I got the listings back yesterday but this morning they were gone yet again. It is still showing 11 as the host and it passes the VBI tests. At this point the Sony has become a very expensive doorstop. It looks like a Comcast box or TiVo is in my future all because CBS 2 was shut down?

Seems like when our units don't receive guide data, the cause is usually a fault at the station providing it, so the best thing to do is manually record until the guide returns. I can't imagine thinking of the recorder as a door stop since even without the clock, it works as an HDTV receiver, and with the clock, it works better than any VCR.

quick question... for the HOST channel. if i set up ch9 (CFTO) to 9.1 for the digital feed, and set up say ch13 (CKCO) to analog ch 9. will it download the guide? or does CFTO have to be set to 9.

I was under the impression that only manufacturers were able to contact Gemstar and that consumers were left out of the loop. Do you have an email or a phone number I can call? A couple hours after I lost my listings this morning (for the third time this week) they are back. Well, 48 hours worth with some "no listings" mixed in. I know the next time I turn it on I will have lost them again though. Right now I am getting it off Cable. 1:0-11 If I lose them again I might just go through setup and set it to Cable only as it seems to get confused switching between Cable and Antenna all the time. I don't know what kind of voodoo is needed to keep it working the way it should.


I have been working on my problem for over three months. I originally contacted my cable provider, and they brought in CBS 2, who brought in TVGOS. TVGOS has been working on the problem for about a month now. TVGOS is very friendly and helpful, but they only have three engineers for the whole nation. I'm told that they have an 800# for contacting them. But, the only way that I've corresponded with them is via email, or if they call me. Admittedly, I do not know if they will respond if there is not an open service issue raised by a broadcaster. The best bet is to work it through your cable provider, or channel 11.

Hi again..

I have a chance to get a brand new HDD500 for about $700.

It's from a retailer...not on eBay.

I'm thinking yeah....

I have a couple of 250's and they're great. But I have no experience with the 500's. Are there any issues? Once I read about possible hard drive failure...was that real or just a fluke?

Just wondering.

Thanks

Hi again..

I have a chance to get a brand new HDD500 for about $700.

It's from a retailer...not on eBay.

I'm thinking yeah....

I have a couple of 250's and they're great. But I have no experience with the 500's. Are there any issues? Once I read about possible hard drive failure...was that real or just a fluke?

Just wondering.

Thanks

I have (5) HDD500s.

One did Fail - Sony Fixed it under warranty!

I have (5) HDD500s.

One did Fail - Sony Fixed it under warranty!

Thanks...I appreciate it.

Thanks...I appreciate it.

At least you didn't interpret that as NEGATIVELY as one COULD [GRIN]!

You could say the failure rate is 20% [GRIN]!

Just teasing [GRIN]!

The TVGOS works perfectly here! :)

quick question... for the HOST channel. if i set up ch9 (CFTO) to 9.1 for the digital feed, and set up say ch13 (CKCO) to analog ch 9. will it download the guide? or does CFTO have to be set to 9.

It depends what your original host was upon the last TVGOS setup and also whether you have it setup for only OTA or Cable. Assuming that you have it set for only OTA and that CFTO 9 is original host- then you only have CFTO Air to play around with. If you set CFTO Air to 9.1 you will not get guide data. Since CFTO and CKCO have almost identical programming anyways, you could set CKCO to 9.1 and CFTO to 9. If you REALLY want CFTO to say 9.1 - you could do a new setup and use a Kitchener postal code and then it will use CKCO 13 as a host. CKCO has the same listings as CFTO plus more like Detroit, Erie, Cleveland, etc.

If you have it setup to Cable, then there are 2 potential hosts, CFTO Cable and CFTO Air to play with. You can then set CFTO Cable to the proper CFTO cable channel, and CFTO Air to 9.1. (this is what I do). I also randomly change my CFTO Cable channel between 13 (CFTO in my area) and 35 (WNED) to get combined listings (i.e.-extra Buffalo-Rochester channels like WNLO, WNGS, WXXI, WXXI-C, WPXJ, WNYB, etc).

Hi again..

I have a chance to get a brand new HDD500 for about $700.

It's from a retailer...not on eBay.

I'm thinking yeah....

I have a couple of 250's and they're great. But I have no experience with the 500's. Are there any issues? Once I read about possible hard drive failure...was that real or just a fluke?

Just wondering.

Thanks
I have one that may interest you....

HDAddiction

I noticed that in the 753159852 screens, one of the pages is labeled ATSC Slicer, showing counts that include TVG packets. Seems like this might be evidence of support for TVGOS via ATSC. The next person to have a technical conversation with Gemstar ought to mention this and ask whether this screen does indicate support or not.

Something else interesting is that the Gemstar software continuously polls for a modem on one of two internal serial ports, in support of a feature labeled GLINK. There are two status screens for this in the 753159852 menu showing obvious stats on dialing attempts etc. On my HDD500, the screens show that it has been checking for a modem pretty much continuously since being put into service.

Mark,

In your drive imaging investigation have you tried using a tool like Taft to move the drive max address and open up the host protected area (T13/1321D ATA spec) on the HDD? It might be interesting. There may be Linux tools for the same purpose.

http://vidstrom.net/stools/taft/

It depends what your original host was upon the last TVGOS setup and also whether you have it setup for only OTA or Cable. Assuming that you have it set for only OTA and that CFTO 9 is original host- then you only have CFTO Air to play around with. If you set CFTO Air to 9.1 you will not get guide data. Since CFTO and CKCO have almost identical programming anyways, you could set CKCO to 9.1 and CFTO to 9. If you REALLY want CFTO to say 9.1 - you could do a new setup and use a Kitchener postal code and then it will use CKCO 13 as a host. CKCO has the same listings as CFTO plus more like Detroit, Erie, Cleveland, etc.

If you have it setup to Cable, then there are 2 potential hosts, CFTO Cable and CFTO Air to play with. You can then set CFTO Cable to the proper CFTO cable channel, and CFTO Air to 9.1. (this is what I do). I also randomly change my CFTO Cable channel between 13 (CFTO in my area) and 35 (WNED) to get combined listings (i.e.-extra Buffalo-Rochester channels like WNLO, WNGS, WXXI, WXXI-C, WPXJ, WNYB, etc).
Chief: "Did you get that, Max?"

Max : "All except for one part, Chief."

Chief: "What part is that, Max?"

Max: "The part after "Listen carefully"!"

I saw a hdd250 at a local store for $150, is it worth anything just for OTA? I do not have cable so that part is useless to me.

I saw a hdd250 at a local store for $150, is it worth anything just for OTA? I do not have cable so that part is useless to me.

I'll buy it for that price and I already OWN 5!

Answer Yes - you get HD OTA.

Ok thanks for the reply, just making sure it was fully functional without cable.

Ok thanks for the reply, just making sure it was fully functional without cable.

Since you are in LA - maybe you need to check for water damage.

I'm sorry if that is a BAD joke.

It is a GREAT OTA HD receiver and DVR.

I'll buy all you can find at that price and sell them on eBay for THREE TIMES
that price.

Since you are in LA - maybe you need to check for water damage.

I'm sorry if that is a BAD joke.

It is a GREAT OTA HD receiver and DVR.

I'll buy all you can find at that price and sell them on eBay for THREE TIMES
that price.


Hey question...So you can use the HR10-250 for OTA, right?

And it will record and playback in HD...

But...you'll be doing it without any guide at all, right? I mean, don't you have to pay for the DirecTV service to get the guide? And w/o sat, the guide data on the 250 would have no way of getting to the machine, right?

I'm just asking because I have one in the basement, and figured it would be dead in the water w/o satellite. And I could certainly live w/o guide data, if it could record OTA HD.

To continue the exchange in the above post:

Maxwell Smart: "Verrrrrrrrrrry interesting!"

No the guy said they had some new in the box. LOL

Hey question...So you can use the HR10-250 for OTA, right?

And it will record and playback in HD...

But...you'll be doing it without any guide at all, right? I mean, don't you have to pay for the DirecTV service to get the guide? And w/o sat, the guide data on the 250 would have no way of getting to the machine, right?

I'm just asking because I have one in the basement, and figured it would be dead in the water w/o satellite. And I could certainly live w/o guide data, if it could record OTA HD.

To continue the exchange in the above post:

Maxwell Smart: "Verrrrrrrrrrry interesting!"

I have no idea what a HR10-250 is.

This is a HDD250/500 Thread.

Sorry...my error.

Sorry...my error.

OTA is not DirectTV - it is FREE.

You also GET FREE TV Guide OTA.

Yes - the HD OTA channels play back in HD.

SD channels playback in SD but the HDD will upconvert them if
you want to 1080i or 720p depending on your display.

If you look at the feature set in the original marketing cut sheet they specify "Subscription Service Access" (along with the USB connectivity). this might be related to the modem activity Mark Fontana was seeing.

If you look at the feature set in the original marketing cut sheet they specify "Subscription Service Access" (along with the USB connectivity). this might be related to the modem activity Mark Fontana was seeing.


My bad, it's a reference to the cable access.

Really? I have a 500 unit, but never knew that. Is there some setting that should be selected?

Yes it is somewhere - having to do with how content is displayed.

Is anyone else having issues with recordings dropping from the schedule? Survivor and NCIS did not record this week.

Rat -

It seems that if you schedule recordings with the (W) or (R) flag, some sheduled items will be randomly dropped due to some unknown reason. :eek: :eek: :eek:
If you simply set the normal "record once" flag, the scheduled items will not be dropped. At least this seems to be the case in my experience. :D :D :D

Dave

Rat -

It seems that if you schedule recordings with the (W) or (R) flag, some sheduled items will be randomly dropped due to some unknown reason. :eek: :eek: :eek:
If you simply set the normal "record once" flag, the scheduled items will not be dropped. At least this seems to be the case in my experience. :D :D :D

Dave

I could be giving TOO MUCH CREDIT to the BOX - but maybe it is because the
BOX KNOWS the show is a REPEAT. There is a NEW FLAG in the info field on
the TV Guide.

I could be giving TOO MUCH CREDIT to the BOX - but maybe it is because the
BOX KNOWS the show is a REPEAT. There is a NEW FLAG in the info field on
the TV Guide.
That could be. I successfully recorded NCIS this week - I schedule my shows "manually" week-to-week.

That could be. I successfully recorded NCIS this week - I schedule my shows "manually" week-to-week.


Yeah I learned this way back when I got my box a year and a half ago. I go through each week and schedule all the shows I want to see to record once instead of a W or R setting and I never have a problem. This dropping recording problem has been going on since we first got the boxes when they came out.

Have any of you been able to get your OneforAll URC-8810/11 Remote Control programmed to worked the DHG-HDD250? I have tried what seems like 100's of different codes with no luck. I also tried to program it button-for-button with the Sony RMY-823 remote control supplied with the unit and that didn't work either. :eek:

Have any of you been able to get your OneforAll URC-8810/11 Remote Control programmed to worked the DHG-HDD250? I have tried what seems like 100's of different codes with no luck. I also tried to program it button-for-button with the Sony RMY-823 remote control supplied with the unit and that didn't work either. :eek:

If it learns the codes - THEN IN THEORY [GRIN] - it should work.

FYI - I suggest you CALL One-For-All.

They can program your 8810 over the phone with the codes!

I just noticed you said your SONY remote didn't work either!
Something is wrong in Denmark. Did you buy a refurbished
unit? There are two codes both the remote and HDD can
be programmed to - Code 50 and Code 51. Maybe your
box and remote are on Opposite codes.

That could be. I successfully recorded NCIS this week - I schedule my shows "manually" week-to-week.

I use manual to set recordings, either W or R, and then duplicate those setting with the guide. The guide settings override the manual ones, unless they disappear. Either way I get my shows recorded. No need to do it on single show basis. Lately I've been shutting off scheduled recordings because of repeat show.

Ray

Has the audio drop-out bug over HDMI been fixed? Or do you still need to use optical for reliable audio?

I just noticed you said your SONY remote didn't work either!
Something is wrong in Denmark. Did you buy a refurbished
unit? There are two codes both the remote and HDD can
be programmed to - Code 50 and Code 51. Maybe your
box and remote are on Opposite codes.

My wording must have been poor, sorry about that. My Sony remote is working properly, I just want to get the OneforAll remote working.

I have contacted OneforAll (via email) and am waiting to hear back from them.

My wording must have been poor, sorry about that. My Sony remote is working properly, I just want to get the OneforAll remote working.

I have contacted OneforAll (via email) and am waiting to hear back from them.

But if they are going to HELP reprogram your remote - they need
you and the remote on the phone together!

Originally Posted by drhankz
But if they are going to HELP reprogram your remote - they need
you and the remote on the phone together!

Your right drhankz, I will get on their site to see if I can find a phone number to contact these characters.

Thanks,
Kevin

Rat -

It seems that if you schedule recordings with the (W) or (R) flag, some sheduled items will be randomly dropped due to some unknown reason. :eek: :eek: :eek:
If you simply set the normal "record once" flag, the scheduled items will not be dropped. At least this seems to be the case in my experience. :D :D :D

Dave
Interesting, cause I've never had this problem before. Maybe I'll try the manual recording trick.

Thanks.

Has the audio drop-out bug over HDMI been fixed?
Not that I've heard.

Now that I have an HDTV, I'd like to record unencrypted QAM HD channels that I'm getting with my Comcast extended basic analog service (about 6 channels).

I'm paying $50 a month, but if I add Digital + HD + DVR, I'm sure Comcast will want over $100 from me.

Could the Sony DHG-HDD250 fit the bill? Will I need to Ebay one?

Why doesn't anyone make open market HD DVRs anymore? Very frustrating.

Now that I have an HDTV, I'd like to record unencrypted QAM HD channels that I'm getting with my Comcast extended basic analog service (about 6 channels).

I'm paying $50 a month, but if I add Digital + HD + DVR, I'm sure Comcast will want over $100 from me.

Could the Sony DHG-HDD250 fit the bill? Will I need to Ebay one?

Why doesn't anyone make open market HD DVRs anymore? Very frustrating.

It should work as long as the channel numbers of the QAM aren't in the 1000 range, or thee combined total of the channel number digits is too big. If it is something like 104-2 you should be OK. It might even accept something like 104-23.

They are difficult to find, though...

Knocked the power out for over two hours on Thursday and 20 hours on Friday, each time both of my 250's set the clock within a minute! And NO guide info (or scheduling) was lost. :)
It is all in the cable providers handling of the TVGOS signal. Comcast in Seattle seems to be doing an excellent job. BTW, my units have the 06 and 09 firmware.

Now that I have an HDTV, I'd like to record unencrypted QAM HD channels that I'm getting with my Comcast extended basic analog service (about 6 channels).

I'm paying $50 a month, but if I add Digital + HD + DVR, I'm sure Comcast will want over $100 from me.

Could the Sony DHG-HDD250 fit the bill? Will I need to Ebay one?

Why doesn't anyone make open market HD DVRs anymore? Very frustrating.

I had Comcast, which just became TW but choose to receive local HD via uhf antenna. Cable doesn't carry all local HD channels, and if cable goes down, it doesn't affect those channels. I also rent a cable DVR. Initally, Comcast required subscription to digital service to rent one. That requirement was dropped and added cost for hd cable box with dual recorder is only $15 a month in addition to my limited basic service for $10.

