A reader asks:

Has anyone confirmed that the clock will continue to run forward after manual reset? I recently reset the clock and had to wait a day for the correct time to appear. I could be mistaken, but seemed like the clock rolled back to 12 am after it reached 12 pm.

Anyone know?

I suggest you set it up for both Cable and OTA. Otherwise, the CBS-HD OTA won't show up in the guide, and only way to record would be manually.


OK - I will try it like this. I have it set up for cable/OTA and I have unplugged the antenna input from the back of the DVR. It shouldn't be necessary to remove or rescan antenna channels, right?

My worry right now is that I have been unable to get the clock to set itself by running the G* factory test. I hope it sets soon! Could this be because the guide data was totally reset (and it doesn't know the host or clock set channels yet)?

Finally, is it normal to lose the guide info with a front panel reset?

Thanks again...

This fall, UPN and the WB will cease broadcasting and transfer their programming to a new network called the CW, jointly owned by CBS (UPN's parent company) and Warner Brothers (the WB's parent company).

At least there will be less guide information to mess up.

A reader asks:

Has anyone confirmed that the clock will continue to run forward after manual reset? I recently reset the clock and had to wait a day for the correct time to appear. I could be mistaken, but seemed like the clock rolled back to 12 am after it reached 12 pm.

Anyone know?

I thought I had the same observation. That means the recorder is useless without an external clock.

OK - I will try it like this. I have it set up for cable/OTA and I have unplugged the antenna input from the back of the DVR. It shouldn't be necessary to remove or rescan antenna channels, right?

My worry right now is that I have been unable to get the clock to set itself by running the G* factory test. I hope it sets soon! Could this be because the guide data was totally reset (and it doesn't know the host or clock set channels yet)?

Finally, is it normal to lose the guide info with a front panel reset?

Thanks again...

The OTA channels don't change because you disconnected the antenna. I suggest you disable the duplicate channels, and channels you don't view. Be sure you don't disable any channels until the correct time shows, and leave the recorder in standby overnight. The process might be sped up by tuning to the PBS channel. It's been a long time since I did front panel reset so I don't remember what happens. TV guide reset not only removes the guide but also clock and scheduled recordings.

The OTA channels don't change because you disconnected the antenna. I suggest you disable the duplicate channels, and channels you don't view. Be sure you don't disable any channels until the correct time shows, and leave the recorder in standby overnight. The process might be sped up by tuning to the PBS channel. It's been a long time since I did front panel reset so I don't remember what happens. TV guide reset not only removes the guide but also clock and scheduled recordings.


Thanks...

Since their is no channel lineup, I can't delete/disable them yet (other than the ones in the +/- list). I will just leave it alone now and see what happens overnight. Patience is a virtue, dangit!

Two days ago I setup "regular" recording of the Fox show "24" and CBS show "CSI-Miami". On monday 1/23, my DHG-HDD250 recorded "24" successfully. While it was recording, 30 minutes into the show, I started watching the show from the beginning. So, I was behind by about 30 minutes. At 9:00 PM CST, it should have started recording CSI-Miami, while I was watching the recorded "24". It did not.

CSI: Miami also failed for me yesterday after a successful recording of 24, but I was not watching or using the DVR at the time. This is NOT user error. This has not been normal behavior for my Sony unit. The programs were both in the schedule as Weekly.

Recording History does not show a failed recording or any reference to CSI, which means that the program just disappeared from the schedule. Why should this happen the same way in different markets? It's got to be something with TVGOS and/or something in the broadcast signal.

This is different than the other problem --- the inability to record successive programs on the same premium channel with a CableCARD.

Two days ago I setup "regular" recording of the Fox show "24" and CBS show "CSI-Miami". On monday 1/23, my DHG-HDD250 recorded "24" successfully. While it was recording, 30 minutes into the show, I started watching the show from the beginning.

I had both set up as weekly recordings, and starting watching 24 at about the same point you did. I got the channel-change-ok? prompt, and CSI Miami recorded fine.

This fall, UPN and the WB will cease broadcasting and transfer their programming to a new network called the CW, jointly owned by CBS (UPN's parent company) and Warner Brothers (the WB's parent company).

At least there will be less guide information to mess up.

Seems reasonable, UPN has been spiraling down programming wise for a number of years. I was always surprised when they'd dump another hit series.

I would like to burn DVD's off the Sony that will play wide screen on a 4:3 TV. Does this unit sends a 16:9 flag with output.

CSI: Miami also failed for me yesterday after a successful recording of 24, but I was not watching or using the DVR at the time. This is NOT user error. This has not been normal behavior for my Sony unit. The programs were both in the schedule as Weekly.

Recording History does not show a failed recording or any reference to CSI, which means that the program just disappeared from the schedule. Why should this happen the same way in different markets? It's got to be something with TVGOS and/or something in the broadcast signal.

This is different than the other problem --- the inability to record successive programs on the same premium channel with a CableCARD.

In a controlled environment, using the problem scenarios that we all have had, Sony should be able to narrow down the bug and fix it. However, I don't think they will devote anybody for this since it is not made anymore!! Sucks.

I had till yesterday to return my box back to BestBuy. I chose to keep it. I hope I don't regret it.

The only show that has been consistently recorded without any manual intervention from me for the past 40 days has been Jeopardy!!

I would like to burn DVD's off the Sony that will play wide screen on a 4:3 TV. Does this unit sends a 16:9 flag with output.

Not that I know of. I've made widescreen DVDs using the following somewhat convoluted procedure:

1. Dub the recording from the Sony to a Panasonic HDD/DVD recorder, using "SD Out" format and "Squeeze" screen mode.

2. Edit the recording on the Panasonic's HDD, then burn it to a DVD. The Panasonic doesn't set the widescreen flag either, so I need the following further steps:

3. Put the finalized DVD into my Mac and copy the VIDEO_TS folder to the hard disk.

4. Change the permissions on all the files in the VIDEO_TS folder so I can edit them. By default they're read-only.

5. Use the MyDVDEdit program to change the aspect ratio flag from "4:3" to "16:9 auto letterbox" on all the files in the VIDEO_TS folder.

6. Use Toast to burn the VIDEO_TS folder to a new DVD.

Unfortunately, the Panasonic can't write to DVD-RW so I have to waste a DVD-R each time. :(

I have used the squeeze function on the Sony DVR to send Svideo out to my Sony RDR-GX7 DVD recorder and it will play an undistorted 16:9 widescreen format to my widescreen Mits HDTV. I just have the TV's format control set to "standard" (which is what I would use when watching a widescreen DVD anyway...)

Not sure if this helps...

I would like to burn DVD's off the Sony that will play wide screen on a 4:3 TV. Does this unit sends a 16:9 flag with output.

Set screen mode to "letterbox", and format to either 480i or 480p. I've done that with my Comcast HD receiver and DVD/DVR and viewed letterbox on my 4:3 TV.

Set screen mode to "letterbox", and format to either 480i or 480p. I've done that with my Comcast HD receiver and DVD/DVR and viewed letterbox on my 4:3 TV.
If this works, you might have to stick with 480i, since 480p is available via component video (not Svideo or composite video)...I am not aware of any DVD recorders that will record off from component video inputs (or even have component inputs).

I noticed that on my second PBS channel (not host) VBI packets are coming in a lot faster. 55 per 30sec vs 4 per minute. I know someone was trying to "trick" the unit into using another host channel, and I wondered if this was accomplished. I tried doing the warm reboot, and turnning off the original host channel, in hopes that it will find the other channel and use it. Any idea if this could work? I'm thinking that the unit found channel two, said, "oh there's data" and stopped looking, when it could have found that channel 9 was better. Any thoughts on this? Thanks! I will post updates to my results tonight if I get any and there is any interest.

In a controlled environment, using the problem scenarios that we all have had, Sony should be able to narrow down the bug and fix it. However, I don't think they will devote anybody for this since it is not made anymore!! Sucks.

I had till yesterday to return my box back to BestBuy. I chose to keep it. I hope I don't regret it.

The only show that has been consistently recorded without any manual intervention from me for the past 40 days has been Jeopardy!!

I think you made the right decision on keeping it, if you enjoy watching recorded HDTV. I've had mine since mid-June and have had very few problems with it, mostly with the TV guide and dropped recordings.
I wonder how many owners realize that the Sony is a special purpose PC, and thus subject to software defects, and that it uses a new version of on-screen TV Guide (software). I believe that Sony and TV guide will eventually solve the remaining problems. Lots of new TVs and DVRs have TV guide built in so the guide is here to stay.

On Monday I recorded Las Vegas and CSI Miami successfully and yesterday I recorded Commander and Boston Legal.
Anyone have problems recording these combinations?

I used the menu button to set-up these recordings, and will do so for future recordings with expection that I won't get any more dropped recordings, but I will continue to monitor the recording schedule when I am home.

If this works, you might have to stick with 480i, since 480p is available via component video (not Svideo or composite video)...I am not aware of any DVD recorders that will record off from component video inputs (or even have component inputs).

FYI, there is at least one Phillips DVD/DVR that has component input but don't know if it's still on the market. Also, my Toshiba DVR converts 480i to progressive. Lots of new DVD players do that.

FYI, there is at least one Phillips DVD/DVR that has component input but don't know if it's still on the market. Also, my Toshiba DVR converts 480i to progressive. Lots of new DVD players do that.

My Philips HDRW 720/17 120GB DVD Recorder has component inputs. Not very many out there since the movie studios came down hard on manufacturers that added that feature. Philips discontinued the model.

My Philips HDRW 720/17 120GB DVD Recorder has component inputs. Not very many out there since the movie studios came down hard on manufacturers that added that feature. Philips discontinued the model.
sony rdrhx900 also has component input & 160GB drive.

I'm interested.

Yesterday, my Zenith Silver Sensor indoor antenna came (Amazon sale $20, I wasn't looking) and I hooked it up to the external antenna input. I had to go through the setup again and I feared losing my TVGOS data for the next week. Surprisingly, it all came back this am before I left for work. Maybe it picked up the vbi data from one of OTA KCET stations with a faster rate.

strange behavior....

I got home this afternoon and tuned into channel 4.1 in the Los Angeles area (NBC). Instead of getting 4.1, I got the subchannel -- 4.2 being displayed.

I checked the 4.1 signal using my tv directly, and 4.1 does come in on my tv. But when I use the sony, I get 4.2 even though 4.1 is the channel selected (and the channel that shows in the guide).

I've already done an auto-scan from antenna but that didn't fix the problem. Also tried an auto-add antenna with no results. Also did a soft reset using the exit / tv-guide buttons on the front of the unit. That didn't fix it either.

Any other suggestions?

OK, OK - I give on the component inputs! I stand corrected. :D

On another note, my little experiment with the removal of the antenna feed to see if I could get the guide data via cable (with cablecard) appears to be successful. The time filled in overnight, and my channel list had populated itself. Guide data has also begun trickling in. I checked the host channel and clock set channel and it has both set for cable channel 12 (PBS). Unhooking the antenna feed obviously helps to force the Host Channel to switch away from OTA.

I did discover that this is probably not a bad way to set up (removing the antenna feed and telling it that an antenna is hooked up). I say this because all of the OTA channels in the "Customize Channel Display" are off by default. This saves time by allowing me to turn on the channels that I want, rather than turning off the channels I don't want. It just so happens that I only want 2 OTA channels (CBS and PBS). It is much easier to enable these 2 channels than it is to disable dozens of channels that it seems to enable just because they might have a very weak signal here. I suspect that it does a signal strength scan of its own to figure which channels should be "On" vs "Off".

I have turned off my OTA analog PBS station in both the DVR's +/- list, and in the TVGOS guide. I hope this is enough to prevent the host from ever switching back.

strange behavior....

I got home this afternoon and tuned into channel 4.1 in the Los Angeles area (NBC). Instead of getting 4.1, I got the subchannel -- 4.2 being displayed.

I checked the 4.1 signal using my tv directly, and 4.1 does come in on my tv. But when I use the sony, I get 4.2 even though 4.1 is the channel selected (and the channel that shows in the guide).

I've already done an auto-scan from antenna but that didn't fix the problem. Also tried an auto-add antenna with no results. Also did a soft reset using the exit / tv-guide buttons on the front of the unit. That didn't fix it either.

Any other suggestions?

When you did the front panel reset, did you lose all of your guide data?

Also, I have had problems in the past when a station has trouble with their PSIP generators. When this happened, my TV would tune to the -2 subchannel when you tried to tune to the -1 subchannel. I had to rescan all of my antenna channels to get it working right again. This wasn't with the Sony DVR - it was before I got mine.

And I like the NATIVE option for component that doesn't work for HDMI, so I'm sticking with component.

What about it doesn't work? It works for me (HDMI->DVI), but I can't use it because my display doesn't accept 480i in over DVI. So I set the Sony to Variable 1 instead of Native.

What about it doesn't work? It works for me (HDMI->DVI), but I can't use it because my display doesn't accept 480i in over DVI. So I set the Sony to Variable 1 instead of Native.

Many folks with HDMI>DVI find that no setting except Auto HDMI will "stick". After the Sony is off for awhile, it always reverts to Auto HDMI.

strange behavior....

I got home this afternoon and tuned into channel 4.1 in the Los Angeles area (NBC). Instead of getting 4.1, I got the subchannel -- 4.2 being displayed.

I checked the 4.1 signal using my tv directly, and 4.1 does come in on my tv. But when I use the sony, I get 4.2 even though 4.1 is the channel selected (and the channel that shows in the guide).

I've already done an auto-scan from antenna but that didn't fix the problem. Also tried an auto-add antenna with no results. Also did a soft reset using the exit / tv-guide buttons on the front of the unit. That didn't fix it either.

Any other suggestions?

I suggest you don't rush to make changes since HDTV channels can be flaky at times -even going off the air. I was able to tune 4.1 at 5:50 pm

I didn't lose any guide data. I have also now reset user configuration in the 9012 menu and this reset everything but still 4.1 comes in as 4.2

I would agree about the PSIP data but on my tv tuner itself 4.1 tunes into 4.1 and not 4.2... even after I re-scan for channels on the tv. But re-scanning on the Sony does nothing... 4.1 still shows as 4.2

Robert

Ray:

Still can't get 4.1 at 5:59 pm. :(

Any ideas what to do next?

strange behavior....

I got home this afternoon and tuned into channel 4.1 in the Los Angeles area (NBC). Instead of getting 4.1, I got the subchannel -- 4.2 being displayed.

I checked the 4.1 signal using my tv directly, and 4.1 does come in on my tv. But when I use the sony, I get 4.2 even though 4.1 is the channel selected (and the channel that shows in the guide).

I've already done an auto-scan from antenna but that didn't fix the problem. Also tried an auto-add antenna with no results. Also did a soft reset using the exit / tv-guide buttons on the front of the unit. That didn't fix it either.

Any other suggestions?


That happens when the station's PSIP data is messed up (and it happen quite a bit locally). The STBs that have the TVGOS don't use the PSIP data for EPG listings but they do use it when you do a station scan to identify all the digital stations (and substations). The reason that your TV correctly lists the station is that the station information was stored from when you did your last scan but if you did a scan when you saw the problem on your Sony you would see the same problem. The best thing to do is to wait a few hours and do a re-scan. If it still isn't fixed you may want to call the station's engineer and tell him about the problem.

Bill:

Did a re-scan on the tv after seeing the problem on the Sony. 4.1 comes in fine.

Also, Ray on this board gets 4.1 fine also on his Sony.

I'm stumped. The only thing I haven't tried now is a full re-format and NVRam wipe. :(

Robert

Bill:

Did a re-scan on the tv after seeing the problem on the Sony. 4.1 comes in fine.

Also, Ray on this board gets 4.1 fine also on his Sony.

I'm stumped. The only thing I haven't tried now is a full re-format and NVRam wipe. :(

Robert

Robert,

That changes things. I would not go as far as doing a re-format and NVRam wipe right now. I would give Sony a call first. It still seems to me like some sort of PSIP problem but if the TV tuner is O.K., I have no idea of what the problem could be.

Ray:

Still can't get 4.1 at 5:59 pm. :(

Any ideas what to do next?


Same problem here, West Los Angeles. Actually it says 4.1 but it.s the 4.2 weather map

No guide data at all today

I just tried my Samsung ATSC and it gets 4.1 fine, Weird, On the Sony 4.2 is showing.


Rebooting now. . .

Rebooting didn't help. no 4.2 showing on 4.1 and 4.2 on Sony, but evrything is ok on Samsung

Still no program guide, time is ok

Ray:

Still can't get 4.1 at 5:59 pm. :(

Any ideas what to do next?

Sorry I was mistaken about getting NBC 4.1. It showed that way on the display, but a few minutes ago I turned on the TV and got the weather stuff 4.2. Channel 4 on cable is ok. My suggestion is to do nothing since it is happening to all of us. Problem is probably at the TV staion.

Glad I didn't do more....

I just spoke with an engineer at KNBC. They are replacing a bunch of equipment for the olympics and the PSIP stuff is going to be messed up for 3-5 days while they do that work. :( So, if you get 4-1 from off-the-air on the Sony (and some other devices), you'll get 4-2 during this "outage" instead.

So, those of us in Los Angeles at least know what's going on now.

Robert

Very odd, my Samsung 451 ATSC still is getting NBC news 4.1 fine. What is the difference between these two tuners, Sony is also analog, what else.?

Many folks with HDMI>DVI find that no setting except Auto HDMI will "stick". After the Sony is off for awhile, it always reverts to Auto HDMI.

I've never had that problem, mine stays at Variable 1 just fine.

strange behavior....

I got home this afternoon and tuned into channel 4.1 in the Los Angeles area (NBC). Instead of getting 4.1, I got the subchannel -- 4.2 being displayed.

I checked the 4.1 signal using my tv directly, and 4.1 does come in on my tv. But when I use the sony, I get 4.2 even though 4.1 is the channel selected (and the channel that shows in the guide).

I've already done an auto-scan from antenna but that didn't fix the problem. Also tried an auto-add antenna with no results. Also did a soft reset using the exit / tv-guide buttons on the front of the unit. That didn't fix it either.

Any other suggestions?

If you figure out why this is happening please post remedy. I noticed I have the exact same problem. I tried recording Jamie Foxx and friends on 4.1 instead I got 4.2 even though TV guide and DVR has the channel listed as 4.1 really weird. I am on my 3rd box DHG HDD 500 ( Had to return first 2 because of numerous issues) I still have a week before my 30 days is up, but frankly I am sick of this and I am ready to throw in the towel. I had previously owned and returned a LG LST 3410 because it too had problems with the TV Guide. I know better than to call SONY since their 1st tier support is useless and the hold time to speak with a product specialist is about 30 minutes. Anybody know of a product that is on the horizon without TV Guide? I have no cable or Sat just want a OTA DVR that works!

Thanks!
EdwinC

If you figure out why this is happening please post remedy. I noticed I have the exact same problem. I tried recording Jamie Foxx and friends on 4.1 instead I got 4.2 even though TV guide and DVR has the channel listed as 4.1 really weird. I am on my 3rd box DHG HDD 500 ( Had to return first 2 because of numerous issues) I still have a week before my 30 days is up, but frankly I am sick of this and I am ready to throw in the towel. I had previously owned and returned a LG LST 3410 because it too had problems with the TV Guide. I know better than to call SONY since their 1st tier support is useless and the hold time to speak with a product specialist is about 30 minutes. Anybody know of a product that is on the horizon without TV Guide? I have no cable or Sat just want a OTA DVR that works!

Thanks!
EdwinC

Your only choices are probably going to be either TV Guide or TIVO. The TV Guide is a work in progress. Hopefully it will improve. Seems like most people complain about the guide but I wonder how many people think about the complexity of the task. It takes the efforts of manufacturers such as Sony, TV Guide software, contracts with TV and cable broadcasters that transmit the guide, and the daily generation of unique program grids for locations and cable companies thoughout the US.

