Are the HDD250/500's still being sought-after ? I have two HDD250's and one HDD500 open boxes from Circuit city couple years ago.. they are sitting in my closet..I can put them on Ebay.

I'm sure you'd find willing buyers right here on this forum...and keep them "in the family" ;)

This is no doubt the great bug (that has been plaguing various cities since Thanksgiving) discovered by TVGOS engineers. Since our firmware versions didn't change, it had to be a bug in the transmitting-end software (possibly overloading the memory of our version 8 devices). I'm glad to see Macrovision's at least awake at the switch, if not terribly responsive to the public or particularly fast to fix bugs.

Also, thanks to Ken for letting us know that they haven't abandoned the V7 and V8 digital devices.

Well the spontaneous reboot issue has now moved into the New Orleans area. Last night, one of my HDD500's (the one that is OTA & Cable with 477 channels in the channel list) did a reboot immediately when I turned it on. After the reboot it did not have the time, but the channel lineup and listings were stil intact. I tuned to my local PBS analog and turned it off briefly in an attempt to get the time. When I turned it back on it rebooted again, but this time it went into the setup menu for me to confirm my zipcode and such. The channel lineup and all listing were gone. This morning I had the channel listings again, but no program listings.

My other HDD500 (OTA only, with 649 channels in the channel list) appears unaffected as of this morning.

Can anyone help me out? I've got a 250 here in Portland, OR. For some reason I have no listings, and also no digital channels. I get the analog locals (2, 6, 8) but not their digital counterparts (2-1, 6-1, 8-1) which I have been able to get for quite some time. I have been getting these via cable with the built-in QAM tuner. My TV has a QAM tuner as well and I get the digital channles on it, just not on the DHG-HDD250. On another note too, what is the current firmware of the units and how do we check our firmware version. Thank you.

On another note too, what is the current firmware of the units and how do we check our firmware version. Thank you.

Check here for 'How To' Questions on the DHG-HDDs (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php)

Thank you jimmyv. Does anyone have any thoughts, though on why the digital channels are not showing up? I will check FW version tonight.

Thank you jimmyv. Does anyone have any thoughts, though on why the digital channels are not showing up? I will check FW version tonight.

Did you rescan you cable input?

After you rescanned, did you flip through every channel that was detected and look for the digital channels?

For them to show up on 11-1 or 4-1 that requires the cable company to properly send PSIP information. If the PSIP is missing or damaged, they show up on the physical channels they are being sent on the wire on, like 99-4 or 117-5. Some devices are more susceptible to the PSIP data formatting errors or don't even look for new PSIP data unless you rescan. Have you rescanned your TV for awhile?

Mine cable company clear QAM channels actual frequencies move around from time to time. If you have a cable card, you don't notice the remapping. I have to rescan my non-cable card TV every few months.

Uh-oh --- My HDD500 rebooted the last three nights, but recovered the clock on its own and I had partial listings. Today, I have no listings and a blank host channel.

Comcast CBS-HD 189 is sending packets OK. That was, I think, a separate issue during all the other problems.

Does anyone else have their unit acting up again?

My Sony just rebooted while I was watching a recording...actually, I guess it wasn't technically a reboot, because I had to manually turn it back on. It came back with the wrong time, and I checked and it still had our analog PBS station as host. I then did a G* test while on the local CBS digital station, and then I noticed the time was right again, presumably as a result of the test on the digital TVGOS station.

Aside from that and a week or 10 days of mess-ups (frequent days without listings) that ended just after Thanksgiving, I've had no problems. (The unit is only hooked to an antenna, by the way.)

I suspect they are screwing around with the broadcasts around here in ill-defined ways. I just hope nothing happens to make us lose the recordings that we've saved, since the number has built up, and we plan to be watching them into January, during the period of not much on...

Uh-oh --- My HDD500 rebooted the last three nights, but recovered the clock on its own and I had partial listings. Today, I have no listings and a blank host channel.

Comcast CBS-HD 189 is sending packets OK. That was, I think, a separate issue during all the other problems.

Does anyone else have their unit acting up again?Yes, Phil. You're not alone.

After things seemed to have quieted down for a few days, the last few days have seen more craziness again.

I have 3 HDD500s, one on Comcast (and off-air) and 2 off-air only. They're all rebooting several times a day. The guide on 2 units got corrupted, with multiple listings for the same stations turning up, channels mysteriously turned off, as others have reported.

I reset the TV Guide (9012) in the cable unit, and the guide repopulated without duplications. Still no host channel listed, still rebooting. Then the antenna-connected unit started with the same nonsense. Did a complete TVGOS reset last night, had to reboot to get clock. Off overnight, today no listings at all. I haven't had this happen in a while.

We just have to be patient, folks. I'm caught up on the thread, so I'm just waiting for all this to be straightened out. I hope it's soon. Checking the units a couple times a day to make sure I get my listings and recordings is getting old.

................................... Does anyone else have their unit acting up again?

One of my HDD500's spontaneously rebooted for the first time on Sunday evening. Monday morning it had channel listings back, and when I got home from work yesterday it had program listings for most days. I checked the TVGOS diagnostics screen and my host channel is analog PBS, the same as it was before the reboots. The CBS digital channel in my area does carry TVGOS data, but the DHG didn't choose it as the host. :(

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15300565#post15300565

Does anyone else have their unit acting up again?Well, for a refreshing change, mine isn't acting up! But then again, it's still set to an outlying zipcode in Reading (the thing I changed to get it back to normal in the first place), so it may be the same old memory overflow problem resurging in the cities. I'm still getting all listings (an occasional channel that was off spontaneously turns on, but it's always done that), no reboots, clock is OK, PBS analog host channel showing (I've forced it to digital a couple times, but it reverts after a few days.)

Did you rescan you cable input?

After you rescanned, did you flip through every channel that was detected and look for the digital channels?

For them to show up on 11-1 or 4-1 that requires the cable company to properly send PSIP information. If the PSIP is missing or damaged, they show up on the physical channels they are being sent on the wire on, like 99-4 or 117-5. Some devices are more susceptible to the PSIP data formatting errors or don't even look for new PSIP data unless you rescan. Have you rescanned your TV for awhile?

Mine cable company clear QAM channels actual frequencies move around from time to time. If you have a cable card, you don't notice the remapping. I have to rescan my non-cable card TV every few months.

I have gone twice now into the setup menu and reentered my zip and everything to have it do a scan overnight, but still no listing and no digital channels. Is there somewhere I can manually tell it to do a scan only of the channels?

I have gone twice now into the setup menu and reentered my zip and everything to have it do a scan overnight, but still no listing and no digital channels. Is there somewhere I can manually tell it to do a scan only of the channels?

Wait a second. Getting listings for digital channels and being able to tune the SONY to them via channel up and down are two different things.

Can you tune the digital channels with channel up/down?

Please answer all my previous questions if you want any detailed help from us. To scan channels on the SONY press then menu button from the normal watching TV mode (not when you are in the guide). You can find it from there or read the manual (and the FAQ site post 1 so you have basic knowledge so we are able to help you).

Getting listings for digital channel is easy to guide you through if you can confirm you are getting the channel via channel up/down.

Don't forget if the digital channel down show up on the SONY I need you to rescan you TV to know the state of you cable systems digital clear QAM channels.

I was having similar issues last week. No reception on the digital channels. I thought my digital tuner failed. After resetting my cable card with comcast, still no ability to receive the channels. I moved the box to another outlet, still no reception.

A day or so later, I was getting the clock correctly plus the digital channels again. My assumption is that the tvgos folks are putting something together that is a fix we can rely on.

Best advice I can think of is to WAIT it out. My fear was that I was going to kill the box by trying every reset under the sun - and then find out it was a problem on the other end and now my box is fried and I was to blame:(

Crossed fingers, my box is back to normal again. Things look sunny in Seattle for now.

alexsquared,

again, I was having the exact problem you are now. Even the cable strength signal in diagnostics was only at 5% or so. I was freaking out and trying everything and reset I could think of.

I don't believe it is a problem with your box, I think the tvgos folks are testing out things (some of which are screwing our boxes up temporarily)

One caveat, I have not returned my 500 to the original outlet yet (too scared to have it screwed up again) so I cannot be sure. Maybe this weekend I will switch the 500 with the other cable box on outlet 2,maybe not:o

I was having similar issues last week. No reception on the digital channels.

My assumption is that the tvgos folks are putting something together that is a fix we can rely on.


alexsquared,

again, I was having the exact problem you are now. Even the cable strength signal in diagnostics was only at 5% or so. I was freaking out and trying everything and reset I could think of.

I don't believe it is a problem with your box, I think the tvgos folks are testing out things (some of which are screwing our boxes up temporarily)


Ok folks,

Either you guys don't understand that TVGOS on the SONY box only deals with the guide and recordings or you are really poor at explaining things.

No matter if the box never talked to TVGuide server the SONY regular non-guide based tuning works. The TVGOS information has nothing to do with being able to channel up/down or punch in channel numbers when the guide is not up.

That is what the sony channel scan is for. Listings are only added for channels that you have found during a scan via the SONY channel scan menu item.

If you have an issue wiht being able to see the digital channels on the TVGOS listings screen state that (not that you can't tune them).

WhatHappend, Thank you for your patience in dealing with this.
Let me try again going through what I have and haven't done. From viewing a normal channel, I hit Guide, go to setup, and then go through my setup again, putting in zip code, etc. It prompts me to leave it of overnight, which provides nothing new the next day.
I have not done a menu/channel scan, but will try that tonight. To answer your questions, though, I cannot tune to the channel. Historically, my digitals were all on 2-1, 6-1, etc, but if I press 2, -, 1, enter, I get a no signal. Granted, the QAM signals could've been remapped and maybe they are listed under something different now; I will have to test that out on my TV to see if that's the case (by doing a channel scan on the TV).
What I find is odd, is that I can go to my TV (Vizio) type in 2-1 and get my digital ABC channel, but doing the same on the HDD gets me nothing.

What I find is odd, is that I can go to my TV (Vizio) type in 2-1 and get my digital ABC channel, but doing the same on the HDD gets me nothing.

That is normal if the TV stores the PSIP information mapping from the scan persistently until you do the scan again. The cable company probably didn't move the frequency only the screwed up the friendly channel mapping. So the TV still goes to the correct frequency and selects the right PID and displays the video stream.


One thing for people to realize with digital TV, the friendly number you enter 4-1 has nothing to the actual channel frequency or stream PID numbers needed to tune and decode the channel. You can never direct tune via freiendly channel number until a scan is done to know what the mapping information for that number is.

Thank you again for the info WhatHappend. I will check tonight and see if doing a scan helps.

Yes, Phil. You're not alone.

Neal, we probably have to wait it out. I'm just trying little things to keep some listings coming in. This morning I ran the G*Test on Comcast 189 and left the unit on. Tonight I have 100% full listings (probably more by luck than anything else).

The aggravating thing I noticed late yesterday is that about 20 of the Comcast HD channels had been set to "Air" and turned off and were relocated to the bottom of the channel setup screen. This is after I spent HOURS rearranging a completely blown channel list a few days ago. Ugh!

That is normal if the TV stores the PSIP information mapping from the scan persistently until you do the scan again. The cable company probably didn't move the frequency only the screwed up the friendly channel mapping. So the TV still goes to the correct frequency and selects the right PID and displays the video stream.


One thing for people to realize with digital TV, the friendly number you enter 4-1 has nothing to the actual channel frequency or stream PID numbers needed to tune and decode the channel. You can never direct tune via freiendly channel number until a scan is done to know what the mapping information for that number is.


OK, still no go. I did a channel scan and no luck. It found 32 analog channels and no digital channels. I did a channel scan on my Vizio plasma and it found 32 analog channels, and the last time I looked it had also found 48 digital channels. Do we have any other thoughts? Please help as we have gotten very used to the DVR functionality.
Thank you!

OK, still no go. I did a channel scan and no luck. It found 32 analog channels and no digital channels. I did a channel scan on my Vizio plasma and it found 32 analog channels, and the last time I looked it had also found 48 digital channels. Do we have any other thoughts? Please help as we have gotten very used to the DVR functionality.
Thank you!

That doesn't sound good. Since you have no listings to lose, you can try a Reset User Configuration (Form the 9012 menu, see FAQ for details). That will reset any user settings you have done and enter the setup wizard to do the scan of cable channels again.

You have no Cable Card right (I am sure you don't, because with cable card the channel numbers are never 4-1 for a cable channel)?

If that doesn't work, then it could be one of three things:
1) Your HW has failed.
2) Some settings got corrupted on the Hard drive and you need to do the "Restore Factory Default". Note you will lose all your saved recordings.
3) Your Cable provider has changed the PSIP information in a way the SONY can't decode (That doesn't seem likely since you reported your TV kept working before and after rescanning the system.

One thing for sure is that the TVGOS issues that are now even hitting my DVR are not your issue. The TVGOS system as no impact on the SONY's softwares ability to locate and tune analog or digital channels.

That doesn't sound good. Since you have no listings to lose, you can try a Reset User Configuration (Form the 9012 menu, see FAQ for details). That will reset any user settings you have done and enter the setup wizard to do the scan of cable channels again.

You have no Cable Card right (I am sure you don't, because with cable card the channel numbers are never 4-1 for a cable channel)?

If that doesn't work, then it could be one of three things:
1) Your HW has failed.
2) Some settings got corrupted on the Hard drive and you need to do the "Restore Factory Default". Note you will lose all your saved recordings.
3) Your Cable provider has changed the PSIP information in a way the SONY can't decode (That doesn't seem likely since you reported your TV kept working before and after rescanning the system.

One thing for sure is that the TVGOS issues that are now even hitting my DVR are not your issue. The TVGOS system as no impact on the SONY's softwares ability to locate and tune analog or digital channels.

That is correct, no cable card. I will do the restore factory default and see if that helps at all.
THank you!

OK, still no go. I did a channel scan and no luck. It found 32 analog channels and no digital channels. I did a channel scan on my Vizio plasma and it found 32 analog channels, and the last time I looked it had also found 48 digital channels. Do we have any other thoughts? Please help as we have gotten very used to the DVR functionality.
Thank you!

alexsquared...I can't remember...are you OTA or cable only. Several months back my cable company remapped the digital channels. Did a rescan with both the TV and the DVR. The TV found all the digitals right away. Had to do a re-scan dozens of times for the DVR to find all of them...and even then the signal was intermittant, to non-existant most of the time on several of the Broadcast digitals on the DVR.

It was suggested on this forum that it has something to do with the quality of the digital tuner in the Sony.

I installed a small bow-tie antenna on the roof, did a re-scan using the antenna, and now get the Broadcast Digitals OTA with a stronger signal than cable ever provided.

That is correct, no cable card. I will do the restore factory default and see if that helps at all.
THank you!

Why are you not going to try the Reset user configuration step first? It would be helpful for others if that works and they have the same issue down the road and don't want to blow away all their recordings. You don't have to wait over night just do the scan and if no digital channels do the "Restore Factory Defaults" step.

Sorry WhatHappend, but I had already done the restore factory default. Thankfully it looks like that worked. I really appreciate your help in this. So far it has found 32 analogs and 21 digitals.
Thank you again.

Whathappened,

Alexsquared and I had the same issue. I tried everything, including reset user config in the 9012 menu - still have my recordings.

My tuner didn't work with an antenna hooked up when all this was happeneing. I really did think the tuner failed.

However, tvgos in Seattle has done something that allows for the box to work perfectly again. I didn't do anything in particular that saved it.

(and yes I have a cable card and had comcast reset everything are pair it again, and I also tried without the card, and also antenna only - all of which didn't work )

I do understand the remapping frequency thing, and don't think that had to do with my 500 being unable to tune stations - antenna or cable)

My posts concerned the fact that despite my attempted fixes, everything works fine now, and to be wary of trying things that don't address the problems we have been facing the last few weeks.:cool:

It was suggested on this forum that it has something to do with the quality of the digital tuner in the Sony.


The SONY tuner quality only applies to over the air digital tuning. It doesn't have the latest multi-path rejection that the newest generation of OTA ATSC tuners have. Cable QAM signals are not subjected to Multi-Path. If your cable signal is marginal you might be suffering from a bad coax or connector feeding the SONY that just puts it over the edge. Also various tuner have different amounts of gain their AGC circuit can apply. The sony has diagnositcs pages (FAQ has been updated with them) that will show you how much AGC is being applied on the SONY tuner. Most digital channels are being tranmitted on the higher frequencies over cable, so any RG59 and crappy connectors in your homes wireing will effect those HD/digital channels first. If you signal is low you can always call the cable company and have them investigate your signal levels at your outlets.

All your coax wire should be RG6 with compression fittings.

OK, got another update. Did a full scan and it found 32 analog and 63 digital after doing the restore factory default. Now I've only done this once before so memory may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the last time I did this I could go into the guide screen right away and see my channels. I couldnt see any TVGOS listings until the next day and it just said no listing, but all my channels were listed there. This time, when I go to my Listings tab once I press guide it shows NO DATA in the big area where it used to list the channels. I even went to the setup tab to edit my channels (reorder them, etc) and it also said NO DATA, which is a bit odd to me as well. Is this normal behavior? The only way I know if I have a channel or not is to either type it into the keypad or channel up/down. I cannot see/select them from the guide view.

