I still don't understand how or why you would be given a choice of "Austin (85) or no match" to choose from if you were doing only an antenna scan. Any one else ever had a choice when doing an antenna scan only? Please enlighten me. Thanks,
Michael

The match for any provider checks the channels the scan pickup with the channels the TVGOS providers submit (the channels provided in an area are kind of like a finger print when the zip code is factored in). Because his channel scan is picking up so few channels the lists are not matching so that is why the question is coming up for over the air.

Blue,
Go with the antenna cable straight to the SONY with a screw on connector (push on connectors are junk and should never be used). You sound like this guy on another forum that went to Radio Shack and bought a VHF/UHF splitter instead of a 2way splitter and wondered why most of his channels didn't work.

dspadoni,

There are a couple of tactics:
1)
For convenience sake, create a Chapter Mark just prior to the "glitch".
Then use 'ADVANCE' to skip past the glitch. You may have to adjust your
default "advance" setting.
2)
If that doesn't work. Go to the "End" Chapter Mark.
Then press the 'EXIT' button to return to the recording.
The dvr is now paused at the end of the recording.
Press 'REW'ind to verify that the rest of the program was recorded.
'REW'ind to the glitch - keep an eye on the Chapter Mark you created above.
When you get close to the glitch (within 5 minutes), create another
Chapter Mark (just in case).
Use 'REW'ind and/or 'REPLAY' to get as close to the glitch as you can.
Then start watching.

..............Blue,
Go with the antenna cable straight to the SONY with a screw on connector (push on connectors are junk and should never be used)....................

WhatHappend -

I can't believe this. You (of all people) who is always complaining about people who don't search the thread first before asking questions, proceed to provide the EXACT SAME ADVICE that I gave to Blue just 3 posts before yours.

Sheesh ................ :rolleyes::rolleyes::D

[QUOTE=WhatHappend;14833426]The match for any provider checks the channels the scan pickup with the channels the TVGOS providers submit (the channels provided in an area are kind of like a finger print when the zip code is factored in). Because his channel scan is picking up so few channels the lists are not matching so that is why the question is coming up for over the air.

That really makes no sense. No where in the manual does it refer to having a choice in providers in regards to broadcast reception. You do not have providers supplying you with all the OTA stations. Broadcast is just that..OTA, separate stations, no provider. I get 498 listings for my zip code. A lot of the stations are from out of state. So this matching of zip to the number of stations is not logical. He gets the analogs. don't those count? Does not matter if you have one station or ten show up in your scan. If some one can give me another instance of a choice of providers for OTA, I'm all ears.
I think that maybe BlueBell in his setup picked cable as the signal source or perhaps the unit has a glitch in the setup not allowing for the antenna choice.
A direct antenna connection is a must with a good quality cable to eliminate any signal related problems as is a good reveiw of the intial setup. Start from stratch. Make sure the correct signal source (antenna) is chosen. And that you are scanning only the antenna and not cable.
Also, I have found with my dhgs that I can direct tune to a channel that has not been scanned for before. Have done this with both cable and OTA. It doesn't work with my Sony plasma though, just the dvr. Give that a try, see if anything comes up.
Michael

I've had cable choices come up after setting up the guide for antenna before. Not on the DHG, but on a Toshiba using TVGOS. That's not how it's supposed to work, but I've seen it before.

Own 2 DVRs, both rec'v signal thru Comcast in central NJ, zip code 08558 (no OTA) and one lost its TV guide 2 months ago and then second lost the guide last w/e following a power outage. I'd hoped Comcast cable guys could fix this (or Sony help line) but they just seem to blame each other, replace lots of cable cards and tell me its all working fine, and so after many frustrating visits and phone calls I figured I had to try self help and work this out myself. Today I Googled Sony VBI and saw AVS (so I've returned like a prodigal son). I read thru Spiff's FAQ's and many other posts, and now have first learned about what the Host VBI channel, etc. are all about. As mentioned, I've read thru a lot of posts but still think I haven't got it figured out :mad:

About a week earlier Sony told me how simply wiping everything out to a factory reset should fix issues, and I could only get it to work if Comcast broadcasts a good (analog) signal. They've told me Sony's comment is irrelevant because they broadcast in both analog and digital. Earlier this past week I'd completely reset both units to factory defaults (via Menu - Screen - 9012, giving up two years worth of recorded material) but even after that my DVRs have still not reset TVGOS and therefore (after today's very long readings) assuming the problem is that they have not picked up Host codes on their own!!!

In Spiff's FAQs I learned how to "force the code," (Menu - Setup - Down - 963214785) and have tried this while tuned to WNET, local PBS which the other diagnostic under (Menu - Setup - Down - code 753159852) indicated is a VBI channel 1:0-13, but the system still shows host code as blank. I also read somewhere that with Panasonic DVRs when doing this you see a Host code set message but no similar indicators for Sony DVR so assuming screen returning to normal (as per Spliff's FAQ is all it does???). Also, when I checked the TV guide diagnostic test on Ch 13 (via Menu - Screen - 9012, *G test) after "forcing" I pass ASTC and Flash tests but "fail" on VBI gettng 0 packets. So I'm now at point where I'll leave DVRs turned off for a day but for sanity sake would appreciate thoughts on two questions.

1) Does PBS (and/or the other VBI stations) transmit packets all day long, i.e., should I have been rec'v VBI packets when I went to the test page irrespective of time of day (even though system had not yet reset and established the "host" through forcing code)??? Or, does DHG only rec'v packets during certain intermittent periods when PBS station transmits packets for programming? Also, does anyone know if whether PBS still really broadcasts these in central NJ as one post indicated you now need to use the digital CBS channel (and for me that's 163, but I didn't yet check if it too is VBS)...and,

2) If it doesn't reset after 12-24 hours, any thoughts on what else I can try to do? I've seen some commentary on the firmware version in a thread but it seemed consensus was that wasn't a driving factor...is that right?

p.s. Sony level 2 tech suggested today trying to fool unit by entering zip of Comcast's main office but I wondered if that would work given use of cable card...

p.p.s. Given this blog's expertise (and in my anxiousness for an answer I've reached out with this post individually to two of the folks who've frequented this space - appreciate that may be bad form, and my apologies...)

HonestLeeD,
I think there is a procdure you need to go through when using cable cards. It is either in the resource guide or over on the other forum of spiff. VBI packets show up all day long, at least that is the case when I have checked. There is a listings of CBS digital stations that are carrying the TVGOS on the other forum as well, if memory serves. I would remove the cards, do a 00000 zip code reset and then do a complete setup and scan, and leave overnight to see if it the host station comes up. You will probably get asked to pick your cable provider at that point. Check in the post and resource guide if you have any questions on the procedure. The Zip reset is to get you the correct guide listings.
The only other thing would be to hook up an antenna and do the setup using it. It would pick up your local host, provided you were getting a good signal.
Michael

1) Does PBS (and/or the other VBI stations) transmit packets all day long, i.e., should I have been rec'v VBI packets when I went to the test page irrespective of time of day (even though system had not yet reset and established the "host" through forcing code)??? Or, does DHG only rec'v packets during certain intermittent periods when PBS station transmits packets for programming? Also, does anyone know if whether PBS still really broadcasts these in central NJ as one post indicated you now need to use the digital CBS channel (and for me that's 163, but I didn't yet check if it too is VBS)...and,


Yes, host stations broadcast VBI packets all day long. Sometimes you do have to wait for a few minutes for VBI packets to start counting. Don't give up too quick.


2) If it doesn't reset after 12-24 hours, any thoughts on what else I can try to do? I've seen some commentary on the firmware version in a thread but it seemed consensus was that wasn't a driving factor...is that right?

Firmware version only matters for HDMI compatibility and Cable Card errors. Don't bother until you get your guide back.

I am about 95% sure your cable company is sending its broadcast channels as digital simulcast. When you go to Sony's menu->diagnostics for the PBS channel 13 does it show QAM256? If so, that channel is digital and you will not get your guide information from that channel.

Most cable companies that have digital simulcast send the PBS channel on a analog channel in the 90's like 93 or 97. Look for that channel.

You have to find a channel that has VBI packets before you try to force the host channel.

The TVGOS data is carried on CBS channels now so check that channel (both the CBS HD and CBS analog).

Worst case, you can remove your cable card and see if the PBS channel passes the VBI test w/o cable card.

I've had cable choices come up after setting up the guide for antenna before. Not on the DHG, but on a Toshiba using TVGOS. That's not how it's supposed to work, but I've seen it before.
Well that may have happen with Blue Bell, but it seems like perhaps the wrong signal source got selected. Did you have to do a reset to get your digital channels, or did it work out OK?
Michael

In Spiff's FAQs I learned how to "force the code,"

Did you use WhatHappened's mod to the Force Channel proceedure? Part way thru you have to do a channel up/down that isn't in the standard proceedure or it won't take. I tried to Force Channel many times and it didn't take until I used WhatHappened's mod - now I've been on digital host for two months with no problems.

Yes, host stations broadcast VBI packets all day long. Sometimes you do have to wait for a few minutes for VBI packets to start counting. Don't give up too quick.



Firmware version only matters for HDMI compatibility and Cable Card errors. Don't bother until you get your guide back.

I am about 95% sure your cable company is sending its broadcast channels as digital simulcast. When you go to Sony's menu->diagnostics for the PBS channel 13 does it show QAM256? If so, that channel is digital and you will not get your guide information from that channel.

Most cable companies that have digital simulcast send the PBS channel on a analog channel in the 90's like 93 or 97. Look for that channel.

You have to find a channel that has VBI packets before you try to force the host channel.

The TVGOS data is carried on CBS channels now so check that channel (both the CBS HD and CBS analog).

Worst case, you can remove your cable card and see if the PBS channel passes the VBI test w/o cable card.
Many thx for quick reply; coincidentally my contact at Comcast called tonight and he said from what he'd independently started to glean from his research he hopes they'll be able to seach out an analog channel for me, provided Comcast still has one, and then assist me with "forcing" the host VBI (he's asked someone there for more info)...On PBS ch 13, however, I did not find QAM256 under the 753...diagnostic pages or under the 9012 test pages, is there somewhere else I should look to confirm this?

As to suggestions re: channels in the 90's I searched 'em all. Ch 93 is a nothing and 97 has cable infomercial broadcasting (so its not PBS), but is picked up as VBI channel in the 753...diagnostic pages, but after 3 minutes of testing with the 9012 diagnostic test no VBI packets were forthcoming.

Also, were you suggesting in last commetn that cable card could be blocking VBI packets? I thought all they did was to remove encryption on HBO, etc.

Any further thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Did you use WhatHappened's mod to the Force Channel proceedure? Part way thru you have to do a channel up/down that isn't in the standard proceedure or it won't take. I tried to Force Channel many times and it didn't take until I used WhatHappened's mod - now I've been on digital host for two months with no problems.
Can't seem to find what you're referring to (although recall seeing something on this); if you have easy access to the link for "WhatHappened's mod to the Force Channel proceedure" I'd appreciate it so I can try it...THX!

WhatHappend gave me too much credit saying I sound like the guy on the other forum who messed up. He had more knowledge than I have. I still need to do something about the connector. I did do another scan and yes, I'm doing it for antenna. This time I got 9 analog and 4 digital channels. According to the system info the signal strength varies--it jumps around from 5% to 88% to 33% back to 5% to 77%. It jumps around like this regardless of how the antenna is adjusted. The signal strength bounces around without me making any changes. I'm ready to pull my hair out. I'm over 10 miles from the towers and there are some hills between the towers and me. Yes, I bought the Sony used. I'm almost afraid to ask this, but...would adding a VCR improve or complicate things? If it will complicate things I won't bother. Thanks

I am getting undreliable performance from my DVR the last two days. Yesterday 2 shows failed to record. Today, I checked the schedule. It showed that "Eleventh Hour" would not record tonight. So I deleted it, then went to the listings to add it back and it now shows in the schedule that it will record. Yesterday the schedule had shown it was set to record so somehow the most recent TVGOS guide data screwed it up. I plan to check my schedule on a dailly basis before prime time to make sure the scheduled recordings are still set to record. :confused:

Yes, host stations broadcast VBI packets all day long. Sometimes you do have to wait for a few minutes for VBI packets to start counting. Don't give up too quick.



Firmware version only matters for HDMI compatibility and Cable Card errors. Don't bother until you get your guide back.

I am about 95% sure your cable company is sending its broadcast channels as digital simulcast. When you go to Sony's menu->diagnostics for the PBS channel 13 does it show QAM256? If so, that channel is digital and you will not get your guide information from that channel.

Most cable companies that have digital simulcast send the PBS channel on a analog channel in the 90's like 93 or 97. Look for that channel.

You have to find a channel that has VBI packets before you try to force the host channel.

The TVGOS data is carried on CBS channels now so check that channel (both the CBS HD and CBS analog).

Worst case, you can remove your cable card and see if the PBS channel passes the VBI test w/o cable card.
Channel 163, High Def CBS gets VBI Packets!!! BUT, it's not showing under 753 Diagnostic screen as a VBI channel, i.e., 1:0-163, instead its simply ffffffffd.

Can this still be "forced" to be my host channel, and if so would that fix it? Jimmy V (see below) indicated you have recommended a mod(ification) to the std procedure for forcing host code but cant' seem to find that; if you can help me with specifics you may have gotten me to the promised land of TVGOS being fixed....again, many thx!

Can't seem to find what you're referring to (although recall seeing something on this); if you have easy access to the link for "WhatHappened's mod to the Force Channel proceedure" I'd appreciate it so I can try it...THX!

Don't worry about forcing a host until you find a channel with VBI packets. Go through each channel 1 by 1 doing the G* test looking for packets.

Look for Forcing Digital Host channel in the new FAQ forum to find the force host proceedure.

Channel 163, High Def CBS gets VBI Packets!!! BUT, it's not showing under 753 Diagnostic screen as a VBI channel, i.e., 1:0-163, instead its simply ffffffffd.

Can this still be "forced" to be my host channel, and if so would that fix it? Jimmy V (see below) indicated you have recommended a mod(ification) to the std procedure for forcing host code but cant' seem to find that; if you can help me with specifics you may have gotten me to the promised land of TVGOS being fixed....again, many thx!

That is a normal bug in the TVGOS for digital host channels. Press channel up/down then check the diag. and the VBI channel will be normal.

Go ahead and do the force host channel and leave the unit off until tomorrow.

WhatHappend gave me too much credit saying I sound like the guy on the other forum who messed up. He had more knowledge than I have. I still need to do something about the connector. I did do another scan and yes, I'm doing it for antenna. This time I got 9 analog and 4 digital channels. According to the system info the signal strength varies--it jumps around from 5% to 88% to 33% back to 5% to 77%. It jumps around like this regardless of how the antenna is adjusted. The signal strength bounces around without me making any changes. I'm ready to pull my hair out. I'm over 10 miles from the towers and there are some hills between the towers and me. Yes, I bought the Sony used. I'm almost afraid to ask this, but...would adding a VCR improve or complicate things? If it will complicate things I won't bother. Thanks
A vcr will not help, but might hurt. If you are only ten miles away, then you should not be having such a problem with the signal. Try Antennaweb.org or antennapoint.com? for a recommeded antenna to use. Since it is a used machine, I would go ahead a use the restore to factory defaults to clean up the machine and put it back to a " new" state. That way if their is some old setup info or conflicts, then this would get rid of them. This Restore Factory Defaults is in the 9012 menu. It is worth a try, since you are not having any other luck. But do check on the antenna recommendations from one of those site I gave you. By the way, what kind of signal do you get through your tv? And do you still get the choices popping up after you re-did the setup, or is all that you have done was a channel scan since the setup? IF you have not re-done the setup, then try the zip reset. Go back to the setup and enter in all 0's for your zip. Turn off the unit for at least 5 minutes. After that go through all the setup again. See if that helps. Make sure in the setup you only specify the antenna input.
Michael

On PBS ch 13, however, I did not find QAM256 under the 753...diagnostic pages or under the 9012 test pages, is there somewhere else I should look to confirm this?


Please do this so others in the future that read you post know the situation of your cable provider's system.

Don't go to TVguide menu but Sony's menus.

Press "Menu" -> Preferences -> System -> Diagnostics
You are looking at the Mode/Rate:
If you see QAM then it is a digital channel. If yo see Analog it is a Analog channel.

You need to go though all the menus and familiarize your self with all the options. It is too much to ask for exact key press for every instruction.

I am getting undreliable performance from my DVR the last two days. Yesterday 2 shows failed to record. Today, I checked the schedule. It showed that "Eleventh Hour" would not record tonight. So I deleted it, then went to the listings to add it back and it now shows in the schedule that it will record. Yesterday the schedule had shown it was set to record so somehow the most recent TVGOS guide data screwed it up. I plan to check my schedule on a dailly basis before prime time to make sure the scheduled recordings are still set to record. :confused:
One of my units had the same problem dropping two scheduled shows. Same for my girlfriend, plus she said it also dropped CSI for tonight. I may go the back up recording route if this becomes a regular thing.
Michael

Please do this so others in the future that read you post know the situation of your cable provider's system.

Don't go to TVguide menu but Sony's menus.

Press "Menu" -> Preferences -> System -> Diagnostics
You are looking at the Mode/Rate:
If you see QAM then it is a digital channel. If yo see Analog it is a Analog channel.

You need to go though all the menus and familiarize your self with all the options. It is too much to ask for exact key press for every instruction.
Understood; doing my best, and am familiar with those menus, just never understood what the combo of data meant (and yes, Ch 13, 97, etc. are all QAM)...I've gone thru "forcing" channel on 163 (HD CBS), which was rec'v approx. 120 VBI packets/minute after running *G test twice.

I followed 15 step instructions (under your 8/11/08 10:35pm post), but could not get channel to appear in 753 diagnostic as host or a legit VBI channel (again fffffffd). My hope is that by morning or tomorrow night that this setting will take. If seeing fffffffd right after procedure means I messed up, i.e., not being able to see 1:0-163 as both valid VBI and also as host channel within minutes after going thru procedure, vs. waiting overnight, please let me know...thx again, you're very generous with your time and advice!

I followed 15 step instructions (under your 8/11/08 10:35pm post), but could not get channel to appear in 753 diagnostic as host or a legit VBI channel (again fffffffd). My hope is that by morning or tomorrow night that this setting will take. If seeing fffffffd right after procedure means I messed up, i.e., not being able to see 1:0-163 as both valid VBI and also as host channel within minutes after going thru procedure, vs. waiting overnight, please let me know...thx again, you're very generous with your time and advice!

No, get rid of that ffffffffd VBI channel before you force the VBI search. I didn't make a 8/11/08 10:35pm post (does the post time reported in the forum change with timezone?) Would you quote a small piece of that post and past it in your previous post above ^^^^^^?

Here is the link to the procedure: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

The VBI channel should be fine if you do G* test then exit it, channel up and then channel down. Enter the diag menu and VBI channel should be golden.

The host channel will be the same as the VBI channel the following morning not immediately (assuming valid TVGOS data is on the channel). What channel is this you are trying? I hope CBS HD.

I'll try that, thx again; as to the 15 step message it was link #12187 under your user name...first time trying to paste a link so hope this works...http://http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14423155#post14423155

I'll try that, thx again; as to the 15 step message it was link #12187 under your user name...first time trying to paste a link so hope this works...http://http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14423155#post14423155
and procedure is identical to that you've sent me link for...perhaps I didn't implement correctly, and I'll try it again to see if I can't get rid of the ffffffd on the VBI before forcing...

No, get rid of that ffffffffd VBI channel before you force the VBI search. I didn't make a 8/11/08 10:35pm post (does the post time reported in the forum change with timezone?) Would you quote a small piece of that post and past it in your previous post above ^^^^^^?

Here is the link to the procedure: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

The VBI channel should be fine if you do G* test then exit it, channel up and then channel down. Enter the diag menu and VBI channel should be golden.

The host channel will be the same as the VBI channel the following morning not immediately (assuming valid TVGOS data is on the channel). What channel is this you are trying? I hope CBS HD.
Third time was charm! Got rid of ffffffd, and now we'll see if by morning things are working again...many, many thx!

I'll try that, thx again; as to the 15 step message it was link #12187 under your user name...first time trying to paste a link so hope this works...http://http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14423155#post14423155
When I go to that post here is the msg time stamp: "08-11-08, 03:03 PM".
Just a note, your posted link has two http:// at the front end.

WhatHappend gave me too much credit saying I sound like the guy on the other forum who messed up. He had more knowledge than I have. I still need to do something about the connector. I did do another scan and yes, I'm doing it for antenna. This time I got 9 analog and 4 digital channels. According to the system info the signal strength varies--it jumps around from 5% to 88% to 33% back to 5% to 77%. It jumps around like this regardless of how the antenna is adjusted. The signal strength bounces around without me making any changes. I'm ready to pull my hair out. I'm over 10 miles from the towers and there are some hills between the towers and me. Yes, I bought the Sony used. I'm almost afraid to ask this, but...would adding a VCR improve or complicate things? If it will complicate things I won't bother. ThanksThat jumping signal level could be the key to your problems: once again take a look at the picture you are getting on several UHF analog channels, which you say come in great... Look carefully at the pictures and see they contain a ghost image - i.e. vertical edges of things being repeated maybe 1/4 inch to the right of the main image, not quite as strong, but as if two pictures seem superimposed atop each other. If you see this, and furthermore you see the ghost image fading in and out, or perhaps shifting from side to side rather randomly, then you, my friend, are a victim of the notorious multipath (meaning that you are receiving your TV signals once via the direct - line-of-site - path, and again a short time later via a reflection off of something in your area. If the ghost image is moving, the reflection is most likely from trees.

The Sony was designed and built at a time in history when ATSC receivers were not very tolerant of multipath; that is, they couldn't figure out whether to decode the digital data in the direct image or the ghost image - they interfered with each other, and ultimately think they've lost the signal when in fact it is quite strong. More recent designs incorporate algorithms to, at least partially, deal with multipath; this could explain why your HDTV is having no problem.

So please have a close look at your analog signals (whatever will we do for diagnosis when they go away!) to see if you can spot this. Also, note whether the problem of ghosting or failed digital reception gets worse on windy days (another symptom of multipath problems.)

If this turns out to be the case, the only solution is a highly directional antenna, one that will pick up the main signal and reject the reflected signal. I'm not sure what kind of antenna you have, but rabbit ears and surely most other antennae intended for urban reception are not very directional. Also, I don't know what your housing arrangements are, but the handiest place for a directional antenna that doesn't show (and is immune to weathering to boot) is the attic.