Inability to receive 4.1 is due to a problem at NBC 4. I suggest you record Channel 4 until the problem is resolved. If you set the recorder for 1080i, the playback will be much improved.

Tonight I discovered that Commander and Boston Legal weren't recorded last night even though they were listed as being recorded. It was my fault. I put the wrong cable channel number in the guide, and recorded the programs on that station.

I would like to burn DVD's off the Sony that will play wide screen on a 4:3 TV. Does this unit sends a 16:9 flag with output.

Maybe the question has been answered to your satisfaction, but I'll put in my 2 cents.

I have a JVC DVD recorder which accepts S-video input. As others have stated, set the Sony to "Letterbox" when recording to get 16:9 ratio when the DVD is played back. Or, if you want 4:3 on a 4:3, you can set the Sony to "Side Crop" but of course the drawback is you can never get the 16:9 back if you record this way.

As you may or may not know, a burned 480i DVD is still no match for the original HD broadcast captured on the Sony. A football game picture is a lot brighter and more colorful (I'm struggling for the correct words!) when played back from the hard drive versus when burned to DVD.

Heb

I'm wondering if my Sony is defective. I lost my program guide but Ray who lives near me did not. It took four days and a front panel reset to get the program data to begin with.
I get the analog host channel OK but not perfect. Ray does have a better antenna since he gets UPN and I don't, I wonder if it's a reception issue.

Anyone else with average or poor analog reception of the host channel having problems with guide data?


Thanks

Maybe the question has been answered to your satisfaction, but I'll put in my 2 cents.

I have a JVC DVD recorder which accepts S-video input. As others have stated, set the Sony to "Letterbox" when recording to get 16:9 ratio when the DVD is played back. Or, if you want 4:3 on a 4:3, you can set the Sony to "Side Crop" but of course the drawback is you can never get the 16:9 back if you record this way.

As you may or may not know, a burned 480i DVD is still no match for the original HD broadcast captured on the Sony. A football game picture is a lot brighter and more colorful (I'm struggling for the correct words!) when played back from the hard drive versus when burned to DVD.

Heb


Thank you for the help. I only need it to play 4:3 when I give DVD's to others. Even though they don't compare to HD they still look way better than broadcast analog.

I'm wondering if my Sony is defective. I lost my program guide but Ray who lives near me did not. It took four days and a front panel reset to get the program data to begin with.
I get the analog host channel OK but not perfect. Ray does have a better antenna since he gets UPN and I don't, I wonder if it's a reception issue.

Anyone else with average or poor analog reception of the host channel having problems with guide data?

Thanks

Have you gone to the G* factory test while tuned to your host channel? If so, did you see it receiving VBI packets, and were they being reported as good, fixed, or bad?

To get to the test, tune to this host channel, then press Menu -> Screen Mode -> 9 -> 0 -> 1 -> 2. Once the special menu appears, go to the last one ("Guide" I think), then, G* Factory Test. Watch the test to see if the top three items on the left read "Pass" - don't worry if it says Failed for the last two tests.

You should see it counting up as it receives VBI packets. Ideally you don't want to see too many Bad packets. If your reception is to blame, you might see frequent Bad packets.

Someone else, please correct me if I am wrong, but I am guessing that unless you happen to do this test during a guide download period, you are seeing VBI packets like closed caption info, and maybe V-chip info...

I'm wondering if my Sony is defective. I lost my program guide but Ray who lives near me did not. It took four days and a front panel reset to get the program data to begin with.
I get the analog host channel OK but not perfect. Ray does have a better antenna since he gets UPN and I don't, I wonder if it's a reception issue.

Anyone else with average or poor analog reception of the host channel having problems with guide data?


Thanks
could it be your unit was defragmenting the disk automatically, so it will lost all guide info but not recorder programs?

Hello Everyone,


I have read almost all the threads on this forum, but I have only seen two individuals having my same issue (almost a year ago).
The problem I'm having is that for some reason, I can not record any HD programs using my cable card. The recording starts and then it stops after just 5 seconds (nothing gets recorded !). On the legend it says that the recording was not allowed by my service provider.
I have no problems recording analog shows using the cable card. I can also record the HD channels over the air without any issues. The cable company tells me that they don't have any type of CCI or other restrictions on their channels since they also offer DVR services.

Anyone with this issue? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Your cableco (like mine) may carry some HD stations un-encrypted. So I would take the CC out and try to record those stations. If unsuccessful, the CC is problematic. If not, then its likely the cableco's feed. Next is to try an OTA antenna to isolate a possible Sony/equipment problem. Good luck.

Hello Everyone,


I have read almost all the threads on this forum, but I have only seen two individuals having my same issue (almost a year ago).
The problem I'm having is that for some reason, I can not record any HD programs using my cable card. The recording starts and then it stops after just 5 seconds (nothing gets recorded !). On the legend it says that the recording was not allowed by my service provider.
I have no problems recording analog shows using the cable card. I can also record the HD channels over the air without any issues. The cable company tells me that they don't have any type of CCI or other restrictions on their channels since they also offer DVR services.

Anyone with this issue? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

You should be able to go into the Preferences, and then into CableCard (I can't remember the exact location in the menu tree, but I think it is under Preferences, maybe Preferences->System).

Within the cablecard menu, there is one that is called Conditional Access (again, not sure of the exact name). Within this menu, you should see some data about encryption/decryption status. Go in there and post here what it says...

I will have to look at mine tonight to remember what it is supposed to say, though! I recall that one of the flags should say "0x00", meaning that there is no copy protection.

I may have missed it in the manual. sorry to ask this question: dose anybody know where it displays the disk space in Gb or % still available for recording in this unit? Thanks a lot for the info.

Thank you very much. I will really appreciate if you could tell me what yours CC says. I'm trying to get a tech from the cable company to come over so I want to be specific with my issue.

Your cableco (like mine) may carry some HD stations un-encrypted. So I would take the CC out and try to record those stations. If unsuccessful, the CC is problematic. If not, then its likely the cableco's feed. Next is to try an OTA antenna to isolate a possible Sony/equipment problem. Good luck.


I'm able to record analogs channels using the card. I'm also able to record HD channels over the air with my antenna. If I take the cable card out, then I will not be able to get the HD channels from the cable company. As Spiff said on his reply, it should be a proctection issue with the CC. I just hope my cable card company is willing or even knows how to resolve the issue. They haven't been very helpful so far.

Thanks for your reply anyways.

I may have missed it in the manual. sorry to ask this question: dose anybody know where it displays the disk space in Gb or % still available for recording in this unit? Thanks a lot for the info. Menu - Preferences - System - System Menu.

great, thanks a lot for the answer!

Thank you very much. I will really appreciate if you could tell me what yours CC says. I'm trying to get a tech from the cable company to come over so I want to be specific with my issue.

The Menu is under:
Menu - Preferences - System - Cablecard - Conditional Access

The last three lines are:
Host Validation: Valid 00
Copy Protection Key: Disabled
CCI: 0x00

I am able to record premium digital channels with these settings, but I can't say for sure that this is the relevant info.

I don't know if a tech can do anything themselves on site. They need to change the setup from their office (I think). It may be helpful, though, to get a tech at your house to talk directly to the office...better priority service that way.

Seems like most people complain about the guide but I wonder how many people think about the complexity of the task. It takes the efforts of manufacturers such as Sony, TV Guide software, contracts with TV and cable broadcasters that transmit the guide, and the daily generation of unique program grids for locations and cable companies thoughout the US.


Granted, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a consumer product represented to have certain features that just don't work very well, if at all. That's poor design and/or poor manufacturing. And we as consumers should not continue accept it. If we do, we'll never get anything better. We've been conditioned to expect and accept this kind of poor performance by computer software vendors.

Frankly, as I've said in a previous post, if it weren't for the beautiful picture the unit puts out, I'd have taken mine back.

It's really kind of ridiculous that a thread like this -- currently 93 pages long -- discussing the same product deficiencies over and over, has not resulted in better service from Sony. At least a user-installable firmware upgrade allowing four digits after the decimal point, for example.

By the way, does anyone know whether it's possible to download a firmware upgrade and install it via the USB port? If so, how?

By the way, does anyone know whether it's possible to download a firmware upgrade and install it via the USB port? If so, how?

I think it has been stated by someone with connections at Sony that the USB is used to upgrade Firmware, but this isn't available by any means other then sending the entire unit in to Sony service.

I think it has been stated by someone with connections at Sony that the USB is used to upgrade Firmware, but this isn't available by any means other then sending the entire unit in to Sony service.

Out of curiosity. I should try to connect the USB port to my PC and see if my PC will recognize the unit. It' gotta be there for a reason. Just a matter of time before someone try to hack it. We'll see

Granted, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a consumer product represented to have certain features that just don't work very well, if at all. That's poor design and/or poor manufacturing. And we as consumers should not continue accept it. If we do, we'll never get anything better. We've been conditioned to expect and accept this kind of poor performance by computer software vendors.

Frankly, as I've said in a previous post, if it weren't for the beautiful picture the unit puts out, I'd have taken mine back.

It's really kind of ridiculous that a thread like this -- currently 93 pages long -- discussing the same product deficiencies over and over, has not resulted in better service from Sony. At least a user-installable firmware upgrade allowing four digits after the decimal point, for example.

By the way, does anyone know whether it's possible to download a firmware upgrade and install it via the USB port? If so, how?

Unfortunately Sony can't fix the problem since it isn't a hardware defect. As I see it, Sony could have designed the recorder without tv guide, but instead use either TIVO or TV Guide Plus. I'm glad they didn't choose TIVO because I refuse to pay a monthly fee.

Most problems we encounter are due to the TV Guide. Yesterday I read comments posted for a Toshiba X34 DVR, which uses TV Guide. I own the x32, which doesn't have that feature. Many people gave the recorder low marks because of the guide, which they hated. Also some people complained that the cable company blocked access to the guide signal. There are similar comments on AVS postings for TV Guide.

I'm wondering if my Sony is defective. I lost my program guide but Ray who lives near me did not. It took four days and a front panel reset to get the program data to begin with.
I get the analog host channel OK but not perfect. Ray does have a better antenna since he gets UPN and I don't, I wonder if it's a reception issue.

Anyone else with average or poor analog reception of the host channel having problems with guide data?


Thanks

Your problem may be due to a weak signal. Tune to channel 28, then look at the system menu to view the signal strength. It will tell you what kind of signal you have. If it's too weak, I suggest you verify that the antenna is pointed in the right direction. Also, if you use a splitter, it may be reducing your signal strength. I had to replace my out door antenna with an inexpensive UHF model to get UPN HD.

[QUOTE=spiff72]The Menu is under:
Menu - Preferences - System - Cablecard - Conditional Access

The last three lines are:
Host Validation: Valid 00
Copy Protection Key: Disabled
CCI: 0x00

Hey Spiff, thanks again for taking your time to deal with this.

I tried looking for these settings; however, my cable card option does not show a tab for "conditional access". The only tabs I see are: 4 tabs called "Reserved", 1 tab called "SA CableCard Diag Screen" and 1 tab called "SA CableCard/ Host ID tab". None of these tabs show the information you mentioned. So, I'm not sure if there is a different way to detect such settings. I'm afraid to pull the cable card out and reset the unit because I think I will loose all of my TV Guide info and I don't think that will resolve the issue.

I just found out that I am able to pause and rewind the same HD channels that I'm not able to record. So I know there is nothing wrong with the unit. It must be a configuration issue with the cable card.

Unfortunately Sony can't fix the problem since it isn't a hardware defect. As I see it, Sony could have designed the recorder without tv guide, but instead use either TIVO or TV Guide Plus. I'm glad they didn't choose TIVO because I refuse to pay a monthly fee.

Most problems we encounter are due to the TV Guide. Yesterday I read comments posted for a Toshiba X34 DVR, which uses TV Guide. I own the x32, which doesn't have that feature. Many people gave the recorder low marks because of the guide, which they hated. Also some people complained that the cable company blocked access to the guide signal. There are similar comments on AVS postings for TV Guide.

I just got the recorder two weeks ago and so far I absolutely love it especially picture quality. I haven't encountered any problem with the TV guide yet.
Since most of my schedule recording has been set manualy (I only record HD shows and all my HD are not on the guide at all).
So far nothing disappear from my list yet (knock on wood) the only bad thing about not set it through the guide is that all of them show up as unknown once they're recorded. If you don't get to watch them right away you might have to go through all of them which is which.

Today there were two back to back episodes of CSI (from 7 to 8 CST and 8 to 9 CST). I distinctly remember setting both episodes for recording. The first one was recorded correctly, but the second one was dropped from the schedule. Urgh!!!

Second time this week. First it was the 24 and CSI-Miami on Monday and now this.

-Siva

I just got the recorder two weeks ago and so far I absolutely love it especially picture quality. I haven't encountered any problem with the TV guide yet.
Since most of my schedule recording has been set manualy (I only record HD shows and all my HD are not on the guide at all).
So far nothing disappear from my list yet (knock on wood) the only bad thing about not set it through the guide is that all of them show up as unknown once they're recorded. If you don't get to watch them right away you might have to go through all of them which is which.

Manually recorded programs have unknown titles but do have the date and time of the recording, program length, and channel number, and that is usually sufficient to know what the program is without playing it. For movies, and other stuff, just write down the program title and date/time of recording for future reference. How did you handle stuff you recorded on the VCR?

All major stations show up on the guide, so if they aren't in yours, it's very likely that you have a setup error. For example, if stations you record are on cable but you didn't choose cable or the correct cable company. If you did choose the correct cable setup but don't have a cable card, the HD channel numbers will be the wrong ones. You need to manually scan through all the channels to find the correct ones, and edit them into the guide.

I'm able to record analogs channels using the card. I'm also able to record HD channels over the air with my antenna. If I take the cable card out, then I will not be able to get the HD channels from the cable company. As Spiff said on his reply, it should be a proctection issue with the CC. I just hope my cable card company is willing or even knows how to resolve the issue. They haven't been very helpful so far.

Thanks for your reply anyways.

With cable card removed, your HD programs appear on different channels. To find them, scan thru all you channels with the card out. Note the channel number and edit them into the guide.

Manually recorded programs have unknown titles but do have the date and time of the recording, program length, and channel number, and that is usually sufficient to know what the program is without playing it. For movies, and other stuff, just write down the program title and date/time of recording for future reference. How did you handle stuff you recorded on the VCR?

By writing a table of contents on a label glued to the tape cassette itself, which is slightly more convenient than having it on a separate piece of paper that I have to rummage around for. You should see all the paper notes that are already lying on top of my AV cabinet! :p

Today there were two back to back episodes of CSI (from 7 to 8 CST and 8 to 9 CST). I distinctly remember setting both episodes for recording. The first one was recorded correctly, but the second one was dropped from the schedule. Urgh!!!

Second time this week. First it was the 24 and CSI-Miami on Monday and now this.

-Siva

have you called sony? everyone having this problem needs to call them. don't
listen to the first person you talk to who will tell you to reset it. get to a second
level person. they still won't resolve the problem but if they get enough
reports on the same issue they may begin to realize they DO have a problem.
how about we all post our problem reference #'s? all subsequent calls members
of this group make to sony on the issue can reference all the reference
numbers we've gathered!

[QUOTE=spiff72]The Menu is under:
Menu - Preferences - System - Cablecard - Conditional Access

The last three lines are:
Host Validation: Valid 00
Copy Protection Key: Disabled
CCI: 0x00

Hey Spiff, thanks again for taking your time to deal with this.

I tried looking for these settings; however, my cable card option does not show a tab for "conditional access". The only tabs I see are: 4 tabs called "Reserved", 1 tab called "SA CableCard Diag Screen" and 1 tab called "SA CableCard/ Host ID tab". None of these tabs show the information you mentioned. So, I'm not sure if there is a different way to detect such settings. I'm afraid to pull the cable card out and reset the unit because I think I will loose all of my TV Guide info and I don't think that will resolve the issue.

I just found out that I am able to pause and rewind the same HD channels that I'm not able to record. So I know there is nothing wrong with the unit. It must be a configuration issue with the cable card.

My card is a Motorola, not a Sci Atlanta, so the menus are different. I am not sure where that info is on the SA cards. Did you look in all of the tabs, including the "Reserved" ones?

I still think your issue is with the CC, not the Sony.

I was able to pick up a new "open box" HDD250 @ BB for $349. I want to add it to my current system which has a Sony a/v receiver and a Zenith plasma with the cablecard installed. So my newbie question is--do I leave the cablecard in the TV or put it in the HDD250? If it goes in the HDD250 do I have to call the cable company and have it "reconfigured"? Would I be better off with a cablecard in each(our local cable company charges $3.95/mo per card)? I am assuming that would allow me to record one channel and watch another.

TIA,

JHawk

I was able to pick up a new "open box" HDD250 @ BB for $349. I want to add it to my current system which has a Sony a/v receiver and a Zenith plasma with the cablecard installed. So my newbie question is--do I leave the cablecard in the TV or put it in the HDD250? If it goes in the HDD250 do I have to call the cable company and have it "reconfigured"? Would I be better off with a cablecard in each(our local cable company charges $3.95/mo per card)? I am assuming that would allow me to record one channel and watch another.

TIA,

JHawk

I do this with a cable card in my TV and one in my HDD250. Mine cost $1.50/month, though. This would then allow you to record thing and watch another on the TV's cablecard. If you go with two, don't take the one out of your TV - just let them put one in your DVR.

I just purchased what was supposed to be a NEW IN BOX DHG-HDD500 from eBay. They stated they were an Authorized Dealer - even called Sony myself and verified that they were.

Bought it for $689 plus $33 for shipping. The problem is - it is not new - it has recording listings from 2005. Plus in the eBay description it says it has the Memory Stick....wrong, not on this one.

So - here are my questions:

1. Should I make them send me a NEW ONE with a Memory Stick?
2. Should I keep this one and force them to refund some money - and if so - how much?
3. Did they stop putting the Memory Stick slot on them? This one was manufactured in July 2005.

I just purchased what was supposed to be a NEW IN BOX DHG-HDD500 from eBay. They stated they were an Authorized Dealer - even called Sony myself and verified that they were.

Bought it for $689 plus $33 for shipping. The problem is - it is not new - it has recording listings from 2005. Plus in the eBay description it says it has the Memory Stick....wrong, not on this one.

So - here are my questions:

1. Should I make them send me a NEW ONE with a Memory Stick?
2. Should I keep this one and force them to refund some money - and if so - how much?
3. Did they stop putting the Memory Stick slot on them? This one was manufactured in July 2005.

I would complain. It certainly is not as advertised. For that price you can probably buy a new one from someone else, like Tweeter.

I believe the memory stick only existed on the pre-production prototype model. They were using very old information.

It all sounds like a potentially bad ebay experience for you. Best of luck, I hope they even respond back.

I brought my HDD 500 last saturday at Sound advice for $699 after reading all 89 pages of this thread. I set it up for cable & O/A. Clock works and I now have all 8 days of guide data. In general I'm pleased with this unit. I also have a DTV HR 10 250 HD recorder. I find each has its own pluses & minuses. I see a definite improvement in the O/A tuner in the Sony. Now for my problem:


I' m receiving O/A digital and analog - and cable analog channels w/o a problem. Although I receive some(about 10) cable digital channels, I don't receive any HD cable channels including any local HD channels which everyone else seems to receive with the QAM tuner w/o a cable card. If these channels aren't encrypted they should have showed up on the initial scan.


I know from previous posts the frequencies for the digital channels can be different when using the QAM tuner w/o a CC. Can any tell me what frequencies comcast usually uses for local HD channels as well as those for TNTHD, DISCHD, HBOHD, SHOHD, INHD, & INHD2.
I's sure these vary in differnt localities but they may have some commonality for Comcast cable with SA headends(which Comcast here in Sarasota county Florida has).

