27 OTA analog in Tucson is transmitting TVGOS again after 2+ days of nothing. Still can't find any Comcast cable channels transmitting VBI.

Seems Macrovision has crawled under a rock for a while. They changed their web site to be very helpful.

http://digitaltransition.macrovision.com/digtrans.aspx

No more mention of equipment.

The odd thing is that for my zipcode, the local CBS digital station is carrying TVGOS data, and I've been able to do the G*Test to get my DHG's to get listings quickly after the random reboots that some of us here have experienced in recent months. But according to the Macrovision site the OTA status is "Unknown". The cable source is described as "known to be working".

I need help :-(

I have read most of the posting here and on spiffSPACE, but am stuck.

I used to get TVGOS guide from channel 9 (I am in San Francisco). I followed the steps listed here:
www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0
to use digital CBS 5.1 . I went through the process 3 times so far, PAINFUL !

I am able to update the firmware to 08.06.44 without a problem ( so all the way to steps 10-13 of the link above). But cannot get any TVGOS guide.

I have disabled all the analog channels. The VBI data of channel 5.1 is very good and updates the firmware within hours, but some how the TVGOS guide doesn't come through with the unit on or off, I have tried both ways. The host channel is always blank.

All I have is "There is no data for this screen". I am not using cable, just over the air signal. Has anyone in San Francisco done this successfully?

Could it be that VBI data only includes the firmware but not the guide?

Any hint is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

I need help :-(

I have read most of the posting here and on spiffSPACE, but am stuck.

I used to get TVGOS guide from channel 9 (I am in San Francisco). I followed the steps listed here:
www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0
to use digital CBS 5.1 . I went through the process 3 times so far, PAINFUL !

I am able to update the firmware to 08.06.44 without a problem ( so all the way to steps 10-13 of the link above). But cannot get any TVGOS guide.

I have disabled all the analog channels. The VBI data of channel 5.1 is very good and updates the firmware within hours, but some how the TVGOS guide doesn't come through with the unit on or off, I have tried both ways. The host channel is always blank.

All I have is "There is no data for this screen". I am not using cable, just over the air signal. Has anyone in San Francisco done this successfully?

Could it be that VBI data only includes the firmware but not the guide?

Any hint is appreciated. Thank you in advance.You are stuck at the step in which the channel lineup should download. There have been problems related to several large cities in that too many channels are downloaded and the Sony reboots in reaction to a memory overflow. A solution that often works is to enter a zipcode for a more remote area maybe 40-50 miles away from the city, the theory being that fewer stations will download in the channel lineup and prevent the reboot so the channel lineup would display and the grid would fill in. If it keeps rebooting on every download, it will get nowhere (as you have noticed.)

Had congress left the digital transition alone, all the analog stations would have disappeared this week and the number of channels would go down drastically thus alleviating this problem. However, now we're stuck with all the duplicate analog channels until June :~(

Anyway, give the alternate zipcode a try and let us know if it helps. Try to find a community that receives fewer OTA TV stations in general, but still gets most of the ones you are interested in. Here in the Philly area, I used Reading PA (19601) and it fixed the problem.

I need help :-(

I have read most of the posting here and on spiffSPACE, but am stuck.

I used to get TVGOS guide from channel 9 (I am in San Francisco). I followed the steps listed here:
www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0
to use digital CBS 5.1 . I went through the process 3 times so far, PAINFUL !

I am able to update the firmware to 08.06.44 without a problem ( so all the way to steps 10-13 of the link above). But cannot get any TVGOS guide.

I have disabled all the analog channels. The VBI data of channel 5.1 is very good and updates the firmware within hours, but some how the TVGOS guide doesn't come through with the unit on or off, I have tried both ways. The host channel is always blank.

All I have is "There is no data for this screen". I am not using cable, just over the air signal. Has anyone in San Francisco done this successfully?

Could it be that VBI data only includes the firmware but not the guide?

Any hint is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

KPIX in S.F. has not transmitted the guide for a few days now. They might be having problems. I got my data from KTEH 54.

I need help :-(

....snip

I am able to update the firmware to 08.06.44 without a problem ( so all the way to steps 10-13 of the link above). But cannot get any TVGOS guide.

I have disabled all the analog channels. The VBI data of channel 5.1 is very good and updates the firmware within hours, but some how the TVGOS guide doesn't come through with the unit on or off, I have tried both ways. The host channel is always blank.

All I have is "There is no data for this screen". I am not using cable, just over the air signal. Has anyone in San Francisco done this successfully?



This sounds like the edge of what I think of as the unknown black hole. :(

I don't recall reading any posts where someone has successfully gotten their channel lineup (and correct clock) using a digital host when both have been lost and there is no analog host available. I hope I'm wrong and someone has done it. Anyone? When I was testing and used Frank70's procedure, I had the same result he did in that the clock set and channel lineup ONLY got built once I let the analog host take over.

If the analog host in S.F. is not transmitting TVGOS right now, that sort of confirms my fears about getting a channel lineup rebuilt from digital host.

Can you return a HDD250 to sony and have them up-grade it to the digital Version 9/TVGOS? I've heard this can be done for 150 bucks...

It's Monday morning at 7:30AM and no listings for next Monday arrived overnight via my digital host channel, even though it is showing packet activity. I'll let it go until this afternoon with the unit off to see if the listings arrive on their own. If not, I'll run the G* test to see if I get them that way. If the latter produces listings, I don't know what is going on with TVGOS to prevent them from downloading automatically via the digital host channel, since they had done so previously.As feared, I waited until about 1PM and still no listings for next Monday via the digital host (as you'll recall, my analog host bit the dust a few days ago), yet when I ran the G* test, the listings for next Monday filled in slowly (over a period of three hours, got most of them, just a few missing.) I really don't understand this phenomenon because I've previously seen the listings fill via digital host with the Sony in "off" state. All very strange indeed.

I found one of these elusive creatures hiding in a circuit city today (2.15.09)! I was about to snatch it up for the ultra low price of 99.98, but I was hesitant based on the fact that it looked fairly well used (scratched and definite signs of at least one drop). I asked one of the employees and he said to forget it. He said it wasn't working. I asked him to elaborate, and he said it was a demo only model and was not made to work normally. I was under the impression that there were never "demo only" models, and that the feature could be turned off, but there was absolutely no way of testing it considering that this particular CC is about to shutdown...tomorrow!

The unit powers up, says welcome, and then displays something to the effect of demonstration on the face. I did not get a copy of any of the information on the back, but it is a 250 model.

So my question is, are there any "demo only" models that are useless paperweights/screensavers, or is this a worthy gamble?


I saw one in my local CC and the guy said where didja find it and he said all it did was demos and him and a bunch of other guys laughed. Who's laughing now Mr Unemployed Yutz?

... So, jwpottberg, could you post here when the 5.1 listings start up again (my bet is tomorrow)? I'd hate to be trying to convert data from 5.1 when there is NO TVGOS being broadcast (let alone the data required by the Pal)!

Thanks - Tony

Your bet is right, I got full listings for next Monday last night, still OTA 5.1 digital host. Sat and Sun still missing, but that is normal, they should update midweek or so (I haven't done the G* test to manually force listings, but I have in the past and am sure it would work.) It appears at least some other areas of the country (but not all) also missed Sat/Sun, so unless they had some planned cooperative test, it's not KPIX's problem. Hopefully it's just growing pains :rolleyes:

Jim

Well apparently my attempts last week of "forcing" the digital downloads did not work - well I know they did not because my HDD500 stayed with either of two analogue Guides sources in our area (8-0 or 26-0).

But since that time I have been getting "lock-ups" if the unit is recording AND attempting to watch a show at the same time.............so

This morning I did the full factory default set up - 9012. That was about 2 hours ago, still waiting for the clock to come back. It will remain off for 24 hours.

My 250 was doing the same thing a couple of weeks ago after everyone's guide got jumbled up. It seemed to clear itself up, but both my 250 and 500 are doing it now. They record just fine, but if you are recording and turn the unit on to watch another show or time-shift back to the beginning of the current recording, you are completely locked out until that current recording finishes. I have noticed that the clock stops updating, but if you let it finish the recording, it will stop and the clock will update. It's like it doesn't want you doing two things at once.

Any thoughts on what to do OTHER than trying a factory reset? I'd rather not lose my recordings if I can help from it. Is this just bad guide data? Will it eventually work itself out as it seemed to do before?

I guess my HDD250 will soon be a door-stop. I was just informed that WKYT, the CBS station serving Lexington Kentucky, will not be transmitting TVGOS data in it's digital broadcast.

Seems Macrovision has crawled under a rock for a while. They changed their web site to be very helpful.

http://digitaltransition.macrovision.com/digtrans.aspx

No more mention of equipment.

I went to the web site, entered my zip, and that I was Broadcast (OTA) and here was their reply:

Name Broadcast TV - Chicago

Status Unknown

Description We are unsure if your cable provider will continue to support TV Guide/Guide Plus+ listings data after the digital transition. If you are not receiving listings or if your listings discontinue, please contact your cable provider for more information.

I guess my HDD250 will soon be a door-stop. I was just informed that WKYT, the CBS station serving Lexington Kentucky, will not be transmitting TVGOS data in it's digital broadcast.

Yours can join mine on the Ebay parade of door-stops. I'm posting mine fast before the price drops.

sorry for you, Gregg

My 250 was doing the same thing a couple of weeks ago after everyone's guide got jumbled up. It seemed to clear itself up, but both my 250 and 500 are doing it now. They record just fine, but if you are recording and turn the unit on to watch another show or time-shift back to the beginning of the current recording, you are completely locked out until that current recording finishes. I have noticed that the clock stops updating, but if you let it finish the recording, it will stop and the clock will update. It's like it doesn't want you doing two things at once.

Any thoughts on what to do OTHER than trying a factory reset? I'd rather not lose my recordings if I can help from it. Is this just bad guide data? Will it eventually work itself out as it seemed to do before?

Both of my units had this exact problem 3-4 months ago. I followed the instructions documented on Spiff's site and both units have been fine since then. You won't lose your recordings as long as you don't choose the wrong "reset".
http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=38.msg39#msg39

KPIX in S.F. has not transmitted the guide for a few days now. They might be having problems. I got my data from KTEH 54.
hmm...I still get TVGOS data from PBS analog, but that failed for next Saturday and Sunday. But overnight last night, the listings for next Monday showed up. (On my lg 3410a, which uses version 7, I got no listings for ANY of these three days, but - curiously - today the host channel for the 3410a shows up as CBS ANALOG...actually, for me that is hopeful, since the last time the 3410a switched to analog 5 as a host the listings came through more reliably, i.e., without my having frequently to do a reset by unplugging the unit for 7 seconds - though I do not understand why CBS has been bothering to broadcast analog TVGOS recently, given that the plan was for analog to disappear...)

In any case this AM at 7:30, I did the Sony's G* test on 5.1 and left the unit on. At 1 PM I checked, and the listings for next Saturday and Sunday had been filled in, indicating that today at least 5.1 is broadcasting TVGOS data..

PS to possumgirl...as indicated above, once again the listings here seem to have returned...I think that - once again - Gemstar is playing games, but if I were you, I'd assume things will straighten out again

I went to the web site, entered my zip, and that I was Broadcast (OTA) and here was their reply:

Name Broadcast TV - Chicago

Status Unknown

Description We are unsure if your cable provider will continue to support TV Guide/Guide Plus+ listings data after the digital transition. If you are not receiving listings or if your listings discontinue, please contact your cable provider for more information.
This is the same junk I got when I put in my San Francisco area zip code (OTA), and that's all it is...junk

I did the same, it listed Cox as still providing data but unknown for OTA. It also lists Tulsa as being in Kansas??? I didn't realize I had moved across the border

You are stuck ...
...
Anyway, give the alternate zipcode a try and let us know if it helps. Try to find a community that receives fewer OTA TV stations in general, but still gets most of the ones you are interested in. Here in the Philly area, I used Reading PA (19601) and it fixed the problem.

Thank you everyone for your help.
Frank, I will give an alternative zip code a try.
If the amount of data is the problem, I wonder if I remove some of my channels using "CH +/- List", would that reduce the data size and help me get the listing for the other channels. I will give both a try and report back, it might take me few days though :-(

Thank you Fox200 for the info but I don't get channel 54 so I can do any testing there.

Thank you Possumgirl, I could try to go back to analog using an indoor antenna and see if I can get the channel lineup with analog and then switch to digital, but at this point I have the latest version of the firmware and the clock is also correct. What is missing is the channel lineup and the guide.

I will give what Frank suggested a try first and hope it works. Otherwise I have to go back to analog and start everything all over again.

Thank you everyone for all your help.

When performing the digital G test method, the VBI channel reads "fffffffd".
Is this normal when using the G test?

fox

It's not normal, but not uncommon. I got this same fffffffd result with mine. I repeated the VBI test over several days and sometimes got the CBS digital, and sometimes other strange results; but then after researching the various service menus, it became evident that my unit didn't fully take (switch over) to the CBS digital channel, despite getting schedule downloads daily. I contribute this to the PBS analog still being active here locally and the unit was getting confused.....

It has been suggested that these units do favor analog signals over digital signals. I believe that once we actually lose the analog signals, we will find the digital signals will work better (receive better) and some of the issues/problems we are fighting with now, will go away.

Regards
MK

I just contacted Cox via email with this question - I have a Sony DVR that uses your cable card and gets its programming information from TVGOS which is the TV Guide On-Screen service. Before the digital transition analog TGVOS data appeared on PBS and was passed through on AETN on cable. Macrovision, owners of Gemstar/TV Guide, has a deal with CBS and thus digital TVGOS data only appears on CBS stations at this time. A check with Macrovision's website states that "We have confirmed with your cable provider that you should receive TV Guide/Guide Plus+ listings after the digital transition. If you are not receiving listings or if your listings discontinue, please contact your cable provider for more information." Can you confirm that this is true and which channel the information will be used (so I can reset my DVR)?

I will post their reply if it comes in the next few days. We are in the Cox region for Kansas and Arkansas (I live in NW Arkansas), so hopefully they will give an answer that will be positive for all Cox customers in both areas. If anyone else has heard from Cox in this region I would be interested in what you have found.

I had posted some details on this before (post #13752 and #13763) - but what most are experiencing is the major "foul-up" created by our Political system and the FCC's processes of making "the transition to DTV" an even bigger mess (penalties and fines to local stations that do not delay is just one example).

Before you "sell" your Sony, you really should wait until after June 12th to see if items get resolved.

For Example in Houston: I have some positives and some negatives in regard to TVGOS and the transition.

1. We still get PBS clean downloads that work perfect; and perhaps will till June 12th. I am reasonably confident we will get CBS digital downloads after June 12 - assuming there is no more government interference.

2. Approximately 2-3 weeks before the original DTV cut over of Feb 17th (meaning the last two weeks of January) - TVGOS had begun the process of dropping the Guide data from analogue PBS to make the change to Digital CBS(we all were experiencing the same things with our Sony Boxes).

3. TVGOS digital contracts and/or digital implementations are not yet complete (again thanks to the Gov.)

4. In cities that have both Digital and Analogue TVGOS downloads they often do not work well together. Houston is a perfect example. The local CBS is in RF conflict with ABC (RF31 and RF32), and both still remain at low power and improper antenna placement. Many local analogue stations have also reduced power. In other words many major cities have similar conflicts and issues that cannot be resolved until after or close to the June 12th cut over. All this because of the "brains" in DC

From a strictly technical and engineering standpoint it is virtually impossible for TVGOS to deliver solid reliable service 100% nationwide until they have a solid and reliable way to deliver that service. That condition will not occur until "after" June 12th.

If your area has RF assignments changing (many major cities) and power level changes (many major cites), then this will affect your TVGOS downloads and your ability to receive them.

So if you have a Sony Box this means:

1. If it works correctly now, it may stop after June 12th
2. If it works correctly now, it may continue to work correctly after June 12
3. If it does not work correctly now, it may work correctly after June 12th
4. If it does not work correctly now it may never work correctly again.

I believe the Houston area and possibly Dallas should fall into category 2 above.

Of course there are the DMAs that have interim transition rules prior to June 12th I did not even discuss, in that case just go fishing.

Hopefully it won't be necessary for most users, but has anyone heard of any hack for Sony DVRs which enables manual clock reset?

Both of my units had this exact problem 3-4 months ago. I followed the instructions documented on Spiff's site and both units have been fine since then. You won't lose your recordings as long as you don't choose the wrong "reset".
http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=38.msg39#msg39

Thanks Possumgirl. When the guide got jumbled up a couple of weeks ago, I went ahead and removed my analog host channel from both TVGOS and the channel list. I'm going to add those back in and see if it will fix itself before I go through the hassle of doing the resets. If it doesn't, "reset land" here I come.

The odd thing is that for my zipcode, the local CBS digital station is carrying TVGOS data, and I've been able to do the G*Test to get my DHG's to get listings quickly after the random reboots that some of us here have experienced in recent months. But according to the Macrovision site the OTA status is "Unknown". The cable source is described as "known to be working".

We live in too interesting times. My local broadcaster is listed as "unknown" and my cable systems is listed as "known working". But the PSB analog stopped last month and they haven't answered my emails. The cable channel that gives me FULL listings is CSPAN. Nothing from any CBS station (and I get three channel's of cable feeds). My local CBS channel has told me "no TVGOS". At least they are up front about it.

And my LG3410A (V7) now gets only a clock signal. Have a nice day. What will tomorrow bring???????

Here is Cox's reply...