Ray

Have any of you been able to get your OneforAll URC-8810/11 Remote Control programmed to worked the DHG-HDD250? I have tried what seems like 100's of different codes with no luck. I also tried to program it button-for-button with the Sony RMY-823 remote control supplied with the unit and that didn't work either. :eek:

This *may* help. Have a look at the JP1 group http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/ . They have devices and programs for upgrading One-For-All remotes. There is a user-uploaded file for our Sonys but the process for putting it to use has a very steep learning curve.

Probably even less useful: The protocol is "Sony 20". "Main Device 26", "Sub device 114" (remote code 50) or "Sub device 187" (remote code 51)

I am in awe of the JP1 group's work. The name JP1 comes from the set of pins visible in the battery compartment of many One-For-Alls. A homemade or purchased programmer connects these pins to a PC's printer port. The program IR.EXE can directly access and manipulate the remote's settings.

Getting a particular remote to deal with a non-built-in device requires the extra step of finding the codes (or someone's upload) and plunking them in the KEYMAP-MASTER Excel spreadsheet and moving the resulting bit(s) of code into IR.EXE for feeding to the remote.

If you have figured out TVGOS and Host Channels, JP1 will be a cake walk.


Trust me.

It should work as long as the channel numbers of the QAM aren't in the 1000 range, or thee combined total of the channel number digits is too big. If it is something like 104-2 you should be OK. It might even accept something like 104-23.

They are difficult to find, though...

Yesterday I added Discovery HD which is cable 100-273 (QAM) and the unit works fine with it. I just discovered 3 new "in the clear" digital channels yesterday - Discovery HD, A&E HD and HD Net. (I had lost my 3 non-encrypted NHL Centre Ice channels and wondered what happened to them - thus the rescan). To find new ones..I do a full Cable scan. Any newly found non-encrypted channels are automatically added to the basic CH +/- list (not the TVGOS one) - and previously hidden channels remain hidden.

I have been working on my problem for over three months. I originally contacted my cable provider, and they brought in CBS 2, who brought in TVGOS. TVGOS has been working on the problem for about a month now. TVGOS is very friendly and helpful, but they only have three engineers for the whole nation. I'm told that they have an 800# for contacting them. But, the only way that I've corresponded with them is via email, or if they call me. Admittedly, I do not know if they will respond if there is not an open service issue raised by a broadcaster. The best bet is to work it through your cable provider, or channel 11.

I haven't lost 11 WTTW Chicago as the host for a few days now [knocks on wood, throws salt over shoulder] but there seems to be a glitch with the listings. However, it seems to be a problem with incomplete data from Channel 11/TVGOS as opposed to a problem receiving the host channel this time. Many of the channels will show "No Title" for several hours at differing times. Has anyone else noticed this? Back when I lost 11 as the host it said "No Listing" rather than "No Title" so this seems to be a problem with the information 11 is sending out.

Yesterday I added Discovery HD which is cable 100-273 (QAM) and the unit works fine with it. I just discovered 3 new "in the clear" digital channels yesterday - Discovery HD, A&E HD and HD Net. (I had lost my 3 non-encrypted NHL Centre Ice channels and wondered what happened to them - thus the rescan). To find new ones..I do a full Cable scan. Any newly found non-encrypted channels are automatically added to the basic CH +/- list (not the TVGOS one).

You're lucky. Those tend to be encrypted on most cable systems.

You're lucky. Those tend to be encrypted on most cable systems.

Found out today via the info channel that it's a free preview til February. :(

Has the audio drop-out bug over HDMI been fixed? Or do you still need to use optical for reliable audio?
The problem occurs with the optical audio output too.

Yeah, it happens to me via optical out w/ the 06 firmware. I assumed it was the networks having problems at first.

The problem occurs with the optical audio output too.

With optical audio I get momentary dropout on both my Sony and Comcast DVRs so I believe problem is at the tv station. Also get occasional video dropout, which I also attribute to the station.

Ray

The only audio dropouts I have had over optical have been confirmed as issues with the network (most recently CBS about 2 months ago)...

I think audio dropouts are fairly common. If you rewind and play the same scene, there is no glitch. This seems to indicate that the DVR will hiccup when handling too many functions (playing/buffering/etc). I'd say it's common for this to happen once or twice an hour. I hardly notice anymore.

I think audio dropouts are fairly common. If you rewind and play the same scene, there is no glitch. This seems to indicate that the DVR will hiccup when handling too many functions (playing/buffering/etc). I'd say it's common for this to happen once or twice an hour. I hardly notice anymore.

Agreed. Dropouts are inherent to this unit, but (like you) I don't really notice them any more.

I think audio dropouts are fairly common. If you rewind and play the same scene, there is no glitch. This seems to indicate that the DVR will hiccup when handling too many functions (playing/buffering/etc). I'd say it's common for this to happen once or twice an hour. I hardly notice anymore.

In my experience, sound dropout is fixed to the recording and doesn't return by rewind. It happens so often, I rarely rewind any more.

Ray

I think audio dropouts are fairly common. If you rewind and play the same scene, there is no glitch. This seems to indicate that the DVR will hiccup when handling too many functions (playing/buffering/etc). I'd say it's common for this to happen once or twice an hour. I hardly notice anymore.

I have also noticed this on one of my units. Just a quick dropout...it happened twice in a hour (on a recorded program), so I backed up to see if I could hear it again, but it wasn't there that time. That, to me, confirms that it isn't (wasn't) the broadcast but rather the unit.

On mine one unit it will happen once in every two hours worth of recording and only when I rewind / FF a lot through the program...if I just let it play no drop outs at all (I.e. when dubbing to my DVD recorder)

Mine do the audio dropouts when all I am doing is playing back, not rewinding etc.
It's annoying, but you get used to it. I read that it was just with HDMI but I think it does it via component too. If I'm making a DVD backup it's more annoying.

I'm using component.

I'm using component.

Me too.

Strange, didn't think of that....my HDMI unit is the one that hasn't had audio drop outs, while the unit hooked up component has...hmmm....

I don't recall ever having dropouts that didn't point back to the source. Guess I'm not going to try too hard to listen for them! :D I am using component.

I'm in Chicago and have lost my channel info also. I checked the host channel and it's set to 1:0-11. I use cable, not antenna, which I though the 0 signified. Shouldn't my host channel be 1:1-11, or how should I interpret 1:0-11?

Update: I guess the first 1 means cable. Still, anyone getting data from 11 in Chicago?

I'm in Chicago and have lost my channel info also. I checked the host channel and it's set to 1:0-11. I use cable, not antenna, which I though the 0 signified. Shouldn't my host channel be 1:1-11, or how should I interpret 1:0-11?

Update: I guess the first 1 means cable. Still, anyone getting data from 11 in Chicago?

Update 2: I had channel 11 disabled in the Guide. I've enabled it, so now I'll wait and see if anything shows up overnight.

I don't recall ever having dropouts that didn't point back to the source. Guess I'm not going to try too hard to listen for them! :D I am using component.
If you're talking about audio droputs, mine have always been machine related, if you rewind after a dropout, walaa, the dropout is gone. it's in the playback, not recording per se.

For anybody with a currently spare recorder and feeling verrrry adventurous, here's some more TvGos codes from a post on videohelp.com. Please don't use these without first reminding yourself they might slag your unit


797654141 ID Number Regenerated
444555666 Accepting Test Patches
666555444 Declining Test Patches
777888999 Subscriptions Enabled
147412356 Warm Reset
653274147 System Reset
653214741 Cold Reset
193758246 Service Information
753159852 Diagnostics
123123123 All Channels On
114119196 Alpha Enabled
666377243 NFP Message
872253867 Ad Track Dump
872255647 Ad Track Logs
746978287 Show Stats
663366746 Demo Pin %s
736683837 Enable IR Tests
824824812 VBI Search 12
963214785 VBI Search Current Channel
533733663 Keep Demo Data
222333111 G-LINK Diag Dump
147852369 Phone Home
562333663 Load Demo Data
842656248 Toggle Phone Modem Prefix
458798565 Toggle Phone Modem Com Port
464821864 Phone Modem Beta Number
129547358 Phone Modem Test Number
998768589 Phone Modem Production Number
152368459 Toggle Time of Feed
111111111 Test
111222333 Clear Reset Info
658545256 Do Next Phone Home
789789789 Clear since-cold gclock diags
123789255 Set PM Flag 255
987321255 Clr PM Flag 255
352747373 Reset Flash Memory
352742666 Commit Flash Memory
352747283 Save To Flash Memory
352747378 Restore From Flash Memory
444555555 Enter Parameter
987789987 VBI Quick Search Cur Channel
444555333 File System White Box Test
444555777 File System White Box Recovery
474747474 Dial '1234' in each mode
971397135 Enter Factory Test Screen
882666564 Toggle TVComm Log
194219421 Start G-LINK
392378466 Generate exception
963852741 File System Shell
741236547 Purge Pgmmgr
237837837 BER Test
214532568 Fake Cable Card Insertion
325621458 Fake Cable Card Removal
951478632 Clickstream Support ON
236874159 Clickstream Support OFF
589632147 Glink Modem Support ON
741236985 Glink Modem Support OFF
515359575 Commit All Data
987456321 Sys Heap Debug Snapshot
874563219 Sys Heap Block Use Analysis
745632198 Sys Heap Space Use Analysis
179324865 Enable ATSC
147258369 Force Slicing
472749564 Toggle Graphics Log
752954783 Dump Playlist
545572824 Delete Patch File

325621458 Fake Cable Card Removal....

Hmmm... perhaps this would allow my unit to see the guide info that still comes in via the Comcast feed like when I pull my cablecard?

If you're talking about audio droputs, mine have always been machine related, if you rewind after a dropout, walaa, the dropout is gone. it's in the playback, not recording per se.

I have experienced dropouts with the source (KCBS in LA). They had lots of problems for a while, mostly when cutting to/from commercials.

Like you have mentioned, the day-to-day dropouts are definitely generated by the unit. If you rewind...no problem. My HDD500 is connected via component video and optical audio. I have the older firmware, v1.2.05. Curious as to what firmware the rest of you have...

I have the older firmware, v1.2.05. Curious as to what firmware the rest of you have...

Both of my units are 1.2.06 of which only the Component connected unit shows the problem.

I assume you are using optical audio and not analog, correct?

When I get a chance tonight or tomorrow, I'll try running analog audio, and see if it makes a difference.

I have the older firmware, v1.2.05. Curious as to what firmware the rest of you have...
HDD250 with FW 1.2.09. Owned this unit for 1 year now... connected via component w/optical audio. Get a dropout 1 or 2 times per hour. When I rewind, the dropout is no longer there.

-T

For anybody with a currently spare recorder and feeling verrrry adventurous, here's some more TvGos codes from a post on videohelp.com. Please don't use these without first reminding yourself they might slag your unit

[SNIP]


Nice post rcrach...

Interesting info!

Nice post rcrach...

Interesting info!

It was from a thread on the Pioneer DVRs. They use the TvGos system also. I can't vouch for these but I may try the file system shell code. I'm sure some of them are not advisable to try on your home theater unit.

HDD250 with FW 1.2.09. Owned this unit for 1 year now... connected via component w/optical audio. Get a dropout 1 or 2 times per hour. When I rewind, the dropout is no longer there.

-T
I have firm. 1.2.06 and 1.2.13, (2 500s) seems to do it more on the .13 but I use that one more. I use analog connects.

i have discovered through trial and error that every time I order the channel listings in the TVGOS menu to replicate the lineup order of the cable co (which means manually ordering 300 or so channels) my TVGOS listins will start to drop title info, and eventually go to "no listing" altogether. Looks like I'm stuck with the somewhat meaningless order established by TVGOS in the guide listings. Ha sanyone else found this to be the case? I get the TVGOS through an antenna hookup, and tune my cable channels using a cablecard....

It was from a thread on the Pioneer DVRs. They use the TvGos system also. I can't vouch for these but I may try the file system shell code. I'm sure some of them are not advisable to try on your home theater unit.

Now if they had a code to automatically order the guide by channel number, I'd be tempted to give it a try.

I'm in Chicago and have lost my channel info also. I checked the host channel and it's set to 1:0-11. I use cable, not antenna, which I though the 0 signified. Shouldn't my host channel be 1:1-11, or how should I interpret 1:0-11?

Update: I guess the first 1 means cable. Still, anyone getting data from 11 in Chicago?

I have had problems for the past week or so, ever since CBS 2 was shut down as a TVGOS provider and I had to switch to WTTW 11. I still don't have listings for Thursday (tomorrow) so I'm out of luck for recording any programs. All I have right now is Wednesday and Friday in fact. It shows 1:0-11 as my host same as you. What zip code and cable system are you on? I'm on Comcast in 60134.

I have had problems for the past week or so, ever since CBS 2 was shut down as a TVGOS provider and I had to switch to WTTW 11. I still don't have listings for Thursday (tomorrow) so I'm out of luck for recording any programs. All I have right now is Wednesday and Friday in fact. It shows 1:0-11 as my host same as you. What zip code and cable system are you on? I'm on Comcast in 60134.

Try doing the swap tune-to channels as described in this post by ChrisS:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9157118&&#post9157118

In other words, modify the TVGOS listing for cable-wbbm to tune to cable-11 and cable-wttw to tune to cable-2. Sounds weird, but it seems to work.
(I'm assuming you get TVGOS over cable. If not, change the word "cable" up there to "ota" and try that.)

Mitch

Thanks for those codes, rcrach - and also for the link to the IDE diagnostic tool (TAFT) a few days ago. If anyone gets anywhere with these tools, please keep us all posted.

Tried the File System Shell command - it just locked up the TVGOS UI until I rebooted the DVR from the front panel. I'm guessing this command hands control over to a serial port (which may exist but is buried somewhere within the unit and possibly is not even exposed on a header).

Try doing the swap tune-to channels as described in this post by ChrisS:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9157118&&#post9157118

In other words, modify the TVGOS listing for cable-wbbm to tune to cable-11 and cable-wttw to tune to cable-2. Sounds weird, but it seems to work.
(I'm assuming you get TVGOS over cable. If not, change the word "cable" up there to "ota" and try that.)

Mitch


It's consistantly using 11 as the host now (as it should be) so that's not the problem. I'm simply not getting any listings data from 11. I removed 2 completely last night to see if that would make a difference but it didn't. It's not looking for 2 by mistake though anyway. It's got the right channel but there's no data being received.

i have discovered through trial and error that every time I order the channel listings in the TVGOS menu to replicate the lineup order of the cable co (which means manually ordering 300 or so channels) my TVGOS listins will start to drop title info, and eventually go to "no listing" altogether. Looks like I'm stuck with the somewhat meaningless order established by TVGOS in the guide listings. Ha sanyone else found this to be the case? I get the TVGOS through an antenna hookup, and tune my cable channels using a cablecard....


I don't think the reordering is your problem. I have 2 250's and reorder the guides to match cable and OTA order. I also turn off the channels I don't want and have them in the correct order in the guide and move the extra unused channels to the bottom (I know but I'm anal).

It's consistantly using 11 as the host now (as it should be) so that's not the problem. I'm simply not getting any listings data from 11. I removed 2 completely last night to see if that would make a difference but it didn't. It's not looking for 2 by mistake though anyway. It's got the right channel but there's no data being received.