By writing a table of contents on a label glued to the tape cassette itself, which is slightly more convenient than having it on a separate piece of paper that I have to rummage around for. You should see all the paper notes that are already lying on top of my AV cabinet! :p Tell me about it. My ability to keep track of what's on all my VHS tapes was long overrun by my actual taping.

I' m receiving O/A digital and analog - and cable analog channels w/o a problem. Although I receive some(about 10) cable digital channels, I don't receive any HD cable channels including any local HD channels which everyone else seems to receive with the QAM tuner w/o a cable card. If these channels aren't encrypted they should have showed up on the initial scan.


I know from previous posts the frequencies for the digital channels can be different when using the QAM tuner w/o a CC. Can any tell me what frequencies comcast usually uses for local HD channels as well as those for TNTHD, DISCHD, HBOHD, SHOHD, INHD, & INHD2.
I's sure these vary in differnt localities but they may have some commonality for Comcast cable with SA headends(which Comcast here in Sarasota county Florida has).

Without a cablecard, you aren't going to get any of the HD channels you listed above. The only ones that you may get without the cablecard would be the HD locals if they aren't encrypted. The channel numbers that they have (without a cablecard) most likely vary from market to market. My Charter has the HD Locals in the 102 and 104 range (under various subchannels).

On my third box and over a month later and I am not getting any listings. At the present my Out of Band info in "unlocked" which I read and confirmed with SONY needs to be locked to get the guide info. I was told this is a signal issue.

So the cable co just left without even hooking anything up to my lines. They took one look at the set up and said "Oh! You've got the cabel running through the serge protector, then through a cheap splitter, and another line all the way down the hall to the bedroom (not the location in question). This stuff doesn't pass digital. I'm suprised anything is working at all; and it's not passing the return." I told them that it has been working fine for over a year with the exat same set up. They said sometimes it'll work for a while then stop.

Here's the part I don't understand.
1) I'm not worried about the digital. It's the analog channel that the OOB is not locked on.
2) I have a cable card set up I don't there is no "return" b/c it is a one-way technology (althogh the cable card is not inserted, but he doesn't know that).

So without taking a SINGLE reading, they left and someone "better" is coming back on Monday to take a look at my set up and try and re do the entire thing.

Someone tell me it's not going to matter.

Please! Thank you!

OH! forgot the part where after he left I took the line straight into the apartment and hooked it into the tuner to eliminate the "problems" - no change.

Without a cablecard, you aren't going to get any of the HD channels you listed above. The only ones that you may get without the cablecard would be the HD locals if they aren't encrypted. The channel numbers that they have (without a cablecard) most likely vary from market to market. My Charter has the HD Locals in the 102 and 104 range (under various subchannels).

Comcast in Los Angeles, the HD channels I watch start at 80.1.

On my third box and over a month later and I am not getting any listings. At the present my Out of Band info in "unlocked" which I read and confirmed with SONY needs to be locked to get the guide info. I was told this is a signal issue.

So the cable co just left without even hooking anything up to my lines. They took one look at the set up and said "Oh! You've got the cabel running through the serge protector, then through a cheap splitter, and another line all the way down the hall to the bedroom (not the location in question). This stuff doesn't pass digital. I'm suprised anything is working at all; and it's not passing the return." I told them that it has been working fine for over a year with the exat same set up. They said sometimes it'll work for a while then stop.

Here's the part I don't understand.
1) I'm not worried about the digital. It's the analog channel that the OOB is not locked on.
2) I have a cable card set up I don't there is no "return" b/c it is a one-way technology (althogh the cable card is not inserted, but he doesn't know that).

So without taking a SINGLE reading, they left and someone "better" is coming back on Monday to take a look at my set up and try and re do the entire thing.

Someone tell me it's not going to matter.

Please! Thank you!

OH! forgot the part where after he left I took the line straight into the apartment and hooked it into the tuner to eliminate the "problems" - no change.

Sorry I don't understand your posting except for the fact that you aren't getting a good signal on the PBS station. I suggest you tune to that station either cable or OTA, and select System information. One of the items there tells you signal strength. You should also view the channel and see that you are getting a good picture. If cable isn't providing it, you need to focus on OTA, where you have options to improve recepition if you need to.

Sorry I don't understand your posting except for the fact that you aren't getting a good signal on the PBS station. I suggest you tune to that station either cable or OTA, and select System information. One of the items there tells you signal strength. You should also view the channel and see that you are getting a good picture. If cable isn't providing it, you need to focus on OTA, where you have options to improve recepition if you need to.

Thaks Ray! Basically, if you go preferences>system>diagnostics you can view the In band and Out of Band info, including SNR. SONY, as well as someone here, said Out of Band needs to be locked and have a SNR greater than 16 or you may have signal issues. My Out of Band in unlocked, and therefore had no SNR value, meaning I think there is a signal problem. Way back on my first, and maybe even my second box, I had this locked with an SNR above 16 and way back I had guide data for a while.

So I had the cable company come out to see if they can help the signal, btu they took one look at the splitters and such and said there was a problem passing digital. Well, we all know we are only concerned with analog for TVGOS purposes. They didn't care.

The picture is pretty good, although there has been some decline which occurred when I hooked up the original box, but really not that bad.

Now they are going to come try and redo the set up of the whole apartment building. Fine with me if it works, but I think they are going down the wrong path.

Also I bypassed the whole "problem area" by hooking the direct line straight into the unit, and there was no change - another reason I think their splitter and surge protector theory is the wrong one.

I discovered a new problem: I manually entered the HD channels and put them in numberical order by channel number, and recorded the wrong programs. I checked the edited listing and saw that HD channels 4 and 5 had the channel 4 channel number. I tried to correct the error but after I completed the entry, the error returned. like the two were locked together. I moved channel 5 down on the list, and then was able to put the correct number in. Also, I moved channel 5 back to its original location without it changing.

So if you put edited channels in numberical order I suggest you check the list for duplicate numbers.

have you called sony? everyone having this problem needs to call them. don't
listen to the first person you talk to who will tell you to reset it. get to a second
level person. they still won't resolve the problem but if they get enough
reports on the same issue they may begin to realize they DO have a problem.
how about we all post our problem reference #'s? all subsequent calls members
of this group make to sony on the issue can reference all the reference
numbers we've gathered!

I finally broke down and sent in my unit. Sony has it right now. I'll post what they say was the fix when I get it back. I agree, just ask for 2nd tier so you can get your work order number - there's no point having a DVR when you can't trust it to record what you want. Can't tell you how many shows, like 24 and lost, that I missed (talk about lost) and then had trouble figuring out what happened when it didn't record...

I would hesitate to post the event id or work number, as this info is not well protected - people can find out what you own and where you live. I went up and down a few work order numbers from mine, and only saw 1 other DHG. There is a DVD recorder from Sony though, that must be real problematic, as it appeared in 90% of the work orders.

I finally broke down and sent in my unit. Sony has it right now. I'll post what they say was the fix when I get it back. I agree, just ask for 2nd tier so you can get your work order number - there's no point having a DVR when you can't trust it to record what you want. Can't tell you how many shows, like 24 and lost, that I missed (talk about lost) and then had trouble figuring out what happened when it didn't record...

I would hesitate to post the event id or work number, as this info is not well protected - people can find out what you own and where you live. I went up and down a few work order numbers from mine, and only saw 1 other DHG. There is a DVD recorder from Sony though, that must be real problematic, as it appeared in 90% of the work orders.

I doubt that Sony is going to fix dropped programs since I believe it is caused by TV Guide.

I was able to pick up a new "open box" HDD250 @ BB for $349.


Wow, That's the deal I wanted.

Thanks for your replies, Spiff, I wasn't really expecting to get any Hd channels except the locals w/o CC but I have seen postings indicating some people had received TNTHD, the INHDs, and/or DISCHD from the QAM tuner. I was expecting to get the HD locals however since I've seen no posting indicating they were encrypted anywhere. By the way I am getting FlixE in the clear. So the whole thing is strange.

Ray, I tried the 80.xx's with no luck but thanks anyway.

Stomgray1,

Try looking in the HDTV->Local HDTV for a Comcast thread for your area. It would tell you what Comcast is doing in your area. Out here in the SF Bay area, Comcast puts the local HDTV channels on the cable un-encrypted. You can tune them with a QAM tuner, without a Cable Card. The frequencies vary by headend, so it would be futile for me to try to guess what they would be for you. And depending on what Comcast is up to, they sometimes change. We have two channels on 79, one on 116, one on 111, etc. So there is no rhyme or reason to it.

Greg

I do this with a cable card in my TV and one in my HDD250. Mine cost $1.50/month, though. This would then allow you to record thing and watch another on the TV's cablecard. If you go with two, don't take the one out of your TV - just let them put one in your DVR.

Spiff--thank you for your reply. I did the initial setup tonight and am now waiting for the Guide info to load.

Just to make certain I am correct---If I leave the cablecard in the TV I should get all the channels(including premium HD) on the Sony. However, if I want to watch one channel and record another I will have to get a second cablecard for the Sony.
Am I correct?

TIA,

JHawk

Just to make certain I am correct---If I leave the cablecard in the TV I should get all the channels(including premium HD) on the Sony. However, if I want to watch one channel and record another I will have to get a second cablecard for the Sony.
Am I correct?


No, the CableCARD in the TV only affects the TV. If you want the same on the Sony you will need a CableCARD in the Sony as well.

5-7 secs delay for channel switching with the new firmware!? mine is 1.2.05 and i thought 3 secs delay is worst enough (only when switching from 1080i to 720p or 480i and vice versa). No upgrade for me.

Well I gave in and connected the DHGHDD500 via component video and therefore I eliminated the channel switching delay and audio/video noise when switching channels using HDMI. By using component I also eliminated that silly message that appears on my screen when switching channels and when viewing HD material.

I still have the issue where I can't enter 4 digit channel numbers in the TV guide editor but everything seems to be working except for this. I've also recorded programs back to back without any issues (and yes, I was watching the first recording). Overall firmware 1.02.13 has it's faults with HDMI but there aren't many. It is still watchable but I just don't care for the audio/video noise when switching channels.

I've also recorded programs back to back without any issues (and yes, I was watching the first recording). Overall firmware 1.02.13 has it's faults with HDMI but there aren't many.

Are you saying that using component resolves the back-to-back recording problem on PREMIUM channels? Or does the new firmware have something to do with it?

Are you saying that using component resolves the back-to-back recording problem on PREMIUM channels? Or does the new firmware have something to do with it?

The components solved my issue with the annoying audio/video noise, HDMI message and switching delay with HDMI.

On the back to back recordings unlike others here, I recorded back to back movies on HBO. I had no issues, but I've done this before with firmware 1.02.05 and had no issues. Heck, I've schedule a whole sequence of back to back recordings on HBO and Cinemax without ever experiencing the problems some here stated.

I really have no idea what the new firmware 1.02.13 does other than make my viewing experience miserable with HDMI.

.... You need to manually scan through all the channels to find the correct ones, and edit them into the guide.

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried to fool around with the setup menu and successfuly re-numbered my channels.

Here's the sample of what I did:

My local NBC is channel 4 on Comcast cable but the HD comes in channel 88.2
I went into setup
Change channel display
Highlight Channel 4
Hit menu key
scroll down and change tune channel to 88.2
Enter

Voila now when I tune to channel 88.2 My WVIT shows up on my display

Now I can record the show with TV guide since all the shows are simulcast on analog and digital. The guide will always be the same regardless what statition you tune into.

No more UNKNOWN shows

Thanks

:confused: HI all,
I purchase the DH500 fron Tweeter $699 and received it last Monday. Set up with no CC. Comcast cabel. Read the manual and set it up Monday evening. Tuesday had the TVGOS loaded by Tuesday evening. Everything seemed to work ok until Wednesday morning. Then everything went erratic. Immediately I removed it from the location I had it installed which was kind of (air restriction). Turned it back on and it still was erratic until Wednesday late. Then it seemed to work ok, except no TVGos. So, here it is Saturday and I still do no have any listing under the TV Guide(no lisings). I definitely assiciate this with the heat issue. I since moved it to a less restricted for air and it seems to work ok with the exception I still have no listings in the TVGOS. It has had two days. Everything else seems to work ok. Quality is excellent as far as I am concerned. I did call Tweeter and they are sending me an RMA. My question is has this happened to anyone else and it I don't get any listings after this weekend should I sent it back?

I've been living with occasional audio dropouts from OTA HD broadcasts for a long time. I lived with it partly because it was a very early generation tuner (first Sony HD TV)and just thought it was the best it could do.

Now I have a new Pioneer TV and the Sony DVR and they both still get audio drop outs. But if I use the internal speakers on the TV it's fine, no dropouts. This was true on the old TV as well (internal speakers works).

So I thought it must be something to do with optical input on the Meridian. But I've had 3 meridians 561, 568 and 861 and they all had the problem. I've tried 5 different cables. Short ones and long ones.

I even tried running optical into my DVDO and outputing over coax. Still have the problem.

I can now get the local broadcasts over cable (QAM Tuner) and still have drop outs.

I was hoping with the new Sony this problem would be eliminated, but I stillget it. What's going on?

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried to fool around with the setup menu and successfuly re-numbered my channels.

Here's the sample of what I did:

My local NBC is channel 4 on Comcast cable but the HD comes in channel 88.2
I went into setup
Change channel display
Highlight Channel 4
Hit menu key
scroll down and change tune channel to 88.2
Enter

Voila now when I tune to channel 88.2 My WVIT shows up on my display

Now I can record the show with TV guide since all the shows are simulcast on analog and digital. The guide will always be the same regardless what statition you tune into.

No more UNKNOWN shows

Thanks He likes it! Hey, Mikey!

:confused: HI all,
I purchase the DH500 fron Tweeter $699 and received it last Monday. Set up with no CC. Comcast cabel. Read the manual and set it up Monday evening. Tuesday had the TVGOS loaded by Tuesday evening. Everything seemed to work ok until Wednesday morning. Then everything went erratic. Immediately I removed it from the location I had it installed which was kind of (air restriction). Turned it back on and it still was erratic until Wednesday late. Then it seemed to work ok, except no TVGos. So, here it is Saturday and I still do no have any listing under the TV Guide(no lisings). I definitely assiciate this with the heat issue. I since moved it to a less restricted for air and it seems to work ok with the exception I still have no listings in the TVGOS. It has had two days. Everything else seems to work ok. Quality is excellent as far as I am concerned. I did call Tweeter and they are sending me an RMA. My question is has this happened to anyone else and it I don't get any listings after this weekend should I sent it back?

Two reasons for not getting the guide.
1. YOu haven't left recorder overnight in standby.
2. TV guide station isn't sending out data.

Two reasons for not getting the guide.
1. YOu haven't left recorder overnight in standby.
2. TV guide station isn't sending out data.

When I first had mine hooked up and turn it off when not in use. I would only get three days of guide loaded. I think it was like a week later 8 days of guide were loaded. I was wondering if it only load the whole 8 days guide once a week but only load one day at time when it's not the schedule day.

It loads days 1, 2 and 8 each day, so it takes 6 days to populate the entire thing.

If guide data is not loaded it MAY be because the local TVGOS source (usually a PBS station) is not transmitting it for some reason. This seems to happen far more often than seems reasonable. The TVGOS here in LA was off for 5 days a couple of weeks ago. Apparently the station doesn't get that much from TVGOS to transmit it so they don't have any real incentive to fix it quickly.

Another reason for losing TVGOS (if you have cable) is if the cable company makes a change that throws away the data in the VBI. The most common cause of this is changing to an all digital lineup. They can fix this (if they are inclined - not all are) by putting back the TVGOS station (only) in analog. I've also read that they can somehow reinsert the TVGOS data (and possibly other VBI data) in the digital feed but I have no idea exactly how that might be accomplished.

I was able to pick up a new "open box" HDD250 @ BB for $349. I want to add it to my current system which has a Sony a/v receiver and a Zenith plasma with the cablecard installed. So my newbie question is--do I leave the cablecard in the TV or put it in the HDD250? If it goes in the HDD250 do I have to call the cable company and have it "reconfigured"? Would I be better off with a cablecard in each(our local cable company charges $3.95/mo per card)? I am assuming that would allow me to record one channel and watch another.

TIA,

JHawk
I just checked BB in WLA. They have one open box HDD250 for $469, and a second one being used in demo mode with TVs.

I just checked BB in WLA. They have one open box HDD250 for $469, and a second one being used in demo mode with TVs.


It helps to know the manager :) This should be a good weekend for deals as BB is wanting to get rid of open items before the end of the month.

:confused: HI all,
My question is has this happened to anyone else and it I don't get any listings after this weekend should I sent it back?

I have had mine since the beginning of December. It took two weeks the first time for the listings to show up and worked for about 7 days before we had a power failure and I lost the listings. Took about 10 days the second time and I have had the listings since, about 2 weeks now. I keep all the information the same and am only using OTA. Be patient and it will show. Until then just do manual recordings.

I'm not getting any guide data at all now (not even a clock) and I think it's b/c the OOB is "unlocked" on every channel. Cable company is no help whatsoever. Anyone thing that if I picked up a simple, cheap rabbit ears type of antenna, that since I live in the middle of the city I would be able to use it to pick up the local PBS OTA and thus get my guide data?

EDIT: So I just put my cable card in, which I was leaving out so that I could rule out error 161-6 as a cause of no guide data, and now the OOB in "locked" and above 16 or 18 or whatever it needs to be. I'm going to do a full reset in a minute and see what I get. Still, anythoughts on the question above?

thanks!

just noticed something interesting... i have two programs scheduled to record weekly,
west wing and boston legal. both are displayed in the schedule with ??'s for day and time
due to the shows not being aired during the tv guide 8 day window. the schedule
shows the red dots and w's. when i went in to edit the boston legal schedule (pressed
menu when show was selected in the scheduled recording tab) i noticed the recording
frequency was showing once not weekly...

anybody know what's going to happen once boston legal reappears in the listings?
will the frequency change back to weekly in the edit recording display or will the show
record one more time than disappear from the schedule???

...anybody know what's going to happen once boston legal reappears in the listings?
will the frequency change back to weekly in the edit recording display or will the show
record one more time than disappear from the schedule???They will reappear in the schedule and will stay there (as long as the next show records within the eight-day period -- if it doesn't, it will appear again with the question marks). Those shows will remain in your schedule menu (unless you remove them). But the only time they have the record date/time listed is if it's within the eight-day period.

endo129,

Have you used the TV diagnostics screen and checked your VBI packets reception ability on different analog channels? Please read the FAQ page and it will tell you what to do.

Your posts about OOB don't make any sense when you don't have the cable card in. I have had the unit for 3 weeks and get no OOB lock on any channel (no cable card) but have received the guide perfectly (took two days and hasn't missed a beat). I have had a TVGOS PVR for over 1 year (philips 720) and this Sony is as stable as a rock compared to the philips. If you had the guide working before with prior unit you should know your TVGOS channel and be able to test it now.

I don't think you are going to get the Cable Card to help update your guide if you don't get guide updates without it.

Please do some trouble shooting before posting anymore questions. You should know if the guide test for VBI packets pass on your analog guide channels and if the time will set during the test (FAQ site will instruct you on this).

BTW - My Sony will not update from PBS is uses ABC (appears to have newer TVGOS information that the Sony wants.) My philips TVGOS unit will use PBS, UPN or CBS. So don't assume that PBS is the desired station in your area. Use the TVGOS test page and which ever channel has good VBI packets leave the unit powered off for 24 hours on that channel. If that doesn't work select another channel with good VBI packets and power down for 24 hours, repeat this until you get your guide. Some times you have to try different zip codes near buy incase your zip code is not included in the OTA guide updates.

I'm not getting any guide data at all now (not even a clock) and I think it's b/c the OOB is "unlocked" on every channel. Cable company is no help whatsoever. Anyone thing that if I picked up a simple, cheap rabbit ears type of antenna, that since I live in the middle of the city I would be able to use it to pick up the local PBS OTA and thus get my guide data?