Dear Dwight:

The TVGuide information is no longer carried by PBS, but by CBS instead. We have verified that the information is there, but it looks like customers may have to reprogram their televisions in order for the set to lock onto the correct carrier.
*
Thank you.

Cox Communications Online Technical Support Team

Cox seems to say that CBS is the carrier for Arkansas, Kansas and maybe Tulsa too. So I guess my next step is to reset the boxes (I have 3 Sony 250s) and make sure I have the correct firmware/etc. What firmware version works with the digital TVGOS and which version of TVGOS do I need to make sure is in each box? Suggestions?
*

Well, I've lost my guide data again. As an FYI, we are in Portland OR with Comcast service. The DHG is not using a cablecard but picking channels up through QAM.
Some time ago (about two months) I lost guide data, and then shortly after it would not tune to the digital channels. I did a full reset in the 9012 menu which resolved everything. Well about a week ago, I lost guide data. Then...started losing digital channels. I went in the 9012 menu again reset user config. I scanned channels again and it found all the channels again. We can tune to all the channels, but now about 4-5 days later, we still have no guide data and the clock is 1 hour off. I hate doing the full reset as I lose my recordings and also have to redo my entire channel lineup, but will do it again if needed. What I don't want to do is have to do this process every month or two. It takes way too much time to clean up my channel lineup as I only need/get about 30 or so digital channels and have to turn all the others off.

Yours can join mine on the Ebay parade of door-stops. I'm posting mine fast before the price drops.

sorry for you, GreggVery shortsighted.

We are currently in a period of transition. After things fall out, expect to find at least one station per TV market to carry TVGOS data.

Before you "sell" your Sony, you really should wait until after June 12th to see if items get resolved.Bing.

Here is Cox's reply...

Dear Dwight:

The TVGuide information is no longer carried by PBS, but by CBS instead. We have verified that the information is there, but it looks like customers may have to reprogram their televisions in order for the set to lock onto the correct carrier.
*
Thank you.

Cox Communications Online Technical Support Team

Cox seems to say that CBS is the carrier for Arkansas, Kansas and maybe Tulsa too. So I guess my next step is to reset the boxes (I have 3 Sony 250s) and make sure I have the correct firmware/etc. What firmware version works with the digital TVGOS and which version of TVGOS do I need to make sure is in each box? Suggestions?
*

I think KOTV cbs in Tulsa maybe in the near future. They are in the middle of building an entirely new Broadcast facility and the chief engineer just said that TV guide was providing their guide listings, he didn't specify OnScreen and hasn't clarified his response yet to me. I don't ever get any vbi packets off of the digital channel, but I get weird info whenever I run some the tests on that channel.

Yours can join mine on the Ebay parade of door-stops. I'm posting mine fast before the price drops.

sorry for you, Gregg


Anyone who is interested in one of these, probably is already well aware of the issues surrounding these boxes. If you were to get an unssuspecting buyer,I feel it is incumbant upon you to inform them as to these issues. Any other course of action is just dishonest and what makes Ebay a mine field for honest people.

For the record, I DONT think these will be bricked, too many others are able(including myself) to get downloads via digital sources for me to believe that.

Anyone who is interested in one of these.............

I'm interested. You wanna sell me another one? :D

I'm interested. You wanna sell me another one? :D


:).....No way, I want to buy my 500 back......:)

[QUOTE=LS2JSTS;15843344] If you were to get an unssuspecting buyer,I feel it is incumbant upon you to inform them as to these issues. Any other course of action is just dishonest and what makes Ebay a mine field for honest people.

Funny thing, you asking me to have an "obligation'' to inform the Ebay consumer of potential problems with my unit before I sell it.

Funny thing, it was pointed out to me early in this forum that the Sony was "discontinued" and that Sony was under no "obligation".

Wasn’t Sony, and I repeat myself, under an "obligation" to inform me of the fact, they were selling me a "digital ready device", that was dependent on a analog signals to work and there maybe some problems in the near future as to its correct operation?

I saw nothing on the box, heard nothing from the salesman at Circuit City regarding this potential problem... Double Standard... I was an unsuspecting buyer.

Of course, I would not mislead an Ebay customer. I will however link them to this forum as many other sellers have.

I will provide consumer confidence, which is not provided by the Sonnies in the market, the lack of which has put the economy in the dumper.

Gregg
email in mass, the Sonnies

Your argument became mute the minute that these boxes were confirmed by myself and MANY others that they CAN in fact download digital TVGOS data.

They are NOT dependent on analog signals as you imply.


Now, should Sony gaurantee that all the CBS afiliates will carry it, or that the entire country will have the digital data available? Sony isn't responsible for all the worlds ills are they? I know some on these forums seem to think that way.

Well, I've lost my guide data again. As an FYI, we are in Portland OR with Comcast service. The DHG is not using a cablecard but picking channels up through QAM.

I understand your frustration. I have a similar set-up (i.e. Comcast clearQAM, etc) and have had several instances of lost guide data. The first was around Thanksgiving and the second was about a month ago.

In both instances, I tried many resets, but never the "full factory restore".

The latest resolution seems to be ideal for me. Apparently, Comcast is passing TVGOS on analog channel 93 (Host ID shows up as 1:93-0 on the 753 menu) and data is filling in nicely. I don't think its coming from an analog TVGOS source as I routinely have "No Listing" show up on Day 8, yet the next day, they fill in with details. With analog TVGOS, those No Listing wouldn't clear up for 3 days (when the orignal Day 8 becomes Day 4).

My theory is that Comcast is converting the digital TVOGS data from CBS 3.1 and putting it on an analog channel.

As and added bonus, all of the extended Basic channels are clearQAM, so I can stop recording the analog channels and save a ton of HDD space.

If I were you, I'd follow frank70's guide to trying to establish a digital host. In the process of doing this (4 day process), the G* test is run. I find that when I run the G* test when tuned to 3.1, the clock gets set properly.

All I can say is keep trying as my guide issues have cleared up. I can't be sure what exactly I did to get it to work, if anything at all. It could be that Comcast fixed it on their end.

For the record, I'm in SE Pennsylvania. Delaware County, PA if you want to call your Comcast office and have them contact my Comcast provider to see if they can replicate it out in the Pacific NW.

ft

Your argument became mute the minute that these boxes were confirmed by myself and MANY others that they CAN in fact download digital TVGOS data.

Unfortunately, his argument didn't become mute (he is still harping about it), but, it did become moot :D

Digital TVGOS still working great here - the Sony isn't the problem, must be his source. Maybe it is time to move to a city keeping up with the digital age.

Bing.


Thank you, I accept the applause.

Doh......well, mute fits in with the A/V forum anyway.....Guess it's a moot point to try and correct it now.

Your argument became mute the minute that these boxes were confirmed by myself and MANY others that they CAN in fact download digital TVGOS data.

They are NOT dependent on analog signals as you imply.


Now, should Sony gaurantee that all the CBS afiliates will carry it, or that the entire country will have the digital data available? Sony isn't responsible for all the worlds ills are they? I know some on these forums seem to think that way.


My ire is not just directed at Sony and my ire is certainly not directed at you or this forum.

I used the term “Sonnies” to defer to like Companies, like my Samsung “Digital Cable Ready” TV that needs analog signals to work, as advertised with TVGOS.

Unfortunately there’s not a group of dictated people, like yourself, who are helping Sony fix their problem, in the Sammies customer base helping Samsung to “moot” my comments.

Again I use a term “Sammies” to defer to like Companies. Many TV manufactures product DCR units knowing full well that they were not fully DCR, to be fully functional after the digital conversion as advertise. These Companies were not honest with their customers, but I guess they don’t sell on Ebay so that’s OK?

I’m not talking politics, just honesty, as it was brought to my attention on this forum.

Speaking of attention, I do have DIGITAL TVGOS broadcast and only digital, in my area, its been that way for many months, so I don’t need to move… Maybe you all should move here… MY Toshiba DCR TV TVGOS works just fine, I didn’t have to force it do anything.

So I guess my 250 still needs more forceing to see light. As the forum proves they work with digital.

I’m not doing something right, so I will read on in the forum. I thank you all for the read, criticism and help.

Gregg

I have two DHG 250s. Both of them lost Guide data last week. One of them recovered and hass full listings but but the other one didn't recover. I've done a G* Reset and I've formatted the drive but it still shows "No Data For This Screen".

Any ideas on how to recover will be deeply appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Gregg,


Look for the links to the spiffspace site.....all the info you need is there in one neat place.

Here is Cox's reply...

...

Cox seems to say that CBS is the carrier for Arkansas, Kansas and maybe Tulsa too. So I guess my next step is to reset the boxes (I have 3 Sony 250s) and make sure I have the correct firmware/etc. What firmware version works with the digital TVGOS and which version of TVGOS do I need to make sure is in each box? Suggestions?
*

Hi Dwight,

I'm in Wichita, Kansas. My DHG is currently receiving the guide from our CBS digital station (OTA), and has been for over a month now, since the analog PBS station shut down for good on 1/5/2009. I have also verified that I can get the guide data from Cox over the same digital CBS station.

I also have a panasonic (analog) DVR that hasn't received guide data from Cox for over a year and a half. I was quite surprised to see macrovision reporting the status of TVGOS from Cox as: "Known to be working". I contacted macrovision in December, and informed them that Cox hasn't been passing the TVGOS data in over a year and a half. Macrovision thought it must be a problem on my end, and had me record some of the info in the 159753258 screens. I was optimistic that they were going to resolve this for me. Then the last reply I got from them was this:

"Response (Jay Navarro) - 12/17/2008 04:36 PM
Unfortunatly we got word today that Cox has gone all digital and will not be passing our data until we switch over to digital in Feb" :mad:

So what is Cox waiting for? They haven't been passing this data for over a year and a half, and suddenly after the digital transition happens they are going to throw a switch that lets the data through. :rolleyes: I'm skeptical.

Any way your original question was has anyone else in your general area contacted Cox. No, I haven't. I'm waiting until after the transition happens to see if something happens, and my analog DVR starts receiving data again. When it doesn't then I'll contact them.

Mark

I have two DHG 250s. Both of them lost Guide data last week. One of them recovered and hass full listings but but the other one didn't recover. I've done a G* Reset and I've formatted the drive but it still shows "No Data For This Screen".

Any ideas on how to recover will be deeply appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Which screen or menu are you getting the "no data for this screen" message? One of the Sony menu screens or one of the TVGOS screens?

MK

Hi Dwight,

I'm in Wichita, Kansas. My DHG is currently receiving the guide from our CBS digital station (OTA), and has been for over a month now, since the analog PBS station shut down for good on 1/5/2009. I have also verified that I can get the guide data from Cox over the same digital CBS station.

Mark

Mark, when you say that you get guide data from Cox over the digital CBS station, is that with cable card? So far I am not seeing data from our CBS station, either over the air or through Cox. Maybe it will start showing up tomorrow. I have updated to the latest firmware for the Sony. Also, did you have to reset the box or did the guide data just start showing up over digital?

Dwight

Unfortunately, his argument didn't become mute (he is still harping about it), but, it did become moot :DThanks for the laugh of the day.

Digital TVGOS still working great here - the Sony isn't the problem, must be his source.

Maybe it is time to move to a city keeping up with the digital age.Be patient.

I'm interested. You wanna sell me another one? :D

Hi, I could talk about selling you my 500! I have 2 tivos now, so I don't find myself using the 500 much any more. I really liked not having the monthly fees for it, but I've been spoiled by the dual tuners in the tivos.

PM me if you want to talk! :)

Mark, when you say that you get guide data from Cox over the digital CBS station, is that with cable card?

...

Also, did you have to reset the box or did the guide data just start showing up over digital?

Dwight

No cable card here, I just have very basic cable (24 channels). I do get the unencrypted QAM stations on the DVR. Digital CBS is on 114.5 here. If your local CBS station isn't carrying the Digital TVGOS, I'm sure you won't find it on that station on cable either.

I was hoping that the DHG would find the digital host on its own, but on 1/6/2009, it still showed the host as the non-existant PBS analog station. It may have eventually found it on its own, but I followed the procedure to force the host channel to 12-1. However when I connected the unit to cable for a few days (TVGOS on both 12-1, and 114.5 disappeared for a few days in January), after TVGOS came back it found 114.5 on its own. After disconnecting from cable, the host channel showed as 0:114.0 for several days, even though I was actually getting it from 12-1.

Have you run the G* test on your CBS digital station? I would start there.

Mark

Does anyone use the Sony in Des Moines, IA? My friend in Des Moines may get the DHG-HDD250, but only if he can verify that the local Des Moines CBS station is sending out TVGOS info. Thanks

Mark,
I live here wichita also and I am using an antenna for guide listings. I can't seem to get my host channel to stay on 12.1 past a day or so, and guide data rarely fills in without a g*test. I was curious which zip code you used, do you have auto off set to on, or any other tips you may have. I have hope since your Sony seems to be working in this new digital age.
Scott

Hi Scott,

I'm in East Wichita in the Central and Woodlawn area. My zip is 67208. I have an amplified antenna in the attic, but receive all the digital stations (except I lost channel 8 when they moved back to VHF on Monday. I guess VHF signals don't travel as good through walls as UHF does.).

I had problems with the guide data about the third week of January, for 3 or 4 days, but haven't had any problem since (knock on wood). I wish I had some tips for you. My auto off is set to on (I believe). As I mentioned previously, my host channel is blank most of the time. I'm curious though, if you can't get 12-1 to stick as the host, what does it revert to now that analog channel 8 is gone (or is it just blank)?

Something I just remembered that I think is odd. Even though I get the guide data on my unit over digital, I never get any ads. I only see the default TV Guide ad. I haven't heard any one else comment about not getting the ads.

One thing I do to see if the guide is completely filled in is to bring up the channel listings, and enter 200 (this will open a shortcut on the left), then scroll down to the 'hours ahead' button and select it. This will take you to the end of day 8. If there is data there, then the guide is filling in as it should.

Mark, I got the same issues/symptoms a few weeks ago (guide down loads, but no advertisements) here in Las Vegas about the same time as you. The local analog PBS was not transmitting (failed VBI test) and I started to get data from the local CBS digital. My 250 never fully switched to the digital and the host channel was blank, with no ads and partial fill of data on the 8th day. Although a VBI test usually did the trick and fully populated the schedule.

After about two weeks of this, the PBS analog came back and everything went back to "normal".

Regards
MK

The wait begins, hopefully Tulsa gets a digital host soon. The analog shut down yesterday and my host is now blank and I have no listings past next Tuesday. I have cable internet which also gives me the local hds and I haven't found packets on any channel that is left analog or digital on the cable or OTA. Hopefully I can keep my clock for manual recordings.

The Question asked of the MTC engineers in Arkansas:


Is the guide info being passed on channel 5 in Arkansas?


The Answer:

No, it is not. We are working with Macrovision (TV Guide data people) to insert this at our facilities in NWA. I currently do not have a specific date as to when this will be completed but I am shooting for next week. Keep in mind there is a lot depending on the date. TV Guide data should be on KOLR for Harrison and Berryville though.

This is the answer to my followup question to Cox Cable about TVGOS in Arkansas. It appears that they will be using CBS channels to pass on the data. Also appears that it is not ready in every TV market, but it is coming. I was not getting guide data on any channel and I thought my boxes would be doorstops, but it appears that everything will be up and running here in a week or so. Can't wait to see it fixed! Hopefully this will give hope to the rest of you that lost data last week (as we did here when the PBS station quit passing on the data). Just be patient, I believe some markets are behind on setting this up, but it is coming soon.

Hi Scott,

I'm in East Wichita in the Central and Woodlawn area. My zip is 67208. I have an amplified antenna in the attic, but receive all the digital stations (except I lost channel 8 when they moved back to VHF on Monday. I guess VHF signals don't travel as good through walls as UHF does.).

I had problems with the guide data about the third week of January, for 3 or 4 days, but haven't had any problem since (knock on wood). I wish I had some tips for you. My auto off is set to on (I believe). As I mentioned previously, my host channel is blank most of the time. I'm curious though, if you can't get 12-1 to stick as the host, what does it revert to now that analog channel 8 is gone (or is it just blank)?

Something I just remembered that I think is odd. Even though I get the guide data on my unit over digital, I never get any ads. I only see the default TV Guide ad. I haven't heard any one else comment about not getting the ads.

One thing I do to see if the guide is completely filled in is to bring up the channel listings, and enter 200 (this will open a shortcut on the left), then scroll down to the 'hours ahead' button and select it. This will take you to the end of day 8. If there is data there, then the guide is filling in as it should.

Thanks Mark,
I too do not see any ads, it must be a digital version glitch for right now, maybe its not fully operational (insert Star Wars Death Star reference). I eventually revert back to a blank host, but 19-0 usually pops up for a while first. I guess I will just do a g test once a week for a while and see if it gets sorted out.
Good Luck everyone. Deep down, for some reason, I still enjoy fooling around with this Sony, even though it has some wacked out quirks.

Scott,

Right after I replied to your message yesterday I went and checked my DVR listings, and found that day 8 data was missing (should have flled in Tuesday night). I checked again this morning, and now day 7 and day 8 are missing. I should have checked it before I opened my mouth about what little problem I was having. I did the G* test and that worked, then I checked my host channel, and it showed 0:19-0 (as opposed to blank). I'll see what happens tonight.

Mark

Scott,

Right after I replied to your message yesterday I went and checked my DVR listings, and found that day 8 data was missing (should have flled in Tuesday night). I checked again this morning, and now day 7 and day 8 are missing. I should have checked it before I opened my mouth about what little problem I was having. I did the G* test and that worked, then I checked my host channel, and it showed 0:19-0 (as opposed to blank). I'll see what happens tonight.

