data is received from. Generally the next thing that would happen is when you turn on your TV, the TV Guide will ask you which channel lineup you should be receiving (based on the zip code you entered in setup). Once you select that lineup, the data will begin to download.

I've heard in some cases, the lineup could take days to download, a lot of times more than the 24 hours indicated. So I guess the first thing is, Have you been prompted to select your lineup yet?

Well that's good that it's cycling through your channels, that's normal. And it's very good that it's picked up the clock, that means that it's found, what is normally (but not always) the Host channel, which is where the guide data is received from. Generally the next thing that would happen is when you turn on your TV, the TV Guide will ask you which channel lineup you should be receiving (based on the zip code you entered in setup). Once you select that lineup, the data will begin to download.

I've heard in some cases, the lineup could take days to download, a lot of times more than the 24 hours indicated. So I guess the first thing is, Have you been prompted to select your lineup yet?


Thanks for the response. To answer your question, no, I have not selected the TV lineup yet. Does it automatically prompt that when you turn the TV on? Nothing happens when I turn the TV on, and when I push the guide button, it just gives me that screen that says no data is available.

Thanks for the response. To answer your question, no, I have not selected the TV lineup yet. Does it automatically prompt that when you turn the TV on? Nothing happens when I turn the TV on, and when I push the guide button, it just gives me that screen that says no data is available.

As Korbink says, getting the clock signal is a great start. Sometimes your zipcode (or postal code) is not set up by Gemstar/TVGOS so it doesn't find the data. You should try re-running the TVGOS setup and change only the zip/postal code to a more common one in your area to see if that works. Some additional things to check:

- What S/W version is your TV on (1.3.1 is the latest).
- Do you know how to check the diagnostic screens of TVGOS? There is a lot of info that will tell you if it's seeing data. Do a search on this forum for this string "753159852", which is the code to access the TVGOS diag screens and you'll see how this code is used and what info is available.

Once you do that, we can see how far TVGOS is getting and what might be preventing it from updating.

As Korbink says, getting the clock signal is a great start. Sometimes your zipcode (or postal code) is not set up by Gemstar/TVGOS so it doesn't find the data. You should try re-running the TVGOS setup and change only the zip/postal code to a more common one in your area to see if that works. Some additional things to check:

- What S/W version is your TV on (1.3.1 is the latest).
- Do you know how to check the diagnostic screens of TVGOS? There is a lot of info that will tell you if it's seeing data. Do a search on this forum for this string "753159852", which is the code to access the TVGOS diag screens and you'll see how this code is used and what info is available.

Once you do that, we can see how far TVGOS is getting and what might be preventing it from updating.

I did the logistics check as per the posts in this forum. I do not have a host channel where it should say one. It is just blank. There is something that says VBI Channel which says 1:0-352. Which is weird because 352 is a pay per view channel which obviously does not seem correct. From reading other posts it seems that analog 808 in the rogers area should be the host channel. I run my TV on the Colorstream HD1 input which is the component video input on the back of my TV, would that be causing a problem? I don't use it on ANT1 obviously because I cannot get the HD signal that way. That is just standard cable.

I did the logistics check as per the posts in this forum. I do not have a host channel where it should say one. It is just blank. There is something that says VBI Channel which says 1:0-352. Which is weird because 352 is a pay per view channel which obviously does not seem correct. From reading other posts it seems that analog 808 in the rogers area should be the host channel. I run my TV on the Colorstream HD1 input which is the component video input on the back of my TV, would that be causing a problem? I don't use it on ANT1 obviously because I cannot get the HD signal that way. That is just standard cable.
In my case the VBI channel listed in the Diagnostics screen is usually the last channel I visited and is irrelevant to the guide data. I'm not sure if that's how it's supposed to be, but it's that way for me. I would let it sit overnight at least one more time and if you still don't have anything try what magredc5 said and change the zip code to another one in your area that would have the same lineup.

TVGOS is great for letting me know when movies are coming on and a description of plot-lines. Often, I rate a movie's quality by which actors are in the movie - not necessarily by the plot-line.

So I have to go to the internet to see who's in the movie that's listed on my TVGOS.

Is anyone receiving the CAST listings? Is something wrong with my TVGOS or is this normal?

NOTE: CAST is listed in the diagnostic screen (along with showtimes, etc.). So I'm perplexed why I hardly ever see cast-members listed.

Earlier this week my channel lineup reset to its default setting. The last time was about 2 months ago. I did not lose any VBI stats or other screen data. However, I now have a new host channel (1-14) which is the Cablevision Channel Guide and data appears to be downloading from it according to the Reception Slicing Screen. Previously I had (1-2) CBS showing as the host but no data. Also previously, my clock set and clock fail channel were both (2-13) OTA WNET (PBS). Now clock set is (1-14) and clock fail is (2-13). It may be that Cablevision agreed to allow TVGuide data to come via the Guide channel (Probably for a nice fee from TVGuide) . It is an analog channel so the VBI signal is unimpeded. If this continues its good news for Cablevision subscribers as they won't need to get the data from PBS OTA.

Is anyone receiving the CAST listings? Is something wrong with my TVGOS or is this normal?

NOTE: CAST is listed in the diagnostic screen (along with showtimes, etc.). So I'm perplexed why I hardly ever see cast-members listed.

I only notice cast-members on the Network channels (NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, WB) and not all the time. Don't recall seeing them on any of the Movie channels. Not sure why.

Thanks Jim777. That's exactly the information I needed. It seems stupid that Cast members are not listed for movies. All internet movie sites highlight the cast members because this is important. Maybe Gemstar will make a LITTLE more effort in the future. This would not require much more additional effort on their end but would surely add to the value of TVGOS.

I can hope.

Thanks Jim777. That's exactly the information I needed. It seems stupid that Cast members are not listed for movies. All internet movie sites highlight the cast members because this is important. Maybe Gemstar will make a LITTLE more effort in the future. This would not require much more additional effort on their end but would surely add to the value of TVGOS.

I can hope.

The older version (7.x) of the TVGOS supports movie cast listings on all channels. I get on my LG-LST3410A DVR, but on my Toshiba DLP that info is absent.

Thanks Jim777. That's exactly the information I needed. It seems stupid that Cast members are not listed for movies. All internet movie sites highlight the cast members because this is important. Maybe Gemstar will make a LITTLE more effort in the future. This would not require much more additional effort on their end but would surely add to the value of TVGOS.

I can hope.
My Toshiba 52HM95, the same as your Toshiba, doesn't populate the movie cast members but my RCA DVD recorder which has Guide Plus Gold does include them, so go figure.

Does anybody have any idea when the new firmware update (newer than 1.3.1) will be shipped? My problems is still completely unresolved and that's all I have to look forward to.

I posted an update on the MX195 thread. I spoke to Toshiba CS last week and they told me the new S/W was going through the final "soak" testing in their quality labs and expected it to be available in about 2 weeks, maybe 3. So I expect that it should be available by the end of the month. I had them add me to an escalation list so I'll get contacted as soon as it's available. You should call them and have yourself added as well.

FYI - I posted an update ont he MX195 thread. The new 1.3.2 S/W has been released for distribution, and Toshiba told me today that it should be ready to ship out to customers in another day or so.

My Toshiba 52HM95, the same as your Toshiba, doesn't populate the movie cast members but my RCA DVD recorder which has Guide Plus Gold does include them, so go figure.

I called Toshiba today and relayed this information to them. I told Toshiba that Gemstar is sending the cast-member-data, but Toshiba TV's are not retrieving cast-member-data.

Toshiba told me that no one else has complained.

If anyone out there agrees that this is a significant drawback to TVGOS, then you should call so they can log your complaint. Maybe if enough people complain, they'll do something. Perhaps by SEINE upgrade 1.3.55.

Their phone number is 800-631-3811. Then dial 1 and then 6 to go to the representative. Takes about 5-minutes.

FYI - I posted an update ont he MX195 thread. The new 1.3.2 S/W has been released for distribution, and Toshiba told me today that it should be ready to ship out to customers in another day or so.Awesome mag, thanks for the update.

After another two months of no problems with my cablecard and TVGOS in my Toshiba 42hp95 yesterday the cablecard had to be reset because it stopped decoding the digital channels and this morning I have no guide information. If there's no guide tomorrow morning I'll have to call Toshiba and see what is up.

Sucks that the system seems to work for two months and then craps out. Last time it was because my cable company sent down a firmware upgrade to the cablecard that made it incompatible with the tv firmware. I guess it would have happened again.

-Jody

TV Guide On-Screen works fair to good here in Houston; however there are always a couple of areas that should be addressed in program schedules that they "messed-up" all the time.

It would seem there would be a customer support line to call to get programming fixed and fixed permanently? Is there such a phone number?

A few of the items to be fixed:

WB 39-1 never list the HD programs; in fact it is not listed in the standard TV Guide line up at all, at least you can re-assign the numbers; but you are still missing the HD information.

NBC Local News 2-1 is always listed has a HD program.........it's not HD.

PBS 8-1 is almost always in HD; but the HD flag is usually missing, about 80% of the time.

Approximately 60-80% of the digital stations are missing all together; again re-assignment can work; but often the information is incorrect then.

Who do you call?

TV Guide On-Screen works fair to good here in Houston; however there are always a couple of areas that should be addressed in program schedules that they "messed-up" all the time.

It would seem there would be a customer support line to call to get programming fixed and fixed permanently? Is there such a phone number?

Who do you call?

You'll have to call Toshiba at the number I listed above. They will then forward your detailed problems to Gemstar. Gemstar can not be contacted directly.

When you call, please mention your not getting cast-member listing also even though Gemstar is tranmitting this data.

You'll have to call Toshiba at the number I listed above. They will then forward your detailed problems to Gemstar. Gemstar can not be contacted directly.

When you call, please mention your not getting cast-member listing also even though Gemstar is tranmitting this data.

Whoops, I think you were answering another post? I have a Sony. Anyway in checking with the local stations they all claimed they have notified Gemstar in regard to sending out the correct data.........but I guess Gemstar has a mind of their own, and are not interested in sending out correct data?

TV Guide On-Screen works fair to good here in Houston; however there are always a couple of areas that should be addressed in program schedules that they "messed-up" all the time.

It would seem there would be a customer support line to call to get programming fixed and fixed permanently? Is there such a phone number?

A few of the items to be fixed:

WB 39-1 never list the HD programs; in fact it is not listed in the standard TV Guide line up at all, at least you can re-assign the numbers; but you are still missing the HD information.

NBC Local News 2-1 is always listed has a HD program.........it's not HD.

PBS 8-1 is almost always in HD; but the HD flag is usually missing, about 80% of the time.

Approximately 60-80% of the digital stations are missing all together; again re-assignment can work; but often the information is incorrect then.

Who do you call?

Yes, it seems that the TV Guide data is not always accurate or complete, but things are improving. Over the past month or so, Gemstar has added many channels that previously were not in the channel list for my area, including TNT-HD, INHD2, and Universal HD. They seem to be actively adding to their data stream so keep checking your channel list as sometimes they come in initially turned OFF.

Just an update on my situation. I still have no data or time in my TVGOS. I called Toshiba today and was told that the 'specialist' will call me back 'in a couple of days....'

-Jody

Interesting poll. 70% of the respondents have problems with the service.

They (TV Guide) couldn't get the magazine together, now they can't get their electronic replacement working either. :mad:


Anyone that has this feature, can it be disabled or limited in such a way it doesn't 'screw' up the device it's embedded in?? IOW's make it go away.............

You do not need to use the TVGOS if you don't like it or it doesn't work. It does not in any way screw up other functions of your TV. It works great on mine.

This is on something other tha a TV; a DVR.

Is it 'normal' for the actors NOT to be listed in the movie listings??

Is it 'normal' for the actors NOT to be listed in the movie listings??

Per above post from Sundowner8..."My Toshiba 52HM95, the same as your Toshiba, doesn't populate the movie cast members but my RCA DVD recorder which has Guide Plus Gold does include them, so go figure."

This means that Gemstar is transmitting the cast-member/actors data, but Toshiba TVGOS does not report this data.

Please correct me if I've misunderstood.

Per above post from Sundowner8..."My Toshiba 52HM95, the same as your Toshiba, doesn't populate the movie cast members but my RCA DVD recorder which has Guide Plus Gold does include them, so go figure."

This means that Gemstar is transmitting the cast-member/actors data, but Toshiba TVGOS does not report this data.

Please correct me if I've misunderstood.

I was in a hurry and my previous post may not be clear enough. So here goes...

I do not get premium movie channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) so I do not know what the listings include for these premium movie channels.

I do get TNT, TBS, USA, Spike, etc. which do have movies. The listings for these channels do not normally include actors/cast-members. But Sundowner8 says these listings are transmitted by Gemstar/received by his/her RCA-unit (if I understand Sundowner8 correctly).

Hope this is now more clear.

Thanks.

Experts, please post your opinion. I received notification from Toshiba that a software upgrade is coming (today is 7/3/06). Should I install it when it comes or wait for someone else to be a guinea pig? I think I remember the last one released in the Spring of 2006 was a disaster and people were told not to install.

Will this software update allow my TVGOS listings to populate from ANT1 (the cablecard/digital resource)? Or does it have nothing to do w/TVGOS?

My situation:
- 95HM62 software 1.3.1, TVGOS build 6/2/2005
- using a splitter, I hooked cable line to ANT1 (digital) and ANT2 (analog)
- As long as TVGOS is told the cable connection is ANT2, TVGOS populates.
- When I want to record a program I switch the setup to point to ANT1.
- After the recording I point it back to ANT2 so it continues to pick up listings.

Experts, please post your opinion. I received notification from Toshiba that a software upgrade is coming (today is 7/3/06). Should I install it when it comes or wait for someone else to be a guinea pig? I think I remember the last one released in the Spring of 2006 was a disaster and people were told not to install.

Will this software update allow my TVGOS listings to populate from ANT1 (the cablecard/digital resource)? Or does it have nothing to do w/TVGOS?

My situation:
- 95HM62 software 1.3.1, TVGOS build 6/2/2005
- using a splitter, I hooked cable line to ANT1 (digital) and ANT2 (analog)
- As long as TVGOS is told the cable connection is ANT2, TVGOS populates.
- When I want to record a program I switch the setup to point to ANT1.
- After the recording I point it back to ANT2 so it continues to pick up listings.

My floundering friend. ;)

Yes, 1.3.2 fixes the broken TVGOS on ANT1/CableCard (that Toshiba gave us with 1.3.1). I got the notice in the mail today as well.

I have the same setup as you with my cable split (ANT1 Digital with CableCard, ANT2 Analog).