EDIT: So I just put my cable card in, which I was leaving out so that I could rule out error 161-6 as a cause of no guide data, and now the OOB in "locked" and above 16 or 18 or whatever it needs to be. I'm going to do a full reset in a minute and see what I get. Still, anythoughts on the question above?

thanks!

I get audio drop outs too with the optical out of the Sony to my NAD receiver. I have a TV with an HD tuner and it has no problems at all. You're not alone with the drop outs via optical.


I've been living with occasional audio dropouts from OTA HD broadcasts for a long time. I lived with it partly because it was a very early generation tuner (first Sony HD TV)and just thought it was the best it could do.

Now I have a new Pioneer TV and the Sony DVR and they both still get audio drop outs. But if I use the internal speakers on the TV it's fine, no dropouts. This was true on the old TV as well (internal speakers works).

So I thought it must be something to do with optical input on the Meridian. But I've had 3 meridians 561, 568 and 861 and they all had the problem. I've tried 5 different cables. Short ones and long ones.

I even tried running optical into my DVDO and outputing over coax. Still have the problem.

I can now get the local broadcasts over cable (QAM Tuner) and still have drop outs.

I was hoping with the new Sony this problem would be eliminated, but I stillget it. What's going on?

I get audio drop outs too with the optical out of the Sony to my NAD receiver. I have a TV with an HD tuner and it has no problems at all. You're not alone with the drop outs via optical.

I don't notice any audio drop outs on my Toshiba receiver. Perhaps your cable isn't fully seated. As I recall, I had some problems getting my optical cables to plug in.

I get very brief audio drop outs during play back of DD5.1 material on the SONY DHG to my SONY receiver. The drop outs are less then 1 second and happened every 10 min or so. I think this was documented earlier in this long thread. It is a small price to pay to have OTA HDTV movies recorded in HD with the DD5.1 sound track. HDTV material with DD2.0 sound tracks don't have the drop out issue. Is this the drop outs that everyone is referring to (DD5.1 recorded or time slipped material)?

My JVC TV never has audio drop outs during live DD5.1 TV using the optical connection to the receiver. The SONY DHG never has audio drop out during live DD5.1 shows using the optical connection to the receiver.

I don't notice any audio drop outs on my Toshiba receiver. Perhaps your cable isn't fully seated. As I recall, I had some problems getting my optical cables to plug in.

endo129,

Have you used the TV diagnostics screen and checked your VBI packets reception ability on different analog channels? Please read the FAQ page and it will tell you what to do.
YES - I have been doing so on and off for the last month, with 3 different units.

Your posts about OOB don't make any sense when you don't have the cable card in. I have had the unit for 3 weeks and get no OOB lock on any channel (no cable card) but have received the guide perfectly (took two days and hasn't missed a beat). I have had a TVGOS PVR for over 1 year (philips 720) and this Sony is as stable as a rock compared to the philips. If you had the guide working before with prior unit you should know your TVGOS channel and be able to test it now.
Good to know. I read on here, and SONY confirmed that the OOB had to be locked. I did not knwo that was only when a CC was in. Maybe now I can get the cable company out of my house with their useless information.

I don't think you are going to get the Cable Card to help update your guide if you don't get guide updates without it.
Me either. I thought that was very odd. I have always been able to get the time and channle line up, but all of a sudden in the last couple days I can't even get the time.

Please do some trouble shooting before posting anymore questions. You should know if the guide test for VBI packets pass on your analog guide channels and if the time will set during the test (FAQ site will instruct you on this).
the G* test fails on channel 2PBS (which was always the host channel before), but passes and downloads 114 VBI packets in one minute on channel 9 PBS. No clock though. Should I leave it on for more than a minute to try and get the clock?

UPDATE: VBI fails on numerous channels except 9 PBS, although VBI packets don't seem to come in as fast on subsequent tests.

BTW - My Sony will not update from PBS is uses ABS (appears to have newer TVGOS information that the Sony wants.) My philips TVGOS unit will use PBS, UPN or CBS. So don't assume that PBS is the desired station in your area. Use the TVGOS test page and which ever channel has good VBI packets leave the unit powered off for 24 hours on that channel. If that doesn't work select another channel with good VBI packets and power down for 24 hours, repeat this until you get your guide. Some times you have to try different zip codes near buy incase your zip code is not included in the OTA guide updates.
How exactly does changing the ZIP code affect it? Shoudl I change it to the locl ZIP code of the channel 9 PBS station?

I've done trouble shooting on all fronts, but I don't know what most of the numbers mean. I can get to any menu, but its all greek.

BTW - Thanks for the help!

the G* test fails on channel 2PBS (which was always the host channel before), but passes and downloads 114 VBI packets in one minute on channel 9 PBS. No clock though. Should I leave it on for more than a minute to try and get the clock?

UPDATE: VBI fails on numerous channels except 9 PBS, although VBI packets don't seem to come in as fast on subsequent tests.

How exactly does changing the ZIP code affect it? Shoudl I change it to the locl ZIP code of the channel 9 PBS station?


Sorry for the assumption about the lack of running tests. I am surprised that you get no VBI packets on UPN, CBS or ABC. On my unit the channel for the updates ABC always fails the VBI test because its packet rate is slow but the unit never fails to update over night on that channel. I can see the packets but some times they take a 90sec or so to register during the G* test (but all packets are received with no errors). How is the Good vs Bad packet count on the G* test page for PBS?

Your unit will ignore any zip code packets that have a different zip code then the one you setup in the TVGOS setup process. The PBS station should be sending zipcode packets for all the areas in its reception range. On the Guide info screen there is a count of how many channel lineups and zipcode packets. Page Section Reception - VIBE Stats. Please record these counts and notice if that are increasing daily. If they are then changing the zip code would likely help.

Does your Section System-Statistics screen show a Host Chan?

Sorry for the assumption about the lack of running tests. I am surprised that you get no VBI packets on UPN, CBS or ABC. On my unit the channel for the updates ABC always fails the VBI test because its packet rate is slow but the unit never fails to update over night on that channel. I can see the packets but some times they take a 90sec or so to register during the G* test (but all packets are received with no errors). How is the Good vs Bad packet count on the G* test page for PBS?

Your unit will ignore any zip code packets that have a different zip code then the one you setup in the TVGOS setup process. The PBS station should be sending zipcode packets for all the areas in its reception range. On the Guide info screen there is a count of how many channel lineups and zipcode packets. Page Section Reception - VIBE Stats. Please record these counts and notice if that are increasing daily. If they are then changing the zip code would likely help.

Does your Section System-Statistics screen show a Host Chan?

Apologies if I came across short. This thign has me very frustrated over the last month and a half.

I appreciate your help.

I have 2 PBS channels. When I had my first unit mid December, I got data after a week or so on PBS channel 2. I'm on unit 3 now, as I did not get any guide data on unit number 2. PBS on channel 9 is the PBS that actually doesn't fail, and gets VBI data. Therefore I have changes the ZIP code from my local ZIP code to the ZIP code that PBS 9 originates out of. On this channel ALL VBI is good. There are no bad or fixed. Sometimes I get over 100/min. and sometimes I get less than 50/min. I'm guessing the higher times are times of update?

I am going to let it sit overnight and maybe all day tomorrow. I will check out the things you mentioned tomorrow after work. Also, the cable company is supposed to come and look at my set up, but I know they won't do any good on anything.

There is no host id. Originally there was on this unit and it was channel PBS2, but all has gone downhill since, to the point where the clock won't even update. I did a rest and the clock was a half hour slow for three days.

Thanks again!

Apologies if I came across short. This thign has me very frustrated over the last month and a half.

I appreciate your help.

I have 2 PBS channels. When I had my first unit mid December, I got data after a week or so on PBS channel 2. I'm on unit 3 now, as I did not get any guide data on unit number 2. PBS on channel 9 is the PBS that actually doesn't fail, and gets VBI data. Therefore I have changes the ZIP code from my local ZIP code to the ZIP code that PBS 9 originates out of. On this channel ALL VBI is good. There are no bad or fixed. Sometimes I get over 100/min. and sometimes I get less than 50/min. I'm guessing the higher times are times of update?

I am going to let it sit overnight and maybe all day tomorrow. I will check out the things you mentioned tomorrow after work. Also, the cable company is supposed to come and look at my set up, but I know they won't do any good on anything.

There is no host id. Originally there was on this unit and it was channel PBS2, but all has gone downhill since, to the point where the clock won't even update. I did a rest and the clock was a half hour slow for three days.

Thanks again!

Problem sounds like it's at the PBS station since it is setting the clock to the wrong time. Otherwise clock would be off by much more than half an hour.
I suggest you try to contact the station and find out if they are having problem with the guide.

Problem sounds like it's at the PBS station since it is setting the clock to the wrong time. Otherwise clock would be off by much more than half an hour.
I suggest you try to contact the station and find out if they are having problem with the guide.

Well it's not even setting the clock at all now. The only reason it was off a half hour was b/c it was set right, then I made some changes to the setup to try and get listings, which caused the clock to fall behind a half hour, and it never was set back to what it should be. I don't even know which PBS station to contact. I have two. 2 and 9. It used to work on 2, but has stopped. So I set it with the ZIP of the location of channel 9 (which is the only channel that actually receives VBI packets anymore.) I've had the unit off since 11:00 last night and as of 9:00 this morning don't even have a clock.

I suggest you try to contact the station and find out if they are having problem with the guide.

I have called channel 2 PBS and emailed them and they will nto get back with me. I need to keep trying though; but I'm wondering why nither is working on this 3rd unit.

"Well it's not even setting the clock at all now". Said by endo 129[U]

An earlier post said an easy way to set your clock is go to your host station, I know you are not sure which one that is now but you could try both of them, then press menu, screen mode, 9012, select TV Guide, G* test and that will set the clock. This worked for me within minutes.

Have just completed set-up of new DHG-HDD500. Have pretty good OTA capabilty, but no cable available (FIOS is on the way... 3-5 mos.). Have DIRECTV SAT service, but I only showed OTA during set-up, as I was concerned the TV Guide Set-up might try to use a cable channel as the Host Channel. Have OTA signal connected to ANT input and SAT, from DIRECTV box, entering through cable input.

TV Guide has fully populated OTA channels and the unit appears to be workng great in all regards with OTA channels. I can also receive SAT channels via Ch 3. Only thing I can't do is record SAT signals. I'm able to record OTA just fine. Hoever, everytime I try to record the SAT signal, the transmission ends and I get a "No Signal" message. Anybody have any ideas or work arounds. BTW, the host channel is the OTA local PBS main channel.

Thanks,

EEL

This unit is clearly not designed to record off sat....it specifically states in the manual and on the back of the unit -- antenna and cable inputs. Nowhere does it say sat.

Does anyone in the SF Bay Area know why the guide won't list the last three KQED stations 9.3, 9.4, 9.5? It's funny because if you go to the TVguide website and enter the zip code it only shows 9, and 9.4 and none of the others. Even titan and zap2it show complete listings. go figure.

TV Guide has fully populated OTA channels and the unit appears to be workng great in all regards with OTA channels. I can also receive SAT channels via Ch 3. Only thing I can't do is record SAT signals. I'm able to record OTA just fine. Hoever, everytime I try to record the SAT signal, the transmission ends and I get a "No Signal" message. Anybody have any ideas or work arounds. BTW, the host channel is the OTA local PBS main channel.

Thanks,

EEL

EEL,

As mentioned, the Sony unit was not designed to record DIRECTLY from satellite but here is the work around: Step one is connecting the cable from your satellite receiver RF out to the cable in on your Sony receiver. You will need to go to the Sony setup and scan for cable channels (be sure that your satellite receiver is on). It should pick up one analog channel (channel 3 and no digital channels). Second, in the TV guide you need to map all listings that you want to record from satellite to cable channel 3. To record something from satellite, tune your satellite receiver to the channel you want to record (or set up a satellite timer to do that) and then pick the program to record from your TV Guide. Your Sony will tune to cable channel 3 (which your satellite receiver is outputting the signal for) and it will record the program with the correct listing for that program.

Have just completed set-up of new DHG-HDD500. Have pretty good OTA capabilty, but no cable available (FIOS is on the way... 3-5 mos.). Have DIRECTV SAT service, but I only showed OTA during set-up, as I was concerned the TV Guide Set-up might try to use a cable channel as the Host Channel. Have OTA signal connected to ANT input and SAT, from DIRECTV box, entering through cable input.

TV Guide has fully populated OTA channels and the unit appears to be workng great in all regards with OTA channels. I can also receive SAT channels via Ch 3. Only thing I can't do is record SAT signals. I'm able to record OTA just fine. Hoever, everytime I try to record the SAT signal, the transmission ends and I get a "No Signal" message. Anybody have any ideas or work arounds. BTW, the host channel is the OTA local PBS main channel.

Thanks,

EEL

...Have OTA signal connected to ANT input and SAT, from DIRECTV box, entering through cable input.. The unit only works with OTA & CableTV...wondering this is why people've been seeing 161-6 error?

This unit is pretty expensive for using it as a Satellite connected DVR. Especially considering it wont record in HD off from the satellite.

This unit is pretty expensive for using it as a Satellite connected DVR. Especially considering it wont record in HD off from the satellite.
My thoughts, too. Why bother when you can rent an HD DVR from the sat company for dollars/month?

Bill R,

Appreciate the suggestion. When the FIOS shows up in a few months, I'm hopeful that it will connect similarly to standard cable and I'll be able to use the cable input of the HDD500 as advertised. Until then, I'll give your suggestion a try. Thanks.

EEL

This unit is pretty expensive for using it as a Satellite connected DVR. Especially considering it wont record in HD off from the satellite.
how about buying expensive Toshiba HD-A1 just to watch $25+ HD-DVDs? then buying Sony HDD250 makes more sense ;)

My RCA TV has "GUIDE Plus+" on screen guide which works reasonably well, although it seems to think I have Digital service so I get HBO, Bravo, etc. listings. The channels I do get appear correctly, however, with program summaries. Is this a different service than "TV Guide On Screen"?

No, it's just an earlier version. It mainly appeared in RCA TV's and VCR's. Can't you just turn those channels off in the guide like in the newer versions?

Does anyone in the SF Bay Area know why the guide won't list the last three KQED stations 9.3, 9.4, 9.5? It's funny because if you go to the TVguide website and enter the zip code it only shows 9, and 9.4 and none of the others. Even titan and zap2it show complete listings. go figure.

Is your unit showing 9.1??? I have an LG 3410a, which uses the Gemstar system, but they didn't have any listings for 9.1, which is what gets me... in fact, I don't think it shows 9.4 either, though I haven't tried to fiddle with the unit to see if KQED has done anything about the situation. I had thought from discussions last year that Gemstar only accepted one set of listings from any station, but I gather from further discussion that in some areas, it carries multiple listings from the PBS station...

I've been meaning to try to contact somebody at KQED about this, but haven't got around to it... :confused: :confused:

Ah...I forgot to ask...what is this about the tv guide website...where is it???

No, it's just an earlier version. It mainly appeared in RCA TV's and VCR's. Can't you just turn those channels off in the guide like in the newer versions?

Not that I know of. Guess I can go back and read the owner's manual but I don't remember being able to manipulate what channels it grabs data for. The good news is that this service is pretty consistent so it would seem a good omen if I got one of the Sonys with the "newer" TVGOS.

Is your unit showing 9.1??? I have an LG 3410a, which uses the Gemstar system, but they didn't have any listings for 9.1, which is what gets me... in fact, I don't think it shows 9.4 either, though I haven't tried to fiddle with the unit to see if KQED has done anything about the situation. I had thought from discussions last year that Gemstar only accepted one set of listings from any station, but I gather from further discussion that in some areas, it carries multiple listings from the PBS station...

I've been meaning to try to contact somebody at KQED about this, but haven't got around to it... :confused: :confused:

Yes , The initial setup scan found 9, 9.1, and 9.2 but not 3,4, and 5 (they may have been off the air. I haven't done a rescan yet, but the add channel scan did not get them. If you try to direct tune to them it does not work (blank screen) and " info" thinks it's a cable channel. But like I said if you go to TVguides website and put in your zip it won't show them either. Another interesting thing I noted was when you make a manual recording it shows as "unknown". If you start playing that recording and then stop it, the Sony menu it takes you to shows all the data, including the program title. So the info for the manual recording is on the drive the guide just doesn't pull it out. This is the second unit I've bought. the first went back after 5 hours when I realized what owning this product would mean. When nothing turned up at CES I figured it would be a long wait and I wanted to get some good olympic archives. I just want to avoid turning this into a hobby, I mean, it's TV, right?

When nothing turned up at CES I figured it would be a long wait and I wanted to get some good olympic archives.

I hate to veer off topic much, but I am afraid that the olympics in HD on NBC will look as bad as they did in 2004. (Some of the blame falls on the use of the subchannels for NBC locally - one SD subchannel and a weather Radar subchannel.) I am curious if everyone else saw the tiling mosaic patterns in fast motion scenes (diving was very bad).

I just checked BB in WLA. They have one open box HDD250 for $469, and a second one being used in demo mode with TVs.

J&R have it for $549.99 . Me personally like to get Brand new one than used. I would rather pay $80.00 more and get a peace of mind that it was never been touched and played around with.

I got mine there for $679.00 but I got the HDD500 version. I'm glad I bought it right away. Looks like they just ran out of the HDD500 model. The cheapest one I found for HDD500 is at Tweeter for $699.00

"Well it's not even setting the clock at all now". Said by endo 129[U]

An earlier post said an easy way to set your clock is go to your host station, I know you are not sure which one that is now but you could try both of them, then press menu, screen mode, 9012, select TV Guide, G* test and that will set the clock. This worked for me within minutes.

Thanks! I was actually wondering how that was done. However, NO DICE. That's what I've been doing off anf on for the last week to check out the VBI packets.

But like I said if you go to TVguides website and put in your zip it won't show them either.

So I still wonder WHERE is the TV Guide website?

"Well it's not even setting the clock at all now". Said by endo 129[U]

An earlier post said an easy way to set your clock is go to your host station, I know you are not sure which one that is now but you could try both of them, then press menu, screen mode, 9012, select TV Guide, G* test and that will set the clock. This worked for me within minutes.


I have yet to see this work on my unit. I suspect it only works if your DVR knows the host channel and clock set channels. I tried numerous times to get this to work after I did a complete reset (accidentally). I had to leave it overnight to get it to update the time (and start grabbing listings).

So I still wonder WHERE is the TV Guide website?

If you google TVGOS you should find it. www.vgi.com

I've been living with occasional audio dropouts from OTA HD broadcasts for a long time. I lived with it partly because it was a very early generation tuner (first Sony HD TV)and just thought it was the best it could do.

Now I have a new Pioneer TV and the Sony DVR and they both still get audio drop outs. But if I use the internal speakers on the TV it's fine, no dropouts. This was true on the old TV as well (internal speakers works).

So I thought it must be something to do with optical input on the Meridian. But I've had 3 meridians 561, 568 and 861 and they all had the problem. I've tried 5 different cables. Short ones and long ones.

I even tried running optical into my DVDO and outputing over coax. Still have the problem.

I can now get the local broadcasts over cable (QAM Tuner) and still have drop outs.

I was hoping with the new Sony this problem would be eliminated, but I stillget it. What's going on?

I just started using an optical output to my HT receiver and noticed the same drop-outs too. I'm guessing it might be antenna signal related, but I get constant 95% signal strength readings.

Although I haven't tried to see if the audio drop-outs happen via cable, which I doubt since my cable feed is analog.

Thanks! I was actually wondering how that was done. However, NO DICE. That's what I've been doing off anf on for the last week to check out the VBI packets.

Have you tried it with just the OTA and nothing else hooked up?

