I was at Frys Electronics earlier today and they still have the 500 for 999.00 and the 250 for 799.00. :rolleyes:
I was thinking that if Sony had offered this unit for say half the price and had dual tuners maybe they would have sold more. :D

Sony didn't, but Tweeter did, for less than 1/3 of the original price - and they were practically flyin' out the doors.

I'm considering buying a DHG-HDD500 because the Gemstar board in my LG LST-3140A failed. I bought the unit when it first came out ~2.5 years ago for $1100. Guess how much LG wants to fix the problem? $936!!! I can buy TWO new units for $900 from a web vendor who still has them on hand. After reviewing the DHG-HDD500 specs, I'm thinking of switching to the Sony camp.

Although I've read much of the posts on this thread (and opinions seem generally favorable), I don't think I can make it through all 200+ pages. So, please excuse me if this question has previously been answered.

I have a Sony WEGA HDTV that I'm very happy with--except for one thing: I connect its digital optical audio out to my 5.1 receiver. When I'm watching a digital (cable) channel the audio comes through just fine. But, when I'm watching an analog channel, the digital optical audio out becomes inactive in "favor" of the L/R stereo output. Although my receiver can physically accomodate both input connections, I must toggle the "TV source" input from digital to analog in order for it to pick up the right signal. Sony says this is "by design" because they can't transform an audio track from analog to digital. Yeah, right...Sony engineers don't know what an A/D converter is. My LST-3410A did not have this problem. I had a single digital optical audio connection to my receiver and the DVR "upconverted" the analog audio (mono, stereo, Dolby Pro Logic, whatever the channel provided) to a PCM stream--as it should be. Who the heck wants to reconfigure their receiver as they surf from channel to channel?

So, before I buy the Sony DVR, I pose the question to those who have been using this device: Does your digital optical audio out have a steady PCM stream regardless of whether the unit is tuned to a digital or analog channel, or does it have the same behavior as my Sony TV--switch over to the analog audio out?

Thanks!

The optical output works for both analog and digital channels.

I'm considering buying a DHG-HDD500 because the Gemstar board in my LG LST-3140A failed. I bought the unit when it first came out ~2.5 years ago for $1100. Guess how much LG wants to fix the problem? $936!!! I can buy TWO new units for $900 from a web vendor who still has them on hand. After reviewing the DHG-HDD500 specs, I'm thinking of switching to the Sony camp.

Although I've read much of the posts on this thread (and opinions seem generally favorable), I don't think I can make it through all 200+ pages. So, please excuse me if this question has previously been answered.

I have a Sony WEGA HDTV that I'm very happy with--except for one thing: I connect its digital optical audio out to my 5.1 receiver. When I'm watching a digital (cable) channel the audio comes through just fine. But, when I'm watching an analog channel, the digital optical audio out becomes inactive in "favor" of the L/R stereo output. Although my receiver can physically accomodate both input connections, I must toggle the "TV source" input from digital to analog in order for it to pick up the right signal. Sony says this is "by design" because they can't transform an audio track from analog to digital. Yeah, right...Sony engineers don't know what an A/D converter is. My LST-3410A did not have this problem. I had a single digital optical audio connection to my receiver and the DVR "upconverted" the analog audio (mono, stereo, Dolby Pro Logic, whatever the channel provided) to a PCM stream--as it should be. Who the heck wants to reconfigure their receiver as they surf from channel to channel?

So, before I buy the Sony DVR, I pose the question to those who have been using this device: Does your digital optical audio out have a steady PCM stream regardless of whether the unit is tuned to a digital or analog channel, or does it have the same behavior as my Sony TV--switch over to the analog audio out?

Thanks!

Yes. it appears to hav a steady PCM stream.

Also, my STB acts like your TV. However, my (Kenwood) receiver has an "auto" mode whereby it auto switches from analogue to digital depending on the source. Maybe your receiver has a similar mode.

IMy firmware version is 1.2.09, should I be concerned that it is not 1.2.13?

Probably not - mine is 05 and it works fine. I have never heard any specifics on what the various versions fix or break. If you think you'll vere use it with a cable card you may want to consider sending it into Sony for the "fix" and upgrade the version (if it is under warranty), but mine is working fine for me as is ...

Did it set the time and start getting guide data? Don't be concerned if it chokes once or twice while it is initially getting things set up ... mine was a bit twitchy at first but it settled in.

Sony didn't, but Tweeter did, for less than 1/3 of the original price - and they were practically flyin' out the doors.
Yes, thats where I got my 2 from. :D

I was surprised that Sony allowed them to do that. I don't think either one of them made any money on that deal.

It set overnight and got the time and some of the channels. It is missing 3 of my HD OTA channels on the TV Guide. The Channels come in fine using the Sony channel display and not the TV Guide. If they don't come in it will really be disappointing because I will not be able to tape them. Do you think they will come in or is the TV Guide just messed up im my area (Tucson, AZ)? If they don't come in the unit is not worth much to me, oh well their's always e-bay. I am missing NBC HD, PBS HD and ABC HD. Got FOX HD, UPN HD and CBS HD.

II plan on using it for OTA only. I actually don't have cable or satellite.

What area of Tucson do you live in and what kind of reception do you get? My wife and I are considering buying a condo there, somewhere in the NW so as to be close to my mother who's in a retirement home. We're going to be there only a few weeks out of the year at first, so it wouldn't make much sense for us to get cable. But from antennaweb.org it looks like we'd have serious issues with receiving signals from the transmitters in the Catalina Mountains. (For example, one place we looked at is in the Oracle / Orange Grove area)

It set overnight and got the time and some of the channels. It is missing 3 of my HD OTA channels on the TV Guide. The Channels come in fine using the Sony channel display and not the TV Guide. If they don't come in it will really be disappointing because I will not be able to tape them. Do you think they will come in or is the TV Guide just messed up im my area (Tucson, AZ)? If they don't come in the unit is not worth much to me, oh well their's always e-bay. I am missing NBC HD, PBS HD and ABC HD. Got FOX HD, UPN HD and CBS HD.
Are you OTA or cable? Did you try going into the guide setup and scrolling down toward the bottom? Sometimes channels get stuck on the bottom for some reason and not assigned.

You may have to reassign the HD channels to the SD channels in the guide.

jtbell,

I live in the Far Northeast part of town. Base of Mt. Lemon. I pick up all of the HD OTA channels perfect. I even get them in my bedroom with a $30 Sears amplified antenna. As far as SD channels it can be dicey. You get some and then not others.

Are you OTA or cable? Did you try going into the guide setup and scrolling down toward the bottom? Sometimes channels get stuck on the bottom for some reason and not assigned.

You may have to reassign the HD channels to the SD channels in the guide. To elaborate further - you need to go into the "channel listings" guide and scroll all the way through (sometimes they're WAY at the end of the list) to see if they're there, and if they're not already numbered, add the channel number and then turn them "on". There's no guarantee that all of them will eventually fill in with info, but generally, most of them do. You might have to wait a day or two for them to fill in, so be patient and give it time.

And like "rat" says, the HD channels usually have the exact same schedule as the analog equivalents (except in the case of PBS-HD, which doesn't have an analog counterpart - but you may find that one in the "inner" listings mentioned), so all you have to do is change the channel numbers on those to their digital channel number.

To perform both of the above functions, you must go to "setup" in the scroll bar at the top of the guide, and then go into "change channel display".

theratpatrol,

I have OTA. Reassignig the HD channels to SD in the guide worked. Of course the channels that have no equivalent (for example: PBS Create) you get no guide. But great idea, I can live with no guide for PBS Create and so on.

Thanks,

Mark

It set overnight and got the time and some of the channels. It is missing 3 of my HD OTA channels on the TV Guide. The Channels come in fine using the Sony channel display and not the TV Guide. If they don't come in it will really be disappointing because I will not be able to tape them. Do you think they will come in or is the TV Guide just messed up im my area (Tucson, AZ)? If they don't come in the unit is not worth much to me, oh well their's always e-bay. I am missing NBC HD, PBS HD and ABC HD. Got FOX HD, UPN HD and CBS HD.

You don't need the on screen guide to record a program.

To record a program you only need the correct time on the display, and ability to tune to the channel you wish to record. Just tune to the channel, press the right navigator button, and choose the record option. You will get a menu which you can fill in to program a recording.
Be sure to include the record quality if program is analog. Default is highest quality, which won't give you a better pictiure than SP, and will use up valuable record time. Program title is missing when you choose this method. However, it is the most reliable. Sometimes programs scheduled with the guide don't get recorded because of guide glitches.

I mapped the missing HD channels to their Analog counterparts, should I undue this just in case the TVGOS picks up the HD channels or will it work anyway.

I mapped the missing HD channels to their Analog counterparts, should I undue this just in case the TVGOS picks up the HD channels or will it work anyway.
Nah, I think you should be ok. Give it a few days and see what happens. :D

Yes. it appears to hav a steady PCM stream.

Also, my STB acts like your TV. However, my (Kenwood) receiver has an "auto" mode whereby it auto switches from analogue to digital depending on the source. Maybe your receiver has a similar mode.

Thank you both for the response. I checked, but my receiver does not have an "auto-swtich" option. No matter since the PCM is always there. In fact, I thought of a better scenario: I really don't even need the digital optical out from the DVR at all. I'll run HDMI to the TV and run the TV's optical out to the receiver. This way, I can keep my receiver on "TV source" whether watching live from the TV's tuner or something from the DVR. The LST-3410A only has a DVI out (not HDMI), so this arrangement would not have worked with my existing setup.

Thanks again!

I did try 32732, which was suggested on an earlier post, but I still didn't get 24.1 in the guide, I only have 24. I'm changing back to my zip code because I'm also missing a PBS channel I had from Daytona beach.

Well, WMFE HD did not show up on my guide after I performed the reset. But I had a spare PBS channel in my Channel Listings that was not being used, so I just mapped it to channel 24-1 last night.

As of today, I have channel listings for channel 24-1 in my guide,

-T

I've noticed a lot of talk on this thread about heat and the temperature of the HDD. It's making me nervous. My closed cabinet is already quite toasty from my amp. Adding the DHG-HDD500 will probably make it downright hot. I've thought about a fan before but never pursued it.

Can anyone recommend a cabinet fan? I was thinking:
- Small (<4") and thin (<2").
- Quiet (of course).
- Thermostat (So it only runs when required. I don't want to have to remember to turn it on/off every time, nor do I want it always running.)
If you know of a good one that doesn't have a built-in thermostat, I guess I could find a stand-alone thermostat that killed the AC to the fan when not needed.

Ok, just picked up a Slingbox...anyone know what "available code" will make the Slingbox control a HDD500?

T-Bone & oxfordbrent,

I changed over to 32732 last night (Saturday, and I will report my findings back here as soon as I know them ...


I forgot that I changed my zip code to 32826 (Orlando) right before WMFE fixed their problem, and I noticed that 24.1 did not appear in my guide last night. So I reset my zip code to 32732 last night (recall that I always had 24.1 with the 32732 zip code). I'll have to verify that 24.1 is in my guide tonight.

Did you try zip code 32732?

-T

T-Bone & oxfordbrent,

I changed over to 32732 last night (Saturday, and I will report my findings back here as soon as I know them ...

You probably wont have any luck, but you never know.

I used 32732, and had no WMFE HD listings this last time around, so I had to map a spare PBS to 24-1... now I have the HD listings in my guide.

-T

Well, WMFE HD did not show up on my guide after I performed the reset. But I had a spare PBS channel in my Channel Listings that was not being used, so I just mapped it to channel 24-1 last night.

As of today, I have channel listings for channel 24-1 in my guide,

-T


Yes, the only problem with that is somtimes the local stuff WMFE puts out will be different than what listed as comming on the substitute PBS channel. I've remapped other PBS channels before to 24.1, but they never match all the programs that are listed.

T-Bone,

OK ... I remapped to 32732 and still no WMFE :confused: I know that you secretly wanted to give me another opportunity to play with the settings on my HDD500 :D

So I will reset to my zip code tonight, try to remap 24.1, and we'll try to forget the last two weeks of resetting our machines. ;)


You probably wont have any luck, but you never know.

I used 32732, and had no WMFE HD listings this last time around, so I had to map a spare PBS to 24-1... now I have the HD listings in my guide.

-T

I've noticed a lot of talk on this thread about heat and the temperature of the HDD.

If you happen to have a Sony TV, the control-S feature will allow you to hide the HDD500 out of sight in a ventilated area and operate it through the infrared "eye" of the TV.

If you happen to have a Sony TV, the control-S feature will allow you to hide the HDD500 out of sight in a ventilated area and operate it through the infrared "eye" of the TV.
Control-S is obsolete on those new Sony LCDs these days.

I have a couple of questions since i have the TOshiba RD-XS34 and it is junk. I want to upgrade to teh Sony

I own the Toshiba RD-XS54, which is completely identical to the 34 I think, expect a bigger (250 gig) hard drive. I also have a pair of HDD500's so I can help answer your questions. I do think you're not giving the Toshiba enough credit though. It's very versatile, being that it has a large hard drive, TVGOS, a separate content-management system that works in concert with the guide, a DVD recorder and very extensive editor. It is clumsy in it's menu designs and some implementation of the features, but it is a powerful machine. The HDD500 has much simpler functionality, basically TVGOS, a hard drive, and that's it. I like both machines, but for obviously different reasons. One thing that is cool if you have both machines is that you can take your HiDef recordings off the HDD500 and make a DVD recording on the Toshiba RD-XS34/54 in wide-screen 16/9 mode, with obviously lower resolution but with optional high bit rates for PQ and SQ.