At least one forum member received this new S/W about 10 days ago (got it earlier due to a good relationship with Toshiba CS). I've received some updates from him that it's working as promised. He also uses a Symbio DVR.

I will install it as soon as I get it.

Okay guys, here's my problem.

I have a Mitsubishi 60' model VS60603
For some reason (I assume one that is not a problem for the rest of you) when my power goes out, the TV guide resets itself, and loses all information. Rather then re-downloading everything, it just displays "TV Guide is now programming. Hit HOME to delay, or CANCEL to stop download." in a big black box at the bottom of my screen. I've let it try to download before for over 48 hours, yet it never does. It always just says that, and then turns itself off after a few seconds. The main problem here is, the remote. I need to know, or figure out, a way to cancel or delay this, without using the remote (as it has recently broken, lo and behold, the power went out). Other then shelling out the money for a new remote, is there any way to do this?

Any experiences with the 1.3.2 firmware upgrade? TVGOS went out for about a month for me, but earlier this week it started working again. At this point I am going to hold off -- after all if it ain't currently broke, why take the risk with a firmware upgrade?

I received the latest update today and applied to my 50HP95. Showed clock nearly immediately. Off for 5 hours, when I returned, prompted me which Comcast lineup I wanted, wasn't sure, so I took the second. Populated with channels that qucik. Still no data yet for the lineup, but I'm pretty sure it's coming.
Seems like they finally got something worked out!

Saint's preserve me! I applied the June 2006 patch this morning at 9am and:
> I switched the TVGOS to look for data on ANT1
> the listings and clock disappeared, I turned off the TV for 8 hours
> the listings reappeared fully populated by 6pm
> my selected recordings are still there,
> my favorite channels are still there,
> I had to re-do the channel on/off thing in TVGOS,
> Channels 42 & 43 (CNN) say low digital signal strength. But that was happening occasionally. To fix I have to unplug the TV from the wall for 30 secs. Or go to analog to watch it.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it isn't a fluke, that it isn't just using the listings I had in there downloaded from analog ANT2. I'll see tomorrow if it adds listings for a new day at the end of its calendar.

Good to hear. I'm away from home until Sunday, but should have 1.3.2 waiting for me when I get home, so I'll install when I get back.

Woohoo!
TVGOS working! :) :) :)

I loaded 1.3.2 on thursday and got a line-up on friday...Did some channel editing fri night. My guide started filling in last night (sat morning). It seems that some, but not all of my edits were undone??? In any case, I'm glad it's at least kind of working agin! I've had no guide since I loaded 1.3.1 back in early April.

Hey guys. I just purchased a Toshiba DLP, and I'm having some issues with the TVGOS and CableCard. I've had it powered off for 2 nights, and no channel content has appeared yet. TVGOS is populating the clock info however. Trying to look into the problem, I used the 3570 code to get to the status menu, and when I go to view error log the most recent error is "EEPROM CRC Bad." Is the flash memory that the TVGOS writes to damaged?

Also, how are you guys getting the firmware updates from Toshiba? Sounds like you guys have contacted their customer service in the past, and are automatically sent updates. How exactly are the updates being applied to the televisions? Thanks

Hey guys. I just purchased a Toshiba DLP, and I'm having some issues with the TVGOS and CableCard. I've had it powered off for 2 nights, and no channel content has appeared yet. TVGOS is populating the clock info however. Trying to look into the problem, I used the 3570 code to get to the status menu, and when I go to view error log the most recent error is "EEPROM CRC Bad." Is the flash memory that the TVGOS writes to damaged?

Also, how are you guys getting the firmware updates from Toshiba? Sounds like you guys have contacted their customer service in the past, and are automatically sent updates. How exactly are the updates being applied to the televisions? Thanks

The error logs using 3570 are really internal processor logs that don't seem to provide many details. I have 4 error logs that appear to be there from the very beginning.

To get the Toshiba S/W update, you need to call Toshiba's CS, explain the problem and ask for the latest S/W. They don't send them automatically - you must call to get them every time.

Not such encouraging news re: patch 1.3.2
installed Fri am.
----- 1 TV cold boot as part of the update process.
----- Channels 41-44 said low digital signal strength
----- had listings. ? left over from listings loaded from analog

Fri pm seemed fine
----- channels 41-44 said low digital signal strength
----- watched a movie for 2 hours, the news and went to bed

Sat AM
----- the screen was pixelating/tiling.
----- Recorded 30 min of pixelation during the night instead of my program.
----- 2nd TV reboot.
----- Still channels 41-44 said low digital signal strength

Sun PM.
----- Turned TV on with the remote and there was no video, no audio. TV stopped responding to the remote after power on.
----- 3rd TV reboot.
----- Still channels 41-44 said low digital signal strength.
----- Lost all listings except Mon and Tue

Mon afternoon 5:30pm
----- Watched channels 41-44 for the first time since the update for 30 minutes.
----- Listings only for Mon, Tue and the following Mon. Rest are empty.

I removed my cable splitter and installed the 1.3.2 update Friday evening, and on Sat. morning, had clock and listings. I spent half an hour redoing all the channel selections. The only problem I had was that INHD2 didn't have a cable channel, so it had been turned off. I set its channel, and on Sunday morning, had listings for it too.

Everything's been working fine since then. Hooray!

The Raleigh, NC area has been without Guide Data for almost 3 weeks ...

Does anyone have any contacts at Gemstar that we can contact to find out if and when this issue might be fixed? From previous experience I doubt they are even aware that there is a problem since they don't appear to have any equipment to monitor the signal (the last two times it failed it wasn't fixed until we contacted the station).

Thanks for any help anyone might be able to provide!

-Jim

----------------------------------------------
[edit]
Hmmm - not sure if this post made a difference, but I just got a call from WUNC saying that Gemstar was getting them a new encoder box and it should be back up and running in a couple days ... so - if someone read the post and made a call - Thanks!!!

I removed my cable splitter and installed the 1.3.2 update Friday evening, and on Sat. morning, had clock and listings. I spent half an hour redoing all the channel selections. The only problem I had was that INHD2 didn't have a cable channel, so it had been turned off. I set its channel, and on Sunday morning, had listings for it too.

Everything's been working fine since then. Hooray!


Same here. I loaded 1.3.2 on Sunday afternoon. I had the channel map immediately but had to re-edit the channels. The clock was set after the TV was off for about 30 minutes, and the listings started populating overnight. I checked the diag screens and all the data looks good.

So far it looks like it's working as it did prior to 1.3.1.

Has anyone upgraded to 1.3.2 even though they had no issues with 1.3.1 or earlier? I haven't had any issues since going to 1.3.1 even with a CableCARD and TVGoS. Therefore I'm wondering if I should even bother with this firmware update...

Anybody else in the Philly area lose their TVGOS? I have been receiving the updates for months over FOX29. Tuesday morning the TVGOS screen read NO DATA, with no channel listngs. Same today.

Anyone else have the same problem?

1.3.2 is working fine for me. Its been a week since I loaded it. I lost some of my initial edits on the night that I loaded the firmware, but since then i've re-edited and everything seems to be working great. My Symbio is working fine as well. I do not have and never have had any listings for INHD2. I noticed somebody on this board was able to get them. Can you tell me how you did it? I'm in the Pottstown, Pa. (SE Pa) area. I've got digital cable from Comcast to Ant.1, a set of rabbit ears to Ant.2, a motorola cable card, and a Toshiba Symbio DVR.

... I do not have and never have had any listings for INHD2. I noticed somebody on this board was able to get them. Can you tell me how you did it?
I didn't have INHD2 until recently, when it showed up in the TVGOS listing. Look in the settings/Channel selection (?) to see if there's a channel with the id "INHD2". If so, assign it a channel number and see if you get listings the next day.

If it's not there, I don't think that there's anything that you can do about it, other than to ask your cable company to add it.

Strangely enough after not having listings for 2 weeks they popped up about 10 days ago. Since then I received 1.3.2 and have installed it and the guide is still bringing in listings so I have my fingers crossed.

-Jody

1.3.2 is working fine for me. Its been a week since I loaded it. I lost some of my initial edits on the night that I loaded the firmware, but since then i've re-edited and everything seems to be working great. My Symbio is working fine as well. I do not have and never have had any listings for INHD2. I noticed somebody on this board was able to get them. Can you tell me how you did it? I'm in the Pottstown, Pa. (SE Pa) area. I've got digital cable from Comcast to Ant.1, a set of rabbit ears to Ant.2, a motorola cable card, and a Toshiba Symbio DVR.

1.3.2 working fine here as well.

As for INHD2, the issue would be with Gemstar, not with Comcast. For some reason Gemstar is not sending the listing info on that channel lineup. I only received the INHD2 channel in the map a few weeks ago and got the listings immediately. They are obviously making a lot of changes and adding channels to the TVGOS system so you should start seeing it soon.

I have a Toshiba 62mx195 and Charter Cable. I am not receiving the TV Guide. I actually talked to the TV Guide tech with Toshiba and as of 2 weeks ago there is a firmware update available. Their comment is that the information is loading to slow. This firmware update is being sent to me via a memory stick by the way.
Im in Madison Wisconsin

Still having issues with TVGOS after 1.3.2. For the first 4 days I had to do a cold boot of the TV every day due to pixelation. That seems to have gotten better. I only do a cold boot now about once every 5 days.

Channels 41-45 were unwatchable due to pixelation for about a two weeks and then seemed to resolve itself. 63 was watchable 60% of the time.

The listings filled in slowly over a week. It would have the first two days in the calendar and then add days from the end of the calendar backwards.

After the last cold boot (Fri) I lost the clock and it didn't come back (today is Mon). I have some listings. Certain days that were present before the cold boot are now empty.

TVGOS worked fairly well for 4 weeks, now this. I'm thinking it's a turkey and it's time to get TIVO.

I have the Toshiba 57H94 with last firmware of 1.6.3 that did not fix the problem. Toshiba support told me latest firmware is 1.6.8 that would likely solve this issue. Now I have to wait up to 5 days for the support specialists in this area to call me back, and hopefully send new firmware.

If anyone has recieved this new firmware yet and can report on how it is working and even possibly sharing would be awesome, the wife factor cannot take another 2 weeks flipping through channels to find what she wants:)

Thanks,
MamaJama

Still having issues with TVGOS after 1.3.2. For the first 4 days I had to do a cold boot of the TV every day due to pixelation. That seems to have gotten better. I only do a cold boot now about once every 5 days.

Channels 41-45 were unwatchable due to pixelation for about a two weeks and then seemed to resolve itself. 63 was watchable 60% of the time.

The listings filled in slowly over a week. It would have the first two days in the calendar and then add days from the end of the calendar backwards.

After the last cold boot (Fri) I lost the clock and it didn't come back (today is Mon). I have some listings. Certain days that were present before the cold boot are now empty.

TVGOS worked fairly well for 4 weeks, now this. I'm thinking it's a turkey and it's time to get TIVO.

I loaded 1.3.2 two weeks ago and TVGOS immediately started populating for 13 days but then suddenly stopped on Saturday. I was able to get it to restart by flipping the TVGOS input to ANT2 overnight then back to ANT1. I noticed this with 1.3.1 and would happen when the last clock update in the diag screen showed no new clock update even though the clock was working. It may be a glitch but I'll watch it.

As for your pixelation, I have been investigating a similar issue since I've had the TV and I think I've nailed down the cause. The pixelation I see is more like a corruption of the image on the screen, where blocks will be corrupt, or smeared across the screen. I will see this on several HD and SD channels in varying degrees, but not all HD or SD channels.

I discovered that only channels with COPY PROTECTION ENABLED exhibited this problem (you can see this by going into the TV's menu for CableCard and look in the CableCard Status screen). CP is used by the Cable companies to restrict whether the digital video stream can be recorded, and a descrambling key is provided by the Cable Company and is shared between the CableCard and the TV. CP content is received by the CableCard, scrambled, then sent to the TV where it is descrambled with the key. When the TV and the CableCard no longer have the same key, the video is digitally scrambled on the screen, which looks like a combination of pixelation and smearing. I also confirmed with Comcast that they sent system info updates around the time my issue happens (about once a month) so I am pretty sure the issue is Comcast changes something that affects the CP scrambling key in the CableCard, the TV still uses the old key which results in the corruption. Power cycling the TV causes the CableCard and TV to go through a power up reset and authentication which results in the correct key being set on both the TV and the CC.

Now I'm waiting to hear back from Comcast to see if they agree with my findings and whether it's a problem on their end on how they've implemented the spec. At some point I will go back to Toshiba with this info and ask that they verify their implementation.

As for your pixelation, I have been investigating a similar issue since I've had the TV and I think I've nailed down the cause. The pixelation I see is more like a corruption of the image on the screen, where blocks will be corrupt, or smeared across the screen. I will see this on several HD and SD channels in varying degrees, but not all HD or SD channels.

I discovered that only channels with COPY PROTECTION ENABLED exhibited this problem (you can see this by going into the TV's menu for CableCard and look in the CableCard Status screen). CP is used by the Cable companies to restrict whether the digital video stream can be recorded, and a descrambling key is provided by the Cable Company and is shared between the CableCard and the TV. CP content is received by the CableCard, scrambled, then sent to the TV where it is descrambled with the key. When the TV and the CableCard no longer have the same key, the video is digitally scrambled on the screen, which looks like a combination of pixelation and smearing. I also confirmed with Comcast that they sent system info updates around the time my issue happens (about once a month) so I am pretty sure the issue is Comcast changes something that affects the CP scrambling key in the CableCard, the TV still uses the old key which results in the corruption. Power cycling the TV causes the CableCard and TV to go through a power up reset and authentication which results in the correct key being set on both the TV and the CC.

I have the same problem on my HM94 which seemed to be introduced when I upgraded to 1.6.3 (from 1.5.8) several months ago. If you search back through the thread, you'll see my original posting on this. I noticed the same correlation with encrypted channels, in certain blocks, just as you describe. I haven't had the time or patience to take it up with Comcast (my provider too) and/or Toshiba, especially once summer arrived. Power cycling will solve the problem for me, but it might re-occur within 15 minutes, or not again per viewing session. As long as I stay on a channel, it's fine--it's when surfing (last channel recall, for example) it goes bad. And once a channel (or group of them) goes blocky, no amount of channel changes will ever bring it back.

One theory I had (indirectly from someone who knows MPEG/digital TV) is that Comcast may be re-encoding (to lower the bitrate) on some channels, and their stat muxes are causing buffer over/underflows on our TV's. The additional time it takes to for the CC decryption may push it over the edge. Power cycling would reset the buffers. But this is only a theory, but if true might be hard to recreate. Your suggestion of not updating CC keys would also make sense.