From the responses of Blue Bell, I can only conclude that he does not have a manual or if he has, has not taken the time to read it. Plus it does not sound like he has bother to read the resource guide. Both are available online.
It would have been helpful early on to know this and the fact that the unit was used. From the post stating that he got choices after the setup leads me to think that he did not do the intial setup correctly. The manual is very specific on stating that the TVGOS system must be completed before using other features of the unit. And if you change zip, add something, then the setup needs to be run again. Again, I think his unit was set for cable and not properly changed in the setup. He has only stated that he has re-done the scans, but nothing about the setup. Logical, you would think that you should be able to just plug in the unit and scan for stations, but with multiple inputs and the TVGOS system that may not be the case. I know that when I added an antenna to a cable only unit I had to go back through the whole setup before I was able to get any OTA digital channels. This unit has 3 tuners in it, ATSC, QAM, and NTSC. The reason he is getting the analog channels is clear. With either a cable or antenna selected, the unit will find any analog channel because both cable and broadcast have analog channels.
What is so hard about letting those who you ask for help know exactly what steps you have done and followed. We can only give advice based on the information provided. And it would be helpful to all if as to whether or not your machine ever got working and what you did to make it so. I read so many post where a person needs help and then you never hear from them again until something else happens. Feedback (precise if possible) is the only way to know what works and what does not.
I wish I could say that it boogles my mind, but it doesn't, with the lack of effort of some who want advice, yet do not seem to take it or make an effort to consult the manual/resource guide or other material out there. Or use the search function of this site. That they don't have the time to read all 400+ post, yet want others to do so for them. To spend weeks or months screwing around with their machines, when perhaps a reset to factory default is the only thing to correct the problem.
If you don't have the maunal or resource guide, go and download them. READ and re-Read them! as we all have done in the past.
I won't apologize for this rant as some may take it. I just trying to make a point here.
Thanks
Michael

Well that may have happen with Blue Bell, but it seems like perhaps the wrong signal source got selected. Did you have to do a reset to get your digital channels, or did it work out OK?
Michael

When this happened to me, it was on an analog only unit.

When I go to that post here is the msg time stamp: "08-11-08, 03:03 PM".
Just a note, your posted link has two http:// at the front end.
Checked unit this morning and was disappointed; CBS HD with unit turned off had reverted to showing VBI channel as "ffffffffd"....did *G test again, flipped channels, and got it back to recognizing CBS, i.e., as 1:0-163, but of course not yet as host, and then reentered "force"/"Search VBI channel." This time I did not exit from the setup screen which after entering code says "Search VBI channel," figuring perhaps I need to let it run thru until screen disappears. Went to work and I left DVR running as an older post from Frank70 indicated info loaded with DVR on, do you know if that had been further vetted or debunked? Should I call wife to tell her to turn unit off? Thx.

WhatHappend gave me too much credit saying I sound like the guy on the other forum who messed up. He had more knowledge than I have. I still need to do something about the connector. I did do another scan and yes, I'm doing it for antenna. This time I got 9 analog and 4 digital channels. According to the system info the signal strength varies--it jumps around from 5% to 88% to 33% back to 5% to 77%. It jumps around like this regardless of how the antenna is adjusted. The signal strength bounces around without me making any changes. I'm ready to pull my hair out. I'm over 10 miles from the towers and there are some hills between the towers and me. Yes, I bought the Sony used. I'm almost afraid to ask this, but...would adding a VCR improve or complicate things? If it will complicate things I won't bother. Thanks


Your signal strength bouncing from one extreme to another is a clear symptom of the signal being too strong. I had the same thing when I put my antenna tower up a few years ago. I initially installed a low power amplifier up on the tower because I wanted to be able to push the signal through a number of splitters througout the house. When I first tried to use the Sony, I continually got the exact same thing you're getting. When I removed the amp, everything was perfect. The Sony definately doesn't like over-powered signal strength. Your TV may be working because it might have an auto-attenuator built in. Your problem could also be multi-path, but I'm leaning towards strength.

Not sure what kind of antenna you have, but if it's amplified and you're close to the towers (10 miles is reasonably close), that may be the problem. What brand/model of antenna are you using? I assume it's a VHF/UHF combination antenna. FYI, most digital stations right now are on UHF frequencies.

Try to borrow another non-amplified antenna from someone and give that a try.

When I first tried to use the Sony, I continually got the exact same thing you're getting. When I removed the amp, everything was perfect. The Sony definately doesn't like over-powered signal strength. .

I don't know if it relevant to OTA - but I know for SURE - 100%.

If you have a too hot CABLE signal - the Sony DVR will Attenuate
it automatically. Unfortunately it attenuates it to a LEVEL which
SHUTS the DVR done. It might lead you to believe your signal
is too weak.

I had to buy a Spectrum Analyzer to measure the signal level at
each of my (5) Sony DVRs to get them in a range where they are
happy.

AGAIN - I don't know about Signal swings on OTA - because I don't use it.

Here is an answer from TVGOS as to the question of having to select from a list of providers for OTA setup:
"Thank you for contacting TV Guide On Screen.
To answer your question - No, when it is setup up OTA it should not give them a line selection screen the line up will be detrmined by there zipcode and what broadcast station they are closest too, for us to assist you futher we would need the zipcode that is being used for the device."
As I do not have the zip code for Blue Bell in Austin, I can not do any follow up with TVGOS service on this.
I reference post 12573 from WhatHappen as to the reason to get clarification on the setup that Blue Bell did. That if done correctly, then no choices would have appeared and the only reason that they did was improper setup or glitch that reverted back to cable input instead on antenna.
The simplest thing Bell could have done was to reset to factory default and start ftrom "new state" since his unit is a used machine.
Michael

From the responses of Blue Bell, I can only conclude that he does not have a manual or if he has, has not taken the time to read it. Plus it does not sound like he has bother to read the resource guide. Both are available online.
It would have been helpful early on to know this and the fact that the unit was used. From the post stating that he got choices after the setup leads me to think that he did not do the intial setup correctly. The manual is very specific on stating that the TVGOS system must be completed before using other features of the unit. And if you change zip, add something, then the setup needs to be run again. Again, I think his unit was set for cable and not properly changed in the setup. He has only stated that he has re-done the scans, but nothing about the setup. Logical, you would think that you should be able to just plug in the unit and scan for stations, but with multiple inputs and the TVGOS system that may not be the case. I know that when I added an antenna to a cable only unit I had to go back through the whole setup before I was able to get any OTA digital channels. This unit has 3 tuners in it, ATSC, QAM, and NTSC. The reason he is getting the analog channels is clear. With either a cable or antenna selected, the unit will find any analog channel because both cable and broadcast have analog channels.
What is so hard about letting those who you ask for help know exactly what steps you have done and followed. We can only give advice based on the information provided. And it would be helpful to all if as to whether or not your machine ever got working and what you did to make it so. I read so many post where a person needs help and then you never hear from them again until something else happens. Feedback (precise if possible) is the only way to know what works and what does not.
I wish I could say that it boogles my mind, but it doesn't, with the lack of effort of some who want advice, yet do not seem to take it or make an effort to consult the manual/resource guide or other material out there. Or use the search function of this site. That they don't have the time to read all 400+ post, yet want others to do so for them. To spend weeks or months screwing around with their machines, when perhaps a reset to factory default is the only thing to correct the problem.
If you don't have the maunal or resource guide, go and download them. READ and re-Read them! as we all have done in the past.
I won't apologize for this rant as some may take it. I just trying to make a point here.
Thanks
Michael


If this is what happens (hey, I get it now!) to people that hang around this thread too long.....might be time for a break. :)

The fact that the unit is used isn't necessarily the problem. Mine was used and was never reset when I obtained it. I just ran the TVGOS setup for my zip and it did it's own thing. I use mine OTA only and it came from a guy that had digital cable.

Maybe he didn't do the setup correctly....but the fact is this thread is over 12,600 posts now, and yes, reading through it all takes more time than just trying something new every day....took me a couple of weeks to get through it all.
I don't think anyone expect someone else to read through the thread for them....that would be ridiculous, but it's not asking anything at all of the handful of folks that have contributed to this thread from the beginning and have followed it every day to pass along info when these guys can give these types of answers in their sleep. :D
And if someone doesn't like the question, it's easier not to answer at all than to rip a new member apart for what you might consider a dumb question. You can't realistically expect someone that just wants their unit to work as advertised to study the manual multiple times, read though 253 pages of BB replies, memorize the Spiff site etc. Not everyone cares to get that intimate with their DVR when it's so much easier to use these boards for what they're designed for....getting info from people who have it.

Damn. You been drinking the WhatHappened kook-aid or something? :)..........................


Kook-Aid ??? :eek:

Kook-Aid ??? :eek:

Edited after rethought.....it was initially a mis-type, but when I went to correct it, it fit :) I just don't get why people get so upset at new posters for asking questions....newbie questions or not. This site exists to share this type of knowledge and to save people time. It's just a shame when long standing members go off on folks for what they see as laziness or ignorance or whatever. Just answer the question or don't.

I am not trying to rip anyone, let alone a newbie. We all were newbies at one time or another. Yet I recall myself and others being referred back to the manual or resource guide at one time or another. Nothing wrong with that. It is like any other piece of equipment a person owns, they need to know how to work it.
My main point though was that to give out good advice, we need good feedback about the problem and what was done or not done. Tell us what steps you took. If you leave out something, how are we to know? It's like someone telling you their car will not go very fast, but will never mention that it has no tires. And sometimes the obvious and simple answer is ignored.
From my post and from TVGOS response, it clearly shows that Blue may not have run the setup properly. He never indicated that he went back and re-ran it.
All I was asking for is information needed for an informed response, instead of speculation and WAGS. If a person whats help, then clearly they need to be forthcoming with the problem,what they did..etc.
If I had the time and another machine, then perhaps I could tell for a fact if the unit should pull in stations with out any type of setup or an incorrect setup. But I do not have either. I just know, as stated, that when I added an antenna to my girlfriends cable only unit, I had to go back through the setup procedure to have any digital stations show up. That's all.
Sorry about the mis-type, should have been 400+ pages of post, more accurate 420. oops, 421.
Michael

Now I understand why all those tech people go through a script when you call in about a problem with a piece electronic equipment or such. Like, did you plug it in? turn the switch on? You know what I mean. A very simple, all the same approach to solve a problem, even though it seems stupid, repetitious, and you know you did that already and could not have made such a mistake. Yet it is easy to overlook the forest for all the trees.
Michael
Hey, but back to business folks, Give us the facts, all the facts and nothing but the facts.

dspadoni,

There are a couple of tactics:
1)
For convenience sake, create a Chapter Mark just prior to the "glitch".
Then use 'ADVANCE' to skip past the glitch. You may have to adjust your
default "advance" setting.
2)
If that doesn't work. Go to the "End" Chapter Mark.
Then press the 'EXIT' button to return to the recording.
The dvr is now paused at the end of the recording.
Press 'REW'ind to verify that the rest of the program was recorded.
'REW'ind to the glitch - keep an eye on the Chapter Mark you created above.
When you get close to the glitch (within 5 minutes), create another
Chapter Mark (just in case).
Use 'REW'ind and/or 'REPLAY' to get as close to the glitch as you can.
Then start watching.

KWG,

Thanks for the suggestions. Tried both, but neither worked; "playback" stayed frozen on whatever pre-glitch frame was displayed just before each attempt. Have to conclude that the data file became somehow seriously corrupted beginning at the "glitch" point. Oh, well, stuff happens.

Hi - I've tried a search, but my couple of guesses at keywords didn't turn up this problem.

I have a hdd500, since they first came out. I don't remember ever having any problems getting listings. However, over the past few months, I have not gotten the listings for NBC...but I get all the rest! It wasn't a big deal over the summer, and because I have other recording devices (this is the only sony), but I'd like it to work...

I was guessing that it had something to do with setting the correct channel for it (4.1 or whatever) but I've confirmed the channel by tuning to it. I can do that fine, and it is the correct hd channel. I just don't get the listings for it!

Has anyone heard of this?

Hi - I've tried a search, but my couple of guesses at keywords didn't turn up this problem.

I have a hdd500, since they first came out. I don't remember ever having any problems getting listings. However, over the past few months, I have not gotten the listings for NBC...but I get all the rest! It wasn't a big deal over the summer, and because I have other recording devices (this is the only sony), but I'd like it to work...

I was guessing that it had something to do with setting the correct channel for it (4.1 or whatever) but I've confirmed the channel by tuning to it. I can do that fine, and it is the correct hd channel. I just don't get the listings for it!

Has anyone heard of this?
Ron,
Are you saying that you do not have NBC in your guide or just that "no Listings" show up under NBC in the guide?
Michael

Ron,
Are you saying that you do not have NBC in your guide or just that "no Listings" show up under NBC in the guide?
Michael

sorry that wasn't clear - "no listings" shows up under nbc. the rest of the channels are fine and show the listings.

sorry that wasn't clear - "no listings" shows up under nbc. the rest of the channels are fine and show the listings.
I assume that the NBC call letters are correct in your guide. You can go into the setup, down to change channel display and add in other NBC stations. The channel number does not matter, as you can have 20 different nbc call letters or other using the same channel number, in your case 4.1. Just find NBC stations in the same general area and turn them on. Assign them your channel number. Then, by the next day you can see which of the NBCs come close to your actual listings and then turn off the others. Also, double check that your NBC station is listed properly in the change channel guide, could be that something is off.
Michael

The first time I posted I said not to bother reading it unless you had patience. I gave myself the nickname "Clueless Newbie" because I've never hooked up an antenna, had a DVR, or had an HDTV until now. I found this website AFTER I read the manual because I figured I probably didn't know something like needing tires on the car. To assume that I did not read the manual or follow the instructions is reason enough not to continue providing feedback. I appreciated the help I did receive.

The first time I posted I said not to bother reading it unless you had patience. I gave myself the nickname "Clueless Newbie" because I've never hooked up an antenna, had a DVR, or had an HDTV until now. I found this website AFTER I read the manual because I figured I probably didn't know something like needing tires on the car. To assume that I did not read the manual or follow the instructions is reason enough not to continue providing feedback. I appreciated the help I did receive.

Never hooked up an antenna...man you are making me feel old. My first TV had an antenna because my room didn't have a cable outlet. I remember the first cable box we had. No remote control, but rather a round dial that you had to spin to the right channel. (2-78 if I remember correctly)

FYI, I'm back to an antenna again (no cable / satellite)

sorry that wasn't clear - "no listings" shows up under nbc. the rest of the channels are fine and show the listings.Is the analog version getting data? Just use that if it is.

The first time I posted I said not to bother reading it unless you had patience. I gave myself the nickname "Clueless Newbie" because I've never hooked up an antenna, had a DVR, or had an HDTV until now. I found this website AFTER I read the manual because I figured I probably didn't know something like needing tires on the car. To assume that I did not read the manual or follow the instructions is reason enough not to continue providing feedback. I appreciated the help I did receive.A signal bouncing around like that is often an indication of multipath. As someone mentioned, the Sony is a fourth generation tuner, which is not as good with multipath as the newer 5th and 6th generation ones are. Could very well be those hills causing it. If the TV's newer, it's probably overcoming that better.

Consult the HDTV Technical forum here. There are some sticky reception threads at the top of the page which would probably be best to post in. They'll take care of you good over there.

And don't feel bad - I get ignored on this thread all the time, and I'm not a newbie. It wasn't always this way, but it's just become rather "clique-ish" in the past year, and that clique is pre-occupied with other things.

Never hooked up an antenna...man you are making me feel old. My first TV had an antenna because my room didn't have a cable outlet. I remember the first cable box we had. No remote control, but rather a round dial that you had to spin to the right channel. (2-78 if I remember correctly)

FYI, I'm back to an antenna again (no cable / satellite)


Age has nothing to do with it; I've always had antennas. By the way, I'm not a "HE".
:rolleyes:

A signal bouncing around like that is often an indication of multipath. As someone mentioned, the Sony is a fourth generation tuner, which is not as good with multipath as the newer 5th and 6th generation ones are. Could very well be those hills causing it.

Consult the HDTV Technical forum here. There are some sticky reception threads at the top of the page which would probably be best to post in. They'll take care of you good over there.

And don't feel bad - I get ignored on this thread all the time, and I'm not a newbie.


Thank you.

Thank you.You're welcome. And let them know you're female - they will go out of their way to give you better treatment. ;)

The first time I posted I said not to bother reading it unless you had patience. I gave myself the nickname "Clueless Newbie" because I've never hooked up an antenna, had a DVR, or had an HDTV until now. I found this website AFTER I read the manual because I figured I probably didn't know something like needing tires on the car. To assume that I did not read the manual or follow the instructions is reason enough not to continue providing feedback. I appreciated the help I did receive.
I did not intend to imply that I would not help, I just trying to somehow impress the importance of getting accurate information as to the problem and steps taken thus far. I do not like the tech line approach, as I generally write down what I have done as a way to eliminate things and speed up the process of correcting a problem. I think it is a much better approach than asking someone over and over to do the same thing when they tell you that they had just done such. But if you don't know what steps they have done, then all you can do is speculate on the problem and keep suggesting things.
Thanks,
Michael

You're welcome. And let them know you're female - they will go out of their way to give you better treatment. ;)

Funny how that works, isn't it? :D

I apologize if these things get too wordy, but really don't know how to condense the message and still get the point across that without all the facts and accurate feedback from the questioneer to solve their problem it's just becomes a guessing game.
In order to accurately diagnose a problem and provide actions to solve it, one needs to know these things:
If you just purchased the unit, was it new or used? Did it come with a manual? Have you read it? and did it make sense? If you don't understand it, fine. If you found the resource guide and did not understand it, fine. Not a problem, but it is important to know. It lets me know that you are like a lot of others, myself inculuded, who at one time or another may not have quite grasp the intent of the instructions. That is normal. But it really lets me know at what point in the process you are. After that, knowing just what steps you have done to the point that you reached out, will speed up solving the problem.
When Blue Bell said that a choice came up for providers after doing the setup for antenna, then either during the process of setup both cable and antenna could have been selected, or maybe cable was already in there and got used instead of antenna only. There is no way for me to know. I am not there. I can only use what information is provided for me to formulate an answer or suggestion as what to do next. I do know you should not get a choice for providers and verified this. I suggested that the setup process be run again to eliminate it as a source of the problem. I do not know if that ever happen. So I have tried to impress on others why that with out some accurate feedback, you go around in circles and it slows things down. If I know that you have done certian steps, then I will not ask you to do them again, unless I feel that it is absolutely neccessary, but more likely will ask to just double check the obvious. It is easy to overlook the simple things. I have done it and sure that others have as well.
I know a lot of information can be intimidating, but if John suggest a,b and c, and Tom suggest x, y and z, then when you come back to say it still does not work, please list if you tried, a, b and c, or x,y and z or whatever. This is the only logical way to attack a problem. That's all I ask.
Thanks
Michael

Age has nothing to do with it; I've always had antennas. By the way, I'm not a "HE".
:rolleyes:

Sorry for the confusion, I was using the 'man' word as a abbreviation of the phrase 'oh man' not implying that you were a man.

oh man: An expression used to convey the instinctive reaction to a stimulus, be it a physical object or an abstract thought.

You know, the non-gender specific 'man.' Not the same as use of 'man' at the end of the popular phrase
I love you, man!

What part of Austin are you in? I'm up in RR and can pick up all the channels with my one antenna in the attic and another outdoor antenna mounted at floor level in my closet on the wall (almost like a picture). You may also want to check out this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=336964&highlight=) as there may be people in the same area as you that have overcome the problems you are seeing.

I believe that "gigaguy" who also frequents this thread lists his (or her ;)) location as Austin also.

[QUOTE=sivartk;14842420]Sorry for the confusion, I was using the 'man' word as a abbreviation of the phrase 'oh man' not implying that you were a man.


Hey man, I understood that. I was referring to "he does not have a manual", "he hasn't taken time to read it", "he did not do initial setup correctly", etc.

I'm in the 620/183 area.

You may also want to check out this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=336964&highlight=) as there may be people in the same area as you that have overcome the problems you are seeing.


Thanks!:)

[QUOTE=sivartk;14842420]Sorry for the confusion, I was using the 'man' word as a abbreviation of the phrase 'oh man' not implying that you were a man.


Hey man, I understood that. I was referring to "he does not have a manual", "he hasn't taken time to read it", "he did not do initial setup correctly", etc.

I'm in the 620/183 area.
You know sometimes you have to be a little harsh to get a response (he didn't read...etc..)
Hey be glad it wasn't assumed that you were some clueless girl. Since electronics gadgets are a guy thing and not usually a girl thing that "he "came natural. Beside, the name Blue Bell reminds me of the guy singing the ice cream commercial and also, an air force association from times past. Glad to know that women are getting onboard with technology.
Making any progress yet?
Michael

Checked unit this morning and was disappointed; CBS HD with unit turned off had reverted to showing VBI channel as "ffffffffd"....did *G test again, flipped channels, and got it back to recognizing CBS, i.e., as 1:0-163, but of course not yet as host, and then reentered "force"/"Search VBI channel." This time I did not exit from the setup screen which after entering code says "Search VBI channel," figuring perhaps I need to let it run thru until screen disappears. Went to work and I left DVR running as an older post from Frank70 indicated info loaded with DVR on, do you know if that had been further vetted or debunked? Should I call wife to tell her to turn unit off? Thx.
I'm still SOL after having tried forcing (via 963... diagnostic) code using the "procedure" on only channel I can locate providing VBI packets (my hi-def CBS channel)...is fact I'm on 08.01.42 firmware going to preclude my ability to rebuild TVGOS?

fyi - a) hi-def CBS only provides packets after about 20 seconds on *G Test
b) doesn't pass test until second time c) won't indicate it's a VBI channel, i.e, 1:0-163 until I flip channels

If anyone has further suggestions or can provide add'l help I'd really appreciate it.