How laggy is the response? Especially in the TVG

Better than the Toshiba RD-XS34. TV guide functions operate in about half the time on the HDD500 compared to the Toshiba.

When you are watching something, my toshiba popped up this annoying message saying: "Do you want to change channel and start recording...". It had some other annoying messages too that were completely "I don't care - stop bugging me!" types. Can you turn these off in teh Sony

You need that message. What it's telling you is that you are using the tuner to watch something on a different channel and it needs the tuner to do that recording you programmed. It's saying do you want to skip the recording and stay on the channel you're watching or do you want to let it make the recording, in which case it will take control of the tuner. This makes perfect sense and is needed. If you want it to do the recording, then you need to switch machines or use your TV's tuner.

Control-S is obsolete on those new Sony LCDs these days.

That's strange. It's on the SXRD. It happens to be very convenient. I have my HDD500's hidden from view since there is really no reason for them to be seen. There is no oustide media (DVD, CD, tape) to insert in it, and any diagonstics and general info is displayed on the TV, so I haven't found any reason for them to be visible.

I have the dhg-hdd500 and in another room I have an lcd tv that also uses the TVGOS system. On the 500 unit however it has never recognized the host station from Comcast. In order for me to get the guide, I am using a small indoor antenna that works fine, but I would like to get rid of it. I have noticed several references on here about being able to "force a host channel" however I have not found out how to do this. If anyone has any suggestions as to how I can make my hdd500 recognize the cable host, I would appreciate it.

Eric

P.S. I have tried to disconnect the antenna and redo the setup but the cable host never is found.

That's strange. It's on the SXRD. It happens to be very convenient. I have my HDD500's hidden from view since there is really no reason for them to be seen. There is no oustide media (DVD, CD, tape) to insert in it, and any diagonstics and general info is displayed on the TV, so I haven't found any reason for them to be visible.
Really? Mine is XBR LCD TV and can't find Control-S anywhere!

I think it's only on those bulk CRT and Projection sets.

Can anyone recommend a venue to find the 250 or 500? Other than BB's website I can't find it anywhere. PM me if possible :)

thanks!

Once every sixty days or so I lose my tvgos.

The way I have to get it back is to force my host channel by tuning to my host channel and going to setup and typing in 963214785. I wait for the search to end and then turn everything off for 24 hrs.

The only problem is I have to do this in some cases up to 10 nights in a row before I get tvgos back.

This tells me that pbs is either not sending the info regularly or sending bad info.

When I call engineering they say that the info is being sent but they are not sure if it is good data. All they do is relay from Gemstar.

How can I get in touch with Gemstar to let them know that they are sending bad info?

I am in Tampa bays pbs channel 3 host channel area?

Does any one else have a problem regularly losing tvgos and if so how are you getting the info back?

To force the guide to return, I suggest you change the zip code in the setup menu. Obviously you want to use a local one. Do that after you finished watching the last program, and guide should be back the following evening.

Thanks for your message regarding the Toshiba recorder. I have an XS32 I bought because Sony kept delaying release, and I completely agree with your critique of that recorder. Mine has only 80G drive and VCRplus - no tv guide, but otherwise I had similar experience with it. Before I had my HD recorders, I rented a Comcast HD receiver, which allowed me to record many HD programs on the XS32. That combination gave me a near HDTV HD recorder.

Can anyone recommend a venue to find the 250 or 500? Other than BB's website I can't find it anywhere. PM me if possible :)

thanks!

Good luck. Best bet is Ebay or check into a local Best Buy and see if you can get a clearance floor model.

Once every sixty days or so I lose my tvgos.

The way I have to get it back is to force my host channel by tuning to my host channel and going to setup and typing in 963214785. I wait for the search to end and then turn everything off for 24 hrs.

The only problem is I have to do this in some cases up to 10 nights in a row before I get tvgos back.

This tells me that pbs is either not sending the info regularly or sending bad info.

When I call engineering they say that the info is being sent but they are not sure if it is good data. All they do is relay from Gemstar.

How can I get in touch with Gemstar to let them know that they are sending bad info?

I am in Tampa bays pbs channel 3 host channel area?

Does any one else have a problem regularly losing tvgos and if so how are you getting the info back?


I'm in Sarasota and get my TVGOS data from 3(WEDU) via Comcast. I've had two 500's for about six months and my guide data has been fine except for about a week(about a month ago) when 3 stopped sending the data to Comcast.

Stingray,

If your getting your data ok right now then I would assume I have another problem...

I have been forcing 3 for the last 8 nights and I cannot get it to send me data. As of this morning it still says will update in 24 hours. No guide at all.

I recorded my first program last night (CSI). It shows up in the recording list, but when I highlight it and hit play nothing happens. The unit just stays in the recording guide menu. I can not figure out how to get this to play. Am I doing something wrong or is my HDD250 defective?

I recorded my first program last night (CSI). It shows up in the recording list, but when I highlight it and hit play nothing happens. The unit just stays in the recording guide menu. I can not figure out how to get this to play. Am I doing something wrong or is my HDD250 defective?

See Section 2.2.6 of my FAQ.

www.spiffspace.com/sonydvr.html

I recorded my first program last night (CSI). It shows up in the recording list, but when I highlight it and hit play nothing happens. The unit just stays in the recording guide menu. I can not figure out how to get this to play. Am I doing something wrong or is my HDD250 defective?
You have to highlight the show, then press enter, then highlight the episode you want watch, then press enter. That will start playing the show. :D

How do I upgrade HDD250 to two 500GB drives? I think those Directv Tivo HR10-250 will automatically format new drives if present.

How do I upgrade HDD250 to two 500GB drives? I think those Directv Tivo HR10-250 will automatically format new drives if present.

Sony has made it difficult to replace or upgrade hard drives. As far as I know, noone has ever been successful.

How do I upgrade HDD250 to two 500GB drives? I think those Directv Tivo HR10-250 will automatically format new drives if present.

I believe some folks have tried this and have not yet been successful. From Spiff's FAQ site, Sec 1.1.6: "It appears that Sony implemented methods to prevent this from working (perhaps the drive's serial number is encoded on the mainboard?)."

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

theratpatrol

Thanks that worked. That will teach me to read the manual, it says hit play.

Ok, just picked up a Slingbox...anyone know what "available code" will make the Slingbox control a HDD500?<<Bump>> Anyone using this with a Slingbox?

Thank you both for the response. I checked, but my receiver does not have an "auto-swtich" option. No matter since the PCM is always there. In fact, I thought of a better scenario: I really don't even need the digital optical out from the DVR at all. I'll run HDMI to the TV and run the TV's optical out to the receiver. This way, I can keep my receiver on "TV source" whether watching live from the TV's tuner or something from the DVR. The LST-3410A only has a DVI out (not HDMI), so this arrangement would not have worked with my existing setup.

Thanks again!
Well that will depend on your TV. My HDTV (Pioneer) doesn't work that way. It has an HDMI input (2 actually), but the audio portion of the HDMI is only available on the two-channel built-in speakers, not available on the TV's digital audio out. So I ended up having to connect the optical audio out of the Sony HDDVR to the receiver and press additional buttons on the receiver remote. Makes you wonder who designs these things anyway.

I believe some folks have tried this and have not yet been successful. From Spiff's FAQ site, Sec 1.1.6: "It appears that Sony implemented methods to prevent this from working (perhaps the drive's serial number is encoded on the mainboard?)."

http://www.spiffspace.com/sonydvr.html
I wonder how long my $799.99's worth!

is anyone else not getting tv listings? mine have stopped loading and now im getting a "will rebuild based on new settings" message. does it get easier with a cable card?

is anyone else not getting tv listings? mine have stopped loading and now im getting a "will rebuild based on new settings" message. does it get easier with a cable card?
Either TVGuide service is to be blamed for all missing channel info, or the cable company's trying to get you to lease their box.

theratpatrol

Thanks that worked. That will teach me to read the manual, it says hit play.

I suggest you download the updated version of the owner's manual from the Sony web site. As i recall, the updated version provides the correct information. I also pushed play the first time I tried to view a recording, and initiallly thought there was a problem with the recorder.

I'm unable to record off air material. These channels don't show up in the TV Guide list (which I understand and I'm not doing it that way), but when I try to do a manual record it doesn't allow me to record any of these OTAs'.

Ideas?

I'm unable to record off air material. These channels don't show up in the TV Guide list (which I understand and I'm not doing it that way), but when I try to do a manual record it doesn't allow me to record any of these OTAs'.

Ideas?

What do you mean by "it doesn't allow me to record any of these OTAs"?

Do you have both cable and ota set up?

It could be that the unit is getting confused about which tuner to use when you set up the manual recording? (just a guess - I only have OTA and have never had a problem)

Can the unit record off Directv standard definition or HD?

I don't have the latter but will at some point in the future.

Can the unit record off Directv standard definition or HD?

HD - No.
SD - sort of ... it *can* record off of coax if you run the channel 3/4 RF out to the Sony's input, but quality will most likely be a bit lacking, and you'll have to control the D* box manually - so while it can sort of be done, I doubt you'd be happy with it as a solution.

It is really for recording OTA and cable ...

HD - No.
SD - sort of ... it *can* record off of coax if you run the channel 3/4 RF out to the Sony's input, but quality will most likely be a bit lacking, and you'll have to control the D* box manually - so while it can sort of be done, I doubt you'd be happy with it as a solution.

It is really for recording OTA and cable ...

Gotcha. So it CAN record HD off cable?

I'm primarily interested in getting this for OTA. I'm about 60 miles out from Boston but since we're on the water with nothing obstructing the towers, I was shocked to find that we could nab every station out of Boston, plus Providence, so we have a healthy amount of OTA HDTV channels at my disposal :)

Thanks for the responses pyedog, when a thread is several hundred pages long sometimes you have to ask even if the info has been repeated :)

Gotcha. So it CAN record HD off cable?
I'm primarily interested in getting this for OTA.

Yes - it even has a cablecard slot so you can watch/record/pause encrypted cable channels ... although it doesn't support 2way services like PPV or on demand.

Even without a cablecard you should be able to record unencrypted channels (the stuff you would see if you hooked your TV up to the cable without a box) and most cable systems transmit the local OTA HD channels unencrypted (YMMV).

It has 2 inputs - one for OTA, and the other for cable - it does a pretty good job of combining them in the guide so the switching is automatic.

Good luck!

I'm unable to record off air material. These channels don't show up in the TV Guide list (which I understand and I'm not doing it that way), but when I try to do a manual record it doesn't allow me to record any of these OTAs'.

Ideas?

If you put in the appropriate zip code, your local network affiliates should appear in the guide. If channel doesn't appear in the guide, you can always use manual recording: Tune to station, for example 28.1, press the right arrow key and select record to get the record menu. Then fill it out. If you can't turn in any of the OTA channels, you need to run an antenna scan.

HD - No.
SD - sort of ... it *can* record off of coax if you run the channel 3/4 RF out to the Sony's input, but quality will most likely be a bit lacking, and you'll have to control the D* box manually - so while it can sort of be done, I doubt you'd be happy with it as a solution.

It is really for recording OTA and cable ...The guide will go blank within a couple of days, because having anything connected to the "cable" input causes the guide to switch over to that input to receive the data. It doesn't matter whether you're setup for "OTA" only, or both "OTA and cable".

So you can do it - but only without having any guide data. You CAN program it from the empty grid blocks (but, of course, the recordings won't be titled).

What do you mean by "it doesn't allow me to record any of these OTAs"? If I go to a OTA channel then hold down the record button the 'input' shows 'cable' even though I am on a OTA channel. If I call up the TV Guide screen, the channel shows 'air' and the message at the left says "the input can not be recorded". I'm set for the cable system I am on (two choices) in the mainsetup menu.

All the OTA & cable channels show in the channel list and I can 'surf' through all of them ok (with the usual long delay switching from OTA to cable and back).

If I go to a OTA channel then hold down the record button the 'input' shows 'cable' even though I am on a OTA channel. If I call up the TV Guide screen, the channel shows 'air' and the message at the left says "the input can not be recorded". I'm set for the cable system I am on (two choices) in the mainsetup menu.

All the OTA & cable channels show in the channel list and I can 'surf' through all of them ok (with the usual long delay switching from OTA to cable and back).

When trying to record from the guide, how are you doing it?

When I record from the guide, I go in, highlight the show I want to record, and then press the "Record" button on the remote. Within about 3-4 seconds, the red dot shows up, and it starts recording.

Is this how you are doing it?

If I go to a OTA channel then hold down the record button the 'input' shows 'cable' even though I am on a OTA channel. If I call up the TV Guide screen, the channel shows 'air' and the message at the left says "the input can not be recorded". I'm set for the cable system I am on (two choices) in the mainsetup menu.