MarkFrom my own symptoms and those reported by others (e.g. mabuttra etc.), I can conclude that for whatever reason, the current mode of operation of digital TVGOS is that it will not download listings or ads from the host channel (when it is a VALID TVGOS transmitting digital host) with the Sony turned "off". Yet it will download listings (but not ads) with the Sony turned "on", tuned to the same digital host channel, and running the G* test. That is obviously not the way it is supposed to work, but clearly the way it is working now. So in the worst case, it's necessary to run the G* test and leave the Sony "on" for a few hours once every couple of days to refresh the listings. The same applies whether the host channel indicates the analog equivalent of the digital channel, or the digital channel (and subchannel), or even apparently if it's blank but your only available TVGOS host is the digital channel (as it seems to be, since more and more of the PBS channels are shutting off TVGOS service.)

I certainly hope it corrects itself.

The wait begins, hopefully Tulsa gets a digital host soon. The analog shut down yesterday and my host is now blank and I have no listings past next Tuesday. I have cable internet which also gives me the local hds and I haven't found packets on any channel that is left analog or digital on the cable or OTA. Hopefully I can keep my clock for manual recordings.

I just checked. I have guide listings thru 4am next Thursday. Yesterday I had them thru Wednesday. I am strictly OTA and have never done any of force host procedures or anything else from this forum. I read the posts all the time and was hoping the magic 8 ball would work. So far for me it looks like it has. I will go see what my host channel shows and report back later.

... Host channel is blank. Hope it keeps working.

From my own symptoms and those reported by others (e.g. mabuttra etc.), I can conclude that for whatever reason, the current mode of operation of digital TVGOS is that it will not download listings or ads from the host channel (when it is a VALID TVGOS transmitting digital host) with the Sony turned "off". Yet it will download listings (but not ads) with the Sony turned "on", tuned to the same digital host channel, and running the G* test. That is obviously not the way it is supposed to work, but clearly the way it is working now. So in the worst case, it's necessary to run the G* test and leave the Sony "on" for a few hours once every couple of days to refresh the listings. The same applies whether the host channel indicates the analog equivalent of the digital channel, or the digital channel (and subchannel), or even apparently if it's blank but your only available TVGOS host is the digital channel (as it seems to be, since more and more of the PBS channels are shutting off TVGOS service.)

I certainly hope it corrects itself.

This is NOT the case for me in LA. I've been on digital TVGOS (2.1 CBS) for some time and listings and ads are up to date always.

From my own symptoms and those reported by others (e.g. mabuttra etc.), I can conclude that for whatever reason, the current mode of operation of digital TVGOS is that it will not download listings or ads from the host channel (when it is a VALID TVGOS transmitting digital host) with the Sony turned "off"...
I certainly hope it corrects itself.
I kind of doubt that this is a problem with digital TVGOS broadcasts in general, because if it were, there would be a lot of new complaints in the thread for the DTVPal DVR, which I don't think is the case. Of course, that is a new version of TVGOS, so the problem could be in either the firmware now being pushed to the Sony (though I haven't heard any mention of a new firmware version appearing) OR the digital version 8 TVGOS data itself (which they may very well have been modifying in some way to work better or to work with a new firmware version they've cooked up); or the problem could be in some combination of the two...

The info via magic 8 ball clearly indicates they are trying to make SOME change that will turn the Sony (and probably other version 8 devices) into a pure digital machine, but I sure wish his sources had been more specific...

I'll chime in again to clarify what I have experienced. The only time I ever used the G* test to download guide data was back in November, when I first read about it here on this forum. The only thing I did in January was the 'force a host channel' procedure which isn't the same thing. If my guide data doesn't start filling in again, first I'll do the force host channel, and then, if absolutely necessary, I'll use the G* test method. It is unsettling that two people in the same city have to get guide data two different ways.

Mark

I just checked. I have guide listings thru 4am next Thursday. Yesterday I had them thru Wednesday. I am strictly OTA and have never done any of force host procedures or anything else from this forum. I read the posts all the time and was hoping the magic 8 ball would work. So far for me it looks like it has. I will go see what my host channel shows and report back later.

... Host channel is blank. Hope it keeps working.

What part of Oklahoma? OETA just shut down the transmitters for OKC and Tulsa. If your close to Cheyenne or Eufaula you can still get it from those transmitters and some of the repeaters around the rural areas of the state. I can pull Eufaula in the evenings barely right now, going to put the big antenna back up this weekend and see if I can get listings from it.

From my own symptoms and those reported by others (e.g. mabuttra etc.), I can conclude that for whatever reason, the current mode of operation of digital TVGOS is that it will not download listings or ads from the host channel (when it is a VALID TVGOS transmitting digital host) with the Sony turned "off". Yet it will download listings (but not ads) with the Sony turned "on", tuned to the same digital host channel, and running the G* test. That is obviously not the way it is supposed to work, but clearly the way it is working now. So in the worst case, it's necessary to run the G* test and leave the Sony "on" for a few hours once every couple of days to refresh the listings. The same applies whether the host channel indicates the analog equivalent of the digital channel, or the digital channel (and subchannel), or even apparently if it's blank but your only available TVGOS host is the digital channel (as it seems to be, since more and more of the PBS channels are shutting off TVGOS service.)

I certainly hope it corrects itself.

Frank, I believe I live in the same area as you (Philly/Media). I lost data 2 1/2 days ago and have been trying to do the 'force digital host' sequence that you described...with no luck so far. I have, however, been keeping my machine OFF religiously hoping that the data would load. I'll try keeping the machine on for the next day or so and let you know if anything good happens. So far, not even the clock is updating. An interesting note...even though I have the wrong time displayed on the screen when the machine is on, nothing shows up on the front panel LED's.

Thanks for all the great tips from everone on this thread.

Hello everyone...first post here.

Two questions on my HHD500 unit:

(1) Anyone have insight into the INF codes at startup?

Was watching a program and all of a sudden the unit rebooted to an INF 0000080 error. I tried warm rebooting the device, but kept getting the same error. Then I decided to pull the power and upon reboot received an INF 11FFFF80 error. Ran through rebooting it a bunch of times, then decided to do some more tinkering.

I ran through the Clear NVM procedure, but it didn't seem to work as others have stated - it went right back to the Welcome display.

I then tried the Wipe Unit procedure and the same thing happened - the unit went right back to the Welcome display.

I'm following the procedure on Spiffspace.com.


(2) Has anyone had one of these units repaired OUT of warranty? If it comes down to having to repair the unit, what can I expect to spend? Or is it a flat fee from Sony?
Did you ever find out what the error message "INF 0000080" ment?
My DHG-HDD250 hangs with that message displayed.
Gerry

What is the difference between the "host" and the "vbi" channels in the screen after entering the 753159852 in the change system settings menu?
For background, I turned off the analog pbs station and forced the digital host channel, but when I looked yesterday the host channel was 0:60-0 and the vbi channel was 0:2-1. 0:2-1 is the correct host channel and it has been updating ok for over a week.

Chris

What is the difference between the "host" and the "vbi" channels in the screen after entering the 753159852 in the change system settings menu?
For background, I turned off the analog pbs station and forced the digital host channel, but when I looked yesterday the host channel was 0:60-0 and the vbi channel was 0:2-1. 0:2-1 is the correct host channel and it has been updating ok for over a week.
Chris
The host channel is the one your unit is getting its TVGOS data from during normal downloads (which is to say, NOT the unit-ON downloads you can get after performing the G* test on your local digital TVGOS station). The vbi channel is just the one your unit is currently tuned to...

I've got 3 HDD500's here in Hawaii, where we've been digital for over a month now. Due to the topography of the islands, most people are forced to resort to cable for video due to no line of sight for OTA reception. Our CBS affiliate has picked up the ball (several weeks late) and is broadcasting digital VBI packets with TVGOS, which is 113.1 on TWC here. I set one box to use host 113.1, and let the other two find their own center. During the craziness about 10 days ago, all three units had picked a different host. One generally stayed with the digital signal, while the other two picked either the old PBS analog or (get this) the analog CBS signal. All three passed the G* test. However, to keep the one box on the digital signal, I had to disable the analog PBS & CBS channels in the manual +/- channels list from the menu. However, for several nights, the digital TVGOS would wake up in the morning an amnesiac. The DVR would be tuned to channel 1023 (way too high, and the number (2^10 - 1) is a bad sign). My channel line up would be toasted, all my ATSC stations would be lost, my guide would be reduced to a half dozen or so incorrect stations, and my locals were either not in the available channel listing or at the very end. Several times this included no ads, which meant no new listings either. However, the analog TVGOS hosted machines were fine. This situation seems to have cured itself a couple of days ago, and the digital TVGOS host channel has been stable and updating correctly.

I do not know how the TVGOS data is being injected on the analog PBS & CBS signals on cable, but to date, it has been more reliable. However, as I expect this to phase out, if not this year, then in 2012 when cable is supposed to go all digital, the digital TVGOS is the path to the future, and seems to be working. Perhaps we have just suffered some teething pains that will not be repeated.

I kind of doubt that this is a problem with digital TVGOS broadcasts in general, because if it were, there would be a lot of new complaints in the thread for the DTVPal DVR, which I don't think is the case. Of course, that is a new version of TVGOS, so the problem could be in either the firmware now being pushed to the Sony (though I haven't heard any mention of a new firmware version appearing) OR the digital version 8 TVGOS data itself (which they may very well have been modifying in some way to work better or to work with a new firmware version they've cooked up); or the problem could be in some combination of the two...

The info via magic 8 ball clearly indicates they are trying to make SOME change that will turn the Sony (and probably other version 8 devices) into a pure digital machine, but I sure wish his sources had been more specific...Well, they certainly ARE playing around. As of this morning, all ads and listings are back via the digital host channel (i.e. no G* test involved), and I did nothing other than leave it turned off. So now, everything is back to normal. Since we're two days past the original transition date, I would have expected Macrovision to get digital TVGOS stabilized before this; hopefully it will hold now.

What is the difference between the "host" and the "vbi" channels in the screen after entering the 753159852 in the change system settings menu?
For background, I turned off the analog pbs station and forced the digital host channel, but when I looked yesterday the host channel was 0:60-0 and the vbi channel was 0:2-1. 0:2-1 is the correct host channel and it has been updating ok for over a week.

Chris

Ch. 60 is the real RF channel for KCBS-HD and 2-1 is the virtual channel.

BTW, turning "off" analog channels has no effect on TVGOS. On the Sony's channel list, "off" channels are skipped when using the channel +/- function of the remote or front panel. You can still tune those channels if you want and TVGOS still has access to them (assuming they're still on the air :D).

Turning channels off in the TVGOS channel list only prevents them from displaying on the listing screen and TVGOS does not load in listings for them.

Ch. 60 is the real RF channel for KCBS-HD and 2-1 is the virtual channel.

BTW, turning "off" analog channels has no effect on TVGOS. On the Sony's channel list, "off" channels are skipped when using the channel +/- function of the remote or front panel. You can still tune those channels if you want and TVGOS still has access to them (assuming they're still on the air :D).

Turning channels off in the TVGOS channel list only prevents them from displaying on the listing screen and TVGOS does not load in listings for them.

True, but the host channel should show as 2-1. At least, that's what it has been doing for me consistently. I've NEVER seen 60-0 as the host channel. I've seen other reports of behavior like this but I have no idea what it might mean. Of course, VBI channel is simply the channel that the unit is tuned to.

True, but the host channel should show as 2-1. At least, that's what it has been doing for me consistently. I've NEVER seen 60-0 as the host channel. I've seen other reports of behavior like this but I have no idea what it might mean. Of course, VBI channel is simply the channel that the unit is tuned to.

One of my units has twice displayed 60 instead of 2-1. Most recently it did it after that channel scramble most of us experienced in January. I tried forcing it back to 2-1 but the next day it still displayed 60. It occured to me that maybe the scramble had done something to the mapping so I rescanned and then did the force again. Next day it displayed 2-1 and has stayed there.

Did you ever find out what the error message "INF 0000080" ment?
My DHG-HDD250 hangs with that message displayed.
Gerry

That happened to my 250 over a year ago. Sent it to Sony (under warranty)
they replaced the hard drive, no problems since.

What part of Oklahoma? OETA just shut down the transmitters for OKC and Tulsa. If your close to Cheyenne or Eufaula you can still get it from those transmitters and some of the repeaters around the rural areas of the state. I can pull Eufaula in the evenings barely right now, going to put the big antenna back up this weekend and see if I can get listings from it.

Inola, just east of Tulsa. I have a big antenna in the attic. I might be able to pick up Eufaula, but probably not without reaiming antenna. It also looks like my guide has quite updating, I show 'no listing' after Thursday at 4 am. Do you know if anyone has contacted KOTV to see if/when they will broadcast tvgos digitally?

On February 17th I ranted:

So what is Cox waiting for? They haven't been passing this data for over a year and a half, and suddenly after the digital transition happens they are going to throw a switch that lets the data through. :rolleyes: I'm skeptical.


I may be eating those words soon. :) Tonight for the first time in a year and a half, my panasonic's TVGOS asked me to select between 2 channel line ups. It is still showing 'No Listing' across the board, but the host channel shows as 0xC (channel 12 maybe?). I then went downstairs to the Sony, and hooked up the cable line, and tuned to cable channel 12. Then I did the G* test, and the VBI test passed (there was no VBI data on this channel a month ago, because I checked). Channel 12 is one of the analog stations that turned off their signal Tuesday, so this is the digital version converted to analog. Now I'm optimistic. :p

Mark (the skeptic)

I spoke with Gerald Weaver the Chief Engineer Monday before they shut down KQCW and put the night light loop up on KOTV. All he knows is that TV Guide provides their guide info for Psip. He doesn't know anything about digital TVGoS.

TV Guide supplies PSIP info? I wasn't aware of that.

TV Guide supplies PSIP info? I wasn't aware of that.
I think TV Guide (by which I do not mean TVGOS) supplies program info to a LOT of entities, maybe even the cable companies...

Yeah, they do - at least Comcast that I know of. My Dish Network guide info, too. But PSIP?

Not saying it can't be true - just that it's odd that I've never heard anything about that before.

FWIW I have not gotten listings the last two nights.

Currently days 7 and 8 are all "No Listings". My Host is currently OTA Analog WTTW 11.

I fully expect an automatic Host change over to OTA Analog CBS 2 tonight.

Yeah, they do - at least Comcast that I know of. My Dish Network guide info, too. But PSIP?

Not saying it can't be true - just that it's odd that I've never heard anything about that before.

I wish Tv Guide provided the guide listing for Dish. They just put their logo on the guide screen as part of a deal for the TV Guide channel. Tribune Media actually provides all the guide data for Dish and it really sucks here recently. Lots of abbreviated listings

I think I've figured out what is going on with digital host downloads (at least here in the Philly area via KYW-DT 3.1, AKA 26.0.) At 7AM this morning I looked and noticed that I had neither ads nor day-8 listings. But at 10:45AM, I now have nearly complete day-8 listings but still no ads. Yesterday, by evening I had both day-8 listings and ads.

So it seems that, in the switch to digital host, the schedule has changed and the listings populate much more slowly and/or later than they had via my prior analog host channel (which stopped sending TVGOS a week or so ago.) I don't know why they are doing this, because overnight is a more optimal time to complete the downloads than during the day when users may have devices turned on and thus unavailable for getting listings. Maybe this is a temporary thing, or maybe KYW-DT is not broadcasting TVGOS during the wee-hours.

Nonetheless, if you don't dispair over the delayed ads and day-8 listings, they eventually show up if you're patient enough. So things are so-far working ok in this new all-digital TVGOS environment.

UPDATE: The morning after, it now has ads, but of course no day-8 listings yet. So it continues to "get there" by running behind.

FWIW I have not gotten listings the last two nights.

Currently days 7 and 8 are all "No Listings". My Host is currently OTA Analog WTTW 11.

I fully expect an automatic Host change over to OTA Analog CBS 2 tonight.

I also had no listings yesterday from Comcast analog PBS 94. So I ran the G*Test on CBS-HD 189 all night --- but still no listings for 2 days. And the host went blank. I think it's just our turn in this region for TVGOS "screw-around weekend".

I'm trying to force the digital host this morning.

I think I've figured out what is going on with digital host downloads (at least here in the Philly area via KYW-DT 3.1, AKA 26.0.) At 7AM this morning I looked and noticed that I had neither ads nor day-8 listings. But at 10:45AM, I now have nearly complete day-8 listings but still no ads. Yesterday, by evening I had both day-8 listings and ads.

So it seems that, in the switch to digital host, the schedule has changed and the listings populate much more slowly and/or later than they had via my prior analog host channel (which stopped sending TVGOS a week or so ago.) I don't know why they are doing this, because overnight is a more optimal time to complete the downloads than during the day when users may have devices turned on and thus unavailable for getting listings. Maybe this is a temporary thing, or maybe KYW-DT is not broadcasting TVGOS during the wee-hours.

Nonetheless, if you don't dispair over the delayed ads and day-8 listings, they eventually show up if you're patient enough. So things are so-far working ok in this new all-digital TVGOS environment.

Did you have to force your digital host or did your unit find it on it's own?
Thank you.

Did you have to force your digital host or did your unit find it on it's own?
Thank you.I was away skiing in Steamboat last week when our PBS station stopped and when I got back, it had switched host chan automagically to 26-0 (which is the RF frequency for 3.1, but expressed as a digital channel with a zero subchannel.) I later tuned to 3.1 and did the VBI Search Current Channel, and then it came up the next day listed as 3.1. But it works the same way either way. That is to say, with some minor glitches... IT WORKS!