I'm still SOL after having tried forcing (via 963... diagnostic) code using the "procedure" on only channel I can locate providing VBI packets (my hi-def CBS channel)...is fact I'm on 08.01.42 firmware going to preclude my ability to rebuild TVGOS?

fyi - a) hi-def CBS only provides packets after about 20 seconds on *G Test
b) doesn't pass test until second time c) won't indicate it's a VBI channel, i.e, 1:0-163 until I flip channels

If anyone has further suggestions or can provide add'l help I'd really appreciate it.
p.s. for more background, e.g., not using OTA, Cable only, and replies from some folks, my origninal post from y'day was #12578...again, thx.

p.s. for more background, e.g., not using OTA, Cable only, and replies from some folks, my origninal post from y'day was #12578...again, thx.
My girlfriends machines are both cable and now with cable card. I checked channel 97 last time I was there and they were showing vbi packets. Can not remember if the channel was PBS or just blank. I will check and see this weekend if she is getting vbi on her digital CBS station.
I am OTA and have not been able to force from my analog host to a digital. I guess the analog signal is too strong here. I have followed each of the procedures listed except the one that takes 4 days. Probably will try that when all the shows are back in re-runs during the holidays.
Michael

My girlfriends machines are both cable and now with cable card. I checked channel 97 last time I was there and they were showing vbi packets. Can not remember if the channel was PBS or just blank. I will check and see this weekend if she is getting vbi on her digital CBS station.
I am OTA and have not been able to force from my analog host to a digital. I guess the analog signal is too strong here. I have followed each of the procedures listed except the one that takes 4 days. Probably will try that when all the shows are back in re-runs during the holidays.
Michael
Michael - that's much appreciated! Tonight I tested stations for a couple more hours. Tried 90-99 without luck; 97 is something Comcast labels as ATN which seems to be just a channel for infomercials (purchased cable ad time)...and even after about 5 minutes no VBIs on that or any of the other channels in the 90's. Even Ch 2, non-HD, CBS and WNET 13 (PBS) or the other PBS channel at 108 are not generating VBI's. I also checked channel 1-30 before giving up to see if any of those would generate a VBI giving it about 20 seconds a clip on theory that's how long it takes for CBS-HD to start spitting 'em out. So, it seems only possibility at this point is CBS-HD...my cable contact didn't call today, but as of yesterday indicated he'd be by my house tomorrow morning, and I'm hoping his contacts within Comcast might also be able to shed some light on this.

On the plus side, just did one last check before shutting down for the night and 163 was picking up VBI right away on the *G test, and also indicated as VBI channel 1:0-163 (vs. fffffffd - and I'm by now quite confident I can decode that), under the 763 diagnostic screen so in the spirit of persistence I've gone thru the "procedure" for forcing the host code onto 163, i.e., entering code 963... on the setup subscreen, and we'll see what the morning will bring...either way, I'll be back to share my data, and if need be solicit additional thoughts.

p.s. still wondering about if fact my system show itself as having ver. 8.01.42 software that will preclude my getting there with hd channel as host VBI, but thought I'd read that not to be a limitation; anyone have any further thougths or experience with this?

I'm still SOL after having tried forcing (via 963... diagnostic) code using the "procedure" on only channel I can locate providing VBI packets (my hi-def CBS channel)...is fact I'm on 08.01.42 firmware going to preclude my ability to rebuild TVGOS?

fyi - a) hi-def CBS only provides packets after about 20 seconds on *G Test
b) doesn't pass test until second time c) won't indicate it's a VBI channel, i.e, 1:0-163 until I flip channels

If anyone has further suggestions or can provide add'l help I'd really appreciate it.Everything you said that happens is normal - yes, your CBS digital station is most likely providing the necessary TVGOS info. But because you're back at 08.01.42 (TVGOS factory reset firmware version) and have only a digital TVGOS source, you need to read THIS information very carefully: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0

It may take days, but I hope you can bring it back up.

We will all be VERY interested to see if you can, because the situation of having a digital TVGOS host but no analog TVGOS host is very hard to simulate for most of us now, but will be the norm after 17 Feb 2009.

I'm in the 620/183 area.

The tower farm is out in the hills (near the westlake area). You are actually closer than me. I would make sure your antenna is aimed S-SW from your location to see if you can lock on to any of the channels. Anetennaweb.org can show you the exact direction to aim if you plug in your address.

p.s. still wondering about if fact my system show itself as having ver. 8.01.42 software that will preclude my getting there with hd channel as host VBI, but thought I'd read that not to be a limitation; anyone have any further thougths or experience with this?I'm pretty sure that will indeed preclude success with only a digital TVGOS host. But the procedure outlined in my post above will (after 2 days) get you back up to version 8.06.44, which indeed has been known to be able to force a digital TVGOS host.

Just to repeat: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0

Please let us know how it goes (as you can see from that thread, my analog TVGOS station prevented me from getting to the end in a purely digital mode and it would sure be comforting to know that somebody could get all the way back up with only a digital host to work with.)

I'm pretty sure that will indeed preclude success with only a digital TVGOS host. But the procedure outlined in my post above will (after 2 days) get you back up to version 8.06.44, which indeed has been known to be able to force a digital TVGOS host.

Just to repeat: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0

Please let us know how it goes (as you can see from that thread, my analog TVGOS station prevented me from getting to the end in a purely digital mode and it would sure be comforting to know that somebody could get all the way back up with only a digital host to work with.)
Last night's attempt to force failed again so I'll give your recommendation a go, and let you know...many thx for the advice and to all of you who collaborate on this forum to provide assistance to us who are less knowledgeable!

p.s. Comcast guy emailed me this morning that he's now learned that they're completely digital simulcast, but is checking with their "high tech eng'r" if they can add or already have one separate analog station.

I'm pretty sure that will indeed preclude success with only a digital TVGOS host. But the procedure outlined in my post above will (after 2 days) get you back up to version 8.06.44, which indeed has been known to be able to force a digital TVGOS host.

Just to repeat: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0

Please let us know how it goes (as you can see from that thread, my analog TVGOS station prevented me from getting to the end in a purely digital mode and it would sure be comforting to know that somebody could get all the way back up with only a digital host to work with.)
Two points of clarification...

On step two it says ...Run the 753159852 test and verify that your TVGOS firmware factory version is 8.01.42 (or some similar old version) and the downloaded version is 0, mine came up on one DVR as 08.01.42/083.05.40/00.00.00/00000126/64/0000 build 1/21/05 - please confirm last four digits being set to zero is correct (and "083.05.40" in middle of string is not relevant?

Also, step 4 and 5 provide:

4. Tune to your digital host channel and run the TVGOS G* test.

5. Leave alone overnight (and I do mean overnight).

Following step 4, I turned monitor off (to prevent burn in), and then a minute later back on to check if *G test screen was still there, and it was not...should I not worry about burn in, rerun procedures, and then as per step 5, "leave it alone"? I have a one year old Pioneer Plasma (forget model), but believe it will likely go into a mode to protect itself after 15 minutes or so.

Thx again!

The tower farm is out in the hills (near the westlake area). You are actually closer than me. I would make sure your antenna is aimed S-SW from your location to see if you can lock on to any of the channels. Anetennaweb.org can show you the exact direction to aim if you plug in your address.

Thanks. I think I'll look for an antenna today, all I have is rabbit ears. I get such a great picture on the HDTV so I didn't understand why the Sony wouldn't give me a good picture on any digital channel. However, some of the posts have enlightened me about that. My "Blue Bell" does have to do with the ice cream since I was eating it when I registered. I'm only "onboard with technology" out of necessity. I have repeated the factory reset, setup, and channel scan. The analog channels aren't coming in a good as before, and I'm not getting anything on the digital channels except the listing info. The analog channels are a bit snowy, but don't have ghost images. BTW, I didn't get the choices in setup this time when I repeated the antenna only channel scan.

Two points of clarification...

On step two it says ...Run the 753159852 test and verify that your TVGOS firmware factory version is 8.01.42 (or some similar old version) and the downloaded version is 0, mine came up on one DVR as 08.01.42/083.05.40/00.00.00/00000126/64/0000 build 1/21/05 - please confirm last four digits being set to zero is correct (and "083.05.40" in middle of string is not relevant?

Also, step 4 and 5 provide:

4. Tune to your digital host channel and run the TVGOS G* test.

5. Leave alone overnight (and I do mean overnight).

Following step 4, I turned monitor off (to prevent burn in), and then a minute later back on to check if *G test screen was still there, and it was not...should I not worry about burn in, rerun procedures, and then as per step 5, "leave it alone"? I have a one year old Pioneer Plasma (forget model), but believe it will likely go into a mode to protect itself after 15 minutes or so.

Thx again!

Every thing you stated looks fine. Turn off your TV that is fine. The G* test screen always times out after 5min. The version looks fine. The first numbers are the permanent version number and the second number is the downloadable version that is the one that will update via the host channel.

Every thing you stated looks fine. Turn off your TV that is fine. The G* test screen always times out after 5min. The version looks fine. The first numbers are the permanent version number and the second number is the downloadable version that is the one that will update via the host channel.
Appreciate the quick responses, but still a bit confused about numbers following the initial ones, i.e., one one DVR (as per earlier note) they reflect 08.01.42/083.05.40 but I just checked the second DVR and it shows same as first with exception of this second set of numbers which are all currently zeros, 08.01.42/00.00.00/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000 build 1/21/05.

I've used identical procedures on both units...is this second set of numbers relevant? If the second set will be the update should I be concerned (rerun procedures) on the unit where it reflects all zero's?

Thx.

Does anyone have one for sell?

Appreciate the quick responses, but still a bit confused about numbers following the initial ones, i.e., one one DVR (as per earlier note) they reflect 08.01.42/083.05.40 but I just checked the second DVR and it shows same as first with exception of this second set of numbers which are all currently zeros, 08.01.42/00.00.00/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000 build 1/21/05.

I've used identical procedures on both units...is this second set of numbers relevant? If the second set will be the update should I be concerned (rerun procedures) on the unit where it reflects all zero's?

Thx.

The second digits being 00.00.00 show that the DVR is running 08.01.42 version with no downloaded update. This is normal after a factory restore.

Are you saying right after a factory restore (I mean immediately, right after power up) that the second digits weren't zero? This second digits will change after being turned off or left on the host channel after a G* test. The downloadable version should stabilize to the current 08.06.44 version (might takes a few days on a valid host channel).

The second digits being 00.00.00 show that the DVR is running 08.01.42 version with no downloaded update. This is normal after a factory restore.

Are you saying right after a factory restore (I mean immediately, right after power up) that the second digits weren't zero? This second digits will change after being turned off or left on the host channel after a G* test. The downloadable version should stabilize to the current 08.06.44 version (might takes a few days on a valid host channel).
Yes, followed exact same protocol with both DVRs and had two different results, one was all zeros and on the second one right after a factory restore (I mean immediately, right after power up - I never powered down as that's not part of the steps in protocol (so please clarify what you're asking here)) the second digits weren't zero.

Would it be advisable to run either of these thru another cycle of the procedure, and if so which one, i.e., 08.01.42/083.05.40/00.00.00/00000126/64/0000 or 08.01.42/00.00.00/00.00.00/00000126/64/0000

Two points of clarification...

On step two it says ...Run the 753159852 test and verify that your TVGOS firmware factory version is 8.01.42 (or some similar old version) and the downloaded version is 0, mine came up on one DVR as 08.01.42/083.05.40/00.00.00/00000126/64/0000 build 1/21/05 - please confirm last four digits being set to zero is correct (and "083.05.40" in middle of string is not relevant?

Also, step 4 and 5 provide:

4. Tune to your digital host channel and run the TVGOS G* test.

5. Leave alone overnight (and I do mean overnight).

Following step 4, I turned monitor off (to prevent burn in), and then a minute later back on to check if *G test screen was still there, and it was not...should I not worry about burn in, rerun procedures, and then as per step 5, "leave it alone"? I have a one year old Pioneer Plasma (forget model), but believe it will likely go into a mode to protect itself after 15 minutes or so.

Thx again!You can jump ahead then to step 6, because you've apparently left it on at least once overnight tuned to the CBS station, which got it to that step already; that gets you half-way to the latest firmware version - as you go to step 6 and beyond, you'll see that you need one more overnight (after re-rerunning the G* test) to get it up to 8.06.44 which is the version necessary for still later steps.

Yes, by all means turn your TV off and save some energy during these overnights, just leave the Sony on. (it wouldn't burn in anyway because the G* test screen goes away on its own after a minute or two, but the test continues to run while the CBS channel programming plays on the full screen.)

Appreciate the quick responses, but still a bit confused about numbers following the initial ones, i.e., one one DVR (as per earlier note) they reflect 08.01.42/083.05.40 but I just checked the second DVR and it shows same as first with exception of this second set of numbers which are all currently zeros, 08.01.42/00.00.00/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000 build 1/21/05.

I've used identical procedures on both units...is this second set of numbers relevant? If the second set will be the update should I be concerned (rerun procedures) on the unit where it reflects all zero's?

Thx.The sequence is 8.01.42, then 8.05.40, then 8.06.44; to get from the beginning to the end takes two overnights with the Sony turned on and having run the G* test each day. For your Sony that's back at 00.00.00, start from step 1; for the one that's already at 8.05.40 start from step 6. Then have the patience to leave them alone during the overnight periods. You should be able to get the 8.05.40 one up to the force TVGOS host step by tomorrow if you start today, while the other one is going to take a day longer because of the more steps required. Even after you get to the force TVGOS host step, don't be tempted to turn it right back on - you need to leave it off for a good overnight or longer before it will settle in and set the TVGOS host channel.

Does anyone have one for sell?Somebody just did have a couple, if you go back a page or two.

The sequence is 8.01.42, then 8.05.40, then 8.06.44; to get from the beginning to the end takes two overnights with the Sony turned on and having run the G* test each day. For your Sony that's back at 00.00.00, start from step 1; for the one that's already at 8.05.40 start from step 6. Then have the patience to leave them alone during the overnight periods. You should be able to get the 8.05.40 one up to the force TVGOS host step by tomorrow if you start today, while the other one is going to take a day longer because of the more steps required. Even after you get to the force TVGOS host step, don't be tempted to turn it right back on - you need to leave it off for a good overnight or longer before it will settle in and set the TVGOS host channel.
Sounds good; I'll keep you all posted...stay tuned!

The sequence is 8.01.42, then 8.05.40, then 8.06.44; to get from the beginning to the end takes two overnights with the Sony turned on and having run the G* test each day. For your Sony that's back at 00.00.00, start from step 1; for the one that's already at 8.05.40 start from step 6. Then have the patience to leave them alone during the overnight periods. You should be able to get the 8.05.40 one up to the force TVGOS host step by tomorrow if you start today, while the other one is going to take a day longer because of the more steps required. Even after you get to the force TVGOS host step, don't be tempted to turn it right back on - you need to leave it off for a good overnight or longer before it will settle in and set the TVGOS host channel.
To my surprise, one that was already at 083.05.40 was now at 8.06.44 so I ran thru step 11, and we'll see where we're at in the AM (this one seems to be moving on an accelerated schedule)!!! Other unit was still at 08.01.42/00.00.00 but I'd been watching on anoher channel earlier in the day and then turned it off forgetting protocol in rush to get my son to his game on time; just returned it to Ch 163 (CBS), and left it on while I go out for a few hours....

To my surprise, one that was already at 083.05.40 was now at 8.06.44 so I ran thru step 11, and we'll see where we're at in the AM (this one seems to be moving on an accelerated schedule)!!! Other unit was still at 08.01.42/00.00.00 but I'd been watching on anoher channel earlier in the day and then turned it off forgetting protocol in rush to get my son to his game on time; just returned it to Ch 163 (CBS), and left it on while I go out for a few hours....You may need to run the G* test again on the one that was off. I would do it just to be sure.

To my surprise, one that was already at 083.05.40 was now at 8.06.44 so I ran thru step 11, and we'll see where we're at in the AM (this one seems to be moving on an accelerated schedule)!!! Other unit was still at 08.01.42/00.00.00 but I'd been watching on anoher channel earlier in the day and then turned it off forgetting protocol in rush to get my son to his game on time; just returned it to Ch 163 (CBS), and left it on while I go out for a few hours....

Came down this morning hoping I'd reached step 13, but was disappointed to find I had not!!! I've rerun steps 9-12 in the hopes that on take 2 it'll go thru.

On other DVR, firmware upgraded to 8.05.40 so I've now run steps 7 & 8 on that unit and wouldn't be surprised to see it upgrade firmware by the time I get home tongight.

If there are any thoughts on whether I should do a fresh rebuild (vs. having repeated 9-12) on 1st unit let me know.

Hi folks,

I'm one of those unfortunates in a few markets caught up in the LIN-TV versus Cable battle. The upshot is that our cable company (Brighthouse Networks) is not carrying CBS feeds at the moment until they settle the contract dispute.

Since I already had a small bowtie antenna set up to get OTA analog PBS for guide information, I figured I would use that to receive the CBS-HD signal OTA as well and record from there. Turns out my bowtie in the basement wasn't enough, and I swapped out for a rabbit ears near the window. Now I get fine signal.

I went through a channel scan on the antenna, and sure enough a bunch of HD stations popped up. One of them was the desired WISH-DT1 (HD version of WISH), and I made sure it was turned on, tuning to the proper 8.1 channel, and indeed I get the right shows there. It's got the CBS logo in the guide.

However, even after several days of programming downloads, this one channel still is completely NO LISTING despite being recognized by the DHG-500 as a proper channel for CBS. The channels set for cable CBS channels have the correct listings (though, the cable co is substituting some sports channel on those channels).

Any ideas what's going here? I could always remap one of the other CBS channels, currently carrying sports programming instead of CBS, to tune to OTA 8.1, but I'm onery and don't see why my real 8.1 channel isn't getting listings.

I have rebooted the system as part of the process, just as a test. It booted fine, got time, and has been downloading listings for other channels just fine.

Thoughts?

Marc

Anyone else not getting data in the NYC area?

With Cablevision, no data using PBS 13 on any of three units- in two locations- for three days now. Still passes VBI test.

One of them was the desired WISH-DT1 (HD version of WISH), and I made sure it was turned on, tuning to the proper 8.1 channel, and indeed I get the right shows there. It's got the CBS logo in the guide.

However, even after several days of programming downloads, this one channel still is completely NO LISTING despite being recognized by the DHG-500 as a proper channel for CBS. The channels set for cable CBS channels have the correct listings (though, the cable co is substituting some sports channel on those channels).

Any ideas what's going here?

Did you go through all the blank channels at the end of the edit channels list and see if that stations call letters show up? If so, just start mapping fake channel numbers to those unused channels to find which one has listings.

Or you can call SONY and get escalated to tier 2 and report the listing issue to Gemstar.

Did you go through all the blank channels at the end of the edit channels list and see if that stations call letters show up? If so, just start mapping fake channel numbers to those unused channels to find which one has listings.

Or you can call SONY and get escalated to tier 2 and report the listing issue to Gemstar.

Thanks WH. Actually, I went to the end of the listings to find the WISH-DT1 OTA listing in the first place. No more of them left there (I've got the cable channel, and the cable HD channel in my routine lineup).

If the trouble between Brighthouse and LIN-TV keeps up, I may just remap over the cable analog channel listing (which I never use).

Meanwhile I've been considering going to ATT UVerse TV but it turns out they don't have service in my neighborhood (which is surprising, since I'm in a modern development just 10 years old).

Marc

On other DVR, firmware upgraded to 8.05.40 so I've now run steps 7 & 8 on that unit and wouldn't be surprised to see it upgrade firmware by the time I get home tongight.My experience is that firmware downloads only occur overnight.

Came down this morning hoping I'd reached step 13, but was disappointed to find I had not!!! I've rerun steps 9-12 in the hopes that on take 2 it'll go thru.Steps 9-12, and in particular step 12, tend to be very fickle (as you can see, in my experiment the analog host came in and interfered). Keep trying those steps repeatedly until (I hope) it takes. I've found that even with WhatHappend's channel-up/channel-down trick, it's very unreliable in actually forcing the digital TVGOS host, but if I'm persistent, it eventually takes. But I've never seen (nor heard of) it working from the no-channel-lineup/no-clock state, so if and when you're successful, it will be a major breakthrough.

Firmware downloaded to version 44 during the day, so hopefully this small contribution to the thread's knowledgebase is helpful (or is it possible that althought indicating it has reached this version in reality it has not?)...thx.

Steps 9-12, and in particular step 12, tend to be very fickle (as you can see, in my experiment the analog host came in and interfered). Keep trying those steps repeatedly until (I hope) it takes. I've found that even with WhatHappend's channel-up/channel-down trick, it's very unreliable in actually forcing the digital TVGOS host, but if I'm persistent, it eventually takes. But I've never seen (nor heard of) it working from the no-channel-lineup/no-clock state, so if and when you're successful, it will be a major breakthrough.
All I did was reformat disk, i.e., I'm assuming that's what you mean by from "the no-channel-lineup/no-clock state," but it is true clock is incorrect and TVGOS has no data.

All I did was reformat disk, i.e., I'm assuming that's what you mean by from "the no-channel-lineup/no-clock state," but it is true clock is incorrect and TVGOS has no data.That is what I mean.

So if this fails to get my to TVGOS (and not being pessimistic), is my only alternative to figure out a way to hook up an OTA? Seemed to me other folks has also reformatted their disks...was difference that either their cable had analog or they used OTA? Thx.

Firmware downloaded to version 44 during the day, so hopefully this small contribution to the thread's knowledgebase is helpful (or is it possible that althought indicating it has reached this version in reality it has not?)...thx.
Are you saying that there is a new firmware version now for TVGOS?

Thanks

Are you saying that there is a new firmware version now for TVGOS?

Thanks
theratpatrol, You need to read the FAQ site (see post 1). This is nothing new.

theratpatrol, You need to read the FAQ site (see post 1). This is nothing new.
Well it was obviously new to him, and me. Sorry.

So if this fails to get my to TVGOS (and not being pessimistic), is my only alternative to figure out a way to hook up an OTA? Seemed to me other folks has also reformatted their disks...was difference that either their cable had analog or they used OTA? Thx.If it fails using digital TVGOS alone, then we are all screwed eventually. Yes, finding a station with analog (VBI) TVGOS, either on cable (which apparently you've determined it isn't) or OTA, will temporarily get you back in business, but after next Feb, you (and many of us) will permanently lose that option.

Well it was obviously new to him, and me. Sorry.Just to clarify... 8.06.44 (which as been around for a year or two now) is only "new" with respect to the sequence the Sony follows if/when it reverts back to 8.01.42 only. 8.01.42 -> 8.05.40 -> 8.06.44 (the version with the ads.) So if you wake up in the morning and it had been 8.05.40 and now it's 8.06.44, that's a "new"er version than what you had yesterday.

My building here in Chicago converted to RCN cable's all-digital channel lineup last week.

Has anyone in Chicago had any success in getting a digital host channel with the RCN all-digital lineup?

Channel 2.1, the CBS HD channel in Chicago, supposedly carries the TVGOS information, but when I tune to that channel (602 on RCN digital) and run the G* test, I see no VBI packets.

I've tried the spiffspace procedure for getting up and running with a digital channel, but the firmware never upgrades.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

My building here in Chicago converted to RCN cable's all-digital channel lineup last week.

Has anyone in Chicago had any success in getting a digital host channel with the RCN all-digital lineup?

Channel 2.1, the CBS HD channel in Chicago, supposedly carries the TVGOS information, but when I tune to that channel (602 on RCN digital) and run the G* test, I see no VBI packets.