Does anyone in the SF Bay Area know why the guide won't list the last three KQED stations 9.3, 9.4, 9.5? It's funny because if you go to the TVguide website and enter the zip code it only shows 9, and 9.4 and none of the others. Even titan and zap2it show complete listings. go figure.

I've gone to the tv guide site, but I don't see aywhere that you enter the zip code to see what channels are included...what am I missing? Thanks!

I've gone to the tv guide site, but I don't see aywhere that you enter the zip code to see what channels are included...what am I missing? Thanks!

Actually I was talking about the www.tvguide.com web site it should be the same database.

Have you tried it with just the OTA and nothing else hooked up?

I have not, b/c I was working with cable only. However, a knowledgeabel cableman just left (higher up technically) and we were talking. He is going to check the head end to see if they are getting the feed ok.

I'm leaning towards bailing on the SONY and renting their SA 8300. Anyone have good/ bad reviews of this? Even if the SA 8300 is $8 a month it will take more than 5 years of renting it to equal the cost of this SONY. I love SONY and I love this unit, but it's just not working.

If this is the end. Thank you everyone for your help!

I have not, b/c I was working with cable only. However, a knowledgeabel cableman just left (higher up technically) and we were talking. He is going to check the head end to see if they are getting the feed ok.

I'm leaning towards bailing on the SONY and renting their SA 8300. Anyone have good/ bad reviews of this? Even if the SA 8300 is $8 a month it will take more than 5 years of renting it to equal the cost of this SONY. I love SONY and I love this unit, but it's just not working.

If this is the end. Thank you everyone for your help!

Understand your frustration but the unit is really unique and outstanding when it works right. I was almost ready to give up but the quality of the recordings and nothing much in the future that will do what this machine does has made me a believer. Don't give up until the boat sinks. ;)

Understand your frustration but the unit is really unique and outstanding when it works right. I was almost ready to give up but the quality of the recordings and nothing much in the future that will do what this machine does has made me a believer. Don't give up until the boat sinks. ;)

My boat has sunk I think. My head it the only thing still out of the water. :eek: I've been fighting for over a month now to get it to work and I've only seen guide data for about 3 days, and now can't even get a clock. I'm loooking at the SA 8300HD and seeing two tuners, which is key, and thinking I can send my birthday present back (this box) and get myself another shiny electronic toy in addition to the 8300.

I like your enthusiasm though! I tried, but had been miserable for the last month b/c all I do when I get home from work is fight with this thing (heck most of thime at work I'm on this site too! :rolleyes: ) If I were OTA I think this would be the way to go definitely!

I have been trying to get the guide date for all the sub PBS channels in the st louis market. To no avail have I gotten 9.1 which is a PBS National feed in HD, I think. So, I went on to tvguide on the net and fed in my zip codes and it came up with 39.1, 39.2, 39.3 and 39.4 as the proper channels for pbs. (More or less adding the the 3)...so I went back to my guide on the sony and put in 39.1 for just that channel..turn the unit off and went back later and it changed all the channels to 39.1, 39.2 39.3, 39.4 ....

wierd huh?

I hope tommorrow morning the guide is properly populated and the channels work.

(Been recording like crazy to watch tomorrow nite instead of the state of the boring speech).

HDaddiction

Update on Cable Card Issue

Well, I finally resolved my cable card issue. After all, the reason why I was not able to record my HD channels using the cable card was a configuration issue with the cable company. Apparently the cable guy who came over to install the cable card gave the incorrect information to the cable company. In other words, he configured the channels with the Host Id of my TV rather than the Host ID from the DVR. Hence my DVR was not allowed to record HDTV using the cable card. Duh!

Everything works beautifully now, the only small issue I'm having is that my TVGOS does not provide me any listing or channels for HD NET, HD NET MOVIES or TNT HD. I have tried looking for the channels to see if they are turned off but I don't see them. If I go to the TV Guide website and I enter my cable provider, it will show the listing for those channels.

Any suggestions how to bypass and get this problem resolved?

Things that I learned over the past week....

1. Do not waste your time talking to a Sony Level 1 or Level 2 representative. They don't know what the hell they are doing. Try to get a specialist even if you have to wait a little longer.
2. The customer service from the cable company is useless for these types of issues. Try to get an engineer involved. They generally know what is going on and are willing to help.
3. Be patient. I know it could be frustrating to have to deal with these issues after spending over $500 for a unit, but I think the reward will be even greater if get them resolved. I was about to return the unit 3 times until I finally realized that it was not an issue with the unit but rather the cable company.

[QUOTE=Oranes11]Update on Cable Card Issue

Well, I finally resolved my cable card issue. After all, the reason why I was not able to record my HD channels using the cable card was a configuration issue with the cable company. Apparently the cable guy who came over to install the cable card gave the incorrect information to the cable company. In other words, he configured the channels with the Host Id of my TV rather than the Host ID from the DVR. Hence my DVR was not allowed to record HDTV using the cable card. Duh!
snip

I think it was said 300 posts ago, 99% of the problems with cable cards is a provisioning issue by your cable company.

HDaddiction

I searched the thread for this problem, and could not manage to find where it had been discussed. I have an HDD500 hooked up via an antenna only. I am using the HDMI connection to my CRT RPTV's DVI input. I have always had the output resolution set to 1080i to match my TV's native resolution.

I have been experiencing repeated flashing of white noise while watching live TV or recorded programs. The "white noise" looks like when you have no antenna connected or when a station is not tuned. It flashes on the entire screen for a second, like a camera flash going off.

This phenomenon can occur as many as 20 times a minute, but I never actually counted. I called Sony today and they told me to set the DVR to 720p output. I tried this and there was no change, really. However, I did notice a drop in the occurences of the problem when I switched output resolutions, but I cannot prove anything. I tried several different output settings today before settling back on 1080i. The problem still persisted.

I am getting within two weeks of my 90-day parts & labor warranty, so I need to act fast. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any assistance.

Mark

I was one of the first few that had my hands on a HDD250 after it was released but I returned it because I was not able to receive any analog television stations (could not receive the TVGuide) with my dual antenna set up. Well after paying DirecTV and the Tivo fee for the HR10-250 for 8 months, I decided to give the Sony another shot. The HDD250 is arriving in a couple of days.

I had a question concerning the TVGuide. I live in San Diego close to the ocean. Due to my location I will need to point my new, single antenna towards only one of the 3 mountains in San Diego that broadcast television channels. Based on the direction I am going to aim my antenna, I will also pick up most of the Los Angeles channels. (but I won't pick up several of the San Diego channels since I won't be aimed at their transmission towers)

Basically I will pick up ABC and CBS from San Diego and I am planning to watch NBC from LA.

So my question is will the TVGuide show me both the San Diego channels and Los Angeles channels? Will I need to fool around with the zip code on the TVGuide setup? Or will I need to map the San Diego network channels to the LA channels for the program guide data?

Unless ABC or CBS in San Diego broadcast the TVGuide, most likely I will be getting it from PBS (channel 28) in Los Angeles. Will this affect what channels show up in the guide?

Does anyone in the SF Bay Area know why the guide won't list the last three KQED stations 9.3, 9.4, 9.5? It's funny because if you go to the TVguide website and enter the zip code it only shows 9, and 9.4 and none of the others. Even titan and zap2it show complete listings. go figure.

I had a similar situation, and solved it -

After several weeks of having listings only for 9 and 9.1 (HD), I learned (from this forum) about going into setup for TV Guide:

Go into the TV Guide, arrow up to the top bar with the list of functions, then over to SETUP, and down to "Change channel display," and select it. You'll see a list of all your TVGOS channels, both active and inactive.

When I did this, I discovered a bunch of interesting stuff in the inactive channels, including the missing KQED stations. These were listed by their call letters (I believe they appear as KQED-E (Encore), KQED-W - World; KQED-L (Life), KQED-K (Kids)), and I had to enter the channel number and make them active. After doing that, the TV Guide listings for those stations started coming in that night.

I did the same for KGO+ (7.2), KNTV-HD (11.1), KCSM (43.1) and made inactive a bunch of stations I either don't receive or that I don't care about. I also sorted the stations in the order I wanted, and things have been much better ever since.

I have been experiencing repeated flashing of white noise while watching live TV or recorded programs. The "white noise" looks like when you have no antenna connected or when a station is not tuned. It flashes on the entire screen for a second, like a camera flash going off.
I am getting within two weeks of my 90-day parts & labor warranty, so I need to act fast. Any suggestions?Have you tried using component connection instead of HDMI? Or S-video or composite, to see if its a 'digital' problem.

To jplamarc and others in Seattle area. Looks like things have settled down and the guide is updating regularly. Anyone have any gripes in this area?

I was one of the first few that had my hands on a HDD250 after it was released but I returned it because I was not able to receive any analog television stations (could not receive the TVGuide) with my dual antenna set up. Well after paying DirecTV and the Tivo fee for the HR10-250 for 8 months, I decided to give the Sony another shot. The HDD250 is arriving in a couple of days.

I had a question concerning the TVGuide. I live in San Diego close to the ocean. Due to my location I will need to point my new, single antenna towards only one of the 3 mountains in San Diego that broadcast television channels. Based on the direction I am going to aim my antenna, I will also pick up most of the Los Angeles channels. (but I won't pick up several of the San Diego channels since I won't be aimed at their transmission towers)

Basically I will pick up ABC and CBS from San Diego and I am planning to watch NBC from LA.

So my question is will the TVGuide show me both the San Diego channels and Los Angeles channels? Will I need to fool around with the zip code on the TVGuide setup? Or will I need to map the San Diego network channels to the LA channels for the program guide data?

Unless ABC or CBS in San Diego broadcast the TVGuide, most likely I will be getting it from PBS (channel 28) in Los Angeles. Will this affect what channels show up in the guide?

You will need to experiment. However, if you use Channel 28 for the guide, you will probably have to enter an LA zip code to get it, and channels listed will only be from LA area. You will be able to record any local stations you receive using manual recording. If you use the local PBS station, I doubt if you will get any LA stations in the guide.

If you put in your local zip code, you can expect the reocorder to receive the guide from your local PBS station.

I am about 41 miles NW of Chicago and I get one Rockford station and a handful of Milwaukee stations along with the Chi. ones. I also recently found out that, even though I'm only OTA, if I activate the cable channels into the guide, I receive ALL the listings and info for those channels form my OTA PBS host channel! Also, just for the heck of it, I tried to run the RF from my Dish 322 receiver to the Sony's cable input and tried to scan for the analog cable channels and it will NOT pick it up on channel 3. Don't know if I'm not doing something right or what (and yes, I left the 322 on).

Have you tried using component connection instead of HDMI? Or S-video or composite, to see if its a 'digital' problem.

Cosmicvoid, I did not try the Component connections, as I never hooked it up that way. I forgot to mention I am using a Gefen 4X1 HDMI switcher, but have no problem with my other HDMI sources. I suspect I am going to need to hook up directly to the display to ensure the switcher/DVR combination is not the issue. I will try and test that today and report back.

However, I wanted to see if a problem like this had been covered in this forum. Sony was saying that certain things happen when the unit is used with CRT sets. I suspect that was a diversion tactic, but perhaps it was not.

Anyone else using the DVR with a Gefen HDMI switcher and a CRT RPTV with a DVI input?

Thanks again for the assistance.

Mark

Cosmicvoid, I did not try the Component connections, as I never hooked it up that way. I forgot to mention I am using a Gefen 4X1 HDMI switcher, but have no problem with my other HDMI sources. I suspect I am going to need to hook up directly to the display to ensure the switcher/DVR combination is not the issue. I will try and test that today and report back.

However, I wanted to see if a problem like this had been covered in this forum. Sony was saying that certain things happen when the unit is used with CRT sets. I suspect that was a diversion tactic, but perhaps it was not.

Anyone else using the DVR with a Gefen HDMI switcher and a CRT RPTV with a DVI input?

Thanks again for the assistance.

Mark

I'm using the HDD250 directly connected to a Sanyo CRT with HDMI and set to always output as 1080i. No problems at all.

Does anyone in the SF Bay Area know why the guide won't list the last three KQED stations 9.3, 9.4, 9.5? It's funny because if you go to the TVguide website and enter the zip code it only shows 9, and 9.4 and none of the others. Even titan and zap2it show complete listings. go figure.

I get all the KQED stations in the guide (OTA). Are you OTA or cable? You have to scroll a long ways down in the initial, unsorted, guide to find them.

I had a similar situation, and solved it -

After several weeks of having listings only for 9 and 9.1 (HD), I learned (from this forum) about going into setup for TV Guide:

Go into the TV Guide, arrow up to the top bar with the list of functions, then over to SETUP, and down to "Change channel display," and select it. You'll see a list of all your TVGOS channels, both active and inactive.

When I did this, I discovered a bunch of interesting stuff in the inactive channels, including the missing KQED stations. These were listed by their call letters (I believe they appear as KQED-E (Encore), KQED-W - World; KQED-L (Life), KQED-K (Kids)), and I had to enter the channel number and make them active. After doing that, the TV Guide listings for those stations started coming in that night.

I did the same for KGO+ (7.2), KNTV-HD (11.1), KCSM (43.1) and made inactive a bunch of stations I either don't receive or that I don't care about. I also sorted the stations in the order I wanted, and things have been much better ever since.

Thanks,

I actually figured that out last night, they were in all the disabled channels waaaay down the list. another weird thing is that the list of disabled channels also includes all the cable channels, even though I'm only using OTA and never did the initial scan for cable. There are rather strange disconnects in the integration of the guide and the sony hardware/firmware. I'm connected to a 34xbr960 and it's obvious the menu functionality was designed by two different groups at sony, for instance, the TV menus let you "roll over" from the top to the bottom, whereas the hdd250 makes you scroll down. You would think there would be some standardization in the interfaces especially in all new HD oriented hardware. I can say that it's a good thing Gemstar gives their service away for free otherwise they'd starve.

Also, just for the heck of it, I tried to run the RF from my Dish 322 receiver to the Sony's cable input and tried to scan for the analog cable channels and it will NOT pick it up on channel 3. Don't know if I'm not doing something right or what (and yes, I left the 322 on).

Is your Dish 322 outputting RF for cable or antenna (there is a difference)? Is this selectable on your unit?

Cosmicvoid, I did not try the Component connections, as I never hooked it up that way. I forgot to mention I am using a Gefen 4X1 HDMI switcher, but have no problem with my other HDMI sources. I suspect I am going to need to hook up directly to the display to ensure the switcher/DVR combination is not the issue. I will try and test that today and report back.

However, I wanted to see if a problem like this had been covered in this forum. Sony was saying that certain things happen when the unit is used with CRT sets. I suspect that was a diversion tactic, but perhaps it was not.

Anyone else using the DVR with a Gefen HDMI switcher and a CRT RPTV with a DVI input?

Thanks again for the assistance.

Mark
I am using sony 250 with a Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch. I have not seen any problems with the image as you described. If the problem doesn't occur when you hook the sony direct to CRT via HDMI/DVI then I imagine it could be the cable from sony to the Gefen switch. Have you tried different HDMI cables, or switching around with other devices?

What is the best way to convince TVGOS to include listings for missing channels and to fix errors in its channels being listed? I called Sony -- they said that's up to TVGOS and they didn't have a way to give them info -- and I've called the stations themselves which told me that they don't have relationships with TVGOS to tell them to update their guides. Of course, TVGOS won't respond to anyone, either.

I'm in the Los Angeles area and get both the Los Angeles Broadcast and Charter Communications listings. There's 499 channels listed total in the channel editor ... I hope that isn't a maximum.

And yes, just to make it clear, I've gone through the channel editor to see the full list of channels available and have turned on several channels that were turned off.

I'm missing, in particular, listings for sub-channel 7.2 and the high-definition KOCE feed (50.1). 50.1 actually is listed as channel 48 and is called KOCE-DT and has the listings for channel 50.2 instead of 50.1. But there are no 50.1 listings anywhere.

What's really wierd, also, is that if I enter any Long Beach area zip code, where I live, I'm presented with two different lineups - Charter Communications Cable Ready and Charter Communications Digital. If I choose the Cable Ready, I can choose Channel 28.1 (KCET-PBS) as a station to get listings from either cable or antenna. However, if I choose the Charter Communications Digital line-up, I can only choose 28.1 as a cable station and I can't change it to antenna no matter what I do.

I want to use the digital line-up, so this is a problem. Also, no matter which I choose, I don't get listings for ANY sub-channels including 28.2, 28.3, 58.2, 58.3, 58.4.

Also, the listings for about 8 - 10 stations are off by 3 hours in the cable ready listings, but have the correct time with the digital lineup.

I also can't use the cable ready listings because they are misisng a lot of stations that are on the digital listings -- and they aren't even in the turned-off mess of station listings.

Any advice on how to get TVGOS to fix these errors is appreciated.

No, it's just an earlier version. It mainly appeared in RCA TV's and VCR's. Can't you just turn those channels off in the guide like in the newer versions?

I WAS able to modify what channels show up and now am getting updates for the channels I DO have. Thanks for making me actually read the users' manual! :) Seems like my zip code (I'm in CT) pulls in all of the local OTA and Comcast cable with this "older" TVGOS. Hope it will work as well with the Sony.

Has anyone else in the Hartford, CT area successfully used one of these with a Comcast cable card? Trying to decide if I should get one of the Sonys in lieu of the Comcast box.

What is the best way to convince TVGOS to include listings for missing channels and to fix errors in its channels being listed?...
Hate to be pessimistic, but you'll probably have to live with it. TVGOS is less than responsive to "suggestions". The strange thing is that, in my area, TVGOS is using a cable listing that is at least two years old. But, on my TiVo, which is also TV Guide (that's the logo on the program guide display when you call it up), it's MUCH more accurate and up-to-date. Granted they contract with Tribune Media Services, but it's still listed on the display as TV Guide. Can't understand the disparity.

Hate to be pessimistic, but you'll probably have to live with it. TVGOS is less than responsive to "suggestions". The strange thing is that, in my area, TVGOS is using a cable listing that is at least two years old. But, on my TiVo, which is also TV Guide (that's the logo on the program guide display when you call it up), it's MUCH more accurate and up-to-date. Granted they contract with Tribune Media Services, but it's still listed on the display as TV Guide. Can't understand the disparity.

One of the nice things about Tivo is that they are very good about adding channels to the lineup. I used to see about 3-5 notices from TiVo per month stating that channels were added (or removed from the lineups). I tend to wonder whether the TVGOS entity and whichever one feeds the Tivo system are not in communication at all.

I had a similar situation, and solved it -

After several weeks of having listings only for 9 and 9.1 (HD), I learned (from this forum) about going into setup for TV Guide:

Go into the TV Guide, arrow up to the top bar with the list of functions, then over to SETUP, and down to "Change channel display," and select it. You'll see a list of all your TVGOS channels, both active and inactive.

When I did this, I discovered a bunch of interesting stuff in the inactive channels, including the missing KQED stations. These were listed by their call letters (I believe they appear as KQED-E (Encore), KQED-W - World; KQED-L (Life), KQED-K (Kids)), and I had to enter the channel number and make them active. After doing that, the TV Guide listings for those stations started coming in that night.

I did the same for KGO+ (7.2), KNTV-HD (11.1), KCSM (43.1) and made inactive a bunch of stations I either don't receive or that I don't care about. I also sorted the stations in the order I wanted, and things have been much better ever since.

Hi again...I'd ike to pursue this little more, because my LG 3410a unit has the TV Guide system, but the only KQED channel I get listings for is 9...not 9-1 or any of the other digital KQED channels. I've gone all the way through the channel editor routine (though not since last summer), and don't have any of the KQED digital channels there. I've even rearranged things so that only the digital network channels appear in my listing, but I still don't have 9-1 there...any thoughts on why I shouldn't be getting those KQED digital listing, when you guys are??

(By the way I can WATCH the KQED digital channels, and can record them manually, but because they don't appear in the TV Guide lisitings, I usually don't know what's on, unless I go upstairs, turn on my computer, and go to titantv...)