As spiff72 points out, most of us press record while on the guide - that way we don't have to enter any extra info (start/end time, etc.)

When you just press record while watching you are setting up a manual recording. That said - I've never seen a message that says "the input can not be recorded".

TSTO...............

When I orginally set the unit up, apparently I just choose cable and clicked 'no' for antenna. I was (at the time) just interested in cable since 90% of what I watch is from there. I apparently figured I could (and have done) add OTA later.

I went back in the setup menu and did a repeat setup (or whatever it was called) and saw the two screens regarding cable and antenna. Antenna was checked 'no' which I changed.

All is ok now. The channel is ID'ed as a 'air' channel now. Same number on cable and OTA.

Of course, the manual gives nothing on the various setup screens. :(

I'm getting my cable card installed today with Verizon FIOS. So, I'll let everyone know how that goes.

I have one quick question. Do I need to do anything for the Sony to work with the cable card or does it do its thing once the cable card is put in the slot? In other words, do I have to do anything extra to get it to work with the cable card (e.g., Do Scan Cable)?

thanks

FWIW; Here is a e-mail address for anyone that wants to send input to Sonys' Pittsburg Customer Satisfaction Center.
I did regarding to upcomming nightmare, 'switched video' :mad: :

pittcsc@am.sony.com

I'm getting my cable card installed today with Verizon FIOS. So, I'll let everyone know how that goes.

I have one quick question. Do I need to do anything for the Sony to work with the cable card or does it do its thing once the cable card is put in the slot? In other words, do I have to do anything extra to get it to work with the cable card (e.g., Do Scan Cable)?

thanks
Not 100% sure, but I think there is a place in the menu system to set the cable card up and I think you will have to do a channel rescan.

Let us know how it goes. Good luck. :D

FWIW; Here is a e-mail address for anyone that wants to send input to Sonys' Pittsburg Customer Satisfaction Center.
I did regarding to upcomming nightmare, 'switched video' :mad: :

pittcsc@am.sony.com

videobruce - what does sony have to do with switched video, it is your MSO that you should be sending your opinions to. The existing cable cards are one-way so there is nothing that can be done about switched video since it requires two-way communication.

Not 100% sure, but I think there is a place in the menu system to set the cable card up and I think you will have to do a channel rescan.

Let us know how it goes. Good luck. :D

Actually all of the channels are assigned by the cablecard, so you won't have to scan for cable channels (the option might even be disabled when a CC is installed).

The technician will also have to access the cablecard menu, which is under Menu - System - Cablecard if I remember right...

what does sony have to do with switched video, it is your MSO that you should be sending your opinions to. Because some CCs' are 'hell bent' on going through with this and I seriously doubt anything will change that!

I'm getting my cable card installed today with Verizon FIOS. So, I'll let everyone know how that goes.

I have one quick question. Do I need to do anything for the Sony to work with the cable card or does it do its thing once the cable card is put in the slot? In other words, do I have to do anything extra to get it to work with the cable card (e.g., Do Scan Cable)?

thanks

No, your Sony will reset itself to whatever is programmed by your service provider on the cablecard and then in the TV guide menu, you should b e prompted to choose a new channel lineup based on what your company offers so that you can get the correct channel mapping and correct listings.

I'm getting my cable card installed today with Verizon FIOS. So, I'll let everyone know how that goes.

I have one quick question. Do I need to do anything for the Sony to work with the cable card or does it do its thing once the cable card is put in the slot? In other words, do I have to do anything extra to get it to work with the cable card (e.g., Do Scan Cable)?

thanksLets just hope that they're passing the guide info along in some way.

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

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

BTW, I have waited over 24 hours with the box off.

Well, I had my FIOS install yesterday and everything went smoothly except for the cablecard (surprise, surprise). The tech was only able to track down one cable card -- a motorola. And he very patiently worked with me to try to get it working. Basically, when we went into the cablecard menu we got nothing and we got nothing just by rebooting with the cablecard in it. Eventually we got a 161-2 error. I'm not sure if it is a bad cablecard or my DVR. Any thoughts?

So, for now, I'm using the Verizon HD DVR but if anyone is able to get a cablecard working with Verizon I will try it again.

I think the 161-2 error issue with a cableCARD is something that has to be dealt with by Sony repair. Most of the people here that had that problem had to send it in. Many sent it in and got the update before the warranty period was up even if they weren't using the cableCARD. They sent it in for other reasons, but had them do the update also.

I think the 161-2 error issue with a cableCARD is something that has to be dealt with by Sony repair. Most of the people here that had that problem had to send it in. Many sent it in and got the update before the warranty period was up even if they weren't using the cableCARD. They sent it in for other reasons, but had them do the update also.

I'm past the warranty period. Any idea how much the repair costs out of warranty?

thanks

I'm past the warranty period. Any idea how much the repair costs out of warranty?

thanks

I am betting it is the cablecard. I went through -7- with Comcast before I got one that worked. Ended up being an older Motorola card with the red label. All of the newer purple lable Moto cards either gave me a 161-4 error or wouldn't load the channel lineup.

Next time they send someone out, make sure they bring several cards to try out. Good luck... otherwise I think I saw that Sony was charging $99 just to look at someone's remote (under warranty).

I am betting it is the cablecard. I went through -7- with Comcast before I got one that worked. Ended up being an older Motorola card with the red label. All of the newer purple lable Moto cards either gave me a 161-4 error or wouldn't load the channel lineup.

Next time they send someone out, make sure they bring several cards to try out. Good luck... otherwise I think I saw that Sony was charging $99 just to look at someone's remote (under warranty).

My two HDD500's work fine with Motorola cable cards, but firmware for the card needs to be version 4.21.

Well, I had my FIOS install yesterday and everything went smoothly except for the cablecard (surprise, surprise). The tech was only able to track down one cable card -- a motorola. And he very patiently worked with me to try to get it working. Basically, when we went into the cablecard menu we got nothing and we got nothing just by rebooting with the cablecard in it. Eventually we got a 161-2 error. I'm not sure if it is a bad cablecard or my DVR. Any thoughts?

So, for now, I'm using the Verizon HD DVR but if anyone is able to get a cablecard working with Verizon I will try it again.

I am on Cox with a Motorola CC v. 4.21 and there are no problems on both of my HDD250's.

Jim

I am on Cox with a Motorola CC v. 4.21 and there are no problems on both of my HDD250's.

Jim

Jim - did you have the 161-2 hardware mod put in at the Sony service center?

I am betting it is the cablecard. I went through -7- with Comcast before I got one that worked. Ended up being an older Motorola card with the red label. All of the newer purple lable Moto cards either gave me a 161-4 error or wouldn't load the channel lineup.

Next time they send someone out, make sure they bring several cards to try out. Good luck... otherwise I think I saw that Sony was charging $99 just to look at someone's remote (under warranty).

This was a purple moto card. I doubt fios has any old ones. Anyone else able to get a purple moto card to work?

Jim - did you have the 161-2 hardware mod put in at the Sony service center?


Nope, it worked like a charm when the Tech installed the cards, no error codes.

I'm a little late to the party but I was in circuit city today and picked up an open box demo HDD250 with no accessories for 50 dollars :) Right place right time I guess. Is there a way to order a replacement remote or any suggestions?

I'm a little late to the party but I was in circuit city today and picked up an open box demo HDD250 with no accessories for 50 dollars :) Right place right time I guess. Is there a way to order a replacement remote or any suggestions?
WOW, 50 bucks, thats awesome!! They only had 1 left? :D

I'm a little late to the party but I was in circuit city today and picked up an open box demo HDD250 with no accessories for 50 dollars :) Right place right time I guess. Is there a way to order a replacement remote or any suggestions?

WOW. I think you have now gotten the best deal on one of these units!

Hopefully you have a universal remote for it! (My Harmony 880 works great on it).

Sony sells the remote for like $40.

I'm a little late to the party but I was in circuit city today and picked up an open box demo HDD250 with no accessories for 50 dollars :) Right place right time I guess. Is there a way to order a replacement remote or any suggestions?

http://www.dvdremotecontrols.com/Mfrs/Sony/SonyDSS/RM-Y823.htm

I occassionally have a problem (experienced it again last night) where a scheduled recording fails to record. The failed recording is still listed in the program schedule, but with "???" for the date/time. Does anyone know what causes this.

Well, I'm going to try to get a new cable card installation for FIOS in a few weeks. I will ask them to bring several cable cards and emphasize the need for a 4.21 version of the moto card.

I'll let everyone know what happens.

I'm a little late to the party but I was in circuit city today and picked up an open box demo HDD250 with no accessories for 50 dollars :) Right place right time I guess. Is there a way to order a replacement remote or any suggestions?
Wow that's an amazing deal. :eek:
And I thought I already had a good deal for getting an open box with no accessories for $320 on ebay.

The link that bsather posted is where I got my remote. In fact, I think I was the one that posted the link initially. :p

http://www.dvdremotecontrols.com/Mfrs/Sony/SonyDSS/RM-Y823.htm

Thanks for the link, I just ordered one. Does anyone know if the Sony RM-VL600 will work properly and be fully functional with the DHS-HDD250? I'm not a fan of the trackball thing on the Y823 and like the layout of the RM-VL600 better.

I occassionally have a problem (experienced it again last night) where a scheduled recording fails to record. The failed recording is still listed in the program schedule, but with "???" for the date/time. Does anyone know what causes this.

One possible explanation: you have program scheduled to be recorded on a ceratin date/.time, but the guide lists a different program in that date/time slot (e.g. NFL pre-season game preempting normally scheduled shows). In this case, the show will appear as schedules, and the ??? means the Sony cannot find the show listed in the guide.

When the show is finally aired at its normal time, the ??? will disappear.

-T

I noticed a TVGOS listings update for the Chicago area today. Some new channels like WTTW-C (PBS Create) and WGN-DT2 (The TUBE) along with a few others showed up at the bottom of my Channel Editor list. WTTW-C was set for Air 11.3 while WGN-DT2 was set for Cable 197. Also, WOCK showed up which I assume is Azteca America?

I'm past the warranty period. Any idea how much the repair costs out of warranty?

thanks

I just had my 500 updated, the labor period was over but the parts are still under warranty with Sony. The labor quote was $189.00. I do have an extended warranty trough Tweeter, which did cover the labor costs.

I noticed a TVGOS listings update for the Chicago area today. Some new channels like WTTW-C (PBS Create) and WGN-DT2 (The TUBE) along with a few others showed up at the bottom of my Channel Editor list. WTTW-C was set for Air 11.3 while WGN-DT2 was set for Cable 197. Also, WOCK showed up which I assume is Azteca America?

Wow! After I read this I went into the listings, and they were there! (I wonder if that has anything to do with why my guide hasn't been populated all day and evening today?)

And, glory be! They finally added Comcast Sports Net!

Also, I see that there's a "PBS-SPROUT". I wonder if that's what they plan on putting on 20-2, in place of their long standing test pattern? No, wait - I think it might be a subchannel for WYIN-DT.

(And yeah - WOCK IS Azteca America - not that it would mean anything to me. But what in the heck is "GAS"?)

Wow that's an amazing deal. :eek:
And I thought I already had a good deal for getting an open box with no accessories for $320 on ebay.

The link that bsather posted is where I got my remote. In fact, I think I was the one that posted the link initially. :pI was just in my local C.C. earlier today. They've been using two HDD250's to show demos on the 50" and 60" Sony SXRD displays. I keep watching to see if they're ever going to try and sell them, but they haven't had them priced or tagged yet. (I hope that if they do, they leave that demo stuff on there, because it looks great!)

Rammitinski,

I tried your suggestion to add a channel number, but I have got another "interesting" situation.

I am on OTA. My TVGOS indicates channel 24-1 is a cable channel (which I do not get). WMFE Orlando is actually channel 24-1 for OTA. So I can't add channel 24-1, because it is already there?

Any suggestions?


To elaborate further - you need to go into the "channel listings" guide and scroll all the way through (sometimes they're WAY at the end of the list) to see if they're there, and if they're not already numbered, add the channel number and then turn them "on". There's no guarantee that all of them will eventually fill in with info, but generally, most of them do. You might have to wait a day or two for them to fill in, so be patient and give it time.

And like "rat" says, the HD channels usually have the exact same schedule as the analog equivalents (except in the case of PBS-HD, which doesn't have an analog counterpart - but you may find that one in the "inner" listings mentioned), so all you have to do is change the channel numbers on those to their digital channel number.

To perform both of the above functions, you must go to "setup" in the scroll bar at the top of the guide, and then go into "change channel display".

I was just in my local C.C. earlier today. They've been using two HDD250's to show demos on the 50" and 60" Sony SXRD displays. I keep watching to see if they're ever going to try and sell them, but they haven't had them priced or tagged yet. (I hope that if they do, they leave that demo stuff on there, because it looks great!)
Mine came with the demo material too and they do look great. The one with the flowers and different scenery was awesome. The movie trailers weren't too bad either. I accidently erased them though when I did a factory reset. :p

Interesting, these finally sold out on bestbuy.com website. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7276048&type=product&id=1117178795519) :D

Rammitinski,

I tried your suggestion to add a channel number, but I have got another "interesting" situation.

