Here's a little more information that I have picked up about this super annoying "feature" of the Sony HDD series.

I have two HDD500s: one in the bedroom connected to a temporary Yagi antenna on the patio, and one in the lab, tied to the experimental CM4228 antenna. They are about 50 feet apart, which is approximately the same place. However, the bedroom antenna has a tendency to rotate about it's vertical axis in the wind while the 4228 stays, well, pretty much in one place for the time being (until I complete the in-line amplifier experiments). Tonight, the bedroom HDD is showing the annoying "Updating" message, while the lab unit is fine. The lab DVR has nothing recorded on it, while the bedroom DVR is close to 90% full. So the problem is either related to reception of error-free TVGOS data or available disk space. Or both.

Just my observation.

Andrew

Hi All,

I hooked up my HDD250 on Saturday, and there are a few things I don't understand. I live in the Bay Area, CA, and am using zip 95032. My host channel appears to be 0:0-2, which is Fox.

In my setup, I also have a Samsung SIR-T451 HD OTA tuner, btw.

Hope someone can help me with my questions. . .

1) PBS-HD
My Samsung OTA tuner picks up PBS-HD on channel 9.1. However, my HDD250 doesn't seem to be able to receive it. I get a plain "9" in SD, and even if I manually tune a vacant channel slot to 9.1, I still don't seem to be able to tune into PBS-HD, even when the Samsung is picking it up fine. Does anyone know why that might be? All the other stations seem to correspond fine (meaning channel and subchannel are identical on both systems).

2) TV Guide Missing Channels
There are also channels that I can receive that don't show up in the guide. These would be "subchannels" such as 7.2, 7.3 (another ABC affiliate and ABC weather), 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 (PBS encore, world, life, and kids). I have manually programmed in these stations (again, using vacant channel slots that I don't receive re-tuned to these stations). This will allow me to receive the stations, but the guide data doesn't reflect actual program data.

Any others having similar problems and found solutions?

Thanks. One other budding concern is that my guide data doesn't seem to be filling in, but I'll give it more time. It's had two full nights to download guide data, but I only seem to have Tuesday data up to about 1:30 or 2am. Will give it another day or two before despairing. . .

Thanks very much to anyone that might be able to help.

I've had my new HDD500 hooked up since Friday evening. I don't get my cablecard for another few days so I currently only receive a few HD channels (4 OTA and a few open QAM). I let the unit autodetect channels during the initial setup and then I went into the TV GUIDE -> SETUP and manually turned "OFF" the ones that I either don't get or come in poorly (e.g. OTA from other cities). This works great at first as my listings are streamlined to only the channels I actually receive. But then when I turn the device off for a few hours and come back, it keeps adding channels back into my guide. Is there any way to make it stop doing this? Is it just a side effect of having an incomplete week of data and maybe it will stop misbehaving after 7-8 days have elapsed? Or will it function better after I get my cablecard? I love the unit so far but this is an annoying problem. Obviously I would like to only have channels listed in my guide that I would consider watching or recording.

There are "two" sections to turn off channels....one is in the Sony Tuner (uncheck the box), and the other is in the TV Guide. I believe there is also is a "manual" delete in the Sony tuner as well (different than just "unchecking the box").

With that said, it still appears 99% of the issues are within TV Guide and not in the Sony turner (but keep that in mind just in case you need it). Once you have turned "off" the channels not needed in your TV Guide...move them to the bottom of your active list(s) in the channel set up list(s). At that time you should notice that TV Guide can have a few hundred unused channels at the bottom of that list(s) - they are just "place holders" for new potential channels.

Also, if you are using just OTA now, but have the Sony set up to map the "cable" as well,,,,then it will be going crazy for sure. But since it appears your are also hooked up to cable now...then the Sony will be attempting to map anything new it thinks it receives to the TV Guide.

You may want to "re-setup" your system from scratch...being certain, you have the correct cable service selected, based on how you are actually connected.

Based on your comments it appears that based on your selection of cable company (in your set-up) and the "channels" they provide....it is filling in the "holder positions" and turning them "on" when they are sending you that station.......so in that case there is nothing you can do about it, except to keep turning them "off" and move to the bottom or below you active range (your lists) of channels (inside TV Guide Set-up)............finally you should get to a point after about 20 days you would no longer be getting new stations added that you do not want.

TV Guide actually works pretty good (not perfect), but these mapping issues can be a real pain, and of course the TV Guide data will not be complete or accurate. 99% accurate on the majors.....70% accurate on the locals.......0%-20% on some of the custom sub-stations you map yourself (usually no data).

My HDD500 again downloaded TVGOS data from the new channel 94 (my ONLY analog channel), while the 753 info screen shows the host as cable channel 11 (the previous analog host which is now digital). Too weird.

I'm not complaining, since everything is working perfectly. I'm just curious as to how the unit is handling this internally. There is no 100% logical explanation I can think of.

My HDD500 again downloaded TVGOS data from the new channel 94 (my ONLY analog channel), while the 753 info screen shows the host as cable channel 11 (the previous analog host which is now digital). Too weird.

I'm not complaining, since everything is working perfectly. I'm just curious as to how the unit is handling this internally. There is no 100% logical explanation I can think of.

PhillyC,

Didn't you previously re-map analog channel 94 to channel 11 (mentioned in an earlier post)? Or did I misunderstand that?

Could it just be reporting the "original" channel - not the remapped value?

I have an unusual issue with my Sony.

I was annoyed that the borders of the TVGOS screens and some of the titles on HD content were being cut off by overscan. When I recorded and played the InHD Tune Up program, I was astonished to see that my overscan was at 10%.

I used the service menu of my display to reduce the overscan to a little more than 5% and I get a better HD picture. But, when I use the Sony to stretch letted boxed SD material (like Battlestar Galactica) I get black borders around it.

The Sony is set to display 1080i. Why would it render the TVGOS screens and HD content into a larger screen area than the "adjust 8" SD scaling?

PhillyC,

Didn't you previously re-map analog channel 94 to channel 11 (mentioned in an earlier post)? Or did I misunderstand that?

Could it just be reporting the "original" channel - not the remapped value?

It was originally 11. After the switch to ADS, I mapped the guide channel that was 11 to 94. Guide data can now only be found on 94. So yes, maybe the 753 screen is somehow retaining the original number. BUT --- keep in mind that there is a new channel 11 that is now digital, although I made sure not to have this appear in the guide channel setup.

I think that last part must be the secret of my success. If I put the digital 11 in the guide, the system would have to search for 94.

I have an unusual issue with my Sony.

I was annoyed that the borders of the TVGOS screens and some of the titles on HD content were being cut off by overscan. When I recorded and played the InHD Tune Up program, I was astonished to see that my overscan was at 10%.

I used the service menu of my display to reduce the overscan to a little more than 5% and I get a better HD picture. But, when I use the Sony to stretch letted boxed SD material (like Battlestar Galactica) I get black borders around it.

The Sony is set to display 1080i. Why would it render the TVGOS screens and HD content into a larger screen area than the "adjust 8" SD scaling?

Not sure about your overscan problem. But when it comes to various picture modes, the Sony can be unpredictable.

For example, if I want to watch an upconverted news program (1080i with black sidebars) zoomed in instead of stretched, I will change the format to 480p and the mode to Sidecrop. Normally, this gives the desired zoomed-in picture. However --- the Sony will randomly refuse to do this and instead will give a stretched picture. When that happens, the other 480p modes are also screwed up. IIR, the Squeeze mode gives you the original widescreen image with sidebars!

There is no pattern for this behavior. Nor is it caused by any particular channel. Sometimes a front panel reset will cure it. Sometimes not. It may last for days, or may be gone an hour later.

I thought maybe the HDMI connection had something to do with it, but it happened on component, too, although only once briefly so far.

JLOB, not sure if anyone answered you, but getting days 1,2,8 is normal, hopefully all will keep loading. also my 500 handled the time change perfectly.



Ah yes, but I only got 1,2,& 8 the first day. Since then, nothing. Days 1 & 2 have gone already, and as of today I only have Saturday left. Not sure where to turn here!

Do I REALLY need to leave the box completely off for the full 24 hours, or is it ok to use it as long as it's off during the midnight-8:00 block?

Thanks.

JLOB

You may want to check your scheduled recordings if you watch any of the following shows:

Law & Order
Heist
The Amazing Race
CSI: Miami

The times and in some cases the days have changed this week. Also, Lost is scheduled for 1hr 5min again.

You may want to check your scheduled recordings if you watch any of the following shows:

Law & Order
Heist
The Amazing Race
CSI: Miami

The times and in some cases the days have changed this week. Also, Lost is scheduled for 1hr 5min again.

I had CSI Miami scheduled to record "weekly" at 10PM on Monday nights. It's actually on tonight (Tuesday) at 10PM this week, and the Sony had it listed to record despite me having it scheduled as a "weekly" recording, which is supposed to record a program at the same time and on the same day of the week. CSI Miami is back to it's normal time next Monday, but the Sony wasn't scheduled to record it according to listings for that day. Maybe it would have figured it out after tonight's recording (since it only shows one instance of a program in the scheduled recordings). Whatever the case, it behaved like a "regular" program even though it was setup for "weekly". I deleted the Tuesday scheduled recording and created a new scheduled recording for the Monday episode.

Anybody else encounter this scenario?

AV cables only carry a single signal ... There must be a second connection to the TV.

I agree, an AV cable carries only one channel so there must be a coax connection to the TV for pip. Sounds like luster needs to take a closer look at the setup.

There's no coax connection to the TV for PIP, but as I said earlier, there are AV cables from each unit to the TV. I don't need to look at the setup because I was the one who hooked it up that way for my aunt. She originally had 2 VCRs. I just substituted the Sony for the second VCR. The main tuner in the TV is shot. The VCR functions as the main tuner for the TV via Input 1 and the Sony functions as the tuner for the PIP via Input 3.

The hookup was described in posts 4915 and 4978 but let me summarize here for clarity:

> Coax from wall to VCR ant in
> Coax from VCR ant out to Sony DHG-HDD500 cable in
> AV cable (S-video) from VCR to TV (Input 1)
> AV cable (composite) from Sony DHG-HDD500 to TV (Input 3)

There are reasons why it's connected this way, which I'll be happy to explain if anyone's curious.

>> No double that a VCR coax output furnishes a better signal that you get from a passive splitter, but that advange disappears if you want to view a tape and simultaneously want to record a program on the Sony. <<

As I said, I won't know for sure until I can try recording, but she IS able to watch a taped program AND a live TV channel at the same time and switch between them so it appears that the VCR is passing the cable signal via the coax output to the Sony and the taped program via the AV cable to the TV. If the Sony is receiving the cable signal, why couldn't it record it?

CSI Miami is a repeat to fill the hole when TAR moved to 8pm Weds. Next week CSI vegas will have a repeat there. Heist and L&O did a time slot switch.

If the Sony is receiving the cable signal, why couldn't it record it?

The reason it shouldn't work is because the VCR has to pass the tape output in PLAY mode to the coax connector for those who hook it up that way to watch on ch3 (or 4).

...let me summarize here for clarity:

> Coax from wall to VCR ant in
> Coax from VCR ant out to Sony DHG-HDD500 cable in
> AV cable (S-video) from VCR to TV (Input 1)
> AV cable (composite) from Sony DHG-HDD500 to TV (Input 3)

.....As I said, I won't know for sure until I can try recording, but she IS able to watch a taped program AND a live TV channel at the same time and switch between them so it appears that the VCR is passing the cable signal via the coax output to the Sony and the taped program via the AV cable to the TV. If the Sony is receiving the cable signal, why couldn't it record it?

hmm... I wouldn't have guessed that this would have worked. Maybe the VCR is smart enough to know that there are 2 'out' lines and is sending the taped signal through the s-video and the 'turns off' the coax, so the coax is simply passing through the cable signal same as it would if the VCR was turned off (what make/model vcr is it)?? If she is able to view a taped show and the cable show via PIP and there are only 2 connections to the TV like you say, then it seems it should work. I would be curious to hear back which sources each of the PIP's is using. Is one the Input 1 and the other Input3, or is something else ocurring here (you'd have to check the PIP setup for that)?

It was originally 11. After the switch to ADS, I mapped the guide channel that was 11 to 94. Guide data can now only be found on 94. So yes, maybe the 753 screen is somehow retaining the original number. BUT --- keep in mind that there is a new channel 11 that is now digital, although I made sure not to have this appear in the guide channel setup.

I think that last part must be the secret of my success. If I put the digital 11 in the guide, the system would have to search for 94.

When I was switched over to ADS I went down to the bottom of the channel setup and found a WTTW that was off and turned it on mapped to channel 94. My 753 screen once the time came up showed channel 94 as the host. However, after they replaced my cable card I just mapped channel 11 to 94 and it showed 94 and not 11. I did not get guide data until I got the new card and mapped channel 11 to 94. I wonder if I had done it that way from the start if it would have worked and saved myself 3 weeks of conversation with Comcast? Glad to see yours started working right from the beginning.

I wonder if I had done it that way from the start if it would have worked and saved myself 3 weeks of conversation with Comcast? Glad to see yours started working right from the beginning.

I got lucky I guess. I almost did the same as you with that "empty" WTTW near the bottom, but then realized I didn't need it since I would only use WTTW-HD.

This works for now, but no doubt things will change when we get new card firmware (or new cards if a remote FW update won't work).

Is that CBS channel a HiDef channel? I am sure I read that the HDTV format ATSC standard (VSB 8) doesn't work very well at low frequency VHF. I thought all the low frequency VHF was going away after the full migration to HDTV.

Is the channel WBBM? Found Here: http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/tvq?state=&call=&arn=&city=Chicago&chan=0.0&chan2=69&serv=&facid=&list=0&dist=&dlat2=&mlat2=&slat2=&dlon2=&mlon2=&slon2=

They show a digital at 60Mhz and a 198Mhz. Which one are you receiving?

WBBM 2 uses Ch. 2 for analogue and Ch. 3 for Digital 2.1.

By the way, I hope you Chicagoland folks noticed that the early round NCAA
Basketball playoffs were different on 2 and 2.1. :) Great for check on two
games at the same time.

Anyway, yes 2 and 2.1 are problematic to receive. I live out in the
Aurora/Naperville area, about 35 miles from the transmitters. My antenna
setup is in the attic of my two story home. My best results have come from:

1. An Antennas Direct V4 MKII aimed specifically for Channel 2. (This would be
completely sufficient, but I wanted to try for PBS 56 out of Gary as well.)
2. An Antennas Direct DB4 (standard 4 bow tie set up) aimed to just pick up 56.
3. A Channel Master 7777 combining VHF off the V4 MKII with UHF off the DB4.

Actually, the V4 MKII is amazing. Wide angle of reception. With a pre-amp,
I pulled in everything from 2 through 68. It's my recommendation for everyone
that needs to get a low VHF HDTV station. The added DB4 was probably a
waste because I still couldn't get 56 Digital (17.1, 17.2) reliably. Still, having
the two antennas gave me the flexibility to aim VHF and UHF separately. Even
that would be unnecessary if I didn't want the couple of stations that don't
come strait from the big buildings in Chicago.

The V4 MKII completely outperforms my previous (15 year old) big old outdoor
VHF/UHF antenna. Analogue 2 is perfectly watchable. Digital 2.1 still drops
out occasionally, even though the signal strength is above 85%. Still, with the
V4MKII, its definitely good enough to watch without major annoyance. And
despite what the description says, from my house the V4 MKII received all the
UHF stations just as well as the DB4.

Dan (Woj...)

1) PBS-HD
My Samsung OTA tuner picks up PBS-HD on channel 9.1. However, my HDD250 doesn't seem to be able to receive it. I get a plain "9" in SD, and even if I manually tune a vacant channel slot to 9.1, I still don't seem to be able to tune into PBS-HD, even when the Samsung is picking it up fine. Does anyone know why that might be? All the other stations seem to correspond fine (meaning channel and subchannel are identical on both systems).
If you see just 9, that indicates an Analog station. You have both units connected to same anntenna via a splitter? Swap outputs of splitter see if one path is getting more of the signal. Using equal quality cable, equal length cable, etc? Good quality splitter?


2) TV Guide Missing Channels
There are also channels that I can receive that don't show up in the guide. These would be "subchannels" such as 7.2, 7.3 (another ABC affiliate and ABC weather), 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 (PBS encore, world, life, and kids). I have manually programmed in these stations (again, using vacant channel slots that I don't receive re-tuned to these stations). This will allow me to receive the stations, but the guide data doesn't reflect actual program data.
You won't find the weather subchannels in the listing, there is no programming schedule. Sometimes those PBS subchannels are not given the local channel number. Keep scrolling down see if you find a listing for a generic PBS Kids, I believe these are all national feeds and the programming should match, it always has for me. Sometimes TVGOS does not assign a tuner channel even though the local channel is listed, look for the call letters with a number (eg KTCIDT2). Then manually enter the appropriate tuner channel and set that listing to SHOW. I never use Auto Hide, if there are no listings for a channel, I want to know.

Also, Lost is scheduled for 1hr 5min again.
Isn't TVGOS supposed to tell the DHG that "Lost" is running 65 minutes? It's so frustrating finding that the last few minutes are cut off.

If that's the case, what does the DHG do if I tell it to record something at 10PM right after "Lost"?

Thanks.

Isn't TVGOS supposed to tell the DHG that "Lost" is running 65 minutes? It's so frustrated finding that the last few minutes are cut off.

If that's the case, what does the DHG do if I tell it to record something at 10PM right after "Lost"?

Thanks.
? My experience is that the last few SECONDS get cut off, not minutes...my guess is that the TV Guide system isn't acurate to seconds, which if true, would be a design flaw....I generally record whatever is showing AFTER Lost, too, so I lose a few seconds as it ends one recording and begins the next....but as I say, I usually only have a few seconds showing up on the programt hat follows, and lose a couple or a few seconds in the pause between recordings....