Now I'm waiting to hear back from Comcast to see if they agree with my findings and whether it's a problem on their end on how they've implemented the spec. At some point I will go back to Toshiba with this info and ask that they verify their implementation.
Since we can't go backward with firmware, it's kind of hard to tell if Toshiba broke something, or it's an interaction with the Comcast digital feed. I'll be interesting in how you make out. I see someone says there's 1.6.8 coming for the HM94 series, but I doubt that addresses this.

I'm not sure whether this is considered solely a Toshiba thread or not, but here goes.

I purchased the Samsung for several reasons, and the combination of a CableCARD with TVGOS was certainly one of them. I am pleased to report that TVGOS worked perfectly out-of-the box. TVGOS gets all of my subscribed channels (less a few local public service channels). I am using Comcast in central NJ.

It also records properly to an old and cheap RCA VCR that we're using until we can make up our minds how to go with peripherals.

I am not, however, a fan of the clunky editing procedures for ordering channels, etc. Nor am I crazy about not being able to save such settings should the system crash and require re-editing. In the meantime, no problems.

I purchased the Samsung for several reasons, and the combination of a CableCARD with TVGOS was certainly one of them. I am pleased to report that TVGOS worked perfectly out-of-the box. TVGOS gets all of my subscribed channels (less a few local public service channels). I am using Comcast in central NJ.


That's good news. I ordered a HLS5688 for the same reasons and I am curious about TGOS.

Thanks

Frank

I have the Toshiba 57H94 with last firmware of 1.6.3 that did not fix the problem. Toshiba support told me latest firmware is 1.6.8 that would likely solve this issue. Now I have to wait up to 5 days for the support specialists in this area to call me back, and hopefully send new firmware.

If anyone has recieved this new firmware yet and can report on how it is working and even possibly sharing would be awesome, the wife factor cannot take another 2 weeks flipping through channels to find what she wants:)

Thanks,
MamaJama

MamaJama, do you remember who at Toshiba you talked to about the 1.6.8 firmware update? I called last night and they said that 1.6.3 is the latest. I'd like to get the latest version in hopes that it fixes the pixelation issue as I have the same problem as Maddogfool and magredc5:

As for your pixelation, I have been investigating a similar issue since I've had the TV and I think I've nailed down the cause. The pixelation I see is more like a corruption of the image on the screen, where blocks will be corrupt, or smeared across the screen. I will see this on several HD and SD channels in varying degrees, but not all HD or SD channels.

Well twice in less than 3 weeks since I loaded 1.3.2 my TVGOS suddenly stops working - no new listings. I know how to kick it to get it going again but it's disheartening that it seems to be inferior to 1.2.8 that worked flawlessly for 5 months.

I notice in the diag screens that the last clock set timestamp stops updating when this happens, and even though the clock is still set with a sanity level 3 (which is the best level according to the Toshiba tech I spoke to in the past), when it gets into this state it seems to stop doing anything and I just get "no listing" on the last day in the guide.

It's possible there's still some old config data left over from when I was on 1.3.1 so I performed the 653214741 reset and we'll see if it clears that. Otherwise I need to flip the input to ANT2 for a night then back to ANT1.

Has anyone else noticed a similar issue?

MamaJama, do you remember who at Toshiba you talked to about the 1.6.8 firmware update? I called last night and they said that 1.6.3 is the latest. I'd like to get the latest version in hopes that it fixes the pixelation issue as I have the same problem as Maddogfool and magredc5:
Perhaps this is my fault for how I interpreted her post, because she calls out her model number as 57H94, not an HM. Because her SW version was 1.6.X, I assumed it was the same firmware, but maybe it's not.

The real question is (and maybe I'll have to break down and call them again) will Toshiba truly acknowledged there's an encryption/pixalation/blocking problem? If they can't reproduce it, they're never going to fix it. Overall, it's disturbing that people are finding new problems when upgrading software...wish I had waited longer. Their regression testing seems inadequate.

Perhaps this is my fault for how I interpreted her post, because she calls out her model number as 57H94, not an HM. Because her SW version was 1.6.X, I assumed it was the same firmware, but maybe it's not.

The real question is (and maybe I'll have to break down and call them again) will Toshiba truly acknowledged there's an encryption/pixalation/blocking problem? If they can't reproduce it, they're never going to fix it. Overall, it's disturbing that people are finding new problems when upgrading software...wish I had waited longer. Their regression testing seems inadequate.


On the 95/195 models with 1.3.2, I've had the pixelation/scrambling problem since the first day with 1.2.4 S/W. I had called Toshiba about this and their solution was to make me upgrade to 1.2.8 then 1.3.1 even though neither had fix to address this, but they claimed I needed the latest S/W. But now that I actually have some data to share with them on when/what channels this happens on and the relationship to the CP function of the CableCard, I expect I'll be more persistent.

I will be calling them soon, just waiting to see if my TVGOS issues are also still broken with 1.3.2.

Bump.

TVGOS stopped downloading again yesterday after about 12 days. Performed another reset.

On a HD HDD recorder;
I have lost listings for at least 7 cable channels. The listings are greyed out as if they don't exist on my cable system. Four OTA channels, one analog & two HD 'in the clear' channels.
I orginally set the TV Guide for cable only, no antenna (even though one was connected). It worked fine until I tried to record a OTA channel but couldn't since it required to have the listings present. So I re-setup the TV Guide listing to include OTA, waited a day and now these six channels are greyed out in the TV Guide screen.
Mind you, they are still there in the recorders separate tuner lineup, no changes, but I can't get them on the Guide listings.

Any ideas what happened? When you have OTA locals that are also on cable, do the OTA channels take priority over cable where they are blanked out or something?? Of course that doesn't account for The Movie Channel (analog), HDNet and HDNet Movies becomming blank.

BTW, I have waited over 24 hours with the box off. Hope that made sense.

On the 95/195 models with 1.3.2, I've had the pixelation/scrambling problem since the first day with 1.2.4 S/W. I had called Toshiba about this and their solution was to make me upgrade to 1.2.8 then 1.3.1 even though neither had fix to address this, but they claimed I needed the latest S/W. But now that I actually have some data to share with them on when/what channels this happens on and the relationship to the CP function of the CableCard, I expect I'll be more persistent.

I will be calling them soon, just waiting to see if my TVGOS issues are also still broken with 1.3.2.

I am running 1.6.3 (on a 94 series) and it was with this update that the pixellation problem first appeared--since this is the "latest and greatest" firmware, i doubt your next version will be a solution. The quick-fix is to quickly turn the set off and on. The bulb goes off but not completely, so I don't think it bothers it...much. This action causes just enough of a reset in the MPEG decoding circuits to allow everything to reset.

I am now out of warranty and so is my bulb. In the words of Alfred E. Neuman, "What me worry?"

Back me up guys, I'm goin' in!!!

My warranty is now over and I am sick over the channel edit issue, which is my only heartburn with the set. My last chat with a Toshiba "Customer Service" drone came to mind last night when the power went out for about an hour and I knew the Channel Edits would be lost in the morning. He had said, "The reason that Channel Edits are lost is because the memory that retains them loses power." Duh! Well, the more I thought about it, the more I thought how the solution is to make sure that memory does not lose power. (STOP: if you are about to suggest a UPS, please don't, i want to go to the epicenter of the problem).

Perusing th schematics, there are a number of candidate memories. Does anyone know where the channel edits are stored? I am wondering if just keeping the Seine board powered may solve the issue once and for all. Is anyone else contemplating major surgery on a logic board?

I am running 1.6.3 (on a 94 series) and it was with this update that the pixellation problem first appeared--since this is the "latest and greatest" firmware, i doubt your next version will be a solution. The quick-fix is to quickly turn the set off and on. The bulb goes off but not completely, so I don't think it bothers it...much. This action causes just enough of a reset in the MPEG decoding circuits to allow everything to reset.

I am now out of warranty and so is my bulb. In the words of Alfred E. Neuman, "What me worry?"

The pixelation/scrambling problem I get is related to the CableCard security feature for Copy Protection. This feature was created as part of the CC standard to prevent unauthorized copying of certain programs depending on the cable providers Copy Protection State for the program. This feature uses a descrambling key between the CC and Host (TV) where the CC scrambles the video and the Host uses the same key to descramble unless the Copy Protection State is set to Do Not Copy. About every 4-5 weeks the descrambling key gets out of sync between the CC and the Host so all channels with Copy Protection Enabled are corrupt. The only way to resolve this is to force a power-up registration by unplugging the TV. I've had this issue since the very beginning. I will be calling Toshiba soon - just waiting to see if the TVGOS issues are resolved after the latest factory reset.

The pixelation/scrambling problem I get is related to the CableCard security feature for Copy Protection. This feature was created as part of the CC standard to prevent unauthorized copying of certain programs depending on the cable providers Copy Protection State for the program. This feature uses a descrambling key between the CC and Host (TV) where the CC scrambles the video and the Host uses the same key to descramble unless the Copy Protection State is set to Do Not Copy. About every 4-5 weeks the descrambling key gets out of sync between the CC and the Host so all channels with Copy Protection Enabled are corrupt. The only way to resolve this is to force a power-up registration by unplugging the TV. I've had this issue since the very beginning. I will be calling Toshiba soon - just waiting to see if the TVGOS issues are resolved after the latest factory reset.

Well, I was speculating about the pixelation/scrambling. I will buy the CC argument (since I have one and it sounds reasonable--now that I think about it, the problem does seem to be confined to premium channels); however, a quick off/on with the remote letting the status LED blink green once or twice cures it for me.

What TVGOS issues are you talking about? After over a year with this set and on this board, I think most will agree that:

1) TVGOS works fine when you are receiving the data stream. If the stream is not there, or if the data is corrupt, intermittant, in error, etc., etc., etc. then the set cannot fix the problem for you.

2) The link between the Symbio and TVGOS is, at best, combative. I have had my Symbio unplugged for the last few weeks pending the new fall show lineups (Symbio is great for dynamic pause and rewind) and TVGOS works great.

3) The Channel Edit problem remains and is unlikely to be fixed by either Toshiba or Gemstar/TVGuide. I am now beginning to believe that it cannot be fixed by them--either because it is a design flaw or was designed the way it was because of royalty issues. I mean, how hard would it be for TVGOS just to ignore any channels turned off in the Installation menu channel edit list?

TVGOS is populating the clock info however. Trying to look into the problem, I used the 3570 code to get to the status menu, and when I go to view error log the most recent error is "EEPROM CRC Bad." Is the flash memory that the TVGOS writes to damaged?

How do you know it is a flash memory that is populated by TVGOS? I have been thinking it is SD Ram since the channel edits are lost on power outages. My most recent strategy was to put a battery or supercap on the ram to carry it through outages. of course, maybe the channel edits are held in a different location from the TVGOS data.

I am fairly sure that the channel edits are a 'filter" on the data. When I edit out all the HBO's, Showtimes, Cinemaxes, etc. I get more robust program info and that seems reasonable since there is a notation in the manual about limited memory. The filter theory would support a seperate memory for channel edits and that may be the dynamic ram whereas the data is in flash.

Well, I was speculating about the pixelation/scrambling. I will buy the CC argument (since I have one and it sounds reasonable--now that I think about it, the problem does seem to be confined to premium channels); however, a quick off/on with the remote letting the status LED blink green once or twice cures it for me.

What TVGOS issues are you talking about? After over a year with this set and on this board, I think most will agree that:

1) TVGOS works fine when you are receiving the data stream. If the stream is not there, or if the data is corrupt, intermittant, in error, etc., etc., etc. then the set cannot fix the problem for you.

2) The link between the Symbio and TVGOS is, at best, combative. I have had my Symbio unplugged for the last few weeks pending the new fall show lineups (Symbio is great for dynamic pause and rewind) and TVGOS works great.

3) The Channel Edit problem remains and is unlikely to be fixed by either Toshiba or Gemstar/TVGuide. I am now beginning to believe that it cannot be fixed by them--either because it is a design flaw or was designed the way it was because of royalty issues. I mean, how hard would it be for TVGOS just to ignore any channels turned off in the Installation menu channel edit list?

You have a different set than mine, so the S/W is not exactly the same. On the MX195/HM195, S/W 1.3.1 broke TVGOS for many of us that use a cablecard. Toshiba forced me to take 1.3.1 before it would consider investigating the pixelation/scrambling issue.

I was fine on 1.2.8 for 5 months without a hiccup on TVGOS. 1.3.1 broke it and I became quite an expert to cludge it to get it to find the host channel then I had to kick it every week or so with a setup process when it stopped. 1.3.2 is supposed to fix the issue.

And I really know how TVGOS works - I check the diag screens regularly and understand a lot of what's in there.

You have a different set than mine, so the S/W is not exactly the same. On the MX195/HM195, S/W 1.3.1 broke TVGOS for many of us that use a cablecard. Toshiba forced me to take 1.3.1 before it would consider investigating the pixelation/scrambling issue.

I was fine on 1.2.8 for 5 months without a hiccup on TVGOS. 1.3.1 broke it and I became quite an expert to cludge it to get it to find the host channel then I had to kick it every week or so with a setup process when it stopped. 1.3.2 is supposed to fix the issue.

And I really know how TVGOS works - I check the diag screens regularly and understand a lot of what's in there.

Wow! I would have sent the mess back. My TVGOS has worked flawlessy since day one and that is with a CableCard. My heartburn was that when I lost power the TVGOS reset and had to DL all data again. That problem was fixed with the last software upgrade. Now all that is left as an irritation is the loss of channel edits with power outage. I now have a UPS on the TV and it may be that the problem is solved.

It is really great to find someone so knowledgeable about the TVGOS system on Toshibas. So tell me, what memory are the channel edits stored in? As for kludge's, which normally refer to hardware mods, what ones have you come up with to fix your problems?

Does anybody know what the brand code# is for the Motorola HD box that belongs to Adelphia first..now T.W.??
THANKS

Wow! I would have sent the mess back. My TVGOS has worked flawlessy since day one and that is with a CableCard. My heartburn was that when I lost power the TVGOS reset and had to DL all data again. That problem was fixed with the last software upgrade. Now all that is left as an irritation is the loss of channel edits with power outage. I now have a UPS on the TV and it may be that the problem is solved.

It is really great to find someone so knowledgeable about the TVGOS system on Toshibas. So tell me, what memory are the channel edits stored in? As for kludge's, which normally refer to hardware mods, what ones have you come up with to fix your problems?

Dude: I really don't know where you're coming from. Sent the mess Back??? S/W issues are fixable - these were all S/W. Same for other issue but has yet to be fixed.