I've tried the spiffspace procedure for getting up and running with a digital channel, but the firmware never upgrades.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

No VBI packets on the cable version, then there is nothing anybody can do to help you except CBS Chicago or your cable company.

As a NOTE to everyone. My cable company Mediacom used to (until 3 weekends ago send the OTA channel in full resolution (2 per QAM256 cable channel). Now I no longer get the VBI packets on the CBS channel over the cable (804). My host channel stayed with that channel until Mediacom made the change. I have contacted them and no one responds. I am getting compression artifacts now on the networks over the cable system (HD-Lite like Comcast ... Just what I need..).

I have switched the host channel to the OTA digital CBS 4.1 and it is working fine as the host for the last 3 weeks.

If it fails using digital TVGOS alone, then we are all screwed eventually. Yes, finding a station with analog (VBI) TVGOS, either on cable (which apparently you've determined it isn't) or OTA, will temporarily get you back in business, but after next Feb, you (and many of us) will permanently lose that option.
Partial success (I think)...clock reset on both units! On one unit, no info for host code, and no data for listings. On other unit strange # for host code 1:105-0 (vs. 1:0-163), and also no data for listings. Ran *G test on both units. On one with no host code it picked up VBI packets immediately whereas other unit took normal reset time (approx. 18 seconds).

So, what next - should I repeat step 11, i.e., try to force code again on one or both units, and then shut them off. Alternatively, should I just leave them on tuned to what I want to be the host channel (163) - that's where I have them currently.

Anxiously await suggestions/advice...thx.

Partial success (I think)...clock reset on both units! On one unit, no info for host code, and no data for listings. On other unit strange # for host code 1:105-0 (vs. 1:0-163), and also no data for listings. Ran *G test on both units. On one with no host code it picked up VBI packets immediately whereas other unit took normal reset time (approx. 18 seconds).

So, what next - should I repeat step 11, i.e., try to force code again on one or both units, and then shut them off. Alternatively, should I just leave them on tuned to what I want to be the host channel (163) - that's where I have them currently.

Anxiously await suggestions/advice...thx.
p.s. on unit with strange # for VBI channel, when I flipped to 0 that channel has no programming, and 105 is a cable kids cartoon channel...I did not try to run a *G test on either channel or the 753 test...

Partial success (I think)...clock reset on both units! On one unit, no info for host code, and no data for listings. On other unit strange # for host code 1:105-0 (vs. 1:0-163), and also no data for listings. Ran *G test on both units. On one with no host code it picked up VBI packets immediately whereas other unit took normal reset time (approx. 18 seconds).

So, what next - should I repeat step 11, i.e., try to force code again on one or both units, and then shut them off. Alternatively, should I just leave them on tuned to what I want to be the host channel (163) - that's where I have them currently.

Anxiously await suggestions/advice...thx.GREAT NEWS that you finally have the correct time! Has your TVGOS listings screen changed from absolutely empty to having a channel lineup, but simply with each channel shown as half-hour chunks of no-listing? Or is it still completely empty? If you've got the channel lineup, all you need to do is run the G* test with the good host channel tuned and leave the unit on for a few hours and the grid should fill in. I have no clue on the strange cable channel(s) - don't have cable, never will. So I don't even try to understand it.

It is always interesting to see just how slowly this thing plods along in getting itself set up.

p.s. on unit with strange # for VBI channel, when I flipped to 0 that channel has no programming, and 105 is a cable kids cartoon channel...I did not try to run a *G test on either channel or the 753 test...

You will get listings at some point (you are getting close). Getting the clock means that you have received the zipcode and timezone packets. You must be getting a lot of VBI packets with errors. After you get you lineup packets the errors will cause sporadic missed listing throughout the guide (not too big of deal).

With the unit left "on" the host channel never updates (I believe you have been leaving the units "on" right?) from my experience.

You will get listings at some point (you are getting close). Getting the clock means that you have received the zipcode and timezone packets. You must be getting a lot of VBI packets with errors. After you get you lineup packets the errors will cause sporadic missed listing throughout the guide (not too big of deal).

With the unit left "on" the host channel never updates (I believe you have been leaving the units "on" right?) from my experience.Just to clarify one thing with you, WhatHappend... the channel lineup never arrives with the unit turned on... I've waited 2 days for that to happen without success. It only seems to do that when you've acquired a valid host channel with the unit turned off - if he got his clock, I'm hoping his did.

Appreciate the explanations! Clock obtained while unit was turned off (per procedures); however, both units were absolutely empty having no channel lineup or host code - should I try to force thru 953 code again or just leave it turned off for extended period in the hope that better VBI packets start to come and provide the channel line up? Thx.

Just to clarify one thing with you, WhatHappend... the channel lineup never arrives with the unit turned on... I've waited 2 days for that to happen without success. It only seems to do that when you've acquired a valid host channel with the unit turned off - if he got his clock, I'm hoping his did.
Good news! Just checked unit I'd turned off earlier today with strange VBI channel and it now had channel listings (although without data). Odd VBI channel had also turned to 0:0-0, so I ran thru *g to get VBI channel back and tested under 753 diagnostic to confirm it had changed to 1:0-163. Still no Host VBI, however, and wonder if entering 963 code again should be done.

Thoughts?

Just to clarify one thing with you, WhatHappend... the channel lineup never arrives with the unit turned on... I've waited 2 days for that to happen without success. It only seems to do that when you've acquired a valid host channel with the unit turned off - if he got his clock, I'm hoping his did.
as per reply immediatlely preceding this one I did get channel listing without a host code, but no data in channels. Unit was powered down in obtaining the channel guide (no data so far but am now most hopeful I've been in some time). Question remains whether I need to try and force the host code again or for some reason it's working without (or with a hidden, if that's possible) one.

Does anyone know how to do this?

Example, you are watching a show through your Sony HDD and you realize 10 mins into the program that you wanted to record it but you want it to record the 10 mins you already missed, is there a way for the Sony HDD to pick up those 10 mins into the show that you already missed and record the entire hour instead of just recording 50 mins?

I could swear on my life that at one point in the past I was watching a program on HD Discovery Channel the show was from 8:00 to 9:00, it was 8:10 when I started watching it and realized man I would like to have recorded the whole show, so I hit record while watching it (through the HDD) and after it finished and the show was over I went back into the HDD under recordings menu and found the show but the HDD went back and picked up the 10 mins I lost. I swear it did, I found it amazing that it had recorded the entire show even though I was already 10 mins into the program.

How can I do this again cause I have never been able to replicate it.

It will record (or more appropriately save) whatever is in your buffer when you hit the record button. For example, if you tuned in at 8:00 and didn't change the channel and at 8:10 hit record, it should pick up to the beginning of your buffer. (assuming it is set long enough).

The buffer is reset upon a channel change, so if you tune into the show at 8:00, change the channel at 8:02 and then tune back in at 8:09, hit record at 8:10, it will only save the data from 8:09 forward.

Or... go into the program guide. The program that you're currently watching should be highlighted. Press the MENU button. You should see a list of actions at the left side of the screen, including one that says "Set Recording" or something like that. (I'm too lazy to walk to the other end of the house and turn on my setup to check the exact wording. :rolleyes:) Just like when you schedule a recording in advance, you can start and end early or late, etc.

Still no Host VBI, however, and wonder if entering 963 code again should be done.
Thoughts?Yes, try the 963... (VBI Search Current Chan) again tonight with the known good digital TVGOS host channel tuned, then turn it off and don't fool with it until morning. Then check in the 753... screen (click right once) to see if the "Host channel" has updated to that channel (or anything other than blank). It's stubborn, but will should eventually stick if you're persistent.

Alternatively, if you're just interested in getting the grid filled in, just tune to the known good digital TVGOS host channel, run the G* test, and leave it on. The grid should be filled in by morning, but this won't set the "Host channel". Remember that the "Host channel" is only needed to download the guide when the unit is "off". The guide can and will download if the unit is on, the G* test is running, and it is tuned to the digital TVGOS host, regardless of what the "Host channel" is set to.

Sporadic though it may seem, you've gotten further than anyone else here with a reset unit and NO ANALOG HOST channel at all available. Seems like the end is in sight.

For everybody else, sorry to belabor this here and not in private, but the outcome of this will become important to each and every one of us eventually in the post-transition timeframe. These units were not designed to come out of the box and deal with a digital-only world on their own - they need to be tricked into it.

It will record (or more appropriately save) whatever is in your buffer when you hit the record button. For example, if you tuned in at 8:00 and didn't change the channel and at 8:10 hit record, it should pick up to the beginning of your buffer. (assuming it is set long enough).

The buffer is reset upon a channel change, so if you tune into the show at 8:00, change the channel at 8:02 and then tune back in at 8:09, hit record at 8:10, it will only save the data from 8:09 forward.

Cool, thanks for the info I had no idea it worked like this, I've read the manual and could find nothing about this. It must have been that I didn't change the channel on that Discovery show cause I swear it recorded the whole program even though I was 10 mins past it. I'm going to try to remember this next time.

Today I was watching something and I was already 25 mins into the program and I can't remember if I changed the channel during that first 25 mins (I think I did) and it ended up not recording the first 25 mins.

Or... go into the program guide. The program that you're currently watching should be highlighted. Press the MENU button. You should see a list of actions at the left side of the screen, including one that says "Set Recording" or something like that. (I'm too lazy to walk to the other end of the house and turn on my setup to check the exact wording. :rolleyes:) Just like when you schedule a recording in advance, you can start and end early or late, etc.

I have actually tried this method and it never works for me, I know what your talking about after hiting record and the menu to the left side pops up and you can tell it to start before the time, I've tried that and it never records the time I missed.

sivartk method sounds logical so I am going to test that next time this happens.

thanks for your responses. :)

Yes, try the 963... (VBI Search Current Chan) again tonight with the known good digital TVGOS host channel tuned, then turn it off and don't fool with it until morning. Then check in the 753... screen (click right once) to see if the "Host channel" has updated to that channel (or anything other than blank). It's stubborn, but will should eventually stick if you're persistent.

Alternatively, if you're just interested in getting the grid filled in, just tune to the known good digital TVGOS host channel, run the G* test, and leave it on. The grid should be filled in by morning, but this won't set the "Host channel". Remember that the "Host channel" is only needed to download the guide when the unit is "off". The guide can and will download if the unit is on, the G* test is running, and it is tuned to the digital TVGOS host, regardless of what the "Host channel" is set to.

Sporadic though it may seem, you've gotten further than anyone else here with a reset unit and NO ANALOG HOST channel at all available. Seems like the end is in sight.

For everybody else, sorry to belabor this here and not in private, but the outcome of this will become important to each and every one of us eventually in the post-transition timeframe. These units were not designed to come out of the box and deal with a digital-only world on their own - they need to be tricked into it.
After having lived without TVGOS for nearly two months on the one unit, and past two weeks on the other, I'm cautiously optimistic the end is near. Persistence, determination, and excellent coaching, and omnipotent...many thx, and I'll of course keep all posted on outcome.

Asking for a fellow over in Spiff's forum... Our list claims WBBM digital 2.1 in Chicago is transmitting TVGOS OTA, but he isn't seeing it. Can somebody confirm one way or the other?

Does anyone know how to do this?

Example, you are watching a show through your Sony HDD and you realize 10 mins into the program that you wanted to record it but you want it to record the 10 mins you already missed, is there a way for the Sony HDD to pick up those 10 mins into the show that you already missed and record the entire hour instead of just recording 50 mins?

I could swear on my life that at one point in the past I was watching a program on HD Discovery Channel the show was from 8:00 to 9:00, it was 8:10 when I started watching it and realized man I would like to have recorded the whole show, so I hit record while watching it (through the HDD) and after it finished and the show was over I went back into the HDD under recordings menu and found the show but the HDD went back and picked up the 10 mins I lost. I swear it did, I found it amazing that it had recorded the entire show even though I was already 10 mins into the program.

How can I do this again cause I have never been able to replicate it.

What I do is to hit the bottom left (prev) button to take the show back to the start. Then I go to the tv guide and hit record. So far I have gotten the whole show this way. May be another way to do this, perhaps by just going to the tv guide and hit record for that show. I'll check it out.
Michael
Update: Just went to the tv guide and hit record for a show in progress and waited until it was done. Under the recorded shows, record time listed as 19 minutes, but in playback had the full show. So to capture the buffer on the show (up to 30 min per default) you should be able to follow either process. You can set the buffer for longer if you wanted to.

...May be another way to do this, perhaps by just going to the tv guide and hit record for that show. I'll check it out.
Michael

Yup. All you need to do is press <GUIDE>, then hold down the record button for a few seconds. It'll record the entire show, as long as it is in the buffer.

If you need to, you can also press <MENU> from the guide to adjust the recording time backwards. This comes in handy if the clock is off a little, or a show starts a minute or so early.

I've been a happy hdd owner for the last two years. One unit feeds a Panny 1080p set and the other a big screen SD Trinitron using a RGB output. This question concerns the Panny unit only.

I've been using the slower "speeds" to record news programs. You get a softer HD picture, sort of like HD Lite. Since I'm totally OTA for HD content, the changes are clear...or not so clear.

Has anyone figured out the times in each mode ? My unit has the single hd, and I try to conserve space for things like Grey's Anatomy in HQ.

Is there any way to figure out the bitrates in each mode ? In SLP, the picture on the panny is blocky, but even in SP, you lose the fine skin tones.

Thanks !

Thanks. I think I'll look for an antenna today, all I have is rabbit ears. I get such a great picture on the HDTV so I didn't understand why the Sony wouldn't give me a good picture on any digital channel. However, some of the posts have enlightened me about that. My "Blue Bell" does have to do with the ice cream since I was eating it when I registered. I'm only "onboard with technology" out of necessity. I have repeated the factory reset, setup, and channel scan. The analog channels aren't coming in a good as before, and I'm not getting anything on the digital channels except the listing info. The analog channels are a bit snowy, but don't have ghost images. BTW, I didn't get the choices in setup this time when I repeated the antenna only channel scan.
Good to hear that with the reset and setup, you did not get the choices pop up. That eliminates setup and scan as a possible problem.
I used antennaweb for my location to get a recommedation for the orientation of an antenna. I used Solid Signal to get a recommendation for the type and size antenna that I needed for my setup(antenna in the attic). I ended up with a DB4 uhf antenna (bowtie) which is more than I needed, but works quite nicely since I need to split the signal to five devices ( 3 dvrs, 1 tv, and one vcr). Check them out. They are very helpful with antenna recommendations.
The newer generations of tuners seem to be getting better all the time. It is a shame that our dvrs can not use an outside source to record off of. This weekend here was really windy and had I not set up some analog backups, would have missed out on several shows as several digital stations had dropouts and no signals when I went to view what was recorded.
Michael

I've been a happy hdd owner for the last two years. One unit feeds a Panny 1080p set and the other a big screen SD Trinitron using a RGB output. This question concerns the Panny unit only.

I've been using the slower "speeds" to record news programs. You get a softer HD picture, sort of like HD Lite. Since I'm totally OTA for HD content, the changes are clear...or not so clear.

Has anyone figured out the times in each mode ? My unit has the single hd, and I try to conserve space for things like Grey's Anatomy in HQ.

Is there any way to figure out the bitrates in each mode ? In SLP, the picture on the panny is blocky, but even in SP, you lose the fine skin tones.

Thanks !

One thing to note is that if you are recording a digital source (either HD or SD), the recording speed has no effect. It simply records the digital stream "as is". The different recording speeds (or qualities) only apply to analog broadcasts.

Asking for a fellow over in Spiff's forum... Our list claims WBBM digital 2.1 in Chicago is transmitting TVGOS OTA, but he isn't seeing it. Can somebody confirm one way or the other?
It has previously been confirmed that that station broadcasts TVGOS - I WAS keeping track of stations, but have recently stopped, since other sources confirmed that MOST people are in places where CBS is broadcasting TVGOS....

(cf some posts here in LATE September....)

Whether WBBM is broadcasting it RIGHT NOW can only be checked by someone in that area RIGHT NOW...

Asking for a fellow over in Spiff's forum... Our list claims WBBM digital 2.1 in Chicago is transmitting TVGOS OTA, but he isn't seeing it. Can somebody confirm one way or the other?

Yes, I'm getting the guide via CBS-HD on Comcast cable, so that means CBS OTA must be transmitting it. There was a glitch maybe two weekends ago where data failed to download for two days. I left things alone and the situation resolved itself.

Yes, I'm getting the guide via CBS-HD on Comcast cable, so that means CBS OTA must be transmitting it.

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I'm not seeing it (no VBI packets received) on CBS OTA. I wonder if there's any possibility that they're only sending it to Comcast. (I'm not sure Comcast gets the CBS-HD signal over the air.)

Do you have any way of checking the OTA signal with your machine?

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I'm not seeing it (no VBI packets received) on CBS OTA. I wonder if there's any possibility that they're only sending it to Comcast. (I'm not sure Comcast gets the CBS-HD signal over the air.)

Do you have any way of checking the OTA signal with your machine?

you might want to check directly with the station...that's where a participant in the lg 3410a info got the info that they were broadcasting TVGOS (AND it's on a long list further up this thread)...

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I'm not seeing it (no VBI packets received) on CBS OTA. I wonder if there's any possibility that they're only sending it to Comcast. (I'm not sure Comcast gets the CBS-HD signal over the air.)

I have the same problem, no VBI packets either on analog channel 2 or digital channel 2.1, and I am OTA only. CBS engineering is difficult to contact. I entered feedback on the cbs2chicago.com site asking about TVGOS, but no one has responded yet. I have been unable to get through by phone to a live engineering CBS2 employee either; I always end up in voicemail.

Yes, try the 963... (VBI Search Current Chan) again tonight with the known good digital TVGOS host channel tuned, then turn it off and don't fool with it until morning. Then check in the 753... screen (click right once) to see if the "Host channel" has updated to that channel (or anything other than blank). It's stubborn, but will should eventually stick if you're persistent.

Alternatively, if you're just interested in getting the grid filled in, just tune to the known good digital TVGOS host channel, run the G* test, and leave it on. The grid should be filled in by morning, but this won't set the "Host channel". Remember that the "Host channel" is only needed to download the guide when the unit is "off". The guide can and will download if the unit is on, the G* test is running, and it is tuned to the digital TVGOS host, regardless of what the "Host channel" is set to.

Sporadic though it may seem, you've gotten further than anyone else here with a reset unit and NO ANALOG HOST channel at all available. Seems like the end is in sight.

For everybody else, sorry to belabor this here and not in private, but the outcome of this will become important to each and every one of us eventually in the post-transition timeframe. These units were not designed to come out of the box and deal with a digital-only world on their own - they need to be tricked into it.
After two tries with 963 still haven't gotten to correct host code, i.e., its still showing a station that doesn't produce VBI's in wrong format, host code 1:105-0. TVGOS did, however, ask me today which cable card I was using giving me a list of several including Comcast Hillsborough, NJ (which I choose). DVR then reacted very slowly to testing and changing channels until it ultimately froze on channnel to which its tuned 163 (my host). I tried to power down, change channels, go to TV guide, etc., all to no avail, and now fear need to do a complete reboot (as I experienced a similar freeze on other DVR yesterday - now I've gotten back to firmware ver. .44 on that unit).

Three Questions - any thoughts on (a) how to unfreeze the unit (figured I'd leave it alone for an hour or so before checking again) (b) why it's defaulting to incorrect station (either 0 or 105, nor sure with this format) after using 963? and (c) seems encouraging that TVGOS asked which cable company (presumably for channel listing), does that indicate I've succeeded if it does unfreeze?

Thx again!

Three Questions - any thoughts on (a) how to unfreeze the unit (figured I'd leave it alone for an hour or so before checking again) (b) why it's defaulting to incorrect station (either 0 or 105, nor sure with this format) after using 963? and (c) seems encouraging that TVGOS asked which cable company (presumably for channel listing), does that indicate I've succeeded if it does unfreeze?

Thx again!

a) hold down exit and TVguide button simultaneously for a second on the front panel. Then Wait for a few minuets (depends on how locked up the Sony is).
b) Don't know....
c) Yes it means if you would have looked at the guide listing right after answering that question you would have seen you channel line up.

My experience of late with lockups is that all my guide information is getting totally reset (download version, host channel, lineup, zipcode, timezone, listings). I am only retaining scheduled recordings and previous recordings. I believe my Sony has locked up twice now due to my changing to NATIVE format and having a HDMI receiver in between the TV and the DVR. The HDMI AVR is slowing down the handshake between the DVR and TV everytime the resolution changes. So when I am recording a 720P channel then try to watch a 1080i stored recording, the SONY and the TV appear to handshake multiple times causing the picture to go in and out. And twice this has caused a lockup on the SONY that froze the playback recording and ddin't recorver on it's own after a few hours. The soft reboot worked to unfreeze the unit, but the lockup caused a loss of all the guide setup. I am going back to selecting one output format.

Good to hear that with the reset and setup, you did not get the choices pop up. That eliminates setup and scan as a possible problem.
I used antennaweb for my location to get a recommedation for the orientation of an antenna. I used Solid Signal to get a recommendation for the type and size antenna that I needed for my setup(antenna in the attic). I ended up with a DB4 uhf antenna (bowtie) which is more than I needed, but works quite nicely since I need to split the signal to five devices ( 3 dvrs, 1 tv, and one vcr). Check them out. They are very helpful with antenna recommendations.
The newer generations of tuners seem to be getting better all the time. It is a shame that our dvrs can not use an outside source to record off of. This weekend here was really windy and had I not set up some analog backups, would have missed out on several shows as several digital stations had dropouts and no signals when I went to view what was recorded.
Michael

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to get someone to help me with a good antenna; I'm afraid I've gotten way out of my realm. I set up an old analog TV and VCR with a converter box so I can at least record again.

I have the same problem, no VBI packets either on analog channel 2 or digital channel 2.1, and I am OTA only. CBS engineering is difficult to contact. I entered feedback on the cbs2chicago.com site asking about TVGOS, but no one has responded yet. I have been unable to get through by phone to a live engineering CBS2 employee either; I always end up in voicemail.My Sony had been getting it from WBBM analog OTA the last few months until about a month ago, when it switched back to WTTW.

So maybe it's not running on WBBM now (at least analog). Can't be sure, though. My TVGOS units have just switched out of nowhere like that before.

Yes, I'm getting the guide via CBS-HD on Comcast cable, so that means CBS OTA must be transmitting it. There was a glitch maybe two weekends ago where data failed to download for two days. I left things alone and the situation resolved itself.

My Sony had been getting it from WBBM analog OTA the last few months until about a month ago, when it switched back to WTTW.

So maybe it's not running on WBBM now (at least analog). Can't be sure, though. My TVGOS units have just switched out of nowhere like that before.