If you read Chris's post, that's his story as well. Like you, the unit hosted to cable-11 (as per the 753...) menu, but he didn't get listings until he did the switcharoo.
I know it seems strange, but it seems to work.


Mitch

If you read Chris's post, that's his story as well. Like you, the unit hosted to cable-11 (as per the 753...) menu, but he didn't get listings until he did the switcharoo.
I know it seems strange, but it seems to work.


Mitch


I did read his post but he later added "Either way, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. One day of downloads does not guarantee a fix" and hasn't posted since. Also, that means if I select something to record on 11 off the guide it would actually be recording something off 2 and vice versa. I doubt it will work but I'll try anything at this point.

Okay, I swapped 2 and 11 in the TVGOS Channel Editor but I don't see how that would make a difference. If I enter 2 or 11 manually it still goes to 2 or 11 respectively. The only difference is that 2 will show the 11 PBS logo and listings and 11 will show the 2 CBS logo and listings. As far as the Sony is concerned it's still going to use 11 as the host as 2 no longer broadcasts TVGOS data. The tuner and the TVGOS guide are independant. I could remap 11 to The Food Nework and it would still be 11 only with incorrect listings. Still, I'll try anything at this point. After this I'll reset the unit back to factory settings which will erase all my recordings and undo all the work I put into getting this listings in perfect order.

I should add again that in the 11 months that I've owned it I have never had any trouble until CBS 2 was shut down as a TVGOS provider last week.

Frustrated with HD cable. My Local TWC has all their HD channels in 1500-1600. most do not show up in TVGOS and I can not renumber any corresponding SD channels that do show up cause the HDs are 4 digits. Many of the HD channels do not even tune with the cable card in my HDd500s.
So, I'm finding my HDD500s less and less cable HD friendly. I'm actually contemplating renting a cableco DVR. It's very frustrating! cause I love using my HDD500s.
Most (non-network) HD programs that I can record have to be manually recorded as Unknown. No fun. I can not even tune about half of the HD channels I should get. They are making my DVR less and less workable with digital cable. Boo.

I have cablecards in both my 500s. One will not tune any unencypted HD channels and the cableco techs can not make it work. My other setup does tune into most of the HD channels I should get but none are TVGOs compatible. But it will not pick up some new HDs they just added. I really like capturing movies in HD off the HD tier they have but I'm less and less able to tune these channels. I think the cableco should support cablecards more if they are going to offer the service. THe 500 is so much better at what it does than the measly Cableco DVR. Rant over, I'm just sorry to see my 500s not be able to capture more of the HD channels and use TVGOS guide fully. It's frustrating. I may go back to just over the air but I'll only get network HDs.

Okay, I swapped 2 and 11 in the TVGOS Channel Editor but I don't see how that would make a difference. If I enter 2 or 11 manually it still goes to 2 or 11 respectively. The only difference is that 2 will show the 11 PBS logo and listings and 11 will show the 2 CBS logo and listings. As far as the Sony is concerned it's still going to use 11 as the host as 2 no longer broadcasts TVGOS data. The tuner and the TVGOS guide are independant. I could remap 11 to The Food Nework and it would still be 11 only with incorrect listings. Still, I'll try anything at this point. After this I'll reset the unit back to factory settings which will erase all my recordings and undo all the work I put into getting this listings in perfect order.

I should add again that in the 11 months that I've owned it I have never had any trouble until CBS 2 was shut down as a TVGOS provider last week.

Let it go for a couple of days and post back. Based on my experience. I have a feeling the TVGOS software actually looks up the station moreso than the channel and then uses the listings to find the channel. But, this is just a hypothesis on my part that I have no way of testing.

Nonetheless, if it doesn't work, I agree a full reset is probably a reasonable next step.

BTW, are you cable or ota and if cable who's your provider?


Mitch

Let it go for a couple of days and post back. Based on my experience. I have a feeling the TVGOS software actually looks up the station moreso than the channel and then uses the listings to find the channel. But, this is just a hypothesis on my part that I have no way of testing.

Nonetheless, if it doesn't work, I agree a full reset is probably a reasonable next step.

BTW, are you cable or ota and if cable who's your provider?


Comcast in 60134

It's frustrating how little information is available as to how TVGOS works. Someone here must know. Obviously when you first go through setup and enter your zip code it searches for the TVGOS data broadcast. Back when I had both Cable and OTA you could hear it switching between the two several times when it was downloading TVGOS data. That suggests to me that it actually searches for the TVGOS data broadcast every time (just as it does during initial setup) rather than looking for a particular channel number or station id.

Previously the problem was there was no host found (after CBS 2 was shut down) or it wouldn't stick to the new host (WTTW 11) but this time it has been using WTTW 11 consistently but does not seem to be receiving any data from them.

I did read his post but he later added "Either way, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. One day of downloads does not guarantee a fix" and hasn't posted since. Also, that means if I select something to record on 11 off the guide it would actually be recording something off 2 and vice versa. I doubt it will work but I'll try anything at this point.


Well, it's been working for about two weeks now. It took three days to update a full 8 days, using the new update of days 1,2,5, and 8. In the mean time I did some investigating and found that everytime I set the listing straight on WTTW and CBS, I lost listings. It only seems to want to work, with the listings crossed.

TVGOS has called a couple of times and checked-up on things. They are aware that they have a problem and that the cross tuned channels/listings are a viable work around. (Temporarly) They are working to correct the problem.

Try this work around. It is working for both Mitch G and Myself.

I've worked my way through a few dozen pages of info here so far, as well as the very useful FAQ and the owner's manual, but I have a few questions that I haven't found the answer to yet.

I just picked up an HDD250 at my local store. I've connected it to a Sony XBR1 (which also has a built in ATSC tuner). We only have OTA TV via the roof antenna. Which brings me to my question (which may seem stupid but please bear w/ me as I'm still adjusting from 20 years of using the VCR): Can we record 1 channel while watching another? Right now, it isn't picking up all my digital channels (missing ABC and CBS) that my TV tuner does. Could I get a splitter for the antenna cable and hook one side into the back of the TV and another into the DVR, then (for purposes of just watching TV) toggle back and forth between the TV and DVR?

I think you should be able to split the feed from the 1 antenna, and then hook up the 2 new feeds to both antenna inputs on the TV and the DVR. Or you can get 2 antennas. Depending on the transmitters you could probably use just some rabbit ear antenna from Radio Shack or Best Buy for $10. that's what I use and I get very good reception of HD channels where I live.
either way, both tuners will be getting a signal and you can watch either one at any time (toggle). you can rescan for channels anytime if you miss a channel or two the first time you scan for channels.
I us both cable TV and an OTA antenna and also have a Sony XBR1 set. good luck.

Can we record 1 channel while watching another? Right now, it isn't picking up all my digital channels (missing ABC and CBS) that my TV tuner does. Could I get a splitter for the antenna cable and hook one side into the back of the TV and another into the DVR, then (for purposes of just watching TV) toggle back and forth between the TV and DVR?

Unlike a tape recorder, you can record one channel and watch a recorded program. You can even watch a program being recorded. However, you will need to use your TV tuner if you want to watch one channel while recording another one. Why not watch a recorded program while recording another one?

I suggest you visit antennaweb.org where you can find out direction to point your antenna and type of antenna you need. If you use an outdoor antenna, I suggest you buy a new one. If you want to try a splitter, buy one that can pass HD signals.

Ray

Well, it's been working for about two weeks now. It took three days to update a full 8 days, using the new update of days 1,2,5, and 8. In the mean time I did some investigating and found that everytime I set the listing straight on WTTW and CBS, I lost listings. It only seems to want to work, with the listings crossed.

TVGOS has called a couple of times and checked-up on things. They are aware that they have a problem and that the cross tuned channels/listings are a viable work around. (Temporarly) They are working to correct the problem.

Try this work around. It is working for both Mitch G and Myself.

I'll check it in the morning as it will have been 24 hours by then. Just to clarify, you are talking about swapping 2 and 11 in the TVGOS Channel Editor right? So if I select 11 from the grid it will take me to 2 instead.

Right now, it isn't picking up all my digital channels (missing ABC and CBS) that my TV tuner does. Could I get a splitter for the antenna cable and hook one side into the back of the TV and another into the DVR, then (for purposes of just watching TV) toggle back and forth between the TV and DVR? Check out your local area HD thread here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9241702&&#post9241702.

They can probably help you out more with your particular reception issues.

I'll check it in the morning as it will have been 24 hours by then. Just to clarify, you are talking about swapping 2 and 11 in the TVGOS Channel Editor right? So if I select 11 from the grid it will take me to 2 instead.


That is correct. If you select PBS WTTW, it will take you to Cable channel 2. And if if select CBS WBBM, it will take you to Cable channel 11.

One thing that I also noticed is that the DVR needs to acknowedge the swap before it will receive the listings. What I'm trying to say is; be sure that when you tune to either channel, make sure that it displays either "11 WBBM" or "2 WTTW" in the front display. Just making the swap and turning off the DVR does not always work. Some times you need to tune to the channels and wait a few seconds before the swap is acknowedged. This is only a one time thing after the initial change.

yes, you can watch the TV tuner while recording with the DVR tuner. I have my antenna split 3 ways (attic mounted) one to the media room, one to the living room and then in the living room, it is split to my TV and the DVR. I am about 20 miles from the towers and can pick up all the locals with no problems at all.

That is correct. If you select PBS WTTW, it will take you to Cable channel 2. And if if select CBS WBBM, it will take you to Cable channel 11.

One thing that I also noticed is that the DVR needs to acknowedge the swap before it will receive the listings. What I'm trying to say is; be sure that when you tune to either channel, make sure that it displays either "11 WBBM" or "2 WTTW" in the front display. Just making the swap and turning off the DVR does not always work. Some times you need to tune to the channels and wait a few seconds before the swap is acknowedged. This is only a one time thing after the initial change.

I checked the listings this morning as it has been over 24 hours since I made the change. Nothing. Just as before no more listings have been received. It's still showing 11 as the host but I am not receiving one bit of data from them. I just did a "restore fatory defaults" which completely wipes the unit. Maybe starting from scratch will help though I'm not optimistic at this point.

Sometime yesterday TVGOS turned off and re-ordered some of my channels. This happened to about 15 channels at the top of my arranged list, mostly network and cable HD's. The 90 channels beneath those stayed in order.

It all seemed random. NBC-DT stayed on, but moved. Channels like CBS-DT, ABC-DT, HBO-HD, and the ESPN HD's were turned off and scattered near the bottom of the channel setup list.

TVGOS sure is wacky.

Anyone who converted to version 1.17, is there a noticable difference in channel change speed?
I currently have 1.15 and am thinking about upgrading to 1.17 (if anyone out there still has 1.17 and is willing to share)

Tim

I'm in Chicago and have lost my channel info also. I checked the host channel and it's set to 1:0-11. I use cable, not antenna, which I though the 0 signified. Shouldn't my host channel be 1:1-11, or how should I interpret 1:0-11?

Update: I guess the first 1 means cable. Still, anyone getting data from 11 in Chicago?

Update 2: I had channel 11 disabled in the Guide. I've enabled it, so now I'll wait and see if anything shows up overnight.


Did the listings ever return? In the past I had CBS 2 disabled in the guide and it didn't matter. I received flawless listings with CBS 2 as the host regardless. All that changed when they stopped being a TVGOS provider a couple weeks ago. I've only received listings (3 days worth) once since then with WTTW 11 as the host. I've got nothing now and it doesn't look like that's going to change.

If anyone here has WTTW 11 Chicago as their host (Cable or OTA) please post whether or not you have listings and provide your zip code and the name of your cable company if applicable. It might help to track down the problem. Thanks!

TWinbrook, mine is still showing that it's using channel 2 as the host channel. I've been consistently getting listings just fine. This is off of Comcast's Oswego head end (60543).

Sometime yesterday TVGOS turned off and re-ordered some of my channels. This happened to about 15 channels at the top of my arranged list, mostly network and cable HD's. The 90 channels beneath those stayed in order.

It all seemed random. NBC-DT stayed on, but moved. Channels like CBS-DT, ABC-DT, HBO-HD, and the ESPN HD's were turned off and scattered near the bottom of the channel setup list.

TVGOS sure is wacky.

Today TVGOS turned on about 80 channels that I had set to off and put them at the bottom of the list. At least my custom order was not disturbed.

It appears that someone at TVGOS is doing some fiddling. At our expense of course.

I recently shipped a DHG-HDD500 I found at the Sony outlet to a friend who wanted one. He has received the box and unit in good condition, but the front panel buttons on the unit aren't working. I remember reading a ways back about some connector behind the front anel display that can come loose in shipment and cause these buttons not to work. Can anyone describe how to fix this problem, or link to the earlier post(s) about it for me? Thanks!

TWinbrook, mine is still showing that it's using channel 2 as the host channel. I've been consistently getting listings just fine. This is off of Comcast's Oswego head end (60543).

Channel 2 was shut down as a TVGOS listings provider so I don't understand how that's even possible. Have you run the VBI test on that channel? I'd be very interested in the results.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. When we got the HDTV a couple months ago, we tweaked our current antenna to maximize reception, so I'm pretty sure its pointed in the right direction. We do want to replace it, but are having trouble actually getting a contractor to return our calls.

TVGOS is downloading fine, but we're still having reception issues. I spoke w/ the Sony rep and he noted that the built-in tuner on the DVR is not as strong as the one in the XBR1 TV. I can accept that, but it seems odd that when I plug the antenna cable into the TV, my signal strength reads 77 but when I plug the same cable into the DVR, my signal strength is only 35! Could the tuner really be that much weaker? Is there any possibility that the tuner on the specific machine I have is just unusually weak? It seems to have the most problems w/ the local stations, perhaps due to multipath issues (I live in the city so buildings and trees might be in the way)? I ask because the store had 1-2 more units available as of yesterday and I wonder if it makes sense to just try another unit, or if this is just an issue common to the model.

I just did a VBI test and it failed for channel 2. Yet it's showing that channel 2 is the host channel as has been getting guide data just fine. Weird!

Channel 2 was shut down as a TVGOS listings provider so I don't understand how that's even possible. Have you run the VBI test on that channel? I'd be very interested in the results.

If anyone here has WTTW 11 Chicago as their host (Cable or OTA) please post whether or not you have listings and provide your zip code and the name of your cable company if applicable. It might help to track down the problem. Thanks!

I finally got my TVGOS listings restored today. Please note that I have no cable, OTA only. I'd like to thank all the participants here for making it possible. It took me several tries to finally get it right.

I restored both analog WBBM-2 and WTTW-11 to both TVGOS listings and active channels. I have no idea of how to swap them; the discussions here about that were just unclear to me, so I left them as-is.

I reset my ZIP Code to 60601, even though I'm out in the western suburbs. I theorized that the TVGOS setup at WTTW may not have all the suburban ZIP Codes loaded yet, but they would certainly have the Chicago ZIP Codes. The reset cleared out all the listings.

I then tuned analog WTTW-11 on the HDD250 and followed the force host instructions listed above. When the Searching VBI message disappeared, I shut off the HDD250 and left it off for 24 hours. When I turned it on this morning, I had listings for days 1, 2, 5, and 8. Oddly, channel WMAQ-DT 5.1 was tuned when I powered up, even though I had turned it off with analog WTTW-11 still tuned.