OK, got another update. Did a full scan and it found 32 analog and 63 digital after doing the restore factory default. Now I've only done this once before so memory may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure the last time I did this I could go into the guide screen right away and see my channels. I couldnt see any TVGOS listings until the next day and it just said no listing, but all my channels were listed there. This time, when I go to my Listings tab once I press guide it shows NO DATA in the big area where it used to list the channels. I even went to the setup tab to edit my channels (reorder them, etc) and it also said NO DATA, which is a bit odd to me as well. Is this normal behavior? The only way I know if I have a channel or not is to either type it into the keypad or channel up/down. I cannot see/select them from the guide view.

That is normal. TVGOS system has to download all the channel lineups and uses the channels your scan found and your zip code to pick the right lineup. In my area I have to choose between 4 providers before TVGOS shows any channels in the lineup.

Shut if off of at least 8 hours and see if it finds anything. It can take over-night or longer to get new listings. Also your TVGOS version probably reverted to the original SONY shipped version which will have to be updated twice to get to the current version. It might take 3 days to get the TVGOS system back on track.

Also I know you are spoiled with guide system for tuning channel, but the SONY has very good favorite lists (Recent Channels, All, Movies, News, Sports). They show all of the station call letters discovered during the scan as well (depends on Cable company putting this information out correctly).

Whathappened,

Alexsquared and I had the same issue. I tried everything, including reset user config in the 9012 menu - still have my recordings.

My tuner didn't work with an antenna hooked up when all this was happeneing. I really did think the tuner failed.

However, tvgos in Seattle has done something that allows for the box to work perfectly again. I didn't do anything in particular that saved it.

(and yes I have a cable card and had comcast reset everything are pair it again, and I also tried without the card, and also antenna only - all of which didn't work )

I do understand the remapping frequency thing, and don't think that had to do with my 500 being unable to tune stations - antenna or cable)

My posts concerned the fact that despite my attempted fixes, everything works fine now, and to be wary of trying things that don't address the problems we have been facing the last few weeks.:cool:

Sorry but you are wrong! (Did you notice that Alex now can tune digital channels after following my advice). If you had the exact same issue as Alex, there is no way it would clear by itself. You have a Cable card which doesn't use channel scans that is how your issues clears. Your issue was a cable card issue.

Did you do a full scan OTA/Cable after you removed the CC and did your digital channels found come back 0? I think not. If so, that means you still have no OTA digital channels because scanning is the only way to add them.

That is normal. TVGOS system has to download all the channel lineups and uses the channels your scan found and your zip code to pick the right lineup. In my area I have to choose between 4 providers before TVGOS shows any channels in the lineup.

Shut if off of at least 8 hours and see if it finds anything. It can take over-night or longer to get new listings. Also your TVGOS version probably reverted to the original SONY shipped version which will have to be updated twice to get to the current version. It might take 3 days to get the TVGOS system back on track.

Also I know you are spoiled with guide system for tuning channel, but the SONY has vert good favorite lists (Recent Channels, All, Movies, News, Sports). The show all the station call letters discovered during the scan as well (depends on Cable company putting this information out correctly).

Good to know this is normal operation. I will wait patiently for it to repopulate. Thank you WhatHappend!

When did Sony actually stop making them? I got my first 250 in Oct '05, for $600 from J&R (I think the 500s were listed at $800). And then I was lucky to snag a 500 from Tweeter for $250 in Feb '06.

$570 for a 500 from Crutchfield in March '06...

I got an open box 250 for $250 at Best Buy in May '06. It was the only one I ever remember even seeing in the store.

My recollection was in December 2005, someone posted news that Sony was dropping the DHG-HDD250/500. Earlier that year some people had doubts about Sony every selling that product since it was announced in October 2004, but not available until May 2005 - see the first posts on this thread.

Ray

When Tweeter put them on sale for $250, they were explaining to potential buyers (at least in the Chicago area) that they wouldn't work with Comcast...if I'd been there, I'd have bought a couple.

As it was, I NEVER saw one in my local Best Buy store, but when I learned that stores in southern California still had them, I pressed a salesperson at my local store to check and see if there were ANY in Best Buy Stores in the SF Bay area...there were two units (250's) in the whole Bay area, one only 30 minutes north...I had him reserve it for me, jumped in my car and got it (for $500) - glad I got one. (Along with the LG I picked up a year earlier at Circuit City - for $700 - it has served me well.)

...If your cable signal is marginal you might be suffering from a bad coax or connector feeding the SONY that just puts it over the edge. Also various tuner have different amounts of gain their AGC circuit can apply ... Most digital channels are being tranmitted on the higher frequencies over cable, so any RG59 and crappy connectors in your homes wireing will effect those HD/digital channels first. If you signal is low you can always call the cable company and have them investigate your signal levels at your outlets...


For the longest time I had exactly these problems with cable. Analog seemed OK, digital was OK at times and marginal/missing others (it was worse when it got hot outside). Some digitals worked on the TV and not my 250 and vice versa. Finally found a tech willing to work with me and he isolated it to a simple low signal. He installed one line amplifier and it fixed everything! :D I have a lot of splitters to go to various equipment and apparently the standard signal they provide isn't enought for all of this. :o

YMMV
Jim

Well, for a refreshing change, mine isn't acting up! But then again, it's still set to an outlying zipcode in Reading (the thing I changed to get it back to normal in the first place), so it may be the same old memory overflow problem resurging in the cities. I'm still getting all listings (an occasional channel that was off spontaneously turns on, but it's always done that), no reboots, clock is OK, PBS analog host channel showing (I've forced it to digital a couple times, but it reverts after a few days.)

Not so refreshing here. The 250s settled down for awhile - both with 0:0-12 as host, steady clock and full listings for all days. The one with OTA only still looks OK; the other with OTA and FiOS is now missing listings for days 2, 5,6,7 & 8. Not long ago it had everything for all channels switched on - out of 775 "possible".

TVGOS Toshiba TV is a different story. It took forever to recover any guide at all after Thanksgiving. Redoing setup finally took hold a few days ago, with 2:0-12 (?) as host. Only a smattering of listings shown consistently throughout 8 days, especially on locals OTA and cable, where No Title is 98% of the entries. The Toshiba's guide had been quicker and more stable than the Sonys' (once a software update to the TV was done 1/07). It's near useless now.

One device miissing days; another missing info mostly by channel; one OK. Odd. At least the TiVo S3 and FiOS signal have been stable since mid-summer or so...

hmm52, have you tried changing your zipcode to 19601? Did the trick for me.

When Tweeter put them on sale for $250, they were explaining to potential buyers (at least in the Chicago area) that they wouldn't work with Comcast...if I'd been there, I'd have bought a couple.


Interestingly, I worked at Tweeter at the time, and learned from this thread about the price reduction. I tried to snag three (one from my store and two from another), but the other store only sent me one.:mad:

I wound up with two to add to the one I purchased from One Call before I started working at Tweeter.

It was definitely a feeding frenzy at that time.

Mark

In Seattle. Have Comcast with a cable card and also have UHF Antenna on roof and a VHF antenna. UHF and VHF combined and fed to Antenna Input on Sony. Cable connected to Cable input on Sony. After listings were all filled in using PBS Analog channel 9 VHF, my wife followed the instructions to force the unit to use KIRO (CBS Affiliate) 7.1 as the host channel via the UHF Antenna. We were getting packets on this channel. This has been working fine for almost a week now. We did have a re-boot on Sunday evening however. Clock recovered itself after running G* test on channel 9, PBS. The host channel has not reverted back to the PBS Channel 9 that I'm receiving via the VHF Antenna.

I am not receiving VBI Packets on any cable channels except one PBS channel which is channel 90. It is interesting to note that KIRO has a 7.1 and a 7.2 channel. I can receive VBI packets on both of these channels.

Thanks to this forum and spiffspace for all of the help.

I've been exchanging email messages with Macrovision and trying to enlist their help in getting Comcast to pass the TVGOS information through on their channel 107 which the Sony recognizes as KIRO High Definition. I personally don't need channel 107 to work becuase of the UHF antenna installation that I have. The point is that those people that do not have a UHF antenna should not have to go out and buy one just to keep the TVGOS functionality operating. This goes for the Sony as well as any other devices using TVGOS.

Happy to report my Guide is beginning to repopulate. Thank you WhatHappend for the great help!

Happy to report my Guide is beginning to repopulate. Thank you WhatHappend for the great help!

You're welcome. Your wife should happy now :)

Gemstar/MacroVision seems to have resolved the issues here as well.

The default channel lineup now only maps about 1/8 of all the possible digital cable channels (now the music channels are not mapped to channel numbers.)

My guide is faster than it has ever been on this SONY. I will hold off claiming complete success until all 8days are downloaded. I will then start to map all the optional Standard Def Digital channels and see if it slows down again.

I wonder if the SONY has a maximum total number of channels that can be mapped at one time and with all the overlap of SD/HD channels the internal mapping table has exceed it maximum size and caused memory corruption and lockups?

The unit is still downloading around 700 possible channel that can be mapped.

My recollection was in December 2005, someone posted news that Sony was dropping the DHG-HDD250/500.

I just looked back through this thread... the first indication was on November 22, 2005, when Sony dropped the units from sale on their Web site. Ironically, it was the day that I bought my 250 from Best Buy. I first saw that post after I got back from BB and did the initial setup on the 250.

I got this email from our local Seattle PBS Station today:

Our transition to all-digital broadcasting is nearly complete! KCTS 9 engineers are excited to have installed our new digital transmitter, which will officially bring KCTS 9 digital to channel 9 in the VHF spectrum. We’re testing the new transmitter overnight on several occasions, and we need your help! If you’re up and about between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. and can tune in, you’ll help us ascertain our signal strength and coverage. You will need to re-scan your tuner to receive KCTS-DT on VHF channel 9.4, as during these tests we'll also be operating on UHF channel 41—our current DTV channel. The VHF channel 9 transmitter will have a special message indicating that a test of the DTV transmitter on channel 9.4 is underway. After the test, you may have to re-scan your tuner again to help it re-locate KCTS 9 digital on UHF 41.

If you can stay up or get up to turn on your digital receiver, thank you! First, re-scan for KCTS 9 digital channel 9.4. Note the signal strength from your receiver, as well as any specifics of what you experienced. Please also include your location, antenna information, and what your receiver's signal strength is when tuned to KCTS-DT on UHF 41. Then, please e-mail the information to our engineers at dtvtest@KCTS9.org.

Test dates are:

December 22 from 3:15 to 4:45 a.m.

January 12 and 26 from 3:15 to 4:45 a.m.

February 9 from 3:15 to 6:45 a.m.


Finally, as of February 18 at approximately 1:00 a.m., KCTS-DT will be permanently on VHF channel 9.

Thank you as always for being a supporter of your local public television station—and happy holidays!

Best regards,

Daphne Adair


I was under the impression that all of the VHF spectrum was going away and had been auctioned off by the government. It appears that some of the VHF spectrum will still be used???

I was under the impression that all of the VHF spectrum was going away and had been auctioned off by the government. It appears that some of the VHF spectrum will still be used???I don't have the answer to that, but it seems to me that the DTV stations that have temporary assignments in the upper half of the UHF band could fall back to their old VHF channels as DTV, which then leaves the whole upper half of the UHF spectrum available for the govt reassignments.

I don't have the answer to that, but it seems to me that the DTV stations that have temporary assignments in the upper half of the UHF band could fall back to their old VHF channels as DTV, which then leaves the whole upper half of the UHF spectrum available for the govt reassignments.

Yes, the upper portion is being auctioned off, not the lower. So any above 54 (I believe) will have to move to some other frequency.

Finally, as of February 18 at approximately 1:00 a.m., KCTS-DT will be permanently on VHF channel 9.

I was under the impression that all of the VHF spectrum was going away and had been auctioned off by the government. It appears that some of the VHF spectrum will still be used???

Go to TVFOOL.com and plug in your zipcode and select post transition. It will show you the channels the local broadcasters will be using after Feb 2009. It also has great information showing signal power form each broadcaster for antenna selection and pointing.

Yes VHF is here to stay. A lot of broadcasters that have both an analog upper VHF channel and a digital UHF channel now, will switch the Digital channel to the VHF channel for greater broadcast range (more audience and more commercial revenues). They will then have to give up the UHF channel they are using now.

I was under the impression that all of the VHF spectrum was going away and had been auctioned off by the government.

For some reason this is a very common misconception. The channels that are being (or have already been) auctioned off are 52 through 69.

Most stations that have their analog signals on channels 7-13 (high VHF) will move their digital signals to their old analog channel in February. This is because (a) VHF requires significantly less power than UHF, so they can save on their electricity bills, and (b) the longer-wavelength VHF signals bend around obstacles more easily.

On the other hand, most stations that have their analog signals on channels 2-6 (low VHF) will keep their digital signals on UHF because low-VHF channels are very susceptible to impulse noise from power lines and electrical appliances, which can ruin reception of a digital signal. (This problem isn't as bad in the high-VHF channels.)

Hello- Hope this is the right area to post this request.
I have not been keeping up with what will be needed to keep my SONY HDD250 working in '09. Is there a link that spells it out for me? There is SOOooo much info here! I have COMCAST Analog cable but I get the simulcast DTV stations as well as OTA analog and digital channels. I have no cable card and my TVGOS is currently working well...

Thanks!

I have not been keeping up with what will be needed to keep my SONY HDD250 working in '09. Is there a link that spells it out for me?

You may not need to do anything. The DHG-HDD's have been shown to be able to get TVGOS from digital (CBS digital anyway), and, once the analog sources go away, your 250 may automatically switch to using a digital source. However, if you want to try forcing it to get TVGOS from digital now, you can find how to do that and many other thing about your Sony here: Check here for 'How To' Questions on the DHG-HDDs (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php)

This is good news. We're in Media, PA and our DHG is suffering from incomplete listings and random reboots.

I'm not at home right now to see if we're getting guide data or a host channel, but I can check this weekend. Or perhaps I'll ask the wife if the listings have come back.

Finally had the chance to do the reset procedure. Since the problems starting happening around Thanksgiving, we hadn't had the opportunity to reset it, but since everything is in reruns now, I figured it was a good time to do it.

I ended up doing the lock-up reset procedure since we were having that issue as well (although my wife said that it kinda fixed itself recently).

I'm happy to report that everything seems to work fine. We have a host channel again and days 1, 2, 5, and 8 all loaded properly.

Just to add to the collective data, I kept it on zip 19063 and have 640+ available channels.

Also, after the reset user configuration and TVGOS reset, I was on an early firmware. After the first 2AM download, the firmware jumped back up to 8.6.0.44

Thanks to everyone for the help, especially frank70 and whathappend.

ft

...missing next Sat and Sun listings? My 250 has been updating fine since just after Thanksgiving using CBS 5.1 OTA, and it is still the host channel. But for the first time since going digital TVGOS it failed a download two days in a row. :( Just hoping it is a system problem and not my box.

Thanks, Jim

When Tweeter put them on sale for $250, they were explaining to potential buyers (at least in the Chicago area) that they wouldn't work with Comcast...if I'd been there, I'd have bought a couple.

As it was, I NEVER saw one in my local Best Buy store, but when I learned that stores in southern California still had them, I pressed a salesperson at my local store to check and see if there were ANY in Best Buy Stores in the SF Bay area...there were two units (250's) in the whole Bay area, one only 30 minutes north...I had him reserve it for me, jumped in my car and got it (for $500) - glad I got one. (Along with the LG I picked up a year earlier at Circuit City - for $700 - it has served me well.)The local Fry's had them for a long time, but at MSRP. I checked on a whim recently and all were gone, or at least seemed to be. A local CC has probably the last one in the whole area that they demo with, but don't think I'll press 'em for it.

...missing next Sat and Sun listings? My 250 has been updating fine since just after Thanksgiving using CBS 5.1 OTA, and it is still the host channel. But for the first time since going digital TVGOS it failed a download two days in a row. :( Just hoping it is a system problem and not my box.

Thanks, Jim
Hi, Jim...my Sony is missing listings for those 2 days, and it's still getting its listings from PBS 9 (still listed as host channel). So my guess is that Gemstar has fouled up the v8 feed to BOTH stations.

(It may go even further than that, because my LG3410a - which is v7 - ALSO doesn't have listings. But this is ambiguous, because it also doesn't have listing for Friday, because the unit was left on overnight by mistake (and it doesn't have an auto-off feature), which means no listings, and it may be that I need to reset it with a short unplug/replug. Ironically, as previously noted here, my LG is now getting its listing from channel 5 analog. If it was v8, I would say that, based on the apparent problem with channels 9 AND 5.1, I'd expect 5 to not be working, too, for the same reason. Since it's v7, it's not clear, but I think it's likely that's screwed up, too...)

I did a rescan today of my QAM channels, but can not get them on the channel +/- list. I can tune to them manually, but not with the channel up/down buttons. Any way to get these added on the list?

Thanks

Yes, the upper portion is being auctioned off, not the lower. So any above 54 (I believe) will have to move to some other frequency.


Some guy told me a few years ago it was channel 62 and above

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.)

I am also in Los Angeles. This is good news. Could you please explain how I can force my Sony DVR to take its TVGOS data from digital CBS 2.1 instead of analog PBS 28?
How can you verify the switch?
Right now, pre-transition, CBS 2.1 is on OTA channel 60, which will disappear after the transition. I believe CBS digital is moving to 43, which is now occupied by its sister digital station, 9.1 Will all these switches take place instantly on Feb 17? Will our Sony DVR be able to find its TVGOS data on
43? Thanks for your help.

My Sony is still missing sat and sun listings, but next mondays is there now.