I had been getting OTA TVGOS from WBBM analog channel 2 as well for a while. As long as I'm getting the guide populated, I don't run the diagnostic very often. The recent lockup I experienced forced me to warm-reset my 250, and when the guide didn't load overnight, I found that I had no VBI packets on analog 2 or digital 2.1.

There probably are less of us Sony users that are strictly OTA than cable, but if someone is getting TVGOS from either analog 2 or digital 2.1 via OTA, I'd like to hear about it. I realize Ram is getting TVGOS from CBS by cable, but that's not the same source as me. Also, if anyone can get through to WBBM TV engineering and not get voice mail, but actually talk to a live engineer, I'd be interested in what is going on with TVGOS.

a) hold down exit and TVguide button simultaneously for a second on the front panel. Then Wait for a few minuets (depends on how locked up the Sony is).
b) Don't know....
c) Yes it means if you would have looked at the guide listing right after answering that question you would have seen you channel line up.

My experience of late with lockups is that all my guide information is getting totally reset (download version, host channel, lineup, zipcode, timezone, listings). I am only retaining scheduled recordings and previous recordings. I believe my Sony has locked up twice now due to my changing to NATIVE format and having a HDMI receiver in between the TV and the DVR. The HDMI AVR is slowing down the handshake between the DVR and TV everytime the resolution changes. So when I am recording a 720P channel then try to watch a 1080i stored recording, the SONY and the TV appear to handshake multiple times causing the picture to go in and out. And twice this has caused a lockup on the SONY that froze the playback recording and ddin't recorver on it's own after a few hours. The soft reboot worked to unfreeze the unit, but the lockup caused a loss of all the guide setup. I am going back to selecting one output format.
System unlocked of its own accord with time...(surprising in that other DVR did not after 10 hours). Some strange stuff happened however. Clock had changed to PST (from EST). I then ran *G test, and channel up/down and Voila, time reset!

Host code is still indicating 1:105-0 (although guide is mostly filled in with correct channels, number of channels show no data available, e.g. ESPN2), so I've reenetered 963 "force" code to see what might come next. Perhaps third time will be the charm!

I'd expect guide to fill out completely over next few days but wonder if this will be stable without correct host VBI as neither channel 0 or 105 provide any VBI's. Any thoughts on that, i.e., should I keep trying to force digital CBS (163) as my Host VBI or is is possible this system can run long term with 1:105-0 as a host code...has anyone ever seen that format before?

Again, many thx!

I'd expect guide to fill out completely over next few days but wonder if this will be stable without correct host VBI as neither channel 0 or 105 provide any VBI's. Any thoughts on that, i.e., should I keep trying to force digital CBS (163) as my Host VBI or is is possible this system can run long term with 1:105-0 as a host code...has anyone ever seen that format before?

Again, many thx!

Why not just wait a day or two to see if the listings populate out? It found a host (channel 105). Let the machine run with it for a couple of days and see what happens.

The format: 1:105-0 is normal. The first "1" refers to cable ("0" is OTA). "105-0" is the channel number.

Why not just wait a day or two to see if the listings populate out? It found a host (channel 105). Let the machine run with it for a couple of days and see what happens.

The format: 1:105-0 is normal. The first "1" refers to cable ("0" is OTA). "105-0" is the channel number.
Appreciate the advice and will absolutely wait; question was really re: whether anyone has seen this work with a station listed as "host" that doesn't generate VBI's on the *G test.

As to format I remain confused as I'd read in this thread that format sequence was always X:Y:xxx where for X "1" refers to cable or "0" for OTA; Y = 0 with cable (my case); and xxx = cable channel. This would indicate with a host code of 1:105-0 that it's on channel 0, and no idea what 105 indicates, unless format can deviate, as per my initial question.

Why not just wait a day or two to see if the listings populate out? It found a host (channel 105). Let the machine run with it for a couple of days and see what happens.

The format: 1:105-0 is normal. The first "1" refers to cable ("0" is OTA). "105-0" is the channel number.I don't think 1:105-0 is at all "normal". As I understand it that would be decoded as digital (clear QAM on cable) channel 105, subchannel 0. I'm assuming HonestLeeD has a cable card, in which case I'd never expect to see channels listed as other than 1:0-xxx where xxx is the mapped (by the cablecard) channel number, regardless of whether it is digital or analog. I think he's hoping to see his Host Channel become 1:0-163. Of course, I may be wrong :~)

Once again I'm so happy I don't have to deal with these cable issues. Unfortunately, that makes me of little help to HonestLeeD right now.

Appreciate the advice and will absolutely wait; question was really re: whether anyone has seen this work with a station listed as "host" that doesn't generate VBI's on the *G test.

As to format I remain confused as I'd read in this thread that format sequence was always X:Y:xxx where for X "1" refers to cable or "0" for OTA; Y = 0 with cable (my case); and xxx = cable channel. This would indicate with a host code of 1:105-0 that it's on channel 0, and no idea what 105 indicates, unless format can deviate, as per my initial question.
p.s. on the channel does generate VBI's, that is shown on DVR as 1:0-163

I don't think 1:105-0 is at all "normal". As I understand it that would be decoded as digital (clear QAM on cable) channel 105, subchannel 0. I'm assuming HonestLeeD has a cable card, in which case I'd never expect to see channels listed as other than 1:0-xxx where xxx is the mapped (by the cablecard) channel number, regardless of whether it is digital or analog. I think he's hoping to see his Host Channel become 1:0-163. Of course, I may be wrong :~)
I can confirm that I've got a cable card in both DVRs I've written about...thx.

As to format I remain confused as I'd read in this thread that format sequence was always X:Y:xxx where for X "1" refers to cable or "0" for OTA; Y = 0 with cable (my case); and xxx = cable channel. This would indicate with a host code of 1:105-0 that it's on channel 0, and no idea what 105 indicates, unless format can deviate, as per my initial question.I agree it's weird. Just to be absolutely certain we're talking apples and apples... You are reading this number (1:105-0) from the 753859152 test screen with the title "Section System-Statistics" on the row labeled "Host Chan", right?

I don't think 1:105-0 is at all "normal". As I understand it that would be decoded as digital (clear QAM on cable) channel 105, subchannel 0. I'm assuming HonestLeeD has a cable card, in which case I'd never expect to see channels listed as other than 1:0-xxx where xxx is the mapped (by the cablecard) channel number, regardless of whether it is digital or analog. I think he's hoping to see his Host Channel become 1:0-163. Of course, I may be wrong :~)

Sorry, I was wrong. I read and typed too quickly. 1:0-105 would be the normal display.

Either way, I'd still hang loose for a couple of days to see if listings start to populate. I have a blend of OTA and cable, so weirdness is the norm for me... ;)

i agree it's weird. Just to be absolutely certain we're talking apples and apples... You are reading this number (1:105-0) from the 753859152 test screen with the title "section system-statistics" on the row labeled "host chan", right?
yes :)

You know, thinking about it some more, I could swear that I've seen the channel # and "0" reversed like that before...except I saw it happen with a channel that displayed "No Signal."

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I'm not seeing it (no VBI packets received) on CBS OTA. I wonder if there's any possibility that they're only sending it to Comcast. (I'm not sure Comcast gets the CBS-HD signal over the air.)

Do you have any way of checking the OTA signal with your machine?

I cannot get CBS-HD OTA. However, I get a snowy picture on analog CBS with no antenna. In fact, that's how I got the guide for many months until I forced it to Comcast 189 digital.

So I just checked and there are no VBI packets coming form EITHER the analog or the digital station. But my guide has the full 8 days and 189 is still the host.

Maybe CBS has their TVGOS equipment shut down during some non-download times?

So I just checked and there are no VBI packets coming form EITHER the analog or the digital station. But my guide has the full 8 days and 189 is still the host.

Maybe CBS has their TVGOS equipment shut down during some non-download times?That seems unusual (KYW-DT CBS-3 here in Philly has TVGOS downloads going on 24/7) but would indeed explain the confusion and seeming inconsistency. Perhaps they only transmit it overnight???

You know, thinking about it some more, I could swear that I've seen the channel # and "0" reversed like that before...except I saw it happen with a channel that displayed "No Signal."
I can confirm channel 0 on my Comcast system does display "no signal," any thoughts as to why it'd (randomly?) add on the 105?

That seems unusual (KYW-DT CBS-3 here in Philly has TVGOS downloads going on 24/7) but would indeed explain the confusion and seeming inconsistency. Perhaps they only transmit it overnight???

When I first checked CBS digital some weeks ago, there were always VBI packets, no matter whether it was during a download period or not. It was the same for analog OTA going way back.

I had only one glitch a couple of weeks ago where I had no new guide data for 2 days. Otherwise, the guide has been perfect and the host channel has stuck on 189 cable CBS-HD.

I suppose CBS could be fiddling with their equipment, since the digital transition is not yet official.

When I first checked CBS digital some weeks ago, there were always VBI packets, no matter whether it was during a download period or not. It was the same for analog OTA going way back.

I had only one glitch a couple of weeks ago where I had no new guide data for 2 days. Otherwise, the guide has been perfect and the host channel has stuck on 189 cable CBS-HD.

I suppose CBS could be fiddling with their equipment, since the digital transition is not yet official.
Any issues with getting Host Channel to show as 1:0-189. I've got Comcast (assuming you do as well in Phily), no OTA, and have been trying to "force" (via 963 code) to my CBS-HD (only channel with VBI packets for past four days, so far without success, but if you've seen my past threads am getting an odd mix of results, i.e., I have a host channel at 1:105-0, and a mixed bag on TVGOS download with an accurate clock.

Any thoughts?

Apologies if this is well known, I couldn't find a definitive answer in several searches of the thread...

If I can't/won't/haven't done the TVGOS data download, can I "reset" the unit so it goes back to Jan. 1, 2004 (as I understand it), and then just use "manual" recording (i.e. push the record button when my show comes on), in the event that somehow TVGOS goes away next Feb? Does the clock have to be set "correctly" to just do manual recording? We have a VCR that we've occasionally set the clock on (I know, kinda lame), but we just use it for recording a few shows when we know we'll be going to bed before the end, so I could easily survive without programmed recording. I just want to be sure this unit will do this, for sure, before I get one off of Ebay.

Also, is it still certain that the hard-drive is impossible to replace?

Thanks!

Mac in eastern MA

Apologies if this is well known, I couldn't find a definitive answer in several searches of the thread...

If I can't/won't/haven't done the TVGOS data download, can I "reset" the unit so it goes back to Jan. 1, 2004 (as I understand it), and then just use "manual" recording (i.e. push the record button when my show comes on), in the event that somehow TVGOS goes away next Feb? Does the clock have to be set "correctly" to just do manual recording? We have a VCR that we've occasionally set the clock on (I know, kinda lame), but we just use it for recording a few shows when we know we'll be going to bed before the end, so I could easily survive without programmed recording. I just want to be sure this unit will do this, for sure, before I get one off of Ebay.

Also, is it still certain that the hard-drive is impossible to replace?

Thanks!

Mac in eastern MA


It is my understanding that you'd need to reset the unit so that the 12:00 time is actually correct...either noon or midnight, not sure if it resets to AM or PM...and not just at any random time.

And no one has yet been able to replace a hard drive short of sending it to Sony.

Any issues with getting Host Channel to show as 1:0-189. I've got Comcast (assuming you do as well in Phily), no OTA, and have been trying to "force" (via 963 code) to my CBS-HD (only channel with VBI packets for past four days, so far without success, but if you've seen my past threads am getting an odd mix of results, i.e., I have a host channel at 1:105-0, and a mixed bag on TVGOS download with an accurate clock.

Any thoughts?

I used the procedure posted here to "force" the Comcast Chicago CBS-HD host channel. It worked the first time and has stuck ever since. Guess I'm just lucky. My HDD500 has the original FW .05 and uses a Moto M-card. I can't suggest anything more than others here already have.

I want to install the latest firmware on my Sony DHG-HDD 500. I found a link to the firmware files on Spiff Space. I saved the Compressed Zipped file to my pc harddrive. When I tried to transfer it to my flash drive I got a message: "Folder Corrupted or Invalid". Is there some place else I can find the firmware files?
Thank you

Can anyone please confirm whether WCBS-HD (New York) is transmitting TVGOS data OTA?

I want to install the latest firmware on my Sony DHG-HDD 500. I found a link to the firmware files on Spiff Space. I saved the Compressed Zipped file to my pc harddrive. When I tried to transfer it to my flash drive I got a message: "Folder Corrupted or Invalid". Is there some place else I can find the firmware files?
Thank you

From what I've read here it only addresses HDMI handshake issues. Are you having that problem?

It is my understanding that you'd need to reset the unit so that the 12:00 time is actually correct...either noon or midnight, not sure if it resets to AM or PM...and not just at any random time.

And no one has yet been able to replace a hard drive short of sending it to Sony.
Does this mean you have to do the reset at a specific time of day? How would the system know any better if you reset at a random time, since it only gets its "correct" time via the TVGOS download?

Also, assuming you reset successfully to 2004, can you then just do manual recording, regardless of Feb '09? Thanks for clarifying.

Anyone have first-hand experience with this approach?

Can anyone please confirm whether WCBS-HD (New York) is transmitting TVGOS data OTA?
As far as I know, no one in this thread has confirmed TVGOS for a New York City TVGOS station...the post that I was updating the TVGOS-verified list is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14362176#post14362176.

However, I am no longer updating this list, because of the much more extensive list (and link) cited in the following post:
A very good resource and perhaps a bit more complete and up to date for Digital Channels passing TVGOS data, although not exhaustive can be found at:

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=tvgos

Note that area 1, New York, has a green indication, presumably meaning TVGOS data is being broadcast.

However, this list is not complete, based on the fact that someone in this thread has confirmed getting TVGOS data from New Orleans station WWL 4.1, but this is not in the "rabbitears" list. In fact, a current list of U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_of_United_States_Metropolitan_Statistical_Areas) gives New Orleans as MSA 51, whereas rabbitears gives "market number" 51 as Tucson. (There are also many numbers missing from the rabbitears list, one of which is evidently for New Orleans.)

Does this mean you have to do the reset at a specific time of day? How would the system know any better if you reset at a random time, since it only gets its "correct" time via the TVGOS download?

Also, assuming you reset successfully to 2004, can you then just do manual recording, regardless of Feb '09? Thanks for clarifying.

Anyone have first-hand experience with this approach?

It seems like this is covered in the FAQ (see first post of this thread). Basically, if you have no TVGOS at all and you want to use this unit for manual recordings, you'd need to do a reset at midnight so the default time on the unit (12:00) would be correct. The date doesn't matter since there will be no guide data. The clock will keep "correct" time, in that it will count up at 60 second increments, making the time correct if you do the reset at precisely midnight.

From there, you can set manual recordings from X time to Y time and know that it will record that particular time slot. The wild card is what day of the week the unit thinks it is when it is reset, or does it even have that beginning info at all? I suppose the only way it would work is if you set your recordings at the beginning of each day.

Does this mean you have to do the reset at a specific time of day? How would the system know any better if you reset at a random time, since it only gets its "correct" time via the TVGOS download?

Also, assuming you reset successfully to 2004, can you then just do manual recording, regardless of Feb '09? Thanks for clarifying.

Anyone have first-hand experience with this approach?
I don't think that the clock-correct time will be so much, if any of any issue after analog shut down. I currently get the clock from several stations, one digital and the other analog. I don't think the clock is an exculsive to TVGOS downloads, otherwise correct time would not set until the TVGOS downloads occur overnight, not right away as is the current case. Updated clock info will always be set out and I think that even after analog is gone, these machines will still have correct time.
As far as using the machine for manual timer, I don't know how you could check this, unless you left the rf input and cable off after you do a factory reset and then go into the schedule to see if you could set a timed recording as you have indicated.
Also, I think whether you have the correct time or not, shouldn't make any difference if you are only going to record a current program as you indicated before.
Michael

... I don't think the clock is an exculsive to TVGOS downloads, otherwise correct time would not set until the TVGOS downloads occur overnight, not right away as is the current case....
Michael
I think that "setup data" are broadcast much more often than the overnight program-info downloads...

I can confirm channel 0 on my Comcast system does display "no signal," any thoughts as to why it'd (randomly?) add on the 105?
Bretski was correct. In the 753.... display screen ( 2nd one in) of the host and vbi channel and such, your 1:105-0 would be a digital channel of cable, hence the 1, 105-0 would be your digital channel. 0 is not the channel. As to why it is -0 and not -1, as is most digitals, who knows what scheme the cable companies come up with. I know that 0:0-2 stands for 0 is ota, 0-2 is an analog channel. 0:46-1 is ota, and 46-1 a digital channel. As far as I know all the ota digital start with -1 and go on up from there.
As to the 1:0-163, this appears to be cable with an analog channel of 163, the 0- indicates analog as far as I can tell.
Cable probably is using a little different scheme of numbers.
Michael

I don't think that the clock-correct time will be so much, if any of any issue after analog shut down. I currently get the clock from several stations, one digital and the other analog. I don't think the clock is an exculsive to TVGOS downloads, otherwise correct time would not set until the TVGOS downloads occur overnight, not right away as is the current case. Updated clock info will always be set out and I think that even after analog is gone, these machines will still have correct time.


Sorry but you are mostly all wrong. For the SONY to acquire an actual time for front panel display or setting up manual recordings it has to first get zip code TVGOS packets and TIMEZONE packets. The TIMEZONE packets are sent very infrequently. I captured the entire download from 2:10AM last night until noon the following day and "0" TimeZone packets were received. All kinds of other types of packets were received.

After it has the TimeZone information it can use UTC time which appears to be sent every few minutes on a host channel. That is why after a soft reboot you can acquire the time so fast (All the TVGOS information telling it how to interpreted the UTC time is already stored on the HDD.)

So if you have no host channel, you will loose the time the first time the TVGOS information is lost on the SONY and you will never have correct time again. I have went through this twice in the last 3 week after SONY lockups.

But under the hood you can see the SONY will acquire UTC time after a complete factory reset in a few minutes when G* tested on a valid host channel (but no time display or manual recording possible from this time.)

Why didn't Sony allow the user to choose the TimeZone? Or set the clock themselves for that matter?

I used the procedure posted here to "force" the Comcast Chicago CBS-HD host channel. It worked the first time and has stuck ever since. Guess I'm just lucky. My HDD500 has the original FW .05 and uses a Moto M-card. I can't suggest anything more than others here already have.
Thx. I've not been so lucky; came home tonight to find last night's force resulted in loss of all guide data (but not channels), and clock reset with still showing 1:105-0 as my Host VBI!!! Did a *G test on CBS-HD (163), flipped channel up and down (which resets clock immediately), and have tried to force again. This time, however, I'm thinking about leaving DVR on to see if that makes any difference. As consensus is that to force host it has to be turned off I'm not optimistic but after 4 or 5 days atttempting this thought somehting different was warranted. If anyone has any other alternatives or suggestions I'd appreciate it.

Also, 2nd DVR has still not loaded up channels (guide is simply blank), although clock is still correct and it downloads VBI's when prompted.

I don't think that the clock-correct time will be so much, if any of any issue after analog shut down. I currently get the clock from several stations, one digital and the other analog. I don't think the clock is an exculsive to TVGOS downloads, otherwise correct time would not set until the TVGOS downloads occur overnight, not right away as is the current case. Updated clock info will always be set out and I think that even after analog is gone, these machines will still have correct time.
As far as using the machine for manual timer, I don't know how you could check this, unless you left the rf input and cable off after you do a factory reset and then go into the schedule to see if you could set a timed recording as you have indicated.
Also, I think whether you have the correct time or not, shouldn't make any difference if you are only going to record a current program as you indicated before.
Michael
Interesting; however, the 1:105-0 appears to be quite unique in that I can't locate a single channel in the entire specturm on Comcast that describes the VBI channel under that code or format, including 105...they all list as 1:0-105, 163, etc.

Why didn't Sony allow the user to choose the TimeZone? Or set the clock themselves for that matter?


This isn't unique to Sony. I've owned other TVGOS DVR's and they have not allowed manual clock set either.

Not sure that the reason is, but it seems to be a somewhat common thread with these types of machines (TVGOS).

As for the clock, I would think the scheduling tool requires the local HDD clock to match the TVGOS clock, so maybe that's why they don't allow the user to set the time...

As for manual control, does the unit allow you to "start recording now", and just keep recording until the drive is full (analogous to a "full" vcr tape), or is it necessary to specify the recording time went you turn on recording "manually". It sounds like at least some kind of clock setting is necessary if it is the latter case, even if you are not setting up a "scheduled" recording for some time in the future...

WhatHappened, when you say "But under the hood you can see the SONY will acquire UTC time after a complete factory reset in a few minutes when G* tested on a valid host channel (but no time display or manual recording possible from this time.)" it sounds like you are speaking from experience, yes?

Thanks for all the info.

Mac

WhatHappened, when you say "But under the hood you can see the SONY will acquire UTC time after a complete factory reset in a few minutes when G* tested on a valid host channel (but no time display or manual recording possible from this time.)" it sounds like you are speaking from experience, yes?

Go to the TVGuide Diag screens (753*) and the UTC time is displayed along with the exact date/time and channel that the UTC was acquired at/from. The front panel remains --:-- until the Timezone information is picked up.

I should have said no easy manual timer recording is possible. Some arbitary time will be displayed and the date will start at 1/1/04 so you can record the current show based on the goofy time displayed. But you would need a decoder ring to figure out how to make furture recordings with the calender being off and the days per month changing.

Thx. I've not been so lucky; came home tonight to find last night's force resulted in loss of all guide data (but not channels), and clock reset with still showing 1:105-0 as my Host VBI!!! Did a *G test on CBS-HD (163), flipped channel up and down (which resets clock immediately), and have tried to force again. This time, however, I'm thinking about leaving DVR on to see if that makes any difference. As consensus is that to force host it has to be turned off I'm not optimistic but after 4 or 5 days atttempting this thought somehting different was warranted. If anyone has any other alternatives or suggestions I'd appreciate it.

Also, 2nd DVR has still not loaded up channels (guide is simply blank), although clock is still correct and it downloads VBI's when prompted.Since you are having so much trouble with trying to force a Host Channel, why don't you try to get into a more stable situation this way... On one of your units that has a channel lineup displayed by the TV Guide, but has no listings (or incorrect/incomplete listings), simply tune to your known good CBS digital channel, run the G* test, and then don't touch anything (just leave it on) for 24 hours (the G* test screen will disappear after a few minutes, but rest assured it's still running). After that time, see if your guide is populated for all 8 days. If so, you can always repeat that procedure every few days to re-populate the guide, and just forget about trying to force a Host Channel. And maybe once the guide is populated, trying the force will work better.