When I went to the TVGOS service menu, the host channel was 0:0-11, but the VBI channel was 0:5.1. This seems bizarre to me, because I thought VBI was a feature of analog signals, not digital signals. However, since I have listings, I won't argue. ;)

I don't know if this will help HDD250/500 users with both cable and OTA, but I hope it will help OTA users.

I finally got my TVGOS listings restored today. Please note that I have no cable, OTA only. I'd like to thank all the participants here for making it possible. It took me several tries to finally get it right.

I restored both analog WBBM-2 and WTTW-11 to both TVGOS listings and active channels. I have no idea of how to swap them; the discussions here about that were just unclear to me, so I left them as-is.

I reset my ZIP Code to 60601, even though I'm out in the western suburbs. I theorized that the TVGOS setup at WTTW may not have all the suburban ZIP Codes loaded yet, but they would certainly have the Chicago ZIP Codes. The reset cleared out all the listings.

I then tuned analog WTTW-11 on the HDD250 and followed the force host instructions listed above. When the Searching VBI message disappeared, I shut off the HDD250 and left it off for 24 hours. When I turned it on this morning, I had listings for days 1, 2, 5, and 8. Oddly, channel WMAQ-DT 5.1 was tuned when I powered up, even though I had turned it off with analog WTTW-11 still tuned.

When I went to the TVGOS service menu, the host channel was 0:0-11, but the VBI channel was 0:5.1. This seems bizarre to me, because I thought VBI was a feature of analog signals, not digital signals. However, since I have listings, I won't argue. ;)


Yeah, this swapping channels trick did nothing for me either. Didn't make sense to me anyway but then nothing about TVGOS does. The VBI channel showing as 0:5.1 in the service menu simply means the unit was left on channel 5.1 at the time. It doesn't mean it would pass the VBI test. Change the channel to 7.1 (or anything else) and it will show that instead.

I did a factory reset on it yesterday and will check it again this afternoon after the last TVGOS update of the day is complete. I've been getting scattered listings for days 1,2,5 and 8 with about half of those showing both No Title and No Listings.

Anyone with Cable and 11 as their host could you please check the signal to noise ratio in the Preferences (System) Menu. Mine shows up as 55. Maybe the signal is breaking up? Picture quality is excellent however.

Channel 2 was shut down as a TVGOS listings provider so I don't understand how that's even possible. Have you run the VBI test on that channel? I'd be very interested in the results.

The host channel shown does not always change to the actual one! My Sony was using CBS OTA 2 (with no antenna connected) and still shows OTA 2 in the diagnostic screen. Of course, this channel fails the VBI test since shutting down its TVGOS transmission. The only channels that pass are ABC OTA 7, FOX OTA 32 and WTTW cable 94 (the only analog cable channel I have).

So I now do not know which host is in use. But I get listings every day without fail, so I will not fiddle with anything right now. OTA 7 and 32 sometimes show bad packets in the VBI test, so I would guess I'm using cable 94 as the host.

I have Comcast with cablecard, OTA turned on in the Sony but no antenna, zip 60614. All the analog channels I mentioned have SNR of 55.

Well, at 4 o'clock this afternoon I turned it on and I once again had fragmented listings for days 1,2,5 and 8. Same problem as before with about 2/3 of these showing No Title and No Listing. However, a couple hours later I turned it on again to make some changes to the lineup order and found the listings for those days had filled in. Not 100% but much more than what was showing up two hours earlier. How is this possible? Listings data is supposedly only transmitted four times a day in 3 hour blocks with the last one occuring at 12:46PM CDT.

From the FAQ:

2.1.9 When do the guide data downloads take place?

The download times are (all in EST):

2:21 AM (180 minutes)
7:01 AM (180 minutes)
10:06 AM (180 minutes)
1:46 PM (180 minutes)

Your DVR must be OFF to receive this information. Each of these downloads contains the same data, so only one of them is needed to get a particular day's download info.

2.1.10 Are there other (non-guide) download times during the day?

Yes there are other download times. They are (all in EST):
12:41 AM (30 minutes)
1:11 PM (30 minutes)
11:01 PM (30 minutes)
1:16 AM (60 minutes)
5:56 AM (60 minutes)
5:46 PM (60 minutes)
11:36 PM (60 minutes)

Your DVR must be OFF to receive this information. These downloads are used for stuff like settings (channel lineups, zip codes, programming providers, ads, etc).


Yet I received a good deal of new listings between 4PM and 6PM. The original guide download format of Days 1,2 and 8 has been replaced with Days 1,2,5 and 8 recently. Could it be they now transmit listings data at different times and in smaller chunks as a result of this change?

I see a few other people are having problems with fragmented listings yet it's difficult to find a common cause. All seem to have WTTW 11 Chicago as the host both OTA and via Cable however it has been shown that the channel displayed as the host is not always accurate. CBS 2 Chicago has been shut down as a TVGOS listings provider yet some are still showing 2 as their host and yet they haven't lost any listings. In the meantime I have left 2, 7, 11 and 32 alone as they are all TVGOS listings providers except 2 but I don't want to tempt fate.

I'm concerned that with 2 now gone we no longer have a backup.

Channel 11 Primary V8 Guide Data Host
Channel 02 Secondary V8 Guide Data Host
Channel 32 Primary V7 Guide Data Host
Channel 07 Secondary V7 Guide Data Host

The Sony is a V8 device though I suspect it is backwards compatible with V7 data. I imagine it is better to have it lock on to a V8 host however. That means we must rely more on 11 now than ever before.

I am going to leave to unit off for another 24 hours and see what happens. Going on week three here though and missing a lot of recordings. :rolleyes:

Did the listings ever return?

After I enabled channel 11 in both the channel listing and the Guide, I have seen some spotty updates of the Guide listings, but it's not complete with holes in both channels and days. We'll see how it looks in a few days, but I feel pessimistic.

BTW, I'm in zip code 60625 and using free Comcast.

The host channel shown does not always change to the actual one! My Sony was using CBS OTA 2 (with no antenna connected) and still shows OTA 2 in the diagnostic screen. Of course, this channel fails the VBI test since shutting down its TVGOS transmission. The only channels that pass are ABC OTA 7, FOX OTA 32 and WTTW cable 94 (the only analog cable channel I have).

I think the interesting thing here is that you receive guide data via 94 which is the duplicate analog of 11 that Comcast inserts for those using CableCARDs and digital cable. I was beginning to think this was a cable issue and Comcast was somehow messing up the signal on 11 but I see it affects those receiving it OTA as well.

Anyone recently spot this unit at any local Tweeters stores in SoCal?

Jim, do you mean "anyone else", as in you spotted one? Or are you catching up on this thread and referring to the $250 Tweeters closeout that occurred about a year ago and is long since over with?

I am going to leave to unit off for another 24 hours and see what happens. Going on week three here though and missing a lot of recordings. :rolleyes:

Okay, another 24 hours another dissapointment. I have fragmented listings for Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. It seems my unit picks up the first day's downloads for Days 1,2,5 and 8 (though incomplete) and then nothing more after that. It just stops. It's been about 72 hours since I reset it. By far the channels with the most "No Listings" shown are the locals. Almost every single one of them. That must mean something.

UPDATE: Although I have ZERO listings for showing for tomorrow (Monday) I can still find a program on Monday by searching for it. What the heck does that mean? If it shows up in a search why doesn't it show up in the listings?

Is there a way to clear the existing listings without wiping out the channel lineup order?

Can a V8-TVGOS device like the Sony get listings data from a V7-TVGOS station like WFLD 32 Chicago? Is anyone using 32 as their host channel?

Thanks to everyone for the advice. When we got the HDTV a couple months ago, we tweaked our current antenna to maximize reception, so I'm pretty sure its pointed in the right direction. We do want to replace it, but are having trouble actually getting a contractor to return our calls.

TVGOS is downloading fine, but we're still having reception issues. I spoke w/ the Sony rep and he noted that the built-in tuner on the DVR is not as strong as the one in the XBR1 TV. I can accept that, but it seems odd that when I plug the antenna cable into the TV, my signal strength reads 77 but when I plug the same cable into the DVR, my signal strength is only 35! Could the tuner really be that much weaker? Is there any possibility that the tuner on the specific machine I have is just unusually weak? It seems to have the most problems w/ the local stations, perhaps due to multipath issues (I live in the city so buildings and trees might be in the way)? I ask because the store had 1-2 more units available as of yesterday and I wonder if it makes sense to just try another unit, or if this is just an issue common to the model.


Katalase,

What station, OTA or cable, are you getting your TVGOS data from?

Where did you buy your unit in Washington, DC?

Thanks,

Jack

Did the listings ever return? In the past I had CBS 2 disabled in the guide and it didn't matter. I received flawless listings with CBS 2 as the host regardless. All that changed when they stopped being a TVGOS provider a couple weeks ago. I've only received listings (3 days worth) once since then with WTTW 11 as the host. I've got nothing now and it doesn't look like that's going to change.

If anyone here has WTTW 11 Chicago as their host (Cable or OTA) please post whether or not you have listings and provide your zip code and the name of your cable company if applicable. It might help to track down the problem. Thanks!

I've had OTA, WTTW 11 Chicago as the host since I got the unit back in January, and except for two instances where the reception was completely lost and so the channel guide, it's worked flawlessly. Zipcode 60661 RCN cable for limited basic cable.

Bobbie

I have fragmented listings for Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. It seems my unit picks up the first day's downloads for Days 1,2,5 and 8 (though incomplete) and then nothing more after that. It just stops.Don't mean to repeat myself, but you never really responded to my post about it the last time -

Are you sure you haven't taken the WTTW channel 11 ANALOG that came up in the guide after the setup, and changed it to the channel number for the DIGITAL WTTW?

That's what caused me to have the same problem.

Don't mean to repeat myself, but you never really responded to my post about it the last time -

Are you sure you haven't taken the WTTW channel 11 ANALOG that came up in the guide after the setup, and changed it to the channel number for the DIGITAL WTTW?

That's what caused me to have the same problem.

Yes and I was sure not to do that after the most recent reset as well.

Anyone using their unit with FIOS and cablecard? I just had FIOS TV installed (it's fantastic esp the HD offerings) but cannot get TVGOS to download so no listings available. All the stations on the cable input come in as digital cable including my PBS 26 Wash DC (VBI info) which I think is a byproduct of the cablecard based on the FAQ info. They should have analog channels 3-49 (including PBS) available to cable ready tvs. I tried splitting the line and doing an antenna channel scan on the antenna input in hopes of grabbing the analog pbs but only got like 8 channels (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,13 I think.) Any suggestions?

Merry Christmas!!!

Any suggestions?


GIVE UP.

No Guide - for SURE.

Merry Christmas.

Ok so my only alternative is to grab my PBS station via OTA? What type of signal strength do I need (ie will a ghosting fuzzy picture still get me the VBI info?) TIA.

Ok so my only alternative is to grab my PBS station via OTA? What type of signal strength do I need (ie will a ghosting fuzzy picture still get me the VBI info?) TIA.

Yes - that is the ONLY Way you will get guide data - is via
analog.

I DO NOT KNOW what signal strength you will need to get
good guide data. Searching this thread MIGHT reveal that
answer.

Anyone using their unit with FIOS and cablecard? I just had FIOS TV installed (it's fantastic esp the HD offerings) but cannot get TVGOS to download so no listings available. All the stations on the cable input come in as digital cable including my PBS 26 Wash DC (VBI info) which I think is a byproduct of the cablecard based on the FAQ info. They should have analog channels 3-49 (including PBS) available to cable ready tvs. I tried splitting the line and doing an antenna channel scan on the antenna input in hopes of grabbing the analog pbs but only got like 8 channels (3,4,5,6,7,8,9,13 I think.) Any suggestions?

Merry Christmas!!!


I am just glad that Fios worked fine with the HDD250, I am changing in the near future from Cox to Fios, got great guide info from local OTA, so I should not have a problem. Thanks for the info.

Is there a trick to getting HDMI audio to work ? Santa brought be a XBR2 and I am using a hdmi to hdmi cable for the first time. My XBR2 is not getting any audio on in the clear channels. It is also having HDCP problem with the non in the clear channels. You think a sony dvr could play nice with a sony tv.

Is there a trick to getting HDMI audio to work ? Santa brought be a XBR2 and I am using a hdmi to hdmi cable for the first time. My XBR2 is not getting any audio on in the clear channels. It is also having HDCP problem with the non in the clear channels. You think a sony dvr could play nice with a sony tv.

Try a DIFFERENT HDMI cable.

I have had those kind of problems go away with
a cable switch.

Ok so my only alternative is to grab my PBS station via OTA? What type of signal strength do I need (ie will a ghosting fuzzy picture still get me the VBI info?) TIA.Yes, a ghosty, snowy, even fuzzy picture will do for the OTA host channel - as long as it's consistent.

Okay, another 24 hours another dissapointment. I have fragmented listings for Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday. It seems my unit picks up the first day's downloads for Days 1,2,5 and 8 (though incomplete) and then nothing more after that. It just stops. It's been about 72 hours since I reset it. By far the channels with the most "No Listings" shown are the locals. Almost every single one of them. That must mean something.

The same thing happened to me; no updates after the first day after the reset. Then last night I had a crazy idea that if I tuned WTTW-11 before I shut the unit off it might be able to do more updates. Imagine my surprise this morning when that actually worked! I got another set of days 1, 2, 5, and 8. So, not the ideal situation but at least a workaround is available.

This might not help you with your cable listings but you never know.

Does anyone have some internal photos of this unit? thanks

The HDMI cable works well. I have the HDD250 and a Sony A2000. On the A2000 you have to make sure you use HDMI 1 as it supports audio over it. The other HDMI port does not. Check your HDMI port you are using on the TV to make sure it supports audio.

Does anyone know if the HDMI cable carries 5.1 dolby digital sound or is it just 2 channel pcm?

Does anyone know if the HDMI cable carries 5.1 dolby digital
Yes it does.

Does anyone have some internal photos of this unit? thanks
Here's one that Mark Fontana posted (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6599504&&#post6599504).

hdd250_inside.jpg (http://dp70.dyndns.org/tmp/hdd250_inside.jpg)

So the DHG outputs 5.1 if it is recoded that way or as a pass thru if you are just using it as a tuner?

So the DHG outputs 5.1 if it is recoded that way or as a pass thru if you are just using it as a tuner?

Yes....if the source is in 5.1, both the recording and original air broadcast will be output in 5.1 (assuming you have it connected properly to a 5.1 receiver)

Yes it does.

when I hooked up my hdmi cable to my tv I had to disable the dolby and go with the straight feed PCM. Also, I don't think PCM is just two channels, as I understand it, it is just the straight digital feed, then the tv converts it to dolby or what ever.


On another note, I have 3 sony dvrs, two 500 and one 250 and I have been forunate that I have never had any problems with the tvguide feed. I have found them to work flawlessly. I know if the digital crash comes in 2009 and renders them obsolete, I hope Sony or someone comes out with a like product (NO MYTH TV comments please), I would buy them again in a heartbeat.

HDAddiction

when I hooked up my hdmi cable to my tv I had to disable the dolby and go with the straight feed PCM.
Perhaps because your TV doesn't support DD5.1.
Also, I don't think PCM is just two channels, as I understand it, it is just the straight digital feed, then the tv converts it to dolby or what ever.

