Sony DHG-HDD250/500: Official Thread [Text View] - Page 52

dspadoni

10-30-08, 03:16 PM

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.

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

Thanks again,
Stuart

Early on with Comcast I had a problem where I wasn't getting audio/video on some (not all) digital channels.

This could be due to a known electrical problem with the cable card interface which is sometimes manifested as a "161-6" error message. The Sony service center can fix that (for about $150). I sent my unit to Sony and they made the fix. When I got it back, however, I pressured Comcast into swapping the original single-stream card for a newer multi-stream card. My DHG has been (mostly) stable since then, but I can't say that one "fix" or both in tandem was the solution.

Sending yours to Sony obviously doesn't solve your immediate dilemma re switching to Comcast, but for now make sure the Verizon tech installs the latest generation cable card (whatever color).

Good luck.

avnstf

10-30-08, 06:37 PM

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

SO...this morning around 8 I checked and found that I hadn't gotten any listings...so I turned the unit off, figuring it could still get the right time and the day's listings...

I then checked my 3410a and found that it had once again not gotten overnight listings (that made 3 days out of 4 with nothing)...but I did the unplug/plug reset and, when the panel came back on, the GUIDE light lit up, so that looked hopeful...

AND I had another look at the Sony front panel, considering maybe TVGOS was availiable, and indeed IT HAD THE RIGHT TIME AGAIN!

SO I turned the Sony on, tuned to CBS digital, did the G test and left the unit on.

And at noon, the Sony had 8 days of listings and the 3410a had today's update.

Man! BUT, when I looked at theSony guide day to day, I found some of the recordings I had scheduled were there, and some were screwed up, some in a very strange way...when - still in the guide, I went to the "schedule", I found oddities like the recording I had set for "fringe" (Tuesday nights) was listed in the guide with question marks among the THURSDAY recordings....VERY strange.

So, Mike LS: I do think the deal that just happened with the Sony WAS due to TVGOS resetting something (e.g., the lineup) and, aside from THAT happening every once in a while, my only gripe is that the unit has now gotten back to dropping recordings, which MAY be due to channels like ABC shifting start and stop times a minute or 2 and the Sony software not being up to recognizing the program with slightly shifted times as being the one I have set it to record.

With my 3410a, the problem may very well be degradation of the unit (and in particular the capacitors that some owners have been replacing)...the result is that I have to check the unit every day, and if I find early enough in the day that it didn't download, I can to the unplug/plug reset, which gives me a 50% chance of still getting the download. So with constant tending, I can end up with about 60 or 70% listings...a constant fight. (Assuming it is the capacitor problem, I think there's no excuse for this kind of failure in a 4-year-old unit that cost 700 bucks, compounded by the fact that owners have long given up on trying to get anything fixed by LG...)

And if I don't do all this tending, I effectively don't have a 2-tuner recording system, which to me is the minimum...(I'd prefer 3)

But then again, with the experience I've had with my housemate's Comcast 2-tuner unit and with the TivoHD I bought for my Dad earlier in the year, NONE of these units is at all comparable in reliability to the TV itself or to VCRs (which of course I can't stand to use any more...)

sailchessi

10-31-08, 03:06 AM

[QUOTE=dspadoni;14973850] but for now make sure the Verizon tech installs the latest generation cable card (whatever color).
QUOTE]

Well, I had TWO trucks roll to my house today with TWO techs. We tried everything with the 2-way card that was installed originally and nothing worked. Eventually, we traded DOWN to an older single-way card thinking that the unit came out before 2-way but that card didn't work either. So now I have an OLDER card installed but I guess it doesn't matter if it is never going to work.

Looks like I'm SOOL on this problem. I've got to leave town and will have to make a decision about killing the Verizon deal and going to Comcast for a try. It is too much of a pain not knowing if it is going to work or not but I'll have to decide.

I wish I knew what was up, whether the HDD500 has potentially NEVER worked on CableCard since it hasn't ever been tried or if there is something else going on. Since nobody has reported this specific "no signal" problem and the unit NEVER working with ANY output on CableCard when it works fine with over the air, I'm totally at a loss.

Stinks. Thanks for the comments.

Stuart

drhankz

10-31-08, 09:01 AM

Since nobody has reported this specific "no signal" problem and the unit NEVER working with ANY output on CableCard when it works fine with over the air, I'm totally at a loss.

Stinks. Thanks for the comments.

Stuart

The "NO SIGNAL" problem is caused by a FEW things - regardless of Carrier.

1) Bad Cable Card

2) Improper Provisioning [Pairing]

3) Signal Strength too HIGH

Since you have already explored #1 - it is probably most likely #2 or #3

ChrisS5

10-31-08, 02:07 PM

WhatHappend

10-31-08, 03:45 PM

I wish I knew what was up, whether the HDD500 has potentially NEVER worked on CableCard since it hasn't ever been tried or if there is something else going on. Since nobody has reported this specific "no signal" problem and the unit NEVER working with ANY output on CableCard when it works fine with over the air, I'm totally at a loss.

Have you done the obvious yet? Go to the SONY (Preferences -> System -> Diagnostics menu and check out the frequency of the channel that you are trying to tune. Also look at the signaling type.

Then compare that to what it should be (I have a Cable company provided DVR that I can locate all the channels frequencies with.) The modulation should be QAM.

If you are having a issue with cable card not getting the right channel lineup, I would expect the frequencies on that page to be the same for all the channels that show "no signal". Now with SD digital channels up to 10 or so can be on a single channel with QAM256 modulation. For HD with full quality (which FIOS is known for) you should only see 2 HD channels mapped to one QAM256 channel.

AR10

10-31-08, 10:41 PM

Rammitinski

11-01-08, 12:38 AM

(The channels I'm refering to are: Universal sports, MHz Worldview, and ThisTV)Well, ThisTV just started a day or two ago, so at least give it some time, for cryin' out loud. :p

Actually, I'm not even expecting them to add them to the analog guide at all, unless maybe the cable companies in the area pick them up.

I don't think they much care about the OTA analog side of things anymore.

frank70

11-01-08, 07:11 AM

Been using the 250 for about 4 years now and a problem
has just started. When watching a recording and fast forwarding
through the ads it will sometimes jump to end of the program.
I have to start from the beginning, find my place and start watching
again. This will happen several times during the program. Tonight
the same thing happened 5 times in the same show. The last time
it happened the program went to the end without even touching the
remote. The portion of the show from there to the end was gone!
Any suggestions?Strangely enough, something like this happened to me for the first time last night. We were watching a recorded show from the night before and it was about 5 minutes from the end and just suddenly popped up with the end message (the frozen picture at this point was from the point 5 minutes from the end.) I went back to the beginning and skipped forward to, and past, where it had stopped, then back to there and we watched the rest of the show. Nothing was lost, and it did not repeat the jump to end status until the REAL end, at which point the frozen picture was the beginning of the news, quite different from the previous time.

I suspect this is coincidental unless other folks report similar happenings. (Well after all, it was Halloween, so spooky things can happen :)

trumpace

11-01-08, 01:38 PM

I'm located in NY City. My analog host channel is 13 (PBS).
I've tried the instructions here to access the local CBS digital outlet,(2-1), which I am told,
transmits the TVGOS VBI packets.

My screen now reads:
Host Chan fffffffd
VBI Chan 0-2-1

Would someone kindly tell me what this means?

Thanks in advance,
larry

WhatHappend

11-01-08, 03:54 PM

trumpace

11-01-08, 06:32 PM

WhatHappend

11-02-08, 12:57 AM

Thanks, What Happened.
It would be nice if you explained exactly what you meant by the channel up and down trick.
I ran the chanells up and down and rhen ran the test again and got exactly the same result.
My method to set digital host is in the FAQ forum. Go to the OP and find link from there.

jimmyv

11-02-08, 09:50 AM

My method to set digital host is in the FAQ forum. Go to the OP and find link from there.

Or with a search you could find it in this thread. Here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14423155#post14423155

Green Turtle

11-02-08, 11:23 AM

FanofHD

11-02-08, 01:20 PM

Strangely enough, something like this happened to me for the first time last night. We were watching a recorded show from the night before and it was about 5 minutes from the end and just suddenly popped up with the end message (the frozen picture at this point was from the point 5 minutes from the end.) I went back to the beginning and skipped forward to, and past, where it had stopped, then back to there and we watched the rest of the show. Nothing was lost, and it did not repeat the jump to end status until the REAL end, at which point the frozen picture was the beginning of the news, quite different from the previous time.

I suspect this is coincidental unless other folks report similar happenings. (Well after all, it was Halloween, so spooky things can happen :)

Frank, this has also happened to me not alot but it has happened 2 or 3 times in the past month or so, like you, nothing was lost and I got the screen pop up went back to the begining and fast forwarded almost up to that part at the end and let it go through and it was ok watched the end of my program. The weird part was when I first got the pop up (do you want to go back to the begining, delete the program etc...) I hit the exit key on the remote but it still would not go past the last five min of the (now paused recorded program) so I hit play from the begining again and fast forwarded and it went past that dead spot.

I have no idea why it does this and like I mentioned it's only done this a few times. I thought maybe it was because I was getting close to the end of my HD space on HD1 and HD2 although I still have 1/4 space left on each 1 and 2. I don't really think that's it but only thing I could think of.

I haven't posted in a while, all is good with me, have been using OTA antena only to get my guide downloads, I use CC w/ Comcast, for some reason yr or so ago I wasnt getting guide downloads from their dup ch 94 WLRN so I had to go back to OTA analog to get Ch 17 WLRN which picks up the guide data with no problems. What I fear is after Feb I hope Comcast gets their dup ch 94 fixed with guide data or come Feb I will be out of luck again, well see if that happens then.

I tell you this Sony 500 has saved me so much money and I've really grown to love it and can't imagine not having it, especially with all these great HD programs now.

Chip Chanko

11-02-08, 01:42 PM

Just want to report that 9.1 (local CBS) on fios in the DC area (I'm in arlington) passes the VBI test and counts up in packets. After doing the G* test on 9.1 yesterday it reset my clock. I then forced it as my host following the instructions in Spiff's guide and left it off overnight. This morning the clock had changed for daylight savings and I had 8 days of guide data. I do not have an antenna attached.

I don't really use the Sony that much anymore since I got an HD Tivo but keep it as a backup (mainly to watch a live event like a game if the Tivo is recording on both tuners). I don't have a cablecard in the Sony so it just receives the in-the-clear QAM channels on FiOS.

joperio

11-02-08, 02:42 PM

If anyone no longer needs their Sony DHG (250 or 500) I'd be interested in it so please PM me.
Thanks.

joperio

srw1000

11-02-08, 03:28 PM

Been using the 250 for about 4 years now and a problem
has just started. When watching a recording and fast forwarding
through the ads it will sometimes jump to end of the program.
I have to start from the beginning, find my place and start watching
again. This will happen several times during the program. Tonight
the same thing happened 5 times in the same show. The last time
it happened the program went to the end without even touching the
remote. The portion of the show from there to the end was gone!
Any suggestions?This has happened to me a few times also. At least some of the cases were related to reception issues. It seems as if the Sony looses some broadcast information it really screws up the recording, not allowing it to play smoothly. In these cases, I've had some success by restarting the recording, skipping to the end of the recording, and then rewinding to the spot that was giving me problems. This didn't always work, though.

Scott

trumpace

11-02-08, 03:29 PM

Or with a search you could find it in this thread. Here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14423155#post14423155

Thanks very much for the link, Jimmy. I don't think I coould have found it otherwise.

Larry

AR10

11-02-08, 08:11 PM

This could be the beginning of your hard drive failing (which could happen after 4-5 years of continuous operation). The box may have trouble reading data off the drive so it skips over that part and may jump ahead. Other signs of disk failure include during playback, slow and stuttering video. The box may also reboot due to a watchdog timeout in the software because the process trying to read data gets stuck. After reboot, the front panel display may show "formatting..." which means you'll lose all your recorded programs and the box will go through the TVGOS setup again. Unfortunately, you can't just buy a replacement PATA drive since the box is uniquely paired to the drive inside of it.

The hard drive was replaced by Sony about a year ago after a complete
failure. Failing again?

sivartk

11-02-08, 09:34 PM

I did notice something strange about the undocumented channel recall feature. The channel recall is reset funny when the power is turned off.

For example, today I was switching between OTA channels 42.1 and 7.1. I powered the unit off, powered it back up a while later and it tuned to 42.1 OTA. When I hit the channel recall button, it went to 42.1 Cable.

Once I manually tuned another station, the button worked fine again. So I guess with nothing in the memory, the command that is sent for channel recall is a switch between OTA and Cable.

frank70

11-02-08, 10:35 PM

jtbell

11-02-08, 11:20 PM

It looks like we have another station carrying digital TVGOS: WLTX-DT 19.1, the CBS affiliate in Columbia SC. I just tried the G* factory test. It passed the VBI test and the packet count increments steadily.

I'll now try to force one of my Sonys to use it as the host channel as per the procedure that's been posted in this thread.

[Update from the following morning... no luck yet. The host channel field in the debug screen is now blank.]

[Second update from the following evening... the host channel field was still blank. I had an idea that WLTX might not be serving my Zip code, because I'm in a different market (Greenville/Spartanburg SC, where my analog TVGOS host stations are located). So I did a TVGOS factory reset, entered a Columbia Zip code during the TVGOS initial setup procedure, tuned to 19.1, did a VBI scan on that channel, and turned the unit off. This was at 8:30 pm and within an hour the correct time was showing on the front panel. I've resisted turning the unit on again to check it... must... wait... till... morning... urgh!]

Neither of the other two CBS stations in my area (WBTV-DT 3.1 in Charlotte NC and WSPA-DT 7.1 in Spartanburg SC) passes the factory test yet.

sivartk

11-02-08, 11:31 PM

It is the nature of the Sony's that if you are tuned to channel X and ask to switch to channel X (i.e.: the same channel), it toggles from antenna to cable, or vice versa.

I wasn't tuning to the same channel, but using the 'previous channel' command that isn't on the original remote, but works with some Sony universal remotes.

So the 'previous channel' before having a previous channel is the channel you are on. Wow, that makes no sense. :p

jtbell

11-03-08, 12:58 AM

Readers of this thread who remember the Tweeter clearance sales of the DHG-HDD500 at $250 in February 2006 may be interested in Tweeter's recent woes:

http://www.cepro.com/article/is_this_the_end_of_tweeter/
http://www.cepro.com/article/report_tweeter_sold_to_liquidators/

Opinionated

11-04-08, 04:05 PM

giomania

11-04-08, 04:11 PM

frank70

11-04-08, 04:45 PM

Lately we have had many scheduled recordings drop.

Particularly on the ABC network. Last night is was Boston Legal. Nearly every week recently, unless we check it on the same day, Grey's Anatomy. Also last week ER on NBC didn't record.

This is occurring on more then one unit.

It think it might have something to do with them changing the starting time by a minute of two very near the broadcast date.

Anyone else?Are you scheduling a "Weekly" or "Regularly" recording? It says in the manual that it will only record the show if it occurs at the "same time"; so if when you scheduled it, it started at 10:00PM, and this weeks show started at 10:01PM, then this week's show will not be recorded. I suspect the same thing applies if you set up a "Once" recording out at day 7 or 8, and then when it is updated later in the week, its time changes; it would not be considered the same show, so would not be recorded. If you set up a recording for the same evening, it always works because there are no more updates.

Personally, I think the networks have to cut this minute-or-two early or late cr*p; it causes numerous related problems such as being unable to schedule two shows on different channels to record back-to-back.

Ray1938

11-04-08, 09:23 PM

Are you scheduling a "Weekly" or "Regularly" recording? It says in the manual that it will only record the show if it occurs at the "same time"; so if when you scheduled it, it started at 10:00PM, and this weeks show started at 10:01PM, then this week's show will not be recorded. I suspect the same thing applies if you set up a "Once" recording out at day 7 or 8, and then when it is updated later in the week, its time changes; it would not be considered the same show, so would not be recorded. If you set up a recording for the same evening, it always works because there are no more updates.

Personally, I think the networks have to cut this minute-or-two early or late cr*p; it causes numerous related problems such as being unable to schedule two shows on different channels to record back-to-back.

Only way to be sure that program records is to back it up with manual setting. On the night programs occur, you can adjust the end and start times to avoid conflict between two consecutive programs. For example, if ABC program ends at 10:02, and NBC program starts at 10:00, you can set the ABC program to end 1 minute early and the NBC program to start 1 minute late.

Ray

avnstf

11-05-08, 04:01 AM

Only way to be sure that program records is to back it up with manual setting. On the night programs occur, you can adjust the end and start times to avoid conflict between two consecutive programs. For example, if ABC program ends at 10:02, and NBC program starts at 10:00, you can set the ABC program to end 1 minute early and the NBC program to start 1 minute late.

Ray
yes, when ever I notice this occurs on one of my recurrent shows (usually on ABC, and last season also on NBC), I've started setting a recurrent manual recording, THEN setting a recurrent regular setting that supersedes the manual recording, unless the regular setting disappears on the day of the recording - in that case the manual recording takes effect...(unless I notice the dropout and redo the regular setting...)