TVGOS seems to think their problems are solved (again), according to today's response to my e-mail about their 2nd round of recent problems. I did get new listings today and my channel order was not messed around like it was the last few days.

My HDD500 reverted to the analog PBS host. I wonder if the digital transmission is still having problems? I may try to force it back to CBS-HD cablecard tonight.

Some guy told me a few years ago it was channel 62 and above

Channels 52 through 69 are the ones that have been or are being auctioned off. Don't know if the auction process is complete yet.

My Sony is still missing sat and sun listings, but next mondays is there now.

Same here in Sunnyvale - they should fill in as they become days 1 and 2. Is your host channel 5.1 OTA like mine?

Is this the only older TVGOS capable device that will work with digital channels?

Is this the only older TVGOS capable device that will work with digital channels?

Well, obviously the device would have to include a digital tuner. Aside from that, it has been stated in posts here that the device would have to be running V-8.x or higher of the TVGOS firmware. But then, it is not completely clear how the recent (cryptic) information provided by Ken H comes into play. In any case, a digital tuner is a necessity. :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093923

Well, my Mits DLP TV with a digital tuner running the EXACT same version of TVGOS as this Sony will NOT work next year!

Well, my Mits DLP TV with a digital tuner running the EXACT same version of TVGOS as this Sony will NOT work next year!

Interesting, source? Or did you make a trip into the future? :p

According to Ken H's cryptic info, your Mits should be Ok. But I don't know any more than that about the Mits. In the case of the DHG's, we have proven in this forum that they are capable of receiving the TVGOS data from CBS digital stations. I've actually done this myself. :D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093923

The horses mouth; Macrovision's web support by two different CSR's after asking the question twice.

No 'flux capacitor' was needed. :D

I did a rescan today of my QAM channels, but can not get them on the channel +/- list. I can tune to them manually, but not with the channel up/down buttons. Any way to get these added on the list?

Thanks
Anyone know how to do this?

Thanks

Same here in Sunnyvale - they should fill in as they become days 1 and 2. Is your host channel 5.1 OTA like mine?

No. As far as I know my host is still analog 7 KGO.

No. As far as I know my host is still analog 7 KGO.
? since when does 7 broadcast TVGOS???

Until recently, it's only been PBS 9 (as well as 5.1)...

but, as it happens, although my Sony still shows 9 as the host channel, my LG3410a now shows channel 5 (analog, of course, since that it all that the LG will look at)...now, if your unit shows SEVEN as host, then I am inclined to think that it is still ONLY 9 that is broadcasting analog TVGOS, but the PSIP identifiers are getting screwed up and/or our units are getting fooled...

Why would 5 and 7 suddenly start broadcasting analog TVGOS just before those channels go away? doesn't make sense...

Rat -

Do you want to add them to the TVGOS list so you can get listings for them?

If so, go to "Edit Channels". This is from memory, so the steps may not be exact................ On the TVGOS screen top menu, select "Setup". Then scroll down to the 2nd choice, "Change Channel display". Then scroll until you find the channel name that you want (be sure to pick the CABLE version of the channel). Then press the "Menu" button on the remote, and turn the channel "ON", and enter the QAM channel number in the "channel" field. Be sure to click on "Done" when you're finished.............................

When I first got my Sony a couple of years ago, I turned off all analog stations. KGO 7 was the one that restored the guide, also when the guide is first downloaded, the first listed station is supposed to be the host and has been KGO 7, even after resets. Analog doesn't have PSIP. Anyway I turned 9 on sometime ago, as it is a host also, thinking that might fix the guide problems that come and go.

I did a rescan today of my QAM channels, but can not get them on the channel +/- list. I can tune to them manually, but not with the channel up/down buttons. Any way to get these added on the list?

Thanks

When tuned to the channel you want to add to the list, press the right arrow and you should get an option to manually add the channel (or delete if already added).
Otherwise, go into the menu and in the preferences category there is a choice to access the complete list of channels and you can tick the ones you want available.

FYI
(2) 500's in the Chicago area. OTA only.
One 500 still uses 0-11 (PBS - wttw) as Host and I have not had any problems with listings.
Second 500 is using 3-0 (CBS? -) as Host. This machine usto use 0-11 and 0-2 as host.
I get a great pic and alot of VBI from either 2-1 or 3-1 but 3-0 doesn't show anywere in the listings?
If I tune to it I get "No signal" on either machine or my Sony Bravia.
I have full listings for all eight days on both machines. Just thought I'd pass this info along.
Does anyone else in the Chicago area show VBI on 3-0 or 3-1?
Happy Holidays!

When I first got my Sony a couple of years ago, I turned off all analog stations. KGO 7 was the one that restored the guide, also when the guide is first downloaded, the first listed station is supposed to be the host and has been KGO 7, even after resets. Analog doesn't have PSIP. Anyway I turned 9 on sometime ago, as it is a host also, thinking that might fix the guide problems that come and go.
yes, my mistake about the PSIP, but I'm still puzzled about 5 starting to put out analog (according to my LG), as well as the fact that 7 has been doing so...wasn't aware of that - did your diagnostic menu actually show 7 as the host channel? When my unit's Tvgos has reset, I don't believe it's ever shown 9 as the first in the channel list, even though 9 has always been my host channel for the Sony

When I first got my Sony a couple of years ago, I turned off all analog stations. KGO 7 was the one that restored the guide, also when the guide is first downloaded, the first listed station is supposed to be the host and has been KGO 7, even after resets. Analog doesn't have PSIP. Anyway I turned 9 on sometime ago, as it is a host also, thinking that might fix the guide problems that come and go.

This must have been a coincidence. I have ALWAYS had ALL the analog channels turned off and receive the guide with no problems.

In my experience, the ONLY indication of the host channel is via the following procedure:

The TVGOS diagnostic/info menu: This can be accessed by pressing <GUIDE>, then moving the cursor up to the SETUP menu item on the top bar. Press <DOWN>, then 753159852. This gives you a series of screens that show info like Host Channel, VBI info, and numerous other pages of system info. One of the most useful screens is accessed by immediately pressing <RIGHT> after entering this "753..." menu. This page shows you the Host Channel (among other things).

The horses mouth; Macrovision's web support by two different CSR's after asking the question twice.

No 'flux capacitor' was needed. :D

Web Support? Customer Service? That's not the horse's mouth. You've got the wrong end of the horse there. :p

No 'flux capacitor' was needed. :DThat means the same thing as "no bullsh!t dohickey is needed".

Does anyone else in the Chicago area show VBI on 3-0 or 3-1?
Happy Holidays!

During the recent problems, my unit had 3-0 as the host and/or clock channel more than once.

Meanwhile, I forced mine form PBS back to Comcast 189 CBS-HD and got full listings last night. And I mean full --- not a single "No Title" anywhere I checked. And maybe best of all, TVGOS didn't turn off or move the 20+ HD channels it had been screwing with recently.

I haven't tried the diagnostic menu, got my info by trial and error and reading about the tvguide at http://www.spiffspace.com/TVGOS_Training_Manual.pdf
Ch 5 KPIX showing as a host on one of your units is a puzzle, maybe since they are the new host for digital, they are duplicating on analog too.

I haven't tried the diagnostic menu, got my info by trial and error and reading about the tvguide at http://www.spiffspace.com/TVGOS_Training_Manual.pdf
Ch 5 KPIX showing as a host on one of your units is a puzzle, maybe since they are the new host for digital, they are duplicating on analog too.
yes, that occurred to me, though it's odd, because it would have meant installing extra TVGOS equipment that would no longer be necessary after February...

Web Support? Customer Service? That's not the horse's mouth. You've got the wrong end of the horse there.You have a better source?

After a perfect couple of days, all of the guide problems are back again. Rebooting. Partial listings. Blown channel order. WTF?!?

The only difference is that the host channel is sticking (CBS-HD).

Well, my Mits DLP TV with a digital tuner running the EXACT same version of TVGOS as this Sony will NOT work next year!

Why won't it work? Any explaination would be of help here. Just saying it will not work is of little use. Especially since so many here have shown that their Sonys do indeed work with digital information. Is there something we all are missing? You need to elaborate.
Thanks,
Michael

On another website he indicated that the TVGOS software in the Mits may have been modified by Mits. The part that I don't understand however is that we have shown here that the software can be (and is) upgraded by TVGOS via overnight downloads. It would seem to me that these upgrades would wipe out any custom programming done by Mits. He may have to wait for Feb 17th to know positively for sure ....................... (like the rest of us) :eek: :eek: :eek:

http://www.hometheaterspot.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/142290/

On another website he indicated that the TVGOS software in the Mits may have been modified by Mits. The part that I don't understand however is that we have shown here that the software can be (and is) upgraded by TVGOS via overnight downloads. It would seem to me that these upgrades would wipe out any custom programming done by Mits. He may have to wait for Feb 17th to know positively for sure ....................... (like the rest of us) :eek: :eek: :eek:

http://www.hometheaterspot.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/142290/

Actually, the Feb 18th update will tell all as the analog cut-off is 2/17/2009 at 11:59:59 PM :)

Why won't it work? Any explaination would be of help here.It would be helpful to me also. I can only speculate.On another website he indicated that the TVGOS software in the Mits may have been modified by Mits.It was posted here also. It's not may have been modified, but was modified. All you have to do is change the zip code and see what screens pop up first after it gets the needed data to start a different listing. The first two welcome screens are missing from the Mits TVGOS.
Mits has you do the intiial setup within the TV menu under 'NetCommand', not within the TVGOS menu as is the case with the Sony DVR.

I'm still waiting for Mits to get back to me regarding problems within the TVGOS program. FWIW, they (Mits 2nd level tech support) still refers to Gemstar when they mention contacting them with customer data from the diagnostic screens.It would seem to me that these upgrades would wipe out any custom programming done by MitsNot if the 'mod' was done upstream from the actual TVGOS program. IOW's Mits intercepts the dats before TVGOS does and does it's thing.

Again, I'm only speculating at this point. I have asked Mits directly one way or the other regarding this and waiting for that answer also.

Hello all. I have a question for all of you Sony DVR "techsters".....why does my guide show a certain channel & program details, however, the channel that comes up is completely different? I haven't done anything, (except turn off the channels that I don't want to see) since my problems stopped and my guide reappeared about 2-3 weeks ago. I purposely didn't reorder my channels because it is such a PITA and I figured I'd have it all to do over again when my host switched to digital. I'm still on analog PBS. This has never happened before. Am I losing my mind or is this an issue with the feed?

SonyWinner -

Go to "Edit Channels" and be sure that the channel number assigned to the station name you are referring to is correct. If it's not, change it to the proper channel number.

My two 500s are not as HD friendly as they used to be. My cableco puts HD networks in the 1500s and these channels used to, BUT no longer, show up in TVGOS. I have to manually tune them. I tried rescanning and also did a channel setup but nothing changes. My listngs didn't even go away.
Do I need to wipe the drive?

I may need to go OTA for HD. I'm gonna post on the AustinTX forum to see what changed. Not being able to remap to 4 digit channels is a major drawback for this DVR with my cablecos numbering.

My two 500s are not as HD friendly as they used to be. My cableco puts HD networks in the 1500s and these channels used to, BUT no longer, show up in TVGOS. I have to manually tune them. I tried rescanning and also did a channel setup but nothing changes. My listngs didn't even go away.
Do I need to wipe the drive?

I may need to go OTA for HD. I'm gonna post on the AustinTX forum to see what changed. Not being able to remap to 4 digit channels is a major drawback for this DVR with my cablecos numbering.

Back when I had TWC I had the same issue. Sometimes the channel scan would pick up the alias number and sometime not. Sometimes it would pick up 3 of the 5 alias numbers and sometimes not. Made it a pain, to say the least. I'm OTA only now, so those issues have gone away. (Actually in RR they took the HD in the clear away and replaced it with SD in the clear for all of the locals -- waste of bandwidth if you ask me, but I guess if they can get you to rent another box....all they got from me was a cancellation).

SonyWinner -

Go to "Edit Channels" and be sure that the channel number assigned to the station name you are referring to is correct. If it's not, change it to the proper channel number.

Thanks WS....I'd already done that. The channel 141 is there, and is correct, however, when I select that channel....it brings up channel 102. Any other ideas, please?

Thanks WS....I'd already done that. The channel 141 is there, and is correct, however, when I select that channel....it brings up channel 102. Any other ideas, please?

Could it be that you have channel number and position flipped. A longshot for sure.

ft

That would be a negative. Everything is exactly the way it should be (except what comes up on the screen)

SonyWinner -

Can you tune to channel 141 directly (not through the TVGOS screen) by entering 1-4-1-Select ???

Do you use CableCard? If so, all bets are off.

Negative....again brings up what's on channel 102. Yes, I have a cablecard, however, have never experienced this issue before. What's that mean?

I have no idea what it means (I don't have CableCard). But I think it must be a CableCard issue.

Have read through this forum and have run a G* test on several PBS stations and the local cbs affiliate(sadly not O&O by CBS). I am currently using Cox service, in RI, with a cablecard installed. Tried both the HD and SD stations of the fore mentioned networks and am not seeing any VBI packets come across.

Am I doing something wrong?

Thnx...

FYI
(2) 500's in the Chicago area. OTA only.
One 500 still uses 0-11 (PBS - wttw) as Host and I have not had any problems with listings.
Second 500 is using 3-0 (CBS? -) as Host. This machine usto use 0-11 and 0-2 as host.
I get a great pic and alot of VBI from either 2-1 or 3-1 but 3-0 doesn't show anywere in the listings?
If I tune to it I get "No signal" on either machine or my Sony Bravia.
I have full listings for all eight days on both machines. Just thought I'd pass this info along.
Does anyone else in the Chicago area show VBI on 3-0 or 3-1?
Happy Holidays!

Reldnips, I get 3-0 OTA. I intepret it as WBBM. "3" as Digital channel 3 and "0" as OTA.

beto2, thanks for the reply.
Are you actually getting a picture on 3-0 or just VBI data? Are you in the burbs?
I don't think 3-0 is digital as I get both 2-1 and 3-1 as digital CBS with the same info.
The one 500 has been using 3-0 as a host for about a month now without any problems so I guess I should be thankful. Don't know why it switched to 3-0 but it will be interesting to see what happens after the change over.

Hi. I just read the link your referenced in this answer and submitted a reply asking for an update on the solution. Also interested in referral to site or posting strands that will indicate that the solution is now available.

bhull09, if you are refering to my post I assume the question is whether these units will work after the change over in February?
Based on others it appears it will. - See page 407 posts 12181,12187,12189 etc.
I have not gotten mine to specifical use digital (as far as I can tell) but it seems to work for others right now.
I'm assuming it will change on its own when it loses the Analog, however there are ways to force it if you read from the above references to the present.

I just spoke with the chief engineer for my local CBS station. He indicated they will not be transmitting the TVGOS signal. My device is useless without the signal. Is it true TVGOS devices will be useless if there local CBS station does not broadcast the signal?

In some markets, PBS will continue to distribute the signal. This is the case here in Indianapolis; I've spoken with the engineer at our local WFYI PBS station and he indicated they are procuring equipment to inject the TVGOS information into the digital stream.

I'm not sure yet if we'll end up doing it or not, but I was contemplating letting go of our Sony DHG-HDD250. Obviously I'm an AVS member and would post it in the classifieds, but wanted to check in here first for interest and what to expect pricing wise. I've monitored a few on Ebay as well.
Thank you.

I haven't been able to get a reply from our local CBS or PBS (which carries the analog TVGoS) as to whether either will carry the digital version. I will have to part with mine too, if we don't have access to the digital version in Tulsa.

I am getting fios this week. From my searches it seems that the 500 may work with their 4.21 motorola card.

What I am not sure of is where this card plugs in. Does it plug into the sony 500 some where, because I dont see a spot for it.

If it plugs into their box are they going to charge me for that box?

Any tips will be appreciated on how to make this a smooth transition. I am only ota right now.

Thanks

I haven't been able to get a reply from our local CBS or PBS (which carries the analog TVGoS) as to whether either will carry the digital version. I will have to part with mine too, if we don't have access to the digital version in Tulsa.

Me, too, if I don't have the same from the CBS or PBS station in Oklahoma City.

Me, too, if I don't have the same from the CBS or PBS station in Oklahoma City.

I'm sure you also know that the same people(Griffin Communications) own both the CBS station in OKC and Tulsa and of course OETA has all the statewide PBS stations.

What I am not sure of is where this card plugs in. Does it plug into the sony 500 some where, because I dont see a spot for it.It plugs in the back of the Sony. The slot comes covered with tape, but it's there.

I know this may sound somewhat far off, but I still maintain that Sony is obligated to see that this device works in the digital age. If you look at all the printed matter and manual etc it has digital written all over it. No where is there anything written about a short life span, which, 3 years is a short lifespan for these devices, I mean VHS machine still function. I know when I bought my unit I was unaware of the analog cutoff, but regardless, buying a digital device I think it is reasonable to expect that the device continue to function in the digital stream.

Now, if in fact the DVR does not work after the cutoff, I think an attorney letter to them backed up with names of people that own them may do wonders for some form of compensation. I deal in consumer products and you would be amazed what some forward thinking companies will do to take care of a minor problem such as this.

I would even go so far as to sue them in the form of a class action. As a last resort. It does'nt cost that much to file.

Before you fire sale your unit you may want to consider this. Those wanting to attach their name in the petition to sony, private message me.

It's worth a try.

HDAddiction

No where is there anything written about a short life span, which, 3 years is a short lifespan for these devices, I mean VHS machine still function.