HDMI audio out of the Sony is either DD5.1 or 2-channel PCM (see the manual). The TV would never convert to a Dolby encoding. Your TV might have Dolby Pro Logic II which synthesizes 5.1 audio output from 2-channel audio input.

I have another newbie question that I can not find in the thread. The TWC cable person is coming tomorrow to install a cablecard in the DHG. Will I have to "re-initialize" it somehow so that is sees all the new channels?

On the HDMI side it seems to be working fine from what I can tell with good audio going to my TV, Sony A2000. I can also send 5.1 back to my receiver via the optical link and that seems to also work fine and seems to be highly dependent on what the broadcast stations are sending. No news there.

Lastly, I have had my 250 for over a year with none of the issues folks seem to be having. The Guide always is up and if I have to unplug reloads in a day with no problem. The time come back within minutes of a power loss of any kind. I guess I am one of the lucky ones in that regard.

I wish I would have gotten the 500 now though since I will be starting to record HD content I will need the space. :D. Has there been any news on adding a second hard drive to the 250. Would just love to put on of the new large WD drives in if possible.

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

Section VBI Data-VBI Info

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

Section VBI Data-VBI DLSched

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

Section VBI Data-VBIDL

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


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

Thank you very much!

Here are some pictures of the screens in question. I just noticed something interesting. In the upper left hand corner where the inset tv program is playing it says the current time is 10:17 which is the correct time and the time displayed on the front panel as well. In the TVGOS 753159852 menu it says the current time is 4:17 which is 6 hours off. Does anyone else show the same discrepancy? If not that may very well be the problem. The unit would be trying to download at the wrong times then. Hmmmm.

http://homepage.mac.com/twinbrook528/.Pictures/screen1.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/twinbrook528/.Pictures/screen2.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/twinbrook528/.Pictures/screen3.jpg

It appears the TVGOS clock is 6 hours ahead of the Sony clock. Can someone check their unit to rule out this possibility? This could very well be the problem.

It appears the TVGOS clock is 6 hours ahead of the Sony clock. Can someone check their unit to rule out this possibility? This could very well be the problem.

I don't think that's your problem. I live in Fairfax, Virginia in EST. and my TVGOS time is 5 hours ahead of actual time. I think that TVGOS uses GMT as its base time. Thus, EST is -5 hours and CST, where you are, is -6 hours. Just my guess.

I don't think that's your problem. I live in Fairfax, Virginia in EST. and my TVGOS time is 5 hours ahead of actual time. I think that TVGOS uses GMT as its base time. Thus, EST is -5 hours and CST, where you are, is -6 hours. Just my guess.

How about the other screens? See anything interesting there? This is a real mystery.

coo1enuf: TWC cablecard - I just had my FIOS cablecard activated. After insertion the tech activated the card via internet and my Sony could 'see' all the digital cable channels. So I could directly tune to them. However it took me resetting my guide info (zip code, OTA antenna & cable and lineup) to use OTA antenna for my PBS station/TVGOS info and after an overnight load I'm getting my full FIOS listing. TWC may have an analog station you could use for TVGOS info...FIOS doesn't seem to.

After insertion and activation the TVGOS said it was updating my guide data. I will have to wait and see overnight but everything looked fine. I use the local PBS station to get the guide data and it has alway worked well. I talked to the tech and he said I would still have all the analog channels all the cablecard did was add the digital channels and as far as I can tell that is the way it is working. I will update tomorrow about the TVGOS data.

After insertion and activation the TVGOS said it was updating my guide data. I will have to wait and see overnight but everything looked fine. I use the local PBS station to get the guide data and it has alway worked well. I talked to the tech and he said I would still have all the analog channels all the cablecard did was add the digital channels and as far as I can tell that is the way it is working. I will update tomorrow about the TVGOS data.

BTW- The time on my unit is showing EST as it should be.

TWinBrook:

As of 5:00PM on 12/28/07, my LastDLStart shows 12/28/06 19:41:07 which given the use of Universal Time, should equate to 1:41PM today which makes reasonable sense.
LastDLEnd is N/A.

My DLSched is the same as what you show.
My VBIDL page has the same DLIDs listed and they are all marked inactive, but my LstAtStrts are different with dates bouncing around from November to today.

What does your slicing data show? This was a page that the TVGOS people had me read back to them alot. This page is titled Section Reception-Slicing.
You should see big numbers for TypeC with relatively few errors - for both Since Cold and HostChan. For me, my TypeB data has big numbers Since Cold but tiny numbers for HostChan.

Do you have any way of using an antenna? If so, I would reset the TVGOS (not a factory reset, just use the Setup->Change system settings menu) and don't tell it you have cable - only OTA and see how the listings look.

Or, try my zipcode, 60565 and say you have Wideopenwest and see if you get data.

What you are experiencing is very similar to what I was seeing when I was having problems. I wonder if Comcast is futzing the VBI channel on channel 11.

TWinBrook:

As of 5:00PM on 12/28/07, my LastDLStart shows 12/28/06 19:41:07 which given the use of Universal Time, should equate to 1:41PM today which makes reasonable sense.
LastDLEnd is N/A.

My DLSched is the same as what you show.
My VBIDL page has the same DLIDs listed and they are all marked inactive, but my LstAtStrts are different with dates bouncing around from November to today.

What does your slicing data show? This was a page that the TVGOS people had me read back to them alot. This page is titled Section Reception-Slicing.
You should see big numbers for TypeC with relatively few errors - for both Since Cold and HostChan. For me, my TypeB data has big numbers Since Cold but tiny numbers for HostChan.

Do you have any way of using an antenna? If so, I would reset the TVGOS (not a factory reset, just use the Setup->Change system settings menu) and don't tell it you have cable - only OTA and see how the listings look.

Or, try my zipcode, 60565 and say you have Wideopenwest and see if you get data.

What you are experiencing is very similar to what I was seeing when I was having problems. I wonder if Comcast is futzing the VBI channel on channel 11.

I changed the zip code this afternoon to 60187 (Wheaton) and it is now showing the host channel as CBS 2 once again. How this is even possible I don't know as they were supposedly shut down as a TVGOS provider. I mean, it couldn't find 2 as a host unless they were broadcasting a signal, right? We'll see in the morning I guess. As far as an antenna goes I only have a SilverSensor which gets a few digitals up on the 3rd floor but as far analog 11 is concerned I just get snow with some forms and shapes that appear to be human beings. I'll move the Sony to the 3rd floor in the morning if I still have no listings by then and see what happens. After that I'll take a sledgehammer to it.

Since Cold
- 3285 Starts
- 3264 Ends
- 44 Drops
- 3264 TypeC

HostChan
- 596 Starts
- 591 Ends
- 44 Drops
- 591 TypeC

Everything else on the page is zero. Like I said, it gets listings during the first 24 hours but nothing after that. I'm going to reset the slicing data screen when I turn it off for the night.

Twinbrook,

I just ran another VBI test on channel 2 and it is now passing again. The numbers on the right hand side also increment which I assume means that it's receiveing packets.

TWinBrook:

From what I can tell, the slicing data doesn't look too bad.

I also sympathize with regards to the sledgehammer idea - that's how I felt in October. I was "this" (hold thumb and forefinger together) close to getting a Tivo S3, but I couldn't justify the upfront and recurring costs and had concerns that the user model it employs wouldn't match my style. And, decided that using it as a dumb VCR type box was still going to better than paying for Tivo. At least until a new box showed up on the market, or I could build a usable HTPC inexpensively.

Anyway, I'm happy it started working again, because it is a nice little box - when it's working.

This is what I would suggest:

1) See if your Wheaton setup works. I really think it's worth giving it a couple of days before doing anything further. I think some of my problems were caused by trying different things too quickly.

2) If it doesn't work, since it's hosting to channel 2, try doing the swapperoo thing and give that a few days.

3) If that doesn't work then try OTA and if that works, scream at the cable company because they're doing something wrong.


Mitch

Twinbrook,

I just ran another VBI test on channel 2 and it is now passing again. The numbers on the right hand side also increment which I assume means that it's receiveing packets.

That test doesn't prove it's passing TVGOS data. It just shows the VBI channel is working which also carries closed captioning.



Mitch

That test doesn't prove it's passing TVGOS data. It just shows the VBI channel is working which also carries closed captioning.

Mitch

True but it has been failing the VBI test for the past few weeks (ever since they supposedly were shut down as a TVGOS provider) but now suddenly it passes the VBI test and shows up as the host channel again.

I just check setting on my two recorders. Both changed guide channel from OTA to Cable, which is OTA channel 28 and cable channel 3. However, channel 11 provides the clock. Both units have complete 8 day guide but VBI test failed on both cable and ota. I hope the high winds didn't affect the guide.

Ray

TWinBrook:

From what I can tell, the slicing data doesn't look too bad.

I also sympathize with regards to the sledgehammer idea - that's how I felt in October. I was "this" (hold thumb and forefinger together) close to getting a Tivo S3, but I couldn't justify the upfront and recurring costs and had concerns that the user model it employs wouldn't match my style. And, decided that using it as a dumb VCR type box was still going to better than paying for Tivo. At least until a new box showed up on the market, or I could build a usable HTPC inexpensively.

Anyway, I'm happy it started working again, because it is a nice little box - when it's working.

This is what I would suggest:

1) See if your Wheaton setup works. I really think it's worth giving it a couple of days before doing anything further. I think some of my problems were caused by trying different things too quickly.

2) If it doesn't work, since it's hosting to channel 2, try doing the swapperoo thing and give that a few days.

3) If that doesn't work then try OTA and if that works, scream at the cable company because they're doing something wrong.


Mitch

I thought about the TiVo S3 but it has too many drawbacks. First of all they increased the monthly fee to $19.95. Ouch. Second, you cannot map unencrypted digital cable channels as you can with the Sony. This is a basic feature that shouldn't have been left out. Then there is the lower capacity, dual CableCARDs required to work as advertised, eSATA port disabled, etc. No thanks. If they fix a couple of these things I'd consider it but I wouldn't buy one counting on them to do so. Doesn't make any more sense appologizing for TiVo than Gemstar.

Then there is the rumor that Sony will be releasing a Blu-Ray/Hard Drive combo recorder that retrieves listings off the internet, either using their own service or a partnership with someone like TitanTV. Just a rumor though and even if true it would be a while with the Blu-Ray delays. CES is a just couple weeks away though.

CBS 2 is now passing the VBI test after a 3 week hiatus and it is showing up as the host. Coincidence? Maybe but doubtful. Supposedly they were shut down by Gemstar as a TVGOS provider. I'm finding that claim a bit dubious now. Gemstar has Primary and Secondary providers for V7 data and up until recently V8 data. More likely they had technical difficulties and no one noticed until now. Wouldn't surprise me. We're a small group. I wish I knew more about how TVGOS worked.

Well, after a one-month hiatus it appears CBS 2 is back as a TVGOS provider. I am receiving listings with them as a host once again. Were they really shut down by Gemstar or were they simply having technical difficulties for a whole month before even noticing? I guess we'll never know. I never received a reply. Am I relieved to finally be getting listings once again? Not really. Over the past month I've tried everything to get them from a host other than CBS 2 with no success. If they ever go down again or God forbid really do get shut down permanently I'll have absolutely no way to receive listings.

Originally Posted by dozens
Is there a trick to getting HDMI audio to work ? Santa brought be a XBR2 and I am using a hdmi to hdmi cable for the first time. My XBR2 is not getting any audio on in the clear channels. It is also having HDCP problem with the non in the clear channels. You think a sony dvr could play nice with a sony tv.


Try a DIFFERENT HDMI cable.

I have had those kind of problems go away with
a cable switch.

Switching cables didn't help. I have a 28AWG hdmi cable from monoprice on order but I suspect this is a handshaking issue. I working with sony tech support to try to resolve.

Well, after a one-month hiatus it appears CBS 2 is back as a TVGOS provider. I am receiving listings with them as a host once again. Were they really shut down by Gemstar or were they simply having technical difficulties for a whole month before even noticing? I guess we'll never know. I never received a reply. Am I relieved to finally be getting listings once again? Not really. Over the past month I've tried everything to get them from a host other than CBS 2 with no success. If they ever go down again or God forbid really do get shut down permanently I'll have absolutely no way to receive listings.

That's good news. The TVGOS guy told me that they had shut WBBM down, so if it's back on, I'm guessing it's because CBS fixed whatever problems they were having to Gemstar's satisfaction. But, who knows. Figuring out how TVGOS works is harder than figuring out how the Universe works. So, one must just be happy that it does work - that goes for TVGOS, too. :)


Mitch

Switching cables didn't help. I have a 28AWG hdmi cable from monoprice on order but I suspect this is a handshaking issue. I working with sony tech support to try to resolve.

I'll be honest - I haven't been following your problem too closely. But, there's an audio submenu under the preferences submenu on the DVR menu where you can select things like Dolby Digital- did you mess with that at all? Maybe you have to enable the digital sound for HDMI audio to work?


Mitch

Anyone using FIOS in the DC Metro area? My TVGOS Wash DC digital cablecard FIOS lineup doesn't seem to be including TNT-HD as an available station in my tvguid->setup->default channel list. It's in my system CH+/- list and I can tune to it fine. Any suggestions appreciated thanks.

I picked up a KDL-V32XBR2 last night and now having the following test environments.

60" RP XBR2 -- (HDMI) --> DHG-HDD500 (fw 1.2.13)
32" LCD XBR2 -- (HDMI) -- > DHG-HDD250 (fw1.2.9)

Both show the same problems. No audio on in the clear QAM channels, no audio or video on recorded playback. This is without a cablecard in the DHG. When I get no live video I see the following message on screen


This program is not available when connected to this HDMI or DVI equipped monitor.
You may change the channel or use the Component or SD Video outputs.


Mitch - Thanks for trying to help. I have enabled the default digital audio and dolby digital already.

It looks like a compatibility issue, now I just need to convince Sony so they will stop blaming the cablecard.

I picked up a KDL-V32XBR2 last night and now having the following test environments.

60" RP XBR2 -- (HDMI) --> DHG-HDD500 (fw 1.2.13)
32" LCD XBR2 -- (HDMI) -- > DHG-HDD250 (fw1.2.9)

Both show the same problems. No audio on in the clear QAM channels, no audio or video on recorded playback. This is without a cablecard in the DHG.

How are you connecting the speakers to your TV? Directly or are you using the digital audio output of the TV to a surround receiver? I had a similar problem and it took a while to discover that it was a design problem with the TV (Pioneer). Turns out that my TV would only render the HDMI audio input signal on the TVs speakers. It would not pass the multi-channel digital audio input from the HDMI input to the digital audio output to my surround receiver (lame). I ended up using the optical audio output of the Sony DHG-HDD500 directly to the surround receiver, and the HDMI is just for video.

How are you connecting the speakers to your TV? Directly or are you using the digital audio output of the TV to a surround receiver? I had a similar problem and it took a while to discover that it was a design problem with the TV (Pioneer). Turns out that my TV would only render the HDMI audio input signal on the TVs speakers. It would not pass the multi-channel digital audio input from the HDMI input to the digital audio output to my surround receiver (lame). I ended up using the optical audio output of the Sony DHG-HDD500 directly to the surround receiver, and the HDMI is just for video.

I do not have any external speakers, I intend to use the built into the TV.