Hawkeye6

11-05-08, 09:34 AM

Opinionated

11-05-08, 10:31 AM

Are you scheduling a "Weekly" or "Regularly" recording? It says in the manual that it will only record the show if it occurs at the "same time"; so if when you scheduled it, it started at 10:00PM, and this weeks show started at 10:01PM, then this week's show will not be recorded. I suspect the same thing applies if you set up a "Once" recording out at day 7 or 8, and then when it is updated later in the week, its time changes; it would not be considered the same show, so would not be recorded. If you set up a recording for the same evening, it always works because there are no more updates.

That's basically it.

We have been away a lot recently so we have scheduled weekly and regularly and it is those that have been mostly dropped. It used to be that "regularly" sometimes picked up the minute changes.

Also it seems no show that starts at 8PM has been dropped. It's mostly shows that start at around 9 or 10.

Basically with the changes they are making to the start and end times, as you wrote, you can only be sure of what you checked on the very day of the broadcast. Pre-scheduling is now a hit or miss. It's a pain.

Opinionated

11-05-08, 10:33 AM

yes, when ever I notice this occurs on one of my recurrent shows (usually on ABC, and last season also on NBC), I've started setting a recurrent manual recording, THEN setting a recurrent regular setting that supersedes the manual recording, unless the regular setting disappears on the day of the recording - in that case the manual recording takes effect...(unless I notice the dropout and redo the regular setting...)

Could you be a little more detailed in what you mean. Just to be sure.

jtbell

11-05-08, 11:14 AM

I got so wrapped up in the election yesterday I forgot to post an update. Even after doing a TVGOS factory reset and entering a Columbia ZIP code, I couldn't get a channel list, let alone program listings, from WLTX 19.1. It does set the clock correctly, but that's all I've been able to get so far.

I'll try again in a week or so, then try to contact the station engineers about it if it still doesn't work.

Rbrodzinsky

11-05-08, 11:41 AM

On the dropped recordings, there are two different issues that can occur. If the listing still shows in the "schedule" as greyed out with "????" for next schedule, then TVGOS cannot find the appropriate show. This can occur with schedule changes. HOWEVER, more often than not, I have found that the program completely disappears from the schedule list. I don't think any of us have ever figured out a pattern on why that occurs.

For best results, always schedule a "manual recording" before you schedule something via the grid. The schedule list will then show both, with an icon showing that there is a conflict for the manual recording (the list works in "last-in; first-out" order, so always do the manual schedule first). If your luck holds, you'll get recordings with the program info. If not, you'll get an "unknown" recording, but you still have one. I have never seen a manual recording disappear from the schedule list; only named ones.

frank70

11-05-08, 06:04 PM

TheRatPatrol

11-06-08, 01:46 AM

WhatHappend

11-06-08, 01:58 AM

I am having trouble getting guide data from WCCO in Minneapolis and was wondering if it is my issue or if anyone else is having the issue. I have tried two procedures. I have forced the digital host channel to 4.1 for two days and received no guide data. It finaly reverted back to 17 to get the guide data. I also did the test last night to just see if WCCO was sending guide data and came up with nothing again.

Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

WCCO is working fine. My unit has all 8 days of listing and I have WCCO HD as the host channel.

What test did you do to see if WCCO was transmitting guide data?

Have you disabled auto-off and performed a G* test on WCCO and verified VBI packets count after 20-30 seconds, then channel up, down and left the unit on tuned to WCCO HD over night? Then you check your listings in the morning. And this assumes you already have the time and lineup and guide version 08.06.44 before starting this test, otherwise it might take multiple days to get listings.

Hawkeye6

11-06-08, 10:14 AM

WCCO is working fine. My unit has all 8 days of listing and I have WCCO HD as the host channel.

What test did you do to see if WCCO was transmitting guide data?

Have you disabled auto-off and performed a G* test on WCCO and verified VBI packets count after 20-30 seconds, then channel up, down and left the unit on tuned to WCCO HD over night? Then you check your listings in the morning. And this assumes you already have the time and lineup and guide version 08.06.44 before starting this test, otherwise it might take multiple days to get listings.

This is what I did - http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.0

Prior to this I also performed this -

http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

I was able to force the host channel to 4.1 but was not able to get guide data. I am thinking maybe I don't have version 08.06.44. I will take a look tonight.

Thanks for the help.

WhatHappend

11-06-08, 12:26 PM

This is what I did - http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.0

Prior to this I also performed this -

http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

I was able to force the host channel to 4.1 but was not able to get guide data. I am thinking maybe I don't have version 08.06.44. I will take a look tonight.

Thanks for the help.

Are you OTA?

Were you getting VBI packets at 20-30 seconds on the G* test?

You say you forced the host channel, did the host channel in the diag. screen change (the VBI channel is just the currently tuned channel)?

WhatHappend

11-06-08, 12:28 PM

This is what I did - http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.0

Prior to this I also performed this -

http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=25.0

I was able to force the host channel to 4.1 but was not able to get guide data. I am thinking maybe I don't have version 08.06.44. I will take a look tonight.

Thanks for the help.

Do you have a valid channel lineup and clock before performing the test on the FAQ forum?

Hawkeye6

11-06-08, 01:36 PM

Are you OTA?

Were you getting VBI packets at 20-30 seconds on the G* test?

You say you forced the host channel, did the host channel in the diag. screen change (the VBI channel is just the currently tuned channel)?

I am OTA.

Yes, the VBI packets were at 20-30 seconds.

Yes, the host channel in the diag. screen did change to 4.1.

Regarding your question about a valid channel listing and clock, both my clock and channel listing were working properly. I am not sure if this is what you meant by your question though.

I will give it another shot tonight. Would recommend I just force the host channel again or would you think I should perform the other test until I get it to work?

Thanks

WhatHappend

11-06-08, 02:28 PM

I am OTA.

Yes, the VBI packets were at 20-30 seconds.

Yes, the host channel in the diag. screen did change to 4.1.

Regarding your question about a valid channel listing and clock, both my clock and channel listing were working properly. I am not sure if this is what you meant by your question though.

I will give it another shot tonight. Would recommend I just force the host channel again or would you think I should perform the other test until I get it to work?

Thanks

If you got 4.1 as your host in the diag screen, just shut off the DVR (even during the day) and the guide will populate the 8th day. Make sure you verify the host stays 4.1 every day for awhile.

Hawkeye6

11-06-08, 03:44 PM

If you got 4.1 as your host in the diag screen, just shut off the DVR (even during the day) and the guide will populate the 8th day. Make sure you verify the host stays 4.1 every day for awhile.

This may be a dumb question but do I need to keep it off all day or just when I am not watching TV. I don't know if my kids can go without PBS kids for more than a day.

jimmyv

11-06-08, 04:37 PM

jimmyv

11-06-08, 04:40 PM

Personally, I think the networks have to cut this minute-or-two early or late cr*p; it causes numerous related problems such as being unable to schedule two shows on different channels to record back-to-back.

The problems it creates are EXACTLY the reason they are doing it. What's their motivation to stop?

TheRatPatrol

11-06-08, 07:02 PM

Does anyone have CSPAN3 or the Pentagon channel in their guide lineup?

Thanks

WhatHappend

11-06-08, 08:25 PM

This may be a dumb question but do I need to keep it off all day or just when I am not watching TV. I don't know if my kids can go without PBS kids for more than a day.
There are 3-4 full guide download periods per day. The first one starts after 2AM on WCCO.

I know that another one starts early morning and another in late morning early afternoon.

As long as it is off for one of the periods 2-3 hours in duration, that is all that is needed.

If you interrupt a download you will get incomplete listings, also no big deal.

subako

11-06-08, 11:01 PM

I have several machines that use TVGOS here in Seattle on Comcast. One of my machines did not get set correctly at the end of DST. My other machines are drifting as if they have
not received time updates. Can someone please assure me that they are getting time updates OTA here in Seattle, so that I can fix this problem with a brief connection to rabbit ears.

cosmicvoid

11-07-08, 01:45 AM

Considered yourself assured. My 3 Sony DVRs (on OTA) followed the time change without a hitch.

WS65711

11-07-08, 09:32 AM

Does anyone have CSPAN3 or the Pentagon channel in their guide lineup?

Thanks

or Palladia?

Hawkeye6

11-07-08, 11:44 AM

There are 3-4 full guide download periods per day. The first one starts after 2AM on WCCO.

I know that another one starts early morning and another in late morning early afternoon.

As long as it is off for one of the periods 2-3 hours in duration, that is all that is needed.

If you interrupt a download you will get incomplete listings, also no big deal.

Last night I performed the force digital host channel and this morning was without listings for day 8 and in the diag. screen the host channel was blank. I will give it another shot tonight. One odd thing was that I turned the dvr off with the "VBI" screen still on and the channel on 4.1 but this morning when I turned on the DVR it was on 9.1, KSTP. I will just keep trying. I follow the instructions exactly and it isn't like they are that compliacted so I don't think I am screwing them up. But maybe I am missing something.

Rbrodzinsky

11-07-08, 01:18 PM

Did you have a recording for channel 9.1 scheduled?

WhatHappend

11-07-08, 02:21 PM

Last night I performed the force digital host channel and this morning was without listings for day 8 and in the diag. screen the host channel was blank. I will give it another shot tonight. One odd thing was that I turned the dvr off with the "VBI" screen still on and the channel on 4.1 but this morning when I turned on the DVR it was on 9.1, KSTP. I will just keep trying. I follow the instructions exactly and it isn't like they are that compliacted so I don't think I am screwing them up. But maybe I am missing something.

You didn't follow my directions from yesterday. If you had 4.1 as the host, quit forcing the host channel and just shut the DVR off. Now you will have to get the host back to 4.1 before the powering off alone will get the listings.

Also following the procedure you go right from force host to powering off. If you were on VBI screen before powering off, you didn't follow the procedure.

Hawkeye6

11-07-08, 04:40 PM

You didn't follow my directions from yesterday. If you had 4.1 as the host, quit forcing the host channel and just shut the DVR off. Now you will have to get the host back to 4.1 before the powering off alone will get the listings.

Also following the procedure you go right from force host to powering off. If you were on VBI screen before powering off, you didn't follow the procedure.

I should carify, about a week ago the host channel was at 4.1 and I was not getting listing. It then reverted to channel 17 on its own.

Regarding not following the procedures. This is exactly what I did:

1. Tune to your digital host channel, and then bring up the TV Guide listings.

2. Push the "CH" (PAGE) up button one or more times until the highlighted line is all the way up in the menu bar on "LISTINGS".

3. Push the right arrow on the menu navigation circle twice to "SETUP".

4. Push the down arrow on the menu navigation circle once to "Change System Settings".

5. Push "INFO". The white box will contain some jabber about zipcodes, etc.

6. Enter the following number: 963214785

7. The white box should now say "VBI Search Current Channel".

8. Wait the time it took in step 0(b) to acquire VBI packets and then power off the DVR.

9. Do nothing until the next morning.

I was on the VBI Search Current Channel screen when I turned it off after wating 30 seconds. Is this not correct?

I appreciate your help!

jimmyv

11-07-08, 05:07 PM

I should carify, about a week ago the host channel was at 4.1 and I was not getting listing. It then reverted to channel 17 on its own.

Regarding not following the procedures. This is exactly what I did:

1. Tune to your digital host channel, and then bring up the TV Guide listings.

2. Push the "CH" (PAGE) up button one or more times until the highlighted line is all the way up in the menu bar on "LISTINGS".

3. Push the right arrow on the menu navigation circle twice to "SETUP".

4. Push the down arrow on the menu navigation circle once to "Change System Settings".

5. Push "INFO". The white box will contain some jabber about zipcodes, etc.

6. Enter the following number: 963214785

7. The white box should now say "VBI Search Current Channel".

8. Wait the time it took in step 0(b) to acquire VBI packets and then power off the DVR.

9. Do nothing until the next morning.

I was on the VBI Search Current Channel screen when I turned it off after wating 30 seconds. Is this not correct?

I appreciate your help!

No, it isn't correct. You missed the all critical channel up, channel down. See the instructions again. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14423155#post14423155

WhatHappend

11-07-08, 05:15 PM

I should carify, about a week ago the host channel was at 4.1 and I was not getting listing. It then reverted to channel 17 on its own.
Yes, you will have to keep forcing the host until you get it to stick again.

I was on the VBI Search Current Channel screen when I turned it off after wating 30 seconds. Is this not correct?

I appreciate your help!
I thought you meant the G* test screen with VBI count. Yes, you should be on the VBI search screen before powering off.

You did miss the critical step of channel up/down after the G* test, but before forcing the host channel.

AS A NOTE FOR EVERYONE. I found out that if you hit a analog channel while doing the channel up/down trick the G* test is canceled. (At least with a cable card and when I hit the lone analog channel left in the cable lineup.)

cosmicvoid

11-07-08, 08:19 PM

AS A NOTE FOR EVERYONE. I found out that if you hit a analog channel while doing the channel up/down trick the G* test is canceled.I presume that means you need to disable the adjacent analog channels in the list before you start this procedure?

subako

11-07-08, 08:57 PM

Considered yourself assured. My 3 Sony DVRs (on OTA) followed the time change without a hitch.

Thanks for your response, although you told me less than you might have thought you had. I already believed that I was receiving clock update info at the DST transition. As I said, only one of my machines did not "fall back" properly.

Anyway, I tried to get clock updates OTA but was unsuccessful. Harder than you might think because I had to back out my cable card for channel 7 to be channel 7, as the cable card steers to a digital channel at a different frequency than the OTA channel 7 frequency.

No joy. I did get a strong signal with the rabbit ears, but no clock update. I ran the G* test (I certainly could have done it wrong, I'm new at this) but received FAIL for the VBI test and no count of VBI packets.

Would you be kind enough to run the G* test on one of your OTA DVRs? Then I can get down to figuring out how I've botched my trials.

Thanks.

WhatHappend

11-07-08, 10:30 PM

I presume that means you need to disable the adjacent analog channels in the list before you start this procedure?
If you have analog on both sides of the desired digital channel, then you could tune by typing in a digital channel (enter) then type in the desired host channel again (enter).

WS65711

11-07-08, 10:44 PM

.................No joy. I did get a strong signal with the rabbit ears, but no clock update. I ran the G* test (I certainly could have done it wrong, I'm new at this) but received FAIL for the VBI test and no count of VBI packets................................

G* test almost always (always?) shows fail. You need to wait a minute or two for packets to begin counting.

CharlieL

11-08-08, 12:45 AM

cosmicvoid

11-08-08, 02:46 AM

Thanks for your response, although you told me less than you might have thought you had. ...I'm not sure why you are mentioning channel 7. My host is analog channel 9 (KCTS). The CBS digital host is channel 7.1, and I did succeed getting a guide update while testing on the digital channel a while back, but its not my host now.

So, try ch 9 for your G* test. I get VBI packets counting on that channel. But the time update sometimes takes a while, if you don't have any time settings, perhaps even a few hours, so give it a chance before you say it doesn't work.

subako

11-08-08, 04:07 AM

I'm not sure why you are mentioning channel 7. My host is analog channel 9 (KCTS). The CBS digital host is channel 7.1, and I did succeed getting a guide update while testing on the digital channel a while back, but its not my host now.

So, try ch 9 for your G* test. I get VBI packets counting on that channel. But the time update sometimes takes a while, if you don't have any time settings, perhaps even a few hours, so give it a chance before you say it doesn't work.

Thank you very much. I got my time updated after using the VBI Search Current Channel function. My analog host channel was then properly set to 0:0-9 and the time update came within a couple of minutes after turning off the machine.

RobMeyer1

11-08-08, 05:47 AM

Anyone in Albuquerque area experiencing TV Guide download problems? My unit has worked fine for years, now I have no data starting 5 days out & G* test fails on all channels. I thought local host was NBC. My TV receives NBC on 4.1, the DVR on 26.3. Oddly enough, the DVR will not receive 4.1.... Does anyone know what the local digital host/VBI is in Albuquerque?

Thanks....

I am having the same problem. My DVR lists the digital NBC channel as 4.1, but the physical broadcast channel is 26. I did notice that a few listings did get updated, so I thought my problem was poor reception the last few days. I have a UHF only roof antenna plus a small indoor antenna for VHF. The sole purpose of the indoor VHF antenna is to get guide info. Poor weather has caused guide download problems for me in the past. I don't know who is broadcasting TVGOS data. Since some guide data did fill in, I'm still hoping clear weather will fix the problem before next Wednesday.

Hawkeye6

11-08-08, 09:31 AM

Yes, you will have to keep forcing the host until you get it to stick again.

I thought you meant the G* test screen with VBI count. Yes, you should be on the VBI search screen before powering off.

You did miss the critical step of channel up/down after the G* test, but before forcing the host channel.

AS A NOTE FOR EVERYONE. I found out that if you hit a analog channel while doing the channel up/down trick the G* test is canceled. (At least with a cable card and when I hit the lone analog channel left in the cable lineup.)

Success! This morning I had full guide data plus the host channel is 4.1. I was confused regarding the channel up/down process. I thought you did it while you were still in the G* test. When in G* the channel up/channel down did't do anything, I just thought it was another secret code someone found. This time I did it after I exited the G* test and it seemed to work. I also had to dial in the numbers rather than using channel up/channel down as 4.1 is surrounded by analog channels for me.