Haven't bitten the bullet to see if it'll come up all the way from a TVGOS reset, and I don't plan to until forced by other circumstances; by then hopefully someone else will report success.

I wish Tv Guide provided the guide listing for Dish. They just put their logo on the guide screen as part of a deal for the TV Guide channel. Tribune Media actually provides all the guide data for Dish and it really sucks here recently.Yes, you're right - I forgot about that.

Where do I find a discription of the G* test and how to run it?

Where do I find a discription of the D* test and how to run it?
I think you mean G* test - check out the first post in this thread for all such info

My Sony is still getting its listings from PBS 9. But my LG3410a, which has normally been getting listings from the same source, switched the other day to CBS analog...trouble is I went to watch a recording from NBC 11-1 and found that all I had was a hour of the weather channel (11-2), and the same for the other 2 NBC recordings since the switch to 5.

My guess is that the same Gemstar feed to KPIX is then routed both to the 5.1 version 8 broadcast and the channel 5 version 7 (analog) broadcast.

So has anyone in the area noticed any switch in your TV Guide? What happened in my 3410a's guide was that the line of programs that come from NBC for the high def channel and that WERE labeled 11-1 in the guide NOW says 11-2, and a line appeared at the top of the screen, labeled 11-1 with everything saying no listings. If I TUNE to 11-1 with the unit, I actually GET 11-1, so its purely a screwup in the guide listings.

Had anyone who gets v8 listings from 5.1 seen anything like this on the Sony since Monday? (Both my Sony and my 3410a had no downloads over the weekend, so it's in recovering from that - together with my 3410a's swtich to analog 5 - that this happened)

Thanks - Tony

I was away skiing in Steamboat last week when our PBS station stopped and when I got back, it had switched host chan automagically to 26-0 (which is the RF frequency for 3.1, but expressed as a digital channel with a zero subchannel.) I later tuned to 3.1 and did the VBI Search Current Channel, and then it came up the next day listed as 3.1. But it works the same way either way. That is to say, with some minor glitches... IT WORKS!

Haven't bitten the bullet to see if it'll come up all the way from a TVGOS reset, and I don't plan to until forced by other circumstances; by then hopefully someone else will report success.

It sounds like you're getting your signal OTA. I live in the same area, have comcast and have not had any listings for 5 days. My clock DID acquire the right time after day 3 and I now have The ADS in the TVGOS...just no listings for ANY days.

I'm using the cable card in a 250 and Chan 3 HD is on cable channel 233. Tried forcing digital host and all that. Left unit OFF for 2 days, left it ON for 2 more days, but I'm still not updating. At least I have the clock working, so it's not a door stop...yet.

FYI - 2 500's OTA only.
One was using 0-11 as host and one was using 0-2 as host.
Both lost 2 to 3 days of the list, days 6 thru 8 and the ads.
Set them both on 2-1 (CBS) and left them on over night last night.
All listings and ads are back but no host stations are shown.
Clock set channels show fffffffd but both clocks are right.
Will leave on again and see if anything new shows up and report back.

reldnips -

Did you run the G*test before leaving them on all night? Or did you just tune to the digital CBS channel and leave them on without the G*test?

Sorry I forgot to mention I ran the G-test and left them on.

Here's one that I don't think anyone has posted before. I turned on my two 250s (OTA only) yesterday to discover that both had lost about half of the guide channels that I had turned on and almost all of the guide channels that I had turned off. I checked and both recorders had lost their host channels but were continuing to get updated listings for the remaining guide channels. I have not experienced any of the guide problems that have been discussed in this thread previously.

Both recorders have recovered host channels at this point, one is using analog 13 (CBS Baltimore) and the other is using analog 22 (PBS Annapolis). I am using a series of steps to determine the minimal set of actions necessary to recover from this in case it happens again, but would welcome any input if someone has experienced a partial loss similar to this.

After a soft reset on one recorder, I ran G* tests on analog 13, analog 22, analog 26, and digital 9.1 and confirmed that they are all still transmitting VBI data. Some of the missing channels reappeared in the guide channel list after running these tests (some turned on and others turned off). I updated the guide listings on that recorder by running the G* test on the digital channel. On the other recorder I performed a soft reset, rescanned the channels, and re-entered the setup information. After the next ID70 download completed (3 hours), about half of the missing channels that were turned on have reappeared (all turned on), but none of the channels that were turned off have reappeared.

On the recorder using 0:0-22 as host, the clock set channel and the failing clock channel are both 0:0-22. On the recorder using 0:0-13 as host the clock set channel is fffffffd and the failing clock channel is 0:0-0. The clock set channel has since updated to 0:0-22.

Since the recorders are now mostly usable, I will continue documenting the actions to correct this issue over the next several nights.

Something else that I noticed when looking to see if the listings had updated for the recovered channels was that in addition to the expected "No Listing" entries where the listings hadn't updated, there were also a number of "No Title" entries, which I have not seen before. Has anyone else noticed these?

I have no listings past Thursday here in Phoenix. Anyone else?

.....
So has anyone in the area noticed any switch in your TV Guide? What happened in my 3410a's guide was that the line of programs that come from NBC for the high def channel and that WERE labeled 11-1 in the guide NOW says 11-2, and a line appeared at the top of the screen, labeled 11-1 with everything saying no listings. If I TUNE to 11-1 with the unit, I actually GET 11-1, so its purely a screwup in the guide listings.

Had anyone who gets v8 listings from 5.1 seen anything like this on the Sony since Monday? (Both my Sony and my 3410a had no downloads over the weekend, so it's in recovering from that - together with my 3410a's swtich to analog 5 - that this happened)

Thanks - Tony

I was gone all weekend and just returned and after reading this and expected some problems with my 250. But I just looked and I not only have full listings for Sat/Sun (last week I didn't), but it appears the listing data for 11.1 is correct. (One caveat, this is 11.1 on Comcast cable, I don't enable listing for 11.1 OTA, so that might have been bad and I wouldn't know it.) I'm still on 5.1 OTA host channel. Hope things clear up for you...

Jim

I noticed today I have no guide data for this unit. Probably related to analog shut off.

It would be helpful if people either filled our their profile and identified where they live, or in their post indicate where they are when they lose their guide. Otherwise, posts like 'I lost my guide' don't help the rest of out.

It would be helpful if people either filled our their profile and identified where they live, or in their post indicate where they are when they lose their guide. Otherwise, posts like 'I lost my guide' don't help the rest of out.

I am not really up on the ins and outs of troubleshooting and overcoming this situation with the loss of guide data on this unit. I remember reading the list of CBS stations that were going to transmit the guide data over digital. I did not see my city or local CBS station listed. With that said I noticed I have no guide data and my city is Tulsa, OK and again I have not really even read the latest from this very thread so I have no clue as to whether this problem is solvable or not. Sorry.

I am not really up on the ins and outs of troubleshooting and overcoming this situation with the loss of guide data on this unit. I remember reading the list of CBS stations that were going to transmit the guide data over digital. I did not see my city or local CBS station listed. With that said I noticed I have no guide data and my city is Tulsa, OK and again I have not really even read the latest from this very thread so I have no clue as to whether this problem is solvable or not. Sorry.

We lost it last Tues when OETA shut down the analog transmitters for Tulsa and OKC. If you can pull Eufaula in you can still get listings from Oeta Channel 3 analog until June. KOTV is not broadcasting the digital onscreen and from my conversations with the chief engineer, he has never heard of it. OETA has never returned any emails I have sent inquiring about the digital version perhaps coming from them and it currently is not.

I connected my cable line for Cox internet back into my 250 a couple of weeks ago, since Cox sends the locals in HD in the clear with the Internet hoping I might get a host from Cox, but so far after week I haven't found a host on any of the channels in the clear and I hear the tuners in the 250 switching back and forth searching for a host at the normal download times.

So basically we in Oklahoma are screwed for now. You can still set manual timers until tornado season get in full swing. That first power outage and the clock goes, then the 250 becomes a door stop:(

We lost it last Tues when OETA shut down the analog transmitters for Tulsa and OKC. If you can pull Eufaula in you can still get listings from Oeta Channel 3 analog until June. KOTV is not broadcasting the digital onscreen and from my conversations with the chief engineer, he has never heard of it. OETA has never returned any emails I have sent inquiring about the digital version perhaps coming from them and it currently is not.

I connected my cable line for Cox internet back into my 250 a couple of weeks ago, since Cox sends the locals in HD in the clear with the Internet hoping I might get a host from Cox, but so far after week I haven't found a host on any of the channels in the clear and I hear the tuners in the 250 switching back and forth searching for a host at the normal download times.

So basically we in Oklahoma are screwed for now. You can still set manual timers until tornado season get in full swing. That first power outage and the clock goes, then the 250 becomes a door stop:(

So you are saying if I unplug it or experience a power outage I will not be able to record at all because I will not be able to get the clock set. Very interesting.

You can still set manual timers until tornado season get in full swing. That first power outage and the clock goes, then the 250 becomes a door stop:(

Well, having done it, I can testify that it is still possible to set a manual timer recording without a valid clock. You have to really want to do it, of course. :)

FWIW, PBS in Dallas, KERA 13, say that they will continue to broadcast TVGOS data until the June switch-over. Digital CBS 11.1 is already broadcasting the data, but I contacted KERA just to check if they were cutting off TVGOS on February 17.

As a side note, I was having the "lock up issue," so I performed the necessary channel re-scan, user reset, and TVGOS reset, and all seems to be working again.

FWIW I have not gotten listings the last two nights.

Currently days 7 and 8 are all "No Listings". My Host is currently OTA Analog WTTW 11.

I fully expect an automatic Host change over to OTA Analog CBS 2 tonight.

As suspected, I am now back to OTA PBS WTTW 11 for my host channel, and am receiving listings once more.

The saga continues in Chicago....

I'm back. It appears now that I have NO host channel and my guide listings show "No Listing" effective this Thursday and after.

I have a cablecard from Brighthouse Networks and have tried communicating with them, the local CBS affiliate (WKMG) and get nothing of any substance from either. This morning I sent an email to the PBS affiliate to see if they stopped transmitting their analog TVGOS feed (I think they did).

The Macrovision website still states that local CBS (WKMG) is carrying it. Does anyone have a solution or some advice for me?

SonyWinner....I just contacted Brighthouse technical to consider them as a provider. When I ask if my Sony HDD250 using THEIR CableCard would work with their service, I was told "....yes, but there would be NO tv guide!" I thought the answer was just a sloven way of kissing me off, but you seem to support this.

Well, I've got all of my feelers out right now.....Brighthouse, Macrovision, local PBS and WKMG affiliates.....hopefully someone will give me a positive response this time and I'll post whatever info I receive. What good is a guide with no listings?? If I don't have listings.....I don't need this unit and I guess it will become a very expensive doorstop ! Duh !

Are you in Orlando, too?

No.....On west coast of FL just above Tampa Bay. My HDD 250 had a reboot shortly following the loss of my local PBS TVGOS provider. Since then, I have done everything mentioned on this forum to get TVGOS and correct time back with no success. The Chief Engineer at local CH 10 said several weeks ago that they were adding TVGOS to their digital signal, but he swore that my older "Legacy" Sony unit would never accept any digital TVGOS signal. I will keep trying, but I may be one of those "maybe" users in the future that is out of luck. My wife is very happy so far (knock on wood) with a first- to-be-shipped Dish DVTPalDVR.

Um, Naw na na Naaaaa! Can’t touch this!

Sony BRX-A320

http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2009/01/sony_brxa320_dvr_helps_you_record_missed_shows.html

http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-17377-BRX-A320,+the+new+Bravia+Only+HDD+Recorder+from+SONY..html

http://gadgets.softpedia.com/news/Sony-Releases-New-HDD-Recorder-for-Bravia-HDTVs-806-01.html

http://www.cybertheater.com/sony-brx-a320-dvr/

http://nexus404.com/Blog/2009/01/20/sony-bravia-brx-a320-hdd-dvr-high-end-digital-tuner/


This link appears to have most of the information:

http://www.sonyinsider.com/2009/01/26/record-multiple-programs-at-the-same-time-with-sonys-new-brx-a320/

Now I've added Sony to the list of "questioners" as I received a good-for-nothing response from Macrovision:

"This email address is for supporting our Consumer Electronics partners only. If this inquiry is regarding the Digital Transition please consult our Digital Transition web site located at www.macrovision.com/dtv for regular updates. If you need further assistance please contact your Consumer Electronics Manufacturer for support."

That website tells me nothing.

Hi...I believe someone in the recent past posted a list of download periods and types SOMEWHERE for digital TVGOS broadcasts...was it in THIS thread? thanks - Tony

(I have a Sony, but I'm wondering about this for my LG3410a, with which I'm now trying a DTVPal in TVGOS mode, but have no idea whether downloads would come on the DIGITAL TVGOS broadcast schedule or the analog.):confused:

FYI - 2 500's OTA only
See post 13877 and 79
Left them on again set on 2-1.
Both lost a few listings, maybe 2 stations, for day 8 but for the most part are full.
Still no host listed, clock channels still fffffffd but correct time.
One interesting note, one of the channels that lost listings was 2-1?
Will leave on again after running G*test and see what tomorrow brings!
Ain't this fun.

As suspected, I am now back to OTA PBS WTTW 11 for my host channel, and am receiving listings once more.

The saga continues in Chicago....

It seems that "screw-around weekend" is over in Chicago. I forced the digital host yesterday and it stuck (Comcast CBS-HD), but got no listings during the day. Normal listings appeared overnight.

One odd thing --- there were no packets on analog PBS 94 or CBS-HD 189 for part of yesterday afternoon and early evening. The OTA stations were OK, so Comcast was up to something. Maybe something to do with the transition? Dunno.

Thank you Possumgirl, I could try to go back to analog using an indoor antenna and see if I can get the channel lineup with analog and then switch to digital, but at this point I have the latest version of the firmware and the clock is also correct. What is missing is the channel lineup and the guide.

I will give what Frank suggested a try first and hope it works. Otherwise I have to go back to analog and start everything all over again.



Sorry it took me so long to write back. I was trying every possible way for several nights in a row.

Here is some background: I live in a building where the analog channels are blocked, which means my Sony should pick up the digital VBI host, but it didn't. I followed all of Frank's directions but got stock with "No data on this screen". I tried using other zip codes and nothing worked.

I had to connect the TV to an indoor antenna, allow the analog channel to be selected as host and the channel line up first.
Once the channel lineup were there, even though empty, I was able to connect back to my regular antenna and force it to pick up the CBS as the digital host.

In my tests I noticed that the data packet comes done much faster on the analog channel than the digital channel. 100 packet per minute compare to 63 per minute.

Anyway for now my TV Guide is full, let's see if it stays that way if I leave it alone for a week.

Thanks everyone for your help.

As of this morning, the host channel finally showed up as 0:32-0. 32 is the raw UHF channel for 4-1, so I guess I've finally got the unit locked to the digital feed :D. So far it's sticking. I hadn't heard of a digital host channel showing as its raw UHF channel before. Is anyone else seeing that?

That is normal for the host channel to display the frequency assignment, although some users in this forum have reported the host channel displays the actual channel #. My digital host is channel 7.1 but is displayed as 0:39-0 as UHF 39 is the frequency assignment for digital CBS 7.1 in my area.

That is normal for the host channel to display the frequency assignment, although some users in this forum have reported the host channel displays the actual channel #. My digital host is channel 7.1 but is displayed as 0:39-0 as UHF 39 is the frequency assignment for digital CBS 7.1 in my area.Yes, it seems to work either way, but if the Sony detects the digital host automatically (as opposed to being forced to via the VBI Search Current Channel code), it fills in the host with the RF channel number and a zero subchannel (the TVGOS packets are embedded in the MPEG data stream that also carries the video and audio for all the subchannels, so the subchannel in the host is effectively irrelevant - a non-zero subchannel simply indicates that the PSIP-mapped rather than the raw channel number is being used.)

Scott,

Right after I replied to your message yesterday I went and checked my DVR listings, and found that day 8 data was missing (should have flled in Tuesday night). I checked again this morning, and now day 7 and day 8 are missing.

Mark

Scott are you still getting TVGOS data using the G* Test? My guide still isn't updating, and I only have 1 day of listings left. I tried a TV Guide/Exit reset, last Friday, and was able to set my clock by doing the G* Test on 12-1, but the next morning No Listing, No Listing, No Listing... across the board. Then I tried forcing the host channel again, and still No Listing the next morning. I'm going to do the G* Test, and leave the unit on over night, and see what happens. If that doesn't work, I'll probably do the 'TV Guide Restore Factory Defaults' in the G* Test screen. I won't do the main 'Restore Factory Defaults' because I have recordings that I haven't watched yet. This is frustrating, after a month of getting listings via the digital host, now nothing for almost a week.

Mark

Um, Naw na na Naaaaa! Can’t touch this!

Sony BRX-A320


The device that I wanted to come to North America as the sucessor to the DHG-HDD250/500 was the BDZ-T90 (http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-15787-Sony+BDZ-T90:++The+Ultimate+Sony+DVR%3F.html), announced last spring (http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/sony-unveils-bdz-a70-bdz-t70-blu-ray-recorders/), which combined a dual-tuner DVR (http://news.softpedia.com/news/Sony-039-s-Latest-Blu-ray-Recorders-Can-Push-Video-Content-to-the-PSP-Walkman-82868.shtml)with Blu-Ray recording.
http://www.ecat.sony.co.jp/products/picture/BDZ-T90.jpg
Sadly, it seems never to have made its way outside Japan.