Don't know if anyone can help I just got the Sony DHG-HDD500 and while I got the tvguide to load some and everything seems to be working when i select a show then channel up or down it reverts to antenna.... i only have cable connected. I can't find anything in the owners manual about this.

edit: I'm an idiot. I think I found out my issue when i finally found the cable autoscan.

1) PBS-HD
My Samsung OTA tuner picks up PBS-HD on channel 9.1. However, my HDD250 doesn't seem to be able to receive it. I get a plain "9" in SD, and even if I manually tune a vacant channel slot to 9.1, I still don't seem to be able to tune into PBS-HD, even when the Samsung is picking it up fine. Does anyone know why that might be? All the other stations seem to correspond fine (meaning channel and subchannel are identical on both systems).

2) TV Guide Missing Channels
There are also channels that I can receive that don't show up in the guide. These would be "subchannels" such as 7.2, 7.3 (another ABC affiliate and ABC weather), 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5 (PBS encore, world, life, and kids). I have manually programmed in these stations (again, using vacant channel slots that I don't receive re-tuned to these stations). This will allow me to receive the stations, but the guide data doesn't reflect actual program data.

What you pick up can depend on when you scan and how you do it...
If you do a full scan on the Sony during the day, you won't pick up 9.1 because it isn't broadcasting, and KQED seems to have done away with broadcasting the blue screen at those times (I don't know why). If you then do a partial scan in the evening, it won't pick up 9.1, because it already has 9.2, etc., and it won't look for additional 9.whatever....So this may be the problem...I have found that Ican't get all the KQED digital channels in the system because one or the other isn't broadcasting at any time you try...

As for getting the subchannel program info, TV Guide does not necessarily carry info on all subchannels, though the guide that the Sony picks up DOES seem to carry all the info for KQED, but once you have a channel scanned in, you may have to do what I did, which is manually assign each of these channels to the empty listing that the TV Guide gives for that channel, and then see if it fills in over subsequent nights...

Of course, if you're aren't getting the TV Guide downloads successfully, this won't suffice. You didn't indicate where you are located, but I have no trouble getting the respective TV Guide data sets for my Sony and my LG here in Berkeley...

(BY the way, I have a Samsung receiver and the Sony 250 - as well as the LG 3410a..)

Maybe the VCR is smart enough to know that there are 2 'out' lines and is sending the taped signal through the s-video and the 'turns off' the coax, so the coax is simply passing through the cable signal same as it would if the VCR was turned off (what make/model vcr is it)??

I thought that was SOP with an AV connection (otherwise I might not have tried it) but from what you've been saying, apparently not. Seems to be the case here though. The VCR is a JVC HR-XVS44U DVD/S-VHS VCR combo unit.

If she is able to view a taped show and the cable show via PIP and there are only 2 connections to the TV like you say, then it seems it should work.

I agree. I'll confirm when I try it. Might be awhile though. I don't want to visit my aunt too frequently <g>

I would be curious to hear back which sources each of the PIP's is using. Is one the Input 1 and the other Input3, or is something else ocurring here (you'd have to check the PIP setup for that)?

Only one PIP. The video input source for the main picture is set to Video1 (the VCR) and the PIP to Video3 (the Sony). Of course, when the image is swapped, these reverse.

The reason it shouldn't work is because the VCR has to pass the tape output in PLAY mode to the coax connector for those who hook it up that way to watch on ch3 (or 4).

I had thought that was only true with an RF connection, not an AV one. But rayliner seems to agree with you, so maybe the VCR is unusual.

I had thought that was only true with an RF connection, not an AV one. But rayliner seems to agree with you, so maybe the VCR is unusual.

I have been trying to ignore this chain but can't take it anymore. Luster, haven't you ever heard of a TV/VCR button? This function of modulating on Ch3 or4 has been in all VCR since early 80's. When ever you press play on every VCR I have ever used, they always switch to VCR mode which means the ANT RF is switched off and the channel 3or4 modulated signal from the VCR is passed to RF out.

You say "I had thought that was only true with an RF connection". YES, THIS IS THE CONNECTION YOU HAVE TO THE SONY, IS THE RF CONNECTION from the VCR. Are you thinking the VCR can detect that 'OH it is not a TV connected to my RF out connection I will function differently.' The only thing that might be happening is that the VCR is detecting that you have a SVIDEO cable plugged in so it is not doing the TV/VCR mode switching. I bet your AUNT is smarter then you think and knows when she gets no image on her PIP she presses the TV/VCR button on the VCR remote. This limitation would cause her to record snow if she started to watch a TAPE during a SONY scheduled recording that she wasn't monitoring in the TV PIP window.

Also the RF out connections I have tried don't pass high frequency signals well. Used to be in the old days before cable they only passed VHF no UHF. Since cable they pass lower frequency UHF channels too. I have tried on my system and the channels of 700MHz are too antenuated to use through the VCR RF out (pass through).

What you pick up can depend on when you scan and how you do it...
If you do a full scan on the Sony during the day, you won't pick up 9.1 because it isn't broadcasting, and KQED seems to have done away with broadcasting the blue screen at those times (I don't know why). If you then do a partial scan in the evening, it won't pick up 9.1, because it already has 9.2, etc., and it won't look for additional 9.whatever....So this may be the problem...I have found that Ican't get all the KQED digital channels in the system because one or the other isn't broadcasting at any time you try...

As for getting the subchannel program info, TV Guide does not necessarily carry info on all subchannels, though the guide that the Sony picks up DOES seem to carry all the info for KQED, but once you have a channel scanned in, you may have to do what I did, which is manually assign each of these channels to the empty listing that the TV Guide gives for that channel, and then see if it fills in over subsequent nights...

Of course, if you're aren't getting the TV Guide downloads successfully, this won't suffice. You didn't indicate where you are located, but I have no trouble getting the respective TV Guide data sets for my Sony and my LG here in Berkeley...

(BY the way, I have a Samsung receiver and the Sony 250 - as well as the LG 3410a..)
Thanks avnstf! Doing a re-scan in the evening worked to get PBS-HD (9.1). I'll see how the guide fills in over the course of this week. BTW, I'm in Los Gatos.

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by eitakura
1) PBS-HD
My Samsung OTA tuner picks up PBS-HD on channel 9.1. However, my HDD250 doesn't seem to be able to receive it. I get a plain "9" in SD, and even if I manually tune a vacant channel slot to 9.1, I still don't seem to be able to tune into PBS-HD, even when the Samsung is picking it up fine. Does anyone know why that might be? All the other stations seem to correspond fine (meaning channel and subchannel are identical on both systems).


If you see just 9, that indicates an Analog station. You have both units connected to same anntenna via a splitter? Swap outputs of splitter see if one path is getting more of the signal. Using equal quality cable, equal length cable, etc? Good quality splitter?

I live in Portland, Oregon and I had a similar problem. The same signal goes to both my Samsung 6168 TV and the HDD250. Samsung picks up the PBS-HD (10.1), but the Sony cannot. I tried connecting the Sony directly to the OTA outlet to no avail. So I know it is not the splitter. I was able to use the cable PBS-HD, so I decided to live with it.

Things got much worst since last week. Now the Sony can pick up NONE of the digital channels, either OTA or Cable. I rescan the Sony (not TVGOS) channels and manually enter the channel numbers. Nothings works. I'm returning the HDD250 tomorrow. Anybody had a similar experience?

I live in Portland, Oregon and I had a similar problem. The same signal goes to both my Samsung 6168 TV and the HDD250. Samsung picks up the PBS-HD (10.1), but the Sony cannot. I tried connecting the Sony directly to the OTA outlet to no avail. So I know it is not the splitter. I was able to use the cable PBS-HD, so I decided to live with it.

Things got much worst since last week. Now the Sony can pick up NONE of the digital channels, either OTA or Cable. I rescan the Sony (not TVGOS) channels and manually enter the channel numbers. Nothings works. I'm returning the HDD250 tomorrow. Anybody had a similar experience?

It is strange how these things work. I have been fortunate the one I have, about 2 weeks old has not missed a beat. Daylite Savings changed perfect.....stations that reschedule shows 2 days prior to "showing" has worked perfect (at least throwing up ???? on the "Schedule List" if the show was deleted - so I would know - and the "new" show would be in the "Listings" list).

But for some reason the old Sony VHS tape clock will not update with the new time? Somehow I think the HDD is preventing it from getting a time signal?

There was a spell years ago the Tape Clock would not update........then last year when we got the Mit's WD52628, the Sony Tape Clock started working. We no longer have the Mit's and hooked up the HDD500 and the Sony tape clock does not work.

It must be "Sun Spots" :cool:

Originally Posted by chrislam
I live in Portland, Oregon and I had a similar problem. The same signal goes to both my Samsung 6168 TV and the HDD250. Samsung picks up the PBS-HD (10.1), but the Sony cannot. I tried connecting the Sony directly to the OTA outlet to no avail. So I know it is not the splitter. I was able to use the cable PBS-HD, so I decided to live with it.

Things got much worst since last week. Now the Sony can pick up NONE of the digital channels, either OTA or Cable. I rescan the Sony (not TVGOS) channels and manually enter the channel numbers. Nothings works. I'm returning the HDD250 tomorrow. Anybody had a similar experience?

HoustonPerson:
It is strange how these things work. I have been fortunate the one I have, about 2 weeks old has not missed a beat. Daylite Savings changed perfect.....stations that reschedule shows 2 days prior to "showing" has worked perfect (at least throwing up ???? on the "Schedule List" if the show was deleted - so I would know - and the "new" show would be in the "Listings" list).

But for some reason the old Sony VHS tape clock will not update with the new time? Somehow I think the HDD is preventing it from getting a time signal?

There was a spell years ago the Tape Clock would not update........then last year when we got the Mit's WD52628, the Sony Tape Clock started working. We no longer have the Mit's and hooked up the HDD500 and the Sony tape clock does not work.

It must be "Sun Spots" :cool:

I too had the HDD250 running perfectly for a few weeks when I first purchased it. I started to think that all these reported problems were from a few unlucky souls and I was not one of them. Well...I am one of them.

A couple of weeks ago there was a redownloading of the TV Guide info and I think right after that I wasn't able to get any digital channels. I'm not sure if the two are related.

<snip>But for some reason the old Sony VHS tape clock will not update with the new time? Somehow I think the HDD is preventing it from getting a time signal?

There was a spell years ago the Tape Clock would not update........then last year when we got the Mit's WD52628, the Sony Tape Clock started working. We no longer have the Mit's and hooked up the HDD500 and the Sony tape clock does not work.

It must be "Sun Spots" :cool:LOL! I have an old Sony SLV780HF tape deck, and it's never updated the time since it was new! I've tried everything I know, and finally gave up years ago. I've been setting it manually.

I'd have asked for help but I was too embarassed to admit I didn't know how to operate a VCR. :D

Pardon if this has been discussed elswhere but if so I've missed it.

How do others handle digital audio hookups with multiple sources? I've got an A/V amp with 2 optical inputs, one digital coax input, and one optical output.

I have five digital audio sources....two hdd250's, a dvd player, a cd changer, and the RPTV. None of these sources have coax audio out, so I'm limited to 2 digital sources.

How can I switch audio sources without reconfiguring cables every time? Right now I have to choose two sources from the five to connect to the A/V box, and if I want one of the others I'm behind the rack swapping cables... :(

Is there a digital optical switch that I need to be using? Do I need a new A/V receiver/amp? It can't be that I'm the only one with this problem, but maybe I'm "missing the forest for the trees" :confused:

Isn't TVGOS supposed to tell the DHG that "Lost" is running 65 minutes? It's so frustrating finding that the last few minutes are cut off.

If that's the case, what does the DHG do if I tell it to record something at 10PM right after "Lost"?

Thanks.

Yes, the show is scheduled for 65 minutes tonight. If you try to record another show on another channel at 10pm, you will have a conflict. You will need to start your next recording at 10:05pm. If you are watching 'The Evidence' on ABC, no problem since it begins at 10:05pm... But if you want to record Law & Order on NBC, you are going to miss the first 5 minutes.... a reason to own two DHG's...

Pardon if this has been discussed elswhere but if so I've missed it.

How do others handle digital audio hookups with multiple sources? I've got an A/V amp with 2 optical inputs, one digital coax input, and one optical output.

I have five digital audio sources....two hdd250's, a dvd player, a cd changer, and the RPTV. None of these sources have coax audio out, so I'm limited to 2 digital sources.

How can I switch audio sources without reconfiguring cables every time? Right now I have to choose two sources from the five to connect to the A/V box, and if I want one of the others I'm behind the rack swapping cables... :(

Is there a digital optical switch that I need to be using? Do I need a new A/V receiver/amp? It can't be that I'm the only one with this problem, but maybe I'm "missing the forest for the trees" :confused:

I have the same problem - I have two more optical devices than I have inputs for.

I just swap them as needed (the Sony DVR is hooked up to the receiver 98% of the time anyway.

You can buy switches (starting at around $150-200 if I remember right) that allow you to switch both coax and optical digital audio that are remote controlled. This allows you to program a universal remote to switch inputs correctly.

Personally, I am leaning toward just getting a new receiver.

I had my eye on an open box Harman Kardon at CC that had 4 coax and 4 optical inputs...

I've posted this question in another thread and I don't mean to confuse but I thought it appropriate to post here also.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how it was resolved.

I have three tuners connected to an OTA antenna....two hdd250's and a Sony RPTV.

The problem I'm encountering concerns OTA WB (KNVA) channels 54 and 54-1, and FOX (KTBC-DT) channel 7-1.

On the RPTV, KNVA shows up on channel 54, and KNVA-DT shows up as 54-1. KTBC-DT is at 7-1. Everything is as it should be.

On DVR #1, KNVA is only shown and tuned on channel 54. Channel 54-1 shows and is tuned to the FOX (KTBC-DT) network.

On DVR #2, KNVA is only shown and tuned on channel 54, and channel 54-1 is absent from the listings altogether. FOX (KTBC-DT) network is properly shown as channel 7-1.

Bottom line is I can't tune KNVA-DT OTA at all on either DVR, and can tune KTBC-DT OTA on DVR #1 only at channel 54-1.

Any ideas? :confused:

BTW, OTA signal appears strong on the RPTV and it receives a signal from one leg of a three-way splitter....the other two legs are connected to the DVR's.

I've posted this question in another thread and I don't mean to confuse but I thought it appropriate to post here also.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem and how it was resolved.

I have three tuners connected to an OTA antenna....two hdd250's and a Sony RPTV.

The problem I'm encountering concerns OTA WB (KNVA) channels 54 and 54-1, and FOX (KTBC-DT) channel 7-1.

On the RPTV, KNVA shows up on channel 54, and KNVA-DT shows up as 54-1. KTBC-DT is at 7-1. Everything is as it should be.

On DVR #1, KNVA is only shown and tuned on channel 54. Channel 54-1 shows and is tuned to the FOX (KTBC-DT) network.

On DVR #2, KNVA is only shown and tuned on channel 54, and channel 54-1 is absent from the listings altogether. FOX (KTBC-DT) network is properly shown as channel 7-1.

Bottom line is I can't tune KNVA-DT OTA at all on either DVR, and can tune KTBC-DT OTA on DVR #1 only at channel 54-1.

Any ideas? :confused:

BTW, OTA signal appears strong on the RPTV and it receives a signal from one leg of a three-way splitter....the other two legs are connected to the DVR's.

It's possible that your RPTV has a more sensitive tuner than the DVR's. I would suggest unhooking your splitter and hook up only one DVR, re-scan, and see if you can tune the channel(s). If so, you are losing too much signal with your 3 way splitter (and possibly wiring depending on your set up) and may need to consider a pre-amp.

Also, there have been some instances reported of channels being incorrectly assigned on the Sony DVR's... you may need to re-scan several times until they are correct.

LOL! I have an old Sony SLV780HF tape deck, and it's never updated the time since it was new! I've tried everything I know, and finally gave up years ago. I've been setting it manually.

I'd have asked for help but I was too embarassed to admit I didn't know how to operate a VCR. :D

It's not just MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :D

Mine is the SLV-N60.

The funny thing is, when it was hooked up to the Mit's WD52628 the clock worked....I am beginning to think it must be the old Sony XBR doing some sort or weird back feed via the RF, keeping the clock from updating.....

NO, I went outside and stared at the sun....and see those darn spots again!

I too had the HDD250 running perfectly for a few weeks when I first purchased it. I started to think that all these reported problems were from a few unlucky souls and I was not one of them. Well...I am one of them.

A couple of weeks ago there was a redownloading of the TV Guide info and I think right after that I wasn't able to get any digital channels. I'm not sure if the two are related.


No No No, don't put a jinx on my unit.

Yes, the show is scheduled for 65 minutes tonight. If you try to record another show on another channel at 10pm, you will have a conflict. You will need to start your next recording at 10:05pm. If you are watching 'The Evidence' on ABC, no problem since it begins at 10:05pm... But if you want to record Law & Order on NBC, you are going to miss the first 5 minutes.... a reason to own two DHG's...

It's scheduled for 65 minutes but TVGOS doesn't seem to recognize this. I set up Wed. shows on Monday night to record Lost from 9-10 and then CSI:NY at 10. No conflict noted by the Sony. However, I know that I will miss the last 20 seconds or so of Lost since I have the last 2 weeks (I end up recording the last 5 minutest on a VCR). I guess I'll have to extend Lost to 62 minutes and move CSI to start at 10:02...

It's scheduled for 65 minutes but TVGOS doesn't seem to recognize this. I set up Wed. shows on Monday night to record Lost from 9-10 and then CSI:NY at 10. No conflict noted by the Sony. However, I know that I will miss the last 20 seconds or so of Lost since I have the last 2 weeks (I end up recording the last 5 minutest on a VCR). I guess I'll have to extend Lost to 62 minutes and move CSI to start at 10:02...

Wouldn't it make more sense to extend it to 65 minutes if that is what it is scheduled for?

Only one PIP. The video input source for the main picture is set to Video1 (the VCR) and the PIP to Video3 (the Sony). Of course, when the image is swapped, these reverse.