Thanks for the help.

CharlieL

11-08-08, 09:36 AM

Rob, thanks for the reply. My unit has not updated for four days now. I can find no station on which it receives VBI data. Can you check your machine through the 753159852 test and let me know what is shows as the host channel and the VBI channel? Thanks....

WhatHappend

11-08-08, 11:04 AM

Success! This morning I had full guide data plus the host channel is 4.1. I was confused regarding the channel up/down process. I thought you did it while you were still in the G* test. When in G* the channel up/channel down did't do anything, I just thought it was another secret code someone found. This time I did it after I exited the G* test and it seemed to work. I also had to dial in the numbers rather than using channel up/channel down as 4.1 is surrounded by analog channels for me.

Thanks for the help.

I am glad you got the guide going again.

(I wonder how many others are doing the ch up/down inside the G* test???)

cosmicvoid

11-08-08, 01:34 PM

(I wonder how many others are doing the ch up/down inside the G* test???)I would suspect that most people do, since the instructions don't say anything about exiting the G* test screen before doing it.

jimmyv

11-08-08, 05:30 PM

Success! This morning I had full guide data plus the host channel is 4.1.
Congratulations!
I also had to dial in the numbers rather than using channel up/channel down as 4.1 is surrounded by analog channels for me.
Why have any analog? In the Twin Cities the digital channels broadcast the same programs as the analog (plus the extra sub-channels will often provide programs not available on analog). I've had all my analog channels blocked practically since getting this unit.

LS2JSTS

11-08-08, 06:14 PM

WhatHappend

11-08-08, 06:43 PM

Do you have all the analog channels blocked in the TVGOS menu as well as the DHG menu? And you still get TVG data?

That sounds very promising to me.....:)

Wow, where have you been? We have been talking about receiving TVG data over CBS HD (digital) all year. I also have all OTA analog blocked.

jimmyv

11-08-08, 07:47 PM

Do you have all the analog channels blocked in the TVGOS menu as well as the DHG menu? And you still get TVG data?

That sounds very promising to me.....:)

While my host channel for TVGOS downloads has been digital for the last few months, for several years before that, while my host was analog, I had all the non-digital channels "unchecked" in my channel list and "off" in my TVGOS listings, so, yes, I was getting the TVGOS listings for the digital channels from my analog host, but, the only way I could tune to that station was by specifically entering the analog channel number, CH +/- only takes me thru the digital channels, and, they are the only ones that show in my TV Guide listings.

cosmicvoid

11-08-08, 08:48 PM

Why have any analog? ... I've had all my analog channels blocked practically since getting this unit.The main reason to have any analog channels in the lineup is the piss-poor multipath performance of the ATSC tuner in the Sony. I can not record channel 4.1 because of the macroblocking/freezing picture, so I suffer with the analog channel.

Hawkeye6

11-08-08, 09:32 PM

Congratulations!

Why have any analog? In the Twin Cities the digital channels broadcast the same programs as the analog (plus the extra sub-channels will often provide programs not available on analog). I've had all my analog channels blocked practically since getting this unit.

Never took the time to remove them. I use the guide exclusively to navigate channels. I just went in and removed them though so everything is all good.

Just want to say this forum is great and the people on the forum are great. My wife was just commenting on how this DVR has been one of our best purchases ever and I don't think she would feel that way if I didn't get all the tricks and fixes it requires from this forum. So thanks again. We have three very young kids and being able to record PBS kids content and call it up on demand is huge.

jimmyv

11-08-08, 10:24 PM

The main reason to have any analog channels in the lineup is the piss-poor multipath performance of the ATSC tuner in the Sony. I can not record channel 4.1 because of the macroblocking/freezing picture, so I suffer with the analog channel.

A highly directional antenna should help. It did for me - I had the same problems early on - and I agree it is very poor at multi-path rejection.

LS2JSTS

11-09-08, 04:33 AM

Wow, where have you been? We have been talking about receiving TVG data over CBS HD (digital) all year. I also have all OTA analog blocked.

Yes, Ive been following the saga intently.

I guess I made the assumption that you locked on your digital host by just removing your analog channels. I've seen a couple of reports in other forums of people being able to do this. Did you go thru the whole process as described in here or did you lock on to your CBS host in the easier manner I assumed you did?

edit....I put your screen name with your thread posts, sorry, you obviously went thru the process described in here. I'm unable to get CBS TVGOS in my market as of yet....But I have heard of people who have locked on the CBS digital feed by simply removing all analog channels from their guide and the DHG menus. It seems if they are able to pick up a strong digital CBS signal and their analog provider is weaker or has turned off their TVGOS, the DHG is able to switch and lock without the end user doing anything. After the shut off in Feb, I'm hoping that will be the case. But I appreciate the work of those assuring that this can be done somehow, even if it isn't as easy as I hope it may be in the end.

jmonier

11-09-08, 09:12 AM

I guess I made the assumption that you locked on your digital host by just removing your analog channels. I've seen a couple of reports in other forums of people being able to do this. Did you go thru the whole process as described in here or did you lock on to your CBS host in the easier manner I assumed you did?.

Disabling the analog channels does NOT prevent getting TVGOS from analog. I've had ALL the analog channels disabled since I got the unit several years ago and I have had full listings continually.

Of course, now that the Los Angeles CBS station is transmitting TVGOS digitally I've changed to that using the procedures in this thread.

LS2JSTS

11-09-08, 12:43 PM

Disabling the analog channels does NOT prevent getting TVGOS from analog. I've had ALL the analog channels disabled since I got the unit several years ago and I have had full listings continually.

Of course, now that the Los Angeles CBS station is transmitting TVGOS digitally I've changed to that using the procedures in this thread.

If I block my known TVG providers from both the DHG channel list and the TVG list, I in fact stop receiving guide data. Did you shut the analogs off in both lists?

jimmyv

11-09-08, 12:54 PM

If I block my known TVG providers from both the DHG channel list and the TVG list, I in fact stop receiving guide data. Did you shut the analogs off in both lists?

Interesting. I've had all analog channels blocked in both for several years and always got my TVGOS downloads fine (even before switching host to CBS digital).

Are there different ways to "block" the channels? I simply unchecked them from the channel list so I didn't have to click thru them when doing CH +/-, and, set them to "off" in TVGOS so they weren't cluttering up my listings.

The analog channels could still be received, so, analog TVGOS downloads still worked, it is just that to view one I had to explicitly tune to it by entering its number.

LS2JSTS

11-09-08, 01:20 PM

Interesting. I've had all analog channels blocked in both for several years and always got my TVGOS downloads fine (even before switching host to CBS digital).

Are there different ways to "block" the channels? I simply unchecked them from the channel list so I didn't have to click thru them when doing CH +/-, and, set them to "off" in TVGOS so they weren't cluttering up my listings.

The analog channels could still be received, so, analog TVGOS downloads still worked, it is just that to view one I had to explicitly tune to it by entering its number.

Those are the only two ways that I know of.

I had inadvertently turned all the analog off in both places a few years back when I first got them. I lost guide data and after spending hours in the manual and with Sony CSR level 2 they informed me that I had to turn the analogs on in the guide to get data. I turned my known providers back on and the next day I had guide data. I know it's anecdotal, maybe the host was down and just by coincidence that very day that I turned it back on, they got back on line. But I doubt it, I just made the assumption that Sony was correct.

Has anyone in here seen the posts on Hidefforum, I think it was. Some guy in FW-Dallas area that was able to lock on CBS digital by just turning off his analogs. I have no clue what version of TVGOS he had.

edit....I think if you remove the tune channel from the TVGOS menu for each channel that can make a difference as well. Also, in the case in DFW, the guy who was able to switch had very poor signal on his analog provider and very strong signal on CBS digital, maybe that affects the switch as well. Hence my unlearned assumption that the switch may be a lot easier after the analogs have gone off line all together. The DHG cant find what isnt there and will openly seek and accept the CBS feed....Just my wishful thinking I guess.

jmonier

11-09-08, 06:21 PM

If I block my known TVG providers from both the DHG channel list and the TVG list, I in fact stop receiving guide data. Did you shut the analogs off in both lists?

Yes, basically the same as jimmyv.

I had not done anything with the tune channel for the analog host in the TVGOS listing. It sort of makes sense that that blanking it out would make it impossible for the TVGOS software/firmware to find it.

frank70

11-09-08, 09:29 PM

Yes, basically the same as jimmyv.

I had not done anything with the tune channel for the analog host in the TVGOS listing. It sort of makes sense that that blanking it out would make it impossible for the TVGOS software/firmware to find it.Just the opposite here - with channel 12 (PBS Philly) disabled in both the CH+/- list and the TVGOS listings, I still receive guide updates just fine and my TVGOS host channel always reverts to 0:0-12 even when I can force it to a digital host for a few days. Unlike digital channels which need to be "discovered" by decoding the PSIP during a channel scan, an analog channel doesn't need to be in either list to tune it; there is no mapping required - analog RF channels are more or less absolute. I can't explain those who lose their guide after disabling the analog host though - certainly doesn't work that way on mine.

srw1000

11-09-08, 11:22 PM

ragwing

11-10-08, 12:28 PM

ftaok

11-10-08, 01:41 PM

I had something really odd happen tonight. I was watching the first airings King of the Hill and The Simpsons live, not set to record. I switched to a different (non-DVR) tuner to what The Amazing Race while recording the second episodes of The Simpsons and King of the Hill. OK, that's not the odd part.

When I went back to the Sony to watch the recordings, the list included 24: The Making of Redemption on my list. The recording time was listed as tonight, during the time when Hill and Simpsons were first on, and those two episodes are what was actually recorded.

This is just weird. Doesn't the Sony get it's program name and descriptions from what's populated in the guide? If so, where did it get the 24 information? And why would it record it when there's nothing at all set to record during that period?

ScottI see this happen from time to time. My hypothesis is that the TVGOS listings aren't erased and replaced when a newer listing is downloaded, so when the schedule gets changed at the network, the replaced shows are left on the grid, along with the new shows. This is manifested on the TVGOS device by having two shows at the same slot. If both shows are the same duration, then you don't notice it because the new show is "on top" of the old show. However, if the show durations don't match, you'll get some funkiness.

When you scroll around on the grid on these shows, you'll see the descriptions of both shows. So depending on what recordings you have set, you might get the descriptions of one show or the other.

Now, why your Sony recorded that time slot when you didn't have anything scheduled is still a mystery. I'd chaulk it up to Sony testing out a new Tivo-like feature. ;)

jtbell

11-10-08, 11:19 PM

(about my attempts to get digital TVGOS from WLTX 19.1 in Columbia SC)

After a TVGOS factory reset, you'll need to follow this procedure, which takes about 3 days: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0

I don't want to leave the antenna aimed towards Columbia that long because I normally get analog TVGOS from PBS in Greenville which is in the opposite direction. I'll disrupt the program listings on my other Sony.

I'll wait until the CBS station in either Greenville or Charlotte starts sending digital TVGOS. I usually watch Charlotte and Greenville stations anyway.

CharlieL

11-10-08, 11:25 PM

Hello All,
I am in South Jersey and I started missing guide data last week, then the dreaded lock up occurred while trying to watch while recording. I did the reset last May and it has worked fine since then.

I did the reset as detailed in the Spiff page, again. Overnight, it did not get guide data or the time and shows it did not acquire a host channel. I checked yesterday and channel 13 passes the g* test. I even tried the menu to force the vbi to channel 13.

I did a total reset again this morning and tried to see if any other PBS stations would pass the G* test, none did.

Is anyone else in South Jersey with comcast having the same issue? What vbi/host channel are you using? The only thing I notice is that the VBI data count runs slower then it used to.

Thanks,
Louie

This sounds exactly like my problem in Albuquerque, except without the lockup. I am OTA only. I have received no TVGOS updates for more than one week now. I have checked every channel that broadcasts locally (analog & digital) and have found VBI only on CBS analog (13).

I did the "Spiff" reset, but nothing changed after two days. The version reset to 8.01.42/00.00.00 from previously being at 8.01.42/8.06.44. I then followed the "force host" procedure to the letter & nothing has happened. Aside from having no clock or TVGOS, the unit is working just fine. It is acting as if no clock or TVGOS data is being received, even though it reflects good VBI on CBS analog.

Anyone else experiencing the same? Anyone have any suggestions? - my wife is about to ring my neck because "my" box is no longer working & she can't record her favorite shows as she's grown accustom to!!

Charlie

cosmicvoid

11-10-08, 11:48 PM

Anyone else experiencing the same? Anyone have any suggestions?I don't suppose you happen to know what your host channel was when it was working. Are you waiting long enough on each channel (30 seconds) to see if there really is VBI data? Not all VBI data is TVGOS data. Maybe your analog host channel has an equipment problem.

CharlieL

11-11-08, 08:54 AM

I don't suppose you happen to know what your host channel was when it was working. Are you waiting long enough on each channel (30 seconds) to see if there really is VBI data? Not all VBI data is TVGOS data. Maybe your analog host channel has an equipment problem.

Thanks for the reply. I thought the host channel was analog 4 (NBC) - also when first diagnosing the unit it reflected that 4 was the clock channel. I waited at least 30 seconds on each channel after receiving "fail" notice to be certain. I was unaware that all VBI data is not TVGOS data. Still have no clock.....

paula

11-11-08, 10:38 AM

I noticed some discussion of the Sony remote RM-VL600 having a "Previous Channel" (Recall) button that worked for our PVRs. Since I spent my last few dollars rescuing AIG I was forced to find and put the code into my One-For-All 10820 remote. It only took a couple hours.

The EFC is 131. (OBC is 108)

For those who haven't heard, many One-For-All remotes have a set of pins in the battery compartment that can be used for programming and configuration. There is a steep learning curve and a $20 gizmo is needed.
See <http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php>
(I think I am correct in adding that only the more recent OFA remotes (JP1.2) can do the Sony PVRs well.)

OKCrew

11-11-08, 09:00 PM

paula

11-11-08, 11:14 PM

I have not used a OFA remote for a couple of years but when I did, I found and programed the recall (last channel) command without JP1 programming. If there is a desire for it, I will look through my stuff and findout the code and programming steps...

You are right -- I neglected the user-friendly ways to program these remotes (Probably I was just showing off). All can learn codes by placing remotes nose-to nose. And all have extensive features that don't require a propeller beanie. Many keys can be programmed directly, as you say. O-F-A will provide 'extended codes' for a user's make and model by email.

Thanks for the whack-up-side-of-the-head. :)

OKCrew

11-12-08, 09:51 AM

Thanks for the whack-up-side-of-the-head. :)

No biggie... the JP1 modding is cool and can do way more than the advanced codes but I found I could do a majority of the JP1 stuff with advanced codes. I loved the ergonomics of my OFA 6131... http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/pic2.shtml?URC-6131 "tweaked" it was the most logical DVR centric remote I have ever used. I just wore it out and they became scarce.

I switched to Harmonys. My preference is the original Harmony 659. After you get used to the online software, very easy to tweak to your preference. Recall/Previous already in Harmony database. Family loves the activity based functionality although I had programmed my 6131 with key moves to be activity based in function. They just prefer the keys to be correctly named which I could never do with the OFA.

flyingvee

11-12-08, 03:56 PM

Quick (possibly ot) Noob question...I'm looking to buy one of these dvrs, simply to use as a cablecard enabled tuner for my front projector. I've read several pages back about tvg problems - that won't effect me (will it?) since I'll be using the Sony to watch HD-digital cable, using the cable co's card.

Or will it? Basically, just asking if I can use this box to tune and watch digital cable. Don't care about the time-shifting, or anything else; my cable co has a guide channel, so not concerned about that.

Thanks - and I'll get out of your way. ;)

bretski

11-12-08, 04:25 PM

Basically, just asking if I can use this box to tune and watch digital cable. Don't care about the time-shifting, or anything else; my cable co has a guide channel, so not concerned about that.

In your case, you can rest easy. It'll function just fine as a tuner, regardless of what happens with the guide...I'd wonder why you wouldn't want to use a box provided your your cableco, though (unless you'd be getting a DHG on the cheap).

flyingvee

11-12-08, 04:39 PM

simple - cable card is 4 bucks a month, their box is 13. I know - it'll pay for itself in a matter of decades....

RobMeyer1

11-12-08, 06:23 PM

Thanks for the reply. I thought the host channel was analog 4 (NBC) - also when first diagnosing the unit it reflected that 4 was the clock channel. I waited at least 30 seconds on each channel after receiving "fail" notice to be certain. I was unaware that all VBI data is not TVGOS data. Still have no clock.....

Charlie,

I can now confirm that analog channel 4 , KOB, is the local host channel. All my listings have filled in for me in the last two days with no errors. Today when I checked the host channel, it listed it as channel 4. It had been blank all the other times I had checked it since the problem with the guide downloads started last week. I would try tuning to channel 4 before turning off your unit overnight. It is my experience that clock and guide data can only be acquired from an analog channel when your unit is turned off.