Kludge being H/W? I don't think so. If you're real interested, search a few pages back and read the details.

Which memory are edits stored in? How would I know? I know that my edits do survive power outages, so don't know why yours doesn't.

After 3-1/2 weeks with build 1.3.2 on my 42HP95 I turned on the TV on Saturday, hit 'guide' and lo and behold there was no guide. The time was still there but no guide. I went through the setup again and turned on the tv on Sunday and now the clock reads '--:--' again.
Damn. I would just get rid of the cablecard but I have the Symbio recorder and it's a brick without the guide. I called Toshiba yesterday and have not heard back yet from them.

-Jody

After 3-1/2 weeks with build 1.3.2 on my 42HP95 I turned on the TV on Saturday, hit 'guide' and lo and behold there was no guide. The time was still there but no guide. I went through the setup again and turned on the tv on Sunday and now the clock reads '--:--' again.
Damn. I would just get rid of the cablecard but I have the Symbio recorder and it's a brick without the guide. I called Toshiba yesterday and have not heard back yet from them.

-Jody

I've had the guide stop downloading several times since upgrading to 1.3.2. I could get it to restart with the reset code 653214741, but after 8-15 days it would stop again. Two weekends ago I decided to perform a Factory Reset on the TV to force it to initialize TVGOS from scratch with only the cable connected to ANT1 - I am also using a Cable Card. I had split the cable and fed analog cable into ANT2 and assumed that might be confusing the guide. So far it's been rock solid but I was still watching the results of each night's activity to see if there's a problem. I need to call Toshiba this week on something else anyway so I'll be sure to let them know I'm also seeing these problems with the Guide.

Haven't heard back from Toshiba and I called them 6 days ago. Believe it or not on Thursday, 5 days after the problem started, the guide appeared along with my channel edits. I noticed today that I still don't have the listings for all 8 days so I'm guessing this will still be a problem, but at least I have a guide to work with for the current day.
I hate to do a full reset because then i have to spend the 2 hours putting the channels back in order but I guess if it goes out completely again then I'll have to do that.

-Jody

Haven't heard back from Toshiba and I called them 6 days ago. Believe it or not on Thursday, 5 days after the problem started, the guide appeared along with my channel edits. I noticed today that I still don't have the listings for all 8 days so I'm guessing this will still be a problem, but at least I have a guide to work with for the current day.
I hate to do a full reset because then i have to spend the 2 hours putting the channels back in order but I guess if it goes out completely again then I'll have to do that.

-Jody

Were you just exaggerating when you said two hours? I find re-entering the edits takes about 20 minutes ('cause I have HAD SO MUCH PRACTICE!). I did notice that you mentioned reordering the channels and I never do that, I just go in and delete what I don't subscribe to or want--life is better for me without all the religion and shopping channels.

The guide loads to an EEPROM (like a flash memory) that used to get cleared when either the set or the guide were reset. Toshiba fixed that by not wiping memory after those events, hence the guide data now survives a power outage. Not so the channel edits. I am now fairly sure that they are stored in the Seine's SDRAM, so anytime it has to reboot, there go the edits. After a year of this, i am also of the belief that Toshiba (this is not a TVGOS problem) cannot fix it, else they would have done so. Here is my reasoning as to why and, of course, I am just speculating:

1) The only memory in the set architecture to store the data is the SDRAM.

2) The removable memory (flash cards, SD, etc.) was not designed to be written to, so they cannot put the data there. It is also possible that they can't go there because it is too slow, or because there isn't room to put the process in the existing program.

3) There are IP issues. A backroom deal that says (in so many words) that the owner will be "encouraged" to buy premium channels by making it difficult to put them out of view. Or, issues with how guide data is stored, since it is copyrighted.

Once the guide is working predictably you can bet that the follow-on problems, like not showing eight days of programming, have to do with the data feed and there really is nothing that Toshiba can do about it. TVGOS/Gemstar/TVGuide is also pretty much useless as they simply cannot police all of the local broadcasters and cable companies. For major outages, yes. Then they get lots of calls and must respond.

Finally, a lot of guide data load problems have to do with the robustness of the guide source. My CC strips guide data out (or does not pass it through). The simple solution was a splitter on the cable. One side to ANT 1 and the other to ANT 2. ANT 1 then does the CC and ANT 2 is set up as a terrestrial antenna. The guide finds the right data channel and pulls in from ANT 2. This is a Time-Warner provider, so YMMV, but certainly worth a try if you have a CC. Of course, if you also have an antenna, then that may be the source of your ills.

Nope, not exagerating when I say 2 hours because I do reorder the guide to my liking.
I just checked and I have listings for today, Monday and 1/2 of Tuesday.

-Jody

Nope, not exagerating when I say 2 hours because I do reorder the guide to my liking.
I just checked and I have listings for today, Monday and 1/2 of Tuesday.

-Jody

That's a good sign, I have 8 days now after some fooling around that I did a week ago. My observation is that once you get it working, it works great and the Symbio gives you all you need in terms of time control. I am fairly confident that the only issue left is the damn channel edits and not enough people are aggravated by it to get it fixed (or it can't be fixed like I said earlier).

Now I have developed a "how do I live with it? attitude and have already put a UPS on for power outages. I was wondering if one of those remotes with macro keys could be programmed with a button for on and one for off when in the channel edits system that would allow single button add and delete.

WGBH-HD disappeared from my TVGOS listings (Comcast, Boston area) a couple of weeks ago. Comcast said that WGBH had some damage in an electrical storm, but the channel is there, just no entry in the TVGOS channel list. Does anyone here know what's up?

Have you looked at the end of the TVGOS channel setup to see if maybe it's turned off. I lost my four network HD channels one day and found them turned off at the end of the channel listings.

-Jody

Have you looked at the end of the TVGOS channel setup to see if maybe it's turned off. I lost my four network HD channels one day and found them turned off at the end of the channel listings.
Yes, I have. WGBH-HD is definitely missing. At first, I thought it had been renamed to WGBHDT, but eventually realized that was a different station.

Yes, I have. WGBH-HD is definitely missing. At first, I thought it had been renamed to WGBHDT, but eventually realized that was a different station.

Yes, same here. I turned WGBH-DT on and the listings are not correct, but if you go onto Comcast's website and look at their listings online, it shows the same incorrect info. I guess they'll eventually fix it since there are updates occurring regularly to the guide data.

Yes, same here. I turned WGBH-DT on and the listings are not correct, but if you go onto Comcast's website and look at their listings online, it shows the same incorrect info. I guess they'll eventually fix it since there are updates occurring regularly to the guide data.
Thank you for the confirmation. I realized that WGBHDT was a distinct channel when I looked at WGBH's web site listings. If Comcast's listings are wrong, that sounds like a problem with WGBH supplying the info. I looked at Comcast's web site, and the listings just took me to WGBH's web site. Where did you see the Comcast online listings?

Thank you for the confirmation. I realized that WGBHDT was a distinct channel when I looked at WGBH's web site listings. If Comcast's listings are wrong, that sounds like a problem with WGBH supplying the info. I looked at Comcast's web site, and the listings just took me to WGBH's web site. Where did you see the Comcast online listings?

This is the link I use to check Comcast lineup/listing info:

http://tvlistings4.zap2it.com/comcast/grid.asp?partner_id=comcast

You may have to set up your location info the first time you go there.

Another way to get there is go to www.comcast.net, and select TV on the left panel, then TV Listings.

This is the link I use to check Comcast lineup/listing info:

http://tvlistings4.zap2it.com/comcast/grid.asp?partner_id=comcast

You may have to set up your location info the first time you go there.

Another way to get there is go to www.comcast.net, and select TV on the left panel, then TV Listings.
Interesting that both of those list WGBH-HD as WGBHDT2. I thought that the TVGOS IDs could have only six characters, but that has seven. I wonder if that's part of the problem.

Interesting that both of those list WGBH-HD as WGBHDT2. I thought that the TVGOS IDs could have only six characters, but that has seven. I wonder if that's part of the problem.
Well, I'm wrong. I just took another look at the channels available, and a few have eight characters.

WGBH-HD disappeared from my TVGOS listings (Comcast, Boston area) a couple of weeks ago. Comcast said that WGBH had some damage in an electrical storm, but the channel is there, just no entry in the TVGOS channel list. Does anyone here know what's up?
I decided to reset my TVGOS, not expecting anything useful, but when it refreshed, WGBHHD was back! It had the right listings, too. Yet another bug in TVGOS.

I decided to reset my TVGOS, not expecting anything useful, but when it refreshed, WGBHHD was back! It had the right listings, too. Yet another bug in TVGOS.

The Playboy channel keeps reappearing in my line-up after being edited out. Why the stupid thing doesn't automatically remove channels that you are not subscribed to or that hav no video is beyond me.

Anyone in the Chicago area having problems with TVGOS listings?
I'm getting lots of "No Listing" or "No Title" entries in the listings.

I receive my TVGOS over channel 2 over Wideopenwest cable.
So, I would love to hear from folks with the same configuration.
But, just knowing if anyone is having any problems in the area would be good to know as well.

Thanks,


Mitch

Well it seems that Charter in the Madison WI area puts the TV Guide stream through on the wrong channel. It seems that they put it through on the digital PBS not the analog PBS. Once I talked with Toshiba and they talked me through changing the tune channel the guide filled in like it was supposed to. Give Toshiba a call. It may take a while to get a call back but persistanse is the key.
Sam

I'm very happy now that my TiVo Series 3 has arrived and I no longer have to deal with the nonsense that is TVGOS. Imagine - a whole two weeks of listings in one go over the internet!

- Stoney

TVGOS is great for letting me know when movies are coming on and a description of plot-lines. Often, I rate a movie's quality by which actors are in the movie - not necessarily by the plot-line.

So I have to go to the internet to see who's in the movie that's listed on my TVGOS.

Is anyone receiving the CAST listings? Is something wrong with my TVGOS or is this normal?

NOTE: CAST is listed in the diagnostic screen (along with showtimes, etc.). So I'm perplexed why I hardly ever see cast-members listed.


As of about two weeks ago, I now have cast-members (ie., actors/actresses playing lead roles) listed for most programs. Not only movies, but sitcoms too.

This makes choosing a movie to record much easier. Thank you Gemstar!!

TVgo=no monthly fee.
Tivo=$$ monthly fee.

TVgo=no monthly fee.
Tivo=$$ monthly fee.
Restaurant = $$
Dumpster Diving = free

Some of us are willing to pay for the better service.

Restaurant = $$
Dumpster Diving = free

Some of us are willing to pay for the better service.

Guess that depends on what you're used to. I've never had TIVo so I can't comment on it's performance vs TVGOS but having TVGOS and having had no issues with it for the year or so that I've been using it, I'm happy not to be paying a monthly fee...... :)

Guess that depends on what you're used to. I've never had TIVo so I can't comment on it's performance vs TVGOS but having TVGOS and having had no issues with it for the year or so that I've been using it, I'm happy not to be paying a monthly fee...... :)

Have you never lost channel edits?

Do you have a Symbio?

The channel edits problem is the only beef I have with the system. I wish those b*st*rds at Gemstar would wake up to the problem. Even if they changed the editor to a one button delete (turn off) it would be an improvement.

Hi,
I have the Panasonic 42px600u model for the past 2 months or so, connected to an OTA rabbit ear antenna. I live in Los Angeles area.

My TV guide always displays Eastern Standard Time listings. Once i setup, it works for a day or so (in the morning) but after the afternoon TVGOS transmission, the guide displays show listings from 3 hours in the future (EST instead of PST).

Can anyone help me with what I should do to fix this?

For years the TV Guide on Screen data has been working properly with my LST-3410A receiver. Over the last few weeks there have been times the data does not load. The LST-3410A now seems unwilling to load any TVGOS data.

Has something changed in the Houston (OTA) area? Does anyone else in the Houston area still have a data for TVGOS?

I've tried unplugging to reset and the time properly gets updated but still no programs load. Very frustrating...

Similar thing in the Philly area. After working well for over a year (with several outages), the TVGOS is royally screwed up. No data updates for about a week, and the time is also screwed up. Don't know if it is the TV, the providing station (FOX29 here), or TVGuide itself.

Is TVGOS working for anybody in the Philly area?

This is actually good news. :)
I've been chasing a TVGOS listing problem for a few weeks now and to see others are having problems does imply something is wrong with TVGOS.
I'm in the Chicago area.

Does anyone know if TVGOS downloads software updates or modules or other forms of executable code as well as listing data? If so, I wonder if I got my update a few weeks ago and you guys are starting to get yours and they don't work.

That said, my problem is that if I setup the unit (Sony DVR) to do OTA only or Cable only, the listings download like a champ. If I set it up for both OTA and Cable (which is what I had going fine for 9 months), all I get are "No Listings" and "No Titles."

Are you guys set up for OTA only? Cable only? or both?


Mitch

I have been set up for both. Perhaps I will switch to cable only and see what happens.

I have been set up for both. Perhaps I will switch to cable only and see what happens.

It would be great to know what comes of that.


Mitch

TVGOS basic working question.

I'm thinking of going with Verizon FIOS for TV. Because it is a digital system I can't pull in the TVGOS signal from them.

I would like to go with a cablecard from Verizon, hook up a OTA antenna on my ANT2 and pull in the guide data that way. I guess the problem comes in that if I'm bringing in the data from ANT2 and the cablecard is using ANT1, how does TVGOS know to use the data on ANT2 but use the channels on ANT1, or am looking too deep into this?

Thanks.

-Jody

TVGOS basic working question.

I'm thinking of going with Verizon FIOS for TV. Because it is a digital system I can't pull in the TVGOS signal from them.

I would like to go with a cablecard from Verizon, hook up a OTA antenna on my ANT2 and pull in the guide data that way. I guess the problem comes in that if I'm bringing in the data from ANT2 and the cablecard is using ANT1, how does TVGOS know to use the data on ANT2 but use the channels on ANT1, or am looking too deep into this?

Thanks.

-Jody

When I had S/W issues that affected TVGOS operation, the only way I could get it to download data was basically exactly how you're describing, i.e. my service was coming in on ANT1 with a cablecard, but I had to point TVGOS to ANT2 (which was analog cable instead of OTA, but otherwise the same as your question) to get listing data.