Wow, really, I thought 3 years was pretty average. Why does my cell phone company try to make me upgrade every 1-2 years? :p

I deal in consumer products and you would be amazed what some forward thinking companies will do to take care of a minor problem such as this.

Did you just imply forward thinking and Sony in the same sentance....ha, good one :D

Many have proven that it will work with a digital feed (see this thread) and there is even a sticky in this forum that talks about all devices in this situation.

And FYI, send that petition to Macrovision....not Sony....it is the macrovision software (TVGOS) that is the issue, not the Sony machine. About all you would get from Sony is (if anything) a way to set the clock manually so you can do old-school VHS type programmed recordings.

I know this may sound somewhat far off, but I still maintain that Sony is obligated to see that this device works in the digital age. If you look at all the printed matter and manual etc it has digital written all over it. No where is there anything written about a short life span, which, 3 years is a short lifespan for these devices, I mean VHS machine still function. I know when I bought my unit I was unaware of the analog cutoff, but regardless, buying a digital device I think it is reasonable to expect that the device continue to function in the digital stream.

Now, if in fact the DVR does not work after the cutoff, I think an attorney letter to them backed up with names of people that own them may do wonders for some form of compensation. I deal in consumer products and you would be amazed what some forward thinking companies will do to take care of a minor problem such as this.

I would even go so far as to sue them in the form of a class action. As a last resort. It does'nt cost that much to file.

Before you fire sale your unit you may want to consider this. Those wanting to attach their name in the petition to sony, private message me.

It's worth a try.

HDAddictionThanks for the humor.

I would even go so far as to sue them in the form of a class action. As a last resort. It does'nt cost that much to file.


There's only one problem with Class Action lawsuits............. The member's of the "Class" end up getting some form of coupon, probably worth about $25 in this case, towards the purchase of some other item produced by the offending Manufacturer. The lawyers on the other hand........ make out like Bandits.

Before you fire sale your unit you may want to consider this. Those wanting to attach their name in the petition to sony, private message me.

It's worth a try.

HDAddiction

Hardly a fire sale I sold both of my Sony 250 DVRs two weeks ago for over $375.00 each. Since I paid like $500.00 each well over two years ago, maybe three I'd say I got a great return on investment.
Now the longer you wait of course the less you will get because of products like the DTV PAL DVR which is what I switched to and although the interface of the Sony is far better The PAL has two count'em two tuners, is much quicker in terms of navigation, and sounds like the hard drive can be upgraded at least to a 500GB drive.


Edit : Well sorry I just noticed that you look like you maybe a cable subscriber in which case the DTV PAL DVR would obviously not be a valid choice. My bad.

I mean VHS machine still function.

What VHS machine are you expecting to work after the digital cut-over without a converter?

The Sony HDD's already work from digital host for TVGOS - mine has been since this summer.

What are you? Some ambulance chaser trying to drum up business? Better get your facts straight first.

Sorry for the long delay in replying.

I am in Lincoln Park. I get 3-0 in VBI and Host.

No, I don't get a picture at 3-0. 3-1 is WBBM, and it is displayed as 2-1. 2-1 is the virtual channel, 3-1 is the physical channel. After transition, WBBM will go to VHF channel 12, but virtual channel remains 2-1 (the concept of receiving one frequency but displaying another is Program and System Information Protocol or PSIP). Hence in TVGOS, OTA will display as 12-0. Hopefully they'll do it on 2/17/09. It'll be a huge improvement - less interference, double the broadcast power (4kW to 8kW)....

Clear as mud? I'd like to give you 2 links to skim, but avsforum won't let me - you'll have to go to wikipedia look up PSIP, site at com domain otadigitaltv has info on the move from 2 to 12.

beto2, thanks for the reply.
Are you actually getting a picture on 3-0 or just VBI data? Are you in the burbs?
I don't think 3-0 is digital as I get both 2-1 and 3-1 as digital CBS with the same info.
The one 500 has been using 3-0 as a host for about a month now without any problems so I guess I should be thankful. Don't know why it switched to 3-0 but it will be interesting to see what happens after the change over.

And FYI, send that petition to Macrovision....not Sony....it is the macrovision software (TVGOS) that is the issue, not the Sony machine. About all you would get from Sony is (if anything) a way to set the clock manually so you can do old-school VHS type programmed recordings.
I believe this device was advertised as having an 8-day program guide...I'll have to go back and look at the box. Furthermore, half the users manual is about how to use the program guide and related matters (like how the recordings list works...)

beto2, thanks for the reply once again and thanks for trying to clear up this confusing mess.
I'll try checking out the site.

I did check out the site and now it's very cclleeaarr.
At least I now know where the host 3-0 comes from and that I'm receiving guide digitally.
Thanks again.

I'm getting a strange pattern on my program guide: While I have an 8-day guide for the first 82 cable and antenna channels of the TV Guide, I only get a current-day for the remaining 160 cable channels. Some of those with the current-day only guide are music only channels and never have a listing, but most are popular cable TV channels, like Comedy Central, Discovery Science, Sci Fi, and CNN.

This has been consistent for at least the last week, so all channels are updated each night...it is just that most are only updated for the current day. The "Edit Ch" list includes the 290 channels that have been there for the last 2 years, with all but a few of the available channels checked. Any ideas on what is going on? I'm guessing it may be an artifact of the transition to digital...I am still getting my guide from PBS's cable analog station.

Well, I may actually have to start re-reading this thread, and paying attention to the analog vs digital TVGOS debate. I've been putting off worrying about it, but my local PBS station just shut down their analog transmitter, I guess for good. I didn't think it would really affect me, because when their tower fell for their old transmitter last January, I didn't lose any guide info. I have just assumed it was coming through on cable, but I am noticing a lot of "No Info" slots on the guide now, primarily on the broadcast nets, although cable seems to be okay. I'll have to look a little further out when I have more time, but I don't think my local CBS affiliate is doing digital TVGOS yet. I guess I'll just have to shift all my recordings to my TivoHD until I get this figured out. I definitely hope to be able to continue using the Sony after 2/17.

My TVGOS listings disappeared on Dec. 31. The cable co. chief engineer said the local stations had all gone digital, so I guess my PBS analog signal is no longer there. I called the local CBS station chief engineer, and he said they are supposed to be broadcasting the TVGOS signals, but the equipment is owned by Gemstar and if it is not operating, they have to call them to fix it. No stations I receive, CBS or PBS, are broadcasting the TVGOS from what I can see doing the G * test. I've sent emails to CBS and Macrovision, but no response yet. I guess the transition has started early.

Forgot to add: Another curious thing regarding the loss of my TVGOS signal.....the TVGOS version reverted back to 8.01.42. I don't know why and was surprised to see that. I hope when it is available digitally, that version will be able to upgrade itself and work properly.

More problems in Chicago the last couple of weeks. TVGOS has been communicating by e-mail. They asked for information from several test screens and replied that my unit reboot itself. Gee, ya think? That's why I contacted them.

They had me set my zip code to a nearby area, but that did not help. I sent them more diagnostics as they requested, but they have not replied since a week ago. Last night I had no new listings. Sometimes I get partial listings. Sometimes I just run the G*test and leave the unit on and get current over night. I believe last Friday night was the only "normal" flawless update.

I often get a reboot while the unit is off at around 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM, which does not appear to be during any type of download period. I'll be watching a different tuner and will see the HDD500 display light up while it reboots. Some of these result in a lockup. There is no clock and no response from the unit until I do a front panel reset or unplug it.

I assume I'm not the only one in Chicago still having problems...

My TVGOS listings disappeared on Dec. 31. The cable co. chief engineer said the local stations had all gone digital, so I guess my PBS analog signal is no longer there. I called the local CBS station chief engineer, and he said they are supposed to be broadcasting the TVGOS signals, but the equipment is owned by Gemstar and if it is not operating, they have to call them to fix it. No stations I receive, CBS or PBS, are broadcasting the TVGOS from what I can see doing the G * test. I've sent emails to CBS and Macrovision, but no response yet. I guess the transition has started early.What the cable company probably means is that they are now sending you the digital locals in analog, after having the analog TVGOS signal stripped out during the conversion.

More problems in Chicago the last couple of weeks. I'm not having any problems whatsoever receiving the analog data for my v8 Sony's guide from channel 11, and for my v7 Panasonic E85H's guide from channel 20 - at least OTA.

I'm not having any problems whatsoever receiving the analog data for my v8 Sony's guide from channel 11, and for my v7 Panasonic E85H's guide from channel 20 - at least OTA.

I can use Comcast CBS-HD or PBS analog. But no host sticks (it's been blank again for a couple of weeks) and listings are sporadic unless I get lucky and have a night with no reboot.

Phil,
Things have been very frustrating over here. Perhaps we need to get one of our units over to the TVGOS people so they can see what causes all the screw-ups. As we all know, it's not just one thing. I'll sit there with them, if necessary.:D

My experience matches yours. The reboots happen throughout the day and night, though. I know this because I'm home most of the day. Part of my routine throughout the day, sadly, now includes checking those front panels. Watching another source, and hearing "Click!" is an unwelcome and frequent occurrence. "Damn," I've been known to say, pointing out (she loves this) another reboot to my wife.

I know there have been reassurances that our units will work, but things have been exactly the same for months now. The ill effects have not lessened. Over the last month, I reset two of my units to TVGuide factory default because of duplications. The duplications did not return, thankfully. I reset unit #3 (off-air only) last night for the same reason. Duplications, and then, finally, no listings at all. Today it's back up to 8.66.04(sorry if that's not right; I mean the current version with the ads showing) but still no listings. Maybe tomorrow.

But how can the guide load if the damn unit keeps shutting off and rebooting? I'm surprised I don't have more problems than I do. If I want to be sure to get a programmed recording, though, I have to leave the unit on. I'm not taking any chances.

Phil, when I do the G-test, the screen reverts from the diagnosis screen to the program after about five minutes. Yours does this and you can still download the guide with the unit left on?

Rammitinski, I'd sure love to know why you're not having any problems. I have 3:
One on Comcast (Air + Cable) and 2 off-air. They're all wacky, often rebooting at the exact same time.

About two weeks ago, my #1 off-air unit was finally showing a host again. But it was back to ch. 11. I hadn't even been getting VBI off 11 for weeks. Well, after host was showing as 11 again, I checked and VBI packets were showing. Now, none of my units are showing any host. My #1 off-air unit had no listings for today, but had them for Tuesday, Weds, etc., so it looks like Sunday night's download got screwed up.

I have never tried forcing the host. I don't know which one to choose as a host. They seem to keep changing! The units are screwed up enough, I didn't want to force a host and find things were screwed up even worse. Have I used the phrase "screwed up" enough?

Sorry for rambling. I'm just venting. Seriously, if some tech at TVGOS will actually bench test an HDD500, I might be willing to spare one of mine.

I can't afford to lose any more hair. I'm down to my last couple.

Ever since I changed my zipcode from a Philadelphia suburb (where I live) to Reading, PA (an outlying city), I've had no reboot problems (did have one lockup problem so reset everything back to factory and things are fine now.) Chicago seems to be the hot-spot now for reboots, as I don't see reports here now for myriad other cities like we had after Thanksgiving.

Note: when coming up from a factory reset, we all know the firmware updates from 8.01.42 to 8.05.40 to 8.06.44. What you may not realize is that each of these two updates causes an automatic reboot - but in this case it is a GOOD reboot (i.e. the clock is not lost when the unit comes back up.) I actually saw it happen while recovering from my factory reset. I was about to say "oh, no, not reboots again!" but when it came back up with the clock intact, I realized that it was just going through a normal firmware update sequence.

What the cable company probably means is that they are now sending you the digital locals in analog, after having the analog TVGOS signal stripped out during the conversion.

The cable co. chief engineer claims they don't strip out any TVGOS signal and says they don't have the ability to see it or strip it out. I just think PBS shut it off, and CBS has not gotten Gemstar to reset the TVGOS inserter to insert it in their digital broadcast. CBS chief engineer says it is just a computer on their property, but only Gemstar has access to it. Bottom line: still on TVGOS listings

Ever since I changed my zipcode from a Philadelphia suburb (where I live) to Reading, PA (an outlying city), I've had no reboot problems (did have one lockup problem so reset everything back to factory and things are fine now.) ...

What are you seeing as a Host Channel now?

I can get "clock resets" from Chan 57 OTA, but that is all. Nothing from Chan 3HD OTA, or any of the cable channels. This is in Allentown, RCN cable.

Anyone in a market that has a Lin owned station that has contacted the station regarding carriage of CBS/Macrovision TVGOS?;
http://www.lintv.com/about/television.html

Last night I had a reboot in the middle of recording a program. This was my first reboot since returning to the Seattle area after using my DHG down in San Diego for six months. I have never noticed this before, but last night it displayed "Welcome…" then flashed 08.01.42 on the front panel display. My clock reset then adjusted to an incorrect time. The interesting thing was it showed a TVGOS version on the front panel display after reboot. This may be normal, I have just never noticed before.

Seems some with the new DTVPal DVR (uses Digital TVGOS) are experiencing random reboots / lockups with their units, too. Is this a TVGOS issue related to certain geographic locations? I have both boxes and have no issues with either (only analog TVGOS on my Sony for now)

Ever since I changed my zipcode from a Philadelphia suburb (where I live) to Reading, PA (an outlying city), I've had no reboot problems (did have one lockup problem so reset everything back to factory and things are fine now.) Chicago seems to be the hot-spot now for reboots, as I don't see reports here now for myriad other cities like we had after Thanksgiving.


Just to add another data point, I had to do a factory reset to fix the lock-up problem and to get a fresh starting point following the Thanksgiving fiasco.

I kept my actual zip code (Media PA 19063) and everything's been fine, except for one isolated lock-up incident. I have not been able to replicate the lock-up, so I'm not messing with it.

Incidentally, my channel lineup (OTA + Comcast Delaware County) has 742 channels.

ft

To wiredkw's point, I don't see RCN having the wherewithal to strip out TVGOS - they got plenty of other problems.

However, since RCN converted to all-digital, I don't get TVGOS over my cablecard. If I pull out the cable card and hookup an antenna, my TV homes right on WBBM-DTV 3-0.

Perhaps TVGOS doesn't scan all the way up to Channel 602?

I have version 09.01.33

To wiredkw's point, I don't see RCN having the wherewithal to strip out TVGOS...Cable company's all over are doing just that.

As far as them not admitting it, cable companies have been known to pass the buck, have uninformed CSR's, spout misinformation, or flat-out lie on many occasions.

Doesn't mean they necessarily did it intentionally - they just don't bother to re-insert it back in there.

With a CableCARD or digital cable box, Comcast used to keep the host channel in analog, and place it somewhere around channel 94-97. Don't know if they're still doing that, or if any others are, either.

If it wasn't in there, with HDD/DVD recorders with TVGOS, people used to sometimes split the signal, with one line into the cable box, and the box hooked into a line input, and the other end directly into the recorder's tuner, so that the analog tuner would pick up the signal from the analog host channel. I don't think there's any way you can do that with the Sony, though, since it doesn't have line inputs. Besides, if they've cut off all analog, you won't get it anyway.

They might accomodate the digital TVGOS, now or eventually, but I doubt if they're going to go out of their way anymore to keep the analog one going. They'd really rather get you to rent their DVR anyway.

What are you seeing as a Host Channel now?

I can get "clock resets" from Chan 57 OTA, but that is all. Nothing from Chan 3HD OTA, or any of the cable channels. This is in Allentown, RCN cable.Analog 12 (WHYY/PBS), but 3.1 (KYW-DT) and 57 both work too, but 12 is the stronger so it ultimately wins out. All OTA, no cable here.

Yes, you're too far away to get any quality OTA from Roxborough. Too bad about your cable not having TVGOS.

With a CableCARD or digital cable box, Comcast used to keep the host channel in analog, and place it somewhere around channel 94-97. Don't know if they're still doing that, or if any others are, either.

As of today - Comcast in New England Still has PBS Analog on Channel 97 http://www.rx8web.com/smilies/bouncy.gif

Phil,
Things have been very frustrating over here. Perhaps we need to get one of our units over to the TVGOS people so they can see what causes all the screw-ups. As we all know, it's not just one thing. I'll sit there with them, if necessary.:D

My experience matches yours. The reboots happen throughout the day and night, though. I know this because I'm home most of the day. Part of my routine throughout the day, sadly, now includes checking those front panels. Watching another source, and hearing "Click!" is an unwelcome and frequent occurrence. "Damn," I've been known to say, pointing out (she loves this) another reboot to my wife.

I know there have been reassurances that our units will work, but things have been exactly the same for months now. The ill effects have not lessened. Over the last month, I reset two of my units to TVGuide factory default because of duplications. The duplications did not return, thankfully. I reset unit #3 (off-air only) last night for the same reason. Duplications, and then, finally, no listings at all. Today it's back up to 8.66.04(sorry if that's not right; I mean the current version with the ads showing) but still no listings. Maybe tomorrow.

But how can the guide load if the damn unit keeps shutting off and rebooting? I'm surprised I don't have more problems than I do. If I want to be sure to get a programmed recording, though, I have to leave the unit on. I'm not taking any chances.

Phil, when I do the G-test, the screen reverts from the diagnosis screen to the program after about five minutes. Yours does this and you can still download the guide with the unit left on?

Rammitinski, I'd sure love to know why you're not having any problems. I have 3:
One on Comcast (Air + Cable) and 2 off-air. They're all wacky, often rebooting at the exact same time.