I assume that the NBC call letters are correct in your guide. You can go into the setup, down to change channel display and add in other NBC stations. The channel number does not matter, as you can have 20 different nbc call letters or other using the same channel number, in your case 4.1. Just find NBC stations in the same general area and turn them on. Assign them your channel number. Then, by the next day you can see which of the NBCs come close to your actual listings and then turn off the others. Also, double check that your NBC station is listed properly in the change channel guide, could be that something is off.
Michael

sorry I haven't gotten back before this, life got in the way...

yeah, I've seen the other nbc stations, I think I didn't try them because our local nbc station sometimes shows different programming than what's on the network (&$*#*@!...). I will try that.

What did you mean by the last sentence, the "change channel guide"?

In case this is new information:

http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10053.htm

Things get more interesting all the time.

In case this is new information:

http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10053.htm

Things get more interesting all the time.

Doesn't really add anything. Whenever you see an ad like this and they mention "your existing TV" or "over the air", there's always the assumption there that it's talking about an analog only set. These ads are confusing for many people as it makes it seem that even those with newer flat panel TV's will need a converter box to use an antenna. I know they can't go into great detail in PSA's and commercials, but it's painting with too broad a brush and will cause more people to get converters than really need them (IMO).

In our case, I think it's been more or less proven that the Sony will function after the changeover. TVGOS will continue to broadcast in digital....it seems that the majority of users will have a local digital channel carrying the signal, and the DVR has proven that it can decode the data from a digital stream. Most, if not all of the problems people have getting a digital host now can probably be traced back to there also being an analog host available. I think once the analog channels are gone, things will fix themselves.

Does this mean you have to do the reset at a specific time of day? Anyone have first-hand experience with this approach?

Personal experience: Last year I moved into the mountains where OTA does not reach. Comcast here does not pass any TVGOS signals (possibly because they're feeding us signals from Knoxville? -different timezone...). So I've been without a front panel clock for some time.

The G* reset puts the internal clock at 1/1/2004 midnight. From there it drifts by a few seconds over a couple of months. If you do the reset on a Wednesday midnight, your day-of-week and time will be correct making manual recording practical.

I've ended up doing this whenever I've had a power outage that lasts longer than my UPS can handle so I've had lots of practice.

Whenever you see an ad like this and they mention "your existing TV" or "over the air", there's always the assumption there that it's talking about an analog only set. These ads are confusing for many people as it makes it seem that even those with newer flat panel TV's will need a converter box to use an antenna.Or worse yet is the way the TV ads state that "your old TV may not work anymore."

I can imagine what that must be doing to all the old people with weak hearts that are watching, and all the panic it's causing for all the people in general who can ill afford all new TV's.

The G* reset puts the internal clock at 1/1/2004 midnight. From there it drifts by a few seconds over a couple of months. If you do the reset on a Wednesday midnight, your day-of-week and time will be correct making manual recording practical.



Interesting observation. I nominate this one for Spiff's FAQ. After being confirmed, of course.................

Thx. I've not been so lucky; came home tonight to find last night's force resulted in loss of all guide data (but not channels), and clock reset with still showing 1:105-0 as my Host VBI!!! Did a *G test on CBS-HD (163), flipped channel up and down (which resets clock immediately), and have tried to force again. This time, however, I'm thinking about leaving DVR on to see if that makes any difference. As consensus is that to force host it has to be turned off I'm not optimistic but after 4 or 5 days atttempting this thought somehting different was warranted. If anyone has any other alternatives or suggestions I'd appreciate it.

Also, 2nd DVR has still not loaded up channels (guide is simply blank), although clock is still correct and it downloads VBI's when prompted.

Do what frank70 said. Be sure to turn off the "auto off" feature. I tried that first, before forcing the digital host, to make sure I could really get the guide that way.

Or worse yet is the way the TV ads state that "your old TV may not work anymore."

I can imagine what that must be doing to all the old people with weak hearts that are watching, and all the panic it's causing for all the people in general who can ill afford all new TV's.

Somehow this You Tube clip seems appropriate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTSS8E7bKXg

Since you are having so much trouble with trying to force a Host Channel, why don't you try to get into a more stable situation this way... On one of your units that has a channel lineup displayed by the TV Guide, but has no listings (or incorrect/incomplete listings), simply tune to your known good CBS digital channel, run the G* test, and then don't touch anything (just leave it on) for 24 hours (the G* test screen will disappear after a few minutes, but rest assured it's still running). After that time, see if your guide is populated for all 8 days. If so, you can always repeat that procedure every few days to re-populate the guide, and just forget about trying to force a Host Channel. And maybe once the guide is populated, trying the force will work better.
Getting discouraged. Tried tuning DVR that has partial channel lineup to known good CBS digital channel, ran the G* test, and then left alone for nearly 24 hours DVR. Interestingly, what it seems to be missing is all data for any of the HD broadcast channels. Don't know what that means but throw it out there for any comments.

Do what frank70 said. Be sure to turn off the "auto off" feature. I tried that first, before forcing the digital host, to make sure I could really get the guide that way.
Auto Off has been left off for over a week unless somehow it resets itself; I'll reconfirm.

Are you getting data for the analog and non-HD? If so, that is a major success. If you have listings for the non-HD versions of the same channels, you can simply remap the channels within TVGOS so that the listings pertain to the HD version.

Are you getting data for the analog and non-HD? If so, that is a major success. If you have listings for the non-HD versions of the same channels, you can simply remap the channels within TVGOS so that the listings pertain to the HD version.
I am. Probably a dumb ? but how do I remap? Could you give me an example with steps for what to do if CBS analog is 2 and Hd is 163....many thx!

I am. Probably a dumb ? but how do I remap? Could you give me an example with steps for what to do if CBS analog is 2 and Hd is 163....many thx!Just go into the channel editor as if, for example, you were going to turn the analog channel off or move it to a more convenient position. But instead, leave it on and change its channel from 2 to 163. Now if you set up to record from that CBS line on the grid, it will record from 163.

But this is a stop-gap measure at best, because after 17Feb09, there won't be any more analog listings.

One question to clarify... in your listings grid, does channel 163 appear, but just with no listings; or is channel 163 not listed at all in the linup? If the latter, I suspect something wrong with your combination of TVGOS zipcode, TVGOS cable/antenna setting, or cable provider setup. If the former, well... that's just strange 'cause if you're getting 8 days worth of listings for some channels, you should be getting them for all channels in the lineup.

sorry I haven't gotten back before this, life got in the way...

yeah, I've seen the other nbc stations, I think I didn't try them because our local nbc station sometimes shows different programming than what's on the network (&$*#*@!...). I will try that.

What did you mean by the last sentence, the "change channel guide"?
Sorry, I should have written the "change channel display" in the setup menu to make sure that something is not off. Sometimes I have channels that are suppose to be one thing but when I go into edit them, they are either off or assigned a different channel mumber. If you have the correct call letters and station number in the editor, then, perhaps TVGOS is not getting/putting any updated information for that station. If that is the case, contact TVGOS and let them know. This should be their Email address: TVGOS Support
E-mail Address(es):
tvgos@mailnj.custhelp.com
Hope this help.
Michael

Just go into the channel editor as if, for example, you were going to turn the analog channel off or move it to a more convenient position. But instead, leave it on and change its channel from 2 to 163. Now if you set up to record from that CBS line on the grid, it will record from 163.

But this is a stop-gap measure at best, because after 17Feb09, there won't be any more analog listings.

One question to clarify... in your listings grid, does channel 163 appear, but just with no listings; or is channel 163 not listed at all in the linup? If the latter, I suspect something wrong with your combination of TVGOS zipcode, TVGOS cable/antenna setting, or cable provider setup. If the former, well... that's just strange 'cause if you're getting 8 days worth of listings for some channels, you should be getting them for all channels in the lineup.
Its the former, i.e., 8 days for some channels, and as of today some HD have started to fill in but others remain blank...did another *G and will remain vigilent until completely filled in, and then as suggested will try to force channel again; at minimum I can now record tomorrow's football games (assuming all remains static or improves)!!!

On other DVR still can't get any channel guide info so this morning I did a TVGOS reset. That did not affect the firmare which I thought it would, but did wipe out the info under host (recall I had the 1:105-0) and vbi channel. Is that enough or should I refomat entire hard drive? Thx.

Its the former, i.e., 8 days for some channels, and as of today some HD have started to fill in but others remain blank...did another *G and will remain vigilent until completely filled in, and then as suggested will try to force channel again; at minimum I can now record tomorrow's football games (assuming all remains static or improves)!!!

On other DVR still can't get any channel guide info so this morning I did a TVGOS reset. That did not affect the firmare which I thought it would, but did wipe out the info under host (recall I had the 1:105-0) and vbi channel. Is that enough or should I refomat entire hard drive? Thx.


I recently had to do a complet reset following spiffs procedure to fix the "lock-up" problem. I noted that as the channel guide populated itself I had all of the channel program data for most of the channels, while others took several days to fill in program info. Why? I don't know, but they did eventually populate (took less than a week)...I suggest patience at this point if most of the info is filled in. I bet the rest will be filled in within several days.

After two tries with 963 still haven't gotten to correct host code, i.e., its still showing a station that doesn't produce VBI's in wrong format, host code 1:105-0. TVGOS did, however, ask me today which cable card I was using giving me a list of several including Comcast Hillsborough, NJ (which I choose). DVR then reacted very slowly to testing and changing channels until it ultimately froze on channnel to which its tuned 163 (my host). I tried to power down, change channels, go to TV guide, etc., all to no avail, and now fear need to do a complete reboot (as I experienced a similar freeze on other DVR yesterday - now I've gotten back to firmware ver. .44 on that unit).

Three Questions - any thoughts on (a) how to unfreeze the unit (figured I'd leave it alone for an hour or so before checking again) (b) why it's defaulting to incorrect station (either 0 or 105, nor sure with this format) after using 963? and (c) seems encouraging that TVGOS asked which cable company (presumably for channel listing), does that indicate I've succeeded if it does unfreeze?

Thx again!

I have recently started experiencing a similar problem to yours -- specifically "DVR then reacted very slowly to testing and changing channels until it ultimately froze on channnel to which its tuned 163 (my host).". It only happens when the Sony DVR is tuned to my local San Diego CBS-HD (KFMB-DT 8.1). At first it reacts "slowly", and it just gets worse by the second. After a couple minutes, it's hosed. I can reset it with the front panel "Exit+Guide" reset, and then it's back, except it will still be tuned to CBS-HD the next time I turn it on. If I am quick on the keys, I can tune to another channel before it gets too slow, and then the Sony is happy and quick.

Twice I went through the sequence where, after the reset and while the front panel clock displayed "--:--" I immediately turned it on, still tuned to CBS-HD from before the reset. And both times it immediately got the clock. (Previous resets from months gone by would take minutes to get the clock from whatever host channel it was using.

I also tried getting into the G* test while tuned to CBS-HD, before it gets too slow. It shows only 1 or 2 PAT/PMT/ATSC packets and 0 VBI packets, but I wonder if the CPU is just getting bogged down with something and not updating the counters on the screen?

Also, it appears that recordings from my CBS-HD channel playback just fine. It's only when the Sony is actually tuned to that channel. (I haven't yet tried the case where it's recording from CBS-HD while I watch something else.)

My theory is that our CBS just started sending some VBI/time/TVGOS/whatever packets, and they are sending them much faster than the Sony is expecting. (The CPU on the Sony has never seemed to be fast!) This would explain why the clock gets set immediately upon turning it on tuned to CBS-HD, but takes minutes otherwise if left off. This CBS-HD channel had never sent any VBI packets before, although a couple other local HD channels do -- I check ~10 channels every week or two.

My theory is that our CBS just started sending some VBI/time/TVGOS/whatever packets, and they are sending them much faster than the Sony is expecting. (The CPU on the Sony has never seemed to be fast!) This would explain why the clock gets set immediately upon turning it on tuned to CBS-HD, but takes minutes otherwise if left off. This CBS-HD channel had never sent any VBI packets before, although a couple other local HD channels do -- I check ~10 channels every week or two.Actually, the symptom you describe indicates that the station in question is sending out PSIP information (nothing to do with TVGOS) that is invalid. Give their engineering department a call and tell them it's hanging your receiver and that they need to reboot their PSIP generator. Had this happen maybe 2 years ago - problem got fixed within a few days.

I have recently started experiencing a similar problem to yours -- specifically "DVR then reacted very slowly to testing and changing channels until it ultimately froze on channnel to which its tuned 163 (my host).". It only happens when the Sony DVR is tuned to my local San Diego CBS-HD (KFMB-DT 8.1). At first it reacts "slowly", and it just gets worse by the second. After a couple minutes, it's hosed. I can reset it with the front panel "Exit+Guide" reset, and then it's back, except it will still be tuned to CBS-HD the next time I turn it on. If I am quick on the keys, I can tune to another channel before it gets too slow, and then the Sony is happy and quick.

Funny you mention this. I experienced the exact same thing last night while tuned to CBS-HD (8.1) here is San Diego. This morning it was still frozen and tuned to 8.1 and the DVR did not "Auto power-off" overnight. I tried a front panel soft reset which didn't work so I had to unplug it and quickly change the channel upon power up. Definately something going on with our local CBS-HD channel and the Sony's not agreeing.

Over the weekend I had a chance to check my girlfriends dvrs which now are uisng cable cards. In the 753..information under the VBI channel it shows all the same format of the channels- analog and digital. Such as 1:0-808 which is a digital channel or 1:0-97 which is an analog channel and is the host channel as well. So I guess from this, when you have a cable card, (at least for Comcast in my area) that all numbers for the channels are whole numbers without a .xx . Therefore my theory that all digital numbers should be xx.xx only holds true if you do not have cable cards which only spits out whole numbers.
I checked the her Pioneer plasma which has TVGOS, but no cable card and it shows her host to be 0:0-8. Strange thing, for the VBI channel it shows only 0:0-8, no matter what channel you are tuned to. Tried the up/down procedure, but all it show for VBI channel is 0:0-8. So dpn't know what this means, because she is only on cable and has no antenna. She gets all her guide and clear QAM channels. I suppose it could be a difference in TVGOS version. The Pioneer shows 08.01.51/08.06.44 with a build date of August 5, 2005. Where as, the Sony shows 08.01.42/08.06.44 and a build date of January 21, 2005. Any thoughts?
Michael

Sorry but you are mostly all wrong. For the SONY to acquire an actual time for front panel display or setting up manual recordings it has to first get zip code TVGOS packets and TIMEZONE packets. The TIMEZONE packets are sent very infrequently. I captured the entire download from 2:10AM last night until noon the following day and "0" TimeZone packets were received. All kinds of other types of packets were received.

After it has the TimeZone information it can use UTC time which appears to be sent every few minutes on a host channel. That is why after a soft reboot you can acquire the time so fast (All the TVGOS information telling it how to interpreted the UTC time is already stored on the HDD.)

So if you have no host channel, you will loose the time the first time the TVGOS information is lost on the SONY and you will never have correct time again. I have went through this twice in the last 3 week after SONY lockups.

But under the hood you can see the SONY will acquire UTC time after a complete factory reset in a few minutes when G* tested on a valid host channel (but no time display or manual recording possible from this time.)

Why didn't Sony allow the user to choose the TimeZone? Or set the clock themselves for that matter?
You know, this is what I like about a response that a person is "mostly wrong" from this forum. It is the reason that is given as to why someone is wrong and not just that they are wrong. Thanks.
Wish all of the politicans could act this way. The politicans always say something is wrong or will not work, but they never add anything constructive. I vote for WhatHappen for president.
Michael

I vote for WhatHappen for president.

Second that motion. Or, do I just do a write-in?

Over the weekend I had a chance to check my girlfriends dvrs which now are uisng cable cards. In the 753..information under the VBI channel it shows all the same format of the channels- analog and digital. Such as 1:0-808 which is a digital channel or 1:0-97 which is an analog channel and is the host channel as well. So I guess from this, when you have a cable card, (at least for Comcast in my area) that all numbers for the channels are whole numbers without a .xx . Therefore my theory that all digital numbers should be xx.xx only holds true if you do not have cable cards which only spits out whole numbers.
I checked the her Pioneer plasma which has TVGOS, but no cable card and it shows her host to be 0:0-8. Strange thing, for the VBI channel it shows only 0:0-8, no matter what channel you are tuned to. Tried the up/down procedure, but all it show for VBI channel is 0:0-8. So dpn't know what this means, because she is only on cable and has no antenna. She gets all her guide and clear QAM channels. I suppose it could be a difference in TVGOS version. The Pioneer shows 08.01.51/08.06.44 with a build date of August 5, 2005. Where as, the Sony shows 08.01.42/08.06.44 and a build date of January 21, 2005. Any thoughts?
Michael

Michael,

Your theory is correct (I think). In this respect, a cable card performs the same function as a set-top box: mapping the DT channel number (xx.xx) to the cableco's encrypted QAM channel (whole) number. Even clear broadcast channels are remapped.

How different manufacturers handle the TVGOS interface is a mystery. I have a Panasonic TV that shows the TVGOS firmware as 08.01.53/08.05.44 (don't know the original build date; the update version does not show ads on the left). The fact that analog 97 appears with a "1" is also a mystery. My current analog host (92) also shows up with a "1" on my TV but with a "0" on my Sony DHG; I don't really care since both guides are working OK.

My DHG-HDD500 is showing a new ad that tells people that they can get more information on how the DTV transition will affect your tvgos device. The website is:

www.tvgos.com/dtv

My DHG-HDD500 is showing a new ad that tells people that they can get more information on how the DTV transition will affect your tvgos device. The website is:

www.tvgos.com/dtvNothing new there, this was posted last week - it doesn't address the Sony (just analog-only TVGOS devices), other than to mention the DTVPal as one potential solution (though that system is not yet, and apparently will not be for a couple months, up and running in this mode.)

check this out
dtv transition info
http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10053.htm?link_id=rightPromo

check this out
dtv transition info
http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10053.htm?link_id=rightPromo

Seriously? :rolleyes:

That same link (or a link that resolves to it is in the above 2 posts)!

Sorry about that I posted without looking at the last post from my cell phone.

I have multiple Sony DVRs.

One is miss behaving tonight.

I'm on Comcast with CableCards.

When I select a Channel - it comes in fine for about 30 seconds.

Then it changes on its OWN to Channel 1023 - which of course does not
exist. It does this on Every Channel I select. I have done the front panel
resets. That does not HELP.

Has anyone seen this crazy behavior :mad:

Sorry about that I posted without looking at the last post from my cell phone.

It's OK - I just chuckled when I saw that!

I have multiple Sony DVRs.

One is miss behaving tonight.

I'm on Comcast with CableCards.

When I select a Channel - it comes in fine for about 30 seconds.

Then it changes on its OWN to Channel 1023 - which of course does not
exist. It does this on Every Channel I select. I have done the front panel
resets. That does not HELP.

Has anyone seen this crazy behavior :mad:

I did get my PROBLEM fixed.

I went into the 9012 Service Menu and choose
RESET USER CONFIGURATION

That was the easy part.

Next I had to spend 30 minutes on the Phone
with Comcast Tech Support - to get them to
enter the NEW paring info that is created after
the RESET.

Lastly - you have to UNPLUG power to the DVR
to get it to cold boot so the Cable Card will
recognize the new paring data.

I did get my PROBLEM fixed.

Next I had to spend 30 minutes on the Phone
with Comcast Tech Support - to get them to
enter the NEW paring info that is created after
the RESET.

Lastly - you have to UNPLUG power to the DVR
to get it to cold boot so the Cable Card will
recognize the new paring data.

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by NEW paring data; e.g. did the reset create a new Host ID for this DHG? I've always assumed this was a fixed numeric sequence in the firmware (or stored elsewhere), not randomly generated during a full reset.

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by NEW paring data; e.g. did the reset create a new Host ID for this DHG? I've always assumed this was a fixed numeric sequence in the firmware (or stored elsewhere), not randomly generated during a full reset.

Yes - a new Host ID is created.

It is randomly generated. It is part of any
encryption algorithm. It is call the SEED
key and is a Random Number.

Removing the cable card under most circumstance
will do the same as well - but not always.

Taking one cable card from one unit and moving
it to another unit is absolutely guaranteed to
create a new Host Number - even if that cable
card was properly keyed before the move.

I had the dreaded "lockup during recording problem" on both my HDD250 and my HDD500. I followed Whathappend's instructions, which solved the problem for both units -- no fuss, no muss.

Yesterday, I forced the TVGOS digital host to our CBS HD station here in Fort Myers, FL, OTA 11.1, and was delighted to find that it's working perfectly. Now I can rest assured that my units will continue to work after D-day.

This forum, and the knowledge of its members, is awesome. Many thanks.

P.S. Because Sony's proprietary set-up of hard drives in the DHG-HDD units depends on the serial number of the unit itself, whoever ultimately figures out how to configure and "bless" a drive for use should win the Nobel Prize for computing!

Now I can rest assured that my units will continue to work after D-day.


Even though I have not worried about the analog turn-off date I am now a little worried. I have had no issue with the SONY using the digital CBS channels for guide updates, but with the last lockup I had that deleted my TVGOS setup, I was not able to get the TIMEZONE packets to acquire from the digital CBS host channel. Without the timezone packets the unit ignored all the other packet types it was downloading like Lineups, descriptions, listings, zipcodes, etc. The Time on the front also would not update. After 3 days/nights and some recording conflicts approaching fast, I forced the host to the only analog channel left on my all-digital cable lineup and left the box on and had the timezone packets in less then two hours during prime time 6-8pm. The CBS digtial host never transmitts TVG VBI packtes during prime time only dummy packets. The clock appeared and I got the select line-up screen in guide (this was all without turning off the SONY). I then G* the digtial host and forced it again and all has been well for a week.

This experience leaves me to beleive that at the current time an important VBI packet is missing on the CBS digital host channels. This might be intentional as when I had told a TVGOS engineer I had a digital host channel they seemed to think there was no way the SONY should acquire a digtial channel on its own (I didn't let them know I forced it to use that channel). But if those converter boxes are going to work for analog TVGOS devices after Feb, Gemstar would have to make sure all the VBI packets types are sent over the digital stream. I guess only time will tell (but I hope I don't have any lockups right after the all digtial conversion.)

FYI - After alerting Mediacom that the QAM256 CBSHD channel didn't have VBI packets any longer, they have appeared again 3 weeks later. So my host is CBSHD via cable again.