But when you do this, all the TVGOS info uses ANT2 as the tune-to channel/input. You can't tell it to pull the data from ANT2 and then tune to ANT1. The only work around to this was to go into TVGOS setup and leave everything the same except point it to ANT1. It will retain the listing data and now use ANT1 for tuning. Before turning the TV off you would have to go back into TVGOS setup and point it back to ANT2 to download more data. But since I was using analog cable on ANT2 instead of OTA, the channel lineup on ANT2 was still the correct Comcast lineup for both ANT2 and ANT1. With OTA it would be different.

alk3997,

We have two Sony DHG-HDD500 units in SW Houston. OTA only.

One gets data from Ch8. The other Ch26.

The only recent TVGOS problem was a data glitch for Friday 10/6/06. "No listing" sprinkled throughout that day's listing.

alk3997,

We have two Sony DHG-HDD500 units in SW Houston. OTA only.

One gets data from Ch8. The other Ch26.

The only recent TVGOS problem was a data glitch for Friday 10/6/06. "No listing" sprinkled throughout that day's listing.

Thanks for the response! That helped narrow down the problem to this unit.

I went through the reset procedure for the TVGOS portion of the LG LST-3410A (the secret handshake is discussed in the LST-3410A section of the HDTV Recording forum) and cleared all of the timer program information. This morning there was a full set of programs for today, tomorrow and next Tues and Weds. So, after the reset everything seems to be working normally again.

The one unusual item was that 39-1 has new call letters. BTW, the LST-3410a is using Ch 8 for its data.

Andy

It would be great to know what comes of that.


Mitch

Switching to cable only didn't change anything. Guess I will try a TVDOS reset. I will have to look up the code to do that.

alk3997

> The one unusual item was that 39-1 has new call letters.

Yeah that reflects the new network affiliation: KHWB->KHCW.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KHCW

And fwiw 39-2 has 'The Tube Music Network'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tube_(TV_channel)

Here is another resource
AVS Forum > HDTV > Local HDTV Info and Reception > Houston, TX - OTA
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=452612

> BTW, the LST-3410a is using Ch 8 for its data.

Ch8 (VHF) would be found first during a normal scan.

I assume Ch26 (UHF) would be found if Ch8 has a problem or you use a UHF-only antenna.

Anyone know anything about an outage? Mine guide has been working great for a long time but the past couple days it hasn't received any data and I have "no listings" for everything after Sunday.

wbertram: If you haven't done a reset yet, try setting it up for OTA only and see what happens. I found with OTA-only the listings populated very well within a day even. My previous report about cable-only being fine may have been premature on my part since a subsequent test showed partial listings. But the OTA-only scenario I feel pretty sure about.

There's gotta be a problem with TVGOS. There are just too many reports of problems all of a sudden.


Mitch

I did the reset and set it for Cable only, with no success overnight.

Set it to OTA only early this morning, should have caught the ~10AM and 1PM downloads, with no success. Will see what it does overnight tonight.

Is anyone in the Philly area receiving TVGOS data?

I was receiving it over FOX29 for over a year. No data, no clock setting, for over a week now.

Is anyone in the Philly area receiving TVGOS data?

I was receiving it over FOX29 for over a year. No data, no clock setting, for over a week now.

I'm in the same boat as you. Everything was working fine with fox29 OTA and about a month ago my TVGOS updates started cutting out. About a week ago it just stopped all together. I emailed FOX29 to ask if they still carried the signal but haven't gotten a response. If you find out anything let me know.

FWIW, I noticed my downloads didn't occur yesterday during my troubleshooting found that Comcast had suddenly changed the channel number assignment of the analog PBS channel that the clock and data come down on from channel 99 to 98. Also my clock sync hadn't happended for 3 days.

I went into TVGOS channel editor to remap the PBS channel to 98 and did a soft reset (653214741). This morning everythings fine.

Everything has always worked fine. All the channels list, actors and all (think that part is new maybe a couple of months ago?).

The TV Guide even updates fairly quick with "updates" and "program changes" very promptly - like if the president comes on and all the program move to a different time.

The only thing is does not list is the digital 39.1 (CW39) that has the "HD" flag by it. It would be nice to have that, for that station, so you would know when it is showing "HD". The other six "HD" channels have the flag, why not that one?

"Who you going to call?"

Still no TVGOS. Checked both OTA and Comcast (via analog RF feed to DVR). They were both using WTXF 29 when it was working. Nada on both. DVR keeps saying that the channel guide is being rebuilt, please wait 24 hours. For over a week now.

Same here.

Have you tried contacting FOX29 engineering? A previous poster mentioned that, but with no result. I recall several posts on this thread where the stations TVGOS equipment/data feed was not working, but the stations never checked or monitored the equipment.

My guide says the same thing (rebuilding list), I use fox 29 OTA to get my listings and it's been about 2 weeks or more since an update. I tried emailing Fox29 but have never been graced with a response. Hopefully it comes back. If not, good luck to us all because TVGOS tech support is non existent.

So i turn on the TV tonight and the guide is back.

I confirm also. It's back on in Philly, but nothing so far on Comcast analog RF feed (Lower Makefield Twp., Bucks County). Now, I'll wait for the channel rebuilding to take place.

So there is no way to get Verizon FIOS with Cable Card to pull the TVGOS data from the cablecard?

So there is no way to get Verizon FIOS with Cable Card to pull the TVGOS data from the cablecard?

I have a cable card in my tv and can get the TVGOS data through it. The data feed for the TVGOS channel must be on an analog channel. Ever though Service electric gives me fox29 as an analog the data is stripped out or something else stops it from working. I get my data OTA with a small antenna from fox29.

I can get this to work for a VCR. I am considering a DVD recorder and I wonder if the TVGOS will record to such a device. Comments?

So there is no way to get Verizon FIOS with Cable Card to pull the TVGOS data from the cablecard?


Cablecard does not prevent you from getting TVGOS. Mine works fine.

However the guide data must be transmitted over an analog channel, usually a PBS channel (I've also heard Fox), and your service provider (Verizon) should be providing an analog channel for this purpose, however I'm not sure that's possible over FIOS.

If you go into your TV's setup menu for channel programming, although you can't manually update it (cablecard gets the channel map directly) you can see all the channels that are available. On my TV it shows whether they're analog or digital. If you have no analog channels you can't get the guide data.

Yeah they are all digital. If i attach an OTA antenna, can it pull down the information for the FIOS channels?

Is there a way to sort the channels differently? It appears to be alphabetical. Id prefer to sort by channel number since all my HD channels are grouped in the 700 range. Rather then hunt and peck around all the time.

any thoughts?

Is there a way to sort the channels differently? It appears to be alphabetical. Id prefer to sort by channel number since all my HD channels are grouped in the 700 range. Rather then hunt and peck around all the time.

any thoughts?

Yes, via the Change Channel Display Menu in Setup. It's a very manual process and will need to be redone if you ever reset the TVGOS app.

You can reorder, enable/disable channels based on preference, etc.

Yeah they are all digital. If i attach an OTA antenna, can it pull down the information for the FIOS channels?

Only if Verizon's FIOS lineup is set up on TVGOS, but if you go to the TVGUIDE.COM website and enter your zipcode I would guess that there is no defined lineup for Verizon but I could be wrong.

If there is a lineup, then you could use OTA to download the data, but then your TVGOS is using the OTA input for tuning.

Yes, via the Change Channel Display Menu in Setup. It's a very manual process and will need to be redone if you ever reset the TVGOS app.

You can reorder, enable/disable channels based on preference, etc.

Ok.. I think I remember that now. It will be an arduas task doing 1 at a time but I can peck at it over several days.

Only if Verizon's FIOS lineup is set up on TVGOS, but if you go to the TVGUIDE.COM website and enter your zipcode I would guess that there is no defined lineup for Verizon but I could be wrong.

If there is a lineup, then you could use OTA to download the data, but then your TVGOS is using the OTA input for tuning.

It is out there on TV Guide.com for my zip. The second point you make makes the whole thing pointless though.. tuning OTA rather than via the cablecard.. grr.

I can get this to work for a VCR. I am considering a DVD recorder and I wonder if the TVGOS will record to such a device. Comments? As long as it has the TV Guide logo on the box, it will work just fine. That's what I'm using. At least until a few weeks ago when something happened with WTXF-29. Fine OTA, now not working over cable. Problem has nothing to do with the type of recorder.

I have been trying to get TV guide working for a couple weeks it seems.
I dont even get a numbered list now.

I have TG enabled for cable card (ant1) input inthe TV. Waited for a couple days and nothing. Just a blank guide that doest even have channel numbers.

I also tried for direct cable in (ant 2) and same result after a couple days.

I even tried both at the same time and nothing.

Is there some trick there. It used to work, now for the last couple weeks I can get nothing.

any thoughts?

Where are you located?

Where are you located?
orange county, ca, cox cable

Can you receive any stations Over The Air, using an antenna? If so, can you try that to see iv the TVGOS receives anything?

Do you know if Cox is all digital, or is it a mix of analog and digital channels?

It is out there on TV Guide.com for my zip. The second point you make makes the whole thing pointless though.. tuning OTA rather than via the cablecard.. grr.

Is there anyway to have TVGOS receive its input from input 2 (OTA antenna) and then display the channels on input 1 (Cable Card)

Is there anyway to have TVGOS receive its input from input 2 (OTA antenna) and then display the channels on input 1 (Cable Card)

No. I had to do this type of configuration a few months ago due to a S/W issue with my TV's implementation of TVGOS. I had straight cable going into ANT2 aside from ANT1 with CableCard.

If I ran TVGOS setup on ANT2, it would download the data properly. During normal viewing on ANT1, if I went into TVGOS it would give me all the listings but if I selected a program it would tune to ANT2 since that's where it's setup was pointing. The only thing that worked good for me is since the lineup that ANT2 downloaded was the same lineup as ANT1, I could go into the TVGOS setup and rerun it leaving everything the same but selecting ANT1 instead of ANT2 as the source. Doing that did not reset TVGOS, but just changed it's source. I could then use TVGOS to select ANT1 channels. But if I needed to download the data again, I would have to do the same setup thing and switch back to ANT2 before turning the set off. Since the S/W bug was inconsistent, I didn't have to do this switch every day, only about once a week.

But I'm not sure if that will work with OTA - I guess it depends if you can select the cable lineup over your OTA setup.

Can you receive any stations Over The Air, using an antenna? If so, can you try that to see iv the TVGOS receives anything?

Do you know if Cox is all digital, or is it a mix of analog and digital channels?
i could. I just have to snake a cable down a wall. This morning when I turned on the TV it asked me for the cable company name and at least now lists the stations on Ant1. It think via the cable card its all digital.

If you connect the cable to both Ant1 and Ant2, it should download the data from the analog station on the one input, and display the data for both inputs. In the setup, you need to indicate that you have inputs on both Ant1 and Ant2.

If you connect the cable to both Ant1 and Ant2, it should download the data from the analog station on the one input, and display the data for both inputs. In the setup, you need to indicate that you have inputs on both Ant1 and Ant2.

When I run setup, it sees that there are 2 inputs but will only allow you to select one of them for use of the guide data. How do you select both?

Is there a way to sort the channels differently? It appears to be alphabetical. Id prefer to sort by channel number since all my HD channels are grouped in the 700 range. Rather then hunt and peck around all the time.

any thoughts?


You are able to control this with the channel edit function, but it would take quite some time to edit all those channels and given how unstable it is, recovery would be a b*tch.

Is there anyway to have TVGOS receive its input from input 2 (OTA antenna) and then display the channels on input 1 (Cable Card)

This is exactly how mine works (Time Warner/CableCard) and, in fact, the only way it works. I just split the cable into each Ant input and tell the set that input 2 has an antenna. The CC strips the TVGOS info out or ignores it or who knows. The system works perfectly in this mode and I have never seen an ad. Every so often I get "no listing" a few days ahead, but most of the time I can jump forward an entire week to see what is coming on.

I finally fixed the channel edit problem by putting a 250KVA UPS on the set and it is probably extending the life of my bulb as well, I am going on about sixteen months now.

Of course, now that I have made this post I will go home tonight to find the channel edits gone and my bulb blown!

I have not downloaded TVGOS data for the last 3 days now. Any one else seeing this problem?

Is anyone getting the new CW network in their TVGOS listings yet??

You are able to control this with the channel edit function, but it would take quite some time to edit all those channels and given how unstable it is, recovery would be a b*tch.

Something simple like a column sort by channel number would be a big improvement......or name.......or whatever

Something simple like a column sort by channel number would be a big improvement......or name.......or whatever

We have all seen the last of any software changes to the TVGOS system and, unfortunately, there are so many simple things that would make it really good, i.e.,

1) A backup function that would save your channel edits to a memory card. The capability exists in the Toshiba sets via the Seine processor.

2) One-touch delete. This could easily be done instead of the aggravating, time-delayed, multi-button sequence that exists now to edit out a channel.

3) As you point out, column ordering by sequence number, channel number or station name.


It is my opinion that Toshiba and TVGOS discovered that they were treading dangerously close to copyright laws and IP that has been patented by Sony (TiVo) and ReplayTV, hence the near total lack of support for these subsystems. Toshiba seems to not want to acknowledge that their Symbio even exists, and it is a fantastic piece of hardware. My daughter could not believe everything it does without a monthly fee.

The final nail will be when TVGOS stops broadcasting the data because without it the system is absolutely worthless. I personally have learned my lesson and will never buy Toshiba again. They don't or can't support their product and they led us on for over a year with mediocre software updates and now the attention, what little is was, is gone.

I think it is more of a problem with the TV Guide corporation than with Toshiba or any of the electronic manufacturers. TV Guide designs and produces the software, arranges for the data downloads, and takes absolutely no responsibility for their product not working. The electronic manufacturers, unfortunately, are also not taking any responsibility. The electronic manufacturers were sold a bill of goods by TV Guide, and I am surprised they haven't sued the hell out of them. The manufacturers are taking the rap for the incompetence of TV Guide. They keep paying TV Guide to put the TVGOS into their products, but nobody supports it, or gives a damn if it works.

A nice class action law suit by the consumers who were forced to pay for for this non-working, non-supported, product definitely seems to be in order.

The crazy thing is, the electronic manufacturers keep including it in their product, and force us to buy out.

And, as far as anyone can tell, it will all stop working when analog broadcasting ceases in a short time!

Is anyone getting the new CW network in their TVGOS listings yet??

I have been receiving the analogue for several months, but not the digital with the "HD" flag on them. We have 7 major HD OTA networks here; but the CW version is missing? Only get the analogue CW.

I have been receiving the analogue for several months, but not the digital with the "HD" flag on them. We have 7 major HD OTA networks here; but the CW version is missing? Only get the analogue CW.

I get the CW listings (both SD and HD channels). It's basically the same channel call sign as previously (The WB = WLVI in my area). Although the WB logo was deleted in TVGOS when they changed to CW, the listing data is still coming in.