Thanks - Tony

PS I forgot to mention that I only use OTA, so don't have cable...

One of the nice things about Tivo is that they are very good about adding channels to the lineup. I used to see about 3-5 notices from TiVo per month stating that channels were added (or removed from the lineups). I tend to wonder whether the TVGOS entity and whichever one feeds the Tivo system are not in communication at all.

I guess that's the difference between Paid service and Free service.
To me I refuse to pay for for something that can be done manually if needed to. And if for some reason TV guide is starting to charge for this in the future, I will have to manually programming everything. I hope that won't happen

Hi again...I'd ike to pursue this little more, because my LG 3410a unit has the TV Guide system, but the only KQED channel I get listings for is 9...not 9-1 or any of the other digital KQED channels. I've gone all the way through the channel editor routine (though not since last summer), and don't have any of the KQED digital channels there. I've even rearranged things so that only the digital network channels appear in my listing, but I still don't have 9-1 there...any thoughts on why I shouldn't be getting those KQED digital listing, when you guys are??

(By the way I can WATCH the KQED digital channels, and can record them manually, but because they don't appear in the TV Guide lisitings, I usually don't know what's on, unless I go upstairs, turn on my computer, and go to titantv...)

Thanks - Tony

Tony,

I don't know if I have any TVGOS listings for them yet. I just did an antenna re-scan yesterday when they were on the air, so now I can tune to them and probably do a manual record. I also moved them up in the guide to the right order. So I'll see today or probably tomorrow if the guide fills them in. The guide did have them way down in the list with the correct call letters so it seems they know they exist. I think somebody could make some money writing "TVGOS for Dummies" because the manual and the vgi website just blow.

I am using sony 250 with a Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch. I have not seen any problems with the image as you described. If the problem doesn't occur when you hook the sony direct to CRT via HDMI/DVI then I imagine it could be the cable from sony to the Gefen switch. Have you tried different HDMI cables, or switching around with other devices?

jzdugolf, I had not played around with the cables at all. I looked back there, and noticed the HDMI cable into the DVR was slightly strained, so I put something under it to hold it up. That was about two hours ago, and I have not seen the flashing phenomenon yet. I hope this continues to be the case. I will report back.

Thanks.

Mark

What is the best way to convince TVGOS to include listings for missing channels and to fix errors in its channels being listed? I called Sony -- they said that's up to TVGOS and they didn't have a way to give them info -- and I've called the stations themselves which told me that they don't have relationships with TVGOS to tell them to update their guides. Of course, TVGOS won't respond to anyone, either.

I'm in the Los Angeles area and get both the Los Angeles Broadcast and Charter Communications listings. There's 499 channels listed total in the channel editor ... I hope that isn't a maximum.

And yes, just to make it clear, I've gone through the channel editor to see the full list of channels available and have turned on several channels that were turned off.

I'm missing, in particular, listings for sub-channel 7.2 and the high-definition KOCE feed (50.1). 50.1 actually is listed as channel 48 and is called KOCE-DT and has the listings for channel 50.2 instead of 50.1. But there are no 50.1 listings anywhere.

What's really wierd, also, is that if I enter any Long Beach area zip code, where I live, I'm presented with two different lineups - Charter Communications Cable Ready and Charter Communications Digital. If I choose the Cable Ready, I can choose Channel 28.1 (KCET-PBS) as a station to get listings from either cable or antenna. However, if I choose the Charter Communications Digital line-up, I can only choose 28.1 as a cable station and I can't change it to antenna no matter what I do.

I want to use the digital line-up, so this is a problem. Also, no matter which I choose, I don't get listings for ANY sub-channels including 28.2, 28.3, 58.2, 58.3, 58.4.

Also, the listings for about 8 - 10 stations are off by 3 hours in the cable ready listings, but have the correct time with the digital lineup.

I also can't use the cable ready listings because they are misisng a lot of stations that are on the digital listings -- and they aren't even in the turned-off mess of station listings.

Any advice on how to get TVGOS to fix these errors is appreciated.


Channel number errors are easily fixed by editing in the correct number, for example, substitute 50.1 for 48. Only way I know for getting subchannel information is to visit the station web site.

Tony,

I don't know if I have any TVGOS listings for them yet. I just did an antenna re-scan yesterday when they were on the air, so now I can tune to them and probably do a manual record. I also moved them up in the guide to the right order. So I'll see today or probably tomorrow if the guide fills them in. The guide did have them way down in the list with the correct call letters so it seems they know they exist. I think somebody could make some money writing "TVGOS for Dummies" because the manual and the vgi website just blow.


the thing is, I don't see the channels listed in the guide at all, and that's what I can't figure...maybe I should reenter zip codes, and see if I get a more compete channel listing????

my LG 3410a unit has the TV Guide system, but the only KQED channel I get listings for is 9...not 9-1 or any of the other digital KQED channels. I've gone all the way through the channel editor routine (though not since last summer), and don't have any of the KQED digital channels there.

The LG and the Sony use different versions of TVGOS. The LG's is an earlier version which has a slightly different interface and doesn't list as many channels. My Panasonic DMR-E85H DVD/HDD recorder also uses the older version. Note that TVGOS has two sets of support pages at http://www.vgi.com/support/ for the two versions.

In my area, the two versions use different host channels.

*** Newbie Question ***

Sorry if this has been answered many times before. I have spent at least an hour trying to dig through this thread to find my answer, with no luck.

I recently bought the HDD250 but I have not had much time to play with it too much. I have it hooked up to Analog cable TVand it's all fine and working. I have plenty of TV Guide info about my Analog Cable TV channels, but the channels are listed in the guide out of order. Is there a way to have the 1st guide position be the first channel number, the second channel listed in teh guide be the second channel.... (Channel 2 should be first, then channel 3, then channel 4, yadda yadda)

I've tried manually changing some of the channels in the TV Guide Channel editor, but every time I set a new channel, it shifts all the others around, which sometimes messes up my previously set channel positions.

Is there any hope for me?

The LG and the Sony use different versions of TVGOS. The LG's is an earlier version which has a slightly different interface and doesn't list as many channels. My Panasonic DMR-E85H DVD/HDD recorder also uses the older version. Note that TVGOS has two sets of support pages at http://www.vgi.com/support/ for the two versions.

In my area, the two versions use different host channels.

Ouch! I'm very sorry to hear that, but thanks for the info...

*** Newbie Question ***

Sorry if this has been answered many times before. I have spent at least an hour trying to dig through this thread to find my answer, with no luck.

I recently bought the HDD250 but I have not had much time to play with it too much. I have it hooked up to Analog cable TVand it's all fine and working. I have plenty of TV Guide info about my Analog Cable TV channels, but the channels are listed in the guide out of order. Is there a way to have the 1st guide position be the first channel number, the second channel listed in teh guide be the second channel.... (Channel 2 should be first, then channel 3, then channel 4, yadda yadda)

I've tried manually changing some of the channels in the TV Guide Channel editor, but every time I set a new channel, it shifts all the others around, which sometimes messes up my previously set channel positions.

Is there any hope for me?

I suggest you start by shutting off all the unwanted channels. After that, position all the wanted ones above them. Then move channel 2 to the top. Next move channel 3 below channel 2. Repeat this process until all the wanted channels are listed in order.

If you use this method, each time you put a channel in numical order it will push all the unsorted channels down but will not disturb the ones above it.

Last week I put mine in order - over several days.

Also, if you are using cable without a cable card, the guide won't have the correct HD channel numbers. You will need to locate them manually and edit them into the guide. I suggest that you do that before sorting the channels. If you selected analog cable, the HD channels won't be included in the guide but you can substitute the HD channel numbers for the Analog ones.

I just picked up one of these machines (the 250) to supplement my HD TiVo -- more and more, there are times when being able to record only two HD programs at once isn't enough. :D

After using it for a few days, I decided to move it to a different location in my rack -- I was shocked to discover that the simple act of unplugging it caused it lose all the guide data, as well as all the recording schedules! What the??? Is this normal behvior, or is there a backup-battery in there that's dead? I can't believe that they would actually design it to function this way, especially since re-acquiring the guide info isn't exactly quick. You would think they'd store this info on the hard drive for immediate recovery ...

I lost power twice this past weekend. To my amazement the Sony recorded all scheduled shows and kept the TVG and its clock. Obviously I had to reset the clocks thruout the house including the ones on regular VCRs. I remember someone mentioned in this thread that if you kept the power off for more than a half minute it would still keep all the settings.

I lost power twice this past weekend. To my amazement the Sony recorded all scheduled shows and kept the TVG and its clock. Obviously I had to reset the clocks thruout the house including the ones on regular VCRs. I remember someone mentioned in this thread that if you kept the power off for more than a half minute it would still keep all the settings.


I've had similar incidents where I lost power and the power remained off for more than 5 minutes the HDD500 kept the settings, scheduled recordings, the tv guide listings and clock. No intervention from me was needed.

Other times, when the power comes on and off and on again within minutes I lose everything.

I've had similar incidents where I lost power and the power remained off for more than 5 minutes the HDD500 kept the settings, scheduled recordings, the tv guide listings and clock. No intervention from me was needed.

Other times, when the power comes on and off and on again within minutes I lose everything.

I have mine connected to a UPS now for just this reason. I also have the TV connected so I can properly shut it off and let the bulb cool down correctly.

I've had similar incidents where I lost power and the power remained off for more than 5 minutes the HDD500 kept the settings, scheduled recordings, the tv guide listings and clock. No intervention from me was needed.

Other times, when the power comes on and off and on again within minutes I lose everything.

I lost power a few times for multiple hours and the only thing I lost was the clock which set itself back on its own eventually.

JP

I have mine connected to a UPS now for just this reason. I also have the TV connected so I can properly shut it off and let the bulb cool down correctly.

What brand/model UPS do you have? And what is the battery life? How long does the battery hold it's charge? I use to have a rackmount Smart-UPS 2200VA 1600W (APC SU2200RM3U).

HELP!!! I have the 250 and have been using it for about two months without issue. I am 6 miles from the transmitting towers and all of my channels come in at about 94%. However, I found that there was a local channel (4.1) that everyone else was getting that I could not receive. It showed up on the tv guide, but always said no signal even if I manually tuned to it. Well, reran the antenna autoscan and POOF now I get it , also with a 94% signal. However, now I do not get Fox (2.1) that was also at 94% before I ran the scan ... it just says no signal. Any ideas??? I have now run autoscan 4 times and still Fox will not come back.

Thanks in advance :-)

I lost power a few times for multiple hours and the only thing I lost was the clock which set itself back on its own eventually.

JPThis must really vary by unit because I unplugged my unit for just a few minutes to move it off the top of the TV and into an audio rack and lost most everything (as I recall).

No, the CableCARD in the TV only affects the TV. If you want the same on the Sony you will need a CableCARD in the Sony as well.

I got the cablecard for the HDD250--now neither my tv or the HDD250 will get HD channels :mad: Tech is coming out this afternoon.

One more question...can I run svideo from the HDD250 to a Pioneer 810HS(Tivo/dvd recorder combo)? I want to burn some movies. I know that it won't be HD quality if it will work at all. Also will the Tivo function still work?

TIA,

JHawk

I've had similar incidents where I lost power and the power remained off for more than 5 minutes the HDD500 kept the settings, scheduled recordings, the tv guide listings and clock. No intervention from me was needed.

Other times, when the power comes on and off and on again within minutes I lose everything.

I bought an open box unit from OneCall that had apparently been used as a demonstrator in their retail store. When I first powered it up it still had the channel lineup from the Spokane area. So, at least under some conditions, it will retain data over a long power off period.

I just got it back from Sony with the newest software (.13) in it. It's running on my test bench now acquiring listings. I'll report back when I move it downstairs into the equipment rack and see whether it retains everything.

HELP!!! However, now I do not get Fox (2.1) that was also at 94% before I ran the scan ... it just says no signal. Any ideas??? I have now run autoscan 4 times and still Fox will not come back.

Thanks in advance :-)

PW,

Both of your problems are likely caused by PSIP data problems. Digital stations send PSIP data to map their real digital channels number to their current analog number. If the PSIP data is wrong (or missing) many receivers (including the Sonys) can't tune to that station. One thing that you can do to find out if it is a PSIP problem is to go to http://.www.antennawen.org and put in your zip code and find the digital channel for that station. Then try to tune to that station's OTA xx.1 digital channel. If you can receive it the station has a PSIP problem and it might be a good idea to call the station's engineer.

What brand/model UPS do you have? And what is the battery life? How long does the battery hold it's charge? I use to have a rackmount Smart-UPS 2200VA 1600W (APC SU2200RM3U).

It is nothing special...link is below.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=product&id=1122654249041

They had it mismarked in the store, and I was returning a smaller one. I was drawn to the nifty display on the front...I hate the "Geek Squad" logo on the front though.

It is a 1285VA (770W). I have the following hooked up to it (nameplate wattages):

TV (265W)
HDD250 (45W - approx)
Tivo (45W)
DSL Modem (20W)
Wireless Router (20W)

395 total watts MAX. The display says it will run everything for about 12-15 minutes, but without the TV, it probably goes up to about 20-25 minutes.

The actual power consumption that it reports is about 265-285W during normal usage.

pwfletcher,

Never run a full auto scan to add channels. Always run add OTA channels (I dont remember the exact name) option and then only new OTA channels are added and nothing is lost.

HELP!!! I have the 250 and have been using it for about two months without issue. I am 6 miles from the transmitting towers and all of my channels come in at about 94%. However, I found that there was a local channel (4.1) that everyone else was getting that I could not receive. It showed up on the tv guide, but always said no signal even if I manually tuned to it. Well, reran the antenna autoscan and POOF now I get it , also with a 94% signal. However, now I do not get Fox (2.1) that was also at 94% before I ran the scan ... it just says no signal. Any ideas??? I have now run autoscan 4 times and still Fox will not come back.

Thanks in advance :-)

jzdugolf, I had not played around with the cables at all. I looked back there, and noticed the HDMI cable into the DVR was slightly strained, so I put something under it to hold it up. That was about two hours ago, and I have not seen the flashing phenomenon yet. I hope this continues to be the case. I will report back.

Thanks.

Mark

Well, I started seeing the flashing again last night, so the cable strain was not the issue. I have determined that it only happens on 720p stations. I normally use the 1080i output format, so I decided to try auto HDMI, and the same flashing happened on the 720p stations.

I was thinking it was an issue with the upconversion in the DVR, but using auto HDMI ruled that out, as the 720p is sent to the TV directly. I don't think it is an issue with the TV, as the flashing occurs (on 720p material) when sending it a native 720p signal or a 1080i signal upconverted in the DVR from 720p.

When the flashing starts again, I am going to try switching to 480p output to see what happens.

Hopefully, this makes sense.

Mark

Well, I started seeing the flashing again last night, so the cable strain was not the issue. I have determined that it only happens on 720p stations. I normally use the 1080i output format, so I decided to try auto HDMI, and the same flashing happened on the 720p stations.

I was thinking it was an issue with the upconversion in the DVR, but using auto HDMI ruled that out, as the 720p is sent to the TV directly. I don't think it is an issue with the TV, as the flashing occurs (on 720p material) when sending it a native 720p signal or a 1080i signal upconverted in the DVR from 720p.

When the flashing starts again, I am going to try switching to 480p output to see what happens.

Hopefully, this makes sense.

Mark

Forgot to add that I checked my firmware, and it is 1.2.06, which I think is kind of old.

Mark, when you hook the Sony up directly to your TV(bypassing the Gefen switch), do you see the same flashing as well?

I lost power twice this past weekend. To my amazement the Sony recorded all scheduled shows and kept the TVG and its clock. Obviously I had to reset the clocks thruout the house including the ones on regular VCRs. I remember someone mentioned in this thread that if you kept the power off for more than a half minute it would still keep all the settings.

Thanks for the info (and for all the others in this thread). I'll give that a try the next time I need to unplug it, which will probably be this weekend when I have a chance to "properly" install it. Plugging into a UPS will be part of that. I didn't want to go though the hassle of running all the wires etc. until I was sure that I would like the machine and didn't need to return it. While it definitely has its quirks, none of them are deal-breakers.

Mark, when you hook the Sony up directly to your TV(bypassing the Gefen switch), do you see the same flashing as well?

I haven't tried that yet...ugh, the thought of having to get behind all that equipment! Oh well, I will have to try that when the flashing acts up.

Mark

I really wish there was a way to send TVGOS missing channel information. I just went through my entire channel layout looking for Universal HD, but either I missed it, or it isn't there. My cableco just added it today, so I guess there is a CHANCE that Charter might notify TVGOS, but I would like to speed up the process!

Does anyone out there have Universal HD in their guide? If so, I am wondering how they identify (abbreviate it)...

Thanks

I bought an open box unit from OneCall that had apparently been used as a demonstrator in their retail store. When I first powered it up it still had the channel lineup from the Spokane area. So, at least under some conditions, it will retain data over a long power off period.

I just got it back from Sony with the newest software (.13) in it. It's running on my test bench now acquiring listings. I'll report back when I move it downstairs into the equipment rack and see whether it retains everything.

I moved it and got some interesting (and unexpected) results. The unit was unplugged for about 10 minutes. I did wait for the hard drive to spin down before I physically moved it.

When I plugged it back in, it booted up displaying "Welcome" etc. on the front panel. At the conclusion it displayed the listings screen. The clock was good and so was the channel lineup including the customization that I had done.

BUT, the actual listings were totally gone (and I checked both days 1 and 8). On closer inspection, however, there were a few good listings scattered around. By this, I DON'T mean that the occasional channel had complete listings. I do mean that there was the occasional single block that had a valid listing surrounded on all sides by "No Listing" blocks. Again this was in both days 1 and 8.

I have a partial (and very tentative) theory on what happened. The unit was in standby for an hour or more before I unplugged it. If I've got the times correct it was in the middle of a 1 hour update when I unplugged it. That would make it seem that TVGOS doesn't handle power loss in the middle of updating very well. If it even saves the state at the beginning it doesn't properly resume or restore after a power loss properly.

I always use a UPS on any equipment of this sort and this makes it much more important. And from now on if I have to unplug the unit I'll make sure to do it only when it's not in a TVGOS update (or leave it fully powered up for 3 hours before so the update can't start).

Well, I started seeing the flashing again last night, so the cable strain was not the issue. I have determined that it only happens on 720p stations. I normally use the 1080i output format, so I decided to try auto HDMI, and the same flashing happened on the 720p stations.

FWIW, my HDD500 goes into a Gefen 4x1, using Variable 1 output format, and I haven't seen any problems for 480p, 720p, or 1080i output.

FWIW, my HDD500 goes into a Gefen 4x1, using Variable 1 output format, and I haven't seen any problems for 480p, 720p, or 1080i output.

Thanks for posting that tidbit. What firmware version do you have? What kind of display device do you have? I have firmware 1.2.06 and a CRT RPTV.

Mark

Does anyone out there have Universal HD in their guide? If so, I am wondering how they identify (abbreviate it)...

Thanks

I have it in my guide (Cincinnati area) and it is listed as UHD.

There are two local (OTA) HD stations in my market that TV Guide doesn't list. Sure wish that there was a way to get them added. For them, I just use the SD (cable) listing (and map it to the OTA digital channel). I can't tell what is on in HD but a least I can get the correct listing for them. Too bad that you can't do that for UHD. TVGOS seems to have some short comings and unlisted channels is a big one.

What firmware version do you have? What kind of display device do you have?

firmware 1.2.05, a Westinghouse Digital LCD flat panel.

I have it in my guide (Cincinnati area) and it is listed as UHD.

There are two local (OTA) HD stations in my market that TV Guide doesn't list. Sure wish that there was a way to get them added. For them, I just use the SD (cable) listing (and map it to the OTA digital channel). I can't tell what is on in HD but a least I can get the correct listing for them. Too bad that you can't do that for UHD. TVGOS seems to have some short comings and unlisted channels is a big one.