GodobeHD

11-12-08, 08:13 PM

I don't know if there is list published on this thread for all the digital TVGOS stations in US. Here is a list on this site (http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=tvgos):
Digital TVGOS Service List
Last Update: 11/09/2008

TVGOS is the TV Guide On-Screen service. Some select digital TVs, DVRs, and converter boxes utilize TVGOS for guide data. Macrovision, owners of Gemstar/TV Guide, has a deal with CBS and thus digital TVGOS data only appears on CBS stations at this time. (Analog TVGOS data had appeared on PBS.) This list contains as many stations as I have data for.

Market No. Market Name Call Letters (Digital) TVGOS Last Updated
1 New York City, New York WCBS-TV 2 (56 → 33) ✓ 07/02/2008
2 Los Angeles, California KCBS-TV 2 (60 → 43) ✓ 06/03/2008
3 Chicago, Illinois WBBM-TV 2 (3 → 12) ✓ 07/01/2008
4 San Francisco, California KPIX-TV 5 (29) ✓ 07/15/2008
5 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania KYW-TV 3 (26) ✓ 07/01/2008
6 Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas KTVT 11 (19 → 11) ✓ 09/06/2008
7 Washington, District of Columbia WUSA 9 (34 → 9) × 06/17/2008
8 Boston, Massachusetts WBZ-TV 4 (30) ✓ 07/13/2008
9 Miami, Florida WFOR-TV 4 (22) -
10 Detroit, Michigan WWJ-TV 62 (44) -
11 Houston, Texas KHOU-TV 11 (31 → 11) ✓ 06/17/2008
12 Phoenix, Arizona KPHO-TV 5 (17) × 09/12/2008
13 Seattle, Washington KIRO-TV 7 (39) ✓ 09/08/2008
14 Minneapolis, Minnesota WCCO-TV 4 (32) ✓ 07/01/2008
15 Cleveland, Ohio WOIO 19 (10) × 10/03/2008
16 Sacramento, California KOVR 13 (25) -
17 San Diego, California XETV-DT 6 (23) ✓ 11/09/2008
18 Denver, Colorado KCNC-TV 4 (35) ✓ 09/13/2008
21 Atlanta, Georgia WGCL-TV 46 (19) ✓ 09/28/2008
22 Baltimore, Maryland WJZ-TV 13 (38 → 13) ✓ 06/17/2008
25 Portland, Oregon KOIN 6 (40) ✓ 08/04/2008
26 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania KDKA-TV 2 (25) ✓ 10/16/2008
28 San Antonio, Texas KENS-TV 5 (39) ✓ 11/09/2008
29 Milwaukee, Wisconsin WDJT-TV 58 (46) ✓ 09/28/2008
30 Salt Lake City, Utah KUTV 2 (34) ✓ 05/18/2008
31 Norfolk, Virginia WTKR 3 (40) × 05/11/2008
32 Charlotte, North Carolina WBTV 3 (23) × 07/20/2008
34 Columbus, Ohio WBNS-TV 10 (21) ✓ 10/03/2008
35 Raleigh, North Carolina WRAL-TV 5 (53 → 48) ✓ 05/07/2008
38 Cincinnati, Ohio WKRC-TV 12 (31 → 12) ✓ 08/15/2008
44 Jacksonville, Florida WTEV-TV 47 (19) × 08/13/2008
45 Fresno, California KGPE 47 (34) ✓ 10/24/2008
46 Dayton, Ohio WHIO-TV 7 (41) ✓ 08/15/2008
47 Austin, Texas KEYE-TV 42 (43) ✓ 07/01/2008
49 Grand Rapids, Michigan WWMT 3 (2 → 8) ✓ 10/28/2008
51 Tucson, Arizona KOLD-TV 13 (32) × 09/12/2008
53 Buffalo, New York WIVB-TV 4 (39) × 10/24/2008
54 Little Rock, Arkansas KTHV 11 (12) × 04/06/2008
57 Greensboro, North Carolina WFMY-TV 2 (51) × 07/20/2008
58 Albuquerque, New Mexico KRQE 13 (16 → 13) × 09/10/2008
63 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania WHP-TV 21 (4 → 21) × 06/29/2008
66 Greenville, South Carolina WSPA-TV 7 (53 → 7) × 10/14/2008
72 Scranton, Pennsylvania WYOU 22 (13) × 06/28/2008
74 Albany, New York WRGB 6 (39 → 6) ✓ 08/15/2008
81 Richmond, Virginia WTVR-TV 6 (25) ✓ 10/10/2008
82 Youngstown, Ohio WKBN-TV 27 (41) ✓ 10/08/2008
84 Redding, California KHSL-TV 12 (43) ✓ 09/23/2008
87 Baton Rouge, Louisiana WAFB 9 (46 → 9) × 06/20/2008
89 Roanoke, Virginia WDBJ 7 (18) ✓ 08/04/2008
93 Madison, Wisconsin WISC-TV 3 (50) × 10/10/2008
102 Lexington, Kentucky WKYT-TV 27 (13) × 08/21/2008
126 Rural Minnesota KCCO-TV 7 (24 → 7) -
126 Rural Minnesota KCCW-TV 12 (20 → 12) -
130 Springfield, Missouri KOLR 10 (52 → 10) × 04/20/2008
133 Beaumont, Texas KFDM-TV 6 (21) ✓ 06/17/2008
136 Charleston, South Carolina WCSC-TV 5 (47) × 09/12/2008
139 Lafayette, Louisiana KLFY-TV 10 (56 → 10) × 06/18/2008
144 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina WBTW 13 (56 → 13) × 05/28/2008
148 Sioux City, Iowa KMEG 14 (39) × 10/23/2008
155 Salisbury, Maryland WBOC-TV 16 (21) × 10/14/2008
159 Sioux Falls, South Dakota KELO-TV 11 (32 → 11) × 09/01/2008
216 Cheyenne, Wyoming KGWN-TV 5 (30) × 09/13/2008
220 Traverse City, Michigan WWTV 9 (40 → 9) ✓ 10/04/2008

It might be helpful if visitors on this thread can also verify if they work for DHGs.

Opinionated

11-12-08, 08:17 PM

avnstf

11-12-08, 09:07 PM

It might be helpful if visitors on this thread can also verify if they work for DHGs.
This list has been seen in this thread before.

Only about 10 to 15 stations have been tried by Sony owners frequenting this thread, generally with success.

My guess is that most people won't go to the trouble until they have to...

(I tested my unit as part of my effort to understand how digital tvgos works, not only with this unit, but also with the LG3410a - though, in that case, only after TVGOS starts including the data necessary for use with the DTVPal.)

drhankz

11-12-08, 10:47 PM

I have 5 of these lovely boxes.

Tonight after many years - I had my first Death.

Rest in Peace Sweet DHG-HDD500 :(

Chip Chanko

11-12-08, 11:33 PM

This one works on DC FiOS (I'm in Arlington). DHG-HDD250.

7 Washington, District of Columbia WUSA 9 (34 → 9) × 06/17/2008

It might be helpful if visitors on this thread can also verify if they work for DHGs.

sivartk

11-12-08, 11:34 PM

I have 5 of these lovely boxes.

Tonight after many years - I had my first Death.

Rest in Peace Sweet DHG-HDD500 :(

Does the tuner still work post mortem? Would be interesting to know because as just a tuner, mine will be fine in the theater room for sports when it dies. (knock on plastic conductors)

Ray1938

11-13-08, 02:50 AM

I have 5 of these lovely boxes.

Tonight after many years - I had my first Death.

Rest in Peace Sweet DHG-HDD500 :(

Why not send it back to Sony for repair?

Ray

drhankz

11-13-08, 07:30 AM

Does the tuner still work post mortem? Would be interesting to know because as just a tuner, mine will be fine in the theater room for sports when it dies. (knock on plastic conductors)

The Hard Disk has died.

I'm sure the tuner is fine but will NOT BOOT up.

drhankz

11-13-08, 07:31 AM

Why not send it back to Sony for repair?

Ray

I will AFTER Feb 17 if the other 4 don't die then :mad:

jtbell

11-13-08, 08:17 AM

32 Charlotte, North Carolina WBTV 3 (23) × 07/20/2008
66 Greenville, South Carolina WSPA-TV 7 (53 → 7) × 10/14/2008

I checked both of these last night, using the G* Factory Test, and neither of them is sending any packets (or at least ones that my Sonys recognize).

jay214128

11-13-08, 12:34 PM

Digital TVGOS Service List
Last Update: 11/09/2008

17 San Diego, California XETV-DT 6 (23) ✓ 11/09/2008

I live in San Diego, but didn't realize XETV-DT (CW) was providing the TVGOS service (KFMB-DT (CBS) isn't). I contacted the XETV engineer and this was his reply:

"XETV continues to broadcast TV Guide data(TVGOS), both on 23 digital and 6 analog. The servers were upgraded just a few months ago, in part to service Sony for their R&D in Rancho Bernardo. Obviously, the side benefit is that old VCRs will continue to be supported for as long as channel 6 stays on the air, well past 2009."

So, Sony DVR users in San Diego may have a problem with their DVRs switching to the digital TVGOS service, since an analog one will still be available, but then it probably doesn't matter.

paula

11-13-08, 02:47 PM

WS65711

11-13-08, 06:31 PM

Wasn't '10 seconds' one of the choices in Preferences→Recording→Replay Time not too long ago?

Now the choices are 2, 15, 30 . . . I liked 10 because I could go ahead 30 then jump back twice to find an in-between point.

(Please tell me I am not losing my mind, Dave. . . . . . Dave? . . . . . . . Please don't do that Dave.)

Actually, I am a Dave.............

I don't know about 10 seconds, but I do KNOW that 5 seconds is (was) a choice, because that's how mine is set. Forward 30, back 5, 5, 5 . . .

Dave :)

xsn0

11-16-08, 11:22 PM

My hdd500 (Los Angeles) stopped getting the listings some 2 weeks back. Yeah, we only noticed lately. I tried to force a digital host, CBS 2.1 OTA to stick but no dice. It's also evident that the analog PBS 28 has much more data coming through on the G* tests. So I re-enabled all the analog hosts as well but still .... no dice.

Question is, how is it possible that I can see packets coming through via the G*test but not get the listings? I'm thinking of doing a hard reset but I don't relish the though of losing all my current recordings. Any ideas?

frank70

11-17-08, 09:04 AM

Question is, how is it possible that I can see packets coming through via the G*test but not get the listings? I'm thinking of doing a hard reset but I don't relish the though of losing all my current recordings. Any ideas?Yes, the presence of an incrementing VBI count in the G* test screen in no way assures you that TVGOS data is arriving. It could be all dummy packets, or it could be another form of VBI data (on an analog channel) entirely unrelated to TVGOS (but not CC or parental control.) The only "true" test for TVGOS data is to run the G* test on a hopeful channel (analog or digital), see the incrementing VBI count, and then leave it alone, turned on, still tuned to that channel, for 24 hours; then bring up the guide and see if it's populated out through 8 days. If so, the channel is transmitting TVGOS data; if not, you're out of luck as far as that channel is concerned.

Tucknan

11-17-08, 01:07 PM

My hdd500 (Los Angeles) stopped getting the listings some 2 weeks back. Yeah, we only noticed lately. I tried to force a digital host, CBS 2.1 OTA to stick but no dice. It's also evident that the analog PBS 28 has much more data coming through on the G* tests. So I re-enabled all the analog hosts as well but still .... no dice.

Try analog channel 11 (KTTV). Several months ago my HDD500 switched to ch 11 as its host by itself and my program data has been fine ever since. I think PBS 28 has been having intermittent problems for quite some time.

PhillyC

11-17-08, 06:26 PM

Uh-oh! I have no listings for next Sunday and Monday, and no VBI packets showing up on the G*Test. This is via CBS-HD 2.1 Comcast in Chicago.

Anyone in Chicago getting listings via CBS digital OTA?

jengle1023

11-18-08, 12:24 AM

subako

11-18-08, 12:58 AM

In Seattle and I have Comcast. Have HDD250 with cable card installed. It was installed in April 2008 with cable only. Worked fine up until about a week ago. I lost the time and the guide. The only way I was able to get both the time and guide back was by hooking rabbit ears up to the Antenna Input and doing a scan. Ran the VBI test and only received packets on Antenna channel 9. Anyone else in the Seattle area having this problem?

Yes. The change happened on November 2nd. KCTS 9 is now digital (256-QAM) 480i for cable card users at 555.000 MHz. The analog signal at 189.000 MHz, is now derived from the digital signal so there is no TVGOS info to be had there either. Neither of the KIRO 7 (CBS) digital signals on Comcast, at 711.000 MHz 256-QAM for 107, cable card, or 623.000 8-VSB for 7.1 without cable card seems to carry any TVGOS data.

I had to ask for a supervisor to find someone who could tell the difference between TVGOS and the Comcast cable box guide. I was urged to contact "Rick" (Rick Germano, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations) via the feedback link on the Comcast contact us page.

Ray1938

11-18-08, 02:47 AM

Try analog channel 11 (KTTV). Several months ago my HDD500 switched to ch 11 as its host by itself and my program data has been fine ever since. I think PBS 28 has been having intermittent problems for quite some time.

One of my units gets data from OTA channel 11 and the other one from OTA channel 28.

Ray

jengle1023

11-18-08, 03:55 AM

Subako, thanks for the information. We started getting guide and time information via PBS channel 9 only when the over the air antenna was connected. When I get home next week, I intend to connect my UHF antenna up to the Sony Antenna input and see if I get VBI packets on PBS and/or KIRO. I believe that Comcast must pass on the TVGOS information on KIRO or the PBS station.

flyingvee

11-18-08, 09:00 AM

Thought I'd check this from both ends - is anyone out there with the Sony using it in conjunction with the DVDO Edge? (or, for that matter, any DVDO vps? - the core chipset is close enough, if the Sony works with a 30, 50, or 50pro, it should work with my Edge)

thanks. 'bout ready to get one. this is my last concern.

xsn0

11-18-08, 12:23 PM

subako

11-18-08, 02:32 PM

I may have missed a revelation but how does one do a scan to see what channel is sending TVGOS data ?

While off, the box will try known (from channel scans) channels, unless it has found a channel and becomes locked. To my knowledge, no one has described the algorythm in more detail than that. If you're having trouble, Google "TVGOS analog" and visit the spiffspace.com link. The list confirms that KCET 28 is your best shot. Use the G* test, turn off your box and let it catch the next update.

Analog 28 seems to send more data but I just don't have any listings.

Yet. Based on the suggestions, I'm leaving the unit tuned to 28 and leaving it on. Today will be day two, so fingers crossed.

Sorry, your box will only listen for listing updates while off. That's the reason for the auto off setting, so if you forget to turn it off manually, "mother" will come and turn it off for you, so that you get your listings.

Does ne1 know of a way to transfer my current recordings out? If I can do that, I'll do a hard reset on the unit.

No one has suggested that a hard reset will give you a better shot. You have a couple of things to try yet before you try that. Do check that you have your ZIP code set properly. I'd even try setting my zip code to 91711 for Claremont, CA. before resorting to a hard reset.

Good Luck.

WS65711

11-18-08, 02:38 PM

......................... KCET 28 is your best shot. Use the G* test, turn off your box and let it catch the next update.........

NO !!!

Run the G* Test then leave the DHG turned ON !!!

subako

11-18-08, 02:48 PM

NO !!!

Run the G* Test then leave the DHG turned ON !!!

Sorry to provide incorrect information. Could you provide more detail?

Does the box need to stay in the G* test screen? Mine seems to drop out of the test screen after a bit. Does exiting manually disrupt the state you need to be in?

Does getting the listings once mean that one no longer needs to do this special thing to get listings?

WS65711

11-18-08, 03:00 PM

Follow the "frank70" procedure in the link below:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14416772#post14416772

You can turn off your TV, but leave the DHG turned on. :)

subako

11-18-08, 05:54 PM

Follow the "frank70" procedure in the link below:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14416772#post14416772

You can turn off your TV, but leave the DHG turned on. :)

Thanks for the link. The reason for leaving the DHG on in that procedure seemed to be to prove that listings weren't coming from some other channel (particularly an analog channel when trying to ensure the use of a digital channel).

I can understand perhaps wanting to leave the DHG on long enough to ensure that the clock gets set correctly. I have observed that a soft reset seems to reliably change my clock by at least nine or ten minutes so that I can be sure that I'm getting a clock update when the time gets reset.

Can you expand on what needs to happen while one leaves the DHG on after the G* test? Wouldn't using the 753159852 test to see that the host channel was 0:0-# (for the appropriate value of #) be enough to go back to the normal way of getting listings?

Thanks for your help.

avnstf

11-18-08, 06:20 PM

If you do the G*test and simply leave the unit in that state, you will get listings. (If doing it overnight, you should FIRST disable the auto-tunroff feature.) After a short time, the G* test will leave the screen, but don't change the channel or turn the unit off.

You should get the update in this way. (In fact, when I did this, I was working from a reset TV Guide, so that I had NO listings, and it filled in all 8 days overnight - I was stunned...) Doing this will, by the way, NOT reset your host channel to the digital TVGOS source...

jengle1023

11-18-08, 06:30 PM

Yes. The change happened on November 2nd. KCTS 9 is now digital (256-QAM) 480i for cable card users at 555.000 MHz. The analog signal at 189.000 MHz, is now derived from the digital signal so there is no TVGOS info to be had there either. Neither of the KIRO 7 (CBS) digital signals on Comcast, at 711.000 MHz 256-QAM for 107, cable card, or 623.000 8-VSB for 7.1 without cable card seems to carry any TVGOS data.