I am on OTA. My TVGOS indicates channel 24-1 is a cable channel (which I do not get). WMFE Orlando is actually channel 24-1 for OTA. So I can't add channel 24-1, because it is already there?

Any suggestions?If you're only set up for OTA, then you should just be able to turn the cable channel "off". and then add the channel number to the OTA channel (WMFE). That's assuming your getting OTA WMFE in your listings.

What strikes me as strange is, if you only have OTA, and you're set up for OTA only, you shouldn't be getting ANY cable channels in the listings. They might show up, but they'll say "air" rather than "cable". If you've got any channels that actually say "cable" in the listings, then you must not be set up for OTA only - you must have set up for OTA AND cable. You need to do a reset.

Mine came with the demo material too and they do look great. The one with the flowers and different scenery was awesome. The movie trailers weren't too bad either. I accidently erased them though when I did a factory reset. :pYeah - the flowers part was the part that really caught my attention. It really looked stunning on that SXRD display, for sure! They were also showing that time pieces demo from the Samsung Blu-ray player on a Samsung DLP, and the flower scenes actually looked every bit as good. Other parts of it didn't quite equal the Sammy demo, but that part definitely did!

My two HDD500's work fine with Motorola cable cards, but firmware for the card needs to be version 4.21.


Yeah, went through a bunch of cards with that firmware before the tech (over the phone telling the guy doing the install) decided to try an older card. Mine is running 4.05, and has been mostly flawless (except for the damned missed recordings that everyone seems to get).

Yeah, went through a bunch of cards with that firmware before the tech (over the phone telling the guy doing the install) decided to try an older card. Mine is running 4.05, and has been mostly flawless (except for the damned missed recordings that everyone seems to get).

Older cards have older firmware, I doubt the hardware has changed. Upgrading to 4.21 will fix your missed recording problems, unfortunetly the 4.05 firmware is not upgradeable due to a bug, older firmware can be upgraded directly to 4.21.

I was just in my local C.C. earlier today. They've been using two HDD250's to show demos on the 50" and 60" Sony SXRD displays. I keep watching to see if they're ever going to try and sell them, but they haven't had them priced or tagged yet. (I hope that if they do, they leave that demo stuff on there, because it looks great!)

My CC still has two HDD250 sitting new in the box. I had the sales guy look up the price,they were around $500.

I just bought one of these units and have a question. On page 71 of the manual it states (regarding setting scheduled recording options):

"If applicable, highlight "keep" to enter the number of episodes to keep, "until" to enter how long you want to keep the record events, and..."

This implies I should see two separate line items in the options menu: "keep" and "until". I would expect the former to accept a numeric input, while the latter would toggle between "need space" and "I delete". In fact, I do not see two separate items; I just see "keep until" with the toggle option.

How can I specify I only want the unit to accumulate a maximum of, say, 5 episodes. New episodes would be recorded only after deleting the oldest already on the HDD. (Speculation here.)

Has anyone seen the "keep" option separated from the "until" option? The manual text says "If applicable..." I wonder what the circumstances are that would make it applicable--or do they rather mean "if desired"?

One place where I could really use this feature is scheduling the nightly news. I have no need to accumulate multiple episodes. If I don't get around to watching yesterday's news, I want it auto-deleted in favor of today's broadcast. Great feature...if only I knew how to access it!

My CC still has two HDD250 sitting new in the box. I had the sales guy look up the price,they were around $500.
Interesting. And they are sold out on the Best Buy website. (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7276048&type=product&id=1117178795519)

I have no "keep" option on my recording setups. It just says keep til 'need space' or 'when I delete. THere is no time option on how long or how many episodes to keep.

so i have an interesting setup... before i begin let me say that i've spent the better part of the last hour searching, so i've decided to post.

i'm using the sony dhghdd250, on time warner cable in manhattan. i used to have an antennae plugged in, but removed it when i realized that TWC supplied all the channels i would have recieved OTA over the line for free. to be clear, i DO NOT subscribe to cable, but rather TWC leaves locals plus TBS & Food Network unscrambled. I used to get DiscoveryHD which i miss very much. My question is does anyone know what channels are not scrambled with TWC NYC? HD preffered of course.

Thanks for your help.

I just bought one of these units and have a question. On page 71 of the manual it states (regarding setting scheduled recording options):

"If applicable, highlight "keep" to enter the number of episodes to keep, "until" to enter how long you want to keep the record events, and..."

That's an error. Like you, all I see is a single item, "keep until", with two choices: "need space" and "I delete".

Unlike another error which has been reported before (I've forgotten the details), this one appears both in the printed manual and in the PDF version which I downloaded from the Sony web site.

How can I specify I only want the unit to accumulate a maximum of, say, 5 episodes.

It's not possible, as far as I know. Nor is it possible to specify a time limit.

My question is does anyone know what channels are not scrambled with TWC NYC? HD preffered of course.

Thanks for your help.
You'll probably only get the local HD channels in the clear, everything else will be "scrambled" unless you get a cable card. Most cable companies charge extra for their HD channels.

hey ratpatrol, thanks for the reply, but unless you live here in nyc, you're probably speculating. strangely enough there a channels that show up & then dissapear at random. there doesn't seem to be any pattern to this, but was looking to see if anyone knew of a thread that kept track of this sort of thing. that way as a community perhaps we could keep track of changes.

any other members with a similar setup to mine (IN NYC)?

hey ratpatrol, thanks for the reply, but unless you live here in nyc, you're probably speculating. strangely enough there a channels that show up & then dissapear at random. there doesn't seem to be any pattern to this, but was looking to see if anyone knew of a thread that kept track of this sort of thing. that way as a community perhaps we could keep track of changes.

any other members with a similar setup to mine (IN NYC)?

I would say he is speculating but this practice is fairly consistent. With QAM you will also receive On Demand channels that have been ordered by someone in your neighborhood but they will show up on different channels at different times - this may explain your "random" channels. I suggest you go to the NYC TWC discussion here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8225399#post8225399

thanks!

I've just had a new problem pop up this week. I've done a look through this thread and I can't seem to find any mentions but it is tough to search through 213 pages...

The last week or two the Sony has gone numb while recording. Its recording fine, all scheduled recordings are coming out fine, its operating normally when not recording, but when its actively recording it goes totally numb. It doesn't respond to any command except on/off (on the remote or on the unit itself) If you were watching a prerecorded program it will continue playing the program fine but you won't be able to fast forward/rewind or stop the program when it finishes. If you were watching live tv when it starts recording, you can watch it normally but you can't pause it or rewind it, You also can't bring up the TV Guide listings when its recording.

Any ideas why?

Thank you

The last week or two the Sony has gone numb while recording. Its recording fine, all scheduled recordings are coming out fine, its operating normally when not recording, but when its actively recording it goes totally numb. It doesn't respond to any command except on/off (on the remote or on the unit itself)

I've had it happen once or twice - no idea why. I've always been able to unplug and then replug it and it starts working fine again.

I would say he is speculating but this practice is fairly consistent. With QAM you will also receive On Demand channels that have been ordered by someone in your neighborhood but they will show up on different channels at different times - this may explain your "random" channels. I suggest you go to the NYC TWC discussion here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8225399#post8225399

hey ratpatrol, thanks for the reply, but unless you live here in nyc, you're probably speculating. strangely enough there a channels that show up & then dissapear at random. there doesn't seem to be any pattern to this, but was looking to see if anyone knew of a thread that kept track of this sort of thing. that way as a community perhaps we could keep track of changes.

any other members with a similar setup to mine (IN NYC)?
Hey sorry about that guys, just trying to be helpful. I was just going based on what I've read online so far and from what my cable company does about QAM HD channels.

Sorry for any confussion. :D

That's an error. Like you, all I see is a single item, "keep until", with two choices: "need space" and "I delete".

Unlike another error which has been reported before (I've forgotten the details), this one appears both in the printed manual and in the PDF version which I downloaded from the Sony web site.



It's not possible, as far as I know. Nor is it possible to specify a time limit.

That error is probably due to the fact that sony originally announced two earlier, unreleased models that were very similar to the 250/500 and just re-edited the documentation. This is also indicated in the software licensing agreement section of the printed users guide alluding to included sony software beyond the GNU modules. it references PC loadable networking functions (the empty RJ45 spot on the PCB ).

Regarding the post and the issue of 'switched video', here is the response I received from Sony: Bruce,
Please see below message. I hope this will answer your question.
Barbara

There are many cable providers that have already switched to a digital feed. We have been implementing work-around with these providers so that an analog feed will reach our end-users. Once we discover a cable provider has switch to a digital feed, we will contact them and plan a work-around to allow our analog signal to pass. For example, Time Warner in Los Angeles, New York, etc. has all switched to a digital feed already and we have already worked with them to have a work-around in place.
Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Regards,
CE Technical Support
TV Guide On Screen

Regarding the post and the issue of 'switched video', here is the response I received from Sony:

Did this answer your question? This looks like a response about how to get TVGOS data after cable companies switch to all digital signals. I'm thinking that you would still need something to know if/when a channel gets "switched" out - of course, a lot will depend on how your cable company decides to implement this (which, hopefully, they will not).

Did this answer your question? Not really, so I asked this; But, that is a "work around" for just your guide? That isn't 'fixing' the problem for the sets tuner?? IOW's, I will be able to review what is on, but won't be able to actually watch it. and received this answer; Bruce, This is the answer I received: The functionality of this set and G* EPG are two separate issue. The HDD-250 will continue to receive digital signal. The work around is for the TV guide provided by G*. Barbara

I just discovered that TWC (becoming Comcast) in Minneapolis feeds local HD channels in the clear. Problem is they are all above 1000 in their channel line-up.

My 250 will find them and tune to them, but I can't find a way to turn them "ON" in the guide so I can set up recordings.

Fox and ABC have proven tough for me as OTA, so I'f I can get this working, I look forward to seasons of Lost and 24 without OTA dropouts.

Any and all ideas for how to turn these channels ON in the guide are appreciated.

Thanks!

Whatever channel number they are "tuning" to should be the number you enter into them in the guide.

Either the channels are hidden in the channel listings and need to be turned on or you can just take the analog equivalents and and change the channel numbers to the digital ones (that it "tunes" to), if the schedules are the same (and they usually are).

You just have to get into the channel listings through "setup", in the TVGOS scroll bar.

Whatever channel number they are "tuning" to should be the number you enter into them in the guide.

Either the channels are hidden in the channel listings and need to be turned on or you can just take the analog equivalents and and change the channel numbers to the digital ones (that it "tunes" to), if the schedules are the same (and they usually are).

You just have to get into the channel listings through "setup", in the TVGOS scroll bar.

The problem is that you cannot enter a 4-digit channel number in the channel editor as the "tune channel", unless this has been resolved in a firmware update.

My experience matches Spiff's (thanks for the great website BTW). I can't find a way to let the guide allow me to schedule a recording on a channel higher than 1000.

Example - NBC HD is on cable channel 1111. I can schedule a recording from their air signal, ch. 11.1, just fine. But not from the cable feed. The guide will not let me turn channel 1111 on.

Any ideas and thanks.

Sorry, I misunderstood.

I think someone did mention something about an update awhile back. It was a few months ago. I can't remember who, though.

Or else I misunderstood that, too.

I have 2 HDD500's.

The one in my bedroom is connected via component through a Yamaha receiver which does the component switching to the Panasonic plasma. When you switch channels, the Info bar briefly displays 'No Listing' with the channel number and logo, and then proceeds to correctly display the listing, ie., what is on the channel according to the TV Guide info.

The HDD500 in my family room behaves differently. It is connected via HDMI through a Denon 3806 receiver which is doing the HDMI switching to a Pioneer plasma. When I change channels, sometimes the 'No Listing' doesn't ever switch to the actual listing in the TV Guide, even though the TV Guide is showing information. It just stays as 'No Listing', even after I press the Info button again. I can switch back and forth between channels, and sometimes I get a listing, other times it just stays as 'No Listing'.

Has anyone else observed this behavior with their HDD500 connected via HDMI through an HDMI switching receiver?

I have 2 HDD500's.

The one in my bedroom is connected via component through a Yamaha receiver which does the component switching to the Panasonic plasma. When you switch channels, the Info bar briefly displays 'No Listing' with the channel number and logo, and then proceeds to correctly display the listing, ie., what is on the channel according to the TV Guide info.

The HDD500 in my family room behaves differently. It is connected via HDMI through a Denon 3806 receiver which is doing the HDMI switching to a Pioneer plasma. When I change channels, sometimes the 'No Listing' doesn't ever switch to the actual listing in the TV Guide, even though the TV Guide is showing information. It just stays as 'No Listing', even after I press the Info button again. I can switch back and forth between channels, and sometimes I get a listing, other times it just stays as 'No Listing'.

Has anyone else observed this behavior with their HDD500 connected via HDMI through an HDMI switching receiver?I recently connected two components (Dish Network receiver and a HDD500) through my Yamaha RX-V3300 since my older Mits Diamond CRT has only a single 1080i component connection: most of the time is switched between the two components seamlessly; occasionally I will get the "no listing" message for a moment or two, however it will always work.