I guess it all depends on your area and the channel map associated with TVGOS. Over the past 4-5 months many new channels were added to my TVGOS channel map.

One thing to note is that when new channels are added and downloaded in TVGOS they often disabled by default. If you go into your TVGOS Channel Edit menu and page all the way to the end of the channel list you may see valid channels that have been added but turned off, and just need to enable them to start getting the data.

I get the CW listings (both SD and HD channels). It's basically the same channel call sign as previously (The WB = WLVI in my area). Although the WB logo was deleted in TVGOS when they changed to CW, the listing data is still coming in.

I guess it all depends on your area and the channel map associated with TVGOS. Over the past 4-5 months many new channels were added to my TVGOS channel map.

One thing to note is that when new channels are added and downloaded in TVGOS they often disabled by default. If you go into your TVGOS Channel Edit menu and page all the way to the end of the channel list you may see valid channels that have been added but turned off, and just need to enable them to start getting the data.

Since I have not gotten a response from TV Guide, I have sent an email to the local PBS station since they send us the TV Guide data, maybe they can get Gemstar to wake up? We have also have about 4 (I think - like home shopping 101 or how to make your garden grow) new stations added to the end of the list; but still no digital KHCW 39-1; which is one of the seven major HD networks.

I can get this to work for a VCR. I am considering a DVD recorder and I wonder if the TVGOS will record to such a device. Comments?
As long as the TV Guide logo is on the box, it will work just fine.

I have 2 toshiba hard recorders RD-XS34 and RD-XS35 , since time change oct 29 tv guide has not been available. Re done setup several times no luck , any ideas?

My TV guide on screen had been working fine for 2 months, getting all updates etc... Then last week it started showing no listings, I went through the TV Guide setup again with no luck. I also reset the TV to factory defaults and tried setup again but still no luck getting listing. What I have noticed is that my cable company (service electric, northern NJ) had recently changed the channel line up so that pbs (channel 13) is now digital and the analog version of pbs is now channel 713. I'm assuming that this is causing my issues. Is there any way to tell the TV Guide software what channel to go to get the listing or does it just scan channels until if finds it? By the way my TV is a Mitsubishi wd-62825

My TV guide on screen had been working fine for 2 months, getting all updates etc... Then last week it started showing no listings, I went through the TV Guide setup again with no luck. I also reset the TV to factory defaults and tried setup again but still no luck getting listing. What I have noticed is that my cable company (service electric, northern NJ) had recently changed the channel line up so that pbs (channel 13) is now digital and the analog version of pbs is now channel 713. I'm assuming that this is causing my issues. Is there any way to tell the TV Guide software what channel to go to get the listing or does it just scan channels until if finds it? By the way my TV is a Mitsubishi wd-62825

Unfortunately you can't force it to initially find the correct host channel, but after it does you can then remap the analog PBS channel number.

What I mean by this is after you complete reset of everything, TVGOS will scan all channels to look for an host channel and time signal. You can't do anything until it finds it, and the best thing to do is leave it alone for as long as possible (no setup changes, etc.). It only scans when the TV is off so that will affect how quickly it finds the host channel.

Once it finds the host channel, you should get a clock time and a channel list with no listings. At that point you need to go into the TVGOS Channel Edit screen in Setup and find your Analog PBS channel in the lineup, and change the tune-to channel to the new channel 713. It doesn't hurt to also remap the digital one to 713 since I've never been able to figure out if TVGOS just looks at the channel identifier/call sign or actually knows the difference between the 2. Anytime you reset TVGOS to obtain a new channel map you need to do this.

You should then be able to get the listings. I just had to do the same thing last month when my cable company moved the analog PBS channel to another channel as well. After I edited the PBS tune-to channel it's been downloading fine. The funny thing is the Host Channel is still set to the old channel number and it won't reset (unless I reset the entire system which I won't unless I have to). This doesn't seem to affect anything.

My TV guide on screen had been working fine for 2 months, getting all updates etc... Then last week it started showing no listings, I went through the TV Guide setup again with no luck. I also reset the TV to factory defaults and tried setup again but still no luck getting listing. What I have noticed is that my cable company (service electric, northern NJ) had recently changed the channel line up so that pbs (channel 13) is now digital and the analog version of pbs is now channel 713. I'm assuming that this is causing my issues. Is there any way to tell the TV Guide software what channel to go to get the listing or does it just scan channels until if finds it? By the way my TV is a Mitsubishi wd-62825

It just scans until it finds it. If you look at the schematics for the Toshiba sets, the signal from the antennas streams through a Phillips video processor (SAA7115) and that is what detects the GEMSTAR VBI signal. I would be surprised if Mitsubisha does it differently. You will know when the signal has been found because the time will be set--if the time never auto-sets itself, then you are not getting the signal. Time set happens fairly quickly and is independent of (listings) data transmission. I imagine that the time for it to scan through all the channels would be roughly equivalent to the time it takes to scan for channels in the setup.

Also, you may want to split your cable signal between ANT1 and ANT2, especially if you have a CableCard. Toshiba's do not seem to care where they get the TVGOS data from since many localities have multiplexed data because of multiple providers. This is why it asks for zipcode and then later which lineup you want.

Just got my TVGOS working again on ComCast cable. I lost the OTA and CATV listings due to the problems with WTXF in Philly. OTA is back on my Sammy DLP, but the CATV tuner on my DVR wouldn't find the listings.

I forced the DVR to rescan ComCast, but took a different approach. All done within TVGOS setup, no need to remove cables:
First, I configured the DVR for NO RF or cable TV connected. The DVR reports that TVGOS is disabled. This is OK. Then, I redid the setup for zip code / RF cable input and let it think about it for a few days. The listings are back.

I believe that removing all RF inputs tricks the DVR into clearing its TVGOS configuration. When you subsequently reconfigure for an RF input (OTA or cable), it assumes that this is a new setup and starts from scratch.

I believe that removing all RF inputs tricks the DVR into clearing its TVGOS configuration. When you subsequently reconfigure for an RF input (OTA or cable), it assumes that this is a new setup and starts from scratch.

Certainly possible. What device are we talking about here?

I live in the South Bend, IN area and the TVGOS listings (OTA only) have been on and off with my Toshiba 51H94 for almost 2 years now. After not working for several weeks , I have had listings again now for about the last month. I am considering subscribing to Camcast digital cable using a cable card. Does anyone know if you can get listings for cable on ANT 1 and OTA on Ant 2? In the setup, should I answer no to cable box or is the cable card considered to be a box? If you answer no to the cable box, I don't believe you have the option to select anything for Ant 2.

I live in the South Bend, IN area and the TVGOS listings (OTA only) have been on and off with my Toshiba 51H94 for almost 2 years now. After not working for several weeks , I have had listings again now for about the last month. I am considering subscribing to Camcast digital cable using a cable card. Does anyone know if you can get listings for cable on ANT 1 and OTA on Ant 2? In the setup, should I answer no to cable box or is the cable card considered to be a box? If you answer no to the cable box, I don't believe you have the option to select anything for Ant 2.

The listings for both cable and OTA come on a single host channel regardless of whether the host channel is OTA or over cable. For example, in my case, I get my listings from the cable input (Cable-PBS or Cable-CBS) and have listings for both my cable channels and my OTA channels.

Adding a cable card to the picture will not solve any problems since the data comes over analog cable or analog OTA.

Do you have a couple of different host channels in your area? If so, you can try swapping the tune-to channel for those two host stations and see if things get better. Otherwise, you should call your cable operator or local host channel station and talk to them about your problems getting TVGOS data.


Hope this helps,


Mitch

Certainly possible. What device are we talking about here? We're talking about a Pioneer DVR-533H. Now I'm confused, the listings disappeared again.

I went into the service menu (753159852 from the system setup menu- see the 1st page of this thread for details) and there's no host channel- the field is blank. However, it's using channel 9 (WTXF-29 on ComCast) for the Clock Set Channel. I reset the inputs again and will see what shows up overnight.

On the OTA side, there's no problem. The Host Chan is 29 (WTXF analog).

It seems that the TVGOS info (Vertical Blanking Interval data) is missing from the WTXF analog ComCast feed.:confused:

GeekGirl,

That is exactly what I am seeing with RCN cable in Allentown.

With only OTA activated it works fine, it uses FOX29 OTA as the Host and VBI channels.

With both OTA and Cable activated, and FOX29 (on cable channel 5) deleted from the TV channel list, I can only get the Clock Set to work, no program listings. If I remember correctly, I also get the channel line up in the TVGOS setup. If that is so, I will turn FOX29 Cable Channel 5 to OFF in the TVGOS channel list, and see if that forces TVGOS to use FOX29 OTA as the Host/VBI channels. This, of course, will take several days.

It's odd that we both can get the Clock Set over cable FOX, but not the program data. And also odd that both Comcast and RCN seem to be acting the same way.

I live in the South Bend, IN area and the TVGOS listings (OTA only) have been on and off with my Toshiba 51H94 for almost 2 years now. After not working for several weeks , I have had listings again now for about the last month. I am considering subscribing to Camcast digital cable using a cable card. Does anyone know if you can get listings for cable on ANT 1 and OTA on Ant 2? In the setup, should I answer no to cable box or is the cable card considered to be a box? If you answer no to the cable box, I don't believe you have the option to select anything for Ant 2.

I get listings over cable on ANT 1 using a cablecard on Comcast. However I don't believe you can get both cable listings on ANT1 and OTA listings on ANT2 simultaneously since TVGOS uses only one input for it's channel lineup. BTW, with Cablecard you select NO for cable box since that option is to use the IR Blaster cables to control the cable box to tune to the proper HOST or VBI channel.

wbertram,

Thanks for the sanity check! Having the same problem on a different head-end (cable system) is good info. OK, the listings have returned. The channels are back and the program info is starting to fill in (some titles are there, some are not).

The system menu is reporting both Host and VBI channels on 9 (WTXF on ComCast here). What's interesting is that the clock source is set to "host" and the clock set channel is "0". Maybe it's not configured yet and will figure it out eventually.

I took a scan through a lot of the menus and there's some interesting info relating to serial comm. I'm thinking that since this is a serial comm protocol, the problems may be due to a noisy analog signal. The serial format may not have a good error correction scheme. If there's a lot of errors, it may just dump the whole thing and start over. Maybe we're seeing this process.

Remember that your eyes are averaging out the noise over time, so what may look like a good analog signal is actually not very good for embedded digital data.

For a consumer system, you're not going to get much in the way of feedback unless you know how to decode the system info. An engineer-level "service manual" would be helpful. I do this for a living, so the more info the better for me.

On turning off your FOX channel: I'm not sure it would help, since this is a user display preference, not system configuration. Wouldn't hurt to try it- this is just a guess on my part.

GeekGirl,

Here is the latest.

Tuesday evening I reset TVGOS and set the system up to use both OTA and Cable. I then unplugged the cable input from the TV.

Wedneday morning, I had both OTA and Cable lineups and program data. The first time in probably 3 weeks!

I then went in and made sure that analog FOX29 Cable was turned OFF in both the TVGOS channel list and the TV channel list. And also turned on some of the cable channels I receive which are turned OFF by default by TVGOS (WNETHD, for example). And, of course, plugged the cable lead back into the TV.

This morning I had new data in the guide, and the diagnostic screen indicates that FOX29 OTA was still the Host channel. Although it indicated 17-1 OTA as the VBI channel. 17-1, of course, is a digital channel. Strange. The diagnostic screens no unusual errors, and showed the downloads at the correct time.

Anyway, it seems to be working! I'll update again in a day or two.

Here is a link I found to a LG publication which has a little more information.
http://136.166.4.200/contents/Files/Displays/TVGOS_Training_Manual.pdf

Here is a link I found to a LG publication which has a little more information.
http://136.166.4.200/contents/Files/Displays/TVGOS_Training_Manual.pdf

Thank You! This is great info - I've been searching for some reference manuals that can provide more detail.

Thanks! I downloaded the guide in case it disappears. This is good stuff :). Diagnostics are on pages 29-31.

My program listings have been incomplete for a few days- a lot have "No Title". I looked at the "Section Reception - Slicing" screen. The TypeB and TypeC data was all zeros, meaning that there is no data being updated. The manual says that this a problem with the signal (most likely), TVGOS, or internal circuitry. Finally, a way to see what's going on!

I went for the system reboot (653274147). The listings are gone, but the setup info is intact. "No listings" is displayed instead of "Please wait...". I think that this is how to do a clean reboot.

Then, I read the rest of the manual (!). It clearly states that it can take up to 6 days to load an 8 day program guide. I rebooted after 1 day. :rolleyes:

There's another reset that will clear out the configuration and force you to start from scratch, but I don't know how to access it. The instructions say to press the ADJ button on the Service Remote Control. Me thinks that this guide was meant for a service tech who has acquired a "Service Remote Control".

That guide appears to be for a specific LG DVR. That button may be unique to the remote for that DVR.

That guide appears to be for a specific LG DVR. That button may be unique to the remote for that DVR.

No, it's actually for LG TVs that may or may not have DVR's attached, but the ADJ button is probably proprietary to their implementation as is the 120 channel limit for active listings. I know the Toshiba doesn't have that limit.

The info provided is pretty accurate, but limited only to a few key screens. But still a great reference to have.

Update: All of the listings have returned after the system reboot (653274147 once in the system diags). Host chan is 9 (WTXF), VBI Chan is 0. Will wait the maximum of 8 days as listed in the training manual to call it "fixed".

After a year using the guide I suddenly started receiving the ads this week. It appears that there are 3 ads during an hour period then they cycle another 3 ads every hour or so. The ads are downloaded during the overnight download. Just found this interesting.

So far, no ads here either (ComCast Philly and WTXF OTA). My OTA is reporting Host Chan 29, VBI Chan 29. There are 2 diag screens dealing with ads-
Section Screens - Ads. NumAds = 0, NumGOs = 1.
Section Memory - AdTrack. A lot of entries here.

The word "AdTrack" is troublesome. I'm happy that my DVR and OTA tuner (Sammy HLR-6768) can't report tracking behavior back to the source;).

GeekGirl,
That is exactly what I am seeing with RCN cable in Allentown.

With only OTA activated it works fine, it uses FOX29 OTA as the Host and VBI channels.

With both OTA and Cable activated, and FOX29 (on cable channel 5) deleted from the TV channel list, I can only get the Clock Set to work, no program listings. If I remember correctly, I also get the channel line up in the TVGOS setup. If that is so, I will turn FOX29 Cable Channel 5 to OFF in the TVGOS channel list, and see if that forces TVGOS to use FOX29 OTA as the Host/VBI channels. This, of course, will take several days.