It probably doesn't affect this situation, but with my TV, it has about 10 possible inputs. The PIP can be changed to a combination of 2 of those (but not all are available for PIP viewing). I think while playing with it, though, I was able to change the PIP to display Input 1 and Input 1 (yes, same picture, and quite useless, but an interesting experiment). If this TV could do something similar, I would just confirm that it's really using Input1 and Input 3 for the 2 choices it displays, and not, say, the internal tuner (Input 2??). I think you said the internal tuner was dead, but just to verify which 2 sources it is using.... Even without an antenna hooked up, sometimes internal tuners can be used to view some stations.

Pardon if this has been discussed elswhere but if so I've missed it.

How do others handle digital audio hookups with multiple sources? I've got an A/V amp with 2 optical inputs, one digital coax input, and one optical output.

I have five digital audio sources....two hdd250's, a dvd player, a cd changer, and the RPTV. None of these sources have coax audio out, so I'm limited to 2 digital sources.

How can I switch audio sources without reconfiguring cables every time? Right now I have to choose two sources from the five to connect to the A/V box, and if I want one of the others I'm behind the rack swapping cables... :(

Is there a digital optical switch that I need to be using? Do I need a new A/V receiver/amp? It can't be that I'm the only one with this problem, but maybe I'm "missing the forest for the trees" :confused:
I would get another A/V Receiver. Some of the newer and better units out there have up to 3 HDMI inputs, plus component inputs as well. I have a Denon 4806 A/V Receiver. It has 4 or 5 optical inputs as well as some digital coax and 3 HDMI inputs. Also has 3 component in, out as well as S-Video,plus the standard rca jacks. Great unit, great all in one remote, it learns or has codes for various equipment. I have 2 Sonys, a 250 and 500, 1 dvd/cd 400 changer (with HDMI out), pvr/dvd, vcr/dvd, reel to reel tape deck, and turntable.
Denon has a new model coming out that is less money than the 4806, but I think it has most of the inputs and outputs you might need. I think it is a 2806, but not positive. Check their site.

Wouldn't it make more sense to extend it to 65 minutes if that is what it is scheduled for?

Not if I don't want to miss too much of the opening of CSI:NY. Last couple of weeks, I only missed the last 20-30 seconds. I guess the rest of the 5 min is commercials and promos for the next week...

Wouldn't it make more sense to extend it to 65 minutes if that is what it is scheduled for?

Now you're just nitpicking. He does have a valid point. It really makes no sense that TVGOS whose parent is TV Guide won't time schedule based on information from the broadcasters. It's not like it's a secret that Lost runs over, all the print and web-based guides list the correct times. The guide is adaptive to scheduled show changes (within reason, depending on getting the updated downloads) so why wouldn't it take into account the actual run time. I think it's just lazy programming.

How do others handle digital audio hookups with multiple sources? I've got an A/V amp with 2 optical inputs, one digital coax input, and one optical output.

You can get a new receiver as others have said. Or you can get something like the Zektor HDS4.1 A/V switch, which I purchased recently. My purpose was to use all component video connections for several tuners.

The switch is for component/optical/coaxial. It has 4 inputs for each and 1 output for each plus an extra coaxial out. It can be used for either audio or video or both. It automatically converts between optical and coaxial.

I'm very happy with it.

Not if I don't want to miss too much of the opening of CSI:NY. Last couple of weeks, I only missed the last 20-30 seconds. I guess the rest of the 5 min is commercials and promos for the next week...
no...at least on my Sony, Lost loses perhaps 10 or 20 seconds, and then the show that follows (presently Evidence) starts virtually immediately. VERY little advertising, if any, in between. That's how Lost and the following show have been ever since Lost started....

We don't have your problem, because we have a second unit (LG 3410a), so we can just record the show following Lost on the Sony, to pick up the last few seconds of Lost at the beginnning of that show...

no...at least on my Sony, Lost loses perhaps 10 or 20 seconds, and then the show that follows (presently Evidence) starts virtually immediately. VERY little advertising, if any, in between. That's how Lost and the following show have been ever since Lost started....

We don't have your problem, because we have a second unit (LG 3410a), so we can just record the show following Lost on the Sony, to pick up the last few seconds of Lost at the beginnning of that show...

Still seems like an unnecessary hassle. Of course, I'd do the same thing if I had a second unit :D

Of course, the networks want you to stay with the same channel so you have to watch their programming.... :rolleyes:

Still seems like an unnecessary hassle. Of course, I'd do the same thing if I had a second unit :D

Of course, the networks want you to stay with the same channel so you have to watch their programming.... :rolleyes:
well, I should say that sometimes we actually WANT to record the show following Lost...

But I agree that ABC has been a pain with this ploy for the last 2 years...they do the same thing on Sunday night with housewives and grey's anatomy

It's scheduled for 65 minutes but TVGOS doesn't seem to recognize this. I set up Wed. shows on Monday night to record Lost from 9-10 and then CSI:NY at 10. No conflict noted by the Sony. However, I know that I will miss the last 20 seconds or so of Lost since I have the last 2 weeks (I end up recording the last 5 minutest on a VCR). I guess I'll have to extend Lost to 62 minutes and move CSI to start at 10:02...

I could be wrong, but here is what I remember.

If Lost is scheduled from 9pm - 10pm, it ends a few seconds after 10pm.
If Lost is scheduled from 9pm - 10:05pm, it will run a few minutes over.... you may want to keep this in mind if you don't want to miss the ending.

We will see what happens in 7 hours...

I could be wrong, but here is what I remember.

If Lost is scheduled from 9pm - 10pm, it ends a few seconds after 10pm.
If Lost is scheduled from 9pm - 10:05pm, it will run a few minutes over.... you may want to keep this in mind if you don't want to miss the ending.

We will see what happens in 7 hours...

I checked when I got home and Lost is now showing as ending at 10:05 so I moved CSI:NY to start at 10:05. Last couple of weeks Lost has shown ending at 10. We'll see (2hrs+ for me!)

The various TV listing services vary in their accuracy. TitanTV seems to me to have the most accurate and current schedules. TVGOS is near the bottom. Yahoo used to be good but has slipped lately. Surprisingly, the networks and affiliate sites are sometimes the most out of date.

I just posted/updated the following section on my FAQ.

"1.2.17 What are each of the 1234 system menu options?"

I am curious about those of you who said that you got the messages saying that your hard drive has recovered from an error.

Take a look at the section titled HDD, and take a look at this menu on your device. I would like to know if anything there looks like it could have indicated an error. Also, look at the entry called "Main" (the first one). I wonder if it shows anything under the system error count. (Mine says zero).

Thanks!

The link is in my signature.

spiff72 I have a question for you, or anyone else that has suggestions on remote controls.

Is there a "one-for-all" or other cheap brand that makes a good replacement remote for the HDD500? Do any of them have the "scroll button" in the middle like the original remote? I have not found any cheap ones.

The reason for me: It seems the "remotes" are what wear out first; years before the unit fails - so it is a good idea in our house to use a cheap remote and not the original, so that you have one that does all the functions for the unit.

Thanks

spiff72 I have a question for you, or anyone else that has suggestions on remote controls.

Is there a "one-for-all" or other cheap brand that makes a good replacement remote for the HDD500? Do any of them have the "scroll button" in the middle like the original remote? I have not found any cheap ones.

The reason for me: It seems the "remotes" are what wear out first; years before the unit fails - so it is a good idea in our house to use a cheap remote and not the original, so that you have one that does all the functions for the unit.

Thanks

I use a Harmony 880 for my entire home theater - and I love it. It takes some time to get it up and running, but once you have it set up right, it does a good job.

It isn't cheap though (about $175 online if I remember right). I paid $200 at Best Buy when it first came out (by showing them about 10 printouts from various websites pricing it around $175). Their price was $250 at the time, and currently it is $237 there).

Harmony makes other remotes as well, which will probably work as well as the 880, but I can't be sure of this since I haven't used them.

It doesn't have a scroller, but I didn't really use the scroller that much, since I set up the Harmony as soon as I got the HDD250...

Hmmmm - there is some weird stuff going on in this forum. I just posted something that showed up before the last post. Time stamps must be off....

My oneforall works great with the HDD500! Just do a quick search on this thread using "oneforall" and you will find my posts which describe the unit that I use and the code that is necessary to work the DVR.

spiff72 I have a question for you, or anyone else that has suggestions on remote controls.

Is there a "one-for-all" or other cheap brand that makes a good replacement remote for the HDD500? Do any of them have the "scroll button" in the middle like the original remote? I have not found any cheap ones.

The reason for me: It seems the "remotes" are what wear out first; years before the unit fails - so it is a good idea in our house to use a cheap remote and not the original, so that you have one that does all the functions for the unit.

Thanks

My experience is that programs scheduled with the guide always end on the hour, unlike my Comcast recorder which adds the extra program time.

Nope, PG had Lost ending at 5 minutes after.

Wolfie

I use a Harmony 880 for my entire home theater - and I love it. It takes some time to get it up and running, but once you have it set up right, it does a good job.

It isn't cheap though (about $175 online if I remember right). I paid $200 at Best Buy when it first came out (by showing them about 10 printouts from various websites pricing it around $175). Their price was $250 at the time, and currently it is $237 there).

Harmony makes other remotes as well, which will probably work as well as the 880, but I can't be sure of this since I haven't used them.

It doesn't have a scroller, but I didn't really use the scroller that much, since I set up the Harmony as soon as I got the HDD250...

Check techbargains dot com, Dell has a great deal on the Harmony right now. I bought mine 5 months ago online and paid $60 more than Dell's price before rebate.
Act fast!!!!!

Check techbargains dot com, Dell has a great deal on the Harmony right now. I bought mine 5 months ago online and paid $60 more than Dell's price before rebate.
Act fast!!!!!

I saw someone on another forum say they bought an 880 at Costco. Not sure of the price. I got one last year and I love it. Easy for wife and kids to use as well.

spiff72 I have a question for you, or anyone else that has suggestions on remote controls.

Is there a "one-for-all" or other cheap brand that makes a good replacement remote for the HDD500? Do any of them have the "scroll button" in the middle like the original remote? I have not found any cheap ones.

The reason for me: It seems the "remotes" are what wear out first; years before the unit fails - so it is a good idea in our house to use a cheap remote and not the original, so that you have one that does all the functions for the unit.

Thanks


I picked up one of the the ONE FOR ALL remotes (model 6131) at Best Buy. It's under $20. I use that for all 6 components, one of which is the HDD500. It works quite well. It doesn't have a scroll, but it was easy to program. I've got it programmed for the TV, VCR (still use a VCR, amazingly...) DVD player, ReplayTV, Stereo Receiver, and now the HDD500.

Check techbargains dot com, Dell has a great deal on the Harmony right now. I bought mine 5 months ago online and paid $60 more than Dell's price before rebate.
Act fast!!!!!

Its done, the dell deal is over. I was lucky to get in on it

I saw someone on another forum say they bought an 880 at Costco. Not sure of the price. I got one last year and I love it. Easy for wife and kids to use as well.The Sam's by me just had one of the models for $70.00. They just ran out. I think it may have been a lower model number than the 880, but it was still a pretty good deal.

Thanks guys for the input on Remote Controls....I will check the stuff out when I get back from my 5 day wakeboardin trip....YEAH !

My HDD250 is connected to my receiver via optical and component. I have the HDD250 set up to pass Doblby 5.1 if the OTA channel is encoded that way. I am setup to receive OTA only.

I occasionally (1 or 2 times per hour) experience audio dropouts that last about 1 second. If I hit the replay button to replay the scene, the dropout disappears... so that tells me that the HDD250 received/decoded the audio correctly.

I saw something about audio dropouts and optical in this thread, but those dropouts seemed to be permanent (e.g. did not correct itself after hitting replay).

Anyway, is what I describe an "optical" connection issue? Can it be fixed by using a digital coax cable?

Oh, I never experience dropouts when watching DVDs via optical, so it looks like the problem resides in the HDD250.

Thanks...
-T

I've been noticing this too on my HDD500 - i'm also using component and optical cables. Any solutions to this problem which has been posted about several times in this huge thread?

Thanks.

I've been noticing this too on my HDD500 - i'm also using component and optical cables. Any solutions to this problem which has been posted about several times in this huge thread?

Thanks.

I use optical audio with my two HDDs and coax audio on my Comcast HD DVR and get occasional audio dropouts on all three, so I think the problem is in the transmitted signal. Sometimes I also get momentary video pixilation. Much prefer to live with these problems that to viewing analog tv.

I have had my HDD500 for a few weeks and have been reading through this forum to help me learn about this Sony unit. I only use it for OTA. The TVGos has filled in fine for the most part, but I have a few questions:

I get my broadcasts mostly from Orlando, FL, and analog ch 24, which is a PBS channel, WMFE, is the only channel to show up from WMFE in the TVGos. The digital version is Ch 24.1. I remapped the analog ch 24 to 24.1, which seems to have worked fine, but there are also channels 24.2 WMFE-ED, 24.3 WMFE-CFAN, & 24.4 WMFE-Encore. Does anyone have any suggestions about how these channels could be added to TVGos?

I also have tried to change the order of channels in the set up menu and put the ones that don't come in at the bottom, but when I do this and I exit the set up menu, the just go back to the original order. Would this be because I reset the channels I don't use from "on" to "off?" The other option was "auto hide." I wasn't sure what the "off" and "auto hide " options actually did, but since these were channels I can't get, I figured tinker with it to see if "off" removes these channels from the list, but it didn't.

Did anyone experience a TVGOS loss when the time change happened? I've been browsing other threads strictly for TVGOS info, but thought I'd hit this one since I have an HDD500. I'm going to try a reset tonight, now that I've got the code, just wondering if it was a widespread problem with this make/model.

I had this great idea....:eek: You see, I often have need to schedule recordings at the spur of the moment, e.g., when my wife and I are headed out the door to dinner or something like that and she says, "Oh, btw, I want you to record some programs while we're out". Ever have that happen? ;)

Anyway, I hate having to power up the RP for a few minutes to do this, so I thought a small monitor connected to the DVR's would allow me to do my scheduling w/o the big TV.

I have a cute little Sharp 13" lcd EDTV that I want to place in my A/V furniture permanently to use for this purpose. I set it up temporarily to try out my idea, and I discovered that the TV Guide from the 250's will display on this panel only with a component connection. I tried both S-video and composite and got a picture but no TV Guide.

The thing that puzzles me is that the 250's have two sets of composite out and an S-video out, but they are not of much use to me if the TV Guide isn't available....:confused: Why would Sony do this?

So, since there's only one component output on the 250's, and I use that for my RPTV (I use the single HDMI input on the TV for upconverting DVD player), it looks like I'm forced to buy an A/V component switch if I want to implement my plan to utilize the small monitor. :(

Does anyone know if my conclusion that the TV Guide won't display in composite or S-video is correct, or is there a chance I'm doing something wrong?

gwsmith,

Try setting your Sony DVR screen format to SD Out.

gwsmith,

Try setting your Sony DVR screen format to SD Out.


^^^What he said^^^
:D

I get my broadcasts mostly from Orlando, FL, and analog ch 24, which is a PBS channel, WMFE, is the only channel to show up from WMFE in the TVGos. The digital version is Ch 24.1. I remapped the analog ch 24 to 24.1, which seems to have worked fine, but there are also channels 24.2 WMFE-ED, 24.3 WMFE-CFAN, & 24.4 WMFE-Encore. Does anyone have any suggestions about how these channels could be added to TVGos?

This is a common problem. The same situation also occurs with South Carolina ETV's digital channels. Back in January, I wrote to SCETV's customer support about this, asking if they could work out something with Gemstar (the company that operates TVGOS). I got the reponse that Gemstar had agreed to add the SCETV digital channels, probably in mid February. Nothing happened. In early March I happened to get in touch with a SCETV broadcast engineer by way of the local thread in the HDTV reception forum here. He checked into it, and told me that the timeline was now end of March. Still nothing. If nothing shows up by the end of this month, I'll ping the SCETV guy again.

I've read that TVGOS has a very small staff, so it's easy to imagine that it's hard for them to update the system in a timely fashion. They don't even have a publically available support address for individual users on their Web site; if you have problems you're supposed to contact your hardware vendor or program supplier (cableco, TV station or whatever).

I also have tried to change the order of channels in the set up menu and put the ones that don't come in at the bottom, but when I do this and I exit the set up menu, the just go back to the original order.

I haven't had that particular problem. When I rearrange the channels, they stay in that order. I have had a problem with channels that I've turned off (mostly analog ones) getting turned back on again. I think it's because TVGOS "helpfully" turns on channels that the unit detects a signal on. I use OTA only, and not only did that happen to me with local analog stations, it also happened with distant stations (100+ miles away!) that happen to come in well occasionally because of unusual weather conditions. I finally fixed that problem by setting the channel number to 0 on all the stations that I don't want to have turned on.

gwsmith,

Try setting your Sony DVR screen format to SD Out.Eureka....I have a TV Guide! These things seem to have mind of their own when it comes to taking commands....sometimes it takes forever to change formats, or channels for that matter, but it worked! Thanks!

I may be on to something here....much more convenient than cranking up the RPTV just to check schedule, etc.! :cool:

Eureka....I have a TV Guide! These things seem to have mind of their own when it comes to taking commands....sometimes it takes forever to change formats, or channels for that matter, but it worked! Thanks!

I may be on to something here....much more convenient than cranking up the RPTV just to check schedule, etc.! :cool:

If you push Select (or Enter?) after Format or Mode, the choice will take effect immediately.

The Sony is also very slow in moving around in the guide. This must have been a conscious decision, because the old LG DVR was like lightning by comparison. It's screen format changes also took effect instantly. <sigh>

Eureka....I have a TV Guide! These things seem to have mind of their own when it comes to taking commands....sometimes it takes forever to change formats, or channels for that matter, but it worked! Thanks!

I may be on to something here....much more convenient than cranking up the RPTV just to check schedule, etc.! :cool:

I too often use my Sharp LCD TV instead of my RPTV to either check programing or schedule.