Both show the same problems. No audio on in the clear QAM channels, no audio or video on recorded playback. This is without a cablecard in the DHG. When I get no live video I see the following message on screen:


This program is not available when connected to this HDMI or DVI equipped monitor.
You may change the channel or use the Component or SD Video outputs.



Sounds like it's being prevented due to some kind of copy protection like HDCP.

Not sure what is going on with your connection. I have a DHG250 fw 1.2.9 and have the HDMI cable between it and my 60A2000 and get audio on the tv speaker on both NTSC and QAM channels. The TV will not output audio to the optical output when coming in HDMI per manual. It will do it when the signal comes in via cable or OTA. This does not seem to be an issue since I just put the optical out from the DHG to my receiver when I want full 5.1 sound from a cable or OTA source. Do not know why you would want to add the conversion/forwarding through the TV when you can have a direct connection.

I do not have any external speakers, I intend to use the built into the TV.

It may be that you will need to connect the analog (left/right) audio cables between your DVR out and your TV inputs in order to get sound to your TV's built-in speakers.

I do not have any external speakers, I intend to use the built into the TV.

This definitely sounds like it's being prevented due to some kind of copy protection like HDCP. I have received the same message on occasion. Check your HDMI connections and make sure they're real tight. Also, go into your Sony TV diagnostics screen and make sure the display shows: authenticated. If it doesn't or it says authenticating then the problem would seem to be HDCP. Try turning off the power on the DVR and then starting it again. Even though both your monitors are Sony like mine and there shouldn't be a "handshake problem between them" they can sometimes be tempermental.

I've loved using my 2 500s for the past year, but unfortunately I'm gonna have to do something I always hoped I would never do, rent a da** cableco HD DVR.

Many of the HD channels can not be tuned by the Sony. More and more channels here are switched and do not tune. They just added 'free' MusicHD and A&E HD channels, they don't tune with the Sony, neither does ESPN HD and most of the HD tier either. Plus the cableco could never get one of my 500s to tune any premium or HD tier channels with the cablecard. Techs have been out 4 or 5 times, and no one can get one to work while the other one does tune into some of the HD tier.

ALL HD channels here are in the 1500 range, they do not show up in TVGOS, so the few HD channels I can tune have to be manually recorded.

It's too bad, the Sony is a better box than the Scientific Atlanta tank I'm gonna get. It holds about half the data the Sonys do and I think it is at a lower bitrate. But due to my investment in 2 HDTV sets, I want to maximize the amt of HD channels I can watch, and the cableco just does not support the Sonys and/or cablecards IMO. And since standard cable is provided in my condo it's hard to go another route.
It's frustrating, the Sonys are great machines but except for network HD it is not compatible with what the cableco is throwing out there. Oh well.

I've loved using my 2 500s for the past year, but unfortunately I'm gonna have to do something I always hoped I would never do, rent a da** cableco HD DVR.
Well, you can always keep the Sonys hooked up and now be able to record 4 channels at once. Maybe use the Sonys to record OTA stuff while using the cable DVR to record cable HD channels. :D

Many of the HD channels can not be tuned by the Sony. More and more channels here are switched and do not tune.

Switched or encrypted? If switched, this is very bad news.


They just added 'free' MusicHD and A&E HD channels, they don't tune with the Sony, neither does ESPN HD and most of the HD tier either. Plus the cableco could never get one of my 500s to tune any premium or HD tier channels with the cablecard. Techs have been out 4 or 5 times, and no one can get one to work while the other one does tune into some of the HD tier.

Did you file a complaint with the FCC?

No FCC complaint, but I told TW I wanted to file a complaint and they said someone would be contacting me. So far I haven't heard from anyone.
Everytime I call them about the cc that doesn't tune any encrypted HD channels, they once again want to send out a tech. But after 4 or 5 visits it's obvious they can't or won't fix it and are just playing the wear down game. They have put in 2 cc and my other 500 with cc does tune into some channels that the other one will not. I even had them put the cc in my 3rd 500 and it had the same tuning problem. It did work for about a month, so I know it is on their end.

So when I return the cc they will handily have 'documentation' that I refused a service call so it will be my fault. I'm tired of the hassle after the numerous calls I've had already. It's very frustrating cause no one wants to admit the problem.

Most every HD (and SD) channel that I can't tune they tell me it is switched. Most of the new additions are 'switched'. All are on the digital tier, so I assume they are encrypted channels. THey all know that these 'switched' channels will not tune on my Sony box.
I hate to give them more money to rent a DVR but it's the only way I can get the HD channels I want.

As far as an antenna goes I only have a SilverSensor....You were using a Silver Sensor all that time to pick up OTA channel 11??!!

A suggestion - next time you have a problem with cable channel 2 not getting info, try using something with rabbit ears that can actually RECEIVE OTA VHF, and THEN set up for cable and OTA. The Silver Sensor can barely pick up VHF at all, and wasn't designed to.

You were using a Silver Sensor all that time to pick up OTA channel 11??!!

A suggestion - next time you have a problem with cable channel 2 not getting info, try using something with rabbit ears that can actually RECEIVE OTA VHF, and THEN set up for cable and OTA. The Silver Sensor can barely pick up VHF at all, and wasn't designed to.

Works better than rabbit ears for me. I had set up the DHG-HDD500 with a borrowed antenna and it didn't work then either. As far as TVGOS listings 2 was down completely and 11 wasn't working past the first 24 hours. Same as with cable.

Well, you can always keep the Sonys hooked up and now be able to record 4 channels at once. Maybe use the Sonys to record OTA stuff while using the cable DVR to record cable HD channels. :D
Hey gigaguy, are you going to keep the Sonys hooked up?

...so I know it is on their end.

Yes, it sure is. I'm sorry that you are so frustrated that you may give up. In 2005, it took Comcast 3 months to get my card to work at all, so I know how you feel.

With me, it's not about the extra dough for the cable box. I have both a box and the HDD500. The Sony is so much better. Both together give me three tuners. Lots of space. Very nice.

Go to the FCC Web site and file a complaint there. Try to go up the supervisory chain at TW. It seems impossible, but it can be done. Go to a local office and demand to speak to tech management. I hate to see anyone give in to the evil ones.

No data for the last couple of days (Next Sat and Sun are blank).

Two different units. VBI test passes on 13 (from cable).

Anyone else?

Walt Mossberg's tech column this week was about the lack of HDTV video recorders to go with all the HD TV's.

He moaned that only an expensive Tivo with monthly fee and the not so great boxes offered by the cable companies were available.

He writes- "But, for now, the choice is tough. The Comcast high-definition DVR is a cheaper, but flawed product and the TiVo Series3 is an excellent, but overpriced one."

No mention of the late departed Sony's we all love (when they work right).

Or why they were withdrawn and nothing took their place from Sony or anyone else.

Is 400ish a good deal for a used DHG-HDD250 w/o HDMI Cable, taking into account the fact that all the clearance deals are gone? I've checked the Lake Elsinore Sony Outlet and they've been sold out for months now. Also, if the DVR is unable to pickup a Guide via OTA or Cable, does this mean that it loses its scheduling/recording capability? Thanks in advanced.

my cousin bought one for his parents at the sony outlet store for $300. He bought the 3 year extended warranty so that if it can't pick up the guide / time in 2 years, he will complain and Sony will repair (which probably can't be done), replace (which they have no current HD DVR) or refund the original sales price. This according to one of the employees and the details of the warranty.

So $400 for a 250GB sounds kind of high....then again, my Fry's is selling them for $499 and $750 (500GB)

So $400 for a 250GB sounds kind of high....then again, my Fry's is selling them for $499 and $750 (500GB)
Our Fry's here still has the 500's for $999.00, and they only have 2 left. :eek:

I have 2 500's I bought in April. I started using one and by Nov it STOPPED RECORDING. It will play past recordings and works fine as a tuner but it won't record. If you try to pause live tv the picture freezes. I started using the 2nd unit until I could figure out what was wrong with #1. Today my second one stopped recording. Any ideas? Has this happened to anyone else?

my cousin bought one for his parents at the sony outlet store for $300. He bought the 3 year extended warranty so that if it can't pick up the guide / time in 2 years, he will complain and Sony will repair (which probably can't be done), replace (which they have no current HD DVR) or refund the original sales price. This according to one of the employees and the details of the warranty.

The warranty on mine is up next month and I have been considering renewing it for 3 years just to cover it in case it does become an expensive paperweigh (well, not really, but a far less functional device without the TV Guide).

In case anyone is interested, the 3 year service contract (they don't call it a warranty) is $203.87. To me, that is a little pricey and generally I don't buy into service contracts but this one might be worth it.

As for a guide fix when NTSC gets shut down, according to a PBS engineer that I talked to, that is currently being worked on. He said that some PBS stations already have the equipment to put the TV Guide information on their digital feed. The question is: will Sony provide a software upgrade that will allow us to receive the guide via a digital channel?

I tried to get an answer from the Sony service contract department, (888) 766-9259, but they just read what their computer screen tells them and could not say for sure what will happen with our Sony DVR recorders.

First time posting ,so apologies in advance for any errors...
Theratpatrol/Sivartk:
Does anyone know if any of the remaining FRYs that still have the DHG-HDD500 on the shelf will take a telephone order for shipment? I attempted to clone the 250G drive using Acronis software without success(came upon this forum and its useful links after my attempt).
After suffereing through the 161-6 error and several factory repairs about 10 months ago, my DHG-HDD250 has become invaluable, but with no ability to archive the HD material I'm constantly overwriting files I'd prefer to keep. I'm thinking that picking up a 500 would at least buy me more room. All the Best Buys out my way (New Jersey) are cleaned out. 1299.00 on Ebay is too rich for my blood. The Fry's option sounds great but I'm thinking like many retail stores theres no shipping available.If anyone has any info it would be appreciated.
Gigaguy:
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. nothing more frustrating then having to move in a contrary direction because of apathy /indifference, and poor support.

With CES only a week away lets keep our fingers crossed for something new from Sony. :o

With CES only a week away lets keep our fingers crossed for something new from Sony. :o

I leave Saturday for CES - I plan to ask SONY a LOT of QUESTIONS!

I leave Saturday for CES - I plan to ask SONY a LOT of QUESTIONS!

I hope you will report back to us with what you've learned! :D

I hope you will report back to us with what you've learned! :D

I will try my BEST.

the "service contract" that my cousin bought with the unit new was $45 for 3 years...worth it. If you can not get the time (whether or not you get the guide), the unit becomes a HD receiver only (or manual record mode only).

In March some DVD recorders will be released with ATSC / QAM tuners, the question on these will be how will it capture the video to the hard drive, in 480i/p or in HD? If in HD, I might sell one of my HD DVR's and buy a DVD recorder. This way I could combine my upconverting DVD player and HD DVR/Receiver in my home theater.

I lost all of my program listings suddenly on Saturday (12/29) afternoon. Host channel is PBS station in Atlanta Channel 8 - hopefully it is their problem, and not Charter blocking the VBI data. I am a little nervouse because the analog channels where I used to see lots of dancing white data chatter at the top of the screen all look very clean. Even the clock won't set itself. Until now, it has worked flawlessly for the past year or so.

This definitely sounds like it's being prevented due to some kind of copy protection like HDCP. I have received the same message on occasion. Check your HDMI connections and make sure they're real tight. Also, go into your Sony TV diagnostics screen and make sure the display shows: authenticated. If it doesn't or it says authenticating then the problem would seem to be HDCP. Try turning off the power on the DVR and then starting it again. Even though both your monitors are Sony like mine and there shouldn't be a "handshake problem between them" they can sometimes be tempermental.

Yes this is what is happening it always says authenticating. I will try to reset the DVR again but doubt it help.

****STOPPED RECORDING***** I have 2 500's and now both of them no longer record. The first one was used for about 4 months. The second two months. There are slight differences with the two problems but essentially neither will record. they both will work as tuners and play previous recordings so i know the hard drives work. Has anyone else experienced this? Its odd that it happened to me twice. I use OTA antenna and basic cable and have never used a cable card.
Both units have basically worked trouble free except for the occasional losing data from tv guide. Both have firmware 1.2.05. One unit will now let me change the pause live tv setting but the other says theres no enough space on the hard drive even though both units are only about half full. Neither unit can pause live tv and if you try to hit FF or REW or pause the image freezes and you need to change the channel to get live tv back. The one unit will display the timeline if you hit the play button while watching live tv but the other won't.

Any ideas?

****STOPPED RECORDING***** I have 2 500's and now both of them no longer record. The first one was used for about 4 months. The second two months. There are slight differences with the two problems but essentially neither will record. they both will work as tuners and play previous recordings so i know the hard drives work. Has anyone else experienced this? Its odd that it happened to me twice. I use OTA antenna and basic cable and have never used a cable card.
Both units have basically worked trouble free except for the occasional losing data from tv guide. Both have firmware 1.2.05. One unit will now let me change the pause live tv setting but the other says theres no enough space on the hard drive even though both units are only about half full. Neither unit can pause live tv and if you try to hit FF or REW or pause the image freezes and you need to change the channel to get live tv back. The one unit will display the timeline if you hit the play button while watching live tv but the other won't.

Any ideas?
Have you tried doing a hard reset?

my cousin bought one for his parents at the sony outlet store for $300. He bought the 3 year extended warranty so that if it can't pick up the guide / time in 2 years, he will complain and Sony will repair (which probably can't be done), replace (which they have no current HD DVR) or refund the original sales price. This according to one of the employees and the details of the warranty.


This is amusing. Or sad, really. The fact that the analog-encoded guide feed the unit uses has been discontinued wouldn't be grounds to "repair/replace/refund" the unit. It would be diagnosed as "working as designed" and returned to the owner. Don't trust what the employees say (they aren't attorneys, don't have authority to speak to this issue, and don't understand its ramifications anyway), and if you read the fine print of the warranty, you wouldn't find language to the effect that if TVGOS stops broadcasting then you get your money back. At least, my SonyStyle warranty doesn't say this...

So, if it becomes a "doorstop," that doesn't mean it's broken. It could be hooked up to a testbed fixture at the repair facility, shown to be working fine, when proper signals are sent to it, and thus declared healthy.

I love my 500 unit, but I fully expect it will have much less functionality unless a way to preserve the analog signal is made. I did pay for a warranty through November of 2007, and may pay for another to go another year, but that's it.

I just hope there will be a better solution by then than the cableco DVR boxes (I have one, it works, but the interface and options suck), or TIVO (relatively expensive over the lifetime of the unit).

Marc

So if one loses the program guide, does one also lose their scheduling recording capabilities?

For example, I know that Grey's Anatomy airs every thursday at 9PM. If the guide was gone, could i still manually set it to record on channel 7-1 at 9PM every Thursday? Thanks

So if one loses the program guide, does one also lose their scheduling recording capabilities?

For example, I know that Grey's Anatomy airs every thursday at 9PM. If the guide was gone, could i still manually set it to record on channel 7-1 at 9PM every Thursday? Thanks

Manual scheduling like an OLD VCR works just fine.

So if one loses the program guide, does one also lose their scheduling recording capabilities?

For example, I know that Grey's Anatomy airs every thursday at 9PM. If the guide was gone, could i still manually set it to record on channel 7-1 at 9PM every Thursday? Thanks

So long as the clock shows real time, you will have no problem recording manually. However, recently when the guide disappeared, the clock on one of my two units got automatically reset, and I was not able to set recording on it.