What cable system do you have?

Could someone check something for me?

Select Menu, Preferences, System, CableCard, CableCard Pairing and let me know what your screen says?

None of my channels will tune properly...They all tune in for about 15 to 20 seconds and then the screen goes black and a message appears saying the "No program available on this channel"

I have checked my signal strength in the diagnostic menu and it is fine. My CableCard Pairing screen says I should call my cable company to activate. I don't know if this message has always been there and I haven't noticed because I haven't had any problems or if this is something new that I will have to deal with...I don't know if it matters but I am Comcast in Westmont, IL.

Thanks for any help!
Greg

What cable system do you have?

Insight, but my data comes from the OTA signal. The host station for my TV Guide data is a Cincinnati PBS station, WCET, ch. 48 (OTA), ch. 13 on my cable system and Ch. 8 on Time Warner in Cincinnati.

The flashing started again while I was recording (and watching at the same time) Lost, which is in 720p. When I switched the output format to 480p, it stopped. When I switched the format back to 1080i, it didn't start up again. I think the switching of the format stops the problem sometimes. I have switched the format from 1080i to 720p in the past during periods of flashing, and it kept doing it.

Since I had recorded the 720p broadcast, I wanted to see if the flashing had been recorded. When I played the section where it had occurred, the picture was normal. I really think this might be an issue with my TV, and not an issue with the DVR. I am going to try the Variable 2 output setting and see what happens.

Mark

giomania, if you haven't already, try bypassing your Gefen switch. If you can, try another unit. If that's not possible, take your HDD to the store and see if the flashing happens there. My guess is either a bad unit or an incompatible HDMI interface, or maybe try a different cable.

I've had several power outages and a few deliberate ones due to moving things around. I've noticed that if I kill power before disconnecting the antenna feeds, all I generally lose is the time. However, if I disconnect the antenna before unplugging the power, I lose my entire channel line up, but I don't lose my schedules nor recordings (obviously). In this case, as soon as I disconnect the antenna, I hear the hard drive churn away.

It may be coincidence with another event like TVGOS update like jmonier suggests, but I distinctly noticed no hard drive activity before disconnecting the antenna feed.

I've had several power outages and a few deliberate ones due to moving things around. I've noticed that if I kill power before disconnecting the antenna feeds, all I generally lose is the time. However, if I disconnect the antenna before unplugging the power, I lose my entire channel line up, but I don't lose my schedules nor recordings (obviously). In this case, as soon as I disconnect the antenna, I hear the hard drive churn away.

It may be coincidence with another event like TVGOS update like jmonier suggests, but I distinctly noticed no hard drive activity before disconnecting the antenna feed.

Now that you mention it, I did disconnect the antenna before I unplugged power, so that may well the cause of the problem, either by itself or in conjunction with the power loss. I still think that TVGOS is involved since I can't imagine the unit being aware that the antenna is disconnected unless it was doing something that required it to be there.

This could even explain the reports of listings, etc. just being lost spontaneously. If the station transmitter (or just the TVGOS inserter) went down briefly, it might have the same effect as disconnecting the antenna.

I am having all kind of problems with my Sony HDD250. When I first got the unit everything worked flawlessly (I have Adelphia and using HD Cable Card). Now and for the past 2 months when my DVR decided to reboot itself my TV guide been a miss. It hasn’t loaded a full week since last November and I have been trying to do every trick in the book to fix it. Sony tech support didn’t help. The closest I got to loading a full week was last week after I did a reset to my TV guide using the Menu: Screen Mode: 9012.
After I had my TV Guide fully loaded for about 5 days, suddenly I got the “TV Guide is loading data” message when I press the TV guide button.

Now my clock is gone too and hasn’t loaded for 2 days. This morning I decided to Format the HDD after I did a TV Guide reset again. Did anyone tried this one? Did anyone experience these problems I am having here and was able to get it fixed?

I am getting close to sending the unit to Sony tech support but I am afraid to waist my money and get nothing back from them.

Without the TV guide this unit is really not worth the price I paid for!

Any idea of what to do? Should I send the unit back to Sony tech support?

Could someone check something for me?

Select Menu, Preferences, System, CableCard, CableCard Pairing and let me know what your screen says?

None of my channels will tune properly...They all tune in for about 15 to 20 seconds and then the screen goes black and a message appears saying the "No program available on this channel"

I have checked my signal strength in the diagnostic menu and it is fine. My CableCard Pairing screen says I should call my cable company to activate. I don't know if this message has always been there and I haven't noticed because I haven't had any problems or if this is something new that I will have to deal with...I don't know if it matters but I am Comcast in Westmont, IL.

Thanks for any help!
Greg

The menu you mentioned on my cablecard says the same thing about calling the cable company to activate, and under this, there is info on the Unit #, Host ID, and another number that I can't remember now. My Motorola CC is working fine.

I would go to the Menu, Preferences, System, and then the menu that shows the SNR values (I think it is the second choice from the top when you go to the System Menu). Check that both the In Band column and Out Of Band columns are "Locked". This is speculation on my part, but I think that the Out of Band (OOB) channel is the data channel that enables the card to decrypt signals. If this isn't locked (or the SNR for the OOB is too low), your CC won't decrypt correctly.

giomania, if you haven't already, try bypassing your Gefen switch. If you can, try another unit. If that's not possible, take your HDD to the store and see if the flashing happens there. My guess is either a bad unit or an incompatible HDMI interface, or maybe try a different cable.

M, I haven't tried bypassing the switch yet. The problem has reduced in frequency in the past few days, and now my "week-end" is over, so won't be around that much to observe the problem. I purchased the unit on-line, so trying another isn't possible for me. Next time it acts up when I'm around, I am going to bypass the switch and try a different cable directly to the TV. Naturally, I will report back, but it may be a few days.

Mark

Thanks spiff72

I just tinkered with it last night. I disconnected my cable, plugged it into the antenna and did an antenna autoscan to see if I could get some programs that way...It seemed to tune into some channels okay this way. I switched it back to the cable input and rescanned again (no real method to my madness, just desperation!) and it seemed to tune in fine...probably more timing and less anything I actually did but it seems to be working now...

If it happens again I will repost here for informational purposed...

Both bands were locked and the SNR was 18.8 or something like that (Sony website said over 16 was fine) so all of that looks fine.

Hopefully this was just a minor wrinkle and I can go back to it working perfectly again as it has for the last several months...

Thanks spiff72
Both bands were locked and the SNR was 18.8 or something like that (Sony website said over 16 was fine) so all of that looks fine.

A SNR that low might be what is causing your problems and it could be dropping below that critical 16 level at times. When I first got my system I was getting low SNR on some stations (signal was in the 70s) and some digital stations took a while to tune. I replace an old RF distribution amp that was installed about 20 years ago (it was rated up to 550 MHz) with a new one (same gain, rated to 900 MHz) and that cleared up the problem. Singal strength is now in the 80s and SNR is, at least, in the high 20s and most channels are in the 30s).

...I purchased the unit on-line, so trying another isn't possible for me....Given the history of challenges with this unit, I can't imagine anyone would purchase this online without an excellent return policy such as Crutchfield. As much as I hate BB, that's where I got mine, and I've already returned it once for a replacement.

A SNR that low might be what is causing your problems and it could be dropping below that critical 16 level at times. When I first got my system I was getting low SNR on some stations (signal was in the 70s) and some digital stations took a while to tune. I replace an old RF distribution amp that was installed about 20 years ago (it was rated up to 550 MHz) with a new one (same gain, rated to 900 MHz) and that cleared up the problem. Singal strength is now in the 80s and SNR is, at least, in the high 20s and most channels are in the 30s).

Thanks Bill.
Not to seem too ignorant, but what is a RF distribution amp and where would I find it if I had one? Where would I put it if I don't have one?

Again, thanks for the tip!

Greg

I saw that Best buy had a nice 4 way distribuition amp (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7152788&type=product&productCategoryId=cat08062&id=1110266394546) for cable and it provided 2way signal flow for Digital cable set top boxes and cable modems (and next generation Cable cards). I think it went to 1gig, so it should pass all current digital cable signals. 900 Mhz is pretty low now days and I bet the one Bill is using doesn't pass the 2way information that might be needed. BB also has a RF AMP that passes the 2way signals then you provide your own high frequency splitter. Best Buy splitters link (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&id=cat08062) .

An RF distribution amp is a device to allow you to split your incomming single cable to multiple feeds without any loss of signal (sometimes an increase in signal).

Thanks Bill.
Not to seem too ignorant, but what is a RF distribution amp and where would I find it if I had one? Where would I put it if I don't have one?

Again, thanks for the tip!

Greg

Thanks WhatHappened.
I am going to order these items today and work on it this weekend...I have had some signal loss upstairs (only care about Standard Definition there) anyway so I may take this as an opportunity to fix all of my problems! (Well at least all of the problems that don't require medication!) :p

Got my HDD250 hooked up last night. Using for OTA only. I kept watching for the clock to update, couldn't sleep because I kept checking it :)

Anyway, the clock was set this morning and I have a couple days of program guide data. I am going to clean up my channels and wanted to get some info first.

Concerning deleting channels and guide data

My host channel is 0:0-8. So I am getting the guide data from channel 8 CBS in San Diego. I am not planning to watch any programming on Channel 8 since I will be watching the Digital channel 8-1. I am planning to remove the channel from the Channel +/- and the TV Guide. Is this going to cause a problem with my guide updates? If so, what causes the problem, removing it from the TV Guide or from the Channel +/- ?

Also, it seems that there are 4 analog TV stations passing VBI packets that I receive. Channel 6-FOX, 8-CBS, 10-ABC, and 28-PBS LA.

Thanks for the help.

My host channel is 0:0-8. So I am getting the guide data from channel 8 CBS in San Diego. I am not planning to watch any programming on Channel 8 since I will be watching the Digital channel 8-1. I am planning to remove the channel from the Channel +/- and the TV Guide. Is this going to cause a problem with my guide updates? If so, what causes the problem, removing it from the TV Guide or from the Channel +/- ?

I would not tempt fate and delete that channel from the guide or from the channel +/- list. For the guide, just assign it a position that is way down the list.

Per previous posts, it seems rather important to have the Sony DVR hooked up to a UPS to avoid issues with the clock, TVGuide, shows not recording when the power is out etc. I looked into home theater type UPS's from PureAV, Monster, APC, and Tripp Lite.

The best value that I found for a decent UPS is the Tripp Lite OMNI1000LCD that is sold in Costco stores. The price at Costco is $99.99. They had a stack of them at the store that I went to yesterday in San Diego. They are displayed in the section with the TV's and DVD players. The unit looks decent with the LCD screen on the front of the unit.

I believe Costco has their own item number for the UPS so you won't find it on the Tripp Lite web site. Seems to be simlar or equal to the SMART1000LCD model: http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=3071

UPS works only for short power outages. According to the specifications of my 700VA unit, it will supply power for only about 1 hour, even if nothing is connected to it.

I would not tempt fate and delete that channel from the guide or from the channel +/- list. For the guide, just assign it a position that is way down the list.I agree with Spiff. I've kept both OTA and cable channels of my local PBS station on just in case. I've never had a guide problem.

Per previous posts, it seems rather important to have the Sony DVR hooked up to a UPS to avoid issues with the clock, TVGuide, shows not recording when the power is out etc. I looked into home theater type UPS's from PureAV, Monster, APC, and Tripp Lite.

The best value that I found for a decent UPS is the Tripp Lite OMNI1000LCD that is sold in Costco stores. The price at Costco is $99.99. They had a stack of them at the store that I went to yesterday in San Diego. They are displayed in the section with the TV's and DVD players. The unit looks decent with the LCD screen on the front of the unit.

I believe Costco has their own item number for the UPS so you won't find it on the Tripp Lite web site. Seems to be simlar or equal to the SMART1000LCD model: http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=3071APC is considered one of, if not, the best in the UPS world. I have two APC UPS units. Monster is WAY overpriced for its features/quality.

I am having all kind of problems with my Sony HDD250. When I first got the unit everything worked flawlessly (I have Adelphia and using HD Cable Card). Now and for the past 2 months when my DVR decided to reboot itself my TV guide been a miss. It hasn’t loaded a full week since last November and I have been trying to do every trick in the book to fix it. Sony tech support didn’t help. The closest I got to loading a full week was last week after I did a reset to my TV guide using the Menu: Screen Mode: 9012.
After I had my TV Guide fully loaded for about 5 days, suddenly I got the “TV Guide is loading data” message when I press the TV guide button.

Now my clock is gone too and hasn’t loaded for 2 days. This morning I decided to Format the HDD after I did a TV Guide reset again. Did anyone tried this one? Did anyone experience these problems I am having here and was able to get it fixed?

I am getting close to sending the unit to Sony tech support but I am afraid to waist my money and get nothing back from them.

Without the TV guide this unit is really not worth the price I paid for!

Any idea of what to do? Should I send the unit back to Sony tech support?

I suspect that your recorder is not the source of your problem. The most likely cause is the TV guide station. Other candidates are the cable card and the cable company.
Several times I've lost the guide and preformed the resets to clear the problem, which turned out not to be the fault of the recorder.
I suggest you post your city and cable company and ask if anyone else in your area is having a similar problem. That's how I found out that the problem I was having wasn't a recorder fault.

Per previous posts, it seems rather important to have the Sony DVR hooked up to a UPS to avoid issues with the clock, TVGuide, shows not recording when the power is out etc. I looked into home theater type UPS's from PureAV, Monster, APC, and Tripp Lite.

The best value that I found for a decent UPS is the Tripp Lite OMNI1000LCD that is sold in Costco stores. The price at Costco is $99.99. They had a stack of them at the store that I went to yesterday in San Diego. They are displayed in the section with the TV's and DVD players. The unit looks decent with the LCD screen on the front of the unit.

I believe Costco has their own item number for the UPS so you won't find it on the Tripp Lite web site. Seems to be simlar or equal to the SMART1000LCD model: http://www.tripplite.com/products/product.cfm?productID=3071

I'm using a Belkin 1500 VA Dual Form Factor Small Enterprise UPS - (F6C1500-TW-RK) that I'm very happy with. I'm out in rural country that loses power irregularly, for minutes to hours. This unit claims 120 minutes of runtime at full load 830 Watts. They are fanless, which is super important for my bedroom - the HDD500 is noisy enough. They can be placed vertically or horizontally. I bought 3 of them (one for a Christmas present) from buy.com for about $130 each, with free shipping. I have everything plugged into this UPS, so I can continue enjoying video & audio entertainment even when the power goes down.

On the other end of the spectrum is my old 2KW Best Ferrups which hums and buzzes like an hive of angry killer wasps. It has been retired until I can find a remote location to place it.

Andrew

900 Mhz is pretty low now days and I bet the one Bill is using doesn't pass the 2way information that might be needed.

Our cable system did a re-build just a few years ago and it is now a 850 MHz system. Currently the highest frequency that they are using is in the 750 MHz range. My distribution amp and all my splitters do pass two way information. For those of you that are wondering why that is important, here are the details: two way communications is needed if you get your STB from the cable company and/or you have a cable modem for hi-speed internet service. The boxes MUST be able to talk to the head end or they will shut down (cable company STBs also send PPV and VOD information back to the head end). If you have a TV (or STB like our Sonys) that has a CableCard1 slot, two way communication is not necessary. CableCard2 (which is currently being developed and the cable industry is trying to kill) WILL require two way communications. Our Sony STBs currently only support CableCard1 and CableCard2 (if it ever comes to pass) will require a software upgrade to our STBs.

I would not tempt fate and delete that channel from the guide or from the channel +/- list. For the guide, just assign it a position that is way down the list.I have found that if I have it deleted from the channel list, but keep it in the guide I am OK. If I also delete it from the guide, it's no go. YMMV.

Concerning deleting channels and guide data

My host channel is 0:0-8. So I am getting the guide data from channel 8 CBS in San Diego. I am not planning to watch any programming on Channel 8 since I will be watching the Digital channel 8-1. I am planning to remove the channel from the Channel +/- and the TV Guide. Is this going to cause a problem with my guide updates? If so, what causes the problem, removing it from the TV Guide or from the Channel +/- ?

Also, it seems that there are 4 analog TV stations passing VBI packets that I receive. Channel 6-FOX, 8-CBS, 10-ABC, and 28-PBS LA.

Thanks for the help.

What I do is just put those SD stations at the bottom of my channel list but I do leave them turned on. I have another STB (a Philips) that got very "unhappy" when I turned off the station that it was getting the TV guide from. I know on my cable system there are at least three stations that have the TV guide data but the Philips didn't want to get its data from those other stations once it was set up and found its first guide data. I haven't tried that with my Sony yet (turn off the channel that it is currently getting data from) but I would think that the box should be smart enough to look for another station if a station is turned off. For all we know, the Sony might be smart enough to get data from a station even if it is turned off. It would be something interesting to try.

As for the other stations that you see VBI packets on that is likely closed captioning data.

Concerning deleting channels and guide data

My host channel is 0:0-8. So I am getting the guide data from channel 8 CBS in San Diego. I am not planning to watch any programming on Channel 8 since I will be watching the Digital channel 8-1. I am planning to remove the channel from the Channel +/- and the TV Guide. Is this going to cause a problem with my guide updates? If so, what causes the problem, removing it from the TV Guide or from the Channel +/- ?

Also, it seems that there are 4 analog TV stations passing VBI packets that I receive. Channel 6-FOX, 8-CBS, 10-ABC, and 28-PBS LA.



I just did a test. The TVGOS station was in the Guide while the host channel was being established. I got days 1, 2 and 8 of the listings as it should be. I then turned off the TVGOS station in the guide. The next day new listings were there, i.e. new day 2 and 8 (and of course I had day 7 as well).

So it doesn't have to be on to get Guide data once the host channel is established. BUT, if anything ever happens so that the host channel is lost you might be in trouble. With that in mind, the advice given previously sounds good to me. I think I'll leave it in just to be safe.

28-PBS LA is the TVGOS source for Los Angeles. The other San Diego stations might be something like closed captions or ?.

I suspect that your recorder is not the source of your problem. The most likely cause is the TV guide station. Other candidates are the cable card and the cable company.
Several times I've lost the guide and preformed the resets to clear the problem, which turned out not to be the fault of the recorder.
I suggest you post your city and cable company and ask if anyone else in your area is having a similar problem. That's how I found out that the problem I was having wasn't a recorder fault.

I live in Cleveland, OH and using Adelphia digital cable including the premium HD channels. Anyone notice a problem with them?

I tried calling their tech support but they have no clue what I am talking about. They keep telling me that I have to have their cable box to get a TV Guide!

Is there a way to diagnose this problem to see if it is actually the cable company problem?

My host channel is 0:0-8. So I am getting the guide data from channel 8 CBS in San Diego. I am not planning to watch any programming on Channel 8 since I will be watching the Digital channel 8-1. I am planning to remove the channel from the Channel +/- and the TV Guide. Is this going to cause a problem with my guide updates? If so, what causes the problem, removing it from the TV Guide or from the Channel +/- ?

Also, it seems that there are 4 analog TV stations passing VBI packets that I receive. Channel 6-FOX, 8-CBS, 10-ABC, and 28-PBS LA.

Thanks for all of the responses. It seems that I am going to leave 8 and 28 both on in the TV Guide and move them to the bottom of the TV Guide. Unless someone in San Diego can confirm 6 or 10 as a host channels, I am going to remove them from the TV Guide.

I am going to remove all of these channels from the Channel +/- list since it seems that it has been established that the channel +/- list should not affect the TVGuide updates.

So my question is will the TVGuide show me both the San Diego channels and Los Angeles channels? Will I need to fool around with the zip code on the TVGuide setup? Or will I need to map the San Diego network channels to the LA channels for the program guide data?