About two weeks ago, my #1 off-air unit was finally showing a host again. But it was back to ch. 11. I hadn't even been getting VBI off 11 for weeks. Well, after host was showing as 11 again, I checked and VBI packets were showing. Now, none of my units are showing any host. My #1 off-air unit had no listings for today, but had them for Tuesday, Weds, etc., so it looks like Sunday night's download got screwed up.

I have never tried forcing the host. I don't know which one to choose as a host. They seem to keep changing! The units are screwed up enough, I didn't want to force a host and find things were screwed up even worse. Have I used the phrase "screwed up" enough?

Sorry for rambling. I'm just venting. Seriously, if some tech at TVGOS will actually bench test an HDD500, I might be willing to spare one of mine.

I can't afford to lose any more hair. I'm down to my last couple.

Neal, thanks for the detailed report. I was sure it wasn't just me, but I like a reality check every so often. Your multiple unit simultaneous reboots underline where the problem lies.

Yes, you can do the G*Test on a known host channel and just leave the unit on. If you do this overnight, you would need to turn off the auto-shutoff feature. This procedure would often download all 8 days of listings in one night. But with all the problems lately, it works only sporadically. It does seem to help if you get behind 2 or 3 days of listings. Sometimes if the overnight downloads fail, I do the G*Test in the morning, leave the unit on all day, and come home to full or almost full listings.

Forcing the digital host on Comcast 189 used to work on the first try. Now I can't get any host to stick at all. The clock randomly gets the time from either CBS-HD 189 or PBS 94.

TVGOS seems to have quit responding via e-mail. Usually they reply when they think they have things fixed --- and usually things work for the next night or two. Then the failures return.

I have not had the duplicate channel problem. But along with my listings today, my channel order exploded. Actually, every time this happens, the same 30+ Comcast HD channels get turned off and moved near the bottom of the list. The other 50+ usually remain untouched. I have reported all these details to TVGOS.

Analog 12 (WHYY/PBS), but 3.1 (KYW-DT) and 57 both work too, but 12 is the stronger so it ultimately wins out. All OTA, no cable here.

Yes, you're too far away to get any quality OTA from Roxborough. Too bad about your cable not having TVGOS.

Actually, I get KYW-DT 3.1 OTA very well, but it is not recognized as a source of TVGOS data. WHYY OTA analog or digital is not seen, neither is 57-DT OTA. 57 Analog OTA is weak, but I do get clock resets from it.

6-DT, 10-DT and 29-DT are all received fine OTA. 17-DT OTA comes and goes. Several of the other Roxborough digital stations, 35, 48, 65, are also received well. I expect that OTA reception from the Roxborough stations will be quite good once all the digital stations are up to full power with the new antennas. Except possibly for WPVI on rf channel 6. Time will tell.

Seems some with the new DTVPal DVR (uses Digital TVGOS) are experiencing random reboots / lockups with their units, too. Is this a TVGOS issue related to certain geographic locations? I have both boxes and have no issues with either (only analog TVGOS on my Sony for now)

You may have put your finger on it. I have been following the DTVPal DVR thread and it seems more than coincidence to see the sudden rash of reboots happening to the Pal and the Sony seemingly related to the users location.

My HDD250 here in San Diego has been trouble free. Do not have the Pal. I also have a Sharp 37 inch LCD with TVGOS and the Sony HX990 HDD/DVD recorder (SD only). Have had the Sharp guide turned off but re-started it last night as an additional test of the guide. Found partial listings this morning.
The HDD and the Sharp have identical Guide software and respond to the service menu codes the same way. The HX990 being much older looks very different but that guide still works.

There are three prevailing theories:
1 Design fault, insufficient memory to handle a large number of channels. Market area dependent
2 Software.. the real time OS task scheduler is overloaded and cannot handle the real time interrupts caused by recording dual tuners and watching a recording. Not likely for the Sony.
3 The imminent changeover to DTV requiring changes to equipment and programming revisions on the part of Gemstar and integration into the station encoder stream on the part of broadcast engineers currently lacking the necessary expertise in some markets/stations.

The latter seems most likely to me.
Your thoughts ?

There are three prevailing theories:
1 Design fault, insufficient memory to handle a large number of channels. Market area dependent
2 Software.. the real time OS task scheduler is overloaded and cannot handle the real time interrupts caused by recording dual tuners and watching a recording. Not likely for the Sony.
3 The imminent changeover to DTV requiring changes to equipment and programming revisions on the part of Gemstar and integration into the station encoder stream on the part of broadcast engineers currently lacking the necessary expertise in some markets/stations.

The latter seems most likely to me.
Your thoughts ?

Everything here was working great with Comcast CBS-HD as the host for several months. There have been 700+ channels in the guide for quite some time. The reboots happen while the unit is off, even during non-download periods, so recording/watching is not the problem. I have no idea why TVGOS would have to mess around with things for the digital transition --- It was all working already.

You may have put your finger on it. I have been following the DTVPal DVR thread and it seems more than coincidence to see the sudden rash of reboots happening to the Pal and the Sony seemingly related to the users location.

My HDD250 here in San Diego has been trouble free. Do not have the Pal. I also have a Sharp 37 inch LCD with TVGOS and the Sony HX990 HDD/DVD recorder (SD only). Have had the Sharp guide turned off but re-started it last night as an additional test of the guide. Found partial listings this morning.
The HDD and the Sharp have identical Guide software and respond to the service menu codes the same way. The HX990 being much older looks very different but that guide still works.

There are three prevailing theories:
1 Design fault, insufficient memory to handle a large number of channels. Market area dependent
2 Software.. the real time OS task scheduler is overloaded and cannot handle the real time interrupts caused by recording dual tuners and watching a recording. Not likely for the Sony.
3 The imminent changeover to DTV requiring changes to equipment and programming revisions on the part of Gemstar and integration into the station encoder stream on the part of broadcast engineers currently lacking the necessary expertise in some markets/stations.

The latter seems most likely to me.
Your thoughts ?

If it is really geographically related issues, I'd be curious to see how long each of those local CBS stations have been broadcasting the data. Mine has since January 2008 -- maybe that why I don't have any issues (other than NBC's data being missing).

To wiredkw's point, I don't see RCN having the wherewithal to strip out TVGOS - they got plenty of other problems.

However, since RCN converted to all-digital, I don't get TVGOS over my cablecard. If I pull out the cable card and hookup an antenna, my TV homes right on WBBM-DTV 3-0.

Perhaps TVGOS doesn't scan all the way up to Channel 602?

I have version 09.01.33

My buddy who lives in my neighborhood just got a new Sony TV that has V9 TVGOS software. It is hooked up to basic cable without a cable card to the same cable co. as I am. Tonight I should know if not getting TVGOS is a cablecard issue or not by looking at his TVGOS. My TV also has the same V9 software and doesn't see the TVGOS signal, but it is going thru the Sony's cablecard first. I have called/emailed the cable co. and CBS engineers and Macrovision. Cable co. chief engineer says the cablecard can't strip it out, plus it worked fine for 2 yrs. when PBS analog was broadcasting TVGOS signal. I am very curious as to why my Sony's TVGOS software reverted back to the original version of 8.01.42 when it lost TVGOS. I hope it can renew itself back to the current version via software downloads once the TVGOS signal is restored. It appears it can from the info. I read in the Macrovision TVGOS support pages compliments of Frank70's postings in Spiff's forum. This forum has been an invaluable source of info. about these DVRs. Thanks guys!

Is your CBS station WLTX in Columbia or WRDW in Augusta? According to the G* test in the "hidden" 9012 menu, WLTX-DT is sending lots of VBI packets and passes the "VBI test." I haven't tried to get my Sonys to use it because I have to aim my antenna fairly carefully to pick up WLTX-DT, and I watch Greenville and Charlotte stations more often, so I'm waiting for one of them to start carrying digital TVGOS.

I haven't tried the G* test on WRDW-DT because I can't get that station very often.

Is your CBS station WLTX in Columbia or WRDW in Augusta? According to the G* test in the "hidden" 9012 menu, WLTX-DT is sending lots of VBI packets and passes the "VBI test." I haven't tried to get my Sonys to use it because I have to aim my antenna fairly carefully to pick up WLTX-DT, and I watch Greenville and Charlotte stations more often, so I'm waiting for one of them to start carrying digital TVGOS.

I haven't tried the G* test on WRDW-DT because I can't get that station very often.

My CBS station is WRDW in Augusta. The chief engineer there confirmed they have a G* inserter and are supposed to be broadcasting the TVGOS signal, but he doesn't know if it's working. He said he will notify G* to come look at it since WRDW can't access it. I don't get WLTX on my cable lineup, and don't have an outdoor antenna. Guess it's a wait and see for now. If you ever do receive WRDW and see the VBI packets via a G* test, I would like to know. Thanks!

I experienced a reboot on one of my HDD500's last night. This happened moments after I turned it on. This particular unit is OTA only, and this one had not done a spontaneous reboot before, although my other unit (OTA/Cable) had spontaneously rebooted twice about a month ago.

After the "Welcome" indication on the front panel finished last night, the unit had the wrong time (about 20 min slow), but all of the listings and channels were still there. This morning the time was correct, and I still had listings.

I didn't power up my other OTA/Cable unit last night, so I don't know if it will reboot also when I turn it on.

We may be forced to wait even longer to get the definitive answer on whether the DHG's will work after the transition............ :mad: :mad: :mad:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1106172

Am I the only one that is confused about the Digital transition and the Sony DHG's relating to the posts in here that show people's concerns about not receiving the TVGOS data?

I thought it had already been proven by many in here that the DHG's can receive digital TVGOS data.

I believe I am getting my data from CBS digital (29-0 which is digital 5.1) in the SF Bay Area.

Am I missing something here? Or are all the worried people in here talking about something different?

sanjose -

I'm not expressing any real concern......... I just consider the cutoff date to be like an "exclamation point". As in . . .

Yes, the DHG's will work after the digital transition !

I'm tired of waiting for the transition to happen, I'm ready to get on with it and move forward.

Well, fellow Chicagoans, I think TVGOS is trying to blow up my HDD500. The unit had rebooted overnight and was locked up --- off, no clock, and not responding to any front panel or remote commands --- a more and more frequent result after a reboot. So I unplugged it, ran the G*Test on Comcast 189, and left it on all day. As I hoped, this filled in the parts of the guide that were missing.

But --- my channel order was completely destroyed, most cable channels turned off, and the ones that have channel numbers are all wrong. For example, WGN is channel 10 and PBS is channel 12. AND, no matter what channel I tune to, after a few seconds it reverts to channel 1023 with no signal.

Thanks TVGOS!!

I believe I am getting my data from CBS digital (29-0 which is digital 5.1) in the SF Bay Area.

when you say you "believe", is that because the diagnostic menu identifies 5.1 as your host channel?
I'm still getting MY data from channel 9, though (like others) I have demonstrated that my unit CAN get data from 5.1...

Well, fellow Chicagoans, I think TVGOS is trying to blow up my HDD500.

I think it must be a combination of TVGOS and cable. I have had rock solid TVGOS performance OTA since changing my ZIP code as Frank recommended upthread (I used Winfield 60190). The ZIP change forced me back to WTTW 11 analog as my host, and I've left it there since everything was running so well. I even did a channel scan so I could get THIS (26.4) and US (5.3) which had come online after my last scan.

When we were having those reboots last month, I lost some shows that I had stored. They were not marked to save until I deleted them. Now, I've noticed that about 30% of my disk free space is missing. When I add up all my stored shows disk %, then subtract from 100, It does not match what the [Menu]-[Preferences]-[System]-[System Menu] shows. It's like my lost shows are taking up 30% of the disk space, but the system catalog can't find them. Is there any way to clear this up other than a disk reformat?

FWIW;
http://mobile.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6627461&q=macrovision

Don't know if it good news or bad.

FWIW;
http://mobile.multichannel.com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA6627461&q=macrovision

Don't know if it good news or bad.

Good: TVGOS plans on staying in business.

Bad: They can't get their current basic services to work right. Now they will add new complexity on top of that?!?

I think it must be a combination of TVGOS and cable. I have had rock solid TVGOS performance OTA since changing my ZIP code as Frank recommended upthread (I used Winfield 60190). The ZIP change forced me back to WTTW 11 analog as my host, and I've left it there since everything was running so well. I even did a channel scan so I could get THIS (26.4) and US (5.3) which had come online after my last scan.

I have never seen that disk space problem. I do notice a slowdown in overall responsiveness to controls when the disk is more than about 75% full.

I unplugged my unit for a while and then went through the guide setup process last night. That seems to have stopped the channel 1023 problem, and I hope to get the correct lineup today. We'll see.

They can't get their current basic services to work right. Now they will add new complexity on top of that?!?Thank you.
But, remember, it's 'new and improved' and has a artsy/fartsy name. :D

The "Mystical Magic 8 Ball" has told us not to worry about how to update our TVGOS version from 8.01.42 (analog only?) to 8.05+ (digital compatible) after the transition. I do have a strong faith in M8B but I also like to have contingency plans. If you're worried that you won't be able to update the unit if you reset back to 8.01.42, then you can make a VHS tape of the update and play it back to the Sony to update it. If you're not sure what a VHS tape is... It's an ancient medium used to record circa 1941 NTSC TV broadcasts.

I did a test the day Comcast came out to replace my S CableCard with an M-card (to fix my "recording not premitted by service provider" problem). I set the VCR to record from 12-6am MST, which captured three DL sessions: ID81(12:31am, 50min), ID27(1:26am, 60min) & ID70(2:31am, 180min).

Later that morning after Comcast replaced the card, I did a factory reset, hooked the VCR to the antenna jack, did a VBI test on ch4 (VCR), did the std "force host" procedure to ch4, and played back the tape.

-TVGOS was updated to 8.05.4 during the 1st playback of DLID 27.
-Time was set properly during the 2nd playback of DLID 81.
VBI DL schedule was also filled in during this time.
-Got the lineup during the 2nd playback of DLID 27.
For some reason, since I've had a cablecard, my lineup doesn't show up in the listings until I force all channels ON with code 123123123. Then again, Ive never been willing to wait more than a day. I entered the code and got the lineup. Bad part = all 540 channels are now ON.
- Got actual listings during 1st playback of DLID 70 (after 2 rounds of 27 & 81).

Notes:
It took a few hours from full factory reset to actually have listings again. The next day I noticed TVGOS was updated to 8.06.44 during the DL ID81 time (I'm pretty sure).

You can do this with an older tape but, of course, the Sony will be taken back in time. It really doesn't matter because I just want to make sure I can get the update.

If you're not sure what a VHS tape is... It's an ancient medium used to record circa 1941 NTSC TV broadcasts.Then you either just came back from Mars, or were just born in the past 10 or 15 years. BTW, VTR's didn't appear untill the early 50's.I set the VCR to record from 12-6am MST, which captured three DL sessions: ID81(12:31am, 50min), ID27(1:26am, 60min) & ID70(2:31am, 180min).Ok, questions, where in the diag. screen do you find those ID numbers and time? did a VBI test on ch4 (VCR), did the std "force host" procedure to ch4, and played back the tape."ch4" as in the RF output of the recorder that was set to ch. 4?-TVGOS was updated to 8.05.4 during the 1st playback of DLID 27.
-Time was set properly during the 2nd playback of DLID 81.
VBI DL schedule was also filled in during this time.
-Got the lineup during the 2nd playback of DLID 27.How did you determine all of this, as in what happened when?

... Ok, questions, where in the diag. screen do you find those ID numbers and time?... How did you determine all of this, as in what happened when?Bruce, this is old, old, old info, you can look at 4 posts from kdog044, starting here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5383538#post5383538, look at the attached screen shots.

Thanks. There is so much info, old, new and in between from so many sources/sites, it's kinda hard to keep track of what is where.
(Including posts from 3 years ago.)

As much as I hate to say it, I haven't had much of a problem with this DVR via the cable analog feed of TVGOS in spite of all the other posts to the contrary. I haven't had to do anything with this.
For my other device (a Mits TV), that is another story, but now I just learned there is hope for the TV (firmware update) and hope for my area after next month (the current PBS station will continue providing the data after the switchover, much to my amazement).

Thanks for the information found here.
I have just acquired a Sony DHG-HDD250 from another part of the country, plugged in the unit, went through the setup, and after a few hours it started loading up as required. The only thing the manual did not mentioned was how to remove the channels that was not from this area. There were 5 ABC, 6 NBC, and allot more than we have here with different call signs. Did I miss something or does this take care of its self in a few days. Finally I did the reset to factory settings to get rid of them, and now the clock is on the right time after a few hours, 4:00 PM central time in the Dallas area. I hope it starts to work right now.

The "Mystical Magic 8 Ball" has told us not to worry about how to update our TVGOS version from 8.01.42 (analog only?) to 8.05+ (digital compatible) after the transition. I do have a strong faith in M8B but I also like to have contingency plans.

I had a conversation today with a manager at TVGOS. As he explained what will happen to older devices after the transition, I realized he was telling me exactly what The Mystical Magic 8 Ball (Ken H) had said.

New hardware and software for data insertion into digital feeds is being rolled out right now. It is supposed to be in place in major markets by February 19. However, certain receiving hardware at the cableco headend may have to be purchased by the the cableco. This could cause delays, although most cablecos have contracted with TVGOS to pass the TVGOS data.

SCTE 127 data is inserted into the digital broadcast signal. See:

http://www.scte.org/documents/standards/approved/SCTE1272007.pdf

At the other end, a Tandberg 8VSB receiver is needed (not sure if this is the exact model):

http://www.megahz.com/specimages/Tandberg/RX8320.pdf

The receiver would create an analog version of the channel with TVGOS data that can be seen by consumer devices.