Did anyone experience a TVGOS loss when the time change happened? I've been browsing other threads strictly for TVGOS info, but thought I'd hit this one since I have an HDD500. I'm going to try a reset tonight, now that I've got the code, just wondering if it was a widespread problem with this make/model.

No loss whatsoever. The guide showed 1am, 1:30am then 3am. The change was completely transparent.

I've been noticing this too on my HDD500 - i'm also using component and optical cables. Any solutions to this problem which has been posted about several times in this huge thread?

Not that I know of. (I also have it with HDMI->DVI and optical.)

Has anybody encountered this problem with the Sony DHG250? If so could you post the fix if any!

I purchased this unit in back in February and until recently had no problem with it. Now, ever so often, when watching a recorded program the screen would either be letterbox with the 2 black bars on top and bottom or squeezed, even though I had previously viewed it and it was ok. Sometimes it happens even if you are just watching through the DVR. I pressed the format and screen button and went to the screen menu but everything is as it is supposed to be. After a while it would revert back to full screen. I have set the box to small but when I press the TV guide everything is large. I don't know if this makes any sense to anybody elase.

My unit is hooked up to my Bravia 40 LCDTV via HDMI and occasionally I would use the optical connection and turn the Dolby to Auto. To get this to function I have to first turn off the DVR before the change takes effect. Sometime, I have to turn up my volume on my receiver way up initially then all of a sudden the it becomes so loud!

Last night I noticed that program that was recording was not getting ang signal (No picture and just a loud hissing sound) The TV Guide was on but I could not tune to any channel. I had to reboot and this solved the problem.

This is a common problem. The same situation also occurs with South Carolina ETV's digital channels. Back in January, I wrote to SCETV's customer support about this, asking if they could work out something with Gemstar (the company that operates TVGOS). I got the reponse that Gemstar had agreed to add the SCETV digital channels, probably in mid February. Nothing happened. In early March I happened to get in touch with a SCETV broadcast engineer by way of the local thread in the HDTV reception forum here. He checked into it, and told me that the timeline was now end of March. Still nothing. If nothing shows up by the end of this month, I'll ping the SCETV guy again.

I've read that TVGOS has a very small staff, so it's easy to imagine that it's hard for them to update the system in a timely fashion. They don't even have a publically available support address for individual users on their Web site; if you have problems you're supposed to contact your hardware vendor or program supplier (cableco, TV station or whatever).



I haven't had that particular problem. When I rearrange the channels, they stay in that order. I have had a problem with channels that I've turned off (mostly analog ones) getting turned back on again. I think it's because TVGOS "helpfully" turns on channels that the unit detects a signal on. I use OTA only, and not only did that happen to me with local analog stations, it also happened with distant stations (100+ miles away!) that happen to come in well occasionally because of unusual weather conditions. I finally fixed that problem by setting the channel number to 0 on all the stations that I don't want to have turned on.That's strange, because when this has happened to me on that rare occasion, the channel is often times one that in no way, no how am I receiving even the tiniest shred of a signal. I suppose it's possible that I am just very momentarily receiving something that I'm just not aware of, as I don't have it on to watch it while it's populating (naturally). But I've never actually seen even the slightest hint of anything on these frequencies. It usually happens a couple of times for maybe a week after I've done a reset. After that, it never seems to happen again.

Does anyone know a place to get either the 250 or 500 with a full warranty at less then full retail? None of the ebay vendors in my opinion are credible enough for me.

Thanks

Anyone know anything more about this one? The PR is vague but it does say digital (HD?) and EPG TV Guide Plus (is that a new hopefully more robust and more reliable version?).

From Samsung CES 2006 Press release

HDD-DVD Recorder
The latest Samsung DVR to hit the market, the DVD-HR731 boasts both DVD-RW/-R Recording and a 160GB hard disk drive which allows consumers to store multiple programs and easily record stored programs to DVD. Consumers will never miss their favorite show with EPG TV Guide Plus, an easy to use, electronic version of TV Guide that gives consumers a single interface for management of all TV viewing, scheduling and recording. The interface allows simple navigation through the myriad of available TV channels, independent of source, whether it’s FTA broadcast, Digital Terrestrial, Satellite, or Cable. A 55mm slim unit, the DVD-HR731 has the added convenience of front DV Input. Music and photo lovers will have a ball mixing JPEG and MP3 files stored on the built-in HDD to create a customized, synchronized Music Slide Show.

The DVD-HR731 is slated for June 2006 for $499 MAP.

Sounds like a standard def DVD recorder from Samsung, the Sony is a High Definiton recorder.

Also the Sony 250 can still be found at lots of Best Buys for much cheaper than orig retail.

Anyone know anything more about this one? The PR is vague but it does say digital (HD?) and EPG TV Guide Plus (is that a new hopefully more robust and more reliable version?).
HDD-DVD Recorder
The latest Samsung DVR to hit the market, the DVD-HR731 boasts both DVD-RW/-R Recording and a 160GB hard disk drive which allows consumers to store multiple programs and easily record stored programs to DVD. Consumers will never miss their favorite show with EPG TV Guide Plus, an easy to use, electronic version of TV Guide that gives consumers a single interface for management of all TV viewing, scheduling and recording. The interface allows simple navigation through the myriad of available TV channels, independent of source, whether it’s FTA broadcast, Digital Terrestrial, Satellite, or Cable. A 55mm slim unit, the DVD-HR731 has the added convenience of front DV Input. Music and photo lovers will have a ball mixing JPEG and MP3 files stored on the built-in HDD to create a customized, synchronized Music Slide Show.

The DVD-HR731 is slated for June 2006 for $499 MAP.

Looks like just another DVD recorder with a hard drive to me - doesn't say anything about high-def. EPG usually refers to the program info that comes with each channel as part of of the PSIP data that channel broadcasts, but that so far I haven't seen any unit use this effectively - though I have seen it mentioned, and I DO have a digital receiver (Samsung 165) that will show this data if you push the right button. Sounds like this new unit probably presents this data in a way that you can select a program for recording by this unit....and if it recorded high-def, that's be cool, but it doesn't mention it explicitly...so I doubt it

Does anyone know a place to get either the 250 or 500 with a full warranty at less then full retail? None of the ebay vendors in my opinion are credible enough for me.

Thanks

I would agree with the Best Buy suggestion for the 250. I've purchased two open box 250s for $350 each. Both work great.

FWIW--as of this afternoon there is a 250 at the Lawrence, KS BB. Price marked is $449(it is an open box).

Anybody notice these TVGOS service note on Sony's support site? For those using the mentioned cable providers, this could be helpful.

After completing the TV Guide On Screen™ set up, the program information will not immediately be available. It may take up to 24 hours after the set up is complete before program information begins to appear. This is normal, however, be sure that no cable or DSS set-top box is connected, because this can interfere with the TV Guide signal.

The TV Guide On Screen™ information will be available on Cablevision systems in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut by April 15, 2006.
The TV Guide On Screen™ information will be available on Time Warner systems in Manhattan and Brooklyn/Queens by March 10, 2006.
The TV Guide On Screen™ information will be available on Time Warner systems in Staten Island, NY by March 24, 2006.
Time Warner cable service in Flushing, NY does not currently broadcast the TV Guide On Screen™ information.
For customers in the Dallas area only: The TV Guide On Screen™ information is broadcast on channel 13, which is on the A-feed. Select the A-feed and then turn off the recorder to collect the guide data.

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-faq.pl?mdl=DHGHDD250#

Thanks, I will check my local BB for one because that is a good price to me.

I purchased a Sony, got the Cablecard, called the TimeWarner, it was activated, turned it off, and waited for one o'clock in the morning. The chanels would play, but I was not able to get TV Guide, or MENU, INFO, FAVORVITES, or REC LIST. I assumed to would come on when the TV Guide is turned on.

This morning, NOTHING!!! No TV Guide or anything else. Am I missing something? HELP!!!

Looks like just another DVD recorder with a hard drive to me - doesn't say anything about high-def. EPG usually refers to the program info that comes with each channel as part of of the PSIP data that channel broadcasts, but that so far I haven't seen any unit use this effectively - though I have seen it mentioned, and I DO have a digital receiver (Samsung 165) that will show this data if you push the right button. Sounds like this new unit probably presents this data in a way that you can select a program for recording by this unit....and if it recorded high-def, that's be cool, but it doesn't mention it explicitly...so I doubt it
yeah, just another dvd-recorder with a hard disk.

is anyone using Yamaha HTR5990 receiver? if connected via HDMI only, i have audio dropouts when playing back recorded shows.

HDD250 with 1.2.05 firmware.

I have had my HDD500 for a few weeks and have been reading through this forum to help me learn about this Sony unit. I only use it for OTA. The TVGos has filled in fine for the most part, but I have a few questions:

I get my broadcasts mostly from Orlando, FL, and analog ch 24, which is a PBS channel, WMFE, is the only channel to show up from WMFE in the TVGos. The digital version is Ch 24.1. I remapped the analog ch 24 to 24.1, which seems to have worked fine, but there are also channels 24.2 WMFE-ED, 24.3 WMFE-CFAN, & 24.4 WMFE-Encore. Does anyone have any suggestions about how these channels could be added to TVGos?

I also have tried to change the order of channels in the set up menu and put the ones that don't come in at the bottom, but when I do this and I exit the set up menu, the just go back to the original order. Would this be because I reset the channels I don't use from "on" to "off?" The other option was "auto hide." I wasn't sure what the "off" and "auto hide " options actually did, but since these were channels I can't get, I figured tinker with it to see if "off" removes these channels from the list, but it didn't.

I just noticed this occurred on my unit a couple of weeks ago. I tried to re-order the channels today and when I exit, they are back in the original order. Perhaps it is a new bug?

Mark

Hoping someone can steer me in the right direction. I read through the posts here concerning the 161-6 issue but I'm not sure if it's what's causing my problem.

I've been using my HDD500 the past week for OTA and open QAM. It has 1.2.09 firmware. Yesterday I had a cable card installed. It seemed to be doing what it needed to do, eventually detecting most of my channels. But I have not been able to receive any of the cable HD channels (I can get the local channels but cannot receive TNT-HD, Universal HD, INHD1/2, etc). At one point yesterday I did see the 161-6 error message so that may be the culprit. But reading through people's posts here on the 161-6 issue, it sounds like I should be able to tune into the HD channels at least for a short while if I do a hard reboot (unplug the unit) and/or eject and re-insert the cable card. I have not been able to receive the channels at all, so I think there could be a problem with my cable provider (TW). I also used the service menu someone posted here to restore the factory defaults (wiping my drives and guide info).

I spoke with TW several times yesterday and today. They wanted to wait a full day before agreeing there was definitely a problem, in case the cable card needed more time to detect the missing channels. The guy I spoke with today thought I needed a higher "tier" so he temporarily changed my subscription content but I still didn't get the channels. Anyway, I have a service guy coming on Friday. I'm going to suggest he temporarily setup the cable card in the TV to rule out a problem with the DVR.

Please Help...

I have the Sony DHG HDD500 installed with a cable card yesterday, I get all the channels from my cable company but for the HD channels I get this "blue cloud" showing on the screen intermittently, I don't have this problem in the analog channels and when I switch from HDMI cable to component cable I don't have the problem either. Could someone help...thanks.

I would agree with the Best Buy suggestion for the 250. I've purchased two open box 250s for $350 each. Both work great.

FWIW--as of this afternoon there is a 250 at the Lawrence, KS BB. Price marked is $449(it is an open box).

Found a used 250 "display unit" at my local BB, no remote or instructions. I'm not sure how many hours it was operated.

Found a used 250 "display unit" at my local BB, no remote or instructions. I'm not sure how many hours it was operated.
How much did you pay for it?

I would agree with the Best Buy suggestion for the 250. I've purchased two open box 250s for $350 each. Both work great.

FWIW--as of this afternoon there is a 250 at the Lawrence, KS BB. Price marked is $449(it is an open box).

hmmm...I got a 250 at BB last month for 499 NIB...no way I would have paid 449 for an open box. As far as I can tell, 499 has been their price lately for the 250, and that's a pretty good deal, because you know it hasn't been messed around with AND you can get an extended warranty with it...of course, they may sell you the warranty on the open box, too, but still...

hmmm...I got a 250 at BB last month for 499 NIB...no way I would have paid 449 for an open box. As far as I can tell, 499 has been their price lately for the 250, and that's a pretty good deal, because you know it hasn't been messed around with AND you can get an extended warranty with it...of course, they may sell you the warranty on the open box, too, but still...
I'm surprised they're still selling the 500's on line for 999 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7276048&type=product&id=1117178795519), Circuit City too. (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Digital-Video-Recorder-DHG-HDD500-/sem/rpsm/oid/136240/catOid/-12883/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do).

How much did you pay for it?


I passed on the used 250, went to another store (BB) and picked up a new in box 250, $449. This store also had a dispaly unit, not pluged in just sitting there.

BTW the other BB's used unit was $409

I almost forgot to say thanks for the info, AVS pays off again!

I'm surprised they're still selling the 500's on line for 999 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7276048&type=product&id=1117178795519), Circuit City too. (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Digital-Video-Recorder-DHG-HDD500-/sem/rpsm/oid/136240/catOid/-12883/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do).Who said they're selling 'em....that's what they're asking. :D

According to my local CC rep, they don't have any 500's even tho they're still showing them online....they do have a 250 display in the store that's priced at $799 :rolleyes: and they'll be keeping that for a while I'd expect.

$449 is the list price on the remaining new 250's at BB in the local area at least. I got a price match recently on one I'd paid $499 for a month ago. That worked out well because Tweeter has a 60-day price guarantee and I got them to match it on the other one I bought there. :cool:

hmmm...I got a 250 at BB last month for 499 NIB...no way I would have paid 449 for an open box. As far as I can tell, 499 has been their price lately for the 250, and that's a pretty good deal, because you know it hasn't been messed around with AND you can get an extended warranty with it...of course, they may sell you the warranty on the open box, too, but still...If you're still within your 30-day price guaranty period, I'd check the current BB price....I just happened to be there and saw that they'd reduced the price by $50 two weeks after I bought mine.

I've tried just about everything I know to get one of my 250's to show the OTA WB channel KNVA-HD, channel 54-1, in the listings. Nothing works! :(

I can tune the channel with the DVR and it displays properly on the TV, but I can't schedule recordings without a listing in the PG.

Today I went to the channel setup and tuned OTA channel 54-1, and assigned it a spot in the lineup occupied by another OTA WB channel that was set to "off". Now I have channel 54-1 in my PG, albeit with no program info, but it is tuning to the correct programming. The issue is now the station ID shows to be the "off" channel I replaced, i.e., it identifies the station as WRRT when in fact 54-1 is actually KNVA, and I am confident that I'm actually tuning KNVA.

I've turned the unit off and I'm going to check after a day and see if it's obtained program data for KNVA, and if it's still insistent on calling itself WRRT.

If this doesn't work, is there any way to change/edit station ID manually?

I just noticed this occurred on my unit a couple of weeks ago. I tried to re-order the channels today and when I exit, they are back in the original order. Perhaps it is a new bug?

Mark
Thanks for your response. I tried reordering again the next day, and it worked. I wonder if you can't turn off channels and reorder the same day? Reordering channels seems to be working now, but I unplugged the unit due to a FL thunder storm that came in during the night and all the listings have disappered today. I bought a surge protector with a warranty for the equipment to avoid having to do this in the future, but I had not hooked it up yet & didn't want anything fried from lightening...this has happened before. I hope I don't have to reorder things again tomorrow when it repopulates...

Thanks also to JTBELL for responding to my question about the WMFE digital channels not being in the TVGos. I've email WMFE about contacting Gemstar to get their digital channels added to the TVGos. We'll see what they say...

Hey all,

For those of you that were anxiously awaiting the TiVo S3, have you seen that TiVo is giving one away as part of their "Idol Speculation" contest as the grand prize?

What actually caught my eye was the fact that they list the approximate retail value of the TiVo S3 (they actually refer to it as a "limited edition", so I don't know what that means). Anyway...the prize consists of the TiVo S3 and a lifetime subscription, and the value? I hope you are sitting down...$1500.

OUCH. I am saving my pennies.

I've tried just about everything I know to get one of my 250's to show the OTA WB channel KNVA-HD, channel 54-1, in the listings. Nothing works! :(

I can tune the channel with the DVR and it displays properly on the TV, but I can't schedule recordings without a listing in the PG.

Today I went to the channel setup and tuned OTA channel 54-1, and assigned it a spot in the lineup occupied by another OTA WB channel that was set to "off". Now I have channel 54-1 in my PG, albeit with no program info, but it is tuning to the correct programming. The issue is now the station ID shows to be the "off" channel I replaced, i.e., it identifies the station as WRRT when in fact 54-1 is actually KNVA, and I am confident that I'm actually tuning KNVA.

I've turned the unit off and I'm going to check after a day and see if it's obtained program data for KNVA, and if it's still insistent on calling itself WRRT.

If this doesn't work, is there any way to change/edit station ID manually?
If for some reason TVGOS does not provide the listings for your local WB channel, the next best you are going to get some other WB channel. The national programming will be pretty accurate but daytime and paid programming will not (who cares, right). The fact that TVGOS lets you edit the tuner channel, shows some thought went into the system. Keep in mind that TVGOS is the firmware of an custom or semi-custom chipset that they have to keep small and cheap so manufacturers will be willing to incorporate into their products. The call letters will be wrong, but the WB logo is there right? If you care enough, contact that station and let them know their program schedule is not included in the TVGOS listings. Have you tried other nearby zipcodes to see if it just a glitch in the listings for your zip code?