It's odd that we both can get the Clock Set over cable FOX, but not the program data. And also odd that both Comcast and RCN seem to be acting the same way.

This is very strange and goes against what I had thought. Of course, it may be different for different hardware. On the other hand, there may be a timing signal that is independent of the TGOS data (available for som other purpose) and that is why the tim gets set.

Update: All of the listings have returned after the system reboot (653274147 once in the system diags). Host chan is 9 (WTXF), VBI Chan is 0. Will wait the maximum of 8 days as listed in the training manual to call it "fixed".

I would be quite surprised if you don't have it now. The only thing that can go wrong is a loss of the data stream. Mine fills up fairly quickly (about three days, if memory serves). Good luck--when it works it's great.

After a year using the guide I suddenly started receiving the ads this week. It appears that there are 3 ads during an hour period then they cycle another 3 ads every hour or so. The ads are downloaded during the overnight download. Just found this interesting.

Lucky you. For all my complaints I confess that in 18 months I have never had to put up with ads. Of course, some of those ads may be useful, like letting you know if a new episode is imminent.

I've only looked at the Guide a few times. I have a Comcast Cable card.

It only shows the channel I'm watching present on cable, but shows RF cable, no information available for all data boxes.

Then below it shows other channels completely different. Guess I'll have to read the manual............

I have a Toshiba 57HX93 and I have not been able to find a way to disable the On Screen Guide. I use a harmony remote to set the specific input I want but because the on screen guide is the first thing that pops up it prevents the input command from getting executed. I am at my wits end and cannot find anywhere in the TV menus where to turn it off. Can anybody be kind enough to tell me. I have searched through this thread but haven't found anything.

Thanks.

I have a Toshiba 57HX93 and I have not been able to find a way to disable the On Screen Guide. I use a harmony remote to set the specific input I want but because the on screen guide is the first thing that pops up it prevents the input command from getting executed. I am at my wits end and cannot find anywhere in the TV menus where to turn it off. Can anybody be kind enough to tell me. I have searched through this thread but haven't found anything.

Thanks.


If you go to the following you can prevent it from being the first thing that pops up (BTW, it should be in your manual).

In TVGOS, go to SETUP screen.
Go to CHANGE DEFAULT OPTIONS screen.
On the left part of the screen, go to AUTO GUIDE and set it to OFF.

Now your guide should not come on by default.

Thanks for the help. I looked through the manual but coudn't find it. Also, it is not very intuative because it is actually under SETUP, REVIEW OPTIONS.

Thanks for the help. I looked through the manual but coudn't find it. Also, it is not very intuative because it is actually under SETUP, REVIEW OPTIONS.

Page 65.

I agree, not very intuitive.

TV Guide On-Screen in Dallas list the CW HD shows - in fact it has a list for both the anaolgue and the digital. So all major OTA HD stations are listed in Dallas; but not in Houston?

Can anyone at any station (PBS or CW or TV Guide) get this resolved?

It would be very nice to have the CW-DT listed with the other major networks.

I have had TVGOS for 2 years and it still is not working correctly. A while back there was a girl (Cheryl Robblee) of TVGOS that was trying to help. Her emil from a while back is not reachable now. Is there a new contact we can make? My OTA in Pittsburgh Pa worked perfectly with my LG LST3410 A but not well with my Toshiba 62HM94. Now it loads there but every time it reloads in BOTH places it resets and gives me a bunch of stations I cannot recieve. Anyone else having these problems? Anyone have sny contact information?

TV Guide On-Screen in Dallas list the CW HD shows - in fact it has a list for both the anaolgue and the digital. So all major OTA HD stations are listed in Dallas; but not in Houston?

Can anyone at any station (PBS or CW or TV Guide) get this resolved?

It would be very nice to have the CW-DT listed with the other major networks.

I have been getting it all in Beaumont (except for TxCN for some strange reason), but the origin is our local NBC affiliate, KBTV. I can only get the feed on "pure cable", which I run into the "Ant 2" port on my set. The CableCard strips out or otherwise supresses the TVGOS data. I am beginning to think that it has something to do with copyrights since the CC opens up anything you are willing to pay for. You may argue that with a VHS deck you could record anyway, but the "big fear" is that digital copies, which can be copied flawlessly ad infinitum, will be used to circumvent law. As it stands, the whole TVGOS concept is shaky and they are not including it in newer equipment--so enjoy while you can.

With some audio a code can be inserted to allow a copy but the copy canot be copied. I don't see why this couuld not be done on video. It seems that every time a new technnowledgy comes up, the entertainment industry keeps resisting and trying to kill it or guard it to death. Eventually someone overrcomes the copyguard or beats the stop order (like rental tapes, without which tapes would never have come down in price to have an industry there or CD's which the industry feared would be taped and then they sold a brand new round of music . They are their own worst enemy. How many times can you watch the same movie again? For a very few, more than twice but for most, once is plenty, maybe a second time at most.

TV Guide On-Screen in Dallas list the CW HD shows - in fact it has a list for both the anaolgue and the digital. So all major OTA HD stations are listed in Dallas; but not in Houston?

Can anyone at any station (PBS or CW or TV Guide) get this resolved?

It would be very nice to have the CW-DT listed with the other major networks.

Go into your TVGOS Setup screen and select Change Channel Display menu. You may have the CW-HD channel already available in the list of channels but it was downloaded as OFF (disabled). Many of my standard channels were OFF while other premium channels like HBO are ON. You may have to search for the station call sign (i.e. WLVI or WLVIDT) since it likely won't just say WB. Once you find it just change that station to ON and make sure the Tune To channel is correct.

If it's not in your channel list then it's because your channel lineup has not been updated to included it. Not all channels will necessarily be included.

I have a Sony DHG-HDD500 and have been posting in that thread but thought I should post here as well. I have had this unit for just under a year and it has been working flawlessly using WBBM 2 CBS Chicago as the host. Then Gemstar shut them down as a TVGOS listings provider and I lost all listings. I was eventually able to get it to use WTTW 11 PBS Chicago as the new host but since then I cannot get past the initial download. During the first 24 hours I get the first batch of listings for days 1,2,5 and 8 (though there are a lot of No Listings/No Title in there, mainly for the locals) and then nothing at all after that. Even if I leave it off for 3 days straight. I've tried everything I can thing of. I've reset the unit to factory defualts several times. Anyway, here is my latest post to the DHG-HDD500 thread:


If anyone is having success in receiving listings from WTTW 11 Chicago as their host (beyond the first 24 hours) could you please check some of the data displayed on the 753159852 menu for me?

Section VBI Data-VBI Info

- What does it show for LastDLStart ?
- What does it show for LastDLEnd ?

Section VBI Data-VBI DLSched

- What are the scheduled times displayed for downloading the 180 minute blocks?

Section VBI Data-VBIDL

- What are the times shown for succesful downloads of the 180 minute blocks and do they show up as Active or Inactive?


I've tried everything I can think of but I'm still having the same problem with 11 as my host. During the first 24 hours (or 48 or 72) I receive the initial 1,2,5 and 8 Days listings with some No Listings shown, mainly for the locals, then nothing at all after that. It only works the very first day.

Thank you very much!

We're talking about a Pioneer DVR-533H.There's your problem right there. The Pioneer units had so much trouble with the TVGOS that they just omitted it in the latest models.

Sorry to have to break the bad news to you :( , but it is the ONLY make that consistently had problems due to the TVGOS not being implemented right in the unit itself.

Check out the countless threads in the DVD recorder section to read all about it (if you haven't already). Everyone else with your model (or other Pio's with TVGOS) have given up and just manually record with it.

Here is what you can do....Call TVGOS & Complain......
The more complaints the better chance we have to get the inserter installed.
I have TW.....
____________________________________________________________ ____


Rick, got your e-mail

So far we have no news on an ETA for the Palm Desert inserter to be installed. In fact you may see the result when it is activated before we here at the call center get wind of it. So please forward us any new relevent information.

Also feel free to ask for an update every week or so.

Lastly please respond to this database e-mail in the future. That way your e-mail goes directly into the database and your ticket gets put back in queue for attention.

I have a Sony DHG-HDD500 and have been posting in that thread but thought I should post here as well. I have had this unit for just under a year and it has been working flawlessly using WBBM 2 CBS Chicago as the host. Then Gemstar shut them down as a TVGOS listings provider and I lost all listings.

My guide has worked fairly well and yesterday I noticed it was showing "no listing" everywhere. Then I saw that the "Host Channel" was blank. I reset the whole set and now I don't even have time, which used to happen fairly quickly. It is looking like it may be over.

What is very strange is that for the first time in 18 months I started to get ads and at that point I thought that things must be robust with Gemstar since they were possibly getting revenue out of the system--now it is dead.

This has been a great thread for me, dealing with TVG issues, but I have a new one. I am using a Pioneer Elite pro-930hd plasma with basic cable and also receiving several HD channels broadcast "in the clear" over Comcast in PA. I have setup the TVG but it does not have an option for Universal HD, or The Tube, or WHYY Arts. How can I add or get these channels added. I have tried everything I can think of - any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks - Kevin

This has been a great thread for me, dealing with TVG issues, but I have a new one. I am using a Pioneer Elite pro-930hd plasma with basic cable and also receiving several HD channels broadcast "in the clear" over Comcast in PA. I have setup the TVG but it does not have an option for Universal HD, or The Tube, or WHYY Arts. How can I add or get these channels added. I have tried everything I can think of - any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks - Kevin

If they are not in the list of channels downloaded based on your zipcode then they aren't there. Not all channels will be downloaded in the TVGOS channel list.

I do have UHD in my area. Go into the TVGOS Channel Display menu (in Setup) and make sure that the channel is not turned OFF as a lot of them will be off by default. You can turn it ON and map it to the correct channel.

I've got 2 different RCA crt TV's that both have GuidePlus. I am hooked up to Time Warner cable and I have analog service with no set top boxes.

Several weeks ago both TV's stopped getting updated Guide info. The channels are all listed, but there is no program data. I called TW and they pretty much admitted that they are filtering this information out. Does this ring true for anyone else? Is there any way that I can pull this information from a local over-the-air transmission using a normal antenna.

I have been using GuidePlus for 5 or 6 years now and I admit I'm hooked.

thanks

I've got 2 different RCA crt TV's that both have GuidePlus. I am hooked up to Time Warner cable and I have analog service with no set top boxes.

Several weeks ago both TV's stopped getting updated Guide info. The channels are all listed, but there is no program data. I called TW and they pretty much admitted that they are filtering this information out. Does this ring true for anyone else? Is there any way that I can pull this information from a local over-the-air transmission using a normal antenna.

I have been using GuidePlus for 5 or 6 years now and I admit I'm hooked.

thanks

They are not allowed to do this, in this thread is some FCC info that quotes this.

I've got 2 different RCA crt TV's that both have GuidePlus. I am hooked up to Time Warner cable and I have analog service with no set top boxes.

Several weeks ago both TV's stopped getting updated Guide info. The channels are all listed, but there is no program data. I called TW and they pretty much admitted that they are filtering this information out. Does this ring true for anyone else? Is there any way that I can pull this information from a local over-the-air transmission using a normal antenna.

I have been using GuidePlus for 5 or 6 years now and I admit I'm hooked.

thanks

I have TWC and the same thing happened to me. I think they updated their equipment or somethng. I discovered some time ago that the CableCard did not allow guide data. I had plain cable fed into the second antenna port of my set so that I could get the guide. Now it seems that the regular cable has it stripped as well. I just put a pair of rabbit ears on to see if I can get it via broadcast. The whole thing is just a major PITA.

I had a major problem with the TVGUIDE losing its data and having to reload all the time. I got rid of the cable card and now use direct cable in and a DVR and have not had a problem with the TVGuide since I got rid of the cable card.

Using a cablecard does not strip any data that the TVGOS uses. Although there could be problems in the tv's firmware.

Using a cablecard does not strip any data that the TVGOS uses. Although there could be problems in the tv's firmware.

Just how do you come to know this?

What service are you using? (TWC, Comcast, etc.)
What model CC?
What model set?

Just how do you come to know this?

What service are you using? (TWC, Comcast, etc.)
What model CC?
What model set?

I have used a cable card.

A cable card just passes along a decryption key to the tv, doesn't chang the channel contents.

I'm using Comcast on a Hitachi 42HDT52 tv, just quit using a cable card this month, been using one for a year.

The FCC says that any data can not be removed from any analogue tv channel, this includes the TVGOS and closed captioning.

I have used a cable card.

A cable card just passes along a decryption key to the tv, doesn't chang the channel contents.

I'm using Comcast on a Hitachi 42HDT52 tv, just quit using a cable card this month, been using one for a year.

The FCC says that any data can not be removed from any analogue tv channel, this includes the TVGOS and closed captioning.


Same here. No issue using CableCard with TVGOS in over 18 months. The only issue I've had was with a Toshiba S/W update that broke it but that was fixed last July and I've had no issues since. (Comcast, Motorola CC v4.21, TV S/W 1.3.2).

I did notice that Comcast will move channels around and moved my analog host PBS channel from 99 to 98 (TVGOS maps that channel to 97) which caused some intermittent issues but once I noticed that and remapped it in the TVGOS channel setup it's been solid.

does anyone have TW in the Los Angeles area? The TVGOS lineups that show up are all pre-reallignment (all the HD channels are listed in the 1100's which was my old lineup until october '06), now that TW is trying to make all the systems the same in LA i believe all the HD's are in the 400's, does anyone know a zip code/channel lineup combination that is correct for TW in LA's current lineup?

I have used a cable card.

A cable card just passes along a decryption key to the tv, doesn't chang the channel contents.

I'm using Comcast on a Hitachi 42HDT52 tv, just quit using a cable card this month, been using one for a year.

The FCC says that any data can not be removed from any analogue tv channel, this includes the TVGOS and closed captioning.

From what I see, all of you getting TVGOS via CC are with Comcast.

I have TWC and I can guarantee you that the guide data does not get through the card. I have to have an OTA into antenna 2 (Toshiba 52HMX94). When I lost gudie data Friday I called the engineer at the local station on Monday. He admitted that they had a problem and after the testing they forgot to turn the guide feed back on. That channel comes in at 12 OTA, but 5 on the TWC CC. The guide will not come in on 5 and I think they are stripping it.

From what I see, all of you getting TVGOS via CC are with Comcast.