If and when the guide disappears permanently, unit should continue to work as a recorder unit while the clock is working.

Ray

This is amusing. Or sad, really. The fact that the analog-encoded guide feed the unit uses has been discontinued wouldn't be grounds to "repair/replace/refund" the unit. It would be diagnosed as "working as designed" and returned to the owner. Don't trust what the employees say (they aren't attorneys, don't have authority to speak to this issue, and don't understand its ramifications anyway), and if you read the fine print of the warranty, you wouldn't find language to the effect that if TVGOS stops broadcasting then you get your money back. At least, my SonyStyle warranty doesn't say this...

So, if it becomes a "doorstop," that doesn't mean it's broken. It could be hooked up to a testbed fixture at the repair facility, shown to be working fine, when proper signals are sent to it, and thus declared healthy.

I love my 500 unit, but I fully expect it will have much less functionality unless a way to preserve the analog signal is made. I did pay for a warranty through November of 2007, and may pay for another to go another year, but that's it.

I just hope there will be a better solution by then than the cableco DVR boxes (I have one, it works, but the interface and options suck), or TIVO (relatively expensive over the lifetime of the unit).

Marc

But can one argue that the DVR is NOT working as designed if you can no longer set the clock after the analog cutoff? (assuming of course that you cannot set it digitally)...

So TVGOS doesn't seem to be including TNT-HD and NGCHD (National Geographic HD) in my channel guide for FIOS Wash DC metro area. Whom (and how) do I contact (Gemstar, FIOS, Sony?) My only other solution is to map the HD to the SD channels. Does anyone know if the programming on those stations follow the SD pretty well/exactly? TIA.

Well I have lost my TVGOS guide due to a change made to it and the guide will update in 24 hours. Made no such changes. This unit is on Comcast cable, basic. Of course have not gotten anywhere with the cable company. Not our problem they say, but never have this happen with my terrestrial broadcast feed. Has been 5 days now and still no guide. Afraid to do a reset and take a chance of losing my clock.Perhaps any suggestions to try?
Thanks,
Michael
PS. From what I have read as to this same problem that others have had, I must say that the cable companies seem to be doing everything they can to make sure the TVGOS will not work just so they can sell/rent you their box. Maybe they need a class action to straighten them up.

Well I have lost my TVGOS guide due to a change made to it and the guide will update in 24 hours. Made no such changes. This unit is on Comcast cable, basic. Of course have not gotten anywhere with the cable company. Not our problem they say, but never have this happen with my terrestrial broadcast feed. Has been 5 days now and still no guide. Afraid to do a reset and take a chance of losing my clock.Perhaps any suggestions to try?
Thanks,
Michael
PS. From what I have read as to this same problem that others have had, I must say that the cable companies seem to be doing everything they can to make sure the TVGOS will not work just so they can sell/rent you their box. Maybe they need a class action to straighten them up.

Did you check the TVGOS service menu to see what host channel it's using or if it's using one at all at this point? When I called Comcast they kept insisting that it should be scrolling. Finally realized they were refering to the TV Guide Channel. :rolleyes:

Well I have lost my TVGOS guide due to a change made to it and the guide will update in 24 hours. Made no such changes. This unit is on Comcast cable, basic. Of course have not gotten anywhere with the cable company. Not our problem they say, but never have this happen with my terrestrial broadcast feed. Has been 5 days now and still no guide. Afraid to do a reset and take a chance of losing my clock.Perhaps any suggestions to try?
Thanks,
Michael
PS. From what I have read as to this same problem that others have had, I must say that the cable companies seem to be doing everything they can to make sure the TVGOS will not work just so they can sell/rent you their box. Maybe they need a class action to straighten them up.

My suggestion is to not reset, and hope the clock continues to work. I did that once and lost the clock for a week.
Problem is most likely with the station providing the guide. If you have OTA reception, I suggest you hook up an antenna.
Also, I suggest you let us know where you are located so hopefully others in your area can let us know if they are experiencing the same problem.
Ray

Well I have lost my TVGOS guide due to a change made to it and the guide will update in 24 hours. Made no such changes. This unit is on Comcast cable, basic. Of course have not gotten anywhere with the cable company. Not our problem they say, but never have this happen with my terrestrial broadcast feed. Has been 5 days now and still no guide. Afraid to do a reset and take a chance of losing my clock.Perhaps any suggestions to try?
Thanks,
Michael
PS. From what I have read as to this same problem that others have had, I must say that the cable companies seem to be doing everything they can to make sure the TVGOS will not work just so they can sell/rent you their box. Maybe they need a class action to straighten them up.

I too lost my all guide data on Saturday and the time is way off; have contacted the host station on the chance that they are having a problem. My fear is that the local cable company (Charter) flipped a "block all VBI data" switch on Saturday. Naturally calling them will be completely useless as they wil have no idea what I am talking about.

I too lost my all guide data on Saturday and the time is way off; have contacted the host station on the chance that they are having a problem. My fear is that the local cable company (Charter) flipped a "block all VBI data" switch on Saturday. Naturally calling them will be completely useless as they wil have no idea what I am talking about.

I lost my GUIDE Data on Saturday also and I'm a Comcast Cable
customer in the greater Boston Area.

I have gone through the various techniques listed on ---

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

to see what is up. The thing I did notice is the Host channel has changed
from #2 to #97.

Interestingly enough Channel 2 and 97 are listed as the same WGBH
PBS Station in Boston.

I seem to remember someone in FL on Comcast having the same
problem.

What is more interesting is - I have 5 Sony DVRs. All of them are
showing the same host channel 1:0-97.

HOWEVER - only 1 out of 5 has no TVGOS data.

I find this too strange to explain.

In all digital systems Comcast has been creating an analog duplicate of the PBS channel in the 90 something range to allow for continued transmission of TVGOS data. Knowing Comcast though they probably messed it up.

Well I have lost my TVGOS guide due to a change made to it and the guide will update in 24 hours. Made no such changes.
The same thing happened to one of my Sony DHG-HDD500s last week. I'm OTA only. My other two DHGs had no problem. I checked the host channel and it was blank, so I did a force host channel and the guide was back the next day. Then the next day, one of my other DVRs (Panasonic) lost it's guide and host channel too (different TVGOS version and different host channel). It too came back the next day.

I lost my GUIDE Data on Saturday also and I'm a Comcast Cable
customer in the greater Boston Area.

The thing I did notice is the Host channel has changed
from #2 to #97.

Interestingly enough Channel 2 and 97 are listed as the same WGBH
PBS Station in Boston.


What is more interesting is - I have 5 Sony DVRs. All of them are
showing the same host channel 1:0-97.

HOWEVER - only 1 out of 5 has no TVGOS data.

I find this too strange to explain.

What is the firmware of the Sony and of the TVGOS it is running?

In all digital systems Comcast has been creating an analog duplicate of the PBS channel in the 90 something range to allow for continued transmission of TVGOS data. Knowing Comcast though they probably messed it up.

Is this only for those with CableCARDS or just ADS/digital in general? I have an analog duplicate showing up in the TVG Channel Editor on channel 94 but I do not receive any signal on that channel.

The same thing happened to one of my Sony DHG-HDD500s last week. I'm OTA only. My other two DHGs had no problem. I checked the host channel and it was blank, so I did a force host channel and the guide was back the next day. Then the next day, one of my other DVRs (Panasonic) lost it's guide and host channel too (different TVGOS version and different host channel). It too came back the next day.

This makes me wonder if they are doing something on a national level. Maybe they are taking various TVGOS systems down to upgrade them to ATSC compatible versions? Nah.

In all digital systems Comcast has been creating an analog duplicate of the PBS channel in the 90 something range to allow for continued transmission of TVGOS data. Knowing Comcast though they probably messed it up.

It can't be completely screwed up because my other
Sony DVRs are happy.

This makes me wonder if they are doing something on a national level. Maybe they are taking various TVGOS systems down to upgrade them to ATSC compatible versions? Nah.

It did seem pretty widespread as of 12/31/06!

I believe it's true for ADS/Digital in general.

Is this only for those with CableCARDS or just ADS/digital in general? I have an analog duplicate showing up in the TVG Channel Editor on channel 94 but I do not receive any signal on that channel.

I lost my GUIDE Data on Saturday also and I'm a Comcast Cable
customer in the greater Boston Area.


My guide's been fine -- I'm in the Boston area as well, but I use RCN.

My guide's been fine -- I'm in the Boston area as well, but I use RCN.

Thanks for your feedback.

I assume it is because Comcast created a new mirror channel
for Channel 2.

I used the Channel Editor to tell the DHG to tune to Channel
2 for Channel 97. The Guide data came back.

Finally got some credit from my cableco for the inability of 1 of my cablecards to work right, and for the limited tuning on the other one. Rented a cable DVR box. Ugh.

It's frustrating cause the 500 is a much better machine but my cableco here makes cc non-HD friendly and all new channels they add are all switched and not tunable with cc. I complained to cableco mgmt that I should have been told that there were channels that they do not support with cablecard. (after 3 months of trying to get it to work).

I've already sold one of my 500s, the other 2 are in limbo. It's too bad the local cableco does not allow most of the HD channels to tune with a cablecard. My 500s are reduced to o-t-a HD, and standard cable machines. With my investment in 2 HDTVs I want access to the cable HD channels too.

I wonder how many Sony users live where their cableco fully supports all HD channels with cablecard??

I wonder how many Sony users live where their cableco fully supports all HD channels with cablecard??
My 500 is working great with my FIOS+cablecard with HD so far (a week in.) Only issue is TNT-HD and NGCHD channels are not coming in my TVGOS listing for FIOS DC Metro area.

Oh I had that problem too. My cableco numbers all HD channels 1500-1600 and the ones I could tune did not show up in TVGOS, and since the Sony box does not allow renumbering 4 digit channel numbers I could not get any guide info. All cable HD I recorded got no titles and put in the Unknown folder.

The 500 is a great machine, too bad it's just not that compatible with HD from my local cableco aand cablecard service.

Is this only for those with CableCARDS or just ADS/digital in general? I have an analog duplicate showing up in the TVG Channel Editor on channel 94 but I do not receive any signal on that channel.I think with a cableCARD though, they have to provision it to actually let that channel through. If they're not already doing it, they can/will sometimes do it if you call them and ask. I think some other people here have done this successfully.

gigaguy.... I can record from all of my CC tuned premium channels no problem.... this is on Comcast in Baltimore City. However, the problem I am having is that with the CC installed, Comcast has not correctly implemented the single analog channel to pass the TVGOS data stream - and I have not been able to get them to resolve this. Part of the problem is I can get the TVGOS guide data using my OTA antenna, so rather than fight/miss work, etc to meet the clueless cable repaur guys, I just use the OTA feed for my TVGOS. Still loving the 500GB capacity!

In all digital systems Comcast has been creating an analog duplicate of the PBS channel in the 90 something range to allow for continued transmission of TVGOS data. Knowing Comcast though they probably messed it up.

This is very interesting. What's the source of your information?

Thanks,

Jack

I have a chance to get a Sony DHG-HDD250 at a pretty cheap price.

One of my holdups though is that ever since Time Warner Cable took over my cable from Adelphia, the TVGOS system has not worked since on my Sony HX-900 DVD Recorder.

It used to work perfectly until the day they took over about 2 months ago.

Plus other things. TWC is DEFINITELY on my F YOU!!! list. Nothing but issues since the takeover, with no forseeable resolutions(this is mainly due to my Clear QAM completely disappearing. I mean no digital signal at all coming into the house, and they have no answer, or don't want to provide one. I have yet to get that resolved. Even if they brought out an addressable box, it would not work because there is no signal coming into the house at all. F'ERS!!!)

Anyway, I now have no TVGOS info being sent out.

Would this affect the ability to record High Def or anything else on this unit?

My HDD on my Sony HX-900 works just fine. I just timer record(setting the time/date/frequency) manually, and record that way. Just like a VCR, and have not missed a recording since.

Does the DHG-HDD250 have this type of feature as well?

Also, does the HDD250 also have two RF inputs? One for cable and one for Antenna? Or will I need to keep my A/B selector switch like I have on my LG LST-4200A?(since that only has one RF input).

Is the OTA tuner as strong/good as my LG LST-4200A? I really like that one, and will probably just keep it.

Thanx for any advice you can give.

P.S. Also explain the MAJOR ISSUES, if any, this unit may experience. Just some things I could possibly run into with this unit.

Lockups a problem? Do I need a firmware upgrade? What firmware should I have on it? Is any of that even neccessary?

I know some of these units have hiccupps, but some people don;t experience any problems whatsoever, while others seem to have nothing but problems.

This is what kinda keeps me from dropping the cash for it.

I had heard about this on another discussion board (dslreports.com) when Comcast first starting with ADS. In one of the markets in question they had completely turned off analog just leaving this one duplicate PBS for guide purposes.

For example here's a quote "Re: [Eastern Region] Digital Simulcast Discussion

Back to ADS, Central NJ has begun full DS excluding ch 26 (leased access), and the now analog remapping of channel 94 as WNET or WHYY depending on your county for the tvgos feed.

ALL others are now digital."

This is very interesting. What's the source of your information?

Thanks,

Jack

This is very interesting. What's the source of your information?

Thanks,

Jack

I'm a Comcast customer in the Twin Cities MN area with a cablecard installed in my DHG-HDD250 and can attest that my PBS 17 is duplicated on ch 97 in analog. Everything else is ADS. Our cable system still does transmit analog signals through raw cable so without a cable card my host channel was ABC channel 5.

Back to ADS, Central NJ has begun full DS excluding ch 26 (leased access), and the now analog remapping of channel 94 as WNET or WHYY depending on your county for the tvgos feed.

ALL others are now digital."

So basically they're now requiring all subscribers to lease a box or CC per TV? I'm not looking forward to this especially with the recent rental fee increase.

Rumor had it that you were going to be able to buy an inexpensive box (the DCT700) to use. I haven't heard anything further on this for ages though.

So basically they're now requiring all subscribers to lease a box or CC per TV? I'm not looking forward to this especially with the recent rental fee increase.

Several days ago I posted that TVGOS did not fill for me for 1/6-1/7.

It started filling again 1/1, which meant that it showed data for 1/8 too. But on Monday Jan 1, Saturday 1/6 and Sunday 1/7 were still blank.

I have two SONY's and this was occurring on both.

Now here is the strange part. We all know how the fill is supposed to occur, days 1, 2 and 8.

When missed fills occurred previously a couple of times, they were filled when it was their turn again as 1 and 2.

This time, by Tuesday evening, Jan 2nd, I noticed that everything (Sat and Sunday) had been filled.

I don't know if it was a special feed to make up the miss or TVGOS is now sending more then 1, 2 and 8 days ahead with their daily feeds.

I don't know if it was a special feed to make up the miss or TVGOS is now sending more then 1, 2 and 8 days ahead with their daily feeds.

It was recently reported that TVGOS is now sending days 1,2,5 & 8.

So basically they're now requiring all subscribers to lease a box or CC per TV? I'm not looking forward to this especially with the recent rental fee increase.

My local Comcast told me they would provide basic digital boxes free of charge when they make the switch. I assume the reason behind providing free boxes is they would be required for any service. I also assume there would be a price increase shortly thereafter.

Ihave had no problems getting the time or data from tvgos on channel 13 wnet ny. I get this as part of my analog cable feed.