It just now occurs to me that this does not seem to offer an OTA solution.

My contact is in operations, so I'm not sure if he was 100% correct on some technical details. He said our Sony DVR's, while they can handle digital data, were never certified for digital use, and further that TVGOS long ago asked Sony if they wanted to work with them to make sure the DVR's would continue to work when the transition came. But Sony pretty much ignored the offer. I said our Sony's had been working fine with a digital host until last November, which seemed to surprise him. FWIW, he blames recent problems (including reboots) on Sony because the DVR's can't handle the latest changes to digital TVGOS. But if we stay cool until the new system is in place in a few weeks, our DVR's (and older devices) should be OK.

He said TVGOS has only a handful of support people that really are there to support device manufacturers and that they cannot answer complaints from thousands of consumers. However, they do track numbers of complaints by area and investigate problems when a large number of complaints are clustered in the same area.

So I guess we wait until February to see how/if all of this will work.

If you ever do receive WRDW and see the VBI packets via a G* test, I would like to know. Thanks!

I was able to lock onto WRDW just now. No VBI packets, and the "VBI Test" shows "Fail."

My contact is in operations, so I'm not sure if he was 100% correct on some technical details. He said our Sony DVR's, while they can handle digital data, were never certified for digital use, and further that TVGOS long ago asked Sony if they wanted to work with them to make sure the DVR's would continue to work when the transition came. But Sony pretty much ignored the offer. I said our Sony's had been working fine with a digital host until last November, which seemed to surprise him. FWIW, he blames recent problems (including reboots) on Sony because the DVR's can't handle the latest changes to digital TVGOS. But if we stay cool until the new system is in place in a few weeks, our DVR's (and older devices) should be OK.

With all due respect, I've concluded that there ISN'T any person available to the public who knows the whole picture...they, for example, assume that you either have a digital-ready unit, like those with TVGOS version 9 OR an older unit that's all analog, i.e., pre-LG3410a.

The Sony and the LG fit in between, although there does appear to be a good chance that the Sony will slip through on its own. And, in the event that - after the transition date - a reboot puts the Sony in a firmware never-never land, unable to download the more advanced firmware that's needed to GET a download, there's either the VCR solution (which I'm not counting on, because I really don't understand it) OR the DTVPal solution, which is needed anyway for my LG3410a - assuming it ever gets working. OR - if Ken H is to be believed - Gemstar will have an automatic solution for BOTH the Sony and the 3410a - my fingers are still crossed...

With all due respect, I've concluded that there ISN'T any person available to the public who knows the whole picture...they, for example, assume that you either have a digital-ready unit, like those with TVGOS version 9 OR an older unit that's all analog, i.e., pre-LG3410a.

The Sony and the LG fit in between, although there does appear to be a good chance that the Sony will slip through on its own. And, in the event that - after the transition date - a reboot puts the Sony in a firmware never-never land, unable to download the more advanced firmware that's needed to GET a download, there's either the VCR solution (which I'm not counting on, because I really don't understand it) OR the DTVPal solution, which is needed anyway for my LG3410a - assuming it ever gets working. OR - if Ken H is to be believed - Gemstar will have an automatic solution for BOTH the Sony and the 3410a - my fingers are still crossed...

I agree. I still think TVGOS is having problems they won't admit. The good thing is that Ken H and the TVGOS guy were both talking about the same solution, and it should be in place soon, at least in major markets.

Meanwhile, I can't even get my unit to lock on to the analog PBS cable channel or get the right lineup. We all know the Sony "prefers" the analog host, why doesn't the DVR just lock on to that like it always did before and ignore the digital data that is supposedly causing the reboots?

I agree. I still think TVGOS is having problems they won't admit. The good thing is that Ken H and the TVGOS guy were both talking about the same solution, and it should be in place soon, at least in major markets.

Meanwhile, I can't even get my unit to lock on to the analog PBS cable channel or get the right lineup. We all know the Sony "prefers" the analog host, why doesn't the DVR just lock on to that like it always did before and ignore the digital data that is supposedly causing the reboots?Back in November, before I changed my zipcode, and when I was having significant reboot problems for several weeks, the reboots occurred regardless of whether the TVGOS data was coming from a digital or analog channel - i.e. the problem was being caused by the data, not the method of delivery. Assuming they are still having problems (and I still subscribe to my "too much s**t for the Sony's limited memory theory as to why), these problems will affect analog hosts as well as digital. You may have to wait until Feb 18 (or later) when the analogs go away to have the listings pared down to a quantity that the Sony can handle.

On that topic, can ANYONE explain to me why those of us who have explicitly chosen OTA-only in every menu or wizard possible still get tons of cable channels downloaded in the TVGOS listings?

can ANYONE explain to me why those of us who have explicitly chosen OTA-only in every menu or wizard possible still get tons of cable channels downloaded in the TVGOS listings?

I think it's simply the way the system is designed. You get all the channels that are available in your TVGOS service area (which may include the equivalent of several Nielsen DMAs, as in my case). The choice of OTA or a particular cable provider, together with your ZIP code, determines which ones get turned on or off, and what channel numbers they're assigned.

Because the downloads are broadcast to everybody, they can't send out customized sets of channels. I don't know why the receiving units don't discard unneeded channels on receipt. Perhaps it's to give the flexibility of turning channels on and off manually when your local cable lineup changes (for cable people), and to allow for variations in the channels that can be received OTA. For my OTA channels, I'd much rather have too many to start with, than have some missing completely.

I agree that at least for OTA-only usage, it would be nice if the cable-only channels could be discarded completely.

Then you either just came back from Mars, or were just born in the past 10 or 15 years. BTW, VTR's didn't appear untill the early 50's.?

Oh.. sorry. My "tongue in cheek" comment was referring to origins of NTSC broadcast TV. Not the VT or VTR.

Ok, questions, where in the diag. screen do you find those ID numbers and time?

Section "VBI Data", Page "VBIDLSCHED". Times on the page are GMT.

"ch4" as in the RF output of the recorder that was set to ch. 4??

Correct

How did you determine all of this, as in what happened when?

It kinda went like the steps below. Between each step, I stopped and looked at what changed. I re-ran the "VBI test" and a "VBI force" procedure between steps too... just to play it safe.

1. I played back the ID81 timeframe from the tape and saw no change.
Tried code 123123123 to see if I have a lineup yet = nothing.

2. Played ID27: got the update version 8.05.42
Curious note: Noticed that the time on the front panel display was wrong (as usual after a reset) but the time diag screens was equal to the time signal coming from the video tape. Hmm... maybe it's programmed NOT to update the front panel clock until it knows this data coming in is the real deal and not fake... like say... a video tape?
Tried code 123123123 = no lineup

3. Played ID81 again(2): Front panel time is now set.
I also noticed the VBIDLSCHEDule page is filled in.
Tried code 123123123 = no lineup

4. Played ID27 again(2): Didn't notice any change until I tried code 123123123 then I got a full lineup with all channels ON.

5. Played ID70 from the tape (1st try) and got listings.

Later, I reconnected the Sony to it's normal VBI source (re-did VBI force to normal host) and checked it after every scheduled download (based on page VBIDLSCHED) I noticed it was updated to 8.06.44 immediately following a DL81 session.

There you have it. I didn't provide this level of detail before because It's shameful that I didn't have anything better to do with my time than play with this stupid machine. :o

I had a conversation today with a manager at TVGOS. As he explained what will happen to older devices after the transition, I realized he was telling me exactly what The Mystical Magic 8 Ball (Ken H) had said.

That's good news. I was really considering selling my unit before it becomes worthless. I'm still concerned though. Nobody here in Tucson is transmitting digital TVGOs yet. I don't have much faith in Comcast either. They haven't been consistent with analog TVGOS. At least, in the past, I've always had an OTA backup for TVGOS.

I've concluded that there ISN'T any person available to the public who knows the whole picture.Example; I talked to someone in "Corporate Communications" (I beleive that was the department), better know as the "PR" dept. and he had NO idea what I was talking about when I asked him if the station was goiung to continue to pass on the TVGOS data.
This was out local PBS affilate that has been passing the data on for the past few years (without issues, believe it or not).
After he talked to engineering, he knew more. They just came to a agreement with Macrovision to keep on supplying the data after Feb 17th via their digital channel is spite of the local CBS affilate Corp. owner refusing to do so.It just now occurs to me that this does not seem to offer an OTA solution.Obviously.But Sony pretty much ignored the offer.That's a surprise. :rolleyes:he blames recent problems (including reboots) on Sony because the DVR's can't handle the latest changes to digital TVGOS.He better look closer. This isn't limited to just one model. (Not that I would ever stick up for 'Phoney all baloney').
In all fairness to Macrovision, give this time. This is all new and unproven technology and too many here are expecting way too much. After all, this is a free service. You can go out and pay $13 a month for a TiVO subscription. ;)

That's good news. I was really considering selling my unit before it becomes worthless. I'm still concerned though. Nobody here in Tucson is transmitting digital TVGOs yet. I don't have much faith in Comcast either. They haven't been consistent with analog TVGOS. At least, in the past, I've always had an OTA backup for TVGOS.

Comcast definitely has agreements in place with TVGOS and must pass guide data to consumers. However, I have seen big differences from area to area in just how seriously Comcast treats the issue. And whenever major changes take place (like the upcoming transition), they are all likely to exhibit a lack of attention.

I am fortunate to have a contact at Comcast that can get me to a Chicago region engineer when major issues arise. I sent a message Friday, and he replied that he is familiar with the Tandberg receiver I mentioned in a previous post and next week will check on how things are supposed to work after the transition.

Oh.. sorry. My "tongue in cheek" comment was referring to origins of NTSC broadcast TV.It wasn't really directed at you. I should of re-worded it somewhat.Section "VBI Data", Page "VBIDLSCHED". Times on the page are GMTAre all the times in all of the diag. pages GMT? I sort of figured the time at the top of the page was. I kinda like to call it UTC myself.I don't have much faith in Comcast either.That's one reason why having TWO RF inputs is important, but the Asians and the puppets that sell the stuff in California don't seem to think so. :mad:I have seen big differences from area to area in just how seriously Comcast treats the issue. And whenever major changes take place (like the upcoming transition), they are all likely to exhibit a lack of attention.Engineering: "What, something more to deal with? Forget it."
Management: "What, someting more that we have to pay for? Lets just forget it for now and see if we get any flack from the customers. Besides, we don't make any more money if we can't force the customer to rent our 'cash cow' STB anyway." :D

In all fairness to Macrovision, give this time. This is all new and unproven technology and too many here are expecting way too much. After all, this is a free service. You can go out and pay $13 a month for a TiVO subscription. ;)
Well, it's not exactly free, since we pay the up-front cost for incorporating/licensing the TVGOS firmware...

Are all the times in all of the diag. pages GMT?

Gee... There are a lot of times displayed on the diag pages. I can say that every time I've checked is was GMT. I usually don't have to think about it because Arizona time never changes. It's always GMT-7. On the other hand, I rarely know what time it is in New Mexico;)

In all fairness to Macrovision, give this time. This is all new and unproven technology and too many here are expecting way too much. After all, this is a free service.They've been working on this digital TVGOS thing for a few years already. Even if it wasn't a "priority", you'd think they'd have had it sorted out better by now.

It's not like they just started with it recently.

Two quick Qs, if you don't mind;

just picked up a DHG500; figured out that I needed OTA antenna connected, since local PBS is now a digital sub on my local cable co. Setting the unit to ANTENNA got me the local OTA stations. Can I now enable cable in the TVGOS settings, and somehow find cable listings, or am I limited to manual recording?

2 - I just recorded a playoff game on FOX. Using OTA TVGOS listings, and found that the recorder shuts off as soon as the listing says the game is over. So, is best technique for getting the whole game to just select the next hour's worth of programming after the scheduled game?

Thanks, and then I'll go back to following your discussions.

Two quick Qs, if you don't mind;

just picked up a DHG500; figured out that I needed OTA antenna connected, since local PBS is now a digital sub on my local cable co. Setting the unit to ANTENNA got me the local OTA stations. Can I now enable cable in the TVGOS settings, and somehow find cable listings, or am I limited to manual recording?

2 - I just recorded a playoff game on FOX. Using OTA TVGOS listings, and found that the recorder shuts off as soon as the listing says the game is over. So, is best technique for getting the whole game to just select the next hour's worth of programming after the scheduled game?

Thanks, and then I'll go back to following your discussions.

TVGOS will pull all channels (cable / OTA) regardless of how you obtain the TVGOS data. (wasn't this addressed on the last page??)

For the games, set the recording to end X minutes late. (For football, I'd go at least 1 hour)

TVGOS will pull all channels (cable / OTA) regardless of how you obtain the TVGOS data. (wasn't this addressed on the last page??)

For the games, set the recording to end X minutes late. (For football, I'd go at least 1 hour)

didn't see the tvgos issue; will keep going back,and checking - but no, the data I'm getting lists every OTA station within 150 miles, but no cable stations whatsoever. No ESPN, TNT, etc....

thanks for the record tip. will look for that option. (sry, but not impressed with Sony's documentation, or menu options. Expected a lot more user control with a unit with this MSRP)

the data I'm getting lists every OTA station within 150 miles, but no cable stations whatsoever. No ESPN, TNT, etc....

Are you looking at the normal program grid (under "Listings" in the top bar of the TVGOS screen)? That shows you only the channels that are enabled for receiving listings, not the complete channel lineup.

To see the complete lineup:

1. Arrow up to the top bar.
2. Arrow left or right to "Setup".
3. Arrow down to "Change Channel Display" and press the "Select" button.

Channels that are not enabled are grayed-out. To enable one, arrow or scroll to it, and press the "Select" button. You get a menu of options at the left side of the screen.

Even though I'm OTA only, and say so during initial TVGOS setup, my complete lineup contains a few hundred cable channels in addition to most of the OTA channels within about 200 miles.

OR - if Ken H is to be believed - I beg your pardon?

Go back and look at the M8B's track record. Or I'll save you the time, it's 100% accurate.

I beg your pardon?

Go back and look at the M8B's track record. Or I'll save you the time, it's 100% accurate.
I should have been more complete...e.g., "if Ken H's informant was both accurate AND meant it to pertain to all device types that might be covered by his info" - even you, for example, granted that it might not pertain to the LG3410a, as I remember...because it is a digital device, but gets its TVGOS info from an analog source...

In any case, I hope the info is 100% accurate, but I suspect it would be wishful thinking to believe it could pertains to the 3410a, although it seemed to be phrased that way (again, as I remember...)

They've been working on this digital TVGOS thing for a few years already. Even if it wasn't a "priority", you'd think they'd have had it sorted out better by now.
It's not like they just started with it recently.1. It's been sold at least once to a company that had no connection with the concept, since it wasn't their field,
2. The orginal system was (probably) never designed for digital transmissions, or as a afterthought. Remember they are on V9 of this. The oldest version I have read uses V7. What/when were the other versions out and with what devices??,
3. They are fighting the MSO's that could care less since all they want you to do is rent their damn box to ignorant, lazy consumers that only want 'instant' results with no work,
4. The 'locals' along with their Corp, owners for the most part don't want to be bothered,
5. Poorly marketed by the CEA and hence the retailers. No surprise here.

Regarding #5. A fried just got back from the CES disaster (compared to past years), and he feels the same way I do. Those 'salesmen' are pratically worthless to talk to. They know little about what they are selling and could care less as long as they get their spiffs, free room, food and women. :p

The "Mystical Magic 8 Ball" has told us not to worry about how to update our TVGOS version from 8.01.42 (analog only?) to 8.05+ (digital compatible) after the transition. I do have a strong faith in M8B but I also like to have contingency plans. If you're worried that you won't be able to update the unit if you reset back to 8.01.42, then you can make a VHS tape of the update and play it back to the Sony to update it. If you're not sure what a VHS tape is... It's an ancient medium used to record circa 1941 NTSC TV broadcasts.


I wonder if you could record the TVGOS data stream with the DVR itself, and then record it to a DVD for future playback into the Sony if you ever needed it? Does anyone know if that would work? Seems logical to me.

I got my TVGOS system back last week after the stations and cable company stopped fooling around with the digital transition and their experiments. It is coming from PBS again, not CBS as it is supposed to be, but hey, it works fine for now. Maybe I should record it for future use.

After rethinking this, having the TVGOS signal recorded to a DVD won't do any good because I can't get a DVD recorder to input to the Sony. It's only inputs are cable and RF. So, I'm going to try the VCR method.

After rethinking this, having the TVGOS signal recorded to a DVD won't do any good because I can't get a DVD recorder to input to the Sony. It's only inputs are cable and RF. So, I'm going to try the VCR method.

You could buy an RF modulator. I used to have one because I had an old TV that didn't have composite inputs and wanted to hook-up a playstation to it.

Not sure if any VBI/CC data would make it through ...

I wonder if you could record the TVGOS data stream with the DVR itself, and then record it to a DVD for future playback into the Sony if you ever needed it?

I'm 99.9% sure the VBI would be lost during any of the conversions:
-Analog to digitlal for storage on the DVR.
-Digital to Analog for output to the DVD burner.
-DVD burner's own analog to MPEG conversion.

Actually, I was surprised that the VCR worked. That must have been a pain for the TVGOS engineers. They surely had to consider this during development (that they would receive invalid/OLD vbi data from other sources and have to reject it). I think this is the root reason that it's somewhat difficult to change hosts.