A coworker picked up a HDD500 (Tweeter closeout) and a Yamaha RX-V4600 or Denon 3806 (don't recall which of the two he purchased), which he connected via HDMI to his projector. His only complaint about the HDD500 was almost verbatim to what you experienced.

So yes...someone else has observed this behavior. This individual moved on to another project, but I'll shoot him and e-mail and see if he can shed more light on his situation.

On a side note, is anyone using the Slingbox with the HDD250/HDD500? If so, do you have a remote code?

The problem is that you cannot enter a 4-digit channel number in the channel editor as the "tune channel", unless this has been resolved in a firmware update.

Spiff, I don't have that problem, as a matter of fact no problems at all :) ..but I would suggest you to use an external remote control w/timer & macro funtions... Perhaps an old vcr w/cable external IR control could do the trick...

I never had any problems w/ my sony 250 because it is hook to an UPS, cable AND external antenna(its purpose is just to receive the guide), finally we seldon watch TV after 1200AM...

Quick question on the 500: does it output 5.1 sound with the HDMI connection?

Spiff, I don't have that problem, as a matter of fact no problems at all :) ..but I would suggest you to use an external remote control w/timer & macro funtions... Perhaps an old vcr w/cable external IR control could do the trick...

I never had any problems w/ my sony 250 because it is hook to an UPS, cable AND external antenna(its purpose is just to receive the guide), finally we seldon watch TV after 1200AM...

I just started typing a response to you to say I don't think you understand my earlier statement, but then I tried entering channel 1012 into the channel editor's "tune channel". I'll be darned. It worked. I don't get channels that high, but the channel number seemed to "stick". Note that I am doing this in the TV Guide - Setup - Change channel display menu system.

I don't think I actually tried this after I got mine upgraded to the 1.2.13 firmware (and got the cablecard fix). One of two things may have happened here. Either the TVGOS software has been remotely updated, or it was fixed by the 1.2.13 firmware. This really was a documented bug (on this board).

Quick question on the 500: does it output 5.1 sound with the HDMI connection?


On my 250's they do, so yes.

Either the TVGOS software has been remotely updated, or it was fixed by the 1.2.13 firmware. This really was a documented bug (on this board).

Must be a TVGOS update. I can enter 4-digit channels in setup that stick in the guide and I have the original HDD500 firmware 1.2.05. (Note that my cableco does not actually USE 4-digit channel numbers.)

Must be a TVGOS update. I can enter 4-digit channels in setup that stick in the guide and I have the original HDD500 firmware 1.2.05. (Note that my cableco does not actually USE 4-digit channel numbers.)

Out of curiosity - did you try this earlier? I am 99% sure that I did try once before (a long time ago), and it didn't work.

I compared my TVGOS version number with what I had posted on my FAQ page, and they are still the same. I think that info on my FAQ dates back to April or May...

Well, I'm going to try to get a new cable card installation for FIOS in a few weeks. I will ask them to bring several cable cards and emphasize the need for a 4.21 version of the moto card.

I'll let everyone know what happens.


I am anxiously awaiting to see if this unit will work with fios cablecard. Fios tv will be available to me shortly and it would be great if I could use both my sonys with it. Good luck and let us know. Thanks.

I just started typing a response to you to say I don't think you understand my earlier statement, but then I tried entering channel 1012 into the channel editor's "tune channel". I'll be darned. It worked. I don't get channels that high, but the channel number seemed to "stick". Note that I am doing this in the TV Guide - Setup - Change channel display menu system.

I don't think I actually tried this after I got mine upgraded to the 1.2.13 firmware (and got the cablecard fix). One of two things may have happened here. Either the TVGOS software has been remotely updated, or it was fixed by the 1.2.13 firmware. This really was a documented bug (on this board).I seem to remember hearing that it was to be done remotely.

Even though I'm only OTA, I have punched in 4 #'s recently and it took, too. And I've got the 1.2.05 firmware.

They've been doing all kinds of updates lately. They finally added our local Comcast Sports Net channel, along with a few others, to the guide a couple of weeks back.

Out of curiosity - did you try this earlier? I am 99% sure that I did try once before (a long time ago), and it didn't work.

I compared my TVGOS version number with what I had posted on my FAQ page, and they are still the same. I think that info on my FAQ dates back to April or May...

No, I didn't try it back then since I had no reason to. However, several people here did complain about the problem.

acribb,
my hdd250 doesn't list the program info about 2/3 of my channel switching and i'm going directly into my toshiba via hdmi, no switching at all. eventually, if there is tv guide info, it displays on screen. nice to know it might be more timely if i use component.

Hey guys I just purchased an HDD-250 from my local CC 300 w/taxes brand new Aug 05 build date,and i got a few ?'s about it and after reading majority of this thread still didn't find the answer.
I recently got cable card installed (first card was a 4.05 FW red label MOT and i couldn't record any QAM channels) since then i had them come back and install a 4.21 which are purple labeling. I am in an ADS section of my town and with the 1st card i got channels 2-96 on ads but with the newer card im no longer on it and the 3412 and the DCT 700 which are installed in my house still get signal so is there something wrong w/my card? Is there a way to fix this aside from pulling the card and re-inserting (i dont want to pull the card because i set up my channels to the correct order a 2 day affair)

Also, once the hard-drive craps out will this unit still be functional? I know I wont be able to record but could i still change channels?

Thanks, this thing is 100x better than the 3412 which i need to pull the plug on once a week due to FF/RW problems.

I am in an ADS section of my town ??

once the hard-drive craps out will this unit still be functional?

Doubtful, so go and purchase an extended warranty from Sony, about $69 for 4 years.

Hi Rammitinski and Spiff.

I'm also running FW 1.2.05. I just tried to punch in a 4 digit channel # into the guide and it would not let me enter the 4th digit.

I'm on TWC (soon to be comcast) in Minneapolis.

Any ideas?

Hi Rammitinski and Spiff.

I'm also running FW 1.2.05. I just tried to punch in a 4 digit channel # into the guide and it would not let me enter the 4th digit.

I'm on TWC (soon to be comcast) in Minneapolis.

Any ideas?

Try going to the guide, then the top menu bar, then "Setup", then "Change Channel Display". In this screen, highlight one of the channels, and press select. This brings up a menu where you can specify a tune channel for that station. Try entering a 4 digit number here. If it doesn't take, try it again.

Let me know if this works...

The only place I have found to order this is my local Home Theater Store.

They have the HDD-250 for $799 and the HDD-500 they can order directly from Sony for $999.

I saw mention of this being sold on Best Buy's web site, but I cannot find it there, or at Circuit City.

I am in Phoenix. Anyone have any suggestions for where to buy one of these, hopefully for less than the HTS.

Thanks,

Thanks for the help Spiff. This is what I'm been doing and it won't work. One thing that's odd is when I'm in the setup menu and pull up one of the HD channels on cable, instead of showing a number (like 1111 for the local NBC affiliate), the set-up scree says "NONE."

It get's wierder. You know I can't set-up a recording on a channel above 1,000. I also can't tune directy to these channels with the key pad on the remote. I CAN get to the channels by flipping through the channels with the channel up/down button on the remote.

Thoughts?

Sony hasn't sold these for months, they are getting very scarce now. I see em at Beast Buy as returns somewhat regularly in the lst few months anyway.

ADS= All Digital Simulcast, where 2-96 are transmitted digitally and it cleans up the picture (no ghosting, lines running up/down screen ect.)

You have no NTSC channels on your system? Just QAM??

There's still NTSC, thus how I am getting the analog cable stations. Prior to my cablecard swapout i was all QAM on my cable system and got my guide info from my antenna, but now 2-96 are analog as opposed to digital.

This is strange.
Version 1.2.05
Giude Version: 08.01.42/08.06.30 Build Time Jan 21 2005

Only the first (24) 4-digit channels will take:
1000-1023 Work
> 1023 don't work

I don't have a cable card so that might be the reason.


Thanks for the help Spiff. This is what I'm been doing and it won't work. One thing that's odd is when I'm in the setup menu and pull up one of the HD channels on cable, instead of showing a number (like 1111 for the local NBC affiliate), the set-up scree says "NONE."

It get's wierder. You know I can't set-up a recording on a channel above 1,000. I also can't tune directy to these channels with the key pad on the remote. I CAN get to the channels by flipping through the channels with the channel up/down button on the remote.

Thoughts?

This is strange.
Version 1.2.05
Giude Version: 08.01.42/08.06.30 Build Time Jan 21 2005

Only the first (24) 4-digit channels will take:
1000-1023 Work
> 1023 don't work

I don't have a cable card so that might be the reason.

I will try later on (wife is watching something now)...

When I tried this and reported success, I was typing in channel 1015. According to you, this one would work on your DVR.

I do have a cablecard.

spiff72,

You are looking at the wrong place for TVGOS firmware version.

You have to go to the TVGOS secret page and it is the number after 08.01.42 that is the downloadable TVGOS firmware 08.06.30.

You should add this info to the FAQ.

The addition of the 4digit entry was covered in this post:


[Post 3153]
Author : dkennedy
Date : 02-07-06 10:01 AM

Does anyone know how I can update the Gemstar software (not the Sony firmware) from version 08.01.42 to 08.06.30.

Supposely, the 08.06.30 gemstar software allows you to enter 4 digit channel numbers in the tv guide channel editor.



Out of curiosity - did you try this earlier? I am 99% sure that I did try once before (a long time ago), and it didn't work.

I compared my TVGOS version number with what I had posted on my FAQ page, and they are still the same. I think that info on my FAQ dates back to April or May...

Thinking about it it makes sense. I bet the software developers for TVGOS used a 10bit number to represent the channel number (part before the sub channel). They needed 10bits to get channel numbers over 511. You need 11 bits to get numbers over 1023.

We will see if Gemstar releases a new update like they told dkennedy 5/5/06,

[Post 5600]
Author : dkennedy
Date : 05-05-06 11:21 AM



TVGuide tech called me back today informing me that a new software version has been release: version 09, which addresses several issues including channel sorting and the entering of 4 digit channel numbers in the channel editor. The 09 tvguide software will only be available on new hardware and you can't upgrade from the 08 to 09 version because the software version is tied to the hardware, however, there will be a patch to the 08 software with the 4 channel editor enhancement and other fixes. I have tvguide software version 08.06.30. The patch wont be available for another 3 to 6 months.

Note: I left a voice mail for Sherry at 1-800-386-7380 back in March explaining the above issues and they now returned my call. I think I should be grateful for the returned call.


This is strange.
Version 1.2.05
Giude Version: 08.01.42/08.06.30 Build Time Jan 21 2005

Only the first (24) 4-digit channels will take:
1000-1023 Work
> 1023 don't work

I don't have a cable card so that might be the reason.

Thinking about it it makes sense. I bet the software developers for TVGOS used a 10bit number to represent the channel number (part before the sub channel). They needed 10bits to get channel numbers over 511. You need 11 bits to get numbers over 1023.

We will see if Gemstar releases a new update like they told dkennedy 5/5/06,

[Post 5600]
Author : dkennedy
Date : 05-05-06 11:21 AM

I just checked mine - same behavior. I was gonna mention the 10-bit theory, too, but you beat me to it.

I have added info about the downloadable firmware to the FAQ, and updated the current limitation of the 4-digit channel entry.

Thanks

The only place I have found to order this is my local Home Theater Store.

They have the HDD-250 for $799 and the HDD-500 they can order directly from Sony for $999.

I saw mention of this being sold on Best Buy's web site, but I cannot find it there, or at Circuit City.

I am in Phoenix. Anyone have any suggestions for where to buy one of these, hopefully for less than the HTS.

Thanks,
Frys still has them for 999, but you may want to check back to see if they will ever be on sale.

Nope, BB and CC no longer have them on their websites.

You may want to check Showcase (thats where I got my 2 from) to see if they have any left or any returns, but I highly doubt it. Try giving them a call, theres like 5 in town.

Thanks for the location tips. I am debating whether to get this, or wait for the Series 3 Tivo, which should be the same price or less.

Thanks for the location tips. I am debating whether to get this, or wait for the Series 3 Tivo, which should be the same price or less.
I forgot to mention you might want to check BB and CC for open box special 250's. Some on here have found them there as well.

Also, I've heard that Cox cable will be going with Tivo next year.
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6109246.html

where 2-96 are transmitted digitally but now 2-96 are analog as opposed to digital I'm confused.............
You are saying they have cable channels numbered 2-96 AND they simulcast those same channels on remapped chs. 2-96 in QAM??

I also purchase my as an open box unit from Best Buy about a month ago. I contacted Sony about some problems and they had me ship it to them for service. The tech called saying he had check the unit and completed two software update. I had the unit back in a week. The tech had me call him after I received the unit to do some additional check. I have a local PBS station which I am told transmits the TV guide. Over the past couple of weeks I have not seen the guide and tried several local zip code. The tech had me go into a menus that showed it was receiving that signal. I live in Beaufort, SC and hope maybe to find someone also in this area. If anyone has some input on how to get the guide up, I would like to hear from you. I get the clock with no problems and record shows with great HD playback.

If nobody here knows any answers, you can try looking in the Local HDTV threads for the area from which you receive the PBS channel.