Well, two cablecards later and I now have the HD valuepak channels, TWC Hudson Valley NY. First card that they put in my DVR, hdg250. came up with a 161-1 error, bad card. The second card came up with a 161-4 error that cleared after a reinsert. The cable person had to call TWC and have them move the provisioning from b to a. Did not understand this but it seemed to fix the problem. Woke up this AM to check and once again no HD channels not in the clear. Took out and reinserted cablecard and all was well. Anyone out there have any suggestions? HD channels are in the 700 range so no problem there. I do not want to keep having to do the card swap to keep the channels and it is not good as you do not know if you will get the program to record or just get a blank hour. Any suggestions?

Getting my cableco to support my cablecards was a 3 month frustration. You may have seen my other posts on it. I'm hoping it's better with other cablecos but basically here they do not support cablecard that much and HD was hard to get via cc on my Sony 500s. I finally had to give up and am renting a cable HD DVR today. Many channels here are 'switched' which cc can not tune, this includes most of the HD channels and all new channels they add.
Good luck to you. I wish I could be more optomisitic.

Sadly I've lost all listings for a week now, and through phone and email exchanges with the host station (Channel 8, Atlanta PBS) and TV Guide ON Screen have confirmed that the data is being transmitted OK....however Charter Cable (Athens, GA) appears to be filtering out the crucial VBI data. I have confirmed my theory by taking an old portable B/W TV out of the closet - you know, the ones where you can adjust the vertical sync to allow for a slow roll, to view the VBI itself on screen. Sure enough, when comparing the over the air signal versus cable I can see a distinct difference, with part of the data absent from the cable feed. Now, the over the air signal is pretty weak, so I will attempt to rig up a better indoor antenna in the hopes that I can get the data download over the air.

For the past year or so the DVR has worked glitch free, and I always wondered why all the posts about problems with listings....so now I understand how bad it can be when you can't even get the clock to set the time!

......however Charter Cable (Athens, GA) appears to be filtering out the crucial VBI data.

For the past year or so the DVR has worked glitch free, and I always wondered why all the posts about problems with listings....so now I understand how bad it can be when you can't even get the clock to set the time!
Sounds to me like many of you are having issues with the cable company not sending the TVGOS information over their system. Maybe they're doing this on purpose so you'll be forced to rent their cable DVR?

since Time Warner Cable took over my cable from Adelphia, the TVGOS system has not worked since on my Sony HX-900 DVD Recorder.....Anyway, I now have no TVGOS info being sent out.Have you tried getting the info over-the-air? You don't need a perfectly clear, strong signal to be able to capture it. It can be snowy, as long as it's consistent. Any old, decent 8 dollar rabbit ears should do.

Having the same issue here in Decatur Ga. No listings for over two weeks now...though the clock is accurate. Looking at the TVGOS diagnostics menu shows an empty space next to the host channel listing. Can't figure why the clock is correct while everything else is wonky.

How do you tell the DVR to look for an OTA signal if it's connected to cable?

FYI, talked to Comcast this morning and after some prodding got them to tell me that analog channel 11 broadcasts the necessary signal in my area. I'm not buying it however as I am not sure they even understood what I was getting at. And, I thought it was PBS 8...but never bothered to look in the diagnostics menu while it was functioning properly.

Anybody else in the Decatur area with this device having issues? I'm willing to get an OTA antenna but I need some advice as to how to set it up. Considering redoing the channel setup as well as I remapped ABC / CBS / NBC / FOX to the HD stations back when I first got the DVR. Without listings now...I don't see a way to map them back on the odd chance that one of those analog stations now sends the signal.

Having the same issue here in Decatur Ga. No listings for over two weeks now...though the clock is accurate. Looking at the TVGOS diagnostics menu shows an empty space next to the host channel listing. Can't figure why the clock is correct while everything else is wonky.

How do you tell the DVR to look for an OTA signal if it's connected to cable?

FYI, talked to Comcast this morning and after some prodding got them to tell me that analog channel 11 broadcasts the necessary signal in my area. I'm not buying it however as I am not sure they even understood what I was getting at. And, I thought it was PBS 8...but never bothered to look in the diagnostics menu while it was functioning properly.

Anybody else in the Decatur area with this device having issues? I'm willing to get an OTA antenna but I need some advice as to how to set it up. Considering redoing the channel setup as well as I remapped ABC / CBS / NBC / FOX to the HD stations back when I first got the DVR. Without listings now...I don't see a way to map them back on the odd chance that one of those analog stations now sends the signal.

The clock usually runs ok without a guide update if you don't perform reset. You don't need to remap the guide channels just verify that the guide channel is on in the edit channel menu. To add ota, you need to repeat the setup processes to select both ota and cable. I suggest you visit the antennaweb.org site to find out the type of antenna you need and where to point it. Once you have both antenna and cable, you will may discover lots of new channels. Also, you may want to switch some HD channels from cable to ota. I have cable but choose to receive hd channels by antenna since that way I still get my program recorded even if the cable goes down.

Ray

Has anyone ever had any success contacting TVGOS to get them to add a new local channel? The QUBO channel launches tomorrow and my kids are interested in some of the programs, but I can't find the listing in the lineup.

Any idea who to contact?

Thanks,
-Jim

Has anyone ever had any success contacting TVGOS to get them to add a new local channel? The QUBO channel launches tomorrow and my kids are interested in some of the programs, but I can't find the listing in the lineup.

Any idea who to contact?

Thanks,
-Jim
Since the channel doesn't launch until tomorrow, I'd give it a few days to see if it'll download guide info once its up and running.

Since the channel doesn't launch until tomorrow, I'd give it a few days to see if it'll download guide info once its up and running.

If you think listings will be available in a few days you sure don't know the TVGOS people. The CW "network" has been broadcasting since last fall and it is yet to have listings in my area (I have requested CW twice from TVGOS). In my area, CW did not go on one of the exiisting networks (WB or UPN); it went on as a substation of a digital channel.

Hey Guys. While surfing for a way to fix my error message i came across the " Sony Open Source Code" site. Unfortunately i cant post the site link because i'm restricted (not enuff posts)...is there anyway around this so i can give you guys the link?

The open source site link has been posted earlier in this thread, but thanks majesty69. It doesn't have anything that would help one solve problems or hack into these DVRs except for some minor clues within the Linux kernel source tree. It's not the complete source code of the Sony firmware but rather just certain open source components Sony happened to use in the product... standard stuff like busybox etc.

Did you ever try that Clear NVM procedure from the front panel to fix your startup error? What happened?

Has anyone ever had any success contacting TVGOS to get them to add a new local channel? The QUBO channel launches tomorrow and my kids are interested in some of the programs, but I can't find the listing in the lineup.


In your area it's on 47.2, a subchannel of Independent Television (formerly PAX) so you would need an antenna to pick it up. TVGOS is very slow in updating but you can probably find the old channel name and logo in the TVGOS channel editor (most likely WRPX-DT2) and use that as it should be getting the qubo listings. No quarantee though.

An update on my lost listing guide:
Still no new guide, but I have still been getting the program information for the weekly scheduled shows. These are shows that have been in my weekly schedule for some time and they did not drop out when the guide did. Strange that these shows still get the program data and are not grayed out.
Have been checking all the cable signals at each of the connections, splitter, and such. Found bad splitter that connected to the Pioneer and replaced. Now I can get my digital channels on this again. Never was a problem with the Sony.
Sunday I hooked up an antenna in the attic for host channel to my Sony 250 that is upstairs. Reset unit, new channel scan for both cable and OTA, and did a force host for the OTA PBS channel 8. Clock came up after 5 hours. Checked for host this morning in the 753....screens and OTA 8 is there. Guide has not come back yet, (no longer says it is updating) will recheck in the morning. Was able to manually set all my programs, so we will see what happens next.
Still nowhere with Comcast.
Oh, the VBI count from OTA is twice that of the cable VBI.
Will keep you posted.
Michael

In your area it's on 47.2, a subchannel of Independent Television (formerly PAX) so you would need an antenna to pick it up. TVGOS is very slow in updating but you can probably find the old channel name and logo in the TVGOS channel editor (most likely WRPX-DT2) and use that as it should be getting the qubo listings. No quarantee though.

Right - 47.1 is ION, 47.2 is QUBO, and 47.3 is ION-West. I actually have 3 antennas - a 4228 pointed at the main tower for most channels, a UHF YAGI pointed at Greensboro to get PBS4 and extra Fox8/ABC45/CBS2/MyNetworkTV48, and a third pointed at 47 - all joined by a reversed 3->1 splitter. It works pretty well except I lose PBS and a distant Fox 8 out of Greensboro. I'm waiting on a Jointenna to get them back.

I get a listing for 47 WRPX Analog and an identical one for 47.1 WRPX-DT ... no subchannels have ever been available for 47 - even though it has had 4 subchannels for over a year. Most channels with subchannels show up in TVGOS - maybe the station isn't reporting them, but they show up on tvguide.com so I tend to doubt it.

It would be great if there was a way to let someone know - sadly, TVGOS seems to be user hostile. I'll try contacting the station next, but I doubt it will make any difference.

Right - 47.1 is ION, 47.2 is QUBO, and 47.3 is ION-West. I actually have 3 antennas - a 4228 pointed at the main tower for most channels, a UHF YAGI pointed at Greensboro to get PBS4 and extra Fox8/ABC45/CBS2/MyNetworkTV48, and a third pointed at 47 - all joined by a reversed 3->1 splitter. It works pretty well except I lose PBS and a distant Fox 8 out of Greensboro. I'm waiting on a Jointenna to get them back.

I get a listing for 47 WRPX Analog and an identical one for 47.1 WRPX-DT ... no subchannels have ever been available for 47 - even though it has had 4 subchannels for over a year. Most channels with subchannels show up in TVGOS - maybe the station isn't reporting them, but they show up on tvguide.com so I tend to doubt it.

It would be great if there was a way to let someone know - sadly, TVGOS seems to be user hostile. I'll try contacting the station next, but I doubt it will make any difference.

So there are no DT2, DT3, etc. anywhere in the Channel Editor? Are you set up for Antenna only or both Antenna and Cable? When set up for both it displays more channels in the Channel Editor (most are duplicates) though I'd be hesitant to recommend futzing around with it given all the problems with lost listings lately.

Have been using a rented Scientific Atlanta HD 8300 DVR for a few days since TW does not support HD via my cablecards very well. The SA box works okay but only holds about 10-12 HD programs! I'm spoiled by the Sony 500s huge hard drives.

The cable fees - digital tier + DVR rental + DVR service fee, and added + HBO seems like a lot for just a few HD channels that I wanted, ie, MTVHD, DiscoveryHD, HBO. The cost doesn't seem worth it, as I can get all the network HD via ota or with basic cable. THe 8300 will probably go back after my 1 month trial. I never watch any other digital channels.

Still frustrated that most digital HD channels can not tune with cablecard in my 500 and those that do, do not show up in TVGOS. I need to go back to just ota and network HD with my Sony box. I liked watching HD movies. THe networks don't show many HD movies and then you get commercials.
Oh well.

Having the same issue here in Decatur Ga. No listings for over two weeks now...though the clock is accurate. Looking at the TVGOS diagnostics menu shows an empty space next to the host channel listing. Can't figure why the clock is correct while everything else is wonky.

How do you tell the DVR to look for an OTA signal if it's connected to cable?

FYI, talked to Comcast this morning and after some prodding got them to tell me that analog channel 11 broadcasts the necessary signal in my area. I'm not buying it however as I am not sure they even understood what I was getting at. And, I thought it was PBS 8...but never bothered to look in the diagnostics menu while it was functioning properly.

Anybody else in the Decatur area with this device having issues? I'm willing to get an OTA antenna but I need some advice as to how to set it up. Considering redoing the channel setup as well as I remapped ABC / CBS / NBC / FOX to the HD stations back when I first got the DVR. Without listings now...I don't see a way to map them back on the odd chance that one of those analog stations now sends the signal.

I'm a Comcast customer in Atlanta on the Vinings headend and also lost TVGOS a couple of weeks ago. In my area Comcast is (was) simulcasting an analog version of Channel 8 (PBS) as channel 97 on the digital tier to provide TVGOS VBI data. The diagnostic screen indicates no host channel has been found but clock is correct, the same as you. I opened a trouble report with Gemstar and they are supposed to contact Comcast but I don't have high hopes that anything will be resolved.

It's interesting that a Charter customer is having same problem in this area. Is it possible that the VBI data stream is hosed either at the broadcast station or Gemstar download??

Is it possible to stop the TV Guide Station Display from changing channels as you scroll through the guide? If so, please let me know how.

Thanks :)

"Video Lock"

"Video Lock"
How do you get there?

Thanks

How do you get there?

Thanks
See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7185208&&#post7185208).

Press the TV GUIDE button to show the listings, then highlight either a channel logo or the LISTINGS label on the top bar, then press the MENU button to show the "Listings Options" on the left side of the screen below the small video window, then press the right or left arrow button to select "locked" instead of "unlocked". This procedure is mentioned on page 61 of the manual.

See the attached screenshot below.
Thanks for the great help.

I have had my 250 for about 1 year now and given it's quirks it is still a decent machine to record HD. I only use it for OTA to pick up 9 channels in the
Detroit area.

I have been able to edit the channel listings in the past by going into the MENU and moving them around, but everytime the TVGuide signal is lost "due to a change I have made" when it comes back all the stations are messed up again. This gets to be a long process since when the listings come back they include stations that I don't receive from other markets like Toledo.

Is there a way to ensure that when the guide data comes back it comes back a certain way ?

I would like to list it as:

2.1
4.1
7.1
9
20.1
50.1
56.1
56.2
62.1

But when it comes back I get

12, 12.1, 24, 24.1, 4.1, 4, 28, .......about 30 channels

If there is no way to have the listing come back the same way, is there a way to disable the channels (toledo stations) I don't want to view ever from populating in the guide ?

Thanks

Have been using a rented Scientific Atlanta HD 8300 DVR for a few days since TW does not support HD via my cablecards very well. The SA box works okay but only holds about 10-12 HD programs! I'm spoiled by the Sony 500s huge hard drives.

.

Have you thought of adding an external drive to the 8300HD? See:

http://www.peparsplace.com/html/21.html


http://baseportal.com/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=/xnappo/main

So there are no DT2, DT3, etc. anywhere in the Channel Editor? Are you set up for Antenna only or both Antenna and Cable? When set up for both it displays more channels in the Channel Editor (most are duplicates) though I'd be hesitant to recommend futzing around with it given all the problems with lost listings lately.


Right - I only have an analog listing and a DT listing (which matches 47.1).

I'm currently antenna only. A friend has cable set up and doesn't get QUBO either. My listings actually include quite a few cable channels, whch seems strange but I guess it makes little difference.

Strangely, TitanTV listings are correct for 47, 47.1, and 47.3 - they list "coming soon" for 47.2.

TVGuide.com lists the correct shows for 47, 47.1, 47.2, and 47.3 - which makes me think that they are getting all the info they need from the station.

It is interesting that tvguide.com lists 47.1 as WRPX-DT, but it lists 47.2 as qubo and 47.3 as iWest.

In the end, I suspect that TVGuide is just not providing any listsings for qubo. If they actually had customer support it would be easy enough for them to rectify, or to explain how they don't really care about minor channels so long as the major ones are covered (which is probably their real reason).