I had to ask for a supervisor to find someone who could tell the difference between TVGOS and the Comcast cable box guide. I was urged to contact "Rick" (Rick Germano, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations) via the feedback link on the Comcast contact us page.

subako: I sent comcast the following email to Comcast on 11/17/2008:
I have a Sony Digital Video Recorder which utilizes Gemstar's Television Guide On Screen (TVGOS). I had cable installed in April of this year. At that time, the technician installed a cable card into the Sony DHG-HDD250. The TVGOS functioned perfectly up until last week. I connected an external antenna to the unit and can receive this guide information via the PBS Channel 9. There is a test mode on the unit that verifies that the guide information is received as part of the Vertical Blanking Interval. The information is being received using an external antenna. It is not being received via Cable Channel 9. Since my guide has worked up until a week ago, I must conclude that either Comcast has stopped broadcasting this information, or that the Cable Card is somehow interfering with the Vertical Blanking Information. I would appreciate it if you could promptly look into this matter and provide me with an explanation.

subako, check out this response from comcast:
Dear Gerald,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.

I apologize for the disruption in services you have experienced.
Unfortunately, we do not provide support for DVR's that are not provided
by us. I can assure you that we have not changed anything to interfere
with receiving an on screen guide. I would contact the maker of your
DVR for further troubleshooting.

If you have any more questions feel free to reply to this e-mail, or you
can chat with one of our Online Customer Support Specialists 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week using the following link:

http://www.comcastsupport.com/chat

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Dan S
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

subako

11-18-08, 06:50 PM

... I can assure you that we have not changed anything to interfere with receiving an on screen guide. ...

That's the unable to "tell the difference between TVGOS and the Comcast cable box guide" talking.

My condolences.

WhatHappend

11-18-08, 06:51 PM

subako: I sent comcast the following email to Comcast on 11/17/2008:

What kind of response were you expecting? Real technical people that understand this stuff now days are regional. For my area the head-end that inserts the channels for cable cards is in another state. The Head-end engineer that is 1/2 of the USA away from me was the only one who could enable the SATA port on my cable provided DVR. No one local even knew what I was talking about (I am talking about head maintenance techs, local dispatch, regional head-end technicial, managment). I found the person here on AVS that worked at the cable company that was able to help. Dealing with cable compainies is very furstrating.

Your best bet is to try your CBS digital HD feed over cable. It take more effort from the cable company personal to screw that VBI signal up.

((Although when you own the SONY, you can see once in a while that someone at the Cable company knows how the cable system works. They will disable encryption on an adult PPV channel for a weekend. The cable DVR won't show the PPV channel without paying for it, but the SONY will show it, if its not encrypted)):D:D

frank70

11-18-08, 07:02 PM

I apologize for the disruption in services you have experienced.
Unfortunately, we do not provide support for DVR's that are not provided
by us. I can assure you that we have not changed anything to interfere
with receiving an on screen guide. I would contact the maker of your
DVR for further troubleshooting.In other words (as I have said many times before) cable sux and cable companies can do anything they please; they have no obligation to provide you with anything other than a picture on the channels you subscribe to. Anyone who has been successful with TVGOS via cable has been, and still is, on borrowed time. They have absolutely no motivation to preserve and pass TVGOS data as indicated by the tone of the reply. Your Sony is screwed unless you provide it with an OTA input, period. Never, never, never rely on cable companies to do anything other than raise prices into the stratosphere. I'm appalled at the recent commercials promising you over 1000 channels, when in fact 990 of those you will likely never watch. We get ~35 digital channels OTA, of which about 11 are useful, and yet my wife is forever time-shifting (via the Sony) just to watch the evening shows she likes. TV programming, zero dollars. Ok, if you're addicted to ESPN and Comcast Sportsnet, then by all means contribute to the fund that just built the tallest building in Philadelphia.

Ray1938

11-18-08, 08:44 PM

I may have missed a revelation but how does one do a scan to see what channel is sending TVGOS data ?

I tried 6 and 11 OTA in Los Angeles but there's nothing there. Digital 2.1 fails on the first try but does show some VBI data on the 2nd g*test. Analog 28 seems to send more data but I just don't have any listings.

Yet. Based on the suggestions, I'm leaving the unit tuned to 28 and leaving it on. Today will be day two, so fingers crossed.

Does ne1 know of a way to transfer my current recordings out? If I can do that, I'll do a hard reset on the unit.

I'm not aware of OTA TV channel 6 in Los Angeles, but both OTA channel 11 and 28 provide guide data. If the unit isn't locked onto a guide station, it is designed to search until it finds one, but only if the unit is in standby.

Only way I know to transfer recordings is to connect an external recording device, DVD or Tape, to one of the analog outputs and play each recording.

Ray

jengle1023

11-18-08, 09:10 PM

frank70

11-18-08, 10:03 PM

An additional piece of information. I contacted the Seattle CBS affiliate, KIRO TV. A gentleman by the name of Pat Otis indicated that they were handling the TVGOS signal now. My next step is to hook up the UHF antenna and see if TVGOS is available on the digital channel using the Antenna input. I know it is not coming in over the cable. The only thing left to try is to remove the cable card to see if it is interfering. In addition, Close Caption is working on both the analog and high def CBS affiliate. Hard to believe the cable card could strip only a portion of the VBI data though.For a digital channel, the so-called VBI isn't really VBI at all (no such thing in an ATSC modulated signal) but rather embedded in the PSIP, as is CC. Since cable companies reconstruct the QAM signal at a compression generally higher than broadcast ATSC, they can and do put anything they want into the PSIP (witness the odd mappings that come up if you scan clear QAM channels without a cable card.)

For an analog channel, many of those these days are also reconstructed from a digital feed, so same effect. In the good old days of CATV, analog channels on the cable were just repeated versions of the analog feed; but in their lust for bandwidth to accomodate those 1000 channels, compression is the rule, and any data unnecessary to reproduce a channel's picture, sound, and CC is expendable.

I think you'll find the antenna receives your guide just fine. However, beware that after 17 Feb 2009, not all digital stations will be on UHF. Luckily for you KIRO will stay on 39. Only KCTS will go back to VHF (41 -> 9).

Rammitinski

11-19-08, 01:25 AM

Has anybody else noticed that since Macrovision has taken over, it seems like the channel list is not as current/updated as it had been. I live in the Chicago area and in the past year three channels have started broadcasting, but the channel list has not been updated with their information. (The channels I'm refering to are: Universal sports, MHz Worldview, and ThisTV) Macrovision seemed to be quick when the Tube network was replaced with LATV, but that was the last time I saw any channels added. It just seems that Macrovision is dropping the ball.....Just thought I'd let you know that TVGOS has added ThisTV and Universal Sports to the guide in our area. I had to go into the channel editor to discover it.

ThisTV is abbreviated as "WCIUT", and Universal Sports is "US". They were right near the end of the list, and I had to add in the channels numbers. Took a couple of days for them to fill in after I turned them on.

ThisTV's programming tonight is off by an hour, and US doesn't really give any specific programming information in the grid, a la "The Tube", so it's kind of worthless.

WhatHappend

11-19-08, 02:42 AM

For a digital channel, the so-called VBI isn't really VBI at all (no such thing in an ATSC modulated signal) but rather embedded in the PSIP, as is CC. Since cable companies reconstruct the QAM signal at a compression generally higher than broadcast ATSC, they can and do put anything they want into the PSIP (witness the odd mappings that come up if you scan clear QAM channels without a cable card.)

No, that is not correct. VBI information is carried in the MPEG codec not in the PSIP ATSC transport. Since it is in the MPEG as optional data a cable company has to re-compress the MPEG to destroy it. I have explain this about 3 times now on this board. The idea was to carry the VBI from the station over MPEG and then a converter box at the TV could convert that VBI data back as real analog VBI data on the SD output to carry all existing CC, Ratings, optional data services (like TVGOS). Converter boxes also are able to convert the PSIP information for CC and ratings to VBI analog stream over their SD outputs.

The Gemstar (TVGOS) Guide carried over Digital channels in the optional MPEG extension data as nothing to do with the PSIP Guide carried to any equipped TV or HDTV converter box.

ChrisS5

11-19-08, 06:47 AM

Just thought I'd let you know that TVGOS has added ThisTV and Universal Sports to the guide in our area. I had to go into the channel editor to discover it.

ThisTV is abbreviated as "WCIUT", and Universal Sports is "US". They were right near the end of the list, and I had to add in the channels numbers. Took a couple of days for them to fill in after I turned them on.

I emailed TVGOS a couple of weeks ago. They replied that they were working on adding the channels. I saw the US, but missed the ThisTV.

Thanks for the catch! :)

frank70

11-19-08, 07:13 AM

The Gemstar (TVGOS) Guide carried over Digital channels in the optional MPEG extension data as nothing to do with the PSIP Guide carried to any equipped TV or HDTV converter box.Although I may not be up on the details of the ATSC data packaging, nonetheless the cable companies DO re-compress the video stream, and there is no data in the "Vertical Blanking Interval" of an ATSC/QAM signal because such a thing simply doesn't exist. In this forum we're not talking about a converter box putting something extracted from the digital data into the analog output, we're talking about the QAM signal that the Sony needs to deal with directly. Of course it trys to extract both PSIP and TVGOS info (the former to use in an info header for stations not in the TVGOS guide) and deals with them without ever converting anything to VBI (in spite of the fact that they still call it VBI.) Technical details aside, I think my point is still valid - what data the Sony gets via a cable analog or digital channel can never be assumed to be the data the station broadcasts OTA (and in fact the picture is different too in subtle ways.)

WS65711

11-19-08, 08:05 AM

Has anyone come across Palladia (formerly MHD) in the TVGOS listings?

Wally1912

11-19-08, 08:25 AM

Has anyone come across Palladia (formerly MHD) in the TVGOS listings?

I have it here in the Boston area. I remember TVGOS was very quick to update when the channel changed its name from MHD, which I think may have been early September.

WS65711

11-19-08, 08:36 AM

Wally -

Can you tell me what the name is (callsign) in the TVGOS listings?

Thanks

grittree

11-19-08, 08:53 AM

Although I may not be up on the details of the ATSC data packaging, nonetheless the cable companies DO re-compress the video stream, and there is no data in the "Vertical Blanking Interval" of an ATSC/QAM signal because such a thing simply doesn't exist.

I'm not aware of any cableco compressing the ATSC stream from local stations. Just changing the modulation from 8VSB to QAM256. Am I wrong?

And what is "re-compress"? From mpeg2 to mpeg2?

WhatHappend

11-19-08, 11:29 AM

I'm not aware of any cableco compressing the ATSC stream from local stations. Just changing the modulation from 8VSB to QAM256. Am I wrong?

And what is "re-compress"? From mpeg2 to mpeg2?

Yes some cable companies ("COMCAST") compress from MPEG2 to lower quality MPEG2. At MPEG2 rate used OTA HD, the cable company can get 2 full quality HD streams on 1 QAM256 channel. If they compress the MPEG2 further they can get 3 HD channels (I hope no one is doing 4 HD channel in one QAM256).

All cable companies are looking at doing the same. This recompression doesn't have to destory the VBI data packet though. They just have to purchase equipment that is aware of the data and moves it to the output MPEG stream.

From their recompression you wont notice any difference on still images HD shots but when the action starts you see macro-blocking all over the fast action portions.

xsn0

11-19-08, 11:57 AM

I may have missed a revelation but how does one do a scan to see what channel is sending TVGOS data ?

I tried 6 and 11 OTA in Los Angeles but there's nothing there. Digital 2.1 fails on the first try but does show some VBI data on the 2nd g*test. Analog 28 seems to send more data but I just don't have any listings.

Yet. Based on the suggestions, I'm leaving the unit tuned to 28 and leaving it on. Today will be day two, so fingers crossed.

Does ne1 know of a way to transfer my current recordings out? If I can do that, I'll do a hard reset on the unit.

Well, I forgot to turn auto-off off so the unit was off. However, when I turn it on this am to view the much anticipated listings, it was at the Setup screen.

I guess this is kinda of good news, so I put in the zip e.g. and will again await the grand arrival of listings. If not, I'll have a laptop on the tvtitan web page on do all my programming the HARD way http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/smilies/wink.gif

EdwinC

11-19-08, 01:40 PM

I have been following this thread for a while now and I am confused as to the different instructions/methods of forcing a digital host channel. I live in Anaheim, California and I would appreciate a response from somebody living in the area (Orange County) that has successfully forced their unit/s to lock on to a digital host. I have both cable(no cable card) and OTA. I tried the G*test yesterday and checked today to see what my host channel is and it is blank. Do I have to do a reset to try and get back my analog host?

grittree

11-19-08, 02:46 PM

Yes some cable companies ("COMCAST") compress from MPEG2 to lower quality MPEG2. At MPEG2 rate used OTA HD, the cable company can get 2 full quality HD streams on 1 QAM256 channel. If they compress the MPEG2 further they can get 3 HD channels (I hope no one is doing 4 HD channel in one QAM256).

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that. I wonder if Comcast only does that on headends with less than 750Mhz. Do you know offhand a major market where they don't give the locals the full 19Mbps half-a-channel?

Dudeman007

11-19-08, 03:31 PM

Hi Guys -- I finally got my unit to start downloading the guide.. BUT NOW it has stopped! It last downloaded last Friday night and it only downloaded a few hours.. I have changed nothing -- Also, the *G test isn't showing anymore VBI on the channel it was showing it on. Any suggestions on what I should do? I'm in Birmingham, Alabama. Anyone know what host I ought to use here?

Ray1938

11-19-08, 08:25 PM

Since the cable company compresses OTA signals, if I choose to record programs on cable instead of OTA, will the recorder store more program hours?

Ray

cosmicvoid

11-19-08, 10:25 PM

Since the cable company compresses OTA signals, if I choose to record programs on cable instead of OTA, will the recorder store more program hours?No, just worse picture quality. Did you think compressing it more would result in a shorter program length?

WhatHappend

11-19-08, 10:25 PM

Thanks, I wasn't aware of that. I wonder if Comcast only does that on headends with less than 750Mhz. Do you know offhand a major market where they don't give the locals the full 19Mbps half-a-channel?
I would have to go back and review the forums. When you have a cable DVR like the PACE family you can go to diagnostics and it shows the file size and time of each recording. It also shows the average bit rate for the recording. With the SONY or any device that shows the frequency of a tuned channel you can go through all the channels 1 by 1 and note how may HD channels share the same frequency (keep a spread sheet).

Since the cable company compresses OTA signals, if I choose to record programs on cable instead of OTA, will the recorder store more program hours?

Ray

Yes, you get more hours if your cable company compresses the signal. DirecTV with there MPEG4 compression gives you a nice boost in HD recording hours.

I can't stand HD to be further compressed. I would trade hours for quality any day.

frank70

11-20-08, 07:39 AM

Since the cable company compresses OTA signals, if I choose to record programs on cable instead of OTA, will the recorder store more program hours?

RaySure, but it's the age-old tradeoff (remember SP/LP/EP? remember 15/7.5/3.75 IPS?) Seriously, is being able to record more hours of inferior (i.e. sub-HD) quality really a "benefit"?

xsn0

11-20-08, 11:01 AM

Well, I forgot to turn auto-off off so the unit was off. However, when I turn it on this am to view the much anticipated listings, it was at the Setup screen.

I guess this is kinda of good news, so I put in the zip e.g. and will again await the grand arrival of listings. If not, I'll have a laptop on the tvtitan web page on do all my programming the HARD way http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/images/smilies/wink.gif

Well, I started getting listings again with the unit off. I'm not touching anything until I get a week's worth.

drhankz

11-20-08, 12:33 PM

Well, I started getting listings again with the unit off. I'm not touching anything until I get a week's worth.

The NORMAL procedure is to GET LISTINGS when the unit is off.
That is why there is an auto off feature - to download the guide
in the early AM hours.

Some of the newer alternatives to try and get listings from a
Digital Station, indicate leaving the unit on.

Either way - it takes a number of days to get all the listings.
This is discussed on this website (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php).

But it is fine to use it as long as you shut it off at night.

Ross Moody

11-20-08, 01:19 PM

Help, my TVGOS Stopped working. I do not have a DVR just a Sony TV (KDL-40W4100). I scanned over 400 pages here looking for solutions as SONY, Gemstar, Mediacom, nor GA PBS were of help even though Gemstar tech tried. How can I duplicate the “G” test? (Ref links 12187 and 12445) Something on my remote must correspond to menu button, and screen mode. On the remote, 9012 gets me a “search for signal” response. When I punch the guide button I can select in the set up screen, Diagnostic screens, 5, of them by scrolling left or right. The only item that seems germane is “host chan” NONE. I did try code 963214785 and got many diagnostic type screens using left, right, up, and down arrows on remote wheel. Would appreciate any suggestions. :confused: Thanks Ross Moody

WS65711

11-20-08, 07:33 PM

The NORMAL procedure is to GET LISTINGS when the unit is off.
That is why there is an auto off feature - to download the guide
in the early AM hours.