If you're still within your 30-day price guaranty period, I'd check the current BB price....I just happened to be there and saw that they'd reduced the price by $50 two weeks after I bought mine.
interesting...but it turns out I bought mine on March 1 - furthermore, 1) mine was the last unit they had then and 2) I'm not going to sweat 50 bucks!
(i had gone to my local BB, where I had NEVER seen this unit, though I had looked maybe 5 times, and I pressed them to check on their computer for other stores...it turns out there were 2 NIB units available in the entire SF Bay area, and so I drove immediately to get the one nearer to me, and I'm glad I got it!)

interesting...but it turns out I bought mine on March 1 - furthermore, 1) mine was the last unit they had then and 2) I'm not going to sweat 50 bucks!<snip>I understand that....in my case it was $100 for two units and took 20-30 minutes of my time. That's a little more than my usual hourly rate. ;)

Hey all,

For those of you that were anxiously awaiting the TiVo S3, have you seen that TiVo is giving one away as part of their "Idol Speculation" contest as the grand prize?

What actually caught my eye was the fact that they list the approximate retail value of the TiVo S3 (they actually refer to it as a "limited edition", so I don't know what that means). Anyway...the prize consists of the TiVo S3 and a lifetime subscription, and the value? I hope you are sitting down...$1500.

OUCH. I am saving my pennies.
I heard that Tivo no longer offers lifetime subscriptions. I also heard that D* and Cisco are interested in buying Tivo.

...I also heard that D* and Cisco are interested in buying Tivo.

...and Apple.

Hey all,

For those of you that were anxiously awaiting the TiVo S3, have you seen that TiVo is giving one away as part of their "Idol Speculation" contest as the grand prize?

What actually caught my eye was the fact that they list the approximate retail value of the TiVo S3 (they actually refer to it as a "limited edition", so I don't know what that means). Anyway...the prize consists of the TiVo S3 and a lifetime subscription, and the value? I hope you are sitting down...$1500.

OUCH. I am saving my pennies. I wouldn't sweat that....it's just legalese - TiVo staffers posted in the TCF that they need to put some figure in there; it doesn't have to be exact (and it's definitely not). There's no way it would approach that even without lifetime. Most bets are $500-$800.

i am interested in buying a dhg 500 off ebay.
i can't wait for tivo series 3 and its subscritpion.
i also want to drop cable.

1. has anyone had experience getting an extended warranty on a new/used unit?

2. is an orginal receipt needed???

3. where can i get one?

4. has there been many problems with the units or service???

thanks

i am interested in buying a dhg 500 off ebay.
i can't wait for tivo series 3 and its subscritpion.
i also want to drop cable.

1. has anyone had experience getting an extended warranty on a new/used unit?

2. is an orginal receipt needed???

3. where can i get one?

4. has there been many problems with the units or service???

thanks

E-mail Sony

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExtendedWarranty-LandingPage;sid=mSwFHTQ50UwFc3AD0OUPFns0ezxZfInEhXM=?Categor yName=ExtendedWarrantyRoot

Intermittent “blue cloud”...

I have the Sony DHG HDD500 installed with a cable card. My connection was originally through HDMI via DVI adapter to the DVI input in my Ruby projector. But when I go through this route, I get a "blue cloud" showing on the screen intermittently in my HD channels but not in the SD. When I change the connection to component cable instead of HDMI, the problem disappears. My preference though is to go through HDMI, and I’m hopping if anybody have a clue as to what is going on, and why the intermittent “blue cloud” when using the HDMI? Is this distortion coming from the cable company? Has any one run into this problem?

Thanks for your help.

Intermittent “blue cloud”...

I have the Sony DHG HDD500 installed with a cable card. My connection was originally through HDMI via DVI adapter to the DVI input in my Ruby projector. But when I go through this route, I get a "blue cloud" showing on the screen intermittently in my HD channels but not in the SD. When I change the connection to component cable instead of HDMI, the problem disappears. My preference though is to go through HDMI, and I’m hopping if anybody have a clue as to what is going on, and why the intermittent “blue cloud” when using the HDMI? Is this distortion coming from the cable company? Has any one run into this problem?

Thanks for your help.

Sounds like you have a bad adapter. If you've had it for less than 30 days, you should be able to exchange it with no problem. That would be my first guess.

Wolfie

I am interested in buying a dhg 500 off ebay.
i can't wait for tivo series 3 and its subscritpion.
i also want to drop cable.

1. has anyone had experience getting an extended warranty on a new/used unit?

2. is an orginal receipt needed???

3. where can i get one?

4. has there been many problems with the units or service???

thanks
____________________________________________________________ ___

You need to ask the person who is reselling on EBay when the original purcase date was and if a copy of the original receipt will go with the sale. You will send a copy of the original receipt in with the unit back to Sony if you want to be covered by the warranty. The guy I bought mine from got a Tweeter deal and was reselling. He sent me the original receipt with the unit and it had been bought only about a week earlier, so it was still under the 90 day full warranty. I sent mine in to Sony, paid only the shipping to Sony, and got them to do the Firmware update and the 161-6 fix, even though I don't have cable, I may someday get it if it comes to my area. I told them that it's not available yet here, but I planned on getting it when it came & didn't want any problems with the cable card when the warranty ran out.

Just purchsaed a HDD250, a couple of questions:

Do I need a frameware update?

What's the 161-6 fix?

Will I be able to record "24" in HD (OTA) or will there be issues with "no copy" flags?

Just purchsaed a HDD250, a couple of questions:

Do I need a frameware update?

What's the 161-6 fix?

Will I be able to record "24" in HD (OTA) or will there be issues with "no copy" flags?

You can record 24 (and other tv shows) OTA w/ no problems.

You may need the 161-6 fix if you use a cable card. I'm in the same boat....may need to send it out for the fix depending on how it goes when the cable guy comes on Friday.

You can record 24 (and other tv shows) OTA w/ no problems.

You may need the 161-6 fix if you use a cable card. I'm in the same boat....may need to send it out for the fix depending on how it goes when the cable guy comes on Friday.


What about HD via cable TV, NFL & Nascar all in HD. Are there times when you cannot record HD content because of "no copy" flags?

What about HD via cable TV, NFL & Nascar all in HD. Are there times when you cannot record HD content because of "no copy" flags?

You should have no problem recording these. I do it all the time - never been prevented from doing so...

Sounds like you have a bad adapter. If you've had it for less than 30 days, you should be able to exchange it with no problem. That would be my first guess.

Wolfie

Wolfie:

That was the first thing I checked...I changed it and the problem remains.

lastplace, you are confusing "recording" with "copying". The flag prevents copying from the recording device (in HD). A moot point with the Sony anyway.

You can record 24 (and other tv shows) OTA w/ no problems.

You may need the 161-6 fix if you use a cable card. I'm in the same boat....may need to send it out for the fix depending on how it goes when the cable guy comes on Friday.


1. Where do get the firmware updates? Sony doesn't have it anywhere.

2. What is 161-6 fix?

1. Where do get the firmware updates? Sony doesn't have it anywhere.

2. What is 161-6 fix?


You have to send it to the Mt. Pleasant Sony Repair Facility. You can either call Sony about doing this or check their website on how to do it. The 161-6 fix corrects errors that may occur when using a cable card.

You have to send it to the Mt. Pleasant Sony Repair Facility. You can either call Sony about doing this or check their website on how to do it. The 161-6 fix corrects errors that may occur when using a cable card.
and you might expect your unit back with the front tinted plastic piece broken-off as Sony's careless about handling.

Wolfie:

That was the first thing I checked...I changed it and the problem remains.

DefTech;

Hmmm...ya know there are two types of DVI connections. DVI- A(nalog) and DVI-D(igital). These have different pin configurations. Maybe you have the wrong TYPE of adapter.

Wolfie

Does anyone know a place to get either the 250 or 500 with a full warranty at less then full retail? None of the ebay vendors in my opinion are credible enough for me.

Thanks

There is at least one dhghdd250 at crutchfield.com in their scratch and dent store for $424.99... full warranty, less than full retail.

3 new Sony Media Recorders
Sony has announced 3 new HDD and DVD Media Recorders today: the RDZ-D97A (400GB), the 77A (250GB) and the 87 (250GB). The 97A and 77A have a digital and analog TV tuner that allow you to record 3 shows simultaneously (1 digital and 2 analog). you can also connect your PSP to these Media Recorders and record straight onto the gaming console. The 3 models are DLNA compliant so you can connect these babies to your local network and share videos and pictures on other products.

3 new Sony Media Recorders
Sony has announced 3 new HDD and DVD Media Recorders today: the RDZ-D97A (400GB), the 77A (250GB) and the 87 (250GB). The 97A and 77A have a digital and analog TV tuner that allow you to record 3 shows simultaneously (1 digital and 2 analog). you can also connect your PSP to these Media Recorders and record straight onto the gaming console. The 3 models are DLNA compliant so you can connect these babies to your local network and share videos and pictures on other products.

Is there somewhere online to get additional information?

Is there somewhere online to get additional information?
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.sony.jp%2fCorporateCruise%2fPress%2f2 00604%2f06-0410%2f

3 new Sony Media Recorders
Sony has announced 3 new HDD and DVD Media Recorders today: the RDZ-D97A (400GB), the 77A (250GB) and the 87 (250GB)....Please post a US link....I see nothing on Sony's USA Web site.

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=ja_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.sony.jp%2fCorporateCruise%2fPress%2f2 00604%2f06-0410%2f

We'll see if they release these in the US market...

I have a strong hunch that's a BIG "if".

I have a strong hunch that's a BIG "if".
i'm just gonna have a friend in Japan to buy & ship it to me then.

i'm just gonna have a friend in Japan to buy & ship it to me then.
Does the Japanese market even use NTSC and ATSC signals?

Or are you joking?

Does the Japanese market even use NTSC and ATSC signals?

Or are you joking?
Signaling system JEITA standard and NTSC color system


Will see if it works.

Does the Japanese market even use NTSC and ATSC signals?

Or are you joking?

Japan uses the same system we use in tthe US.

Japan uses the same system we use in tthe US.

OK - I was thinking they were like parts of Europe (using PAL).

I wonder if feature #7 can be turned off:

7. High picture quality treble quality technology of prejudice

:D :D :D

3 new Sony Media Recorders
Sony has announced 3 new HDD and DVD Media Recorders today: the RDZ-D97A (400GB), the 77A (250GB) and the 87 (250GB). The 97A and 77A have a digital and analog TV tuner that allow you to record 3 shows simultaneously (1 digital and 2 analog). you can also connect your PSP to these Media Recorders and record straight onto the gaming console. The 3 models are DLNA compliant so you can connect these babies to your local network and share videos and pictures on other products.

Great, I just bought a HDD250 last night and it's already outdated! :eek:

3 new Sony Media Recorders
Sony has announced 3 new HDD and DVD Media Recorders today: the RDZ-D97A (400GB), the 77A (250GB) and the 87 (250GB). The 97A and 77A have a digital and analog TV tuner that allow you to record 3 shows simultaneously (1 digital and 2 analog). you can also connect your PSP to these Media Recorders and record straight onto the gaming console. The 3 models are DLNA compliant so you can connect these babies to your local network and share videos and pictures on other products.

I won't hold my breath on these, nor will I consider my HDD250 outdated (not yet at least). According to the www.engadget.com website (and others) news release "Sony just announced three new HDD/DVD recorder additions to their RDZ series. ... Expect these to drop for an as of yet unannounced price on May 19 in Japan." Now I don't know all of what is marketed where, but I've not seen the RDZ series in the USA. (& you won't find one on e-bay!!!). As such, I don't see these units as something I'll be putting on my "must buy" list anytime soon. Besides, what is the use of an analog tuner? My VCR has one of those! There are plenty of DVD burners with a built-in HD (& analog tuner) available on the market now; maybe not with all the bells and whistles, granted. Considering the forthcoming elimination of analog signals for TV in the USA, why would I want to purchase anything that includes multiple tuners, when all of the tuners are not digital?

Plus, with the "the can is bundled did the operation guide" easily with the illustration entering. In labor assistant, you can use conveniently.", per the babelfish link (thanks for that), and considering I don't speak a character of Japanese, I think that I'd have a really difficult time with the TVGOS!!!!

Does the cablecard issue that requires the firmware fix apply to all cable systems or is it specific to certain cable companies?

If you are referring to the 161-6 error, it seems to be confined to SA cards. I'm not sure if the particular cableco plays a part. The fix is not a FW upgrade, but an "electrical fix".

Or do you mean the Motorola card firmware upgrade that is supposed to fix the premium tier multiple program recording issue?

If you are referring to the 161-6 error, it seems to be confined to SA cards. I'm not sure if the particular cableco plays a part. The fix is not a FW upgrade, but an "electrical fix".

Or do you mean the Motorola card firmware upgrade that is supposed to fix the premium tier multiple program recording issue?

Let's be clear about this: some SA cards. I have had an SA card installed in my 500 since June 2005 and have never had the 161-6 error problem.

I purchased a Sony, got the Cablecard, called the TimeWarner, it was activated, turned it off, and waited for one o'clock in the morning. The chanels would play, but I was not able to get TV Guide, or MENU, INFO, FAVORVITES, or REC LIST. I assumed to would come on when the TV Guide is turned on.

This morning, NOTHING!!! No TV Guide or anything else. Am I missing something? HELP!!!

How long did you leave the unit off? Did the clock get set? Guide won't download while unit is on. I suggest you read the owners manual to get answers to most of your questions. Instead of reading the one that came with your recorder, download the more accurate version from the Sony web site.

You will find lots more help here:

http://www.spiffspace.com/sonydvr.html

Set my Hdd250 up last night via UHF antenna. Noticed this morning the clock was on the correct time. I guess I'll find out tonight if the TV Guide is set up.

Newbie Question -

What's the deal with these recorders? I have a Sony 40" LCD w/ cable card, and I would like a glorified VCR, with some Tivo functionality - pause live TV, skip commercials, TV guide.

Are they being discountinued, still ok? Thanks!!

Newbie Question -

What's the deal with these recorders? I have a Sony 40" LCD w/ cable card, and I would like a glorified VCR, with some Tivo functionality - pause live TV, skip commercials, TV guide.

Are they being discountinued, still ok? Thanks!!

I just bought one of these, last one in my area. I needed a Tivo type unit that recorded HD from both Cable and OTA.

Recorded part of "24" last night in HD, 5.1 OTA. Recording looked just as good the original. Tonight I'll tackle the TV Guide.

I see there are issues with CableCards and the TVGOS, can on use an OTA channel for TVGOS and cablecard for everything else - probably not?

3 new Sony Media Recorders
Sony has announced 3 new HDD and DVD Media Recorders today: the RDZ-D97A (400GB), the 77A (250GB) and the 87 (250GB). The 97A and 77A have a digital and analog TV tuner that allow you to record 3 shows simultaneously (1 digital and 2 analog). you can also connect your PSP to these Media Recorders and record straight onto the gaming console. The 3 models are DLNA compliant so you can connect these babies to your local network and share videos and pictures on other products.

An expensive doorstop...

These are only sold in Japan and replace similar models that have been available there for a while. They would have extremely limited functioanlity if imported and used in the US. As far as analog tuning goes they are on the NTSC system but there are some differences that may cause some headaches. As far as digital tuning goes forget about it. It won't work at all. They use a Broadcast Satellite (BS) system unique to Japan as well as the Hi-Vision format for HD content.

Pictures (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20060410/sony.htm)

I do believe we will see a single replacement for the DHG-HDD250/500 models with a 400GB HDD and PSP support but otherwise quite different these Japanese models.

An expensive doorstop...

These are only sold in Japan and replace similar models that have been available there for a while. They would have extremely limited functioanlity if imported and used in the US. As far as analog tuning goes they are on the NTSC system but there are some differences that may cause some headaches. As far as digital tuning goes forget about it. It won't work at all. They use a Broadcast Satellite (BS) system unique to Japan as well as the Hi-Vision format for HD content.

Pictures (http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20060410/sony.htm)

I do believe we will see a single replacement for the DHG-HDD250/500 models with a 400GB HDD and PSP support but otherwise quite different these Japanese models.
i agree.

Sony may include streaming over home network via ethernet.

I see there are issues with CableCards and the TVGOS, can on use an OTA channel for TVGOS and cablecard for everything else - probably not?

There's plenty of info about these DVRs here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711

It includes all the inevitible questions like: how to plug one in, how to attach an antenna, how to set it up, how to open the manual that comes with the unit, and many more.

Andrew

PS. Am I the only one tired of people who don't even try to pretend to fake making an effort?

Sorry for the inconvenience, I was simply trying to make an informed purchase decision, before wading through 170 some odd pages of dialog. Felt that someone could simply say "no major issues with your existing setup"

Am I the only one tired of people who don't even try to pretend to fake making an effort?

No.

Everyone is a newbie at some point, and no one can be expected to read 170 pages of this thread, but even a 15 minute cursory look at previous posts would give someone a basic idea of what's happening with the Sony DVR's.

I guess, though, that the activity here is the result of the need for HD DVR's becoming more mainstream. This should bode well for something new and improved down the road.

I think the lesson here is that any 172 page thread should have an updatable "summary" as message #1.

Not that I know how the admins can actually do that with the existing forum software.

[edit] Oops, I see #1 is by a mod and updatable. Guess all it takes is a volunteer to flesh it out.

I think the lesson here is that any 172 page thread should have an updatable "summary" as message #1.

Not that I know how the admins can actually do that with the existing forum software.

[edit] Oops, I see #1 is by a mod and updatable. Guess all it takes is a volunteer to flesh it out.

On a somewhat related note, is there a way to save in your favorites a way to go directly to the first unread post in this thread?

If you are referring to the 161-6 error, it seems to be confined to SA cards. I'm not sure if the particular cableco plays a part. The fix is not a FW upgrade, but an "electrical fix".

Or do you mean the Motorola card firmware upgrade that is supposed to fix the premium tier multiple program recording issue?


I am not sure, because I am getting my HDD250 later this week and having Cox cable install the cable card next thursday. Just checking what issues that I "may" have and how to fix it if it occurs.