Even though I have not worried about the analog turn-off date I am now a little worried. I have had no issue with the SONY using the digital CBS channels for guide updates, but with the last lockup I had that deleted my TVGOS setup, I was not able to get the TIMEZONE packets to acquire from the digital CBS host channel. Without the timezone packets the unit ignored all the other packet types it was downloading like Lineups, descriptions, listings, zipcodes, etc. The Time on the front also would not update. After 3 days/nights and some recording conflicts approaching fast, I forced the host to the only analog channel left on my all-digital cable lineup and left the box on and had the timezone packets in less then two hours during prime time 6-8pm. The CBS digtial host never transmitts TVG VBI packtes during prime time only dummy packets. The clock appeared and I got the select line-up screen in guide (this was all without turning off the SONY). I then G* the digtial host and forced it again and all has been well for a week.This reflects my experience in the FAQ article on how to get from a TVGOS reset back into business - that is, it seemed impossible to get the clock and channel lineup by leaving the Sony on and running the G* test on the CBS channel. When I finally tried to force the CBS as host, hoping it would get the time and lineup that way, it reverted to my old analog host (as it does more times than not even when I force; I think it has something to do with relative signal strength.) But HonestLeeD has been my guinea-pig in that he had NO analog TVGOS channel that was receivable on his cable, only the CBS digital; and after a reset, with great difficulty, he was finally able to get the clock and channel linup to arrive, though it isn't clear what he did to make that happen (but there were lots of attempts to force the digital host, though none seemed to be accurately reflected in the "Host Channel" slot.) Last we heard from him here, he had full channel linup and a partially filled grid, and he was hoping the grid would eventually fill out. So I think there is (some) hope. Perhaps HonestLeeD will report back as to how things are now.

^
This must be a YMMV situation. In my area (Northern Colorado), the only way I can get accurate time packets is from the Denver CBS digital station. The phantom host channel that shows from time to time up on my unit sends screwy time packets that are about 10 hours and 18 minutes off...

I get the accurate time within seconds of running a G* test on the CBS digital.

^
This must be a YMMV situation. In my area (Northern Colorado), the only way I can get accurate time packets is from the Denver CBS digital station. The phantom host channel that shows from time to time up on my unit sends screwy time packets that are about 10 hours and 18 minutes off...

I get the accurate time within seconds of running a G* test on the CBS digital.

I am sorry but you didn't understand the post at all. My CBS HD give constant and accurate time update packets (they are in GMT time). The issue if that if you reset you TVGOS information (by choice or the DVR does it to recover from a lockup) the timezone information has to be learned again based on the zipcode you enter and downloads of TVGOS VBI packets. This time zone information is not part of the time update that sets your clock after you power cyple your box. Yes, my internal GMT time is set within minutes of the TVGOS reset via the CBSHD. To get front panel time and apperaently any TVGOS interpetation of the packet that are downloaded from the host (after a TVGOS reset), you need timezone packets. TO SAY AGAIN, IF MY BOX IS HAPPY AND I REMOVE/REAPPLY POWER, I GET FRONT PANEL TIME IN MINUTES FROM CBS HD JUST LIKE YOU. (bretski, is this clear now?)

Now maybe nationl CBS TVGOS feed is coming from a central location and doesn't have timezone information that is valid for all zipcodes. I could see Gemstar only sending out the zipcode for a local station that the local viewers would have.

I understood your post about the time zone perfectly.

Last week, I had to move some equipment around. I did a TVGOS reset on the DHG, for the sake of curiosity. After entering my setup information, a G* test was run while tuned to KCNC-DT Denver. The correct time showed up within a few minutes. Hence my comment that this is a YMMV situation.

My mention of the other phantom host station was obviously confusing, and I probably should have have taken more time to type out the whole situation. Sorry, I don't always have time to post long responses during work hours. The use of bold text and bright colors to berate me is hardly necessary.

Even though I have not worried about the analog turn-off date I am now a little worried. I have had no issue with the SONY using the digital CBS channels for guide updates, but with the last lockup I had that deleted my TVGOS setup, I was not able to get the TIMEZONE packets to acquire from the digital CBS host channel. Without the timezone packets the unit ignored all the other packet types it was downloading like Lineups, descriptions, listings, zipcodes, etc. The Time on the front also would not update. After 3 days/nights and some recording conflicts approaching fast, I forced the host to the only analog channel left on my all-digital cable lineup and left the box on and had the timezone packets in less then two hours during prime time 6-8pm. The CBS digtial host never transmitts TVG VBI packtes during prime time only dummy packets. The clock appeared and I got the select line-up screen in guide (this was all without turning off the SONY). I then G* the digtial host and forced it again and all has been well for a week.

This experience leaves me to beleive that at the current time an important VBI packet is missing on the CBS digital host channels. This might be intentional as when I had told a TVGOS engineer I had a digital host channel they seemed to think there was no way the SONY should acquire a digtial channel on its own (I didn't let them know I forced it to use that channel). But if those converter boxes are going to work for analog TVGOS devices after Feb, Gemstar would have to make sure all the VBI packets types are sent over the digital stream. I guess only time will tell (but I hope I don't have any lockups right after the all digtial conversion.)

FYI - After alerting Mediacom that the QAM256 CBSHD channel didn't have VBI packets any longer, they have appeared again 3 weeks later. So my host is CBSHD via cable again.

^
This must be a YMMV situation. In my area (Northern Colorado), the only way I can get accurate time packets is from the Denver CBS digital station. The phantom host channel that shows from time to time up on my unit sends screwy time packets that are about 10 hours and 18 minutes off...

I get the accurate time within seconds of running a G* test on the CBS digital.

I wonder if these variations have anything to do with firmware?

For both of you, I would be curious to know what your firmware version is, what it came with when you bought it, and has it ever been sent in for factory service and concurrently had the firmware updated at the factory.

Thanks.

Mark

I understood your post about the time zone perfectly.

Last week, I had to move some equipment around. I did a TVGOS reset on the DHG, for the sake of curiosity. After entering my setup information, a G* test was run while tuned to KCNC-DT Denver. The correct time showed up within a few minutes. Hence my comment that this is a YMMV situation.

My mention of the other phantom host station was obviously confusing, and I probably should have have taken more time to type out the whole situation. Sorry, I don't always have time to post long responses during work hours. The use of bold text and bright colors to berate me is hardly necessary.

Sorry. If you delete the TVGOS information fully it would never have the time up in minutes on the display. The internal TVGOS firmware version has to update twice to get to 08.06.44. Did you use TVGOS diagnostics to confirm this miracle. Two code updates that are sent over VBI packets could never happen in minutes (takes like two days). Your idea of TVGOS reset is not the same reset that I am taking about. The TVGOS version is set back to the basic TVGOS version like after a SONY restore factory defaults. Do the Sony "Restore Factory Defaults" and see how long it takes you to get the time on the display (warning all recordings are lost).

Also if you watch the VBI packets during prime time on CBSHD for like 4 hours no VBI packets except dummy packets are sent (so no time zone information or zip code packets.) How are you gong to get the necessary information if it is not transmitted?

The experience I have with TVGOS devices displaying time after full resets comes from multiple TVGOS devices starting back to a Philips analog DVR. Best case is about 1/4 of a day. Four of the daily update time slots appear to have the necessary VBI packets. That would be if your unit had the most recent TVGOS version that matched the VBI data being transmitted.

I wonder if these variations have anything to do with firmware?

For both of you, I would be curious to know what your firmware version is, what it came with when you bought it, and has it ever been sent in for factory service and concurrently had the firmware updated at the factory.

Thanks.

Mark
No, it doesn't matter because it is the downloadable TVGOS software that is processing the VBI packets. I am running the latest FW version.

Sorry. If you delete the TVGOS information fully it would never have the time up in minutes on the display. The internal TVGOS firmware version has to update twice to get to 08.06.44.

Well, I guess I did misunderstand then, in that I did not do a complete wipe of the TVGOS firmware, via a service menu reset. I did a zipcode setup reset in the user-level menus. Mea culpa.

Regardless, my curiosity is still piqued, so I might try a full wipe via the service menu at some point soon to see how my unit reacts in the event of a lockup...and then watch the slicer to see what type of packets come across.

Well, I guess I did misunderstand then, in that I did not do a complete wipe of the TVGOS firmware, via a service menu reset. I did a zipcode setup reset in the user-level menus. Mea culpa.

Regardless, my curiosity is still piqued, so I might try a full wipe via the service menu at some point soon to see how my unit reacts in the event of a lockup...and then watch the slicer to see what type of packets come across.For WhatHappend and bretski: my experience in looking at the slicing screens (Section Reception-Slicing) is that if running the G* test on a digital TVGOS host, ONLY the dummy packet count EVER seems to increment, even during times when the listings ARE updating. I believe that these screens do not give an accurate representation of what TVGOS packet types are being received if tuned to a digital TVGOS host station.

But WhatHappend is right in that you cannot get a front panel clock or TVGOS channel lineup for your zipcode after a TVGOS reset (you may have to do the TVGOS reset a couple times before it resets the TVGOS firmware version back to 8.01.42/0.0.0) while running the G* test with the unit on. Nor have I conclusively gotten it past this without it accidentally reverting to an analog "Host Channel" while off. But HonestLeeD apparently did, as he didn't have an analog "Host Channel" available on his cable system.

For WhatHappend and bretski: my experience in looking at the slicing screens (Section Reception-Slicing) is that if running the G* test on a digital TVGOS host, ONLY the dummy packet count EVER seems to increment, even during times when the listings ARE updating. I believe that these screens do not give an accurate representation of what TVGOS packet types are being received if tuned to a digital TVGOS host station.

Frank70, I don't think you are miss-understanding what you are watching on the diag screens. The Dummy count rate will slow way down during a download period (but a few dummy packets are still slipped in every so often.) If you go to the "reception slicing-VBI stats) screen you will see the counts of the various packets bumping up (just like a analog host) during the down load period. The only difference is that you wont see XDSStarts/Ends/Bad counts like on an analog host channel.

More simple terms:
During non-download period, ATSC-ATSC Slicer TVG count rate == reception slicing 2-dummy rate.
During download period ATSC-ATSC Slicer TVG count rate > (much) reception slicing 2-dummy rate. This is because of all the packets that are decoded on the VBI stats page.

But HonestLeeD apparently did, as he didn't have an analog "Host Channel" available on his cable system.

My explanation for HonestLeeD is that based on the host channel ID ( 1:105-0) the SONY used, it had frequency scanned one of the analog channel that wasn't remapped through the cable card.

Cable companies still have analog channels when they do digital simulcasts. The cablecard just doesn't let you access them. If the TVGOS controls the tuner directly it can still access the actual analog channels.

I have done a test my self and so have others on this thread in the past where once your cable company goes all digital simulcast and doesn't provide the PBS analog host channel (usually in the 90's), you pull the cablecard and the Sony can tune the analog channel and download the TVGOS information.
Cable card are not tuning devices but provide tuning information for the DVR to use. It doesn't mean that the TVGOS software can't do a tuner frequency scan and locate the actual analog channels.

But WhatHappend is right in that you cannot get a front panel clock or TVGOS channel lineup for your zipcode after a TVGOS reset (you may have to do the TVGOS reset a couple times before it resets the TVGOS firmware version back to 8.01.42/0.0.0) while running the G* test with the unit on.

Frank that is not what I am saying.

On an analog host channel I can get front panel time and lineup with the unit on via a G* test.

I think it maybe possible via a digital host for some parts of the country if my theory about a central CBS transmission facility is true that only has certain zipcode data provided for the area were the network uplink facility is located. Maybe the digital host cycles through the entire zipcode list for the USA and it could take a few weeks for your zip code to show up? Too many unknowns and I didn't have the time to wait longer than 3 days to find out.

This reflects my experience in the FAQ article on how to get from a TVGOS reset back into business - that is, it seemed impossible to get the clock and channel lineup by leaving the Sony on and running the G* test on the CBS channel. When I finally tried to force the CBS as host, hoping it would get the time and lineup that way, it reverted to my old analog host (as it does more times than not even when I force; I think it has something to do with relative signal strength.) But HonestLeeD has been my guinea-pig in that he had NO analog TVGOS channel that was receivable on his cable, only the CBS digital; and after a reset, with great difficulty, he was finally able to get the clock and channel linup to arrive, though it isn't clear what he did to make that happen (but there were lots of attempts to force the digital host, though none seemed to be accurately reflected in the "Host Channel" slot.) Last we heard from him here, he had full channel linup and a partially filled grid, and he was hoping the grid would eventually fill out. So I think there is (some) hope. Perhaps HonestLeeD will report back as to how things are now.
It's nice to have been missed ;) ; for some reason I've stopped rec'v email when new threads posted??? Anyways, status of my 2 cable only DVRs remains about the same, i.e. "DVR 1" still has a fully filled in grid whereas on "DVR 2" I'm still just trying to get a channel grid established (up until this evening I still didn't have the clock back although tonight came home and after 3 or 4 days I've finally reestablished the clock, YEAH!!!!;

On DVR 2 I've now done a *G test, channel up/down; 963 VBI search and hope tomorrow night I'll see a grid.

Uncovered a very disconcerting thing however tonight in that DVR 1 (which I'm yet to succeed in establishing the proper host 1:0-163, but not for lack of effort) had lost all Comcast signal on every channel with cable card in. Upon removing card I can reestablish signal on channels 2-99. I'd encountered this before in August/early Sept so I called Comcast to get them to "refresh" the signal sent to the card. That didn't work! I then did what I knew would work (but feared doing) which was unplugging the Sony and allowing it to have a hard reboot (in the past I'd found doing so very undesirable as I thought it liklely I'd lose all data incl. clock and grid that's taken a week to build as per my notes on this blog). Fortunately, it didn't lose anything and did reset but I'm now concerned about this "loss of signal" symptom once again rearing its ugly head.

Any thoughts on (a) why this may be happening, and moreover, (b) any idea if this is a Sony or Comcast issue, and (c) what if anything I can do to prevent it? Answers from my favorites gurus to any of the above would be most appreciated.

My explanation for HonestLeeD is that based on the host channel ID ( 1:105-0) the SONY used, it had frequency scanned one of the analog channel that wasn't remapped through the cable card.

Cable companies still have analog channels when they do digital simulcasts. The cablecard just doesn't let you access them. If the TVGOS controls the tuner directly it can still access the actual analog channels.

I have done a test my self and so have others on this thread in the past where once your cable company goes all digital simulcast and doesn't provide the PBS analog host channel (usually in the 90's), you pull the cablecard and the Sony can tune the analog channel and download the TVGOS information.
Cable card are not tuning devices but provide tuning information for the DVR to use. It doesn't mean that the TVGOS software can't do a tuner frequency scan and locate the actual analog channels.
Seems impossible to get to cable HD channels, like CBS-HD without cable card, is that hypothesis right or is this someway for my DVR to do this? I thought purpose of cable card was to preclude access to "encrypted" channels like HBO and assumed (probably incorrectly) broadcast HD is not encrypted. If so, and I pull my cable card, I'd think I could force host to 1:0-163. Or is that just plain wrong? Thx.

p.s. I'm not technical, and only understand about .0001% of what I've digested on this blog so please bear with me if this constitutes a stupid question

My explanation for HonestLeeD is that based on the host channel ID ( 1:105-0) the SONY used, it had frequency scanned one of the analog channel that wasn't remapped through the cable card.

On DVR 2 (upon which clock just reset), I now show host channel ID (1:105-0)

Seems impossible to get to cable HD channels, like CBS-HD without cable card, is that hypothesis right or is this someway for my DVR to do this? I thought purpose of cable card was to preclude access to "encrypted" channels like HBO and assumed (probably incorrectly) broadcast HD is not encrypted. If so, and I pull my cable card, I'd think I could force host to 1:0-163. Or is that just plain wrong? Thx.

p.s. I'm not technical, and only understand about .0001% of what I've digested on this blog so please bear with me if this constitutes a stupid question

90+% of all the cable companies put the OTA networks on the cable system as unencrypted QAM. The SONY can receive these HD channels with no Cable card. The channel number will be different then the current 1:0-163.

To try this, remove the cable card. Do a channel scan on the SONY. Then you have to go through all the channels the sony finds to locate your unencrypted QAM HD networks.

You need the Cablecard for all non-OTA channels that are digital like ESPN, CNN, HBO, SHO, SCIFI, etc.

I was not suggesting anything for you to do. I was saying that if you removed the Cablecard and channel scanned your cable signal I bet you will find analog PBS station that your SONY would be able to update from. Not that it will do you any good. But it is this channel that I believe you TVGOS is getting its update from.

Has anyone had any luck with a gatting a cable card to work on FIOS? I just had FIOS installed and they tried 4 different cards and can't get it to work. I previously had a cable card from Charter and it has worked for several years.
When they put the card in the HDD250 never does a channel scan. The pairing information is there, but it seems like it never gets a download. Anyone have any thoughts? I would like to get it to work and see if I can get Guide data digitally from them. I did a restore to factory defaults when I started to try a fresh install. THe new card is a Motorola, the old card was a Scientific Atlanta.

I've been using the Sony with FIOS for almost 2 years now. Motorola card. Fios doesn't pass VBI/TVGOS info on their analog pbs channels (which are gone now anyway) so use OTA antenna. CBSHD here in DC metro doesn't pass TVGOS to my knowledge yet so cannot try it either FIOS/OTA.

Do you remember if there were any issues when they set up the cable card? Or did they just plug it in and it worked.
I have a feeling they may try to say it won't work in my DVR. I keep telling them the cable company got it to work fine.
I realize the VBI packets are analog. CBS in Boston is supposed to be transmitting TVGOS digitally on Channel 4. I was hoping to give it a try following the procedure on spiffspace. Without the antenna there would be no analog signal, so it has a chance of working. If not, I can hook up an antenna for now.

Do you remember if there were any issues when they set up the cable card? Or did they just plug it in and it worked.

I don't have FIOS, but cable cards are never plug and play. The card has to be inserted and then you have to phone in (im or email works too) to a head-end operator (dispatch) and pair the cable card to the device with a unique number that is read from the SONY cable card screen. The information on your subscription also has to be loaded to the cable card so it knows what you are allowed to watch.

Don't tell me some tech came out and plugged the card in tried to watch HBO and said "duh it doesn't work, I don't get it????".

By plug it in I meant doing the usual setup of pairing the card, entering the host ID and other information into their system. Both techs that came did that, and spent time talking to tech support trying to get it to download. Two of the cards did not display the pairing info, so there was no way to even try to get them to work. The other 2 at least were giving them the info on the Sony cablecard screen to pair. When they didn't work, the tech support person tried to resend the information several times, but the card never worked.

For whatever it's worth, from around 2006 thru March 2007 I used a cable card with FIOS in VA...didn't seem to need to do anything special, but perhaps their broadcast has changed???

On DVR 2 (upon which clock just reset), I now show host channel ID (1:105-0)
Came home tonight to find channel guide there, and loaded on DVR 2! Host, however, remained as weird as ever (albeit consistent), with 1:105-0, as was case when DVR 1 finally loaded.

Seems I now have both DVRs up and running again, but as per last night's post (re: "lost signal" requiring hard reboot), it'll be interesting to see for how long, and if I need to constantly refresh via *G test, and leaving system tuned to 163 to pick up VBI packets...anyone want to render a guess as to the likelihood this will be the case?

Thx.

Came home tonight to find channel guide there, and loaded on DVR 2! Host, however, remained as weird as ever (albeit consistent), with 1:105-0, as was case when DVR 1 finally loaded.

Seems I now have both DVRs up and running again, but as per last night's post (re: "lost signal" requiring hard reboot), it'll be interesting to see for how long, and if I need to constantly refresh via *G test, and leaving system tuned to 163 to pick up VBI packets...anyone want to render a guess as to the likelihood this will be the case?

Thx.
Major step forward; after what has been a very protracted effort, DVR 2 is today showing 1:0-163 as the VBI Host This is all accomplished via digital CBS channel on Comcast cable w/cable card, & no OTA or analog stations (at least none I could find).

Just hopeful that it sticks, and DVR 1 gets there as well...thx to all of you, and also hope this blog trail proves helpful to others.

Major step forward; after what has been a very protracted effort, DVR 2 is today showing 1:0-163 as the VBI Host This is all accomplished via digital CBS channel on Comcast cable w/cable card, & no OTA or analog stations (at least none I could find).

Just hopeful that it sticks, and DVR 1 gets there as well...thx to all of you, and also hope this blog trail proves helpful to others.That's great news! Now, Whathappend thinks that your Sony latched onto a hidden (i.e. not mapped by the cable card) clear QAM analog channel that provided TVGOS; but the unusual designation 1:105-0 does not suggest an analog channel to me because it's in the digital channel format (albeit with subchannel 0, which would be very strange in the OTA world, but with cable, who knows?), so I'm suspecting it latched onto a hidden digital channel that just happened to be stronger than the cable-card mapped channel 163. By watching my unit on a daily basis, I get the feeling that even once it has acquired a "Host Channel", it continues to poke around while off to see if it can find another host with a stronger signal, and changes the Host Channel to that if so. This would explain why some folks digital hosts revert rather quickly to analog, while others stick seemingly forever. In fact, in your case it seems entirely possible that 1:105-0 is precicely the same station as 1:0:163, one being the card-mapped number, the other being the PSIP mapped channel/subchannel. Or, I could be all wet, seeing that I have no cable and know precious little about its workings.

If indeed there really is no hidden analog host, and in fact no analog host at all, then you've proven two things: 1) you can come all the way back up via digital alone; and 2) it's not going to be simple to do this once OTA analog expires (but it's doable.)

That's great news! Now, Whathappend thinks that your Sony latched onto a hidden (i.e. not mapped by the cable card) clear QAM analog channel that provided TVGOS; but the unusual designation 1:105-0 does not suggest an analog channel to me because it's in the digital channel format (albeit with subchannel 0, which would be very strange in the OTA world, but with cable, who knows?), so I'm suspecting it latched onto a hidden digital channel that just happened to be stronger than the cable-card mapped channel 163. By watching my unit on a daily basis, I get the feeling that even once it has acquired a "Host Channel", it continues to poke around while off to see if it can find another host with a stronger signal, and changes the Host Channel to that if so. This would explain why some folks digital hosts revert rather quickly to analog, while others stick seemingly forever. In fact, in your case it seems entirely possible that 1:105-0 is precicely the same station as 1:0:163, one being the card-mapped number, the other being the PSIP mapped channel/subchannel. Or, I could be all wet, seeing that I have no cable and know precious little about its workings.

If indeed there really is no hidden analog host, and in fact no analog host at all, then you've proven two things: 1) you can come all the way back up via digital alone; and 2) it's not going to be simple to do this once OTA analog expires (but it's doable.)
You're not all wet, "You 'da Man!"....many thx for sharing your knowledge and sticking with me on this. If anything changes I'll report it asap, else if I'll post again in a week or so to let folks know all remains stable.