So is anyone else in Phoenix not receiving guide data past Thursday, or am I the only one on here in Phoenix with one of these DVRs? Thanks

Some Success! Anyone in Oklahoma waiting on the digital TVGoS to start needs to contact OETA and complain. The equipment arrived a few days ago, but is not functioning correctly. The person at OETA said they only had 2 requests about this service and that it is up to TV Guide to come fix the problem as OETA is leasing space to TV Guide for the equipment. He said if they had more complaints it would help prompt TV Guide to get someone on fixing the problem. HE said they are going to try and get it up and running correctly in a couple of days after making some changes on their end.

Well after 3 years of OTA and regular cable, I'm going to get a CableCard for one of my Sonys. I wouldn't expect it but....installing the card doesn't do anything to stored programs does it? Would not want to lose the 12 hours or so of recordings I have.

Well after 3 years of OTA and regular cable, I'm going to get a CableCard for one of my Sonys. I wouldn't expect it but....installing the card doesn't do anything to stored programs does it? Would not want to lose the 12 hours or so of recordings I have.
No, but good luck with it working for a guide, unless you can get a good digital host channel to come up.

No, but good luck with it working for a guide, unless you can get a good digital host channel to come up.

Well I have a working analog guide now and my local PBS station is transitioning to digital prior to June 12. Why wouldn't it work without a digital host channel?

You're lucky if your PBS is moving TVGOS to digital - ours didn't, turned off the analog feed and I need an update from our local CBS station. They aren't cooperating.....and neither is Brighthouse !

You're lucky if your PBS is moving TVGOS to digital - ours didn't, turned off the analog feed and I need an update from our local CBS station. They aren't cooperating.....and neither is Brighthouse !

I actually didn't find this out until last week when one of the local PBS engineers confirmed (on another thread) they would be putting the digital TVGOS on line shortly. I was trying to get information from the local CBS station (as that is where I expected I would get the new digital TVGOS) but it turns out they aren't owned and operated by CBS and had no plans to support digital TVGOS.

Fortunately, Macrovision approached the local PBS station about it and they agreed to carry it going forward. The good news for me is that they've had very consistent support of the analog TVGOS in the last 3 years so the track record is good...

Hi...I believe someone in the recent past posted a list of download periods and types SOMEWHERE for digital TVGOS broadcasts...was it in THIS thread? thanks - Tony

(I have a Sony, but I'm wondering about this for my LG3410a, with which I'm now trying a DTVPal in TVGOS mode, but have no idea whether downloads would come on the DIGITAL TVGOS broadcast schedule or the analog.):confused:

See post 13734 for the analog schedule and posts 13709 & 13708 for the digital information.

No.....On west coast of FL just above Tampa Bay. My HDD 250 had a reboot shortly following the loss of my local PBS TVGOS provider. Since then, I have done everything mentioned on this forum to get TVGOS and correct time back with no success. The Chief Engineer at local CH 10 said several weeks ago that they were adding TVGOS to their digital signal, but he swore that my older "Legacy" Sony unit would never accept any digital TVGOS signal. I will keep trying, but I may be one of those "maybe" users in the future that is out of luck. My wife is very happy so far (knock on wood) with a first- to-be-shipped Dish DVTPalDVR.
I live in Lake Alfred FL (half way between Tampa and Orlando), I have two 250's. One is picking up guide data and the other has shown no data on screen for several days. Haven't figured out the difference between the two yet but the good news is data is coming in somewhere on one of them... I've tried to force to 6.1 (CBS) but I think the good one is recieving info from channel 24 analog PBS. Hope this helps someone.

Regards,

Some Success! Anyone in Oklahoma waiting on the digital TVGoS to start needs to contact OETA and complain. The equipment arrived a few days ago, but is not functioning correctly. The person at OETA said they only had 2 requests about this service and that it is up to TV Guide to come fix the problem as OETA is leasing space to TV Guide for the equipment. He said if they had more complaints it would help prompt TV Guide to get someone on fixing the problem. HE said they are going to try and get it up and running correctly in a couple of days after making some changes on their end.


I guess I am one of those 2. I have left 2 messages on the engineering line voice mail. Have not received a response.

I have 2 DHG-HDD250s with cablecard from Cox. I have searched VBI on all the probable CBS and PBS stations OTA and digital (all iterations). None found. Last hope is OETA inserting via digital and the Sony's picking it up.

What good is a guide with no listings??
Nothing that's half as bad as a Sony not getting a usable time signal. ;)

This sounds like the edge of what I think of as the unknown black hole. :(

I don't recall reading any posts where someone has successfully gotten their channel lineup (and correct clock) using a digital host when both have been lost and there is no analog host available. I hope I'm wrong and someone has done it. Anyone? When I was testing and used Frank70's procedure, I had the same result he did in that the clock set and channel lineup ONLY got built once I let the analog host take over.

If the analog host in S.F. is not transmitting TVGOS right now, that sort of confirms my fears about getting a channel lineup rebuilt from digital host.

Has anyone gotten the channel lineup to build via a digital host?

Sorry it took me so long to write back. I was trying every possible way for several nights in a row.

Here is some background: I live in a building where the analog channels are blocked, which means my Sony should pick up the digital VBI host, but it didn't. I followed all of Frank's directions but got stock with "No data on this screen". I tried using other zip codes and nothing worked.

I had to connect the TV to an indoor antenna, allow the analog channel to be selected as host and the channel line up first.
Once the channel lineup were there, even though empty, I was able to connect back to my regular antenna and force it to pick up the CBS as the digital host.

In my tests I noticed that the data packet comes done much faster on the analog channel than the digital channel. 100 packet per minute compare to 63 per minute.

Anyway for now my TV Guide is full, let's see if it stays that way if I leave it alone for a week.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Has anyone gotten the channel lineup to build via a digital host?


Reading ciaopepe's results confirms my fears on this matter. :eek:

Over the weekend one of my units suffered a hard reset when I tried to get it out of a lockup situation and resorted to unplugging it. Bottom line short...once again I had to use the analog host to get the channel lineup back.

osu1991 and NE OK (Tulsa) readers...

Came home tonight and my 2 DHG-HDD250s had correct times. The living room box has cable 98 (Fox 23) as host and the MBR box has OTA 23 as host.

The living room box I had used to search VBI so I had lost the guide settings totally. When I hit the guide button it prompted me to choose my programming provider (Cox Digital via CableCard) and went right to the guide. Guide totally populated 8 days out. I just have to clean the guide up again.

The MBR never lost the guide but was using up the days it still had populated and the time was off with me messing with it.

Not sure if we will have Fox and PBS both as guide sources when OETA/TVGOS gets their act together. I'm just happy I have a guide now and probable for the future. I didn't want to have to replace the Sonys. Can't stand the motorola boxes and cablecard is much cheaper. The picture is much better from the Sonys as well.

Has anyone gotten the channel lineup to build via a digital host?

I got it all using Frank70, but I reset my 250 on the front panel of the unit by pressing EXIT/TV GUIDE buttons together.

Also I reduce the time between the 4 steps (24 hrs/4 days) to 12 hrs. I believe the time could be reduced even farther to 6 hrs, because the signal is now digital and downloads are much faster, but I'm not going to experiment because I finally got it working. It took me over a month to do so.

Gregg

Scott are you still getting TVGOS data using the G* Test? My guide still isn't updating, and I only have 1 day of listings left. I tried a TV Guide/Exit reset, last Friday, and was able to set my clock by doing the G* Test on 12-1, but the next morning No Listing, No Listing, No Listing... across the board. Then I tried forcing the host channel again, and still No Listing the next morning. I'm going to do the G* Test, and leave the unit on over night, and see what happens. If that doesn't work, I'll probably do the 'TV Guide Restore Factory Defaults' in the G* Test screen. I won't do the main 'Restore Factory Defaults' because I have recordings that I haven't watched yet. This is frustrating, after a month of getting listings via the digital host, now nothing for almost a week.

Mark

Hey Mark,
No luck here either. I have stayed locked on 12-1 for several days now, but no new listings. My last day is today. I am glad for a clock at least and switched to manual timers. I wonder if 12 changed something at the switchover or something. Have you tried a G*test on 12-2? I doubt it helps. Good luck. Scott

Howdy All,
Last night I went to add another program to the list of upcoming shows to record, and the unit locked up. It finally rebooted itself after about 2 mins and upon checking I had lost all of my upcoming scheduled recordings. I estimate at the time there was around the 22 shows scheduled to be recorded over the next 8 days. Most of the shows were set to record weekly.

Anyone else run into something similar when setting up a large number of shows to record?

Thanks
MK

Hey Mark,
No luck here either. I have stayed locked on 12-1 for several days now, but no new listings.
Scott

Scott,

I just sent an email to feedback@kwch.com, asking them if they would look into it. I hope they pass it on to an Engineer, and don't just send me a "You need to buy a converter box to continue receiving our signal" automated response. My G* Test last night was a bust because I forgot to turn off "Auto Off". I'll try it again tonight.

Mark

I live in the Providence RI area and have a 250 connected to both OTA and COX cable. I have not found a channel which passes the G* test for VBI. Does a digital channel show VBI updates and VBI pass status? My firmware version is 08.06.44. This area turned off all the OTA analog channels on 2/17. The local CBS channel is owned by LIN TV and I've read LIN does not intend to support TVGOS. The COX technical help people have no idea what TVGOS is and insist it is not their problem.

I live in the Providence RI area and have a 250 connected to both OTA and COX cable. I have not found a channel which passes the G* test for VBI. Does a digital channel show VBI updates and VBI pass status? This area turned off all the OTA analog channels on 2/17. The local CBS channel is owned by LIN TV and I've read LIN does not intend to support TVGOS. The COX technical help people have no idea what TVGOS is and insist it is not their problem.

Can you receive WBZ from Boston? It is sending TVGOS in both its digital (Ch 30) and analog (Ch 4) transmissions.

osu1991 and NE OK (Tulsa) readers...

Came home tonight and my 2 DHG-HDD250s had correct times. The living room box has cable 98 (Fox 23) as host and the MBR box has OTA 23 as host.

The living room box I had used to search VBI so I had lost the guide settings totally. When I hit the guide button it prompted me to choose my programming provider (Cox Digital via CableCard) and went right to the guide. Guide totally populated 8 days out. I just have to clean the guide up again.

The MBR never lost the guide but was using up the days it still had populated and the time was off with me messing with it.

Not sure if we will have Fox and PBS both as guide sources when OETA/TVGOS gets their act together. I'm just happy I have a guide now and probable for the future. I didn't want to have to replace the Sonys. Can't stand the motorola boxes and cablecard is much cheaper. The picture is much better from the Sonys as well.

I have been at a meeting at the Capitol all day and just got home. Turned the Sony on to see if I had listings past today as this was the last of the listings I got before the shutoff last week. I noticed I did and thought well OETA got it going today, then I saw the same thing, I have analog 23 for a host. I have another email from the engineers at OETA saying they are close to getting the digital version going. I don't why it suddenly showed up on FOX23., but OETA is going to be the digital host.

Howdy All,
Last night I went to add another program to the list of upcoming shows to record, and the unit locked up. It finally rebooted itself after about 2 mins and upon checking I had lost all of my upcoming scheduled recordings. I estimate at the time there was around the 22 shows scheduled to be recorded over the next 8 days. Most of the shows were set to record weekly.

Anyone else run into something similar when setting up a large number of shows to record?

Thanks
MK

There is no practical limit that I am aware of. I just checked our box and we have 23 shows to record. I know a couple of times it has been over 3 screens to "record", that is 13 shows per screen.

If your unit is locking up, it most likely needs "full factory reset" - 9012 that would include reformating the hard drive, etc. Once I did that a few weeks ago, it has been 100% perfect ever since. Our host is PBS analogue 8-0 here. We will not be able to attempt Digital CBS until after June 12th.

Can you receive WBZ from Boston? It is sending TVGOS in both its digital (Ch 30) and analog (Ch 4) transmissions.

I do not get WBZ on COX cable and I recieve a very weak signal OTA. The OTA signal does pass the G* test but it does have quite a few VBI errors and will not lock in on to use to get TVGOS data.

There is no practical limit that I am aware of. I just checked our box and we have 23 shows to record. I know a couple of times it has been over 3 screens to "record", that is 13 shows per screen.

If your unit is locking up, it most likely needs "full factory reset" - 9012 that would include reformating the hard drive, etc. Once I did that a few weeks ago, it has been 100% perfect ever since. Our host is PBS analogue 8-0 here. We will not be able to attempt Digital CBS until after June 12th.

DO THE FULL FACTORY RESET ONLY AS A LAST RESORT! You will lose all of your programming recorded to your hard drive(s). The lockup problem is well documented in this thread and there are less drastic ways to recover from it. First try a soft reset followed by rescanning your channels and reentering your setup information. The exact procedure is documented in this thread. If that doesn't fix the problem, you can try a factory reset of TVGOS and rebuild the guide information. Neither of these procedures will erase your recorded programming. The second procedure may affect one of your personal preference settings. Almost all lockup problems can be corrected using these less destructive methods.

Here's a question for you.....is it possible for me to hook-up a small indoor OTA antenna for this unit (for Guide-Only purposes) and continue to use my cablecard?

Today is my last day of listings and I can't seem to get a response from Brighthouse or the local CBS affiliate. Of course, the Macrovision site says that everything is ok in my area - NOT ! And the local PBS station turned off their analog feed.

Here's a question for you.....is it possible for me to hook-up a small indoor OTA antenna for this unit (for Guide-Only purposes) and continue to use my cablecard?

Today is my last day of listings and I can't seem to get a response from Brighthouse or the local CBS affiliate. Of course, the Macrovision site says that everything is ok in my area - NOT ! And the local PBS station turned off their analog feed.

This should work if you can receive a channel that has either analog or digital TVGOS.

When I do the 753159852 test the firmware status is 08.01.42/08.06.44/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000. When I do the G* factory test it says Version: 08.01.42. Is the G* test supposed to be Version 08.06.44 in order to work with a digital channel? I am reluctant to do the Reset to Factory Default because I do not have an analog channel to update the firmware.

DO THE FULL FACTORY RESET ONLY AS A LAST RESORT! You will lose all of your programming recorded to your hard drive(s). The lockup problem is well documented in this thread and there are less drastic ways to recover from it. First try a soft reset followed by rescanning your channels and reentering your setup information. The exact procedure is documented in this thread. If that doesn't fix the problem, you can try a factory reset of TVGOS and rebuild the guide information. Neither of these procedures will erase your recorded programming. The second procedure may affect one of your personal preference settings. Almost all lockup problems can be corrected using these less destructive methods.

I guess it depends on what you call as destructive.......yes you will loose your recorded programs; but with all the areas going through multiple stages of DTV transition..............and many users attempting to "force" digital downloads, the internal software can get messed up (as it did with me AND many others); and hence the full reset (which is not destructive at all), will cure the lock up problems.


By all means try the less painful methods, soft reset, tvguide resets etc. and use the full factory reset as your last choice...............that does work and it works just fine.

When I do the 753159852 test the firmware status is 08.01.42/08.06.44/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000. When I do the G* factory test it says Version: 08.01.42. Is the G* test supposed to be Version 08.06.44 in order to work with a digital channel? I am reluctant to do the Reset to Factory Default because I do not have an analog channel to update the firmware.

It has been stated on this forum that the G* test, irregardless of which upgraded firmware version you have downloaded and installed, ALWAYS shows the original firmware version installed when your unit was manufactured, in your case 08.01.42. Don't do a reset for this.

When I do the 753159852 test the firmware status is 08.01.42/08.06.44/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000. When I do the G* factory test it says Version: 08.01.42. Is the G* test supposed to be Version 08.06.44 in order to work with a digital channel? I am reluctant to do the Reset to Factory Default because I do not have an analog channel to update the firmware.


The G* test screen always shows the "base" installed version. As long as you see 08.06.44 on the 753.... screen, you're fine.

Edit. I see someone types faster than I do.:D

I guess it depends on what you call as destructive.......yes you will loose your recorded programs; but with all the areas going through multiple stages of DTV transition..............and many users attempting to "force" digital downloads, the internal software can get messed up (as it did with me AND many others); and hence the full reset (which is not destructive at all), will cure the lock up problems.


By all means try the less painful methods, soft reset, tvguide resets etc. and use the full factory reset as your last choice...............that does work and it works just fine.

I meant destructive in that it wipes the contents of your hard drive(s), not that it harms your recorder or software. What I was trying to say was when dealing with lockup problems it is best to start with the simplest solution and work towards the method of last resort rather than starting there. I have read the entire thread including your many posts and sympathize with the problems that you and many others have experienced, but I don't think that one should assume the internal software has been corrupted until the generally successful methods have failed to correct a problem and there are no longer any other alternatives. The post wasn't intended as a criticism.

. The post wasn't intended as a criticism.

No problem none taken, all kewl

Hi All:
Love my 500 and worried regardless of some time ago - assurances by Sony tech staff that these units will be able to use digital data after switchover. I also in Prov RI area and within last week noticing progressive loss of listings. From full 192 hrs to now approx 150 hrs. question: How much does presence and ability of clock to reset itself correctly - indicate that unit is receiving signal it can use? Does clock mean it will also be able to get program data as well? On slicing diagnostic page - there is data under both B and C categories yet host channel has big O. I was hoping would be able to forego psuedo engineering (me) trip - but starting to look like I'll have to come out of
my titanium haliographic homogenizer bag. And to think I just wanted to watch a little Judge Judy (in high def - on my schedule).
Regards,
Barry

Just When You Thought It Was Safe ...