There might be someone there that also uses the L8 version of TVGOS that the Sony uses, and they may know something.

I also purchase my as an open box unit from Best Buy about a month ago. I contacted Sony about some problems and they had me ship it to them for service. The tech called saying he had check the unit and completed two software update. I had the unit back in a week. The tech had me call him after I received the unit to do some additional check. I have a local PBS station which I am told transmits the TV guide. Over the past couple of weeks I have not seen the guide and tried several local zip code. The tech had me go into a menus that showed it was receiving that signal. I live in Beaufort, SC and hope maybe to find someone also in this area. If anyone has some input on how to get the guide up, I would like to hear from you. I get the clock with no problems and record shows with great HD playback.

I believe that the only purpose of zip code is to determine your cable provider; it has nothing to do with over the air programs. However, I found that changing zip code sometimes produces a one time guide download. What appears on your screen after you press the tv guide button? How long do you leave the unit in standby? What kind of reception do you get on the PBS station? Is station enable in edit channel list?

Doubtful, so go and purchase an extended warranty from Sony, about $69 for 4 years.

Does Sony really offer this low price for a 4 year warranty, and if so, how do I get it? I just got a letter from them offering a 3 year coverage plan for $203.87 or a 1 year warranty for $79.95.

At this point I'm not sure 3 years is a reasonable life time, but 1 year is a good bet. Though, $80 is kinda steep...

Marc

I'm confused.............
You are saying they have cable channels numbered 2-96 AND they simulcast those same channels on remapped chs. 2-96 in QAM??

Yes, A year or two ago the cable system in my area (Comcast) was upgraded to all digital but still analog remains for the people w/o digital boxes. With the cable card inserted into my tv I can get all my stations but channels 2-96 are picked up on the analog side as opposed to digital. My older cablecard w/4.05 firmware picked up the 2-96 channels in ADS but now with the 4.21 firmware it does not.

Does Sony really offer this low price for a 4 year warranty, and if so, how do I get it? I just got a letter from them offering a 3 year coverage plan for $203.87 or a 1 year warranty for $79.95.

At this point I'm not sure 3 years is a reasonable life time, but 1 year is a good bet. Though, $80 is kinda steep...

Marc


Sonystyle.com

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExtendedWarranty-LandingPage?CategoryName=ExtendedWarrantyRoot

With the cable card inserted into my tv I can get all my stations but channels 2-96 are picked up on the analog side as opposed to digital. My older cablecard w/4.05 firmware picked up the 2-96 channels in ADS but now with the 4.21 firmware it does not.

This should simply be a matter of having Comcast re-provision your card for all digital.

Does Sony really offer this low price for a 4 year warranty, and if so, how do I get it? I just got a letter from them offering a 3 year coverage plan for $203.87 or a 1 year warranty for $79.95.

At this point I'm not sure 3 years is a reasonable life time, but 1 year is a good bet. Though, $80 is kinda steep...

Marc


Yep they do, 1.877.865.SONY.

I have 2 contracts with them for $69.95---4 yrs.

Jim

Hi from a new member...thanks for such a great forum.

Bought a couple of DHG-HDD-250's on the bargain tables at Tweeter. Got home, hooked them up to my HD-OTA. Pulled in all my local HD's, and a few snowy regular channels.

The TV Guide, days later, set the clock but no channel or program info. Nolo.

So, I disconnected my Comcast Motorola 6412 STB, and hooked cable into the HDD250 w/o a cablecard. Just to try it. Got all the analog stations, and a few digitals, but nothing you'd care about. BUT...the TV Guide popped up overnight, and filled in fast, fast, fast. Looked great, worked great, and I recorded all sorts of things in HD...perfect!

So I order the cablecard. Get it installed, overcame the technician's head-scratching (uh...we only put these in TV's...) and it worked. All my HD channels, HBO, Discovery, locals, fantastic.

But now, once more, the TV Guide is dead in the water. at least it hasn't blipped a bit for 48 hours. No channels, no listings.

I have scoured this thread for ideas. And based on what I've learned....

-I did the diagnostics, and the Host Channel line is blank.

-I made sure every analog station out there is included in the lineup.

-I tweaked my OTA with the rotor, to make sure the local PBS station, WETA, is coming in ok. My OTA is the old UHF-only type. I put that up realizing the digitals are all on the old UHF band.

Nothing.

It appears the host channel is alive and well in the cable....but it's somehow blocked with the cablecard.

The TV Guide was also dead using my UHF-type OTA. Thinking about putting up a full antenna, hoping the TV Guide data might be available on a VHF.

Any ideas? I'd love to use the unit 100%. But as it is, I'm faced with either using it without the TV Guide and with all my channels, or using it without all my channels but with the TV Guide. Help!

Thanks

Did anybody else notice the addition of INHD2 to TVGOS's listings? My cable provider/region is Comcast/Arlington (VA).

Jack

Did anybody else notice the addition of INHD2 to TVGOS's listings? My cable provider/region is Comcast/Arlington (VA).

Jack

Great, except AFAIK Comcast is dropping INHD2. It's already happened here in Chicago. Some of the programming is supposed to be moved over to INHD1.

It appears the host channel is alive and well in the cable....but it's somehow blocked with the cablecard.

The TV Guide was also dead using my UHF-type OTA. Thinking about putting up a full antenna, hoping the TV Guide data might be available on a VHF.

Any ideas? I'd love to use the unit 100%. But as it is, I'm faced with either using it without the TV Guide and with all my channels, or using it without all my channels but with the TV Guide. Help!

Thanks

First, do the 9012 test on your OTA host station. You should be able to get data OTA if you were getting it via cable.

Separately, because your unit got data via cable without the cablecard, I would say that your card is provisioned as all digital. That's fine, but the guide data needs an analog host channel. Most cablecos know that they must retain one host analog channel for this purpose somewhere in the lineup. Call your cableco and find out if this has been provided.

Have patience. You'll need it when questioning the cableco.

I appreciate the advice.

Can you please direct me to the 9012 test? I know how to do the diagnostics on the TV Guide...that 753159852....but I somehow missed the 9012 test.

Thanks very much.

And yes, I'll call Comcast to see if they know about providing an analog host channel via the cablecard.

I know when they installed it, the tech had a couple of different looking cablecards...indicating different releases...hmmmm. I wonder if I asked for the latest release?

Again, thanks.

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

I appreciate the advice.

Can you please direct me to the 9012 test? I know how to do the diagnostics on the TV Guide...that 753159852....but I somehow missed the 9012 test.

Thanks very much.

And yes, I'll call Comcast to see if they know about providing an analog host channel via the cablecard.

I know when they installed it, the tech had a couple of different looking cablecards...indicating different releases...hmmmm. I wonder if I asked for the latest release?

Again, thanks.

Tune to your host channel, then follow the instructions for the "G* Factory Test" in section 1.2.16 in the FAQ (link is in my signature). Section 1.2.8 tells you how to get to this 9012 menu.

Hi again...

Thanks very much for the info on the 9012 screen. Got it. Using WETA, Channel 26, I did the test.

Now, the screen says:

Flash Test: Pass
VBI Test: Pass
ATSC Test: Pass
Serial Test: Fail
IR Test: Fail.


On the other side:

Version 08.01.42 Elapsed time (clock's ticking )

Packet Statistics for:
VBI: 1023-65533 ATSC: 1023-65533

VBI: Good (number increasing as I type...now 1018)
Fixed (ditto)....now 62
Bad: ditto ...now 101

ATSC: PAT Good: 1
ATSC: PMT: Good: 1

So does this indicate I'm getting the data?

------------------------------------------------------------

Hold on.....

Just did the same test with the other PBS station...(when I tell the TV Guide where I live, it puts in "Baltimore (22)" So I THINK that means my host is channel 22. Using that channel, it says:

Flash test PASS
VBI Test FAIL
ATSC Test PASS

Aha! Sounds like I should force a new host. Maybe?

-------------------------------------------------------------

And once more with feeling....

Rotated my ota to get channel 22....it's snowy, but NOW the VBI says PASS and the data is filling up.

So...I think, thanks to you great people, I may have found a way to access the info. I'll let you know after it sleeps overnight. And once more, thanks. You rock!

Great, except AFAIK Comcast is dropping INHD2. It's already happened here in Chicago. Some of the programming is supposed to be moved over to INHD1.


That's bad news about INHD2, Phil.

Meanwhile, has anybody ever expanded all the TVGOS abbreviations for the obsccure cable stations (that don't display logos) and posted them to AVSforum or elsewhere?

--Jack

Just to be clear, if the DVR gives a "PASS" result on your host channel, it only means that you are getting VBI data. VBI data isn't necessarily Guide Data. I can do the test on channels that I KNOW aren't my host channel, and it can still pass. (Closed caption info is carried in the VBI data.)

If you PASS the test on your Host channel, you at the very least know that you have VBI data reception (and hopefully Guide data as well). If you FAIL the VBI test on what SHOULD be your host channel, you have a problem. From my experience, chances are it is the station's problem. This is what I am dealing with right now. I lost guide data, and I am still trying to contact the PBS station to get them to look at their equipment.

Thanks again....man, this is quite an education.

And spiff72...best wishes that it comes through for you.

Bought a couple of DHG-HDD-250's on the bargain tables at Tweeter.
Welcome.

Wow, I'm surprised that you found these still at Tweeter. Do you mind if I ask, how much did you pay for them?

Thanks.

Did anybody else notice the addition of INHD2 to TVGOS's listings? My cable provider/region is Comcast/Arlington (VA).

Jack

No INHD2 listings here (Comcast in Claremont, CA recently switched to TWC), but TNTHD is new ( I had been just using the TNT east coast listings).

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes, I found one in Vienna, w/o a remote...marked down to $338, the clerk there offered it to me at $300, but it had no remote so he did it for $250.

And one in Manassas, also w/o a remote...they had to match the other price, though they wanted more. So, $250.

With no remotes, I would have been in trouble, except for the brilliant Logitech Harmony 880...couple of keystrokes and a download, and I was in business.

If you're interested, I'd call individual Tweeters...I can't believe I found the only ones. Go for it!

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes, I found one in Vienna, w/o a remote...marked down to $338, the clerk there offered it to me at $300, but it had no remote so he did it for $250.

And one in Manassas, also w/o a remote...they had to match the other price, though they wanted more. So, $250.

With no remotes, I would have been in trouble, except for the brilliant Logitech Harmony 880...couple of keystrokes and a download, and I was in business.

If you're interested, I'd call individual Tweeters...I can't believe I found the only ones. Go for it!
You're welcome.

Those were great deals. You can probably get by with the codes you have for the 880. But are you able to control both units with one remote, were you able to get the Code 51 downloaded?

Well I already have 2 of the 500's that I bought for $250 a piece back in February. I was just curious as I'm trying to find one for a friend.

Thanks again! :D

Well, two HDD250's, in separate rooms, and two 880's, one in each room. So there's no need for different codes.

And wow! HDD500's for $250? Excellent!

In my Recordings list, some episodes have a green and yellow box with a checkmark in it?? What does it mean, I never saw it before now.

Not many people here today- but ...2nd question-

When I record HD (via QAM cable) I get out-of-sync audio pretty regularly. Is this due to source, choice of cable to the TV? It's annoying and unwatchable.
I think I'm using HDMI to the TV.

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes, I found one in Vienna, w/o a remote...marked down to $338, the clerk there offered it to me at $300, but it had no remote so he did it for $250.

And one in Manassas, also w/o a remote...they had to match the other price, though they wanted more. So, $250.

With no remotes, I would have been in trouble, except for the brilliant Logitech Harmony 880...couple of keystrokes and a download, and I was in business.

If you're interested, I'd call individual Tweeters...I can't believe I found the only ones. Go for it!


Ahhh ok. I was wondering where that went!

Sonystyle.com

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExtendedWarranty-LandingPage?CategoryName=ExtendedWarrantyRoot

Hi LastPlace,

This looks like it is only valid for folks who bought their unit in the last 60 days. Mine is about 10 months old now...

Has anybody been successful getting one of these after their 60 day period?

Marc

After three phone calls I was finally able to purchase the EW for 5 years ($80 plus tax).
The option to get it through the web site is not true. It has to be bought over the phone as they have to confirm the purchase date (which really done since all they asked was when it was purchased).

It was 60 days since the purchase.

Hi LastPlace,

This looks like it is only valid for folks who bought their unit in the last 60 days. Mine is about 10 months old now...

Has anybody been successful getting one of these after their 60 day period?

Marc

If I understand sony correctly DVR extended warranties have to be within 60 days, TV's within 11 months. You must have to purchase warranties 30 days before the original expires.

In my Recordings list, some episodes have a green and yellow box with a checkmark in it?? What does it mean, I never saw it before now.


I believe that the checkmark indicates that the recording is a "keep until I delete" and no checkmark means "keep until I need space".

Dan (Woj...)

Does anyone know how much Tweeter might have charged for a 5-year warranty WHEN they sold the 500s?

I bought one off Ebay -- works great -- but the seller insisted that there would be a Tweeter warranty, good for 5 years, that would be transferred upon the sale. (Their feedback was good).