You're not all wet, "You 'da Man!"....many thx for sharing your knowledge and sticking with me on this. If anything changes I'll report it asap, else if I'll post again in a week or so to let folks know all remains stable.
left DVR2 on overnight to populate HD channel guide (as still blank) and experienced a "freeze" next morning when I tried to chekc guide with remote...can't change channels, see guide etc. Used Whatshappened recommendation of hitting front panel exit and TV Guide buttons simultanously. This caused a reboot to SONY screen.

When restarted, didn't have correct time. Did *G test, and then 753 test and saw Host channel still set on CBS (163), but VBI shown as fffffffd. Flipped channel up down, repeated 753 test, and time reset to normal. Have turned unit off with expectation TVGOS will populates while it sleeps. Encouraged that host did not disappear@!

left DVR2 on overnight to populate HD channel guide (as still blank) and experienced a "freeze" next morning when I tried to chekc guide with remote...can't change channels, see guide etc. Used Whatshappened recommendation of hitting front panel exit and TV Guide buttons simultanously. This caused a reboot to SONY screen.

When restarted, didn't have correct time. Did *G test, and then 753 test and saw Host channel still set on CBS (163), but VBI shown as fffffffd. Flipped channel up down, repeated 753 test, and time reset to normal. Have turned unit off with expectation TVGOS will populates while it sleeps. Encouraged that host did not disappear@!
p.s. Left DVR2 on becasue I was testting theory TVGOS populates quickly after a *G if left on, and I was hopeful to have info as to what was on what channels for recording today's football games.

I've been using the Sony with FIOS for almost 2 years now. Motorola card. Fios doesn't pass VBI/TVGOS info on their analog pbs channels (which are gone now anyway) so use OTA antenna. CBSHD here in DC metro doesn't pass TVGOS to my knowledge yet so cannot try it either FIOS/OTA.

I recently sent an email to the WUSA9 Director of Technology & Operations in Washington, DC, about digital TVGOS, and got this reply:

WUSA went live with our TV Guide On Screen inserter on Oct. 1, 2008. To be honest, I do not know how backwards-compatible it is with older program guides. I do know that I cannot view it on my 2 year old HD set, however TV Guide has confirmed they see our registration descriptors in our digital signal. The CBS owned and operated station group signed a contract with TV guide to offer this service well over a year ago. It has only been recently that WUSA entered into an agreement with TV Guide.

From his third statement, they still may not be transmitting the data correctly. I have not yet tried to run a test to determine if my DHG can get the listings from WUSA-HD (local Comcast QAM channel 212 via cable card; no OTA capability where I live). Knowing this Comcast bunch, they may not have done anything yet to assure the data is passed through, especially if they have to install new equipment; I hope to be pleasantly surprised. I'll report back when I get a round tuit.

Sounds like it may even be better? Not really clear if it will also record OTA on to hard disk?
--------------------------------------------


Europe's First BD recorder

At the same event, Panasonic unveilled the first Blu-ray Disc recorder (DMR-BW500) for the European market that can record and playback High Definition imagery on Blu-ray Discs. The DMR-BW500 features an integrated twin HD Digital Tuner for Terrestrial Broadcasting making it possible to record two digital programs simultaneously. Packed with innovative features, the new Blu-ray Disc Recorder will be available in France.

Michael Friedrich, Manager Product Marketing, Home AV, Panasonic Marketing Europe said, "As a leader in cutting-edge Blu-ray Disc technology, Panasonic is proud to be the first company to introduce this model into the European market. With the development of High Definition broadcasting and further growing demand of large-screen flat panel TVs, there is an increasing desire to record and play back High Definition images."

In addition to recording two digital broadcasts at the same time, the DMRBW500?s twin HD digital tuners make it possible for users without a digital TV to watch a digital broadcast and record it at the same time. The 5.1-channel Surround Sound (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or HEAAC) signal and subtitles that are included in digital broadcasts can also be recorded, allowing users to enjoy surround sound and subtitles during playback.





The DMR-BW500 comes equipped with a built-in 500GB Hard Disk Drive allowing for up to 100 hours recording time in DR mode as well as an SD Memory Card slot, making it easy to view AVCHD-format images captured with an HD camcorder such as the Panasonic HDC-SD100. The DMR-BW500 feature an HD Archiving function that makes it possible to save Full-HD images from an SD Memory Card onto a Blu-ray Disc or the built-in hard disk drive. Also, in addition to a High Speed Copying function, a High Speed Copy Preparation function makes it possible to convert TV programs recorded in DR mode to HG, HX, HE, or HL mode (highdefinition). This greatly shortens the time required to save the data onto a disc making it easy to preserve special moments in Full-HD quality.

Thanks to Panasonic?s image processing technologies, the DMR-BW500 can record and reproduce images in high quality. Image-enhancing features include the Panasonic DMR-BW500 "Pixel Precision Progressive Processing for HD" or P4HD Processor which renders high-quality progressive images and "PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus," which achieves sharper images by improving color reproduction to produce cinematic images that rival the original film quality.

The DMR-BW500 also adds a BD-Live (including BONUSVIEW) function available on the newest Blu-ray Disc, which allows consumers to access exclusive on-line bonus features via an Ethernet connection.

The DMR-BW500 supports all new HD Audio codec so that it can decode HD audio signals (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD) encoded on the Blu-ray Disc. By connecting the DMR-BW500 to an AV control receiver with 7.1-channel compatibility, the user can enjoy high quality, 7.1-channel surround sound.

Looks like I spoke too soon. Did a google on it, it appears to be a very expensive DOG, and appears not ready for prime time?

This is my first post and I apologize for the length, but I think that you may find some useful information here.

I ran across this thread a few years ago when I was doing research before purchasing my first DHG-HDD250. I made note of the URL in case I ever had a problem with the unit that I couldn't solve on my own. A long while ago both of my 250's started to experience the lockup problem described much earlier in this thread. I correctly assumed that it was due to a new version of software that was downloaded, but incorrectly assumed that it would be fixed by a subsequent software download after many people complained about their loss of functionality. I didn't have time to deal with the problem at the time so I learned to live with it until recently when a recorded show started as I was trying to delete one I had just finished watching. This locked up the recorder and wiped out my TVGOS listings so I decided it was time to fix the problem. I read most of the last 125 pages or so from this thread and also some of Spiff's material. I wanted to thank those of you who contributed to the posted solutions. They helped me correct the problems I was experiencing and I am grateful that you have posted the information so that others can benefit from your experience.

This post is my way of trying to give something back by sharing some of my experiences. I am in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC and use only OTA reception. Normally, my host channel is analog PBS 26. After I recovered my host channel and some of my TVGOS listings on the unit I mentioned in the prior paragraph, I decided to do a little experimenting (at this point both recorders have had the lockup problem corrected). First, I tuned to my local CBS digital channel (9.1), ran the G* test, and left the recorder on overnight (I forgot to disable auto-off but it didn't matter since I started the test after the shutoff time). The next morning the missing days and the eighth day of the guide listings had successfully downloaded. Good news for Washingtonians, CBS 9.1 has the VBI packets necessary for TVGOS. (Sony firmware version .13 and TVGOS software verion 8.06.44 for those of you who are interested).

I switched my testing to my other recorder and while this unit still had analog 26 as its host channel, I tuned to 9.1 (CBS digital), did a 963214785 VBI serach, and turned the recorder off overnight. The next morning my host channel had changed to analog PBS 22, which is one of the other analog PBS stations in my reception area, new TVGOS data had downloaded, and the grid was reorganized by network affiliation. This was not what I was expecting.

The next thing I tried was a "Reset to Factory Default" from the TV Guide submenu of the 9012 Service Menu followed by a 753159852. This showed my software versions as 8.01.42/8.06.44 and my host channel as blank. Then I tuned to 9.1 (CBS digital), ran the G* test, then did a 963214785 VBI serach, and turned the recorder off. I got a little impatient here and every 4-6 hours I turned the recorder back on, did a 753159852, found that I had no host channel, reran the G* test, then did another 963214785 VBI serach, and turned the recorder off again. The last time I let it run overnight (I remembered to disable the auto-off feature this time). The next morning I still had no host channel and, therefore, no listings. I decided to try this method again, but this time I would let it run without disturbing it until the next morning. Since I still had a valid clock and I was going to be out for the evening, I set up two manual recordings to run while I was out (I was also recording shows on the other unit). The first was on 50.1 and the second was on 9.1. I figured that this wouldn't be a problem since the recorder would switch back to the digital CBS channel before the updates occurred that night. Upon checking the next morning, I discovered two things: first, I still had no host channel or listings; and second, the manual recording set for channel 50.1 did not record. I have never seen this happen before (I have seen a couple of programs scheduled using the listings not be recorded, but never one that I scheduled manually). I think that it may have had something to do with the VBI search not letting the recorder change channels, but don't know for sure and wasn't interested enough to test this. I just wanted to mention this unusual behavior so others would be aware of it.

Next I reran the "Reset to Factory Default" from the TV Guide submenu of the 9012 Service Menu and did a 753159852. This time it showed my software versions as 8.01.42/0.00.00 and my host channel as blank. Then I tuned to 9.1 (CBS digital), ran the G* test, then did a 963214785 VBI serach, and left the recorder on overnight. Strangely, the clock got accurate time after several hours. The next morning I did a 753159852 and observed some unexpected results. Although the TVGOS software version had changed to 8.05.40 as expected, I now had analog 13 as my host channel (this is Baltimore's analog CBS channel), which was totally unexpected. I decided to proceed anyway. The next step was meant to be another 963214785 VBI serach with the recorder left on so that the TVGOS software would update to 8.06.44, but I was in a hurry to leave for the weekend and turned the recorder off by mistake as I was leaving. I realized what I had done the next day and expected to come home the following day needing to start from scratch. Much to my surprise, when I turned the recorder back on and did a 753159852, I discovered that the software had updated to 8.06.44, the host channel is now 9.1, and the full week of listings was downloaded. Some of the listings for the Baltimore area showed no listings, but all of the Washington stations were filled in for the entire week (this may or may not have something to do with the stations being turned off when the station information was downloaded - I wasn't paying attention to which stations were turned on or off when I rearranged the listing information). It isn't clear if the 8.06.44 software came from 9.1 or 13, but it is clear that the host station is now digital 9.1 and the TVGOS data came from 9.1. I plan to do this again on my other recorder and this time leave the recorder on for the second 963214785 so that it is clear that the second software update comes from the digital station. This is great news for Washingtonians since it is now clear that 9.1 can be used as a host channel and TVGOS data can be downloaded from it. (Sony firmware version .06 and TVGOS software verion 8.06.44 for those of you who are interested).

I don't yet know of a way to test that the clock information can be obtained from a digital source though. Although the clock is the most critical of the problems we need to overcome, I think it should also be the easiest to resolve from an external source.

I do have one question on a rather trivial matter. Upon performing a hard reset (unpluging the unit) after a lockup, I noticed that the movies I had recorded have changed color from purple to green and now appear like regular shows in the recordings list. Has anyone discovered a way to alter the color in the recordings list? Having the movies appear in purple makes them much easier to find.

This is my first post and I apologize for the length, but I think that you may find some useful information here.Wow, thanks for a bunch of great information. Everything you experienced verifies one thing... that the Sony's behavior with respect to Host Channel is very difficult to predict. Notably (and as you experienced), the procedure to force a TVGOS host is highly unpredictable, and in an area with several TVGOS host channels (both analog and digital), may depend on their relative signal strengths, and the Host Channel may, in fact, move around on a daily basis. Nothing you've experienced surprises me, but it is still unclear in my mind exactly what will happen when all the analogs go away, especially after a reset (intentional or unintentional.) I believe ultimately that one's going to be a wait and see; it could be as simple as "turn it off and wait several days" or as complex as what HonestLeeD experienced.

I have not had any success with getting a Verizon cablecard working yet in my HDD250, but I have had success getting the guide from FIOS on a clear QAM channel.

The local CBS station WBZ-TV, channel 4.1 is on FIOS in the clear. While waiting for Verizon to straighten out the cablecard issue, I wanted to see if I could get the guide to work with no analog channels available. It appears to be working. I followed the procedure outlined by frank70.

I started with a restore to factory defaults using the TVGOS 9012 service menu. At that point my TVGOS firmware was 8.01.42.

I then tuned to my digital host 4.1 and ran the TVGOS G* test. I left it powered on overnight.

The next morning the TVGOS firmware was 8.05.40 and I had a clock that was 1 hour late, as though it was not on daylight saving time. The TVGOS G* test was no longer running. It must get shutoff during the download.

I left it tuned to channel 4.1, started the TVGOS G* and left on until the next morning. Nothing was changed from the day before. The TVGOS G* test had shutoff.

I repeated that step again, and the next morning it was still the same. I was wondering if the downloads during the day were shutting off the TVGOS G* test before the nightly downloads. I ran the VBI Search Current Channel test 963214785, shut the unit off and left it.

I came back later that afternoon and noticed the clock was now correct. I turned the unit on and was asked to choose my cable provider. I did and then checked TVGOS version using the 753159852 test and it was 8.06.44. I either missed this in the morning when I checked it, or it updated during the day. When I checked my VBI and Host channels earlier they were ffffdd and 1:0-4.1. When I checked in the afternoon, they were both 1:0-4.1.

I left the unit off overnight and this morning I had my channel lineup. There were no channels turned on so there were no listings. I turned on a few of the clear QAM channels. I left the unit off fro 10:00AM until 12:45PM and I now have listings for a full 8 days.

It is possible to get a clock and guide from a digital source. Don't throw the units out yet.

It is possible to get a clock and guide from a digital source. Don't throw the units out yet.Thanks for that great piece of news! You have confirmed that it may take a few days, but it's worth the wait.

Hello guys-- Just got a used Sony DVR

I have been reading this forum, but I was wondering if someone can help me out.

My sony at first got the time and guide without any problems. But then the time got 50 minutes off - so I just did a soft reset. The time would still never get correct, however I was still recieving the guide. I decided that maybe I should just try a complete factory refresh. Everything is gone I had the unit off for 4 days but still got no clock and now no guide.

What should I do -- I also have no idea what my host channel is. Before I did a factory reset I went into the settings to find out what the host channel was set to - however it was blank in the settings, so I'm not sure what that meant even though I was getting the guide.

Any suggestions on what to do?

I decided that maybe I should just try a complete factory refresh.As opposed to just a TVGOS reset to defaults?

You need to go through a complete setup, and do a channel scan before you can receive any clock or TVGOS data.

You could start by providing more information.

Your location (City)?

Using cable?

Using OTA?

Did you read Spiff's FAQ?

I have done a complete setup - I have done the auto scan and filled out my zip code.

I am using Cable and located in Birmingham Alabama

yes I have read the spiff FAQ guide

I have done a complete setup - I have done the auto scan and filled out my zip code.

I am using Cable and located in Birmingham Alabama

yes I have read the spiff FAQ guide

Did your cable company convert to an all digital line-up? Use the SONY standard menus to find out if channels are digital or analog.

It says Digital Cable all n/a

no I have analog

no I have analog
Have you done a G* test on PBS analog and CBS analog yet to look for VBI packets? Basic first step.

I just ran a G* test and found a channel that passes on the VBI Test is this my host channel? It's a FOX station. It failed on PBS and CBS.

I just ran a G* test and found a channel that passes on the VBI Test is this my host channel? It's a FOX station. It failed on PBS and CBS.

You're not necessarily looking for a channel that shows "pass", you're looking for one that shows VBI packets counting up after the test is started. The host channel "fails" the test every time I run it, but I still packets downloading.

Greetings Gurus,

I've had a Sony DHG-DD500 for a long time now but only used it as off-air for HDTV recording. I just signed up for Verizon FIOS and they set me up with a CableCard for my DHG-HDD500. I've got it hooked up to a Sony HDTV thru Component and HDMI converted to DVI (for the TV). Both inputs work fine (as they have for years) on the off air broadcasts on Baltimore and Washington stations.

The Verizon tech installed the system plus this Motorola brand CableCard and was able to address it and the rest of the Set Top Boxes and to enable everything with authorization OK. My HDD500 displays the Verizon channels on the face of the unit (for instance, it says "49 Weather" properly and "570 ESPN HD" which is a known working HD channel and all others). When I tune to any cable channel, the unit searches for signal and then says "No Signal". It doesn't matter which Format I used, I tried them all including SD and there is NO OUTPUT (no audio, no video) from the HDD500 which appears to be properly 'receiving' the cable channel out of any connection to the TV.

Sony was no help, they say it is CableCard provider's problem, Verizon says their card is working (based on the front panel display and diagnostics) so it isn't their problem. I'm pretty much of a geek and cannot find anyone reporting this specific problem online anywhere.

So, is it possible that it is a Verizon problem and if I sign up with Comcast it might work? Is there some setting I'm missing? Any guidence would be appreciated if anyone has any ideas, I'm pretty sick of the poor reception off air on most channels and my inability to point my Terk antenna outdoors on a rotor in any single direction which would allow me to record without risk of breaking up if the wind is blowing or a plane flies over so I can use the unit as it was designed.

Oh yeah, my firmware is 1.2.13 and it did properly update and give me the zillion and one channel choices based on Howard County, Verizon FIOS from the menu once I got it up update.

No Signal, no output at all on CableCard but works perfectly fine on any off air channel with full output from all choices.

Thanks,
Stuart

Yes, the FOX channel has VBI packets

So I left it off again last night -- It didn't download the guide but it finally got clock information -- the clock is an hour off though!

Greetings Gurus,

[snip]

No Signal, no output at all on CableCard but works perfectly fine on any off air channel with full output from all choices.

Thanks,
Stuart

Stuart,

On rare occasions my Sony loses channel lock with the Comcast SA cable card. I get either frozen, macro-blocked video, or no signal at all, like you're experiencing (but still get the PSIP data displayed on the front panel). I've found that the quick fix (for my situation) is to pop out the card for about a minute (click on NO when a message appears asking if you want to start a new channel scan), then push it back in. All channels then come in as they should.

I can't guarantee this will work for you, but worth a try.

Also, you may want to check the Sony channel editor to be sure all the digital channels from the FiOS connection are turned on. I don't have an OTA connection, so I'm not sure how these may interact.

So I left it off again last night -- It didn't download the guide but it finally got clock information -- the clock is an hour off though!That should fix itself in a few days.

<<<(snip) still get the PSIP data displayed on the front panel). I've found that the quick fix is to pop out the card for about a minute (snip) then push it back in. (snip) Also, you may want to check the Sony channel editor to be sure all the digital channels from the FiOS connection are turned on.>>>

Thanks for the quick reply. I didn't "turn-on" ALL of the digital channels for the FIOS but turned on enough for testing and let it update the guide overnight (successfully). I've tried card out, card in and even pulling the plug with reboot. When I do a card out and back in, it says "Aquiring data from CableCard, please stand by.... and Digital Cable Channels 533 Analog Channels 0.

After a couple of minutes, that screen goes off and it reverts to the bottom (not in guide) channel available, Channel 2 analog off-air. Still and no matter what, I get no "output" from the D500 to the TV on CableCard, only on over the air internal tuner. On any cable channel, the TV says "searching" and then "no signal".

BTW, the CableCard has a "Pink Label" and I spent another hour on the phone with Verizon today, finally escalating to a top-level guy "Ken" who kept trying to get me to test cables. Once he became assured that I had checked and cross checked my Component and HDMI to DVI cables in my DVD and their Motorola HD STB, plus the fact that it is fine on any of the cables when on the internal off-air tuner, he scheduled a guy to come tomorrow and bring another CableCard. I even traded the Coax from their Motorola HD box which is going to the TV also to the DVR and visa versa but I already knew both cables tested fine when the tech was here doing the installation.

In my mind, since the CableCard seems to be working, since they can "see" it and have "hit" it again and since it reads out properly in the display, I really have to wonder if it is the card or my box. Since I never used it with a CableCard I have never seen it actually work. I have searched high and low, on every forum and review and while I've found plenty of commentary on the known (and regular) shortcomings of this unit (a very flawed piece of crap, in many respects), I have yet to find a SINGLE entry about "no signal" and keep wondering what is wrong.

If it will never work on CableCard, I will accept that. If it needs to go to Sony for repair/update, I "may" consider that too. If it will work on Comcast and not on Verizon, I have to know in the next few days because I need to cancel the Verizon before the 5th to avoid cancellation fees and the dreaded "contract" for the year. Of course, Comcast has a near comparable "deal" so I could switch to them but I while I hate both companies politically, it is Comcast that is the worst so I'd rather not give them any money.

Has ANYONE ever had a CableCard that shows in the display properly but just won't send audio or video signals to the outputs of their D250 or D500 DVR? Is there some buried menu item I'm missing?

Hopefully he will bring a Purple or some other CableCard tomorrow. It will then be decision time.

Thanks again,
Stuart

man...I'm beginning to feel that tending these TVGOS units is a never-ending pain!

So for MONTHS, it's been my 3410a that has been giving me trouble getting listings, but tonight it was my Sony that had to chime in in a big way by losing ALL its listings...I noticed it wasn't recording something that I had scheduled, so I turned the unit on, and pushed the guide button, which came up - not with a screen of listings - but offering me a choice of broadcast area. So when I chose San Francisco, it came up with a channel lineup, but no listings.

So I spent 30 or 40 minutes setting channels the way I wanted, went back to listings to make sure they showed up properly (which they did), then did a G-test on the local cbs digital station, and left it that way, hoping I'd get all the listings back overnight.

We shall see whether that happens, because after checking in on this thread, it occurred to me to go look at the TIME on the front panel, and it is exactly 1 hour slow...can someone tell me why that should be the case?

Anyway, I decided to leave it that way, rather than turning the unit off overnight, but I'll be curious to see if I have anything in the morning...

(All this trouble with my units makes the idea of looking hard at the TR-50, after it comes out (if it does), and assuming it has decent PQ and interface...for $300 bucks it might be worth having a more reliable unit as backup - though the idea of a reliable Dish unit may be a contradiction in terms, given the experience with the DTVPal...))

My building here in Chicago converted to RCN cable's all-digital channel lineup last week.

Has anyone in Chicago had any success in getting a digital host channel with the RCN all-digital lineup?

Channel 2.1, the CBS HD channel in Chicago, supposedly carries the TVGOS information, but when I tune to that channel (602 on RCN digital) and run the G* test, I see no VBI packets.

I've tried the spiffspace procedure for getting up and running with a digital channel, but the firmware never upgrades.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Earlier this week, digital CBS channel 2.1 WBBM-DT (RCN cable channel 602) began broadcasting VBI packets like crazy (after not sending any for at least a couple of weeks).

Several days later, I have current TVGOS firmware, a digital host channel on my Sony DHG-HDD250 and an RCN channel list on the TVGOS that seems more up to date than the list I was getting from analog host WTTW channel 11.

It's a multiple-day process to get back up and running, but things are looking much better here now that CBS has turned on the system again.