I set my zip code to downtown San Diego (92101). I am getting guide data for both San Diego and Los Angeles stations, but am missing many LA channels.

Can someone from LA or San Diego confirm if any of these OTA channels are listed in their TV Guide? I need to know whether I should try some zip codes in LA or just wait a couple of days to see if these channels appear. (I only have the HDD250 set up for 1 day)

30.2 PAX
46.1 KFTR-DT
50.1 KOCE-HD
54.1 KAZA-DT
56.1 KDOC-DT
58.1 KLCS-DT
62.1 KRCA1

I am concerned that if I switch the zip code to LA, then I won't have guide info for the San Diego channels.

Thanks for all of the responses. It seems that I am going to leave 8 and 28 both on in the TV Guide and move them to the bottom of the TV Guide. Unless someone in San Diego can confirm 6 or 10 as a host channels, I am going to remove them from the TV Guide.

I am going to remove all of these channels from the Channel +/- list since it seems that it has been established that the channel +/- list should not affect the TVGuide updates.

Since 28 has only Los Angeles channels, it probably won't do you any good and may even cause a problem by wiping out your San Diego listings if it gets selected as your host channel.

Can someone from LA or San Diego confirm if any of these OTA channels are listed in their TV Guide? I need to know whether I should try some zip codes in LA or just wait a couple of days to see if these channels appear. (I only have the HDD250 set up for 1 day)

30.2 PAX
46.1 KFTR-DT
50.1 KOCE-HD
54.1 KAZA-DT
56.1 KDOC-DT
58.1 KLCS-DT
62.1 KRCA1



KOCE-HD and KDOC-DT are not currently in my LA guide (although KDOC (analog 56) is and can be mapped to 56.1.

I believe KOCE-HD is not listed anywhere. Even TitanTV only has a generic listing without any specific programs.

I believe KLCS-DT is in the LA guide but it's the same listing as analog 58.

I'll try and check on the others later tonight.

Since 28 has only Los Angeles channels, it probably won't do you any good and may even cause a problem by wiping out your San Diego listings if it gets selected as your host channel.

Are we sure that when you change your zip code it actually changes your host channel? Maybe you just get the listings appropriate for your area?

My host channel is currently 8 which is a San Diego channel but I get lots of LA listings in the TV Guide.

I would also assume that there is some type of logic in the Sony DVR that says checks what channels you can receive and tries to get the guide data as long as your are in zip code where it would be logical to receive those listings.

Are we sure that when you change your zip code it actually changes your host channel? Maybe you just get the listings appropriate for your area?

I have heard a couple of different things about that and I'm not sure what is true. I read that the zip code is used only to find the channel lineup for your area. After the zip code is set up the STB searches for a station that is providing the TV Guide data. It can tell from the VBI (or other?) information which station is providing it. An engineer at a local PBS station told me that the station provides listings for stations within about 50 miles of the station as well as listings for all cable systems within that range. He said that the data set that the station sends can not be changed by the station (TV Guide determines that). He said that his station provides listings for over 400 stations and the listing that the STB owner sees depends on what the vendor allows them to see (SD STBs don't show the listings for HD channels like our Sony STBs display).

The service that TV Guide uses in most markets to send us the guide is called PBS National Datacast Service.

Are we sure that when you change your zip code it actually changes your host channel? Maybe you just get the listings appropriate for your area?

My host channel is currently 8 which is a San Diego channel but I get lots of LA listings in the TV Guide.

I would also assume that there is some type of logic in the Sony DVR that says checks what channels you can receive and tries to get the guide data as long as your are in zip code where it would be logical to receive those listings.

While I don't know for sure how the zip code affects the host channel, this is what makes sense to me (based on all I've read). I think that The TVGOS software searches through the channels for one that has TVGOS data. It then MAY check to see if the zip code is included in that data. If it isn't, then it MAY search for another TVGOS feed.

It appears the the entire lineup of channels available is loaded into the Sony and then those that aren't received are turned off. For instance, I have a big bunch of cable only channels (turned off) although I specified OTA only. Another example: KCET-HD (28.1) was marked as 48.1 and turned off. I mapped it to 28.1 and turned it on and it works fine.

I believe that the zip is there primarily for mapping channel nos for the different cable systems.

My understanding of the zipcode thing is that the unit first looks for zipcode data that is being broadcast that matches the one that you entered. Once it finds your zipcode in the VBI packets, it uses this info to determine what cable and OTA lineups are available to you. These options are then presented to you next time you go into the guide. Once this lineup info has been selected, it starts to download the channel lineups and listings.

One thing that I noticed, though, after a reset, is that I had some channel listings immediately after I picked my cable lineup info. I don't know if these were remnams of the old data, or if it somehow downloaded some of that info before I chose the lineup. (Charter is the only provider for my zip code).

Thsi was just posted on another forum:

UPDATE: I received my answer from TVGOS on the issue.

The new 6670 is for WTVS-DT. We are starting to implement ATSC support and we have started to install equipment at host stations. These devices are not yet sending data, but because they are in your channel lineup and we are including them in our data as host stations, you are seeing the entry in VBIDLSched.

Interesting!!!

Can someone from LA or San Diego confirm if any of these OTA channels are listed in their TV Guide?

30.2 PAX
46.1 KFTR-DT
50.1 KOCE-HD
54.1 KAZA-DT
56.1 KDOC-DT
58.1 KLCS-DT
62.1 KRCA1



To follow up on the remaining channels:

62.1 is in the Guide as KRCA-DT

PAX, KAZA and KFTR only have analog listings which may or may not be the same as digital.

The only logical use for zip code is to help with the selection of cable service. If you are in the service area of the channel broadcasting the guide, you will get the listing of all OTA channels if you choose antenna reception, and in addition get the listing for your cable company, if you choose cable, and you get both if you select both antenna and cable.

Shortly after I entered that information, I was presented with a list of four cable services and I had to choose which one was mine. Unfortunately, I didn't recognize any, and I chose one that might work. Later checked the channel lineup to verify that I made the right choice. I did that in both Los Angeles and Phoenix and encountered the same problem with the cable company list.

I tried various zip codes in the Chicago area and the master list of channels never changed, only the list of available cable providers and their respective channel mapping. For example WFLD 32 is on channel 3 in zip code 60134 but it is on channel 12 in zip code 60103. The master list contains some channels available only on Comcast yet others available only on Wide Open West so it seems the station(s) broadcasting the TVGOS use a regional list provided by Gemstar. I would love to see a map or listing of these regions and their respective channel lineups.

I don't have cable service, so I told my unit that I have only an antenna, during the initial setup. Nevertheless, I have a few hundred inactive cable channels in my TVGOS channel setup menu. I can turn one on, assign it an OTA channel number, and get listings for it. Whether those listings match what's actually being broadcast on that channel is another matter!

So, I suspect that all units served by a particular TVGOS host station receive the same total list of channels, the ZIP code determines which cable lineups you can choose from (if you specify that you have cable service), and the cable lineup you choose determines which channels are turned on and what channel numbers are assigned to them.

For antenna service, I don't think the ZIP code has any effect on which OTA channels are turned on in the listing. I've entered ZIP codes for a few different cities in my area, and I got the same OTA channels every time. I think TVGOS initially tries to turn on all OTA channels that you're getting some kind of signal on. In my case, for example, it turns on some analog stations in Knoxville TN that I can't get, but I do receive at least a weak signal from stations on those same channels in Augusta GA and Columbia SC. It also turns on channel 17 for an analog station in Linville NC that I can't get, but I do get a digital signal on that channel from Columbia! So it looks like TVGOS just looks for some kind of activity on each channel, but doesn't distinguish between analog and digital.

Oh, and since they are not using a different master list of channels for each zip code there really isn't any excuse not to update the listings. There are far too many missing channels. In additon to missing locals some cable channels such as INHD2, UHD, TNT-HD, etc. are missing from the Chicago list.

These are apparently showing up for some people across the country and since they are national feeds the listings don't change depending on region other than time zone. Therefore they should be available on all TVGOS lists across the country, right? We need to start a database of who gets what and where, at least in terms of major channels like these.

...and in the too little, too late category, TVGOS still lists FoxSports (Chicago) on our local cable system even though it's been well over a year since it was replaced by ComcastSportsNet (Chicago). Listings are all wrong, but at least I do get the channel.

Can someone from LA or San Diego confirm if any of these OTA channels are listed in their TV Guide?

30.2 PAX
46.1 KFTR-DT
50.1 KOCE-HD
54.1 KAZA-DT
56.1 KDOC-DT
58.1 KLCS-DT
62.1 KRCA1


KOCE-HD and KDOC-DT are not currently in my LA guide (although KDOC (analog 56) is and can be mapped to 56.1.

I believe KOCE-HD is not listed anywhere. Even TitanTV only has a generic listing without any specific programs.

I believe KLCS-DT is in the LA guide but it's the same listing as analog 58.

62.1 is in the Guide as KRCA-DT

PAX, KAZA and KFTR only have analog listings which may or may not be the same as digital.

Thanks for the info. None of these channels are in my guide. It seems that this confirms that channel 28 in LA broadcasts different channel data than channel 8 in San Diego.

I found this info in the faqs at www.tvgos.com:

*****

Why aren't all my channels initially displayed?
Answer: There are two possibilities:

During initial setup and search the TV Guide On Screen system scans for video on each channel. If the video is detected and the channel is included in the lineup information the channel should be displayed. If not:

There was no discernable video on the channel during the initial search. Turn the channel ON in the "CHANNEL EDITOR".
The channel is not included in the TV Guide On Screen listings data. Local and Public access channels are examples of the type of stations that may not be listed in the TV Guide on Screen system.

Why are some of my broadcast or cable channels not listed on the "CHANNEL EDITOR" screen?

Answer: Presently, TV Guide On Screen does not list all channels in any given broadcast area. As a result, channels are selected primarily on a "majority rules" basis. Channels with the highest potential viewership are given top priority. Availability of program listings is another consideration.

*****

So it seems that even though I can receive some of these channels from LA, they are not listed in my TV Guide because the tvgos do not consider them 'local' channels to San Diego or that they are not popular enough to be included in the guide.

The good news is that I am getting a lot of channels in my TV Guide from LA including all of the major networks (except CBS), one PBS channel and a couple of Spanish programming stations.

I think the only possibility for me to get more of the LA listings would be to somehow force my HDD250 to use channel 28 as the host instead of channel 8. Maybe removing channel 8 from the TV Guide list would accomplish this? The only thing I am concerned about is that I may lose the listings for the couple of San Diego channels that I watch.... any thoughts? update: Actually after reading some more info about tvgos, seems like I could just change my zip to to a zip code in LA and that would cause my unit to seach for a host channel that includes the LA zip code (which should be channel 28 in LA).

jmonier - do you have San Diego channels 8.1, 10.1, 12, and 17 in your guide? (or anyone else with a LA guide from channel 28) If it does, I am going to try changing my zip code to a zip code in LA... if not, I probably will have to be happy with what I have and not be concerned about program listings for channel I will probably never watch.

I live in Cleveland, OH and using Adelphia digital cable including the premium HD channels. Anyone notice a problem with them?

I tried calling their tech support but they have no clue what I am talking about. They keep telling me that I have to have their cable box to get a TV Guide!

Is there a way to diagnose this problem to see if it is actually the cable company problem?

This is my suggestion:
Select your PBS channel and run the TV Guide test. If it passes, shut off the recorder and wait for clock set, which may take a few hours. Turn on your recorder and select your cable service. Then turn it off for at least 12 hours. Hopefully, you will see the guide when you turn it on again.

If the test fails, remove the cable card, and repeat the above procedure. If that test passes, problem is with your cable card.

If that test fails, connect an antenna, and tune to the OTA analog PBS channel, and repeat the above procedure. If that test fails, you can assume that the problem is with your PBS staion. If you get the guide with OTA, you can assume that problem is with your cable company but should be acceptable if you can receive stuff via OTA.

Hello! My 4-month old KDF60XS955 and 3-month old DHG-HDD250 recently developed tuner problems within days of each other. I have strictly OTA, no cable or satellite. The UHF & VHF antennas (in attic) run through a combiner to a single line, amplified on the UHF side. I am approx 7 miles from transmitters on top of mountain, (Albuquerque, NM) no line of sight problems. From line, antenna signal runs thru surge protector to 3-way splitter, to VCR, TV & DVR. All was working fine for last 2.5 months. Two weekends ago, TV display quit on five PBS HD channels (5.1, 5.2, 9.1, 9.2 & 9.3) - no video/audio, display shows no signal. However, the signal strength in diagnostics showed 90+ on 9.x channels and 40 on 5.x channels, and the DVR received & displayed all of the same channels with no problem & 90+ signal strength. Since HDTV was still under warranty, I had a service call & the tuner was replaced and all works fine again!.. However, before the service call the DVR lost display on 2.1, 2.2, 19.1 and 50.1, but shows strong signal for all of these channels. TV receives all stations now with no problem. I have run channel setup twice – no change. I have tried running antenna directly to DVR, (both thru and not thru antenna amplifier) - no change. I have disconnected antenna & power overnight - no change. The warranty on DVR expires 2/3/06 & unit must be mailed to Sony at Mt. Pleasant, PA. (I have reported problem on-line & have 27 more days until it has to arrive in PA). Due to comments I've read on-line about poor warranty service, I hesitate but will likely send DVR to Sony service soon. Sure looks like I am losing the DVR tuner, which seems strange that I would lose two tuners within one week of each other. Any ideas, suggestions, hints, comments, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks..... Charlie

Any recent storms/surges that could have had an effect on both devices?

This is my suggestion:
Select your PBS channel and run the TV Guide test. If it passes, shut off the recorder and wait for clock set, which may take a few hours. Turn on your recorder and select your cable service. Then turn it off for at least 12 hours. Hopefully, you will see the guide when you turn it on again.

If the test fails, remove the cable card, and repeat the above procedure. If that test passes, problem is with your cable card.

If that test fails, connect an antenna, and tune to the OTA analog PBS channel, and repeat the above procedure. If that test fails, you can assume that the problem is with your PBS staion. If you get the guide with OTA, you can assume that problem is with your cable company but should be acceptable if you can receive stuff via OTA.

I tuned to my PBS station and did the test. The Flash VBI and ATSC tests Passes but the rest failed. Not sure what all these mean.
How do I know that the test passed? Do all have to pass?

jmonier - do you have San Diego channels 8.1, 10.1, 12, and 17 in your guide?

I had to look up the call letters since some stations in my guide don't have channel nos (probably because I can't receive them from my location). KFMB (8), KGTV (10) and KBNT (17) are not in the guide. There are several Bakersfield stations in the guide and one of them is chan 17 but I don't think you mean that one. I checked several places and could not find a chan 12 anywhere south of Santa Maria. Are you sure that's the correct channel no?

I tuned to my PBS station and did the test. The Flash VBI and ATSC tests Passes but the rest failed. Not sure what all these mean.
How do I know that the test passed? Do all have to pass?

The bottom two always fail on my unit and it works just fine. I believe that the VBI test is the one that really matters. It consistently failed when the LA TVGOS was down.

I had to look up the call letters since some stations in my guide don't have channel nos (probably because I can't receive them from my location). KFMB (8), KGTV (10) and KBNT (17) are not in the guide. There are several Bakersfield stations in the guide and one of them is chan 17 but I don't think you mean that one. I checked several places and could not find a chan 12 anywhere south of Santa Maria. Are you sure that's the correct channel no?

Thanks for your help, again :)

Channel 12 XEWT broadcasts from Tijuana (local Tijuana channel) and it is included with the San Diego area listings. 17 is Univision San Diego (KBNT).

I went into the change channel lineup option in the setup of the TVGuide and I only have the option for SAN DIEGO BROADCAST (24). The other option is 'no match' which takes you to the screen to edit the channel list in the TVGuide. So unless changing the zip code would give me another option such as 'San Diego & LA broadcasts', looks like this is the best option. I suspect this says something like LOS ANGELES BROADCAST in LA.

Seems that I need to be satisfied with the listings that I receive and leave things alone. If I try to force my unit to get the LA guide I am going to lose listings for San Diego channels that are more important the the net gain in listings I could get from the LA guide.

Very happy so far with the HDD250. Guide data is working as advertised (even though I can't get guide info for all of the LA channels). Several recordings have gone without a hitch. Picture quality is excellent. Options to format the HD pillarboxed pictures (non-HD shows) is more flexible than my DirecTV HR10-250.

Although a good feature of the DirecTV HR10-250 is that you can have two broadcast areas for OTA program listings. I have mine set as primary - San Diego and secondary - LA. This feature provides the listing for nearly all OTA digital channels in both markets.

These Sony units are a great buy at the current prices of around $500. If you are lurking around here before purchasing, go for it. Especially if you are OTA only, are located in a place to receive several digital and HD channels, and are willing to spend the time to set up a decent antenna. For cable, I think you are probably better off with the cable company HD recorder rental if the cable provider has the channels that you watch. I suspect this is why Sony is no longer promoting these boxes... can't compete with HD DVR rentals at $10 per month...

I just did a test. The TVGOS station was in the Guide while the host channel was being established. I got days 1, 2 and 8 of the listings as it should be. I then turned off the TVGOS station in the guide. The next day new listings were there, i.e. new day 2 and 8 (and of course I had day 7 as well).

So it doesn't have to be on to get Guide data once the host channel is established. BUT, if anything ever happens so that the host channel is lost you might be in trouble. With that in mind, the advice given previously sounds good to me. I think I'll leave it in just to be safe.
.

I turned my guide channel off in both ther channel +/- list and on the TV Guide. I don't expect this to be a problem. I will report if this becomes an issue with getting guide updates. I understand I am going against what is being recommended in this forum ;)

Just think about it, when you unpack the HDD250 from the box and plug it in, it has no idea what channel is the host channel. And there is no info in the TV Guide... so if the unit can find the host channel when initially set up, there should be no reason it can't maintain the host channel or find another host channel regardless of what is in the TV Guide of in the +/- list. When you turn off the DVR the TV Guide software is going to automatically tune the channel that it needs to get the guide data or begin searching for another host channel if necessary.

Channel 12 XEWT broadcasts from Tijuana (local Tijuana channel) and it is included with the San Diego area listings.

Seems that I need to be satisfied with the listings that I receive and leave things alone. If I try to force my unit to get the LA guide I am going to lose listings for San Diego channels that are more important the the net gain in listings I could get from the LA guide.



It's interesting that XEWT is not listed on either TitanTV or AntennaWeb. They are both very comprehensive for LA stations.

Are you really getting good OTA reception on the LA stations? I looked at a map and it looked like Mt. Wilson (LA transmitter location) would be right in line with the San Diego location from Tijuana but it's still a long, long way.

It appears the the entire lineup of channels available is loaded into the Sony and then those that aren't received are turned off. For instance, I have a big bunch of cable only channels (turned off) although I specified OTA only. Another example: KCET-HD (28.1) was marked as 48.1 and turned off. I mapped it to 28.1 and turned it on and it works fine.

I believe that the zip is there primarily for mapping channel nos for the different cable systems.[/QUOTE

I live in Buena Park and I have a similar problem with both the HDD 250 and 500. When I do the the auto scan all digital channels are picked up by the DVR but when the TVGOS appears it has the logo for KCETHD and KOCEHD but no channel number. If I map KCETHD to 28.1 would this interfere with the host station which for me is analog channel 28.

I just bought the HDD 250 at Best Buy for $349.00 and I am planning to return the HDD 500 to Fry's (I purchased the latter for $799.00) Apart from the smaller storage space, which is not an issue with me since I mainly use it for timeshifting are there other concerns? By the way the HDD 250 did not show the secondary channels on the TVGOS i.e. 4,2,4.3, 7.2, 7.3 etc but $450.00 I can do without these. HDD 500 has software version 1.2.05 while the HDD 250 has version 1.2.06. What's the difference?

Thanks for any help!

EDwinC