Unfortunately it wasn't included and I want to file a claim against him for that aspect of the auction that he misrepresented...and thus need to know the value if anyone out there might.

Thanks in advance :)

dmaster,
thanks for the reply, makes sense. I must have fiddled with some new settings and didn't realize.

Thanks to everyone who helped with my problem!

The TVGOS's on both HDD250's are up and running! Recordings are working fine, and no skipped channels.

Turned out, yes, the CableCard was 100% digital...so I had to use an OTA antenna to bring in my host channel in analog form. I would have had it during my original setup, but it was a small PBS station far, far away...channel 22 near Baltimore...that my 'optimum' OTA rotation position didn't pick up. I thought my host would be the more powerful local PBS...WETA in VA...but no. So once I rotated my antenna to give channel 22 the most robust reception (still very snowy, but enough for good VBI), everything poured in fast! In fact, one of my units filled in during one of the afternoon feeds.

Thanks again...I owe you all a round of drinks!

Thanks again...I owe you all a round of drinks!

Rum and Coke, please. Glad it's all working for you.

You might still want to check with Comcast about an analog PBS channel. They normally put it somewhere in the 90's. For example, PBS here is on channel 11. There is an analog duplicate of this channel on 94, which is where my HDD500 with cablecard gets the TVGOS data.

This would save you the trouble of futzing with the OTA host channel.

I paid $99.

I paid $99. For exactly what and where??

I paid $99.

Thanks -- you're talking the Tweeter warranty, right?

I finally found one at CC that was the last one, on display, and had no box or instructions etc. They had it priced at full MSRP. I asked them to discount it, and they said they would knock $100 off. I told them to get real, and walked out. :(

I finally found one at CC that was the last one, on display, and had no box or instructions etc. They had it priced at full MSRP. I asked them to discount it, and they said they would knock $100 off. I told them to get real, and walked out. :(
How much and at which CC?

Thanks.

I can't tell you, I am still working on it. ;)

hey everyone,

Just purchased a 500 off Ebay. I did a full reset of everything, and last night it was able to find the clock and the channel names and numbers have been set properly.

Still no TV Guide listings, however.

I have both OTA and regular cable (with a couple of unencrypted QAM channels) feeding into the 500.

I've gone into the service menu and where it says Host Channel it reads
"1:0-8"

The VBI Channel states 0:4-1 (which is the TV Guide Channel on my cable feed)

Is this host information correct, or will I need to force the proper channel on there? One issue may be that in RI the PBS station piping out the guide goes OFF THE AIR overnight!

Any help or advice would be appreciated :)

hey everyone,

Just purchased a 500 off Ebay. I did a full reset of everything, and last night it was able to find the clock and the channel names and numbers have been set properly.

Still no TV Guide listings, however.

I have both OTA and regular cable (with a couple of unencrypted QAM channels) feeding into the 500.

I've gone into the service menu and where it says Host Channel it reads
"1:0-8"

The VBI Channel states 0:4-1 (which is the TV Guide Channel on my cable feed)

Is this host information correct, or will I need to force the proper channel on there? One issue may be that in RI the PBS station piping out the guide goes OFF THE AIR overnight!

Any help or advice would be appreciated :)

According to your info, your host channel is cable channel 8. The VBI channel is OTA (not sure what channel though - unless it is channel 4.1?). The VBI channel is not important - usually it is the channel that you were tuned to when you went into the 753... menu. Is channel 8 on cable your PBS station?

If they shut down overnight, there are still times in the later morning/early afternoon when the downloads take place. (See my FAQ in my signature, section 2.1.9).

Don't force the channel just yet. I would turn it off until about 5pm eastern time and see if you get your data. Patience is a virtue.

According to your info, your host channel is cable channel 8. The VBI channel is OTA (not sure what channel though - unless it is channel 4.1?). The VBI channel is not important - usually it is the channel that you were tuned to when you went into the 753... menu. Is channel 8 on cable your PBS station?

Spiff, thanks for your FAQ -- I've been using it religiously since I opened up the box :)

Yeah, Channel 8 is where the PBS station is on my cable -- hadn't realized that. I noticed on your FAQ (plus what you just wrote), there are other times during the day when it can download, so I've left it off and will continue to do so until later.

I'm hoping since it read the clock properly it'll do the same for the Guide...eventually.

Again thanks! :)

Did anybody else notice the addition of INHD2 to TVGOS's listings? My cable provider/region is Comcast/Arlington (VA).

Jack

Thanks for the post, Jack! I'd been checking every once in awhile to see if they'd added INHD2 to the channel listings line-up and now they finally have! But after adding both it and TNT-HD to my channel grid a couple of days ago, the only thing showing up for those channels in TVGOS is "No Listing". The unit has been powered OFF during at least two full update cycles since I added the channels to my listings. I've never seen this happen before. Is anyone else actually getting listings for either channel? I'm on Comcast in Nashville.

Right now, my TVGOS has listings for the other channels up until about 4 AM of next Tuesday, Sept. 5. Now it's Wed., Aug. 30 at about 3 PM. But only a bunch of "No Listings" for INHD2 and TNT-HD.

One other question on the Guide (apologies if this was asked before) -- if you're in overlapping markets (like Providence and Boston), will the Guide still track down the listings from the other market? Does it get listings for the channels the box can receive, or is it just specific to the market it's getting the transmissions from?

The guide will have listings for that market,that is channels receivable in that market.In the NY market we get listings for Conn.(ABC-Ch.8) and several Philadelphia channels because those stations can be received in parts of the NY market.Parts of Central New Jersey can receive and are part of the Philly market and SW Conn is part of the ABC Ch.8 market.
Thus, if parts of the Providence market also are part of the Boston market then some or all Bostons channels will be listed.

Rum and Coke, please. Glad it's all working for you.

You might still want to check with Comcast about an analog PBS channel. They normally put it somewhere in the 90's. For example, PBS here is on channel 11. There is an analog duplicate of this channel on 94, which is where my HDD500 with cablecard gets the TVGOS data.

This would save you the trouble of futzing with the OTA host channel.


Thanks for sage advice. I will take that course, after I get back from the weekend.

I figure that if there is an analog PBS on my area's Comcast, and I confirm it, I will have to force that host channel, since the TVGOS didn't find it during my initial setup.

My only delay? Since it's been working so well, I have taken time to just plain enjoy the HDD250. Kind of like, I had to scale quite a mountain to get to the top, and now the view...is fantastic.

Thanks again for your help.

Brief question:

Can I use a CC and antenna? Will the guide be able to tune both simultaneously? I ask because my cable co dosn't offer ABC in HD, but it comes in fine OTA.

BTW, many Circuit City's in St Louis are cutting these out for approx 200 bucks. Open box models mostly...I'm grabbing one today if the CC and OTA works simultaneously.

-Matt

Can I use a CC and antenna? Works ok w/o the CC, can't see why it wouldn't with one other than the Guide got fried when I added OTA to the setup. I had to let it rebuild the TV Guide list a third time that cause me to waste 3 hours trying to move channels around in the Guide window just to do it all over again. :mad: :mad:
Thanks Phoney and VD Guide.

Cablecard and antenna work fine together and channels from both are nicely integrated in the guide.

Cablecard and antenna work fine together and channels from both are nicely integrated in the guide.


Sweet, I'm off to Circuit City to pick mine up tonight. Thanks!

-Matt

Question for Sony DHG-HDD250/500 owners:

If you have an authorized cablecard in your unit and record some hival/encrypted content e.g. a HD HBO movie, and then take out the cablecard for some reason e.g. you move out of that cable op's service area... can you still watch the movie, or not?

(Somewhat redundantly): I "assume" that the data on the unit's HDD is encrypted... but does it need to cablecard to decrypt what it has stored, or does it use the cablecard to decrypt off the cable, then re-encrypt with its own internal crypto to store on disc?

thanks,

-tom-

One other question on the Guide (apologies if this was asked before) -- if you're in overlapping markets (like Providence and Boston), will the Guide still track down the listings from the other market? Does it get listings for the channels the box can receive, or is it just specific to the market it's getting the transmissions from?


It does pretty well, as long as you set it up correctly after you scan in the channels and it gets the guide info from the host channel (PBS 36 in Providence BTW if you are closer to providence then boston, if not WGBH 2 in Boston).

Jim

It took a couple of days before my INHD2 channel populated with listings, so I imagine the same will happen with your set-up.

Meanwhile, has anybody produced a glossary of all the channels without logos offered on TVGOS?

--Jack

Anyone notice some of the movie listings are starting to list the actors finally??

Just thought I'd let everyone know about some interesting behavior from my Sony HDD 250. First I live less than a 1/2 mile from the Sears tower broadcast antenna in downtown, in a high rise and so I'm able to receive OTA without to many issues. But, since I am in high rise I also have basic standard cable so that I won't have to deal with reception issues. One of the most interesting aspects of this arrangement, is that whenever someone on my floor is subscribing to digital cable, some of their signal passes through to my TV and DVR. I've gotten in the past, channels like ABC Family, Disney, AMC, Weather, USA and FX to name, and always TNTHD. Depending on whether someone moves out or moves in these channels may come and go. Today I'm receiving STARZHD, HBO Signature, Lifetime Movie, and HDNET and HDNET Movie (although the latter two have no audio!?) I also seem to catch material that people have recorded on their cable DVRs that they play back. (very strange: the stuff people record!!! kinky!!) Has anyone else noticed this peculiar, but nice feature of the HDD 250?

Still no INHD2 here, but Cinemax HD, the Playboy Channel, and a couple of local stations finally got listings.

robin182, you are probably getting programs that your neighbors are watching via ON DEMAND.

Not sure about TNT-HD, unless it is temporarily unencrypted.

Yes, On Demand programs (at least on SARA networks) are broadcast on unencrypted channels to subscribers. So if you do a scan at the right time, you can see what other people in your area are watching. Of course if they pause, rewind, fast forward etc. there's nothing you can do! :-)

Yes, On Demand programs (at least on SARA networks) are broadcast on unencrypted channels to subscribers. So if you do a scan at the right time, you can see what other people in your area are watching. Of course if they pause, rewind, fast forward etc. there's nothing you can do! :-)

Usually they only fastforward through the boring parts of those adult films, anyway. :rolleyes:

So close...and yet so far:

Walked into Circuit City in Massachusetts and saw two DHG-HDD250's on display....asked about buying them.

The clerk didn't even know what they were...called over the manager.

He said that they weren't for sale, because Circuit City didn't actually own them. He said they belonged to Sony, who provided them to show the 1080i capability of their new widescreen TV's. Each DVR was playing a demo, showing lots of close-ups of flowers and so on, in HD.

Of course, the picture looked a-maz-ing.

I left, disappointed. But it was excellent to learn that when the multimedia giant Sony wants to really show off it's ultimate gear...it turns to the HD DVR's we all enjoy so much.

It does pretty well, as long as you set it up correctly after you scan in the channels and it gets the guide info from the host channel (PBS 36 in Providence BTW if you are closer to providence then boston, if not WGBH 2 in Boston).

Jim

Jim, I'm closer to Providence and actually had my cable disconnected the other day. I did a full reset (since it was getting the guide off channel 8 cable), got the clock back and 36 *does* show up as the host channel.

Alas, no listings so far...how long should it take? It's already been 24 hours.

What makes me disappointed is I have a DirecTV receiver which found all the OTA local digital listings from Prov. and Boston within hours...but I assume that HD receiver (the H20) probably gets its information somewhere else?

One other question on the 500 -- is there some way, without having the listings, I can manually set a program to record for, say, 3 hours?

The only way I can find how to record a program right now is to highlight a 30-minute block of time (since there aren't any listings) and then have it end "120 minutes later." There doesn't seem to be an option I can find (at least) where I can just put "start" and "stop" with the time manually inserted and channel selected.. :confused:

After 6 days, TVGOS listings finally showed up on my system for INHD2. Although there still aren't any listings for TNT-HD. Oh well, I guess that's OK since Comcast seems to have encrypted that station now and I lost it!

Jim, I'm closer to Providence and actually had my cable disconnected the other day. I did a full reset (since it was getting the guide off channel 8 cable), got the clock back and 36 *does* show up as the host channel.

Alas, no listings so far...how long should it take? It's already been 24 hours.

What makes me disappointed is I have a DirecTV receiver which found all the OTA local digital listings from Prov. and Boston within hours...but I assume that HD receiver (the H20) probably gets its information somewhere else?

One other question on the 500 -- is there some way, without having the listings, I can manually set a program to record for, say, 3 hours?

The only way I can find how to record a program right now is to highlight a 30-minute block of time (since there aren't any listings) and then have it end "120 minutes later." There doesn't seem to be an option I can find (at least) where I can just put "start" and "stop" with the time manually inserted and channel selected.. :confused:








My guide has been spuradic lately also, alot of "no data" msgs in the guide, but usually in a day or so(with the box turned off) it comes back. To set up a manual recording--

Hit "Guide", press "menu", click on "go to service bar", scroll over to "recordings", press "menu" and scroll down to "set up manual recording"

This should still work without a guide showing as long as the clock is correct.