Sorry for the inconvenience, I was simply trying to make an informed purchase decision, before wading through 170 some odd pages of dialog. Felt that someone could simply say "no major issues with your existing setup"

Last night I set up my Hdd250 on antenna only. It appears that TV Guide only downloaded OTA listings. Tonight I set up cable, I'll let you know the results tomorrow.

neverminf FYI, from page one


2.1.2 I (finally) got TVGOS listings but I only have days 1,2,8. Is something wrong?

No, this is how the TV Guide On Screen system works. You will receive the same 1,2,8 listings every night. The unit shifts the data every day and that is how the list is populated:

First DL: 1,2,8
Next DL: Day 2 moves to Day 1, a new Day 2 is downloaded, Day 8 moves to Day 7, a new Day 8 is downloaded.

This progression continues until the list is populated and thereafter.

Like this:

1 2 8
1 2 7 8
1 2 6 7 8
1 2 5 6 7 8
1 2 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The reason for this is to reduce the amount of data sent, while still allowing program changes with 24 hours notice.


thanks for all of the help markrubin

Sorry for the inconvenience, I was simply trying to make an informed purchase decision, before wading through 170 some odd pages of dialog. Felt that someone could simply say "no major issues with your existing setup"
I'm only using OTA (no cablecard) and I have no issues so far.

HD picture is great and recorded image looks as good as live.

Only disadvantage is that TV Guide navigation is kinda slow. But bearable. And it will take awhile (~1 week or so) to populate all the listings fully, so be patient.

I contacted Orlando's PBS channel, WMFE 24 about getting Gemstar to add their digital channels to the TVGos and here is the response I received:

Hi Brent,

Thanks for your note to WMFE. We're sorry to say that we don't have a good contact at Gemstar, and in this case a request from a user is more likely to result in action anyway. So we'd suggest you get in touch with them to request the change. Our listings are provided to the Tribune Company and to TV Guide, both of which might be the company that Gemstar is using to do their guide.

If you have any luck with them, we'd be happy to speak with their representative to get things going.

Thanks!

Mike Crane
VP for Programming

Does anyone know how the relationship between Sony, Gemstar and the pbs channels work ? I assume Sony pays Gemstar for the guide software and then Gemstar in turns leases space on each pbs channel's transport stream and when the pbs channel is received over cable tv the MSO is not involved.

Thanks for your response. I tried reordering again the next day, and it worked. I wonder if you can't turn off channels and reorder the same day? Reordering channels seems to be working now, but I unplugged the unit due to a FL thunder storm that came in during the night and all the listings have disappered today. I bought a surge protector with a warranty for the equipment to avoid having to do this in the future, but I had not hooked it up yet & didn't want anything fried from lightening...this has happened before. I hope I don't have to reorder things again tomorrow when it repopulates...

Thanks also to JTBELL for responding to my question about the WMFE digital channels not being in the TVGos. I've email WMFE about contacting Gemstar to get their digital channels added to the TVGos. We'll see what they say...

Interesting, but I had not turned off or on any of the channels. I just happened to notice that the channels were not in the order I had previously specified. I have not tried again, and won't be home until this weekend to try again. I hope it works then.

Mark

You may want to check your recording list before Lost comes on tonight. They scheduled the time again for 9pm - 10:05pm. On both of my DVR's the Evidence was still showing in the recording list as scheduled from 10pm - 11pm (with a conflict) even though the time had changed in the listings to 10:05pm - 11pm.

Another thing that I noticed is that if I searched by the letter E (first letter of the show title) I see two episodes tonight for The Evidence:

10pm - 11pm
and
10:05pm - 11pm

So it seems there is some issue with the guide data which caused the show not to adjust to the proper time in the recording list. I see this same issue on both of my DVR's. Very unusual to have duplicate show data for the same day at overlapping times....

So if you watch The Evidence after Lost, you may want to check your recording list or it may not record.

Does anyone know how the relationship between Sony, Gemstar and the pbs channel works ? I assume Sony pays Gemstar for the guide software and then Gemstar in turns leases space on each pbs channel's transport stream and when the pbs channel is received over cable tv the MSO has is not involved.

That sounds about right, although the exact workings of the deals between the parties seem to be cloaked in mystery. The "only" things the cable company has to do is make sure their equipment is up to date and does not strip or destroy the VBI data at any point along their transmission path, and to maintain (for now) an analog host channel in their otherwise all digital packages.

We always talk about our "free" Gemstar guide, but you know we must be paying for it in the price of the equipment. And who can say that part of our increasing cable bills don't indirectly cover what they need to deal with regarding Gemstar?

Who is paying whom and how much? I'm sure I don't know.

[QUOTE=andydrewSo it seems there is some issue with the guide data which caused the show not to adjust to the proper time in the recording list. I see this same issue on both of my DVR's. Very unusual to have duplicate show data for the same day at overlapping times....

So if you watch The Evidence after Lost, you may want to check your recording list or it may not record.[/QUOTE]

This happened to me the last time they did this. I had to delete both shows and reschedule them. There was a conflict even though the proper 1:05 and 0:55 times were in the guide.

This time the schedule is correct without intervention from me. Makes no sense, but there it is.

Stupid question, tonight is my first recording. do you leave the unit on or off? Does it ever matter if it's on or off?

Stupid question, tonight is my first recording. do you leave the unit on or off? Does it ever matter if it's on or off?

It records regardless of whether it is on or "off". It is never really "off" - it goes into standby mode when you push the power button.

(with a conflict)
How does the unit handle conflicts? If you have a show recording from 900-1005, and one from 1000-1100, does it pick up the 2nd show at 1005 and record the rest of it?

Thanks.

When you try to schedule a recording that overlaps one that is already scheduled, the unit informs you of the conflict and asks you if you want to (a) schedule the new recording anyway, which will override the other one (it won't get recorded at all), or (b) cancel the new recording, leaving the other one in place.

If the overridden recording is a "weekly" or "regular" recording, I think it picks up again with the next scheduled broadcast of that show, as appropriate.

tonight is my first recording. do you leave the unit on or off? Does it ever matter if it's on or off?

The recording proceeds regardless of whether the unit is on or off. If the unit is on, but tuned to a different channel, then two minutes before the recording starts, a box pops up on the screen and asks if you really want to change the channel for the recording, or cancel the recording. If you don't answer, the unit assumes you want to make the recording. Unless you cancel the recording, the channel changes automatically at the appointed time.

If you watch The Evidence after Lost, you may want to check your recording list or it may not record.

Evidence and Lost are both on the same channel, so it won't matter.

Wolfie

Have had my HDD500 (with cable card) hooked up for a week or so now, and the TVGOS is working fine. Some programs fail to record (most often on HDnet), and when I look into recording history they are tagged as "recording not permitted by provider". Is that a sign that the "flags" are being set by the cable company? Darn, I just returned my cable co. DVR, which would record everything, so wondering if that is their way of forcing you to use their box.

Have had my HDD500 (with cable card) hooked up for a week or so now, and the TVGOS is working fine. Some programs fail to record (most often on HDnet), and when I look into recording history they are tagged as "recording not permitted by provider". Is that a sign that the "flags" are being set by the cable company? Darn, I just returned my cable co. DVR, which would record everything, so wondering if that is their way of forcing you to use their box.

Ya got it, Ace.

Only way I can get guide to download to my two recorders is by changing the zip code. But onlly get one download and nothing more unless I change zip again. After I do that change, I also have to edit out all the unwanted channels - probably more than 100!

I have both cable and ota, and receive guide on OTA 28 with S/N of 55.

Only good thing about not having guide is that I was out of town for 12 days, and returned to see all of my many manually set recordings listed.

How does the unit handle conflicts? If you have a show recording from 900-1005, and one from 1000-1100, does it pick up the 2nd show at 1005 and record the rest of it?

Thanks.

In the case of Lost and The Evidence this week, The Evidence was automatically turned off (will not record) when the Lost time changed to end at 10:05pm. In my case the time on The Evidence in the recording list did not update and still said start at 10pm. Since this was then a confict, the DVR automatically turned off the recording of The Evidence so if I did not notice it and reschedule the recoding, I would have missed The Evidence.

Evidence and Lost are both on the same channel, so it won't matter.

Wolfie

Not the case in my situation. The Evidence was marked off when the time changed on Lost. Had to delete it and reschedule it.

Only way I can get guide to download to my two recorders is by changing the zip code. But onlly get one download and nothing more unless I change zip again. After I do that change, I also have to edit out all the unwanted channels - probably more than 100!

I have both cable and ota, and receive guide on OTA 28 with S/N of 55.

Only good thing about not having guide is that I was out of town for 12 days, and returned to see all of my many manually set recordings listed.

I have noticed the S/N ratio of 55 on all analog channels (even channels that look horrible). So I don't think the S/N on analog channels is of any value.

In the case of Lost and The Evidence this week, The Evidence was automatically turned off (will not record) when the Lost time changed to end at 10:05pm. In my case the time on The Evidence in the recording list did not update and still said start at 10pm. Since this was then a confict, the DVR automatically turned off the recording of The Evidence so if I did not notice it and reschedule the recoding, I would have missed The Evidence.

I recorded both Lost and Evidence last week with no problems; both were set to weekly scheduled events. This Monday, I verified that both Lost and Evidence were set to record, and they were. I checked again on Tuesday, and both had the record icon in place. Last night, I checked 10 minutes before Lost was to start, and Lost was NOT set up to record, but Evidence was. I turned Lost back on. (Almost 'lost' it, though.) The same thing happened to The Unit last week, and unfortunately with that one, I didn't catch the problem until the next day. The reliability of these players seems problematic. Not at all like ReplayTV units.

Have had my HDD500 (with cable card) hooked up for a week or so now, and the TVGOS is working fine. Some programs fail to record (most often on HDnet), and when I look into recording history they are tagged as "recording not permitted by provider". Is that a sign that the "flags" are being set by the cable company? Darn, I just returned my cable co. DVR, which would record everything, so wondering if that is their way of forcing you to use their box.

Maybe, but maybe not. Who is your cable provider and what brand of card do you have?

If it is a Motorola card v. 4.05, this could be the problem. Many of us are waiting for the rollout of FW v. 4.21, which reportedly solves the problem.

If your provider IS using flags on premium channels, the way I understand it is that they would be set at worst to "copy no more", meaning you can record to a DVR, but would be unable to offload it at full resolution (which is a moot point on the Sony anyway). An exception might be PPV programs, which would be set to "copy never".

Ya got it, Ace.

Not very helpful, and maybe misleading. See my reply to tustinfarm.

Maybe, but maybe not. Who is your cable provider and what brand of card do you have?

If it is a Motorola card v. 4.05, this could be the problem. Many of us are waiting for the rollout of FW v. 4.21, which reportedly solves the problem.

If your provider IS using flags on premium channels, the way I understand it is that they would be set at worst to "copy no more", meaning you can record to a DVR, but would be unable to offload it at full resolution (which is a moot point on the Sony anyway). An exception might be PPV programs, which would be set to "copy never".

thanks for the info. PhillyC, Charter is my carrier, and will have to check cable card brand when I get home tonight. It certainly doesn't seem that the flags would be able prevent all recording for certain shows, while the Charter DVR would be able to ignore any flags. Maybe this is just temporary glitch until the full 8 days of listings have been populated. I have to hang on to some hope!

Not the case in my situation. The Evidence was marked off when the time changed on Lost. Had to delete it and reschedule it.

Ya ever thought of movin' to the states, dude?

Wolfie

thanks for the info. PhillyC, Charter is my carrier, and will have to check cable card brand when I get home tonight.

The way the problem shows up with Comcast/Moto is that you can usually record a single program on a premium channel. But attempting to record the next program on that or another premium channel will fail with the "not permitted" message. Sometimes it will fail even several hours later. Switching channels or powering off does not seem to help consistently. After a while, you can again record successfully.

If this is not what you are seeing, it could be that Charter is inadvertently doing something wrong. You will have to call them and have fun trying to find someone who understands the problem. Be patient, don't give up, and these troubles usually get solved.

Let us know what brand of card you have. Use the Sony menus to find the CableCARD status screen. It will show the manufacturer and firmware version. (Don't pull the card out because that might reset your guide.)

I've had my 250 for about a week and it's working fine. I trouble with the Guide at first but it was my fault, I only set up the "antenna" Guide, did a reset and I now receive all of the listings.

HD recording is awesome.

Only way I can get guide to download to my two recorders is by changing the zip code. But onlly get one download and nothing more unless I change zip again.


I had the same problem and a quick fix was to tune the recorder to the "Guide channel" before power-off. The guide filled in quickly overnight. Did that four nights and everything is now working properly.

JLOB

If any of you were watching, the news reports today that a federal jury decided that EchoStar Communication Corp. copied key technologies from the digital video recording pioneer Tivo and awarded Tivo nearly $74 million.

The jury decided that the parent of the Dish satellite network had infringed nine sections of TiVo's patent on technology for digital video recorders that let viewers pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV shows.

I wonder if/how this may impact on Sony's next DVR....... hhhmmmm......

Ya ever thought of movin' to the states, dude?

Wolfie

It's off topic for this thread but I recently moved OUT of the states. Very happy here in Mexico.

If any of you were watching, the news reports today that a federal jury decided that EchoStar Communication Corp. copied key technologies from the digital video recording pioneer Tivo and awarded Tivo nearly $74 million.

The jury decided that the parent of the Dish satellite network had infringed nine sections of TiVo's patent on technology for digital video recorders that let viewers pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV shows.

I wonder if/how this may impact on Sony's next DVR....... hhhmmmm......

To my knowledge, all DVRs include TIVO like features so perhaps TIVO will eventually sue all manufacturers of these devices. On the other hand, TIVO may lose on appeal.

To my knowledge, all DVRs include TIVO like features so perhaps TIVO will eventually sue all manufacturers of these devices. On the other hand, TIVO may lose on appeal.
Probably not, but they will try to enforce the results of this suit on other companies to make them pay liscencing fees, and if they refuse, then TiVo may take them to court as well, but it's likely they will pay up, especially after this decision. This probably means all TV subscribers who use a DVR provided by their service provider will see dramatic increases in fees and rates in the near future.

Just recently got a 250 from BB...

Is there any way to lock the Format to one of the fixed formats (e.g. 720p)? My box always reverts to HDMI Auto if it has been off. Of course, I have to turn it off to get the EPG data.

Thanks...

Just recently got a 250 from BB...

Is there any way to lock the Format to one of the fixed formats (e.g. 720p)? My box always reverts to HDMI Auto if it has been off. Of course, I have to turn it off to get the EPG data.

Thanks...Not sure....I have two and they always stay where I set them.

Is there any way to lock the Format to one of the fixed formats (e.g. 720p)? My box always reverts to HDMI Auto if it has been off.

This often happens when using an HDMI>DVI adapter, and I think sometimes with just HDMI. Sony says this is a "feature", not a problem.

I switched to component to resolve the problem (and as a bonus get a much better picture with proper black levels on my plasma).

Have had my HDD500 (with cable card) hooked up for a week or so now, and the TVGOS is working fine. Some programs fail to record (most often on HDnet), and when I look into recording history they are tagged as "recording not permitted by provider". Is that a sign that the "flags" are being set by the cable company? Darn, I just returned my cable co. DVR, which would record everything, so wondering if that is their way of forcing you to use their box.
Tustinfarm
I have had this issue once or twice and what I did was a soft reboot and I really have not had any further issues with it. I have cox cable and a moto cable card. I can't speak for any other cable companys but I did find out if you have this problem with cox it does not do any good to talk to them since they told me quite frankly since I do not use there equipment they can't help me with any issues. But Thanks to all the good folks here on the forum you will receive a lot of good help. I would like to say one thing that is not said enough on any of the forums I have read is other than a issue or two with the tvgos this is one nice machine. I enjoy it as much as I do the 60" sxrd I purchase awhile back. Every thing I have recorded in hd is just like watching it live. I hope you get this resolved and enjoy
the dvr
rlh149

Sometime in the last day or two the guide turned off several Comcast Chicago cable HD channels:

CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, WFLD, ESPNHD, HBOHD

I found them near the bottom of the channel setup list. All had blank channel numbers. ESPN and HBO were changed to Air. Duh!

The rest of my arrangement of about 100 channels remained in perfect order. So I only had to turn on and move the missing channels back into place. Scheduled recordings remained intact, but of course they would have failed with no channel numbers.

Just another goofy TVGOS glitch. No wonder they don't want to talk to customers.

This often happens when using an HDMI>DVI adapter, and I think sometimes with just HDMI. Sony says this is a "feature", not a problem.

I switched to component to resolve the problem (and as a bonus get a much better picture with proper black levels on my plasma).

My setup is HDMI/HDMI but it may be a handshake issue. I guess I will have to switch to component also for WAF reasons.

Thanks for the reply...

Tustinfarm
I have had this issue once or twice and what I did was a soft reboot and I really have not had any further issues with it. I have cox cable and a moto cable card. I can't speak for any other cable companys but I did find out if you have this problem with cox it does not do any good to talk to them since they told me quite frankly since I do not use there equipment they can't help me with any issues. But Thanks to all the good folks here on the forum you will receive a lot of good help. I would like to say one thing that is not said enough on any of the forums I have read is other than a issue or two with the tvgos this is one nice machine. I enjoy it as much as I do the 60" sxrd I purchase awhile back. Every thing I have recorded in hd is just like watching it live. I hope you get this resolved and enjoy
the dvr
rlh149

I checked and I have the Motorola card version 4.05. So far looks like only shows oin HDNet or HDNet movies are the "recording not permitted" issues, and I would say its about a 50/50 ratio of recording ability. I will try a soft reboot (will have to locate instructions somewhere in this thread).

Overall I am pretty happy with it , especially now that I am no longer paying Charter $15/month for their DVR, and with so much higher storage capacity for HD content.

Sometime in the last day or two the guide turned off several Comcast Chicago cable HD channels:

CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, WFLD, ESPNHD, HBOHD

I found them near the bottom of the channel setup list. All had blank channel numbers. ESPN and HBO were changed to Air. Duh!

The rest of my arrangement of about 100 channels remained in perfect order. So I only had to turn on and move the missing channels back into place. Scheduled recordings remained intact, but of course they would have failed with no channel numbers.