I have TWC and I can guarantee you that the guide data does not get through the card. I have to have an OTA into antenna 2 (Toshiba 52HMX94). When I lost gudie data Friday I called the engineer at the local station on Monday. He admitted that they had a problem and after the testing they forgot to turn the guide feed back on. That channel comes in at 12 OTA, but 5 on the TWC CC. The guide will not come in on 5 and I think they are stripping it.
A location would help...TWC in kansas city?

From what I see, all of you getting TVGOS via CC are with Comcast.

I have TWC and I can guarantee you that the guide data does not get through the card. I have to have an OTA into antenna 2 (Toshiba 52HMX94). When I lost gudie data Friday I called the engineer at the local station on Monday. He admitted that they had a problem and after the testing they forgot to turn the guide feed back on. That channel comes in at 12 OTA, but 5 on the TWC CC. The guide will not come in on 5 and I think they are stripping it.

Do you get TVGOS without the cable card inserted?

No guide ever goes through the card, it doesn't work like that.
It is upto your local tv station, maybe pbs to insert the TVGOS signal.

A cable company is not allowed to strip anything like this, it is like removing closed captioning.

Do you get TVGOS without the cable card inserted?

No guide ever goes through the card, it doesn't work like that.
It is upto your local tv station, maybe pbs to insert the TVGOS signal.

A cable company is not allowed to strip anything like this, it is like removing closed captioning.

The difference would be that without CableCard the TV is receiving basic cable (i.e. Analog with some digital in the clear) so the guide data may still be properly being sent over the basic cable's analog channel.

With CableCard, you are getting digital cable (at least that's how Comcast does it) and the cable company has to ensure that they included the correct analog channel in the channel lineup with the correct VBI data. If they don't then you'll never get the host channel locked on which is the first step in getting the guide to work.

KHCW Channel 39 owes me a tank of gasoline…

Here’s the deal: About a year ago I contacted channel 39 to see if the could get the digital HD station listed in TV Guide On-Screen. Yes they knew they were not listed like the other major stations; but they would try to see what they could do…….etc. etc. etc.

About last September I contacted the local PBS “Yes we carry the TV Guide OnScreen data stream”……..yada yada yada…..we will see what we can do……….etc.

Last December, I was able to get some email addresses to “the powers that be” at TV Guide – nothing - no response, etc.

Then I was able to get a phone number for TV Station Tech support for TV Guide. I played push buttons for a couple of days. Then ended up where they called me back after I left a message. In about two days a “case number” was assigned. The engineer, which was very kind to explain there are only two of them for the entire nation, confirmed our local 39-1 data was not there and they would put on the list “to do”; but that it would be a while.

Two weeks ago I got a follow up phone call to tell me this weekend Feb 10th it would be turned on! And it is!

For those of you that have and use TV Guide On-Screen and look at the end of your channel set up list (about 398 on my tuner) it is there! Simple move it to the correct location and turn off and move out of the way the old analogue setting and you’re done. You now have full and complete information for 39-1 along with the HD flag for recording. You will see the first HD flags appear about 4:30PM Sunday. Of course as usual it will take 8 days for all the data to complete.

You will also notice there are about 20 new local cable stations listed as well – not important to me, but maybe someone else.

:D

Do you get TVGOS without the cable card inserted?

No guide ever goes through the card, it doesn't work like that.
It is upto your local tv station, maybe pbs to insert the TVGOS signal.

A cable company is not allowed to strip anything like this, it is like removing closed captioning.

I have never tested the notion of guide w/o the CC. My guide comes in on analog, OTA channel 12. That station comes in on channel 5 via the CC. The TVGOS diagnostic shows that the host channel is 2:0-12, which equates to my antenna (rabbit ears) that is attached to "Ant 2" of my Toshiba. If I disconnect it, the set does not find 1:0-5, which would be the equivalent cable source. I do not know if TWC is purposively "stripping the TVGOS data", but it is not present in my cable signal.

No matter now, I have developed a repoire with the local station engineer and can determine immediately via a simple phone call what the status of TVGOS data is at any time.

I hate to be the voice of doom, but I believe that we are seening the last throes of TVGOS. It is an antiquated EPG and is dependent on local analog stations for it's continued existence. I am not seeing any new devices coming out with it, the new Toshiba DLP's don't have it and I am afraid it will soon be a dinosaur like VCR+.

Here is a quote from a revie wback in 12/05:

The problem is that the guide is neither as user-friendly nor as reliable as the typical cable-box guide. To start with, the nature of VBI data delivery means slow loading: it takes six days for the entire eight days worth of guide data to load after initial setup. And when it does load, you might not like what you see. Ad panels alongside the grid take up about 20% of the screen. And the channel order bears no resemblance to your local cable lineup, instead following an order based in part on Gemstar’s arbitrary groupings and its agreements with stations that formerly carried guide data on their VBIs. You can manually reposition channels one at a time, but it’s a clunky, time-consuming task.

The guide is also tied to ananlog signals, when those go, so goes the guide.

What if there was a small box that sat behind your set attached to the analog antenna input and supplied guide data 24/7?

All that would be needed is a VBI line 21 insertion chip and a Wi-Fi connection to download guide data from the Internet.

I hate to be the voice of doom, but I believe that we are seening the last throes of TVGOS. It is an antiquated EPG and is dependent on local analog stations for it's continued existence. I am not seeing any new devices coming out with it, the new Toshiba DLP's don't have it and I am afraid it will soon be a dinosaur like VCR+.

Here is a quote from a revie wback in 12/05:

The problem is that the guide is neither as user-friendly nor as reliable as the typical cable-box guide. To start with, the nature of VBI data delivery means slow loading: it takes six days for the entire eight days worth of guide data to load after initial setup. And when it does load, you might not like what you see. Ad panels alongside the grid take up about 20% of the screen. And the channel order bears no resemblance to your local cable lineup, instead following an order based in part on Gemstar’s arbitrary groupings and its agreements with stations that formerly carried guide data on their VBIs. You can manually reposition channels one at a time, but it’s a clunky, time-consuming task.

The guide is also tied to ananlog signals, when those go, so goes the guide.

What if there was a small box that sat behind your set attached to the analog antenna input and supplied guide data 24/7?

All that would be needed is a VBI line 21 insertion chip and a Wi-Fi connection to download guide data from the Internet.
i'd like to preorder mine! ;)

Well, I have begun to investigate the notion of replacing the TVGOS system with a "unit". What I have found is that the TVGOS data is inserted by local stations into the analog broadcast signal. This means that it will "go away" when broadcasters convert to digital.

The TVGOS data is inserted into "line 21" of the VBI data as XDS. If someone can refute this, please let me know.

I do not know the format of the TVGOS data. It is complex since it contains logo icon images (for the stations), ad picture data and program data. The ad picture data is not essential since I had TVGOS for over a year before ads appeared.

AMD makes a video encoder chip, quite cheap, that will insert data into the VBI slot of the composite video data. My plan is to develop a box that will download programming info from the Internet, reformat it and insert it into the VBI data stream of an unused channel. This will eliminate the need for TVGOS data.

Again, the impediment is the format of the TVGOS data.

Isn't there a new version of TVGOS available that uses a digital tv channel? I thought there was.

Isn't there a new version of TVGOS available that uses a digital tv channel? I thought there was.

That's what I heard as well. Whether existing TVs are backwards compatible is to be seen, but I read that the newer versions of the S/W out there may be upgradeable.

That's what I heard as well. Whether existing TVs are backwards compatible is to be seen, but I read that the newer versions of the S/W out there may be upgradeable.

So, where did you 'hear' it?

So, where did you 'hear' it?

Actually on this forum from people that talked to someone from TVGOS. Granted a lot of hearsay - I won't be holding my breath anytime soon.

I have Time Warner Cable service in Texas and a Motorola CableCard used in a Samsung HL-S5688W. I have never gotten the TV Guide to work, do I need to connect an antenna to ANT 2 IN for OTA update, and if so, is it a regular antenna or an HD antenna?

dja2k

I have Time Warner Cable service in Texas and a Motorola CableCard used in a Samsung HL-S5688W. I have never gotten the TV Guide to work, do I need to connect an antenna to ANT 2 IN for OTA update, and if so, is it a regular antenna or an HD antenna?

dja2k

Since the guide data is transmitted over an analog channel, a standard antenna will work fine. The issue I believe you'll have is you will have to point TVGOS to the OTA input during setup, so that's the input the guide uses for tuning. Therefore you would get the guide data but could not tune to channels on the cable input - at least that's how the Toshiba's work.

I have Time Warner Cable service in Texas and a Motorola CableCard used in a Samsung HL-S5688W. I have never gotten the TV Guide to work, do I need to connect an antenna to ANT 2 IN for OTA update, and if so, is it a regular antenna or an HD antenna?

dja2k

Here is all I know:

1) I have never gotten the guide via a channel coming in on the CC. Those that claim it works appear to have ComCast, I have TWC.

2) I know which OTA station broadcasts the guide. Just call the ones you pick up, ask for engineering and then ask an engineer if they are injecting the guide or not. Others have wondered why Gemstar doesn't just publish which stations are shipping the guide, but I think it is so people won't call and pester them (the stations).

3) Once you know which station is broadcasting the guide, if you have a good clear closed captioning display (I just mute my set, a Tosh 52HMX94, and it automatically displays the captions) then the guide signal should be robust. If the reception is noisy such that the captions are degraded, then you will not get the guide.

4) You may want to try splitting your cable and put it into your secondary antenna input. If the guide doesn't appear, then use the OTA method.

5) Forget "waiting overnight". The guide is typically braodcast four times a day. Once the time is set, it means the guide channel has been found. Waiting overnight will get you a couple of days of guide.

So let me get this straight, first I try to input the cable into the secondary ANT in and see if that works. If not try putting an antenna to the second ANT in. I know that the cable works two ways, digital when you have a Digital Box and\or CableCard, but when its connected straight, doesn't that only give the standard cable channels which should broadcast the TVGUIDE info?

dja2k

So let me get this straight, first I try to input the cable into the secondary ANT in and see if that works. If not try putting an antenna to the second ANT in. I know that the cable works two ways, digital when you have a Digital Box and\or CableCard, but when its connected straight, doesn't that only give the standard cable channels which should broadcast the TVGUIDE info?

dja2k

Yes, get a splitter and put "basic cable" into ANT 2. This bypasses the CableCard.

This assumes two things:

1) that the local station injecting the guide is analog on your cable, and

2) TWC is not stripping the guide off the channel (many insist that thy don't and won't because of federal law).

The guide data is completely independent of source. When Gemstar publishes it, they send out all of the channel lineups and program data for the area around the station, as determined by zipcode. This is another reason that it is good to know which station i broadcasting guide--whatever their zipcode is guarantees you will gt a guide (given that the signal is there).

TVGOS on my Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR that I bought almost 2 years ago just started displaying ads in the left side window. It never did that before.

What's the deal? By chance is there a diagnostic code I can enter to block the ads? I hope so.. Cause if not, I'll have to build a media box for Linux and MythTV cause I won't stand for being an income source for TVGOS.

After a year using the guide I suddenly started receiving the ads this week. It appears that there are 3 ads during an hour period then they cycle another 3 ads every hour or so. The ads are downloaded during the overnight download. Just found this interesting.Just started for me last night. Host channel 9 (KQED) in the SF bayarea for Comcast digital + OTA. This really makes me unhappy to be a source of income for TVGOS. System Memory-AdTrack diagnostics page does not have empty entries :(

Linux+MythTV is looking like my future path now. Anyone want a Sony DHG-HDD250 for cheap?

TVGOS on my Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR that I bought almost 2 years ago just started displaying ads in the left side window. It never did that before.

What's the deal? By chance is there a diagnostic code I can enter to block the ads? I hope so.. Cause if not, I'll have to build a media box for Linux and MythTV cause I won't stand for being an income source for TVGOS.

My ads started recently and since then i have had download problems. I think Gemstar did some sort of revision because others have reported the start of ads while yet others have had them from the start.

The ads are the price you pay for "getting the guide". One reason I bought my Toshiba was the fact that with the CableCard and "free" guide, I would not need to put up with TWC and their aggravating cable box + fees. Add the Symbio to the whole thing and life was going to be golden. Jeez was that all a mistake! When I think of all the time I have horsed around with the fool thing...

Seattle area viewers:

I spoke to engineers at ION (33) and KBTS (28) yesterday about adding their sub-channel listings to TVGOS. Neither one of them was aware of the TVGOS transmission by the host KCTS (9). Both seemed eager to do what is necessary to make that happen.

I know this only affects a small number of people on this thread so I'm also posting it to the Seattle - OTA and the Sony DHG- HDD250/500 threads.

I just wanted to say that other than a brief (1-week) interruption of service due to my PBS affiliate being remapped to the digital part of my cablecard, which I worked around by splitting the signal so I can do a feed to my Antenna input as well as my CATV input, I am pleased with TVGOS. It has a few quirks thanks to some shows starting a minute early or running a couple of minutes past their scheduled time, which affects the Record function on my TV, but the listings are pretty accurate, and pretty complete--I only have one HD station that I don't get info for, everything else I watch has good coverage. I am in Wichita, KS.

I just wanted to say that other than a brief (1-week) interruption of service due to my PBS affiliate being remapped to the digital part of my cablecard, which I worked around by splitting the signal so I can do a feed to my Antenna input as well as my CATV input, I am pleased with TVGOS. It has a few quirks thanks to some shows starting a minute early or running a couple of minutes past their scheduled time, which affects the Record function on my TV, but the listings are pretty accurate, and pretty complete--I only have one HD station that I don't get info for, everything else I watch has good coverage. I am in Wichita, KS.

Almost two years with a Toshiba 52HMX94 and a Symbio have shown me that the TVGOS system is dependent on signal. If the Gemstar signal is available and robust, the TV will gather the data in and work flawlessly. Every time I have started to see "no listing", a call to the local host has revealed that the feed was turned off or down for some reason. The system stores a week partly to allow scheduling and partly to allow for down time.

I put a UPS on the TV and now I never lose channel edits. I know not to ever push "Exit" when watching a recording. I still don't see how they get around the DRM--knock on wood.

Almost two years with a Toshiba 52HMX94 and a Symbio have shown me that the TVGOS system is dependent on signal. If the Gemstar signal is available and robust, the TV will gather the data in and work flawlessly. Every time I have started to see "no listing", a call to the local host has revealed that the feed was turned off or down for some reason. The system stores a week partly to allow scheduling and partly to allow for down time.

I put a UPS on the TV and now I never lose channel edits. I know not to ever push "Exit" when watching a recording. I still don't see how they get around the DRM--knock on wood.
DRM? isnt the symbio certified for DTVLink? meaning it must obey the "copy never" or "copy once" flag?