Some of the newer alternatives to try and get listings from a
Digital Station, indicate leaving the unit on.

Either way - it takes a number of days to get all the listings.
This is discussed on this website (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php).

But it is fine to use it as long as you shut it off at night.

The highlighted statement is not true. When using the G*Test method, you can get a full 8 days of listings in just a few hours. :D
It's a good way to get "back in business" after you've experienced a glitch or other interruption in TVGOS overnight downloads.
I just bought a second HDD500 from another member of this forum, who lives thousands of miles from me. After a week in shipment,
and changing zipcodes, I have a full 8 days of listings in just a few hours. :D:D:D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14416772#post14416772

GodobeHD

11-20-08, 08:07 PM

avnstf

11-20-08, 10:50 PM

WS, what's the G* method you are referring to here? Is it just doing the G* test and then leaving the on? Did your host channel change as well?

Using this method to get listings does not change the host channel...

Wally1912

11-20-08, 11:26 PM

Wally -

Can you tell me what the name is (callsign) in the TVGOS listings?

Thanks

It is listed as PLDHD and it still has an MTV logo.

Ray1938

11-21-08, 02:01 AM

Sure, but it's the age-old tradeoff (remember SP/LP/EP? remember 15/7.5/3.75 IPS?) Seriously, is being able to record more hours of inferior (i.e. sub-HD) quality really a "benefit"?

HD is definitely best but I would rather record at lower quality than not record a program because of capacity limitation. For that reason, I use a Digital to Analog converter box, which I keep tuned to CBS, to record programs like CSI on my non-hd DVR, even though I have three HD DVRs. These analog recordings are almost like HD compared with OTA analog tv.

Ray

WS65711

11-21-08, 08:09 AM

WS, what's the G* method you are referring to here? Is it just doing the G* test and then leaving the on? Did your host channel change as well?
What are the firmware and software versions of your units? Thanks.

It's the "Frank70" procedure. See the link in my post above. Basically, you disable the auto-off feature, tune to your local digital channel that has TVGOS (probably CBS), initiate the G*Test, wait about a minute to see VBI packets update, then leave the DHG turned on and tuned to that channel. You can turn off your TV. Later when you return (I don't know the exact number of hours it takes, but it's much less than 24) you should have a full 8 days of listings. :D

My firmware is 1.2.13 but I know that this works with 1.2.05 also (I've done it with that version). TVGOS software is current, but I don't know the version number. The instructions for doing the G*Test are included in Spiff's FAQ page.

This method does NOT change your host channel, it simply enables you to get 8 days of listings (relatively) quickly.

LS2JSTS

11-21-08, 10:58 AM

It's the "Frank70" procedure. See the link in my post above. Basically, you disable the auto-off feature, tune to your local digital channel that has TVGOS (probably CBS), initiate the G*Test, wait about a minute to see VBI packets update, then leave the DHG turned on and tuned to that channel. You can turn off your TV. Later when you return (I don't know the exact number of hours it takes, but it's much less than 24) you should have a full 8 days of listings. :D

My firmware is 1.2.13 but I know that this works with 1.2.05 also (I've done it with that version). TVGOS software is current, but I don't know the version number. The instructions for doing the G*Test are included in Spiff's FAQ page.

This method does NOT change your host channel, it simply enables you to get 8 days of listings (relatively) quickly.

Hey WS,

Glad to hear that you are getting full guide data. It took me five days to do the same on my 250 when I switched over from coaxial to OTA.

Did the FW update aleviate the popping over HDMI with your Sharp. Did you try it with your Mits as well?

WS65711

11-21-08, 11:25 AM

LS2JSTS -

The popping sound may be somewhat reduced, but it hasn't gone away completely. I still need to look into this some more. I really don't think its a problem with the DHG, I think its just some goofy interaction with my TV.

My Mits is older (Nov 2002) and doesn't have HDMI (or even DVI). But if I have time today I may feed the DHG into my SC07 via HDMI to see if the popping is audible there also. I could try my other DHG with the Sharp, except it would be more trouble than it's worth to get it out of the cabinet and move it to the bedroom. I do have another SD DVD player though that I believe has HDMI. I will probably try to hook it up HDMI to the Sharp to see what happens.

WS65711

11-21-08, 07:14 PM

It is listed as PLDHD and it still has an MTV logo.

Thanks Wally. I've been trying to find this for weeks now.

But now I found that I have another problem. My (new to me) DHG that I just set up 2 days ago shows PLDHD as a choice in the channel listing, so I can assign a channel number to it and get program listings. But my other DHG (that I've had for 2+ years) doesn't include PLDHD in it's listings that I can choose from.

My old DHG shows 477 channels to choose from, the "new" DHG shows well over 600 channels. Does anyone know the best way to force the old DHG to update it's channel list so that it will pick up program listings for PLDHD?

Thanks

LS2JSTS

11-21-08, 07:28 PM

WS65711,

I've found that every time I moved my DHG's accumulate more and more channels. Seemed like each new set up brought with it a new list of channels added on to the previous list....sometimes leaving my locals way at the end of the list.
Maybe you could try and let it go through a TVGOS zip code change without forcing the download. I know it would take way more time, but each time I've done that I seem to get the newer channels.

At one point my lists were so long, I called Sony and they walked me through the TVGOS reset, to wipe the lists clean and start over. You probably know that procedure from this thread.

daleebob

11-22-08, 08:27 PM

TheRatPatrol

11-22-08, 09:51 PM

My local cable moved around the local QAM HD channels again, I'm stuck having to record 2 local channels via QAM because I can't get them OTA. Is there anyway to enter "0.715" into the channel editor, or am I SOL?

Thanks

EDIT: I did a rescan and when you press info the correct channel information comes up, just no guide listings.

OTAJIM

11-23-08, 03:17 AM

I've spent a few hours going through this forum since it has always provided solutions in the past, but this time I'm not finding anyone with the same problem.
For the past few weeks, my HDD500 has been slowing down again, as if another reset would be needed. Business has kept me busy, so I only looked into it tonight. When I press the TV Guide button, I get nothing at all, it just ignores the command. Same for REC List. When I press INFO for a live show, the info box appears but no info is available. Its like the TVGOS is completely gone, as is the ability to get to its upper menu for Settings.
When I attempt a G*Test, Menu works, and SCR Mode and 9012 gets me a diagnostic menu. I select TV Guide, but when I select G*Test, the menus disappear and I'm brought back to viewing TV.
I'm in Delaware, so that means Philly stations. OTA only. I never forced the TVGOS to lock onto 3.1 instead of 12, so I assume that I've stopped receiving updates.
I went back into the 9012 menu, TV Guide and Reset to Defaults, but that did nothing but bring me back to TV. I did another ineffective G* and left the DVR on and set to Ch. 3.1 for tonight. Is there something I should be searching for in this forum, or does anyone have an idea of what has happened and what needs to be done?

drhankz

11-23-08, 08:37 AM

I've spent a few hours going through this forum since it has always provided solutions in the past, but this time I'm not finding anyone with the same problem.
For the past few weeks, my HDD500 has been slowing down again, as if another reset would be needed. Business has kept me busy, so I only looked into it tonight. When I press the TV Guide button, I get nothing at all, it just ignores the command.

That happens to mine occasionally.

I just do the front panel reset.

Press and HOLD the EXIT & TV GUIDE buttons
on the front panel until the unit resets.

After the RESET and REBOOT - I usually go into TV GUIDE
> hit menu go to > service bar and > SETUP. In Setup - I do the
Channel Setup - MIDDLE selection like I have Guide Data
but the Channels are WRONG - Something Like That. In my
area - I get GUIDE Data from 4 different sources - I need
to select the right source for my Guide Data.

WS65711

11-23-08, 03:02 PM

It is listed as PLDHD and it still has an MTV logo.

Wally -

I found PLDHD in the channel list on one of my HDD500's (thanks to your help). But after 3 days, I still am not getting any listings in the program guide for this channel (PLDHD) only. Are you actually getting listings in your guide?

OTAJIM

11-23-08, 03:07 PM

drhankz

11-23-08, 04:21 PM

frank70

11-23-08, 04:25 PM

Thanks drhankz. The soft reset brought the TVGOS back.
Now to try getting an update from 8.01.42. Could be a challenge because the Sony always turns itself off - not sure how I can do the G* and get it to stay on overnight (the auto-off is already turned off).MY SONY DHG KEEPS REBOOTING: There seems to be a problem with the firmware download - mine's at the intermediate version (8.05.40) and everytime it tries to update to the final version (8.06.44), it reboots itself instead (which gives the impression it turned itself off, but if you watch it, about 45 minutes after you start the G* test, you'll see the Welcome... message come up, and then it shuts off - that's a reboot.)

I suspect the firmware download is somehow corrupted. Happens every time I try it, so for right now I keep it turned on, tuned to a non-TVGOS station, and can only schedule manual recordings.

Any way to get in touch with Macrovision to tell them they're screwing something up?

Anybody else having this reboot problem?

TheRatPatrol

11-23-08, 04:40 PM

PhillyC

11-23-08, 05:41 PM

MY SONY DHG KEEPS REBOOTING: There seems to be a problem with the firmware download - mine's at the intermediate version (8.05.40) and everytime it tries to update to the final version (8.06.44), it reboots itself instead (which gives the impression it turned itself off, but if you watch it, about 45 minutes after you start the G* test, you'll see the Welcome... message come up, and then it shuts off - that's a reboot.)

I suspect the firmware download is somehow corrupted. Happens every time I try it, so for right now I keep it turned on, tuned to a non-TVGOS station, and can only schedule manual recordings.

Any way to get in touch with Macrovision to tell them they're screwing something up?

Anybody else having this reboot problem?

My HD500 rebooted itself twice in the last few days, but not while I was running the G* test. And I still have the latest version. This has not happened before (except on a rare lockup). I don't know what caused the reboots.

Meanwhile, CBS digital here seems to be fiddling with the guide transmission on weekends. This is the second week in a row that updates have not been downloaded. It also happened one other weekend a while back. Each previous time the situation corrected itself, I believe on Monday.

frank70

11-23-08, 05:59 PM

My HD500 rebooted itself twice in the last few days, but not while I was running the G* test. And I still have the latest version. This has not happened before (except on a rare lockup). I don't know what caused the reboots.Yes, you don't have to be running the G* test; it also re-boots itself while off (and thus also trying to download firmware.) This also while on and if you had previously run the G* test (which I was doing after each reboot, and thus starting the process that would cause the next reboot.) Since you already have 8.06.44, maybe there is now a newer version and it's corrupt.

I'm anticipating that we will see a rash of rebooting Sony's over the next couple of days, confirming this problem.

PhillyC

11-23-08, 08:22 PM

Marc_G

11-23-08, 08:29 PM

For what it's worth, I have had no listings for the last two days, in the Indianapolis area. I get TVGOS through OTA via an antenna due to problems with the PBS link into BrighHouse Networks. The OTA downloads have been fine except for the need to exit-guide reboot every week or two for the last couple months. But the time always came back quickly and listings resumed overnight.

This time though, no time came back. I did a G*Test and found VBI test failed. No packets at all on OTA channel 20 (analog). Our local CBS affiliate doesn't seem to be transmitting anything useful yet.

I've emailed the engineer at PBS, but got an out of office email reply. I think he gets back tomorrow.

For now, I'm down because I have no time. I really wish there was a backdoor for setting the time manually. Sigh.

Marc

frank70

11-23-08, 08:38 PM

Well, my HDD500 was off and some time in the last half hour it appears to have rebooted again. I noticed the time was lost, so I turned it on and it was on channel 1. (I have a Comcast Moto cablecard, and after a reboot the unit always reverts to channel "1 VOD".)

This is not good.And it won't get good until Macrovision realizes they are sending out something that is confusing the Sony's.

This reminds me of a situation a few years back when a station in Philly started sending out bad PSIP, and it would lock up the Sony tighter than a drum within a minute of tuning that channel. Problem lasted about a week, then went back to normal.

Update: Monday morning, and rebooting may have stopped - I don't have time to stay around and watch my Sony, but it's been in the G* test mode on a TVGOS digital channel for over an hour and has not rebooted. Will check it again late this afternoon.

Update2: It did reboot sometime during the day, but this time it was different - it rebooted into a state where the clock is correct and it isn't doing repeated reboots. So perhaps tonight it'll download 8.06.44 and get back to normal. It's possible their equipment went awry over the weekend and somebody noticed the problem this (Monday) morning and fixed it. We'll see.

Update3: No improvement Tuesday morning - still 8.05.40, no channel lineup, rebooting out of G* test (either analog or digital host, it doesn't matter.) I'm stuck with manual timer recordings for the time being.

derek

11-24-08, 11:18 AM

Ok,
For the past week I haven't been able to get guide listings for my unit. :mad: Chip Chanko said he was able to get digital guide info from DC metro OTA 9.1 CBS locally so I attempted that (except used FIOS 509 via cablecard) was seeing lotsa VBI packets but left the unit on overnight and no guide data (tried over 3 days.) I'd be somewhat surprised if FIOS is screwing with digital header data I would hope if wusa-dt is passing the guide info it would show up.

So tried to go back to analog WETA PBS 26 OTA. Get VBI test success and clock set. But no guide. Tried resetting TVG setup a few times. Attempted to reset zip codes a few times. Nada. Channels look find in channel editor. Everytime I check host channel it is blank. Any suggestions?

SonyWinner

11-24-08, 11:54 AM

:eek: I need serious help. I have been having problems with my 250 for the past week now. All of my cable service is digital, and I was receiving my TVGOS data via a PBS channel, which has since stopped transmitting the data. I have heard that the local CBS channel, WKMG 6.1 (channel 5) has been doing so. My guide was there, current and the unit showed the correct time, however the 753 menu showed no host channel and I stopped receiving any digital, HD or premium channels via my cablecard. Brighthouse came to replace the card with no luck. This weekend, I reset the unit and lost all of my guide data. I tried searching for the digital channel via VBI search. I was hoping that it would return this morning, however, now the clock has reset to an incorrect time and I still have no guide data at all. Any quick suggestions?

Marc_G

11-24-08, 08:54 PM

For those in Indianapolis who noticed no listings recently, I got word from the engineer at WFYI that he has reset the encoder. My unit got a time lock back (yea!) and listings started showing up.

He also had this to say about the transition, after I asked him if he knew when/if CBS (WISH) was going to do TVGOS after the digital transition:

"We will be working with PBS National Datacast and Gemstar TV Guide to install an encoder in our digital streams. I don't have a time frame yet but they do plan to continue their service with us after analog goes away. I am not familiar with the CBS plan, it might be similar to what we are planning to install."

So it looks like here in Indy at least, TVGOS remains with WFYI. Perhaps CBS will also broadcast it, or maybe not. Who can tell. They're pretty flakey based on recent disruptions in their relationship with our cable company. WFYI has been very reliable and great to deal with so I like that they will continue to broadcast it.

Marc

PhillyC

11-24-08, 09:10 PM

frank70

11-24-08, 09:18 PM

I let the G* Test run all night on CBS-HD, but had no new listings this morning. So I turned it off. Tonight I found that there was another reboot and no clock and it was locked up (no response to power on). So I did a front panel reset. New listings were there! But my host channel is blank, as it was yesterday. How can it get new listings while turned off with no host? Maybe it found the host, got the listings, then lost the host again when rebooting?

It did another reboot while it was off a few minutes ago. I don't think it reboots while it's on.

This is nuts! I wish I knew for sure if this is national or just local.Well, maybe national or at least Philadelphia and Chicago. As of late this afternoon at least my unit is stable - not rebooting any more when off and the clock is correct. Still no listings, no 8.06.44 (i.e. still 8.05.40), and no host channel, but I'm hoping it all resolves itself overnight. I have a feeling it's the TVGOS folks experimenting, and we are their guinea pigs.

Could you check to see if your downloaded TVGOS firmware version is still 8.06.44?

HonestLeeD

11-24-08, 09:49 PM

frank70

11-24-08, 09:54 PM

Glad to see I'm not alone; past three days here in Central NJ both of my units have been rebooting on their own, i.e., overnight without my touching them...then y'day, in middle of the football game both units did it again!

Anyone know anything as to the why or what if anything can be done? I too, for present, seem to have lost all guide data on at least one of my two units, and so back to frustration point...See my post just above yours - somewhere I have a number for Macrovision corporate out in Santa Clara or somewhere near there - things are looking better, but if it's still screwed up tomorrow morning, gonna start bugging them.

PhillyC

11-24-08, 10:29 PM

Could you check to see if your downloaded TVGOS firmware version is still 8.06.44?

Yes, I have the latest FW. That has not changed during my troubles.

The more I think about this, the stranger it is. Sometimes the all-night G* Test gets data, while the normal off-at-night download gets nothing. The next day, the opposite is true. And now I have no host channel. But I did have a host channel when this was happening last weekend.