Just another goofy TVGOS glitch. No wonder they don't want to talk to customers.

On mine everything was fine except CBS which was in the correct place but said "Turned Off" in the listings. Weird.

Hello,
I just got a 500 last night, set it up and waited patiently for the TVGOS programs to download, but I'm disappointed not to see programs for the local San Francisco PBS/KQED DTV channels.
I'm getting programs for analog KQED (9) and some other DTVs ok, but KQED DTV channels like HD (9.1), Encore (9.2) and World (9.3) show as "AIR" in the TV Guide... :(
"No show title or description is available"
It sucks greatly as I don't have good OTA reception for analog channels and was counting on those DTV programs!
Is it too early and they will eventually come up?
Or did I not setup my DVR correctly?
Or are PBS DTV programs not available through TVGOS???
Please help!

I'm getting programs for analog KQED (9) and some other DTVs ok, but KQED DTV channels like HD (9.1), Encore (9.2) and World (9.3) show as "AIR" in the TV Guide... :(

This is a common problem. In many (perhaps most) locations, TVGOS does not show digital subchannels, even if they have meaningful content. Heck, they don't even show the primary digital channels for several stations that I can receive, but at least I can re-map their analog listings to the digital channel number.

I've been in contact with South Carolina ETV about this, and I've been given two estimates of when their subchannels will show up in TVGOS, but both of those time frames have passed. From my correspondence, I have the impression that TVGOS is planning to add a lot of digital channels that are currently missing, but their schedule seems to keep slipping.

Hello,
I just got a 500 last night, set it up and waited patiently for the TVGOS programs to download, but I'm disappointed not to see programs for the local San Francisco PBS/KQED DTV channels.
I'm getting programs for analog KQED (9) and some other DTVs ok, but KQED DTV channels like HD (9.1), Encore (9.2) and World (9.3) show as "AIR" in the TV Guide... :(
"No show title or description is available"
It sucks greatly as I don't have good OTA reception for analog channels and was counting on those DTV programs!
Is it too early and they will eventually come up?
Or did I not setup my DVR correctly?
Or are PBS DTV programs not available through TVGOS???
Please help!

I'm puzzled...I get all the program info for the KQED channels, but I get the TV Guide info OTA (like I get the channels)...do you have a cable hookup instead? You didn't say, and I have no experience with cable, but I can't believe the TV Guide info for KQED digital isn't available for cable, too!

wait wait...does your unit TUNE to the digital channels after you've done a scan? secondly, my TV Guide has the digital channels listed by things like KQEDW, KQEDE, etc, and yours should, too...when I first got the guide download (which takes all night, and the unit has to be in standby mode), these channels showed up as "no listings"...but my unit WAS able to TUNE to these channels, so I manually assigned the tuned channels, 9.1, etc, to the TV Guide stations, KQEDW, etc, and over the next night it downloaded the correct listings into the TV Guide....

Hello,
I just got a 500 last night, set it up and waited patiently for the TVGOS programs to download, but I'm disappointed not to see programs for the local San Francisco PBS/KQED DTV channels.
I'm getting programs for analog KQED (9) and some other DTVs ok, but KQED DTV channels like HD (9.1), Encore (9.2) and World (9.3) show as "AIR" in the TV Guide... :(
"No show title or description is available"
It sucks greatly as I don't have good OTA reception for analog channels and was counting on those DTV programs!
Is it too early and they will eventually come up?
Or did I not setup my DVR correctly?
Or are PBS DTV programs not available through TVGOS???
Please help!

I get listings for all 5 KQED channels in san jose. You also have to remember to do the initial channel scan at a time when they are all broadcasting. You can use an online guide like Titan or Zap2it to check.

also you have to remember that KQED 9 is most likely your host channel.

Hello,
I just got a 500 last night, set it up and waited patiently for the TVGOS programs to download, but I'm disappointed not to see programs for the local San Francisco PBS/KQED DTV channels.
I'm getting programs for analog KQED (9) and some other DTVs ok, but KQED DTV channels like HD (9.1), Encore (9.2) and World (9.3) show as "AIR" in the TV Guide... :(
"No show title or description is available"
It sucks greatly as I don't have good OTA reception for analog channels and was counting on those DTV programs!
Is it too early and they will eventually come up?
Or did I not setup my DVR correctly?
Or are PBS DTV programs not available through TVGOS???
Please help!

If they are showing up as "Air" in the TV Guide channel editior you can try changing "Air" to "Cable" if it's not greyed out and then just assign them whatever channel number they are coming through your digital cable service as. This is assuming that you are receiving them through digital cable though. You may need to hunt for them as they would not likely show up as 9.1, 9.2, etc. in that case. Start at channel 2 and go through all the available channels by pressing the channel up button to see everything you are receiving.

My setup is HDMI/HDMI but it may be a handshake issue. I guess I will have to switch to component also for WAF reasons.

Thanks for the reply...


I think that you are correct in guessing that it is a handshake issue. If the Sony DVR turns on before the TV set is on, then it can't figure out what is out there on the other end of the HDMI and so it reverts to Auto-HDMI. On the other hand, if you turn on the TV first (and perhaps let it initialize a bit) and then turn on the Sony DVR it does remember what you've set it to. I use an automatic turn-on sequence with my remote (urc aeros) to first turn on my sammy dvp, wait two seconds, and then turn on the sony dvr. Now the dvr always shows up with the correct resolution setting, ie. 720p. The two second delay is just a number that works, I have not tried to optimize this delay in order to see how short I can make it. Try this and see if it works. BTW, I use the HDMI output with a DVI adapter for my sammy.

Tim

This is a common problem. In many (perhaps most) locations, TVGOS does not show digital subchannels, even if they have meaningful content. Heck, they don't even show the primary digital channels for several stations that I can receive, but at least I can re-map their analog listings to the digital channel number.


You mean use the analog channel programs for recording on the DTV channel? How do you do that?
Anyway, I don't think it'll work for our local PBS as the DTVs 9.x have a different schedule than the analog 9... :(

I'm puzzled...I get all the program info for the KQED channels, but I get the TV Guide info OTA (like I get the channels)...do you have a cable hookup instead? You didn't say, and I have no experience with cable, but I can't believe the TV Guide info for KQED digital isn't available for cable, too!
wait wait...does your unit TUNE to the digital channels after you've done a scan? secondly, my TV Guide has the digital channels listed by things like KQEDW, KQEDE, etc, and yours should, too...when I first got the guide download (which takes all night, and the unit has to be in standby mode), these channels showed up as "no listings"...but my unit WAS able to TUNE to these channels, so I manually assigned the tuned channels, 9.1, etc, to the TV Guide stations, KQEDW, etc, and over the next night it downloaded the correct listings into the TV Guide....

No, I don't have cable and my DVR scanned and did find KQED Encore (9.2), which broadcast 24/7, but I can't see the listings.
Based on your suggestions, I did find KQEDE, KQEDW, etc. in the channel editor though as "off" and no channel assigned. I manually set it to on with their respective channel #s and now I can see them in the listings with "no listings", so I guess I've to wait for the next download to see them now... I'll be patient and cross my fingers.
Thank you so much! :)

So why are stations like CBS/KPIX-DTV 5.1 auto mapping to listings but you have to do it manually for PBS/KQED? Just curious.

Not sure how to to just ask a question without doing a reply, so sorry if I did this wrong (new member if you check the date) What is the status of these units ? Is Sony still making them or is this just selling what they had left. I thought they stop making them last Dec. Also is it possible to totally sent one of these up manually ? I wondering if when the station that sends out the guide goes digital, can the sony still pick it up or is the unit now totally useless because you can't set the time. I downloaded the operations guide for it and it shows how to setup manual recording, but not how to manually set the time. Thanks for any help.

No, I don't have cable and my DVR scanned and did find KQED Encore (9.2), which broadcast 24/7, but I can't see the listings.
Based on your suggestions, I did find KQEDE, KQEDW, etc. in the channel editor though as "off" and no channel assigned. I manually set it to on with their respective channel #s and now I can see them in the listings with "no listings", so I guess I've to wait for the next download to see them now... I'll be patient and cross my fingers.
Thank you so much! :)

So why are stations like CBS/KPIX-DTV 5.1 auto mapping to listings but you have to do it manually for PBS/KQED? Just curious.

By the way, 9.1 doesn't broadcast during the day, so I had to scan in the evening to get it...and you have to do a full scan, because - if you have one or more of the KQED channels - doing a partial scan won't make it look for OTHER KQED channels....

I don't know why it didn't map 9's digital channels to the TVGOS channels automatically, but when I noticed they were in the GUIDE, but with no channel assignments or listings, I did the manual assignment, and had the listings the next day...

Is Sony still making them or is this just selling what they had left.

Sony has discontinued them. They disappeared from Sony's USA Web site last November, if I remember correctly. A few are still in retail channels. Sony is still servicing them.

Also is it possible to totally sent one of these up manually?

As you've found out the big hitch here is with the clock. You can't set the clock manually, and in order for the unit to set the clock automatically, it has to receive TVGOS data. Without TVGOS data, the clock starts at some default time and date when you initialize the unit. I suppose you could record completely manually by hitting the record button and accepting whatever starting time it gives you, and setting a stopping time one hour (or whatever you want) after that. And after you've found out the clock's offset from real time, you could in principle calculate starting and stopping times for programming recordings in advance. But that would be very inconvenient, to say the least.

Nobody outside Sony knows what's going to happen with these units after analog shutdown. TVGOS is working on a method for delivering data via ATSC. Sony will probably have to provide a firmware upgrade for these units to take advantage of it. Whether they will actually do this for a 2-3 year discontinued model, is the big question. I hope they will (I'll have a couple of boat anchors otherwise), but I wouldn't be surprised if we had to pay for it because the units will be long out of warranty by then.

You mean use the analog channel programs for recording on the DTV channel? How do you do that?

In the program guide, go to the "Setup" section in the top navigation bar, then select "Edit channel display" or something like that. You'll see a list of all the channels that TVGOS knows about for your area, both OTA and cable. Select the channel you want to re-map, and you'll get a menu on the left that includes a space where you can replace the current channel number by entering a new one. For example, I changed channel 13 to 13-1 because my TVGOS doesn't know about the digital version of that station yet, and I don't watch analog 13 any more anyway.

Of course, in order for this to work, the program listings have to match, at least for shows that you watch or record.

You can get creative with this, in a pinch. For example, my TVGOS doesn't include Columbia SC, but I can receive stations from there. So I re-mapped the corresponding network stations for other cities that are listed, but I don't actually receive. This works OK for network programming, but not so well for local or syndicated material. If I want to record "Jeopardy!" from the Columbia station that carries it, I have to pretend I'm recording "Entertainment Tonight." :p

Another example is South Carolina ETV's HD subchannel, which my TVGOS omits. I do have listings for a PBS HD channel in Charlotte that I can't receive, and whose listings partially match SCETV's. So if something comes up on SCETV HD that I want to record, there's sometimes a matching program in the Charlotte listing that I can use for recording.

All,

Does anyone in Los Angeles on Adelphia having any problem with TVGOS? My guide stopped working more than a month ago and I have tried hard/soft-reset, clean-slate setup, reformat, etc. to no avail. This HD500 is not very useful without the guide...

Anyone has any suggestion I should try? The host channels locks itself to 1:0:6 (PBS on cable) which may be the source of the problem. In the past, when it was on 0:0:28 (PBS OTA) everything worked great. I tried to trick it to stay on OTA (full-reset/format and unhook cable line for a few days) but it flipped eventually after a few days and that's when the guide stopped.

--Ron

As you've found out the big hitch here is with the clock. You can't set the clock manually, and in order for the unit to set the clock automatically, it has to receive TVGOS data.

The automatic clock setting may be independent of TVGOS. Many devices receive time setting from one or more TV channels, including my Toshiba VCR. Here in Los Angeles, the version of TVGOS used in the Sony DVR is broadcast on OTA channel 28, but the clock is set by channel 11.

You may be right, since they've had that feature available for years and it's almost always sent through the local PBS station. I'm sure they still send it out separately, since so many other NTSC recording devices are dependent on it. I'd imagine that the TVGOS info has it incorporated into the guide data otherwise, too. If you can pick up the carrying station just enough (it usually doesn't have to be perfectly clean - just steady) with an indoor antenna, you could maybe get the time to set. You wouldn't have to leave the antenna hooked up after that, but should the unit lose the time for any reason, you'd have to re-hook it back up (really best to just leave it on).

Here is a new problem I am encountering. My HDD500 won't read in a particular digital channel in which I know I have a fairly strong reception. It is a new channel that I'm picking up now that I've upgraded my antenna. And I get it with a strong signal with my other receiver but the Sony doesn't add it when I do the add-on scan (though I did pick up several other new digital channels). I was thinking of starting from scratch and doing a completely new scan but that risks losing existing channels that I've scanned. Any suggestions?

[QUOTE=PhillyC]Sometime in the last day or two the guide turned off several Comcast Chicago cable HD channels:

I came home from a trip and found my local CBS digital channel had been turned off in the guide. All I had to do was turn it back on and move it back to where I had it. Strange........

Here is a new problem I am encountering. My HDD500 won't read in a particular digital channel in which I know I have a fairly strong reception. It is a new channel that I'm picking up now that I've upgraded my antenna. And I get it with a strong signal with my other receiver but the Sony doesn't add it when I do the add-on scan (though I did pick up several other new digital channels). I was thinking of starting from scratch and doing a completely new scan but that risks losing existing channels that I've scanned. Any suggestions?

I think you do have to do a complete re-scan. The auto add is flakey on these units.

Nobody outside Sony knows what's going to happen with these units after analog shutdown. TVGOS is working on a method for delivering data via ATSC. Sony will probably have to provide a firmware upgrade for these units to take advantage of it. Whether they will actually do this for a 2-3 year discontinued model, is the big question. I hope they will (I'll have a couple of boat anchors otherwise), but I wouldn't be surprised if we had to pay for it because the units will be long out of warranty by then.
With todays technology, I don't see why the signal can't be sent out over a digital channel vs. an analog channel? Are you saying that this can be done, but the firmware needs to be updated to support it? They could upgrade that with a thumb drive inserted into the USB port on the back.

Anyone know where to buy the 250/500, if possible? I kick myself for not buying the demo at Tweeter for $249.

Anyone know where to buy the 250/500, if possible? I kick myself for not buying the demo at Tweeter for $249.

This Best Buy had a demo unit sitting on the self, I do not know what model it is.


Chesapeake Squar VA (Store 766)
4107 Portsmouth Blvd
Chesapeake, VA 23321-2125
Phone: 757-465-2306
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm

There are several on ebay

All,
Anyone has any suggestion I should try? The host channels locks itself to 1:0:6 (PBS on cable) which may be the source of the problem. In the past, when it was on 0:0:28 (PBS OTA) everything worked great. I tried to trick it to stay on OTA (full-reset/format and unhook cable line for a few days) but it flipped eventually after a few days and that's when the guide stopped.

--Ron

Turn off the cable channel in the Edit channel list and in TVGOS. Turn on the OTA channel. Then do a TV Guide reset in the 9012 menu (I think that's the reset I did.). Leave the cable channel off. Something similar worked for me.

I've had my unit for only a couple weeks now and am trying to figure out if it is defective.

The day after plugging it in and hooking it up to my antenna, I powered it on with the remote and the unit was basically locked up where it wouldn't respond to any other remote commands, nor the buttons on the front panel. Pulling the plug for a few seconds brought it back to life.

After setting it up for the second time, it selected the strongest PBS station for my host channel and the guide filled in nicely. It was working perfectly for nearly two weeks so I was starting to think my initial problem was just a one-time glitch and I was quickly falling in love with my DHG-HDD500.

Last night I was raving to my wife about how I thought this device was a miracle. I was cut off mid-sentence when I powered it on and the guide was completely gone. I had that initial screen saying there should be a guide in 24 hours. I was exploring the menus in an attempt to figure out what happened when it locked up again. I did the [Exit] – [TV Guide] reset to bring it back to life and my guide was basically back just like it was when I set it up except several channels showed "No Listing."

I checked my host channel and it was blank. I changed my zip-code to another local one in an attempt to get it to find the host channel again and powered it off. After turning it on the next morning, my guide setup was wiped out; just a bunch of channels that shouldn't be there.

I'll reset the guide later tonight from the 9012 screen since I have nothing to lose now, but I'm worried these lockups might indicate my unit is defective.

Has anyone else encountered the problem where the unit stops responding to the remote where it requires a reset?

My 500 locked up when I tried to delete a program while it was being recorded. It locked up on the final OK screen when you Delete. I had to do the reset with the buttons on the front. Welcome screen came on and went off, then dashes were displayed for the time, then a wrong time came up, and then the correct time popped up. Everything went back to normal pretty quickly with full guide listings. It immediately started recording a program I had already set up before. First glitch I have had. the hard drives are half full.

For those shopping, the Best Buys around here have plenty of the 250s for about half orig retail.

Here is a new problem I am encountering. My HDD500 won't read in a particular digital channel in which I know I have a fairly strong reception. It is a new channel that I'm picking up now that I've upgraded my antenna. And I get it with a strong signal with my other receiver but the Sony doesn't add it when I do the add-on scan (though I did pick up several other new digital channels). I was thinking of starting from scratch and doing a completely new scan but that risks losing existing channels that I've scanned. Any suggestions?
I have a similar problem, and I mentioned a couple of workarounds in a previous post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7267073&&#post7267073).

Not getting my guide anymore. Can't even get the clock to set.

I've tried the exit/guide reset. The 753159852 menu still shows host id 0x0 and a blank host channel. I've tried the VBI test which always fails (and does not set my clock). I've also tried (several times) reseting the unit to factory defaults. Lastly, I've tried these things with and without the cablecard installed. One other thing I've noticed is that when initially setting up my TV Guide, it used to ask me to choose from TW cable vs. TW digital cable. Now it does not ask me. Also, my TV Guide screen used to give me the "listings will be updated within 24 hours" message. Now it just says "there is no data for this screen".