I was just informed that the local CBS affiliate in Phoenix, KPHO, will not be broadcasting digital TVGOS data after the analog stream is turned off.

Are there any other options available to me? Has anyone been able to get this Sony DVR to get the TVGOS data using the DTVPal converter box?

1. It's been sold at least once to a company that had no connection with the concept, since it wasn't their field,
2. The orginal system was (probably) never designed for digital transmissions, or as a afterthought. Remember they are on V9 of this. The oldest version I have read uses V7. What/when were the other versions out and with what devices??1. Yeah, I totally forgot about the "sale" to Macrovision. That's probably what held things up or distracted them more than anything else.

2. I don't think they even gave digital much of a thought or care until after V8. I don't even think they had the analog OTA cutoff date set for sure until after that version first came out. I don't know what actual version numbers there ever were, but most were in analog CRT's I imagine. Maybe some of the VCR's had pre-V7's, too.

Are there any other options available to me? Has anyone been able to get this Sony DVR to get the TVGOS data using the DTVPal converter box?
I don't see how that will help you, if there's no digital TVGOS being broadcast.

In any case, those of us interested in this are still waiting to see whether it works - I have an LG3410a that will need it, but have been hoping my Sony will be ok without it

I was just informed that the local CBS affiliate in Phoenix, KPHO, will not be broadcasting digital TVGOS data after the analog stream is turned off.
Isn't that because PBS channel 8 will continue to broadcast it?

Where did you hear this from?

Friday one of my DHGs insistently displayed this error about once every ninety seconds or so, regardless of whether the tuner was set to a cable station or an OTA station.

http://suna.subako.org/~beeman/dhgError.jpg

I tried a few forms of reset: Front panel soft reset EXIT + TV GUIDE; Turn off, remove cable card, insert cable card, turn on; Turn off, remove cable card, turn on, turn off, insert cable card, turn on. No change.

I googled. I found only a couple of references to error 161-10. Those were associated with an LG television and were presumed to indicate an issue with signal quality. I called comcast and ironicly the discussion paralleled the audio of the snippet from which I pulled the screen grab. To view (and listen to) the snippet, change the suffix of the image URL to .mpg and fetch. I stepped on it a good deal so the download should not be too painful.

My problem was resolved by switching out the cable card. After the three signal salute [Cable Card Validation, Cable Card Initialization and Hit], no more problems.

Friday one of my DHGs insistently displayed this error about once every ninety seconds or so, regardless of whether the tuner was set to a cable station or an OTA station.

http://suna.subako.org/~beeman/dhgError.jpg

I tried a few forms of reset: Front panel soft reset EXIT + TV GUIDE; Turn off, remove cable card, insert cable card, turn on; Turn off, remove cable card, turn on, turn off, insert cable card, turn on. No change.

I googled. I found only a couple of references to error 161-10. Those were associated with an LG television and were presumed to indicate an issue with signal quality. I called comcast and ironicly the discussion paralleled the audio of the snippet from which I pulled the screen grab. To view (and listen to) the snippet, change the suffix of the image URL to .mpg and fetch. I stepped on it a good deal so the download should not be too painful.

My problem was resolved by switching out the cable card. After the three signal salute [Cable Card Validation, Cable Card Initialization and Hit], no more problems.

LOL! I didn't get the joke until I watched the clip.

Nicely done.

THAT is an instant classic...

Friday one of my DHGs insistently displayed this error about once every ninety seconds or so, regardless of whether the tuner was set to a cable station or an OTA station.

I tried a few forms of reset: Front panel soft reset EXIT + TV GUIDE; Turn off, remove cable card, insert cable card, turn on; Turn off, remove cable card, turn on, turn off, insert cable card, turn on. No change.

I googled. I found only a couple of references to error 161-10. Those were associated with an LG television and were presumed to indicate an issue with signal quality. I called comcast and ironicly the discussion paralleled the audio of the snippet from which I pulled the screen grab. To view (and listen to) the snippet, change the suffix of the image URL to .mpg and fetch. I stepped on it a good deal so the download should not be too painful.

My problem was resolved by switching out the cable card. After the three signal salute [Cable Card Validation, Cable Card Initialization and Hit], no more problems.LMAO, Thanks!!!

Hi folks,

For those in the Indianapolis served by Brighthouse cable, I've found there is a problem with the feed from WFYI to Brighthouse.

In Indianapolis, WFYI-HD (PBS) will be supplying the TVGOS (I don't think CBS is doing it here, but don't have definitive knowledge they won't). WFYI recently installed the digital encoder to insert the TVGOS they get from National Datacast into the HD stream. On the OTA channel 20.1, I'm able to see packets come in if I run the G*Test.

However, that channel as rendered on BrightHouse Networks channel 720 is missing the packets. As an interesting note, when WFYI switched out some equipment earlier in the year for providing their streams to BHN, the VBI info started getting stripped from analog 20 as rendered by BHN.

I'm really looking to ditch my OTA antenna, and have been in contact with the engineer at WFYI who has escalated it to National Datacast. But, I think it's really a BrightHouseNetworks issue as they provide the equipment to WFYI. I'm going to call BHN and get a ticket number...

Marc

Hey... can someone point me to a link to the page describing how to rapidly populate the guide using TVGOS on a digital channel? I've been "No Listings" for a few days and have just reset my unit so should be receiving data, but as I recall you can get all 8 days by using the digital channel. Just not sure how to do it. Not interested in forcing the host channel or anything, just looking to repopulate quickly. IT would also be a good test of the recently set up digital TVGOS here in Indy.

Marc

Hey... can someone point me to a link to the page describing how to rapidly populate the guide using TVGOS on a digital channel? I've been "No Listings" for a few days and have just reset my unit so should be receiving data, but as I recall you can get all 8 days by using the digital channel. Just not sure how to do it. Not interested in forcing the host channel or anything, just looking to repopulate quickly. IT would also be a good test of the recently set up digital TVGOS here in Indy.

MarcGladly... here you go:
http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.0

For what you want to do, it may not take overnight - you could check your listings to see how well populated they are after maybe 3 hours or so. If not there yet, just let it run longer. I wouldn't be checking real often, because viewing the listings may inhibit their update.

LOL! I didn't get the joke until I watched the clip.

Nicely done.

THAT is an instant classic...

LMAO, Thanks!!!
How do you watch the clip?

How do you watch the clip?

Right click the image, and (in Firefox), pick Copy Image Location. Paste this into the address bar of a new browser window, and replace the .jpg extension at the end with .mpg. Hit enter, and enjoy.

I am not sure what the verbiage/menu is for Internet Explorer...

EDIT: Or just click this link:

http://suna.subako.org/~beeman/dhgError.mpg

I receive signals from cable only with no CC. An OTA signal is not possible since I live in a small valley that blocks all signals. I have email from the engineer at my local CBS station that they will not be supporting TVGOS anymore. They stopped last month. My signal from KYW in Philly is not supplying (or my cable company is not passing) any VBI data. My PBS station, WVIA, stopped VBI packets including the XDS signal used for time by my VCR and DVD recorder. In other words, I'm screwed. Next month (or whenever) there will be more Sony owners without signals. I haven't felt this bad since my dog died. Does anyone have a idea how I can generate a clock signal? I've tried Google but most solutions are too expensive. I may start a business making black arm bands with little antennae on them. Good luck to all.

Isn't that because PBS channel 8 will continue to broadcast it?

Where did you hear this from?

I got my info from the KPHO Program Director.

Regarding KAET, PBS Channel 8, from their Director of Engineering:

KAET is considering an offer to carry the TV Guide data on digital Eight. We are currently determining if we can add that data without compromising the quality of existing programming. If we are able to carry the data, it should be available before the end of analog transmission.

Gladly... here you go:
http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=28.0

For what you want to do, it may not take overnight - you could check your listings to see how well populated they are after maybe 3 hours or so. If not there yet, just let it run longer. I wouldn't be checking real often, because viewing the listings may inhibit their update.

Thanks Frank! Do you happen to know if on digital the listings are sent continuously or just at certain times of day like on analog TVGOS?

I'll let it run overnight and see what I get. But, I think there's an issue at the station as I haven't been getting listings on the analog channel for a few days, and a reboot on my end didn't clear it up. I thought my recent reboot would fix it but no luck, so it's probably not with me. I've been having a rash of "No Listings" issues that have been cleared by reboots ever since switching to "Cable + OTA" from "Cable only" modes. So, my first thought was that the problem was on my end.

Marc

I got my info from the KPHO Program Director.

Regarding KAET, PBS Channel 8, from their Director of Engineering:
Well lets hope they have the room to carry it otherwise we'll have bricks on our hands.

DC folks - Anyone have trouble with listings lately from WUSA-DT (cbs 9?) I was getting it fine from FIOS 509 for a few weeks and last 3-4 days nothing. No configurations changes. VBI test looks fine.

DC folks - Anyone have trouble with listings lately from WUSA-DT (cbs 9?) I was getting it fine from FIOS 509 for a few weeks and last 3-4 days nothing. No configurations changes. VBI test looks fine.

I just checked and have complete 8 days of listings from WUSA-HD via Comcast 212. You may need to check with Verizon.

Hello everyone, i just received a HDD250 from work and its stuck in Shop mode. I read through some of the pages in this thread and tried the holding down Menu and Format button at the same time trick and it didnt work. Nothing i do seams to work, does anyone have any advice?

Oh and plus i dont have the remote so I have to do this through the buttons on the unit.


Dan

Hello everyone, i just received a HDD250 from work and its stuck in Shop mode.

Oh and plus i dont have the remote so I have to do this through the buttons on the unit.

Sorry, care and use of your DHG will require a remote. Search eBay with "sony dhg" and you will see several. Some prefer the Sony RM-VL600 to the original RM-Y823.

For detailed instructions on clearing "Demo Mode", google "sony dhg demo mode site:manualshark.org" to find a link to pdf_6896.pdf, the demo mode manual.

For detailed instructions on clearing "demo mode", google "sony dhg demo mode site:manualshark.org" to find a link to pdf_6896.pdf, the demo mode manual.

it is attached below

Isn't the Sony RM-VL600 the universal remote? We sell those at work so I will pick one up tonight. Thanks for the help guys.

Sorry, care and use of your DHG will require a remote. Search eBay with "sony dhg" and you will see several. Some prefer the Sony RM-VL600 to the original RM-Y823.

For detailed instructions on clearing "Demo Mode", google "sony dhg demo mode site:manualshark.org" to find a link to pdf_6896.pdf, the demo mode manual.

you can also buy it direct. search part number rm-y823.
https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-parts.aspx

Isn't the Sony RM-VL600 the universal remote? We sell those at work so I will pick one up tonight. Thanks for the help guys.

This link (http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-sony/thread.cgi?6256) helped me set up my RM-VL600.

Thanks I will try that tonight.

Due to the nesting habits of some migratory birds and the proximity of the nesting areas to our TV broadcast antennas, the government mandated the state of Hawaii to switchover from analog to digital effective from noon today(15 Jan).

The switchover took place and my Sony HDD250 reports it is receiving VBI packets on both channel 7(CBS) and channel 10(PBS) on the TWC cable.

The analog OTA broadcasts have ceased sending any programming and none of the OTA digital stations including PBS and CBS are sending VBI packets.

The former analog stations are all sending the same public service announcement showing how to hook converter boxes up for those not aware the change, so in reality they have not yet shut down the analog broadcast. That will soon cease.

My channel 7 and 10 are the TWC cable channels that were previously CBS and PBS analog and are showing the normal programming in addition to carrying the VBI signal. My Sony has always had an affinity for the PBS VBI signal.
As soon as those annoying analog public service announcements for those living in an alternate Universe cease, I will scan the OTA channels to search for VBI TVGOS packets again.

Mike

I hit the guide button this morning and my jaw dropped when I saw advertisements. I went to my PBS station and ran the 9012 test, but no packets. I ran the 753.... test and it said my VBI channel was cable 15. I don't have that enabled. So I ran the 9012 test on 15 and it showed a lot of packets. I also have listings for day 7 being filled in. So guess what 15 carries? C-SPAN! Maybe it's my own personal bailout. And even stranger, my LG3410 is getting listings too, but ONLY for the two PBS channels I get from cable. Still no XDS time from anyone. We live in interesting times.

I hit the guide button this morning and my jaw dropped when I saw advertisements. I went to my PBS station and ran the 9012 test, but no packets. I ran the 753.... test and it said my VBI channel was cable 15. I don't have that enabled. So I ran the 9012 test on 15 and it showed a lot of packets. I also have listings for day 7 being filled in. So guess what 15 carries? C-SPAN! Maybe it's my own personal bailout. And even stranger, my LG3410 is getting listings too, but ONLY for the two PBS channels I get from cable. Still no XDS time from anyone. We live in interesting times.First of all I don't have one of these Sony recorders, but have a TV set that uses the exact same version of TVGOS and have been following this thread. The VBI channel is just the last channel it saw VBI data on before entering the diagnostics. What you want to look at is the host channel (Host Chan on Section System-Statistics).

Second is that if you're on cable with a cable card, you need to know what the clear-QAM channel vs. cablecard channel is (clear-QAM is the cable channel, unmapped by the cablecard, that you would see if you remove the cablecard). Channel 15 may be the clear-QAM channel and your cablecard maps it to a different channel.

My diag screen shows the clear-QAM channel# for the host, not the cablecard channel#. It shows the cablecard channel# for Clockset channel though. Talk about confusing.

i.e. My sets TVGOS shows host channel 0:0-103 which is clear-QAM cable channel 103 (UltraBand channel 103 at 669.0 MHz) which gets mapped to cablecard channel 913, which is CBSHD. It shows Clock Set Chan 0:0-913 which is the cablecard channel for CBSHD.

If you don't have a cablecard and are only getting clear-QAM, you may want to post in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1093923) and see if Ken H has any additional info for you.

Now I'm in the soup... I was getting 99% full listings listings for 3 days (although with no host channel) until Sunday afternoon. My 500 came up with the dreaded "No data for this screen". No listings, no guide channels. My software has reverted to patch 8.05.40 and did not get anywhere else last night.

I've been unable force Comcast CBS-HD 189, CBS-HD OTA 2.1, or Comcast analog PBS 94, probably because reboots kill the downloads before they are complete. In fact, when I have tried during the last few weeks, it guaranteed that I would get no new listings.

I guess my questions for those of you in the Chicago area are:

1) Are any OTA people locked on to CBS-HD 2.1 as host?
2) Are any Comcast people locked on to CBS-HD 189 as host?
3) Are any Comcast people locked on to PBS 94 as host?
4) Is anyone NOT getting several reboots per day?

Are these problems now only in Chicago?

Any input is appreciated. I need some ammo before I talk with TVGOS or Comcast again. If the TVGOS guy is right that our Sony's suddenly can't handle digital slicing, then why can't I lock on to analog PBS as host? He said he thought that PBS in Chicago already shut off analog guide transmission. I see packets on PBS 94, but can't tell of they are valid guide data.

Any input is appreciated. I need some ammo before I talk with TVGOS or Comcast again. If the TVGOS guy is right that our Sony's suddenly can't handle digital slicing, then why can't I lock on to analog PBS as host? He said he thought that PBS in Chicago already shut off analog guide transmission. I see packets on PBS 94, but can't tell of they are valid guide data.

I am OTA only. In the past my sony used analog CBS 2 as the host. Several months ago I checked and the host had switched to analog PBS 11. My guide has been working flawlessly for over the past two years.

I can assure you that WTTW 11 is currently providing TVGOS data on their analog channel OTA.

In the past I had used cable, Wide Open West, and had problems receiving data. The cable company was not passing along the data on the analog channel correctly. To make the story short, TVGOS tried to work with WOW, but they refused to admit that they were changing the signal....so I gave WOW the boot!

Hope this helps....

Thanks, ChrisS5. Although I don't really use OTA, I have an indoor antenna connected and can get a good enough signal on OTA analog 11 and digital 2.1. With these choices plus the same channels on cable that appear to be passing guide data, I can't understand why I can't at least lock on to an analog host. I've been thinking TVGOS is sending bad data in this area, but that can't be true if you are not getting constant reboots. OTOH, others here are getting reboots (the last I heard), so what does that mean? It all began in November when there were national problems.

Once I lost everything Sunday, I did a guide reset, hoping a fresh start would cure any problem specific to me. At least last night I got the 8.06.44 patch, even though there was a reboot. So I tried to force the host to OTA 2.1 this morning, but came up empty. I think I'll just turn it off and leave it on its own tonight. That's how I was getting listings in recent weeks with no permanent host when I last had the latest patch.

If I could narrow this down more, I'd know who to yell at.

I got my info from the KPHO Program Director.

Regarding KAET, PBS Channel 8, from their Director of Engineering:
KAET is considering an offer to carry the TV Guide data on digital Eight. We are currently determining if we can add that data without compromising the quality of existing programming. If we are able to carry the data, it should be available before the end of analog transmission.

......As has been mentioned a few times, KAET is flat broke and can't afford to finish the buildout of their new facilities......Given the number of people who have already been laid off.......
Things don't look good over at channel 8.

Normally, receive Guide data from local PBS Analogue 8.1 But it is currently only populated through Friday at Midnight. Saturday through next Wed is "No Listings"

I have forced Digital 11.1 CBS and will leave it off for 12 hours and see what happens.

With the Economy and the Hurricane, there is a lot (or not a lot) going on in these parts.