Also, I don't see any VBI packets coming in during the G* Test.

cybermob2

11-24-08, 10:38 PM

BAH, WTH! turn on my 250 tonite and am greeted with the guide zip code setup screen. grrrr...

setup the guide, then start trying to remap cable dtv channels to the guide properly and the previously remembered dtv channels are no longer there.

so i do an autoscan... suddenly 15 fuzzy analogs show up, and it can't find a single friggin digital cable channel!!!

any ideas guys?

i have basic (locals only, more/less, $13/mo) and have been getting most of the clear QAM locals in digital/HD happily for about 9months...

myoda

11-24-08, 11:23 PM

avnstf

11-24-08, 11:37 PM

HonestLeeD

11-25-08, 07:53 AM

Not a lot of faith in Comcast from past experience but worht a call...

frank70

11-25-08, 09:17 AM

SonyWinner

11-25-08, 09:37 AM

My situation did not improve overnight - no channel lineup, 8.05.40. Both my analog host (12) and digital host (3.1) show VBI activity but both cause the Sony to reboot if left on in G* test mode for anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours.

avnstf - May I assume you are still receiving listings and everything is behaving normally with your Sony(s)?
Frank, am I correct when I say that the unit must show a host channel before proceeding with the "G" test? If so, should I force the digital host first and verify it's receiving before doing the test. I love this machine, but it's such a pain when it doesn't work correctly !!

frank70

11-25-08, 09:48 AM

Frank, am I correct when I say that the unit must show a host channel before proceeding with the "G" test? If so, should I force the digital host first and verify it's receiving before doing the test. I love this machine, but it's such a pain when it doesn't work correctly !!No, the host channel is not relevant to the G* test. The G* test uses the channel to which you are currently tuned. The only caveat is that after starting the G* test on an analog channel, you must not change channels; after starting it on a digital channel, you can change channels as long as you don't change to an analog channel that transmits TVGOS VBI. Both of these events STOP the G* test.

The host channel listed in the diagnostic screens only tells you which channel the Sony is using when it is in standby ("off") to download listings.

However, at least here in Philly, all the G* test does for me is reboot the Sony after some amount of time. This is not the same behavior as before, so I must assume the TVGOS folk changed something.

SonyWinner

11-25-08, 10:04 AM

How, then, do I know what my host channel is?

frank70

11-25-08, 12:50 PM

How, then, do I know what my host channel is?If you mean for purposes of running the G* test, you try either your PBS analog channel or your CBS digital channel, and if the VBI count increments and later you receive listings, that's a viable host channel. If you mean after the unit has settled in and selected a host channel, you just look at the diagnostic display that shows the host channel and that's the one it's currently using.

SonyWinner

11-25-08, 01:03 PM

Sorry to appear to be such an idiot......I've read sooooo much on this and the SpiffSpace forum that I think I'm brain dead, but.....do I need to have a newer version other than 08.01.42 to point to a digital host? I'm actually headed for night 3 tonight of Frank's instructions.....still nothing in my guide and the unit doesn't even say analog anymore. I'd like to know if I'm waiting another night for nothing or if I should just do a warm reboot and start from scratch. Any ideas?

WS65711

11-25-08, 02:04 PM

If you haven't received listings after 3 days I would do this:

Turn off the DHG.

Turn on the DHG.

Disable the "Auto Off" feature.

Tune to your CBS digital channel.

Start the G*Test (Menu, ScreenMode, 9012, G*Test)

Watch the diagnostic screen until the VBI count starts to increment.

Turn off your TV.

Leave the DHG turned ON.

After about 12 hours or so turn on your TV and you should (hopefully) have listings.

I don't know if you've waited 3 days in one continuous stretch, but if you did then I think you're wasting time. In my experience you should get listings by the G*Test method in 24 hours (or much less). If you don't, then either you did something wrong, or your CBS station is not transmitting proper TVGOS VBI data.

SonyWinner

11-25-08, 02:20 PM

Thanks. I think I'll go for it. One other question though......when i tune (manually) to Orlando channel 6.1 (at this point) the box in the black screen says "no signal"....does that matter? Do you think I should reboot before trying your suggestion?

WS65711

11-25-08, 03:34 PM

Yes that matters. If you have no signal then the DHG can't possibly pass the G*Test. (I'm leaving my office in a few minutes, so I won't be able to post again for a while). Have you ever done a channel scan? Have you ever received ANY channels? You need to be able receive the channel. Are you OTA or cable? If you're CableCard I can't help (no experience with that).

SonyWinner

11-25-08, 03:51 PM

I'm cable - usually with cablecard, but not right now. The unit has worked fine both ways, until about a week ago when I lost my guide and I was no longer getting any channels higher than 100. (supposedly local PBS is not sending the TVGOS feed anymore) Brighthouse said it was the cablecard, after sending severals 'hits" to no avail. When they came to replace the card....that's when all my grief started and I have since removed it, trying to get the unit just to work without it. I can view the lower channels (no guide) and tried to force another channel as host (which I have since found out isn't the right channel). I really need to start from square one......I'm just not sure exactly where to start. I've read so much here that I'm not sure what's right anymore. Any assistance, any time you can help would be appreciated.

OTAJIM

11-25-08, 04:16 PM

My situation did not improve overnight - no channel lineup, 8.05.40. Both my analog host (12) and digital host (3.1) show VBI activity but both cause the Sony to reboot if left on in G* test mode for anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours.

avnstf - May I assume you are still receiving listings and everything is behaving normally with your Sony(s)?
I've had progress, but no success yet. Firmware jumped from 8.01.42 to 8.06.44, but still no data in TVGOS. There have still been some reboots because the clock comes and goes.

PhillyC

11-25-08, 07:45 PM

My situation did not improve overnight - no channel lineup, 8.05.40. Both my analog host (12) and digital host (3.1) show VBI activity but both cause the Sony to reboot if left on in G* test mode for anywhere from a half hour to 2 hours.

I turned mine off last night and left it alone until just now. There was no evidence of a reboot. I have full 8th day listings, etc. BUT THE HOST CHANNEL IS STILL BLANK in the diagnostic screen.

avnstf

11-25-08, 07:52 PM

avnstf - May I assume you are still receiving listings and everything is behaving normally with your Sony(s)?
yes, everything seems cool with my Sony, though I should say that - although I did use the "G*-leave unit on" method to retrieve listings a month or so ago - I have left PBS analog as the host channel...if that matters to what you are asking about.

(I wish I could say that things were still good with my 3410a...)

myoda

11-25-08, 08:05 PM

Probably the most geeked out moment I've had in a while. Followed the instructions to lock in the local Pittsburgh CBS station, KDKA on 2.1, and it worked. Diag screen shows 25.0 as the host and 2.1 as the VBI channel. Will have to check if TVGOS stays on the digital host after the overnight download. See attached. Anyone know how to get the same procedure to work on a Mits WD-Y65/WD-65732 televisions? There is a company called Update Logic that sends software to digital devices - wonder if Sony could retrofit the DHG series to work with that service? hmmm. link:

http://www.updatelogic.com/

Found the answer: Might be SOL with the TVGOS in the TV. Attached a pdf that goes into more detail than you would probably ever want to know about guide data...

TVGuide Diagnostics Mode:
To access the TVGuide data section:
1)Press GUIDE button
2) Highlight SETUP on the top service bar
3) Press DOWN arrow one time to highlight the top menu item
4) Press “753159852”
Data item TypeC is the amount of good TVGuide packets received by the TV. This value can be
found on the “Section Reception Slicing” page. To access it, press the UP arrow 2 times.
Data Items:
Column Header
Since Cold: List the total number of data packets the unit has received from any station
with TVGuide data since the last setup/reset.
HostChan: Number of data packets the unit has received from it host station
CurrChan: Number of packets the unit is receiving from the channel it is currently tuned
Row Header
Starts and Ends: Amount of Gemstar Data packets the unit has seen
Drops: Amount of Gemstar packets being dropped/missed
TypeB: Amount of good B packets received. B Packets are used to transmit ads
BCorr: Amount of corrected B packets
BErrs: Amount of B packets with errors that could not be corrected
TypeC: Amount of good C packets received
CErrs: Amount of C packets with errors that could not be corrected
CBad: Amount of C packets rejected by unit
TotFrTape: A large number indicates that incorrect data is coming through
TVGuide VBI Slicing Test:
Only to be used with VBI test signal that has known good TVGuide data or at a time when TVGuide
data is known to be present (see figure1 on previous page).
1) Connect known good signal with TVGuide data to ANT1
2) Tune to channel with known good TVGuide data (or recorded VHS tape)
3) Press MENU > NetCommand > Guide
4) Enter: TVGOS --ON; ANT1 -- Checked; Zip Code can be any; then press EXIT
5) Press GUIDE button and then highlight SETUP
6) Press DOWN arrow followed by “971397135”
Let the test run.
1) VBI Test: PASS/FAIL
2) All other tests > IGNORE
(TVGOS Cont)
DIGITAL CHANNEL CONVERSION:
Many cable providers are converting CableCARD lineups to be entirely digital. Mitsubishi models
V26 -V34 are unable to receive the TVGOS data via digital transmission.
1) Split the incoming cable signal to ANT2. Memorize channels on ANT2 as “AIR”. Then
setup TVGOS for both ANT1 and ANT2. Within 48 hours the program listings will appear.
2) Contact the local cable provider to inform them that TVGOS data is no longer available on
analog channels or contact MDEA Consumer Relations dept.

frank70

11-25-08, 09:21 PM

yes, everything seems cool with my Sony, though I should say that - although I did use the "G*-leave unit on" method to retrieve listings a month or so ago - I have left PBS analog as the host channel...if that matters to what you are asking about.So have I because my analog channel is stronger and ultimately dominates.

Based on your experience, I'm going to try another TVGOS reset - it's possible that the 8.05.40 download on Saturday somehow got corrupted and now that version is unable to properly download 8.06.44; so if I go back to square one and leave it off and alone overnight, perhaps it will do its own thing and recover. There is no way this puppy is going anywhere in its current state.

Curiously in this state it has no trouble whatever acquiring a clock within a minute of running G* or turning it off, so manual recordings work just fine. But if it can't get itself up to 8.06.44 without rebooting, it'll never go on to getting a channel lineup or listings.

daleebob

11-26-08, 12:07 PM

jengle1023

11-26-08, 12:15 PM

I connected my unit to my UHF antenna and received TVGOS data on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday over KIRO 7.1. Yesterday (Wednesday) it stopped receiving packets over 7.1. Anyone else in Seattle having this problem?

ftaok

11-26-08, 03:46 PM

frank70

11-26-08, 06:13 PM

To frank70 (and others in the Philly area),

I'm having trouble with my DHG-250. We have been having incomplete listings, which I assumed was due to this being Thanksgiving week and the networks moving shows around.

Well, it seems as though I don't have listings for Friday, Sunday, and beyond. I have listings for Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

So I do the 753 menu and there's no channel listed under "Host Channel", but under VBI Channel, I get "1:12-1"

I have an antenna hooked up to the ANT connection and Comcast cable on the CABLE connection. Up to about 2 months ago, we were getting our listings through Comcast ... analog channel 12, I presume. But then we lost all listings, so I hooked up the antenna and scanned in the OTA channels and all was well, until now.

I see that you're having some issues in the Philly area, so I figured that I see what was up.

Thanks.Yes, something is all screwed up here. I had a call in to TVGOS (actually somebody at Macrovision tech support took my info and promised to send them an email), but I haven't heard back. There are packets for sure on 12 and 3.1, but nothing ever downloads now, and running G* test on 3.1 still causes reboots. For now I'm stuck with doing manual recordings, and since I've now done a TVGOS reset and lost my time zone and it doesn't seem to be coming back soon, I need to add 5 hours to any times I program in.

I'll report if things improve or I hear from TVGOS. I'll also be calling KYW and WHYY engineering, but with the holiday I don't expect to get through until Monday at the earliest.

In the meantime, is there anybody else here using Philly WHYY (12) or KYW-DT (3.1) for a TVGOS host and finding it's still working fine? Or is it failing like ftaok and I are experiencing (i.e. no updates since Friday?)

FanofHD

11-26-08, 09:21 PM

Haven't posted in a while, been using OTA to get my downloads on local PBS everything's been fine for the past year or so, just noticed I'm not getting guide data for Friday (tomorrow) Mon, Tues or Wed next week that's 4 days, wondering if TV guide people took a holiday? The strange thing is my clock is correct, went to my host channel and did the VBI test but it's not passing any VBI data. I seem to remember this happening last thanksgiving holiday. Could it be the TV guide people stopped sending VBI packets? How can it be working perfectly for over a yr and then just stop?

subako

11-26-08, 09:24 PM

I found that channel 90 is the new host channel, so I forced that overnight.

Thanks for your note. The analog (must carry) channel is now restored to the OTA signal so the TVGOS info is once again available. As a bone to those of us with cable cards, channel 90 is mapped to this analog channel, so someone had his bowl of soup decided to be nice. All this will, of course, go away come 2/17/09, but for now my DHGs and even my RDRs will be a lot happier.

OTAJIM

11-26-08, 10:18 PM

I tune in the Philly channels, and I came to the AVS forums because my TVGuide listings were gone with 12 as the host. I've followed the instructions for locking in 3.1 as the digital host, and the TVGOS has gone from 8.01.42 to 8.06.44, the channel line-up is finally back, the clock still comes and goes (typically coming back incorrectly when I turn the DHG on, but when I do a G* on 3.1, the correct time gets picked up almost immediately). Still no listing data, although I've only checked for today, not for any other days in the upcoming week.

hmm52

11-26-08, 10:30 PM

frank70

11-26-08, 10:56 PM

Things with TVGOS have been not right in my house recently. Toshiba TVGOS cablecard TV had multiple reboots about a week ago; no listings in guide since then - "Updated information will be available within 24 hours. ...setup change" The two Sony 250s have been only in standby for quite some time. Both locked up when powered on. Soft reset freed them. Listings were incomplete.

All 3 units formerly had ch12 analog OTA as host since moving to FiOS 2 years ago. On reset 1st 250 still had 12; second showed 0:00-57. I changed setup on this one with adjacent zipcode last night. Clock alternated between absent, incorrect and correct - correct now with mostly complete listings for days 1,2,5 & 7. Host remains 57. Will check tomorrow. First 250 has lost host channel altogether since last night - listings only for today. I'll see what develops.Things are changing in Philly day-by-day. As of now, absolutely nothing TVGOS-wise is coming from 12; 3.1 has mercifully stopped rebooting the Sony, so we'll see tonight if good stuff arrives; I've sporadically seen 57 get picked up as the host channel, but when it did the listings were always only semi-complete - I don't quite know what the deal is with 57 - by rights it's not a PBS or CBS station, so shouldn't be broadcasting TVGOS, but I admit the Sony will sometimes select it as a host.

hmm52

11-26-08, 11:19 PM

Things are changing in Philly day-by-day. As of now, absolutely nothing TVGOS-wise is coming from 12; 3.1 has mercifully stopped rebooting the Sony, so we'll see tonight if good stuff arrives; I've sporadically seen 57 get picked up as the host channel, but when it did the listings were always only semi-complete - I don't quite know what the deal is with 57 - by rights it's not a PBS or CBS station, so shouldn't be broadcasting TVGOS, but I admit the Sony will sometimes select it as a host.

Minute by minute, I think. Time has disappeared on both Sonys since my post. WHYY has been a very reliable host station going back to 10/05. Oh well.

PhillyC

11-26-08, 11:49 PM

After no reboots yesterday, my HDD500 did do one last night, would not respond to power on, had no clock, and had no 8th day listings this morning. So I did a front panel reset and nothing else. This evening, day 8 was filled in --- but my host channel is still blank! So I don't know where downloads are coming from on the occasions listings actually do appear.

One note --- many new channels appeared in the guide and my channel order was about 50% out of whack. That had not happened in a long time. The new channels mostly should be there, as Comcast recently added a lot of HD channels here. In fact, this is the fastest response I've seen from TVGOS in implementing new channels that a local provider added.

So a lot of stuff is happening. And, as frank70 predicted, we are starting to see posts from different areas with similar problems. I've been lucky so far, as most of my listings are still there through all the turmoil.

frank70

11-27-08, 06:37 AM

Minute by minute, I think. Time has disappeared on both Sonys since my post. WHYY has been a very reliable host station going back to 10/05. Oh well.Overnight I did get an update from 8.01.42 to 8.05.40 (the intermediate version) running G* on KYW-DT. I also got a reboot which is never a good sign, but at least this is progress compared to WHYY.

Later this morning I acquired my timezone so the clock is up and running, but the reboots are back on 3.1 (and also 57.) Sigh...

ftaok

11-27-08, 10:51 AM

frank70 (and others)

Thanks for confirming that the issue is more widespread than just my DHG.

If I ever get the listings to download, I'll be sure to post in this thread.

Happy Thanksgiving.

ft

daleebob

11-27-08, 12:19 PM

Thanks for your note. The analog (must carry) channel is now restored to the OTA signal so the TVGOS info is once again available. As a bone to those of us with cable cards, channel 90 is mapped to this analog channel, so someone had his bowl of soup decided to be nice. All this will, of course, go away come 2/17/09, but for now my DHGs and even my RDRs will be a lot happier.
So-is this whole forum going to be a moot point come next February?

Is an analog channel the only way they can send out TVGOS?

Won't Comcast have the ability to broadcast the TVGOS signal on SOME analog channel? If not, will OTA still broadcast TVGOS? On what?

I can't believe all the Comcast DVR boxes are already digital ready for a TVGOS digital signal...they're not that forward thinking...