Jim

My guide has been spuradic lately also, alot of "no data" msgs in the guide, but usually in a day or so(with the box turned off) it comes back. To set up a manual recording--

Hit "Guide", press "menu", click on "go to service bar", scroll over to "recordings", press "menu" and scroll down to "set up manual recording"

This should still work without a guide showing as long as the clock is correct.

Jim

Thanks Jim -- my clock is good and it's recording, even without the guide listings being populated :) I'll just hope it shows up sooner than later!

Maybe I'll do better in here since the units are similar. I posted in the DVD recorder section about a TVGOs problem on a Sony HX715 (No Data) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=719539 and haven't had a response. I am considering buying a HDD500 and as they use (I assume) the same guide, I wonder if I should. Any help would be deeply appreciated

I have the HDD500 and just recently (2-3 weeks), my ABC channel 7.1 has become same as 7.3 weather channel. This is both through TV Guide and the dvr's tuner. Both show 7.1 but I get weather only, I'm using OTA only. I'm in the Chicagoland area, anyone seen this issue or know I can fix it?

I also had this problem for a while but I rescanned the OTA input and now it's working correctly...

I have a new Comcast Cablecard problem that I don't recall reading about in this very long thread. When I tried to get to the premium channels this last weekend the screen came up saying "This screen is displayed on behalf of your cable operator. In order to start cable service for this device, please contact your cable provider. It has the Cablecard, Host, Data, and Unit Address. I called Comcast and they said the numbers on their screen match the ones on my screen. They sent a tech out today and he changed the cablecard called the numbers in and they sent a half dozen hits to the card with no change. They are sending another tech out tomorrow with a new card to see if we can get it to accept the signal. Does anyone have any suggestions on what needs to be done to correct this problem? Comcast at the moment doesn't seem to know how to fix it. The guy on the phone said there is nothing to do except try new cards. If anyone has experienced this kind of problem, I would appreciate any suggestions on a posible fix.

I have a new Comcast Cablecard problem that I don't recall reading about in this very long thread.

Have not heard of this. What card firmware do you have? Do you get the non-premium digitals on ADS or HD's like TNT-HD?

If anyone has experienced this kind of problem, I would appreciate any suggestions on a posible fix.

I have multiple Sony DVRs with Motorola Cable Cards, on
Comcast.

They are notorious for either being DOA or Dieing later on.

I would let the techs swap away - that is the only way I
got mine to work. The tech should also measure signal
levels - they are sensitive to that also.

Have not heard of this. What card firmware do you have? Do you get the non-premium digitals on ADS or HD's like TNT-HD?

The new card is still version 4.05 firmware. I was hoping it would have been 4.21 but no luck I guess in our area. In the beginning I got all the ADS & HD's except for HBO & Showtime. Since the swap I only get the basic channels and HD locals ABC, NBC, CBS.

Since the swap I only get the basic channels and HD locals ABC, NBC, CBS.

I suppose it could be a problem with the card slot. It seems odd that your original working card died and now no card will work.

But of course 98% of these problems turn out to be the fault of Comcast. I'd say that they have inadvertently changed something in your account or have an equipment problem they are not yet aware of.

I have not been able to get any new info on FW 4.21 either. Recording off of HBO is a crapshoot. The local tech supervisor has not returned my recent e-mail and phone call.

I also had this problem for a while but I rescanned the OTA input and now it's working correctly...
Thanks, I did the autoscan and the problem is now solved. For some reason, never dawned on me to rescan the channels. I was looking everywhere else.

I was wondering if if this was a new feature. I was looking at the menu under cablecard and it now shows a listing called "IP Service", was this always there? I never saw it before today.

Jim

Thanks, I did the autoscan and the problem is now solved. For some reason, never dawned on me to rescan the channels. I was looking everywhere else.

I think that the cause of this behavior is a temporary corruption in the PSIP data that the stations are broadcasting. I had this happen with my TV's built in tuner, and I complained to the station. It turned out a rescan fixed the problem, and I could tune to channel 3.1 (instead of being redirected to 3.2).

I think that the cause of this behavior is a temporary corruption in the PSIP data that the stations are broadcasting. I had this happen with my TV's built in tuner, and I complained to the station. It turned out a rescan fixed the problem, and I could tune to channel 3.1 (instead of being redirected to 3.2).
It is interesting that a corruption of the data would cause the problem yet we have to manually rescan in order to correct it. I mean, it just kind of appeared one day, is it too much to ask that it correct itself the same as it corrupted? :)

I have not been able to get any new info on FW 4.21 either. Recording off of HBO is a crapshoot. The local tech supervisor has not returned my recent e-mail and phone call.

My problem was fixed today when I got my new card with FW 4.21. I hope it fixes my recording problem with the SciFi Channel. Good luck getting one of these cards as they are available in our area now.

Hi again...

A basic question?

I re-ordered my TVGOS channel list today...took a looooooooong time.....

I'm assuming now, that as soon as I lose power for a few minutes, all will be lost and I'll have to do it all over again.

Correct?

Thanks

Can somebody please help to set me straight. Just got off the phone with Comcast Tech and he told me that I could not receive an HD signal w/o their box. He said it was new this year. Even though I watched all the season finallies in HD on my Sony. The problem is that my cable was inadvertantly disconnected by them recently and now after they reconnected me, I no longer can receive my HD signal on their HD channels ie 231, 232 etc. I only care about the networks, big 4, since I have Direct Tv for the other stuff. He also told me that I can not receive HD signal OTA. "I should be careful, because that sounds like stealing" When I asked to speak to a supervisor, he said he was the supervisor. Am I missing something?

Can somebody please help to set me straight. Just got off the phone with Comcast Tech and he told me that I could not receive an HD signal w/o their box. He said it was new this year. Even though I watched all the season finallies in HD on my Sony. The problem is that my cable was inadvertantly disconnected by them recently and now after they reconnected me, I no longer can receive my HD signal on their HD channels ie 231, 232 etc. I only care about the networks, big 4, since I have Direct Tv for the other stuff. He also told me that I can not receive HD signal OTA. "I should be careful, because that sounds like stealing" When I asked to speak to a supervisor, he said he was the supervisor. Am I missing something?

He sounds like an idiot to me...especially based on his comment about stealing OTA HD signals. :eek:

But it is POSSIBLE that they have started encrypting the local HD channels. My understanding is that Comcast in my area does not broadcast them in the clear (but Charter does). Do you use a cablecard?

Can somebody please help to set me straight. Just got off the phone with Comcast Tech and he told me that I could not receive an HD signal w/o their box. He said it was new this year. Even though I watched all the season finallies in HD on my Sony. The problem is that my cable was inadvertantly disconnected by them recently and now after they reconnected me, I no longer can receive my HD signal on their HD channels ie 231, 232 etc. I only care about the networks, big 4, since I have Direct Tv for the other stuff. He also told me that I can not receive HD signal OTA. "I should be careful, because that sounds like stealing" When I asked to speak to a supervisor, he said he was the supervisor. Am I missing something?
Receiving channels OTA is stealing? That guy is nuts!

Sounds to me like they are saying that so that you pay extra for their cable box. Cox cable does the same thing here. "Sorry, we don't put cable cards in DVR's, TV's only."

If you can put up an antenna and get the big 4 in HD for free, then go for it, save yourself some money and get rid of cable. :D

He also told me that I can not receive HD signal OTA. "I should be careful, because that sounds like stealing" Typical cable/satellite provider bull$hit. And other members wonder why I'm so 'down' on STBs' (that provide more $$ for the providers).

theratpatrol, I am in Phoenix as well. I am planning on getting the S3 Tivo, when it comes out, which has two cable card slots. Are you saying that I won't be able to use those, with Cox? Couldn't I just pick up the cards at the Cox office, and install them my self, or do they require a tech to come out?

I was under the impression that we are still "in the clear" here in CT. No I do not use a Cable card. I'm afraid to try it b/c I don't want it to lock up the machine as reported by some here. I know I could probably send it to Sony to have them install latest version, but then I would be w/o it for start of new big 4 seasons.

theratpatrol, I am in Phoenix as well. I am planning on getting the S3 Tivo, when it comes out, which has two cable card slots. Are you saying that I won't be able to use those, with Cox? Couldn't I just pick up the cards at the Cox office, and install them my self, or do they require a tech to come out?
Well from what I've read in this thread, another person on here tried to get Cox cable cards installed in their 500 and they told him no, we do not support this DVR at this time, that they were testing it, what exactly they were testing is beyond me.

One way around this is to tell them that you want one installed into your TV, have the tech show up, and then tell them, oh no, sorry, its for this DVR, not a TV, and see what they do.

This might have changed by now, but I don't know, the only thing you can do is call and find out. And yes, a tech will have to come out and install them.

ok guys more questions!

After giving it another 24 hours I did do a force host channel since in Providence we're overlapping between Providence & Boston markets. The Boston PBS channel (2) is actually on 24 hours a day -- unlike the Providence PBS station which signs off at midnight -- so I successfully switched the host to get the listings from Boston.

2 questions I still have:

1. Does it take longer for the digital channel schedules to appear? Overnight I was able to get the guide for what seems to be all the analog channels (i.e. 6, 10, 12 in Providence) but none of their digital counterparts (6.1., 10.1, 12.1). My DirecTV H20 receiver is able to get schedules from OTA for them, so did something go wrong or does this kind of thing just happen and it takes longer?

2. What do you do when channels that show up as you scroll through DON'T appear anywhere in the TV Guide listings or even in the Channel Set Up menu? Example: if I flip to 64.1, it will read WNAC-DT, but it doesn't show up in the TVG or in the Channel Set Up screen. I assume I can just map it to WNAC instead of the analog 64?

Many thanks!

I re-ordered my TVGOS channel list today...took a looooooooong time.....

I'm assuming now, that as soon as I lose power for a few minutes, all will be lost and I'll have to do it all over again.

Before I left on a trip two weeks ago, I turned off the power to all my A/V units by hitting the OFF button on the UPS that I have them plugged into. When I returned home last night, I turned the power back on again. After going through their reboot cycle with the "Welcome" message on the front display, my two Sonys still had their channel lists in the same order as I left them. No listings, of course, but they started to fill in normally overnight.

I was able to get the guide for what seems to be all the analog channels (i.e. 6, 10, 12 in Providence) but none of their digital counterparts (6.1., 10.1, 12.1). They should be the same. What do you do when channels that show up as you scroll through DON'T appear anywhere in the TV Guide listings or even in the Channel Set Up menu? Turn them 'off' in the TV Guide setup menu. Amazing just how sore your fingers get after customizing this.............. :mad:

Before I left on a trip two weeks ago, I turned off the power to all my A/V units by hitting the OFF button on the UPS that I have them plugged into. When I returned home last night, I turned the power back on again. After going through their reboot cycle with the "Welcome" message on the front display, my two Sonys still had their channel lists in the same order as I left them. No listings, of course, but they started to fill in normally overnight.

Hi...and Thanks!

That is great news! I mean, getting it all just right took considerable time, and it's not something I'd want to do on a regular basis.

Thanks again!

What do you do when channels that show up as you scroll through DON'T appear anywhere in the TV Guide listings or even in the Channel Set Up menu? Example: if I flip to 64.1, it will read WNAC-DT, but it doesn't show up in the TVG or in the Channel Set Up screen. I assume I can just map it to WNAC instead of the analog 64?

Many thanks!

I just experienced the same thing. Comedy Central, CNN, the Weather Channel and about a dozen more were missing from my lineup.

Here's what I did:

1.) I went online and found the the cable TV lineup for my area, and printed it.

2.) Went into the TVGOS Channel Edit (go to 'setup' then down twice, and enter), and once I was in the Channel Edit screen, I scrolled way up...like into the 300's and 400's. There, I found logos just sitting there, with no channels assigned to them (this might not happen in your area, but it did in mine)

3.) For CNN, for example, I would find an empty CNN logo, then hit "enter" and then channel "on" and then "cable" and then channel "62" and then position, like "30"

When I finished there it was...not only in the right place with the right logo, but also with all the correct listings.

I did the same for about a dozen and a half channels....worked every time.

Good luck

Thanks guys. I was able to make most of it work -- I changed the mapping of the channels so what says WJAR 10 maps to 10.1, and now it has the proper listing with it too.

The only problem is that channels with redudant call numbers (say, WGBHDT2 or WCVBDT2) don't show up.

Thus, WGBH's PBS-HD feed on 2.2 out of Boston still comes up with no listing. Even if I "map" an empty WGBH slot to 2.2, it comes up with the listings for WGBH 2.1...I can't find any kind of PBS-HD or WGHBHDT2 listing anywhere in the channel listing, or anything that looks like it.

Same for the other DT channels that have weather on them (10.2, 64.2, etc.). NoT that it's a big deal since I wouldn't be taping anything off them either, but I find it odd.

I can't find any kind of PBS-HD or WGHBHDT2 listing anywhere in the channel listing, or anything that looks like it.
If you have WENH-DT in your channel list, I think it's the same schedule.

If you have WENH-DT in your channel list, I think it's the same schedule.

Unfortunately not. Would it matter if I changed zip codes to something north of RI? This thing is infuriating, lol. It even says 2.2 "PBS-HD" on the channel display, yet it won't show up in the guide anywhere or the channel set-up!