Earlier I expressed some concern about these recorders continuing to work after the digital transition due to issues with obtaining correct clock data. I was temporarily relieved when Reldnips indicated that one of two OTA machines using a digital host channel was receiving clock data from a digital channel. However, I have new concerns for those of us who are strictly OTA (this may also apply to cable as well), again related to what will happen if any of us concurrently experience the loss of both the host channel and the time. Recently, I started the procedure to reacquire a digital host channel on a recorder that reverted to an analog host channel and realized that there is a "deadly embrace" situation involved.

M8B assurances not withstanding, the problem is as follows. These recorders currently receive clock data over an analog channel, which may or may not be the same as the host channel (on one of my recorders they are the same and on the other recorder they are different). While there is a means to force a recorder to a digital host channel, I am not aware of a way to force the clock channel to a digital channel. It has been demonstrated that a recorder using a digital host channel can obtain clock data from a digital channel. However, I am not aware of anyone who has successfully demonstrated that one of these recorders can acquire a digital clock channel on its own after a reset. In any instance where both the host channel and time data are lost (such as a TVGOS reset, a power failure?, or a full factory reset), the TVGOS software reverts to the default version (08.01.42 for most of us), which cannot acquire data from a digital source. Usually the next steps are to acquire the intermediate version of the software (8.05.40) that does allow reception of digital source information, which in turn allows the acquisition of the latest version of the software (08.06.44 currently) as well as the channel listings and guide information. Once this occurs, we know that the recorder can receive clock data from a digital source.

But, here's the rub. After one of the aforementioned resets, the clock data is initially incorrect. Without a clock channel, the clock cannot be set correctly. Even if the recorder can locate a digital clock channel on its own (which has yet to be demonstrated), the default software won't recognize data from the digital channel. Without the correct time, the downloads do not occur. Without the downloads, the software will not recognize digital source information and, therefore, cannot update the software, obtain the channel list, obtain the guide listings, or update the clock information.

While forcing my recorder to a digital host channel, I tuned it to the local digital CBS channel (which I have successfully used as a host in the past) and left it on overnight (with the time still wrong from the reset). The following day I still had not received the intermediate software update (despite several update cycles having passed). I then turned the recorder off and allowed it to get the time from an analog source. When I turned it back on, I received the intermediate software update within a couple of hours.

As I see it there are three solutions to this issue. The first and easiest (since we have direct control of this method) is a VCR backup tape of an analog broadcast containing VBI information, which someone (I don't remember who) suggested much earlier in this thread. The second (more difficult, but still under our control) is to time the reset so that the clock is very close to (if not exactly on) the correct time (remember, the recorders operate on an offset to GMT) (Also, I'm not sure this will work since the default date is in 1994). The third solution is to change the default guide software in the recorder's memory, which may require an update from Sony and/or Macrovision. There is a Sony firmware update that can be applied via the USB port on the back of the recorders (not related to this issue). It may be possible to get Sony to issue a Macrovision supplied default TVGOS software update that can be applied in the same manner. This would permanently correct the problem. I have not experimented with the hidden Reset, Commit, Save, and Restore Flash Memory commands or the Commit All Data command, but if they allow access to the TVGOS software, we may be able to do this ourselves. Has anyone been brave enough to fool around with these commands? If so, what have you found out about the data they can access?

I'm sure I have a blank VCR tape around here somewhere.

This should work if you can receive a channel that has either analog or digital TVGOS.

I know that local CBS transmits on 6.1, which I should be able to receive via the OTA antenna. My question now is how do I go about hookup? I'm a cable girl.....will I need a splitter? Or is the OTA hookup separate? Can both hookups be achieved at the same time?

I know that local CBS transmits on 6.1, which I should be able to receive via the OTA antenna. My question now is how do I go about hookup? I'm a cable girl.....will I need a splitter? Or is the OTA hookup separate? Can both hookups be achieved at the same time?

A nice feature of the Sony DVR is it has both Cable and Antenna input so both will be connected at the same time. Connect your antenna and perform a channel scan.

I know that local CBS transmits on 6.1, which I should be able to receive via the OTA antenna. My question now is how do I go about hookup? I'm a cable girl.....will I need a splitter? Or is the OTA hookup separate? Can both hookups be achieved at the same time?

There are separate inputs on the back of the DVR for cable and OTA. You can have both simultaneously, one line from your cable source and a separate line form your OTA antenna.

ImTheOne, I know this may not calm your fears entirely but..
As previously posted my two 500's, OTA only were using 0-11 and 0-2 as hosts.
Both crapped out at the same time leaving me with days 7 and 8 empty.
I did the G*test on both and left them on CBS 2-1 over night.
Both got all data back and both clocks were fine. Hosts showed nothing and time set showed fffffffd and failing clock station showed fffffffd. I left them on another night and lost 2 or 3 listings on day 8, clocks still fine. Left them on a third night but one was set to 5-1, (Duh) that machine lost days 7 and 8 of listings but the other was fine, clocks still OK. Last night I made sure both were on 2-1. All listings are back and clocks are fine. Still show no host for either and both show fffffffd for both set and failing clock stations. Not sure this helps but anytime I've lost the clock, VBI from 2-1 always got it back in seconds. To me this means it will get listings and clock data from digital CBS.

.............. Has anyone been brave enough ................... ?

Your name volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOU !!! :D :D :D

HoustonPerson and ImTheOne,
Thanks for your responses.... It only locked up this one time, so I don't plan and doing anything unless a true problem persists. I think this was a one time hick'up, possibly due to trying to do too many things (recording and playing and schedule a show) all at one time.

Regards
MK

HoustonPerson and ImTheOne,
Thanks for your responses.... It only locked up this one time, so I don't plan and doing anything unless a true problem persists. I think this was a one time hick'up, possibly due to trying to do too many things (recording and playing and schedule a show) all at one time.

Regards
MK

Once your recorder gets into this state it will continue to happen whenever you are trying to record one show while watching another. If you plan on doing this you should take corrective action to prevent further lockups. I've had this occur a couple of times on my recorders. A simple few actions corrects the problem and it only takes a couple of minutes to do. Hope this helps.

ImTheOne, I know this may not calm your fears entirely but..
As previously posted my two 500's, OTA only were using 0-11 and 0-2 as hosts.
Both crapped out at the same time leaving me with days 7 and 8 empty.
I did the G*test on both and left them on CBS 2-1 over night.
Both got all data back and both clocks were fine. Hosts showed nothing and time set showed fffffffd and failing clock station showed fffffffd. I left them on another night and lost 2 or 3 listings on day 8, clocks still fine. Left them on a third night but one was set to 5-1, (Duh) that machine lost days 7 and 8 of listings but the other was fine, clocks still OK. Last night I made sure both were on 2-1. All listings are back and clocks are fine. Still show no host for either and both show fffffffd for both set and failing clock stations. Not sure this helps but anytime I've lost the clock, VBI from 2-1 always got it back in seconds. To me this means it will get listings and clock data from digital CBS.


Reldnips,

I did the same thing that you did, but with different results. Unfortunately, I turned my recorder on before the clock reset to the correct time and wound up with the clock off by 6-7 hours. I tuned to the local CBS digital station and left the recorder on overnight. The clock never reset to the correct time and no downloads took place despite several download cycles passing. Turning off the recorder the following afternoon allowed the clock to reset within a few minutes (probably from an analog source since these recorders seem to prefer analog signals and I did not have a valid host or clock channel at the time). After the clock was set to the proper time, I turned the recorder back on (still on CBS digital) and got the software download shortly thereafter.

Based upon what you wrote, you can't be sure that your time is coming from 2-1. The clock channel can be different from the host channel and the VBI channel. Also, you can get clock information despite the clock menu showing fffffffd for either or both clock entries (I think that this is true if you have valid time zone information already stored on your recorder). I have observed this happening after a soft reset and after a TVGOS reset. As long as you have a valid clock you can receive VBI information from a digital host to update your listings even if you don't have a host channel. Also, if you have the software that recognizes digital information installed you can reacquire a digital host channel or a digital clock channel.

Where this gets tricky is in an environment that has no analog broadcasts (read this as after the digital transition is actually complete). In the event that you lose both your host channel and your clock channel (e.g. a factory reset) the default software that is installed cannot understand digital information. If your clock is wrong (or worse yet, you don't have a clock) your recorder won't be able to download the software version it needs to understand the information on the digital channels. The recorder is now in a state where it needs to download the intermediate version of the software that allows it to understand digital information, but it doesn't have a valid clock to enable it to do so. However, in order to get the clock set it needs to download the software that will enable it to understand the information it gets from the digital channels. While in this state, you will not be able to update your listings by tuning to a digital host and running the G* test because your recorder can no longer understand the data that it will receive from that station. I hope that this helps people understand why I am so concerned about the clock data. Everything else has already been demonstrated to work for a post-transition environment. I think that this is still an issue.

This may also apply to the guys who have cable, but it definitely applies to us OTAers.

<snip>...This may also apply to the guys who have cable, but it definitely applies to us OTAers.

In spite of what the M8B says, your concerns about the clock make a lot of sense. I have cable and OTA hooked up, my clock channel is the PBS analog cable station and my host channel is the CBS digital OTA station. Things have been working fine in this situation for several months and my 250 has been through at least one unsolicited reset cycle to original firmware and back with no observed change in clock/host channels. (Since the cable channel is part of limited basic, I have hopes it will stay analog and the clock will remain with it indefinitely :o)

Jim

HoustonPerson and ImTheOne,
Thanks for your responses.... It only locked up this one time, so I don't plan and doing anything unless a true problem persists. I think this was a one time hick'up, possibly due to trying to do too many things (recording and playing and schedule a show) all at one time.

Regards
MK

The memory conflict in my unit was cause by the forced digital download routine, back in mid January, during pre-interim DTV transition phase that missed up TVGOS here. And the lock ups on our unit became frequent with our heavy use. A soft reset would only give a temporary illusion it was fixed then the lock ups would come back with heavy use.

We use our HDD500 in what would be considered a heavy duty basis, lots of recordings, watching’s, replays, etc. all at the same time. I really wish it had 4 digital tuners because we would use them at the same time, while watching another.

We are fortunate we have 7 and will soon have 8 HD OTA stations; but we they are all currently at low power (1 or 2 exceptions) and have all sorts of RF conflicts and other issues, that were going to be resolved by Feb 17th. Now that is postponed to June. In Houston we are waiting for 3 more people to get their converter boxes, so that the remaining 1.5 million can get the free DTV as promised. But since three lobbyist now fully control OTA at the FCC, we may never have full power full region OTA again?

In a so called pure digital environment, we just hope these boxes work. I have no idea if there needs to be a firmware upgrade via USB or not, or sent back to Sony, or? Only time will tell.

As ImTheOne indicated these units have to have a “clock”. So with a full factory reset in a pure digital world, if it can’t get a clock, it don’t work – unless there is some real fix from somewhere?

- I'm OTA only in Ft. Myers FLA area. DHGHDD250 model.
Software(firmware?) = 1.2.05. TVGOS software = 08.01.42/08.06.44.
Until now the Sony was the most stable and reliable of all my DVRs!
On 2/17 LOST listings (all now = NO LISTINGS). Clock still OK and channel list OK.
My local CBS analog host ceased transmissions on 2/17. I had thought that the transition for the Sony would not require me to take any action!!??
On the other hand my LG3410A is the one I've been trying to get back on TVGOS. I'm chasing my tail on that one!
Anyhow I need some direction as to how to get my Sony to receive digital TVGOS. I (THINK?) know it is being transmitted because I have a DTVPal DVR that is receiving TVGOS listings. And yes, it has its own problems!

If I need a software upgrade how do I get it and install it?
Any other necessary user actions to get the Sony into the digital TVGOS world?
I really appreciate any help and will supply more info if needed?
Thanks, Fred

There are separate inputs on the back of the DVR for cable and OTA. You can have both simultaneously, one line from your cable source and a separate line form your OTA antenna.

Thanks. And from I what I read here, I will need a certain software version to achieve the digital signal, correct? Which version is that, please and if I don't have it, how do I get it? Oh, an btw, local CBS affiliate finally responded with: "We have temporarily disabled this service due to problems with the equipment that inserts the data into our signal. As for information on how to receive this you will still need to contact TV guide. We don't have any information on their service or how to acquire it. If they refer you back to me please get the name and number of who you called and I will forward this to my contact."

Still no response from Brighthouse.

I have a very sick DVR. A power hit appears to have upset it greatly, and I need help to revive it. (Apologies for the lengthy tale.)

I've been using my DVR for a couple of years now. I've had to reset it once or twice, and I've had to use the reset-from-lockout procedure to revive it this summer. But this is new.

The situation is this: We experienced a power "event" on Monday, where we lost and regained power a couple of times. The cause was a broken wire between power poles. The broken wire came down, sparking, etc., just outside the room where the DVR lives. The DVR is not on a surge protector/UPS.

After the "event", I noticed that the DVR lost its time display. I assumed it had reset for some reason. I think it still had old TVGOS program information. I still could view my channels, and HD channels mapped their information correctly so, for example, channel 2-1 could be reached by entering 2.1. So, the basic viewing functions of the DVR worked. I checked the VBI and host channel information and saw they were unset. From this summer's lockup I knew that the TVGOS information would select the wrong channel, so I did the manual VBI Search Channel function and turned the DVR off overnight. However, in the morning the time still had not been set.

We didn't use the DVR until we wanted to watch a recorded program on Tuesday evening. The clock had still not set itself, and I discovered all the recordings had been lost, as though a hard factory reset had been done. Very distressing!

Wednesday my wife watched a little TV, using the basic DVR functions to pause and skip the program that was tuned in. After she finished, I decided to do an explicit Restore Factory Defaults procedure, hoping to get things into a known state. The reset seemed to go as expected; the channel scan completed, and the numbers of channels seemed about right.

However, when I exited the channel scan to complete the setup, there was no picture or sound from any channel I selected. I still get menu displays on the screen, but no TV programming! Oh, and this morning the clock still had not set itself.

So now I'm really perplexed:
- I can't get the clock to set
- I can't get TVGOS information
- I can't even watch programming through the DVR now, although I could immediately after the "event".

I could sure use some suggestions about what to do next.

TIA
Dave Kristol

<snip>I am not aware of anyone who has successfully demonstrated that one of these recorders can acquire a digital clock channel on its own after a reset. In any instance where both the host channel and time data are lost (such as a TVGOS reset, a power failure?, or a full factory reset), the TVGOS software reverts to the default version (08.01.42 for most of us), which cannot acquire data from a digital source. Usually the next steps are to acquire the intermediate version of the software (8.05.40) that does allow reception of digital source information, which in turn allows the acquisition of the latest version of the software (08.06.44 currently) as well as the channel listings and guide information. Once this occurs, we know that the recorder can receive clock data from a digital source.

But, here's the rub. After one of the aforementioned resets, the clock data is initially incorrect. Without a clock channel, the clock cannot be set correctly. Even if the recorder can locate a digital clock channel on its own (which has yet to be demonstrated), the default software won't recognize data from the digital channel. Without the correct time, the downloads do not occur. Without the downloads, the software will not recognize digital source information and, therefore, cannot update the software, obtain the channel list, obtain the guide listings, or update the clock information.<snip>

As I see it there are three solutions to this issue. The first and easiest (since we have direct control of this method) is a VCR backup tape of an analog broadcast containing VBI information, which someone (I don't remember who) suggested much earlier in this thread.


Good stuff...
As a test, I was able to recover (with listings) from a full factory reset within a few hours using the VCR tape method. Unfortunately, I can't test a full recovery in a digital environment because Tucson doesn't have a digital host:(

Currently, I think a way to simulate an all digital environment would be to use DHG with a cablecard and nothing connected to the antenna input in a market where you can't tune to any analog cable channels when your cablecard is installed. If someone has this setup and has a cable digital host, they could perform a recovery test.

To those people in Phoenix, I emailed KAET about not receiving TVGOS for the past week. One of their engineers replied that a power supply failed on 2/19 and they are waiting on a replacement. Once the replacement is installed the analog TVGOS will be back online.

Also, the Director of Engineering told me that KAET still has not decided if they will carry the digital TVGOS signal after the June digital transition.

One of many reasons we may no longer have DVR’s in the USA, for us ordinary OTA folks.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/02/sony-not-giving-up-on-selectable-output-control.ars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOGB96Hz_Dk&eurl=http://www.publicknowledge.org/issues/soc

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6520194876

...
My local CBS analog host ceased transmissions on 2/17. I had thought that the transition for the Sony would not require me to take any action!!??
On the other hand my LG3410A is the one I've been trying to get back on TVGOS. I'm chasing my tail on that one!
Anyhow I need some direction as to how to get my Sony to receive digital TVGOS. I (THINK?) know it is being transmitted because I have a DTVPal DVR that is receiving TVGOS listings. And yes, it has its own problems!

If I need a software upgrade how do I get it and install it?
Any other necessary user actions to get the Sony into the digital TVGOS world?
I really appreciate any help and will supply more info if needed?
Thanks, Fred
You should go to the first post in this thread, which will direct you to Spiffy's site, to see everything we know about the above and other issues, thoughtyou should be assured that your present version of the TVGOS firmware IS the current one, 08.06.44.

I am not an expert in forcing a Sony to go to a new host channel...you should read what's in the support site and, then!, if you have a question, ask it here!

Thanks. And from I what I read here, I will need a certain software version to achieve the digital signal, correct? Which version is that, please and if I don't have it, how do I get it? Oh, an btw, local CBS affiliate finally responded with: "We have temporarily disabled this service due to problems with the equipment that inserts the data into our signal. As for information on how to receive this you will still need to contact TV guide. We don't have any information on their service or how to acquire it. If they refer you back to me please get the name and number of who you called and I will forward this to my contact."