Dale

subako

11-27-08, 01:50 PM

So-is this whole forum going to be a moot point come next February?

No. Our DHGs can decode the TVGOS signal in a digital source. In Seattle that would be KIRO 7.1, just not the 107 on Comcast. My RDRs on the other hand will be a challenge as their clocks drift or worse get reset to some nearly arbitrary offset.

After transition, we cable card users will need an OTA source, i.e. a UHF antenna suitable for OTA channel 39, the frequency where the KIRO 7.1 signal is broadcast. We probably ought to switch to that now. I'm still paying attention to the analog signal because my RDRs, of course, have no digital capability.

Update: The channel 9 analog signal was not the OTA analog signal last night. I could see VBI activity in the OTA signal but not in the signal on Comcast cable. Oh, joy.

daleebob

11-27-08, 02:22 PM

Well, according to Gemstar, cable TV (Comcast in King County, specifically, too) will be okay:

Cable-Ready
(no cable box) Yes. If your cable company continues to support analog channels, your product will continue to function. Your cable company must support TV Guide On Screen/Guide Plus+ data transmission via the cable standard SCTE-127.
learn more»

I just ran the G*test and started receiving packets immediately. Were you on channel 90?

The problem with getting TVGOS via OTA is that all your cable channels will NOT record, even manually, since the input is set to antenna only.

FanofHD

11-27-08, 02:58 PM

Update:
Last night I ended up forcing my host channel 17 OTA (WLRN PBS) even though it wasn't passing any VBI data I knew for a fact that this is my host channel, this afternoon I now have guide data for the missing days from yesterday I got Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs of next weeks listings but it didn't pick up tomorrows Fri but at least its receving new data . Not sure why forcing the host worked because nothing has changed in over a year and my clock has always been correct. So it seems back to normal for me. The only thing I can think is for some reason the HDD dropped my host channel and re-forcing it worked, I'm also wondering if it could be my cheap indoor antenna which I remember was moved recently when I was cleaning and maybe it lost the signal when I shifted it around. Just glad my guide data is back.

subako

11-27-08, 03:19 PM

Well, according to Gemstar, cable TV (Comcast in King County, specifically, too) will be okay:

Cable-Ready
(no cable box) Yes. If your cable company continues to support analog channels, your product will continue to function.

I won't bet any money on Comcast doing what is required. I expect that after KCTS is no longer generating an analog signal, Comcast will have no interest in finding or creating an alternate source. Gemstar is, of course, correct in stating that it is possible.

I just ran the G*test and started receiving packets immediately. Were you on channel 90?

I just reran the G* test after tuning to channel 90. No joy here. So presumably their plant is inconsistant. Your good fortune.

The problem with getting TVGOS via OTA is that all your cable channels will NOT record, even manually, since the input is set to antenna only.

I don't understand what you are saying. The DHGs are capable of receiving and recording from a mix of channels from the cable and OTA inputs. Many here do just that.

daleebob

11-27-08, 05:26 PM

I won't bet any money on Comcast doing what is required. I expect that after KCTS is no longer generating an analog signal, Comcast will have no interest in finding or creating an alternate source. Gemstar is, of course, correct in stating that it is possible.

I'm guessing that Comcast's DVR's aren't that much different than the Sonys. Here's what Gemstar says about Comcast King County (where are you, anyways?).

Digital Transition
Please enter your zip code here:
Name Comcast - King County
Status Known to be working
Description We have confirmed with your Cable provider that you should receive TV Guide/Guide Plus+ listings after the digital transition. If you are not receiving listings or if your listings discontinue, please click here to enter a request for support:
Contact Info CE_Customer_Support@macrovision.com

I just reran the G* test after tuning to channel 90. No joy here. So presumably their plant is inconsistant. Your good fortune.

Hmmm. I'd keep checking KCTS stations...

I don't understand what you are saying. The DHGs are capable of receiving and recording from a mix of channels from the cable and OTA inputs. Many here do just that.

When you run the TVGOS setup, you choose either cable, antenna, or both. IF you choose both, I don't think you'll get any listings from either OTA or cable. I didn't.

If you choose antenna, you CANNOT record anything on cable-the Sony won't let you (if you try and record a show that's on, a dialogue box will come up and one of the fields says "antenna" I believe-you can't change it to cable).

WS65711

11-27-08, 05:38 PM

When you run the TVGOS setup, you choose either cable, antenna, or both. IF you choose both, I don't think you'll get any listings from either OTA or cable. I didn't.

I do. And I have since October 2006.

Robert Brooks

11-27-08, 05:46 PM

When you run the TVGOS setup, you choose either cable, antenna, or both. IF you choose both, I don't think you'll get any listings from either OTA or cable. I didn't.

If you choose antenna, you CANNOT record anything on cable-the Sony won't let you (if you try and record a show that's on, a dialogue box will come up and one of the fields says "antenna" I believe-you can't change it to cable).

I think you are selecting the antenna channel listing.There are many channels that appear twice you have to make sure you select the right listing or you can edit the channel to lookfor the correct source and channel.

Opinionated

11-28-08, 01:47 PM

For the first time since we have had three of these units, for years now, we do not have listing for the current day.

There is something strange that has been occurring in the NYC area- using Cablevision- since last Spring. The TVGOS data is being transmitted only a couple or several days a week. On one or more days, off one or more days. The days change all the time.

With the way the data fills, up to now it was always possible to schedule at least three days in advance if not more.

The last week was a real mess of days not working. Although we have Sat, Sun, next Tuesday, filled, the rest are not, including today.

This is from PBS 13. If CBS transmits the digital, Cablevision doesn't pass it through.

Am I the only one here who uses PBS 13 in the NYC metro area with Cablevision? How about Time Warner and Comcast people, are you any better off?

frank70

11-28-08, 04:58 PM

For the first time since we have had three of these units, for years now, we do not have listing for the current day.It's not just New York, I believe it's every major city, and the problem started last Friday. It's just that most people don't look beyond today's listings, so it's taken a week for folks to begin to recognize that the whole TVGOS system has not been working with the Sony's for a week now. See dozens of posts above regarding the same thing. By today or tomorrow I think most folks in major cities with these units will have no guide. Does anyone have an email address for TVGOS tech support? I've tried Macrovision's phone number and got connected to a gentleman who took my information, but said TVGOS is a different group and he would send an email. I still haven't heard anything, and the symptoms persist today. Everytime new listings try to download, or even an upgrade to the 8.06.44 firmware version, the Sony reboots, thereby losing anything that might have downloaded during that cycle. It's a disaster, and the TVGOS people need to know about it.

jmonier

11-28-08, 05:16 PM

It's not just New York, I believe it's every major city, and the problem started last Friday. It's just that most people don't look beyond today's listings, so it's taken a week for folks to begin to recognize that the whole TVGOS system has not been working with the Sony's for a week now. See dozens of posts above regarding the same thing. By today or tomorrow I think most folks in major cities with these units will have no guide. Does anyone have an email address for TVGOS tech support? I've tried Macrovision's phone number and got connected to a gentleman who took my information, but said TVGOS is a different group and he would send an email. I still haven't heard anything, and the symptoms persist today. Everytime new listings try to download, or even an upgrade to the 8.06.44 firmware version, the Sony reboots, thereby losing anything that might have downloaded during that cycle. It's a disaster, and the TVGOS people need to know about it.

That doesn't seem to include digital OTA TVGOS in LA. Mine has been solid for over 2 months since I forced it to CBS digital (2.1) and I've seen none of these problems. (And it was solid on analog for a year or more before that.)

inlogan

11-28-08, 05:23 PM

Things are fine here in Washington, DC getting my listings from MPT on channel 22.

It's not just New York, I believe it's every major city, and the problem started last Friday. It's just that most people don't look beyond today's listings, so it's taken a week for folks to begin to recognize that the whole TVGOS system has not been working with the Sony's for a week now. See dozens of posts above regarding the same thing. By today or tomorrow I think most folks in major cities with these units will have no guide. Does anyone have an email address for TVGOS tech support? I've tried Macrovision's phone number and got connected to a gentleman who took my information, but said TVGOS is a different group and he would send an email. I still haven't heard anything, and the symptoms persist today. Everytime new listings try to download, or even an upgrade to the 8.06.44 firmware version, the Sony reboots, thereby losing anything that might have downloaded during that cycle. It's a disaster, and the TVGOS people need to know about it.

derek

11-28-08, 06:16 PM

Things are fine here in Washington, DC getting my listings from MPT on channel 22.

Unfortunately I can't receive MPT 22 OTA here in Loudoun county. I'm stuck with either WETA 26 OTA or trying CBS WUSA 9.1 digital OTA. I've had no success with either over the past week and a half. I can get clock and 8.06.44 firmware from 9.1 but no guide data so far. OTA 26 the same. Very frustrating.

frank70

11-28-08, 06:28 PM

Unfortunately I can't receive MPT 22 OTA here in Loudoun county. I'm stuck with either WETA 26 OTA or trying CBS WUSA 9.1 digital OTA. I've had no success with either over the past week and a half. I can get clock and 8.06.44 firmware from 9.1 but no guide data so far. OTA 26 the same. Very frustrating.Well, that's good news - at least it's working in some places! Note that it appears that you cannot get a channel lineup to download using the G* test method if you have an absolutely empty listings screen. For that you need to try to force a host channel and turn the unit off overnight.

frank70

11-28-08, 06:57 PM

SonyWinner

11-28-08, 07:19 PM

derek

11-28-08, 07:29 PM

Note that it appears that you cannot get a channel lineup to download using the G* test method if you have an absolutely empty listings screen. For that you need to try to force a host channel and turn the unit off overnight.

I was to that point in the procedure tried the force digital host last night...having clock and 8.6.44 from WUSA-DT 9.1 digital OTA. No dice last night. I'll try again tonight.

frank70

11-28-08, 07:40 PM

How can I force a host channel if I don't know what it is/should be? My host channel has been blank for days now. How can I get the update from 8.01.42? I'm using a cablecard from Brighthouse networks.Given that you use cable, and a cable card to boot, there are many variables in figuring this out, some of which are out of your control. However, your best bet is to run the G* test on any PBS analog or CBS digital channel you may be receiving, and see if you're getting an incrementing VBI count (wait at least 30 seconds to see if it starts incrementing.) This counting indicates a POTENTIAL host channel only. But it's a good place to start - if you see an incrementing count, use the procedure to force that channel to be a host; it doesn't always work, but give it 12 hours overnight, and check the host channel again.

If it's any consolation, my host channel has been blank for nearly a week now, as have those of several other Sony owners that have reported here. There is a definite problem in TVGOS-land, not hitting all cities, but certainly here in the Philadelphia area. And I'm OTA only, the simplest case - add in the complexities introduced by the cable companies (e.g. they may have simply decided to strip all TVGOS info from their signals; or it may be an unintentional oversight; or the cable card may need to be reset by the company; or......) and the situation gets very complicated very fast.

SonyWinner

11-28-08, 07:58 PM

humbug2

11-28-08, 08:22 PM

Detroit OTA tvgos has been erratic for about 3 weeks. In general the Sat and Sun listings do not get sorted out until Thur or Fri. Does anyone make one of these things for OTA that really works, does not forget to record, and does not occasionally lose something it just recorded? I so want to see what my DHG looks like after 3 days in my
driveway.

frank70

11-28-08, 08:36 PM

Thanks Frank. I've tried this on several channels this afternoon, all to no avail. I thought I had understood someone to say here that I couldn't use a digital host without an upgrade from 8.01.42. Is that true and do you know how I can ensure that upgrade?It can be forced to download 8.05.40 and then 8.06.44 via a digital TVGOS channel when everything is working properly (which is dubious this week.) Read all about it here: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0 . It also will go through the same sequence of versions via an analog host all by itself, or perhaps even via a digital host in the total absence of an analog host all by itself.

So far this week I've been able to get mine up to 8.05.40, but every time I think it's going to download 8.06.44, it reboots instead. Been very frustrating. By the way, we're talking about the second version number that shows up on the first diagnostic screen (after 8.01.42/). Other screens will always show 8.01.42 in spite of a newer downloaded version. You will know you have 8.06.44 because that is the only version that shows ads on the left side of the listings screen; 8.01.42 and 8.05.40 only show two blue TV-Guide info rectangles there.

frank70

11-28-08, 08:41 PM

Does anyone make one of these things for OTA that really works, does not forget to record, and does not occasionally lose something it just recorded? I so want to see what my DHG looks like after 3 days in my driveway.Well, though it's not to market yet, one can always hold out hope for thisun: http://www.dishnetwork.com/dtvpal/dvr.shtml

OTA only though, no cable.

avnstf

11-28-08, 08:43 PM

So Frank 70 asked me recently whether I had been getting TVGOS listing, and I replied affirmatively...Turns out I was wrong,,,when I actually checked across the week a day or so later, I had 3 days missing (including 8). When it got up to five missing (including 6,7,8), as of yesterday, last night I did the G* test-leave on overnight, and at noon today I had MOST listing for all the days. By MOST, I mean I had listings for most channels solid; the exceptions were ABC, CW, and the PBS subchannel 2...those were completely empty for those 5 days. I restarted the G* test and left it for another 5 hours, but no improvement.

I'm just hoping the listing from my analog host return soon...

SonyWinner

11-28-08, 09:13 PM

I've actually had the version with the ads for quite some time, however, lost it when I had "other" issues last week, (including local PBS not sending guide data anymore) and had to reset everything. My clock has been wrong since then. Today, I have a new cablecard that works, and I have no time at all now - nor do I have a guide or obviously, listings. I did send an email to Macrovision earlier this afternoon and received an "auto-reply" that I would have an answer within 24 hours. I guess we'll see about that. Supposedly, there is a local CBS station transmitting digital info, however, I've ony heard about OTA folks getting it (which doesn't help me). I've tried to manually tune to the station (6.1) and have tried the *G* test on it....both to no avail.

MultimediaGeek

11-28-08, 10:47 PM

No Guide in Cleveland, Ohio on Nov 28, 2008

I had the guide available Thursday morning for the Thanksgiving day parades. I went to set a recording today (Friday after Thanksgiving) and all I see is no listing for all channels.

It has worked for many months prior to this without a hitch. Digging into this now, but figured I would post this for others to see.

FanofHD

11-28-08, 10:54 PM

I found this page:
http://www.macrovision.com/support/9391.htm

that gives the following contact information for TVGOS
email: Ce_customer_support@tvguide.com
phone: 800-368-7380

As of right now, the phone number goes to a modem. Hopefully Monday morning it will become more useful. I did shoot an email off to the address given, and at least it didn't bounce. We shall see.

Frank70 That is the same phone # I have for TV Guide and they were helpful years ago when I was having a problem.

Here in So FL, I posted few days ago that I was having problem not getting guide data, then I forced the host to my host channel and the next day my guide data filled in (I'm using OTA and Cablecard) today I checked and I'm still getting guide data up to next Friday (thats 1 week) so it appears I'm getting guide data ok again. But the strange thing is after I forced my host channel couple days ago, I went in tonight to see if it's showing my host channel in the set up-down once-then 753159852-press right and it show host channel blank, this is weird cause it has always showed 17 OTA which is my host channel. It makes no sense to me that I am still receiving guide data but it's not locked onto any host channel in the set up menu. I'm also not passing any VBI packets on my host channel but again I stress I am getting guide data for a full week. I can't explain this but something changed around the time everyone else here is having problems. I have always understood that your clock is set from your host channel, my clock has always been correct and now I have guide data for a full week yet the sony is showing no host channel in the set up menu.

MultimediaGeek

11-28-08, 11:01 PM

Guess I have to dig into how to force my host channel again. It has been quite a while since I did that. I presume that it is in this thread so I will let you know if I have any luck.

PhillyC

11-28-08, 11:29 PM

It makes no sense to me that I am still receiving guide data but it's not locked onto any host channel in the set up menu. I'm also not passing any VBI packets on my host channel but again I stress I am getting guide data for a full week. I can't explain this but something changed around the time everyone else here is having problems. I have always understood that your clock is set from your host channel, my clock has always been correct and now I have guide data for a full week yet the sony is showing no host channel in the set up menu.

I too am getting most of the guide filled in while the host channel is blank. At first, I thought the spontaneous reboots were deleting the host channel from the diagnostic screen, but the host remains blank even when the unit has not rebooted.

BTW, the clock channel does not have to be the host channel.

FanofHD

11-28-08, 11:57 PM

Guess I have to dig into how to force my host channel again. It has been quite a while since I did that. I presume that it is in this thread so I will let you know if I have any luck.

Spiffs site shows you how to force the host

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

Here is the directions on how to force the host channel

1. Tune to the station (either OTA or cable) that you want to use as the host.
2. Press <GUIDE> - move the cursor over the SETUP item on the top menu bar, then press <DOWN>, followed by 963214785. If the code is received properly, the "Info" message just below "Change System Settings" should say "Searching Current VBI Channel".
3. Don't touch anything. The screen should disappear after 5 minutes. Once it disappears, turn off the unit and leave it alone overnight to magically download the guide.
4. On the following day, check the host channel with the "753..." menu described above. If it shows the host channel you tuned to in Step 1, you have successfully changed it! If not, try resetting the guide info and start over.

Hopes this helps you