Life is good again so I wanted to post an update. I am on cablecard only with the local CC. Recently PBS stopped broadcasting their analog G* signals for good according to the local CC engineer. I went without any TVGOS data for several weeks. Now, WRDW in Augusta, GA (CBS) has begun broadcasting the G* data with a brand new inserter on their digital broadcast. Yes, their chief engineer knows me by name now:) I see the VBI packets when performing a G* test on cable channel 451 which is the QAM channel for WRDW via my cablecard. I have had full TVGOS listings for several days now and things are working great. But when looking at the TVGOS diagnostics screens, the host channel is blank, yet I'm apparently getting the data from the CBS channel. TVGOS software version shows to be 8.06.44.

PS: Forgot to add...... I didn't have to do a thing except for a few soft resets of my DVR for the above to happen. Did not have to force the Sony to find the G* data. Some of the resets were probably due to the local stations and CC experimenting with the digital transition.

Information for anyone with a newer Sony TV. I was experiencing slow to display between channel changes with my newer Sony TV (KDL-46Z4100). I believe this was due to my DVR always reverting back to "AUTO HDMI" after being turned off. This did not happen when using my DVR with my older Sony CRT HDTV. I upgraded my firmware to 1.2.13 from 1.2.06 and this corrected the problem of the DVR reverting back to "AUTO HDMI" and seemed to speed up the handshake time to the display.

Now I'm in the soup... I was getting 99% full listings listings for 3 days (although with no host channel) until Sunday afternoon. My 500 came up with the dreaded "No data for this screen". No listings, no guide channels. My software has reverted to patch 8.05.40 and did not get anywhere else last night.

I've been unable force Comcast CBS-HD 189, CBS-HD OTA 2.1, or Comcast analog PBS 94, probably because reboots kill the downloads before they are complete. In fact, when I have tried during the last few weeks, it guaranteed that I would get no new listings.

I guess my questions for those of you in the Chicago area are:

1) Are any OTA people locked on to CBS-HD 2.1 as host?
2) Are any Comcast people locked on to CBS-HD 189 as host?
3) Are any Comcast people locked on to PBS 94 as host?
4) Is anyone NOT getting several reboots per day?

Are these problems now only in Chicago?

Any input is appreciated. I need some ammo before I talk with TVGOS or Comcast again. If the TVGOS guy is right that our Sony's suddenly can't handle digital slicing, then why can't I lock on to analog PBS as host? He said he thought that PBS in Chicago already shut off analog guide transmission. I see packets on PBS 94, but can't tell of they are valid guide data.

2 500's OTA only.
One was using 3-0. Lost all data and it picked up 0-11. Been fine for 2 weeks.
Other was on 0-11 and has had no problems.
No resets of any kind even when the first machine switched.

Off subject I just bought an HDMI switch because my Bravia only had one
HDMI input. It's an Impact with 5 outputs. One 500 and the DVD player work fine. The other 500 kept switching on and off so I went back to composite.
I tried switching the inputs but the one just wouldn't lock on.
Anyone else try this?

Now I'm in the soup... I was getting 99% full listings listings for 3 days (although with no host channel) until Sunday afternoon. My 500 came up with the dreaded "No data for this screen". No listings, no guide channels. My software has reverted to patch 8.05.40 and did not get anywhere else last night.

snip

Are these problems now only in Chicago?

Any input is appreciated. I need some ammo before I talk with TVGOS or Comcast again. If the TVGOS guy is right that our Sony's suddenly can't handle digital slicing, then why can't I lock on to analog PBS as host? He said he thought that PBS in Chicago already shut off analog guide transmission. I see packets on PBS 94, but can't tell of they are valid guide data.
Not sure if my problems are the same as yours. I'm not at home, but the wife tells me that we lost our listings again.

I'm in the SE PA (Media, PA) area and on Comcast (no CableCard) + OTA. Around Thanksgiving, we lost our host and listings and it was a few weeks before we got them back. I had to do a TVGOS reset among other things.

All had been going well for a while, until this monday.

I'll check it out when I get home later this week. It's just frustrating when you lose the guide. Right when all of the good shows are coming back on (Lost, BSG, Fringe ... Heroes)

ft

Well this morning my sony greeted me with my channel list all mixed-up and additional channels turned on. I took a quick look around and found that my host has changed from 0-11 to 0-2. I reordered my channel list and everything seems to be fine.

For what it's worth....

Well this morning my sony greeted me with my channel list all mixed-up and additional channels turned on. I took a quick look around and found that my host has changed from 0-11 to 0-2. I reordered my channel list and everything seems to be fine.

For what it's worth....Yes, this morning I also found that a lot of the locals that I had turned off (mostly analogs) were back on again, plus those that were on as of yesterday were this morning rather randomly re-ordered. For the most part, I've been used to seeing a few non-local channels become re-enabled by themselves from time to time at the bottom of the list (I just go turn them back off), but this is the first time I've seen such a massive effect on the local channels (I have about 15 digitals turned on, and about 30 additional analogs and digitals re-enabled themselves this morning) or a re-ordering of the local channels.

All fixed now, but let's hope this is not going to become a recurring event, since that is hardly user-friendly.

Normally, receive Guide data from local PBS Analogue 8.1 But it is currently only populated through Friday at Midnight. Saturday through next Wed is "No Listings"

I have forced Digital 11.1 CBS and will leave it off for 12 hours and see what happens.


I noticed the same thing Tuesday and yesterday. Last night I forced the host channel to 11.1 and this morning I have full guide data again. Looks like KUHT is no longer broadcasting TVGOS OTA.

-phil

This morning in L.A. Turned on my 250 to find the channel line-up missing all of my OTA stations. Cable stations still listed. Antenna still working, and I can tune to all the OTA stations...they just are no longer included in the channel line-up. Set todays OTA recordings for manual (since the antenna signal is much stronger than the cable signal)...turned off, and heading to work with fingers crossed that all will be well after 2/17.

I noticed the same thing Tuesday and yesterday. Last night I forced the host channel to 11.1 and this morning I have full guide data again. Looks like KUHT is no longer broadcasting TVGOS OTA.

-phil


Um? still not working here. It shows me VBI is: 11-1 But the Host (just above it) is: blank - use to show 8-0

I will try again this evening.

I have recordings set for Thurs and Friday and after midnight Friday it still shows "no listings" all the way out.

Something going on in NYC. My setup is 2 HDD500s attached to and OTA digital antenna (can't get analog PBS) and cable (not a cable card) that I depend on for analog PBS (which tunes in as cable 23).
This morning I went to check my scheduled recordings. One was set to record the CW (11.1) and one was set to record FOX (5.1).
The guide showed these channels as "last channel." My guide was all messed up. I went to channel edit and all the "air" choices had vanaished. Only cable channels were available. I did a soft reset and the "air" options had returned. I went through the tedious process of resetting my channels. Surprisingly my scheduled recordings for tonight showed up correctly.
I am sure that the problem is not over since both units are clicking (the noise it makes when switching between antenna and cable) a lot.
Since this has occurred to my two machines at the same time, my guess is something is up with TVGOS. Any one else in the NYC area having a problem?

Since this has occurred to my two machines at the same time, my guess is something is up with TVGOS. Any one else in the NYC area having a problem?

You have the same problem I have here on the west coast (L.A.) See my earlier post. Now I'm sure I'm going to wait a day to see if TVGOS fixes the problem before doing the soft reset and re-ordering all the channels again.

After seeing this thread this morning I checked my two units (250 & 500) both OTA only on same antenna. Both units have been locked on ch. 2.1 (KCBS-HD) as host for some time now. The 500's listing & channel lineup screens had the "no data available" display. Host had changed to ch. 60 which is the real RF channel for KCBS-HD. I went to setup and entered all 0s for my zip and turned unit off.

Expected to see the same thing on the 250, but listings were there with the channel lineup all mixed up. No listings for day 8. Host displayed as ch. 60. When I went to channel setup I noticed one big difference from past setups. All the L.A. channels were at the top of list and no other channels were turned on. In the past OTA channels were all mixed up and many out-of-area ones were turned on.

Went back to the 500. TVGOS was prompting for my "real" zip code. Entered it and magically all my listings displayed. No day 8 listings though. I'm currently running G* test on both units to load in day 8.

BTW this is my first time posting here although I follow the thread daily. Just want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who helps solve problems here and on Spiff's forum. You've helped me so much!! :D

problem here across the bay from San Francisco, too - turned on my 250, hit the guide button and got the "no data available" for this screen message, which I think means a TVGOS reset...is that right? but the time was still right

I think this means I have to leave it until it asks me for a zip code, and then I have to leave it again until I get a channel lineup back..both of which are ordinarily gotten from the analog TVGOS station...or can I push this with the G* test on the local digital source (CBS)?

and then, after I get the channel lineup, I have to leave it again for actual program data (although at this point I can push it with the G* test/leave unit on method)...oh, woe

I'm OTA, by the way)

News on the DTV Transition Delay:

http://www.freep.com/article/20090122/BLOG01/90122041/Congress+waffles+on+TV+transition+postponement

Text:

The move to push back the looming Feb. 17 date for the transition to all-digital TV has been stalled, signaling that this new Congress is as indecisive and bogged down in partisan bickering as the old one. Meanwhile, it appears likely that those over-the-air viewers who do not yet have a converter box are going to be unable to watch TV in less than a month.


After Republicans in the Senate blocked a bill last week that would push the date back four months, Democrats in the House Energy and Commerce Committee were to take up their version of the bill Wednesday. But Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., surprised everyone by postponing discussion to "assess the implications of the Senate action."


Confused? So is everybody -- the TV industry, which has invested billions and been running nonstop announcements of the DTV transition date; wireless carriers, which are set to take over the to-be-vacated standard analog TV channels, and consumers, who've been jerked around by everyone on this.


The biggest problem is that the government ran out of money that discounted by $40 the purchase of a converter box through coupons. Those boxes are needed by anyone who watches TV signals through an outside antenna or rabbit ears. About 2 million people are on a waiting list for coupons.


More than $1.5 billion was spent and 41 million coupons were mailed out, although 13 million have expired without being turned in.


Estimates are anywhere from 1 million to 5 million Americans may still need those boxes for their old TV sets. As of early December, as many as 100,000 people in metro Detroit may be affected, according to the Federal Communications Commission.


Those who watch TV via cable or satellite or on a TV that has a digital tuner (generally all sets made since 2004), will not be affected by the transition.


The Obama Administration, backed by Consumers Union, along with some key Democratic congressional leaders, have endorsed the plea for a delayed transition date. Many Republican lawmakers, joined by the National Association of Broadcasters, have voiced opposition.


Waxman didn't say how long the postponement on the House vote will last, though he clearly still supports the 115-day pushback until June 16.


"The transition to digital television is not going well. There is not enough money for the converter box coupon program and millions of Americans could experience serious problems," Waxman said. "Delay of the deadline is our only hope of lessening the impact on millions of consumers. Without a short, onetime extension, millions of households will lose all television reception."

So, Congress, here's a suggestion: Keep the DTV transition a go for Feb. 17. Move the program through. But keep issuing the coupons. About 300,000 of the original coupons sent out were not even used and expire every week, probably because the holders bought new TVs or subscribed to cable or satellite.


So release those unused coupons to the 2 million people on the waiting list. That will take care of the problem in a very short period of time.


This is not a difficult issue to solve. It just requires a little common sense which, judging by the partisan bickering and indecision, seems to be in even shorter supply in Congress than those coupons are for consumers.

Not sure if my problems are the same as yours. I'm not at home, but the wife tells me that we lost our listings again.

I'm in the SE PA (Media, PA) area and on Comcast (no CableCard) + OTA. Around Thanksgiving, we lost our host and listings and it was a few weeks before we got them back. I had to do a TVGOS reset among other things.

All had been going well for a while, until this monday.

I'll check it out when I get home later this week. It's just frustrating when you lose the guide. Right when all of the good shows are coming back on (Lost, BSG, Fringe ... Heroes)

ft

All the problems started in November. It seemed that most of them were solved except for here in Chicago. But the flurry of activity here today does not bode well.

Yes, this morning I also found that a lot of the locals that I had turned off (mostly analogs) were back on again, plus those that were on as of yesterday were this morning rather randomly re-ordered. For the most part, I've been used to seeing a few non-local channels become re-enabled by themselves from time to time at the bottom of the list (I just go turn them back off), but this is the first time I've seen such a massive effect on the local channels (I have about 15 digitals turned on, and about 30 additional analogs and digitals re-enabled themselves this morning) or a re-ordering of the local channels.

All fixed now, but let's hope this is not going to become a recurring event, since that is hardly user-friendly.

The FIRST time? You are a lucky guy. It used to happen here every couple of months. It's been happening a couple of times a week since November.

Well!! NealGrof from this forum contacted me yesterday about a solution to our Chicago reboot problems. Neal, thanks for the tip --- I do indeed have a host channel for the first time in weeks. I reset the guide last night and switched to a suburban Zip Code. There were no reboots, I have listings, and I have the PBS analog host.

No doubt I can force a digital host and that will work, too, since at least one of your DVR's is using CBS 2.1. Between the two of us, that's 4 DHG's that have returned to normal with no reboots, just by switching away from a Chicago Zip Code.

The only drawback is that the available channel lineups are not quite the same as mine, although they appear to be similar enough for now.

I called my contact at TVGOS this afternoon. Even when presented with this information, it took some convincing before he agreed to investigate the situation. Let's hope he can find out what is happening.

This morning in L.A. Turned on my 250 to find the channel line-up missing all of my OTA stations. Cable stations still listed. Antenna still working, and I can tune to all the OTA stations...they just are no longer included in the channel line-up. Set todays OTA recordings for manual (since the antenna signal is much stronger than the cable signal)...turned off, and heading to work with fingers crossed that all will be well after 2/17.
After reading your message, I checked my two units and found the same situation. I looked at the channel +/- list and only cable channels were there, and couldn't change any to OTA. However, about a half hour later, the OTA channels reappeared on that list but were off. I switched them back on and now they show in the program listing.

Ray

problem here across the bay from San Francisco, too - turned on my 250, hit the guide button and got the "no data available" for this screen message, which I think means a TVGOS reset...is that right? but the time was still right...
happily, when I just turned on my unit again, the guide was back with all the program data, but the channel order was scrambled - the recordings that I had previously set were still there...only took me about 15 minutes to move the dozen channels I care about back up in the right order, and that was it!

But I'm once more concerned about what happens after the transition, if we get a reboot that resets the guide to ground zero, i.e., needing to go through the "please enter zip code" stage...I sure hope Ken H is right that the guide will have been fixed up by then so that such a reset will automatically search for the initializing guide stuff on the DIGITAL TVGOS source and won't be stuck trying to find an analog source!!!

I reset the guide last night and switched to a suburban Zip Code. There were no reboots, I have listings, and I have the PBS analog host.Holy c**p, PhillyC, if I had known all this time you hadn't tried the suburban zipcode solution, I would have suggested it; I posted that solution back in December: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15209864#post15209864 !

But I'm once more concerned about what happens after the transition, if we get a reboot that resets the guide to ground zero, i.e., needing to go through the "please enter zip code" stage...I sure hope Ken H is right that the guide will have been fixed up by then so that such a reset will automatically search for the initializing guide stuff on the DIGITAL TVGOS source and won't be stuck trying to find an analog source!!!I posted this: http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0 some time ago that shows that although I wasn't completely successful in getting all the way up using a digital channel alone (due to interference from the stronger analog TVGOS channel), I did get quite far (i.e. from 8.01.42 up to 8.06.44) using the digital channel alone. So it seems hopeful indeed.

..............shows that although I wasn't completely successful in getting all the way up using a digital channel alone (due to interference from the stronger analog TVGOS channel), I did get quite far (i.e. from 8.01.42 up to 8.06.44) using the digital channel alone. So it seems hopeful indeed.

Last week I decided to put my 500 through that test. I went from 00.00.00 to 08.06.44 in 4 hours! Started the first G* test on ch. 2.1 at 10:30 AM. Checked back at 12:30 PM and it had updated to 08.05.40. Restarted the G* test. At 2:30 PM it was updated to 08.06.44. Unfortunately, after that the analog host took over to rebuild the channel list, so that is the one part that's still an unknown.

Perhaps all this channel reload/reshuffle last night was the result of TVGOS rolling out their "fix"?? :confused:

Perhaps all this channel reload/reshuffle last night was the result of TVGOS rolling out their "fix"?? :confused:
Which fix are you referring to?

From the first part of your message, do I understand correctly that you were able to initialize from scratch using just a digital TVGOS source? OTA or cable?

Holy c**p, PhillyC, if I had known all this time you hadn't tried the suburban zipcode solution, I would have suggested it; I posted that solution back in December: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15209864#post15209864 !

I guess that just didn't register because I never had problems with analog or digital hosts and 750+ channels, and kind of figured TVGOS would solve their problems. Right. Now that a local person found that solution, I gave it a whack.

Let's see if TVGOS gets back to me...

Which fix are you referring to?

From the first part of your message, do I understand correctly that you were able to initialize from scratch using just a digital TVGOS source? OTA or cable?

I don't have enough posts yet to post the URL, but Ken H has a sticky thread at the top of the HDTV Recorders form list about TVGOS intending to provide a solution. That was the "fix" I referred to.

Yes, using a digital source only (KCBS-HD ch. 2.1 in L.A.) I was able to replicate Frank70's procedure, only a LOT faster. :D But analog host took over AFTER I got to 08.06.44 to rebuild the channel list, etc. I'm OTA only.