Still no response from Brighthouse.

The TVGOS software is downloaded just like the listings. It takes care of itself once a host channel is found. The Sony firmware version makes no difference.

If CBS is temporarily not inserting TVGOS data, you have to hope a different local analog channel is. The DVR will normally find a different host if left on its own and can't get listings for three days.

Once there is an active host, your OTA solution should work.

Most of the major cable companies have agreements with TVGOS and will pass the data through their equipment. Not sure about Brighthouse, as I seem to see problems posted about them.

I have a very sick DVR. A power hit appears to have upset it greatly, and I need help to revive it. (Apologies for the lengthy tale.)

I've been using my DVR for a couple of years now. I've had to reset it once or twice, and I've had to use the reset-from-lockout procedure to revive it this summer. But this is new.

The situation is this: We experienced a power "event" on Monday, where we lost and regained power a couple of times. The cause was a broken wire between power poles. The broken wire came down, sparking, etc., just outside the room where the DVR lives. The DVR is not on a surge protector/UPS.

After the "event", I noticed that the DVR lost its time display. I assumed it had reset for some reason. I think it still had old TVGOS program information. I still could view my channels, and HD channels mapped their information correctly so, for example, channel 2-1 could be reached by entering 2.1. So, the basic viewing functions of the DVR worked. I checked the VBI and host channel information and saw they were unset. From this summer's lockup I knew that the TVGOS information would select the wrong channel, so I did the manual VBI Search Channel function and turned the DVR off overnight. However, in the morning the time still had not been set.

We didn't use the DVR until we wanted to watch a recorded program on Tuesday evening. The clock had still not set itself, and I discovered all the recordings had been lost, as though a hard factory reset had been done. Very distressing!

Wednesday my wife watched a little TV, using the basic DVR functions to pause and skip the program that was tuned in. After she finished, I decided to do an explicit Restore Factory Defaults procedure, hoping to get things into a known state. The reset seemed to go as expected; the channel scan completed, and the numbers of channels seemed about right.

However, when I exited the channel scan to complete the setup, there was no picture or sound from any channel I selected. I still get menu displays on the screen, but no TV programming! Oh, and this morning the clock still had not set itself.

So now I'm really perplexed:
- I can't get the clock to set
- I can't get TVGOS information
- I can't even watch programming through the DVR now, although I could immediately after the "event".

I could sure use some suggestions about what to do next.

TIA
Dave Kristol

Dave,

Try the following in this order:

1. Turn the recorder on and perform a soft reset.

2. Once the reset is complete rescan your channels.

3. Reenter your setup information using a Zip Code of 00000.

4. Reenter your setup information again using your correct Zip Code.

5. Turn the recorder off and leave it off overnight.

6. Check the following morning for a clock and a channel lineup.

7. If you have them, you know where to go from there, if not, post the results and we'll try to help further.

Good luck.

Actually, I've since found this to be more rock stable..


Of course to get the full array of channels, you still need to do the "make each one the host temporarily" setup one at the time - leaving your local host as the last one setup.

Does this mean deselecting the first host channel in the Guide and channel editor or "forcing" a second (then third) host channel using the previously documented method? (Think of selecting 17-1 then 9-1 for the Toronto market - is that right?)

Scott,

I just sent an email to feedback@kwch.com, asking them if they would look into it.


Here is the response I got from them today:

Mark,

We are working to restore this function with our digital signal. I
don't know exactly when this will be back up and running - but we'll
keep you posted on our website.

John Boyd
KWCH.com News Content Producer

Not much to go on. I guess it's better than "What is TVGOS???". Of course last night, since my guide is completely filled with 'No Listing', I decided to re-do everything from the ground up using Frank70's procedure. Despite my CBS station's problems on their end, it has managed to take my version from 8.01.42/0.00.00 to 8.01.42/8.05.40 last night, and on up to 8.1.42/8.06.44 today. I'm hoping the clock gets set tonight, and maybe even have a channel list in the morning.

Mark

The TVGOS software is downloaded just like the listings. It takes care of itself once a host channel is found. The Sony firmware version makes no difference.

If CBS is temporarily not inserting TVGOS data, you have to hope a different local analog channel is. The DVR will normally find a different host if left on its own and can't get listings for three days.

Once there is an active host, your OTA solution should work.

Most of the major cable companies have agreements with TVGOS and will pass the data through their equipment. Not sure about Brighthouse, as I seem to see problems posted about them.

Here's the response from our Local CBS affiliate, WKMG:

"The problem is with the TV guide equipment that puts the data on my signal. TV Guide is working on the problem now and we hope to have a solution soon. Until then you will not be able to get the data no mater how you receive the signal.

The problem the equipment was causing disrupted our video to many receivers though not all. As you can imagine I could not allow this to continue.

We will have this back on as soon as tv guide resolves the problem.

Again the arrangement with them is for us to transport the information.
We have no control over the content nor do we act as a support center for them. Any issues that you have with this service should be directed to them.

Frank
Local6

So, for now, I'm just hangin' out here with "No Listings" - at least the channels are there. Still no response from Brighthouse (figures). Latest communication from Sony is to call them directly - which I already have a feeling will be "fruitless". Thanks to all for your help!

One of many reasons we may no longer have DVR’s in the USA, for us ordinary OTA folks.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/02/sony-not-giving-up-on-selectable-output-control.ars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOGB96Hz_Dk&eurl=http://www.publicknowledge.org/issues/soc

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6520194876

I think it is partly financial. An OTA DVR, like the new sony unit in England which burns Blu Ray, is priced at 1,000 pounds, which puts it way above most folks here in the US. Like the cell phone market, we fall for the "easy payment plan" DVR which charges you forever from your provider. This is also easier than selling to the public,as the public is not going to try to fix the box and you as a company have to support another company, not deal with returns from J6P as soon as the guide locks up.

The other side of this is that the boxes are programmable at the whim of the "company", so you can do things like screw with 30 second fast forwards and make sure no one cracks anything.

This makes content providers happy. I'm just pissed that there are no "record out" jacks anymore, and worse, that my TV will not output 5.1, only stereo, so that hooking things up gets more complicated.

Here is the farce. Point an HD camera at an HD screen. Record....you have just eliminated HDCP, etc. Not to mention anyone who really cares and will spend a few bucks can still rip and burn.......

The law abiding person takes the hit.

Dave,

Try the following in this order:

1. Turn the recorder on and perform a soft reset.

2. Once the reset is complete rescan your channels.

3. Reenter your setup information using a Zip Code of 00000.

4. Reenter your setup information again using your correct Zip Code.

5. Turn the recorder off and leave it off overnight.

6. Check the following morning for a clock and a channel lineup.

7. If you have them, you know where to go from there, if not, post the results and we'll try to help further.

Good luck.

I did that. Still no clock, and my VBI channel is 4-1. I'm in the NYC area, on Comcast, so I would expect my VBI channel to be 2-1 or 13.

However, I was bad. :o Between steps 4 and 5, I watched TV through the DVR -- on 4-1. I'll try the procedure again today... and be good.

BTW, after I did a soft reset yesterday, I got back the ability to watch TV through the DVR. That's a big relief! I thought I might have a brick.

Thanks for your help!
Dave Kristol

Does this mean deselecting the first host channel in the Guide and channel editor or "forcing" a second (then third) host channel using the previously documented method? (Think of selecting 17-1 then 9-1 for the Toronto market - is that right?)

Sorry I wasn't more detailed on that part...

Using the example of Toronto local host, Buffalo secondary host...

It means you have to change country to USA, enter a Buffalo zip code (14201 for example), wait 24 hours for the Buffalo TVGOS channels to show up in the channel editor. Once they do, change the country to Canada, enter your Toronto zip code, wait another 24 hours. After that, both the Buffalo & Toronto groups of channels should be in the editor in a combined list. Then you can play with the channel assignments as described earlier in order to get daily updates from both Buffalo & Toronto hosts (some from host #1, some from host #2).

Some good news:

I have managed to force a digital clock channel, which has stuck for the last day. On one of my recorders I now have analog 26 PBS as a host channel and digital 9.1 CBS as a clock set channel. Both stations are Washington, DC.


And some strange news:

A couple of days ago both of my recorders lost their host channel. I had another issue to correct so I did a soft reset, rescan of channels, and reentered the setup information. When the recorders each reacquired a host channel they both wound up with analog 22 PBS in Annapolis, MD. The strange part is that one has a channel list with 549 entries and the other has a channel list with 730 entries.

Sorry I wasn't more detailed on that part...

Using the example of Toronto local host, Buffalo secondary host...

It means you have to change country to USA, enter a Buffalo zip code (14201 for example), wait 24 hours for the Buffalo TVGOS channels to show up in the channel editor. Once they do, change the country to Canada, enter your Toronto zip code, wait another 24 hours. After that, both the Buffalo & Toronto groups of channels should be in the editor in a combined list. Then you can play with the channel assignments as described earlier in order to get daily updates from both Buffalo & Toronto hosts (some from host #1, some from host #2).

Ok, thanks! I've done that without knowing it was the proper procedure since I just came out of using a 143xx zip code. I changed to a Toronto postal code and then forced 9-1 to be the host. Seems to be seeing everything including Time Warner cable and Rogers cable channels plus all the off-air. I have full listings for next Friday so I think that should indicate day 8 is fully populated. A couple of more days and I'll be more certain. I have 9-1 and 17-1 both "on" in the guide and channel editor and both analog equivalents "off". The box is showing 9-1 as host where it was 17-1 two days ago.

One of many reasons we may no longer have DVR’s in the USA, for us ordinary OTA folks.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/02/sony-not-giving-up-on-selectable-output-control.ars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOGB96Hz_Dk&eurl=http://www.publicknowledge.org/issues/soc

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6520194876

Those have nothing to do with digital DVR like the SONY. That is for cable company early release VOD which VOD is not recordable by cable DVR anyways.

This only means you can't record the analog output of these early VOD titles to a analog DVR, VCR, DVD recorder, or new HD analog component capture card on your PC.

This will not effect the SONY's DVR ability to time shift OTA.

And if you buy the HDFURY2 HDMI to Component converter ($150 monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=2)) you should continue to be able to use you old HDTV with component inputs (I don't understand how that product is a legal HDCP device.)

I did that. Still no clock, and my VBI channel is 4-1. I'm in the NYC area, on Comcast, so I would expect my VBI channel to be 2-1 or 13.

However, I was bad. :o Between steps 4 and 5, I watched TV through the DVR -- on 4-1. I'll try the procedure again today... and be good.

BTW, after I did a soft reset yesterday, I got back the ability to watch TV through the DVR. That's a big relief! I thought I might have a brick.

Thanks for your help!
Dave Kristol

Watching TV between steps 4 and 5 should not have made a difference. Also, ignore the VBI channel. This is only the last channel that you tuned. The important channels are the host channel and the clock set channel. The host channel is where you get your VBI data.

Do the following in order (don't do anything else between steps) and let me know the results:

1. Enter the 753159852 menu.

2. Go to the Section System-Statistics screen and note the Host Chan.

3. Go to the Section Other-Clocks 2 screen and note the Clock Set Chan.

4. Exit the menu.

5. Tune to the channel where you think you should be getting VBI data.

6. Run the G* Test and observe that the VBI: count is increasing (should take less than 15 seconds).

7. Exit the test. If the VBI: count did not increase repeat steps 5 & 6 using a different channel (try all CBS and PBS stations in your broadcast area until you find one broadcasting VBI data).

8. Enter the 753159852 menu again.

9. If you ran the test on a digital channel, go to the Section ATSC-ATSC Slicer screen and observe that the TVG count is increasing. Otherwise, skip this step.

10. Go to the Section Reception-Slicing 2 screen and observe that the count(s) are increasing (probably only the Dummy counts will increase).

11. Exit the menu.

12. Issue a 963214785 command. When VBI Channel Search appears in the info box, wait for a few minutes then turn the recorder off and leave it off overnight (no watching TV this time).

13. The following morning check for a clock and a channel lineup.

14. If there, you know what to do, if not, perform steps 1 through 4 again and post results.

Good luck.

Those have nothing to do with digital DVR like the SONY. That is for cable company early release VOD which VOD is not recordable by cable DVR anyways.

This only means you can't record the analog output of these early VOD titles to a analog DVR, VCR, DVD recorder, or new HD analog component capture card on your PC.

This will not effect the SONY's DVR ability to time shift OTA.

)

Very true "for now" but that may/could change............some have speculated this could apple to new DVR's in the future..........for example preventing your ability to record the Super Bowl (or what ever) for you own use.

(I don't understand how that product is a legal HDCP device.)

HDCP is about COPY protection.

I don't now of any HD recording devices that can
take HD inputs from Component outputs. Maybe
there are some - But they are probably few and
far between. Also the Device only outputs Video,
No Audio, further complicating any copying.

Very true "for now" but that may/could change............some have speculated this could apple to new DVR's in the future..........for example preventing your ability to record the Super Bowl (or what ever) for you own use.The FCC prohibits such restrictions:A covered entity shall not attach or embed data or information with commercial audiovisual content, or otherwise apply to, associate with, or allow such data to persist in or remain associated with such content, so as to prevent its output through any analog or digital output authorized or permitted under license, law or regulation governing such covered product.

.............Also the Device only outputs Video,
No Audio, further complicating any copying.

The HDFury2 does have audio output capability......... "Sound output in both Analog and digital Optical through an innovative 3.5mm combo jack".

HDCP is about COPY protection.

I don't now of any HD recording devices that can
take HD inputs from Component outputs. Maybe
there are some - But they are probably few and
far between. Also the Device only outputs Video,
No Audio, further complicating any copying.

HDCP devices are not supposed to allow analog access to protrected content. This device appears to violate that HDCP licensing agreement and violates the DCMA act (it defeats the digital copy protection and output a non protected HD analog signal). But you can buy it, so get them while they last.

The device has a spdif optical audio output. Also you can use the stereo analog output of your STB if you wish. Their are devices for computers as I mentioned that record HD analog signals via component. HD PVR Capture (http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html)

The HDFury2 does have audio output capability......... "Sound output in both Analog and digital Optical through an innovative 3.5mm combo jack".

I didn't see any audio from the MonoPrice Website (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=1#largeimage)

HDCP devices are not supposed to allow analog access to protrected content. This device appears to violate that HDCP licensing agreement and violates the DCMA act (it defeats the digital copy protection and output a non protected HD analog signal). But you can buy it, so get them while they last.

The device has a spdif optical audio output. Also you can use the stereo analog output of your STB if you wish. Their are devices for computers as I mentioned that record HD analog signals via component. HD PVR Capture (http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html)

I knew you would find a recording Device ;)

I didn't see any audio from the MonoPrice Website (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10114&cs_id=1011402&p_id=5035&seq=1&format=1#largeimage)

Look on the device photo to the right of the HDMI jack. You will see the audio jack. The spdif optical cables for that jack are available at various stores and have been used for years on portable minidisk players.

Look on the device photo to the right of the HDMI jack. You will see the audio jack. The spdif optical cables for that jack are available at various stores and have been used for years on portable minidisk players.

Give me a break - I'm OLD :p

FYI - 2 500's - OTA only
FWIW
Both machines had been left on CBS 2-1 overnight for three days as I had lost 0-11 and 0-2 as hosts. I had recieved all listings and time was correct for three days.
Last night I left one on all night on 2-1 and the other I turned off.
The one left on still shows no host and fffffffd for the clock set channel but all listings are good and time is correct.
The one I turned off now has 0-2 as the host channel but has 2-1 as the clock set channel and all listings and time are correct.
As ImTheOne said, host and clock set don't have to be the same.
Will try the same thing tonight and see if the digital clock set stays.

I'm hoping the clock gets set tonight, and maybe even have a channel list in the morning.


Well, I got up this morning, but the clock was still not set :mad:. I turned the unit on, and had no channel list, then I noticed that I had ads... I haven't had ads since December, so something is working. I forced the host again, and turned the unit off, and went to work. Tonight I got home, and my clock is now set :D. I should also point out that this is all from a digital host. There is no analog host here any more. I still don't have a channel list, or listings, but the listings weren't there before anyway. So now I can set some manual recordings at least.

The clock thing confuses me. Before, whenever I would do a TV Guide/Exit reset it would throw off my clock by about 40 minutes. All I had to do to get it corrected was to run the G* Test on my digital host, and it would be set within 2 minutes. I thought this was a function of the 8.06.44 software, so I thought the only issue would be whether I could get back to this version of software. Although it did, I couldn't set the clock by running the G* Test and had to let it find it on its own. The clock channel is now 0:19-0, which is the RF channel for 12-1 which is my digital host channel. My host channel is currently blank.

Mark

The FCC prohibits such restrictions:

Quote (from FCC assumed?):

"A covered entity shall not attach or embed data or information with commercial audiovisual content, or otherwise apply to, associate with, or allow such data to persist in or remain associated with such content, so as to prevent its output through any analog or digital output authorized or permitted under license, law or regulation governing such covered product".


The key words are "under license, law, or regulation governing such covered products". Simply look at how fast FCC laws, regulations, and application of the laws has changed in just the last 45 days and what is on the table to change. The FCC we have had for the last 60 years, is not the same FCC we have had for the last 45 days.

To put it very mildly the "lobbyist" are working feverously to limit what "end users" of traditional OTA is capable of and what OTA users are allowed to do or not in their own homes with OTA signals.