I'm running out of things to try. I'm thinking either the (gemstar?) signal is not coming down (e.g. repairs/upgrades) or my DVR suddenly broke.

Thanks for any advice. HDD500 / Rochester, NY area btw.

I've had my 250 for 2 weeks and it's working great. The HD programs are awesome. I hope it stays that way :confused:

One thing to always check is your antenna/cable connections. I discovered the hard way that just a slightly loose connector can cause otherwise unexplainable glitches.

Turn off the cable channel in the Edit channel list and in TVGOS. Turn on the OTA channel. Then do a TV Guide reset in the 9012 menu (I think that's the reset I did.). Leave the cable channel off. Something similar worked for me.

Yeah, I have tried that too and it didn't do anything for me...
--Ron

The automatic clock setting may be independent of TVGOS. Many devices receive time setting from one or more TV channels, including my Toshiba VCR.

My Panasonic DVD/HDD recorder (DMR-E85H) does allow you to set the time using the off-air signal (maybe also completely manually, but I don't remember) without setting up TVGOS. There's a menu option for it. In fact, that's how I have mine set up now, because I don't use it for off-air recording any more, just for dubbing from the Sony. I do have an antenna cable plugged into it, just for the time signal.

The Sony doesn't have a menu option for setting the clock independently of TVGOS, and I don't remember anyone posting here indicating that they've been able to trick the unit into doing it.

Not getting my guide anymore. Can't even get the clock to set.

I've tried the exit/guide reset. The 753159852 menu still shows host id 0x0 and a blank host channel. I've tried the VBI test which always fails (and does not set my clock). I've also tried (several times) reseting the unit to factory defaults. Lastly, I've tried these things with and without the cablecard installed. One other thing I've noticed is that when initially setting up my TV Guide, it used to ask me to choose from TW cable vs. TW digital cable. Now it does not ask me. Also, my TV Guide screen used to give me the "listings will be updated within 24 hours" message. Now it just says "there is no data for this screen".

I'm running out of things to try. I'm thinking either the (gemstar?) signal is not coming down (e.g. repairs/upgrades) or my DVR suddenly broke.

Thanks for any advice. HDD500 / Rochester, NY area btw.



After a reset, you won't get the "Cable vs Digital Cable" choice until the clock has been set. (At least this is true in my experience. ) The "listings will be updated in..." message won't appear until after the "Cable vs Digital Cable" choice has been selected.

JLOB

After a reset, you won't get the "Cable vs Digital Cable" choice until the clock has been set. (At least this is true in my experience. ) The "listings will be updated in..." message won't appear until after the "Cable vs Digital Cable" choice has been selected.

JLOB

Thanks. That makes sense. I guess I just never noticed because the clock always came on quickly until now.

Turns out, there is a local problem with the Gemstar signal. I confirmed on a Rochester area messageboard that others were having the problem and I received a reply to an email I sent to the PBS channel (WXXI) saying there was a problem with a SW upgrade last week.

We spoke with PBS Datacast yesterday (Monday)... Gemstar is shiiping
new hardware... Apparently a software upgrade failed Thursday or
Friday and the unit crashed... BTW, Gemstar has a way to receive
off-air data from our site and detect failures. We have no test
equipment and our only obligations is to provide rack space and power
to the system. I suggest you contact Gemstar or your service
provider directly.

I guess it's good news that the problem isn't at my end but I'm a little concerned this won't be resolved quickly. PBS guy is quick to claim limited responsibility/obligations and I'm afraid there could be up to a week lost just with the equipment in transit and then however long it takes for them to get around to hooking it up. Meanwhile, I and any other HDD* owners have expensive paper weights. Sorry, not looking to whine but it is very frustrating. Could anyone provide a phone number and/or email address for Gemstar? I would like to contact them to ask for an estimate for when this will be resolved. In the meantime, any chance there's a way to find out what date/time my unit "thinks" it is, so I can at least record manually in half-assed fashion (convert real date/time to machine's faulty date/time and set accordingly). Right now, the best I can do is pause live tv then come back and watch 15-minutes to an hour later and at least be able to skip commercials. But I would like to at least be able to record afternoon baseball games while I'm at work. :mad:

Digging through old posts, I saw that someone posted 1-800-386-7380 as a potential number to call. Will try that tonight.....

i have not read anything regarding a problem i'm having yet so i'm thinking my unit might be defective...
currently, i'm using only OTA. i have set a recording for Prison Break and 24, which is back-to-back on FOX. when i start watching Prison Break around 7:30 (Central), i will continue on to the start of the 24 recording. i have noticed that the 24 recording is breaking up and pixellating, and what i do is change channels and the break ups disappear. i have an outdoor antenna so it can't be a signal issue. generally, this problem occurs with back-to-back recordings while watching a saved program. i can also prevent the problem by exiting to live tv and letting it change the channel and start recording, but timing is difficult and spoilers can happen. anyone else experienced something similar? what is the warranty on this dvr?

Thanks. That makes sense. I guess I just never noticed because the clock always came on quickly until now.

Turns out, there is a local problem with the Gemstar signal. I confirmed on a Rochester area messageboard that others were having the problem and I received a reply to an email I sent to the PBS channel (WXXI) saying there was a problem with a SW upgrade last week.



I guess it's good news that the problem isn't at my end but I'm a little concerned this won't be resolved quickly. PBS guy is quick to claim limited responsibility/obligations and I'm afraid there could be up to a week lost just with the equipment in transit and then however long it takes for them to get around to hooking it up. Meanwhile, I and any other HDD* owners have expensive paper weights. Sorry, not looking to whine but it is very frustrating. Could anyone provide a phone number and/or email address for Gemstar? I would like to contact them to ask for an estimate for when this will be resolved. In the meantime, any chance there's a way to find out what date/time my unit "thinks" it is, so I can at least record manually in half-assed fashion (convert real date/time to machine's faulty date/time and set accordingly). Right now, the best I can do is pause live tv then come back and watch 15-minutes to an hour later and at least be able to skip commercials. But I would like to at least be able to record afternoon baseball games while I'm at work. :mad:

Have you tried to set the clock manually according the Hidyman's resource guide? That way you can at least have a glorified HD VCR for now.

Have you tried to set the clock manually according the Hidyman's resource guide? That way you can at least have a glorified HD VCR for now.

Thanks for the tip. That sounds really promising....anything that lets me have recording functionality; I can live with the extra leg work until the guide is back up and running. Will check it out tonight.

i have not read anything regarding a problem i'm having yet so i'm thinking my unit might be defective...
currently, i'm using only OTA. i have set a recording for Prison Break and 24, which is back-to-back on FOX. when i start watching Prison Break around 7:30 (Central), i will continue on to the start of the 24 recording. i have noticed that the 24 recording is breaking up and pixellating, and what i do is change channels and the break ups disappear. i have an outdoor antenna so it can't be a signal issue. generally, this problem occurs with back-to-back recordings while watching a saved program. i can also prevent the problem by exiting to live tv and letting it change the channel and start recording, but timing is difficult and spoilers can happen. anyone else experienced something similar? what is the warranty on this dvr?


I have the same problem! I live in the Minneapolis area, I dont know if that has anything to do with it. I notice mine happens on NBC when recording My Name is Earl followed by the office. Sorry I dont have any solutions, but I wish I did. This is a big problem for me. It really drives the wife crazy when a show will record, but it is unwatchable. Any ideas out there folks?

I have the same problem! ... It really drives the wife crazy when a show will record, but it is unwatchable. Any ideas out there folks?Having an outdoor antenna does not guarantee a troublefree signal. I had a similar problem, and replaced my UHF antenna with a higher-gain directional model, more accurately aimed, and added a low-gain preamp. Now I have virtually no pixellation/freezing/blanking due to signal issues. I'm only 14 miles from the towers, but the path is not very clear. You should check your signal levels, and see if they vary.

bought an open box 250 at best buy on sat. plugged in on sun night .
mon had tvgos guide data but the 300 some channels listed did not include hd version of our local fox , upn, wb and 2 hd pbs signals. they listed the analog version of these mind you. turned off mon and let sit . now tues same thing.

when i did my initial scan all these channels were there and working and i could surf through all of them. i still can.

i live near madison, wi and these are all local channels.

1. how do i get guide data for these missing channels that tvgos does not list?

2. i added the channels manualls to tvgos channel list by modifying other channels in the change channel display list.
will tvgos add guide data to these?

3. if i unplug to move the 250 will i loose guide data?
4. if i rescan my channels and or put in a new zip code (same area) will i lose guide data?
5. will it still record scheduled recordings without guide data?
thanks for your support

This Best Buy had a demo unit sitting on the self, I do not know what model it is.


Chesapeake Squar VA (Store 766)
4107 Portsmouth Blvd
Chesapeake, VA 23321-2125
Phone: 757-465-2306
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm

There are several on ebay

best buys in wisconsin have anumber of 250s open boxed at about ebay prices and you can geta warranty

bought an open box 250 at best buy on sat. plugged in on sun night .
mon had tvgos guide data but the 300 some channels listed did not include hd version of our local fox , upn, wb and 2 hd pbs signals. they listed the analog version of these mind you. turned off mon and let sit . now tues same thing.

when i did my initial scan all these channels were there and working and i could surf through all of them. i still can.

i live near madison, wi and these are all local channels.

1. how do i get guide data for these missing channels that tvgos does not list?

2. i added the channels manualls to tvgos channel list by modifying other channels in the change channel display list.
will tvgos add guide data to these?

3. if i unplug to move the 250 will i loose guide data?
4. if i rescan my channels and or put in a new zip code (same area) will i lose guide data?
5. will it still record scheduled recordings without guide data?
thanks for your support

Answers:

1. if the channel is not in tvgos, you aren't going to get listing for it unless tvgos adds the channels at a future date. not sure if changing your zip code is going to help but it may be worth a try. try a zip code that is in central madison (maybe the main zip code for madison - 53701 ?)
2. if you are saying that you modified the channel numbers on some of the channels in the tvgos list, yes, you should get listings for the programming of the channels that you resassigned (not necessarily the correct program listings)
3. should not lose any data if you unplug and move the DVR. make sure you wait for a minute or so after unplugging before moving the DVR so the hard drive is not spinning. you will lose the time but that should update shortly after you plug it back in.
4. if you put in a new zip code you will lose the guide data. will come back after the next update.
4. yes, you can do a manual record. the recorded shows won't have any title or info so you will need to locate them by date/time recorded

4. yes, you can do a manual record. the recorded shows won't have any title or info so you will need to locate them by date/time recorded[/QUOTE]

what if i don't do a manual record, what if i do a scheduled recording by show name? if i lose guide data will it still record?

thanks

I did fix the problem regarding my inability to add a particular channel using the antenna add function. Somehow my unit was unable to scan in a channel that was clearly available. So instead I simply did a complete new OTA scan and I was able to capture the channel.

I guess it's good news that the problem isn't at my end but I'm a little concerned this won't be resolved quickly. PBS guy is quick to claim limited responsibility/obligations and I'm afraid there could be up to a week lost just with the equipment in transit and then however long it takes for them to get around to hooking it up. Meanwhile, I and any other HDD* owners have expensive paper weights. Sorry, not looking to whine but it is very frustrating. Could anyone provide a phone number and/or email address for Gemstar? I would like to contact them to ask for an estimate for when this will be resolved. In the meantime, any chance there's a way to find out what date/time my unit "thinks" it is, so I can at least record manually in half-assed fashion (convert real date/time to machine's faulty date/time and set accordingly). Right now, the best I can do is pause live tv then come back and watch 15-minutes to an hour later and at least be able to skip commercials. But I would like to at least be able to record afternoon baseball games while I'm at work. :mad:

Believe me I feel your pain. We have been without gemstar for about a month in Colorado Springs. Apparently we lost it when the PBS guys tried to put up new equipment. When my listings stopped updating, I did a reset and lost my clock. It sucks that I can't even record manually. The local PBS engineers keep saying later this week or sometime next week. I've had a paper weight for quite sometime! Urghh!

Believe me I feel your pain. We have been without gemstar for about a month in Colorado Springs. Apparently we lost it when the PBS guys tried to put up new equipment. When my listings stopped updating, I did a reset and lost my clock. It sucks that I can't even record manually. The local PBS engineers keep saying later this week or sometime next week. I've had a paper weight for quite sometime! Urghh!

You can record manually using recorder date/time. I did that yesterday when I did a warm reset and clock didn't get set until after 10pm. The clock in my unit was 48 minutes slow so I just set recording based on that offset. Only stange thing was that info for that show was Gillmore Girls but recording was Bedford Diaries. Normally, program should have been "unknown".

You can record manually using recorder date/time. I did that yesterday when I did a warm reset and clock didn't get set until after 10pm. The clock in my unit was 48 minutes slow so I just set recording based on that offset. Only stange thing was that info for that show was Gillmore Girls but recording was Bedford Diaries. Normally, program should have been "unknown".

I'm not able to get any kind of clock. Before I knew there was gemstar issue, I did a reset and the clock came up off by 45 minutes. I then did a reset from the 9012 menu, and a default clock of 12:00am showed up. I thought I would be sneaky and wait until midnight to do the same reset, so that way at least my time would be close to normal. After resetting one more time, I just got the '----' for my clock, and it hasn't showed up again since no matter what type of reset I try. Which reset do you mean by "warm reset"? I'd be satisfied if I could get any kind of clock working.

I just picked up one DHG-HDD250 and it seems to work fine. I'm sorry if this has been covered before but a search didn't turn up anything. I'm in the Boston area and the TV guide doesn't seem to include any of the HD basic cable channels (ABC etc)? I know they are there since I can tune them in but nothing in the guide. Did I miss something.

Thanks for any info.

I just picked up one DHG-HDD250 and it seems to work fine. I'm sorry if this has been covered before but a search didn't turn up anything. I'm in the Boston area and the TV guide doesn't seem to include any of the HD basic cable channels (ABC etc)? I know they are there since I can tune them in but nothing in the guide. Did I miss something.

Thanks for any info.

How long have you had your unit? The tvguide will update overnight. If you haven't already done so, you should run a full setup including changing the zip code and rescanning all the channels. Make sure your unit is off or else it won't update. Patience is the key!

It has updated and have all the listing. ABC-HD etc just doesn't show.

I'm not able to get any kind of clock. Before I knew there was gemstar issue, I did a reset and the clock came up off by 45 minutes. I then did a reset from the 9012 menu, and a default clock of 12:00am showed up. I thought I would be sneaky and wait until midnight to do the same reset, so that way at least my time would be close to normal. After resetting one more time, I just got the '----' for my clock, and it hasn't showed up again since no matter what type of reset I try. Which reset do you mean by "warm reset"? I'd be satisfied if I could get any kind of clock working.

Do a reset (menu -> screen -> 9012 -> reset) at midnight and your clock will internally be set to 1/1/2004 12:00am. Then you can do manual recordings, taking into account that the date will be incorrect. The date isn't that big of a deal because when you go to set a recording it defaults to the current day and you can easily offset it by X number of days if you're setting for something further out. Not a perfect solution but I'm happy to at least be able to record again, since who knows how long it will take for these TVGOS/PBS guys to get their act together.

btw, you can get an idea of what time your unit "thinks" it is now by pressing and holding the record button while watching something. It will default to a time/date approximately equal to the current time (I think it may round down to the nearest half-hour mark). But obviously it will be nicer to do a reset at midnight and have it set to the actual time. Something else I discovered (that most people probably already know), is that I am able to record a 4-digit channel if I press record while tuned into a 4-digit channel, but not when I am coming from a 1, 2, or 3 digit channel. The Hidyman FAQ says that you can't record 4 digit channels currently but maybe a Gemstar SW upgrade corrected this problem at some point. I can either set the recording for the current 4-digit channel or enter in a different one. Also seem to be able to set it to record immediately or some time later on.

It has updated and have all the listing. ABC-HD etc just doesn't show.

Try a nearby zip code. You may be picking up a signal that is "supposedly" outside your zip code.

I have the infamous "Updated information will be available within 24 hours" message.

Rather then resetting, I am just waiting. I am getting 0 VBI packets on my OTA or cable PBS station, and the host channel is blank. I emailed the engineering department at the station to see if they could check into it.

How responsive have the engineers been at these host stations for those of you who have contacted them about this sort of thing? I hope they resolve it soon.

EDIT: I am assuming that the station hasn't been sending data for several days. Is this true of the TVGOS system? If the host channel stops sending data, will the device keep going until all of the future listings are exhausted (7 days)? If so, I wish that it would give some kind of warning that the station has been lost. This might give us a bit more leadtime to try to get our host channels working on the issue.

Thanks

I'm in the Boston area and the TV guide doesn't seem to include any of the HD basic cable channels (ABC etc)?

I'm in Somerville and they are all in my guide.

I just picked up one DHG-HDD250 and it seems to work fine. I'm sorry if this has been covered before but a search didn't turn up anything. I'm in the Boston area and the TV guide doesn't seem to include any of the HD basic cable channels (ABC etc)? I know they are there since I can tune them in but nothing in the guide. Did I miss something.

Thanks for any info.

Please describe your setup, including the signal source - cable, OTA or both. If you only have cable, you must choose the digital option to get the HD listings. If you use only OTA, you can edit the channel number, and replace the analog with the HD equivalent. For example, in Los Angeles, ABC is channel 7 and ABC HD is channel 7.1.

Do a reset (menu -> screen -> 9012 -> reset) at midnight and your clock will internally be set to 1/1/2004 12:00am. Then you can do manual recordings, taking into account that the date will be incorrect. The date isn't that big of a deal because when you go to set a recording it defaults to the current day and you can easily offset it by X number of days if you're setting for something further out. Not a perfect solution but I'm happy to at least be able to record again, since who knows how long it will take for these TVGOS/PBS guys to get their act together.


Well, that's what I tried several weeks ago, and I never did get a clock to show up. It worked once in the middle of the day, and when I tried again to do it at midnight, the clock just never appeared again. I'll give it a shot again tonight and see if I have any luck. Thanks for the suggestion!