Watching TV between steps 4 and 5 should not have made a difference. Also, ignore the VBI channel. This is only the last channel that you tuned. The important channels are the host channel and the clock set channel. The host channel is where you get your VBI data.

Do the following in order (don't do anything else between steps) and let me know the results:

The full set of steps did not yield a working clock. So I'll give you several sets of results for different channels. Channel 2/2-1 is CBS, Channel 13/13-1 is PBS here in the NYC area. I used the full set of steps for 2-1. Here are the results for steps 1-4:


1. Enter the 753159852 menu.

2. Go to the Section System-Statistics screen and note the Host Chan.

3. Go to the Section Other-Clocks 2 screen and note the Clock Set Chan.

4. Exit the menu.


I get VBI information on 2-1 and 13-1 and none on 2 and 13. In the G* test, 2-1 and 13-1 show VBI PASS, ATSC PASS. 2 and 13 show VBI FAIL, ATSC PASS (and the counts don't change).

In all cases, the Host Chan is blank. The Clock set Chan. is fffffffd, except the morning after the VBI Search Channel procedure (for Chan 2-1), when it is 0:0-0.

Oh, and my software version is 08:01:42. From some other recent messages here, I infer I'm in that Catch-22 situation where I can't pick up clock, because my software can't do so from a digital channel, and I can't download new software unless I have a clock.

Dave Kristol

Sorry I wasn't more detailed on that part...

Using the example of Toronto local host, Buffalo secondary host...

It means you have to change country to USA, enter a Buffalo zip code (14201 for example), wait 24 hours for the Buffalo TVGOS channels to show up in the channel editor. Once they do, change the country to Canada, enter your Toronto zip code, wait another 24 hours. After that, both the Buffalo & Toronto groups of channels should be in the editor in a combined list. Then you can play with the channel assignments as described earlier in order to get daily updates from both Buffalo & Toronto hosts (some from host #1, some from host #2).

Despite my earlier enthusiasm, this morning I checked next Saturday's listings (day 8) and they're virtually empty for both Toronto and Buffalo stations. There's a little bit for some Canadian off-air and quite a bit for Canadian cable, but virtually no Buffalo data (OTA or cable). The host channel is now blank again too. I have both analog hosts (CFTO and WNED analog) deselected so I'm doubting the capability of the digital hosts...

Here's the response from our Local CBS affiliate, WKMG:

"The problem is with the TV guide equipment that puts the data on my signal. TV Guide is working on the problem now and we hope to have a solution soon. Until then you will not be able to get the data no mater how you receive the signal.

...

Frank
Local6

So, for now, I'm just hangin' out here with "No Listings" - at least the channels are there. Still no response from Brighthouse (figures). Latest communication from Sony is to call them directly - which I already have a feeling will be "fruitless". Thanks to all for your help!
ORLANDO Guide Listings lost!

Similar to many of you, I lost the guide listings (TVGOS) in Orlando a few days ago. Three months ago, I found CBS transmitting data – tried to reset my machine - but the reset never took - so I reverted to analog channel data. Now checking CBS (and all the other digital channels) shows no VBI data coming in from anywhere. Thankfully the clock is still operational! So I am currently still manually recording, with “Unknown” being a popular program Title :mad:.

I appreciate the updates in the forum of the channels who are working to fix the TVGGOS problem.

Anyway, I would appreciate any update from you Orlando folk here in the forum. I will similarly update the forum if I get any new information.

I forgot to mention that I'm in the OTA fraternity :-)

The full set of steps did not yield a working clock. So I'll give you several sets of results for different channels. Channel 2/2-1 is CBS, Channel 13/13-1 is PBS here in the NYC area. I used the full set of steps for 2-1. Here are the results for steps 1-4:


I get VBI information on 2-1 and 13-1 and none on 2 and 13. In the G* test, 2-1 and 13-1 show VBI PASS, ATSC PASS. 2 and 13 show VBI FAIL, ATSC PASS (and the counts don't change).

In all cases, the Host Chan is blank. The Clock set Chan. is fffffffd, except the morning after the VBI Search Channel procedure (for Chan 2-1), when it is 0:0-0.

Oh, and my software version is 08:01:42. From some other recent messages here, I infer I'm in that Catch-22 situation where I can't pick up clock, because my software can't do so from a digital channel, and I can't download new software unless I have a clock.

Dave Kristol

This is exactly the post-transition situation that I posted about earlier: default software, no clock, and only digital channels available. Fortunately for you, we aren't post-transition yet so we should be able to recover your recorder. The easiest thing to do would be to attach an external antenna (rabbit ears or something similar), tune to an analog OTA PBS or CBS channel with VBI data, VBI search to set the host channel, let the recorder download the software update and set the clock, then remove the antenna. Are you in a location where you can get OTA reception? If not, there are other ways to do this.

Another thought... How desperate are you to get this working again? Are you willing to be a lab rat for a few days to see if we can come up with a solution for this problem that will work post-transition? I just had to ask.:D

BTW - in the G* Test, the VBI Fail isn't important if the counts are increasing. This is a timing issue and, as Frank70 has pointed out in previous posts, entering 2 will restart the test and you will then get a VBI pass if the counts were increasing (the other items that passed initially will then show Fail).

Despite my earlier enthusiasm, this morning I checked next Saturday's listings (day 8) and they're virtually empty for both Toronto and Buffalo stations. There's a little bit for some Canadian off-air and quite a bit for Canadian cable, but virtually no Buffalo data (OTA or cable). The host channel is now blank again too. I have both analog hosts (CFTO and WNED analog) deselected so I'm doubting the capability of the digital hosts...

Sounds like it unlocked from host 9-1. Try forcing 9-1 again. (I have also had the odd dropoff to 9-0). There may be issues with the fact that analog 9 & 17 still exist, as TVGOS prefers analog host over digital - as well as cable host over OTA.

Try eliminating both 9 & 17 from the channel list completely by changing them both to 99. That way only 9-1 and 17-1 are left in the channel list. Simply turning 9 & 17 OFF does not eliminate them from being used as hosts, it just stops them from showing up in the listings. Also, if you have cable connected, make sure that CFTO Cable & WNED Cable aren't valid channel numbers either.

Can these units be hooked up to the internet, don't they have USB ports on the back? If so, wouldn't it be easier to provide guide data via the internet, since they seem to be having so many issues putting it out OTA? Thanks

Try eliminating both 9 & 17 from the channel list completely by changing them both to 99. That way only 9-1 and 17-1 are left in the channel list. Simply turning 9 & 17 OFF does not eliminate them from being used as hosts, it just stops them from showing up in the listings. Also, if you have cable connected, make sure that CFTO Cable & WNED Cable aren't valid channel numbers either.

Ok, both changed to 'Air 99' and confirmed set to off. I don't have cable, but I do have my satellite (Bell) connected to the cable input, hence the desire to have Canadian cable listings. Obviously the channel numbers in the guide are meaningless for that, but I manually edit them all to use the ExpressVu receiver's RF channel. That's not new for me, and when CFTO was sending proper listings it had no effect on the completeness of the guide for the last 4+ years.

In the channel list of the DVR and the TVGOS list with the exception of TVO on analog 19 I only have digital Air channels enabled since I get virtually everything in digital here. (There's no need for any other analog reception except for CKVR and CKCO but I don't bother with them.) On the cable side, only the channel for the satellite box is enabled. Except for the changes just made to 9 & 17 analog, all I've done is changed channels from analog to digital as their HD feeds came on the air.

This is exactly the post-transition situation that I posted about earlier: default software, no clock, and only digital channels available.
That's what I was afraid of.... :(

Fortunately for you, we aren't post-transition yet so we should be able to recover your recorder. The easiest thing to do would be to attach an external antenna (rabbit ears or something similar), tune to an analog OTA PBS or CBS channel with VBI data, VBI search to set the host channel, let the recorder download the software update and set the clock, then remove the antenna. Are you in a location where you can get OTA reception? If not, there are other ways to do this.

I'm pretty sure I can get analog OTA. But shouldn't the same information be available via analog cable? I tried the analog (cable) versions of the digital PBS and CBS channels for which the VBI counts changed, but the analog counts did not change.

Another thought... How desperate are you to get this working again? Are you willing to be a lab rat for a few days to see if we can come up with a solution for this problem that will work post-transition? I just had to ask.:D

Depends on how involved the steps might be. The back of my DVR is hard to reach, so it's hard to mess with the connections. And available time is in short supply. What do you have in mind?

BTW - in the G* Test, the VBI Fail isn't important if the counts are increasing. This is a timing issue and, as Frank70 has pointed out in previous posts, entering 2 will restart the test and you will then get a VBI pass if the counts were increasing (the other items that passed initially will then show Fail).
What I saw was that VBI FAIL appeared for those cases where the VBI count did not change (analog 2, 13), and I saw VBI PASS when VBI counts did increase (digital 2-1, 13-1).

Thanks again for the help.
Dave Kristol

This is exactly the post-transition situation that I posted about earlier: default software, no clock, and only digital channels available. Fortunately for you, we aren't post-transition yet so we should be able to recover your recorder. The easiest thing to do would be to attach an external antenna (rabbit ears or something similar), tune to an analog OTA PBS or CBS channel with VBI data, VBI search to set the host channel, let the recorder download the software update and set the clock, then remove the antenna. Are you in a location where you can get OTA reception? If not, there are other ways to do this.

Another thought... How desperate are you to get this working again? Are you willing to be a lab rat for a few days to see if we can come up with a solution for this problem that will work post-transition? I just had to ask.:D

BTW - in the G* Test, the VBI Fail isn't important if the counts are increasing. This is a timing issue and, as Frank70 has pointed out in previous posts, entering 2 will restart the test and you will then get a VBI pass if the counts were increasing (the other items that passed initially will then show Fail).

I have the same catch 22 situation. I live on the coast in RI about 40 miles from Providence and 80 miles from Boston. I have COX digital service and a fairly good OTA antenna. I use to get TVGOS on COX cable from WSBE analog (Providence's PBS channel). Analog OTA in RI no longer exists but WSBE says they are putting TVGOS on their digital channel OTA which is also on COX cable. COX still puts about 65 analog channels on their system but none supports TVGOS. The CBS channel (WPRI) is owned by LIN TV who say they will not put TVGOS on their digital channel. After doing resets on my 250 my revision number is 08.01.02 with no clock and no strong analog channel with TVGOS to update the firmware to a level which supports digital TVGOS. I receive analog channel 2 (WGBH Boston PBS) and analog channel 4 (WBZ Boston CBS) weakly. They pass the G* test but have a significant number of bad VBI counts. I have disconnected the cable from the 250 and have left only channels 2 and 4 enabled. Maybe if I leave it this way long enough I will get the firmware update before June when analog 2 and 4 disappear.

That's what I was afraid of.... :(


I'm pretty sure I can get analog OTA. But shouldn't the same information be available via analog cable? I tried the analog (cable) versions of the digital PBS and CBS channels for which the VBI counts changed, but the analog counts did not change.


Depends on how involved the steps might be. The back of my DVR is hard to reach, so it's hard to mess with the connections. And available time is in short supply. What do you have in mind?


What I saw was that VBI FAIL appeared for those cases where the VBI count did not change (analog 2, 13), and I saw VBI PASS when VBI counts did increase (digital 2-1, 13-1).

Thanks again for the help.
Dave Kristol

I am OTA only so my knowledge of cable is limited to what I have discerned from the many posts on this thread. As I understand it, some cable companies strip the VBI information from the analog signal before broadcasting it over cable (or don't insert it into the signal they are broadcasting). Some of you cable experts can help me out here with a better explanation. In any event, you are not receiving the analog signal over cable as it is broadcast OTA. This is why you aren't getting VBI data from your analog cable channel and why you can't use it to update your software or clock.

As far as the post-transition testing goes, I'm still mulling over the best way to attempt a tapeless recovery. It should not involve accessing connections on the back of the recorder, only using the menus. I'm a little short on time myself. I just thought that since you have (inadvertantly;)) created the exact secnario necessary for testing, that we might be able to take advantage of this and try a couple of tests if you weren't pressed to get the recorder back into operation immediately. Your call.

Can these units be hooked up to the internet, don't they have USB ports on the back? If so, wouldn't it be easier to provide guide data via the internet, since they seem to be having so many issues putting it out OTA? Thanks

A USB port is not a network connection. You would need the equivalent of a Network Interface Card to do what you are suggesting. The units do appear to have some kind of communications device. There is a comm section in the hidden menus which leads me to believe that there is a modem built in. Howerer, I haven't looked for or tried to access it. Anyone else looked at this?

[QUOTE=ImTheOne;15935440]This is exactly the post-transition situation that I posted about earlier: default software, no clock, and only digital channels available.

The Sony TVGOS will work from it's default software, clock and all, with digital only. I've done the guide factory reset.
I have easily gone for default 08.01.42 to 08.06.44 with complete guide and clock in less then 8 hours.
Want to know what I've learned? It's very simple.
1) Just do the force digital host procedure as described at spiff's.
Don't use the G test for quick guide load by leaving the unit on.
This has actually stopped working for me and it offers nothing
for the long term as the host is never selected.

2) Only force it during download times from local CBS. This is the
key for fast software load and guide data. I know that at 4:30
in the morning or 4:30 in the afternoon ( ota CBS KPIX )
downloads take place. Doing the force procedure during
the download times makes all the difference for fast host selection
and speed.

[QUOTE=ImTheOne;15935440]This is exactly the post-transition situation that I posted about earlier: default software, no clock, and only digital channels available.

The Sony TVGOS will work from it's default software, clock and all, with digital only. I've done the guide factory reset.
I have easily gone for default 08.01.42 to 08.06.44 with complete guide and clock in less then 8 hours.
Want to know what I've learned? It's very simple.
1) Just do the force digital host procedure as described at spiff's.
Don't use the G test for quick guide load by leaving the unit on.
This has actually stopped working for me and it offers nothing
for the long term as the host is never selected.

2) Only force it during download times from local CBS. This is the
key for fast software load and guide data. I know that at 4:30
in the morning or 4:30 in the afternoon ( ota CBS KPIX )
downloads take place. Doing the force procedure during
the download times makes all the difference for fast host selection
and speed.

I too have done this procedure successfully. It won't work after a reset to the default software with no clock in a digital only environment. These recorders have a preference for analog signals. When you tried the process you described, you most likely got your clock back from an analog source. The clock channel does not have to be the same as the host channel or the VBI channel. The default software will not recognize information on a digital channel so you can't download the software version that will recognize the digital information and you can't get your clock set. See posts by Dave Kristol and arnjohn. The Catch-22 is you need the clock to get the software download and you need the software download to set the clock. If you think otherwise, good luck to you after they turn off all of the analog stations in your area and you need to reset your recorder.

To those people in Phoenix, I emailed KAET about not receiving TVGOS for the past week. One of their engineers replied that a power supply failed on 2/19 and they are waiting on a replacement. Once the replacement is installed the analog TVGOS will be back online.

Also, the Director of Engineering told me that KAET still has not decided if they will carry the digital TVGOS signal after the June digital transition.
For those of you in Phoenix, looks like channel 8 is back up.

I am OTA only so my knowledge of cable is limited to what I have discerned from the many posts on this thread. As I understand it, some cable companies strip the VBI information from the analog signal before broadcasting it over cable (or don't insert it into the signal they are broadcasting). Some of you cable experts can help me out here with a better explanation. In any event, you are not receiving the analog signal over cable as it is broadcast OTA. This is why you aren't getting VBI data from your analog cable channel and why you can't use it to update your software or clock.

For what it's worth, I obviously *used* to get my TVGOS via analog cable channels (13, I think). If the information is still in the analog signal, I can't think of a reason why Comcast would strip it now.

However, I'll have to see whether I can hook up my OTA signal to the DVR and see whether there's any TVGOS information there.

As far as the post-transition testing goes, I'm still mulling over the best way to attempt a tapeless recovery. It should not involve accessing connections on the back of the recorder, only using the menus. I'm a little short on time myself. I just thought that since you have (inadvertantly;)) created the exact secnario necessary for testing, that we might be able to take advantage of this and try a couple of tests if you weren't pressed to get the recorder back into operation immediately. Your call.

Since I seem to be unable to restore the DVR right now anyway, I'm game. As long as the fun and games don't brick the DVR. :eek:

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried to contact TVGOS about the issue of setting the clock with a digital clock signal and an older software version? Some time ago I worked with a guy at TVGOS to resolve an issue with a different DVR. He was very helpful.

Dave Kristol

My next step is to send my 250 to my daughter who lives in Boston to see if up there ch. 2 or 4 analog will update the TVGOS software to support digital.

I was so happy my 250 was worrking for about a week.

After a month of G* test, force VBI, the full Frank70, seaching and reading this forum until my eyes blead, with a Power Failure Tvgos was all gone.

Tvgos will not rebuild the .44 version is gone as is the VBI Digital channel and host channel
1:84-0.

Is there a methed to recover after a power failure or do I now just connect the 250 to a back-power supply, and do the full Frank70 again.

What a waist time and to think I almost bought another HDD 250 on eBay, I guess I should be thankful for the power failure. No big deal, just time and money.

Happy now sad, Gregg

My next step is to send my 250 to my daughter who lives in Boston to see if up there ch. 2 or 4 analog will update the TVGOS software to support digital.

If both you and your daughter have VCRs if might be cheaper and easier for her to record six hours one night (say from 1 AM to 7 AM) and mail the tape to you. A couple of people have successfully recovered using videotape (see post 13953 by mradler).

The Sony TVGOS will work from it's default software, clock and all, with digital only. I've done the guide factory reset.
I have easily gone for default 08.01.42 to 08.06.44 with complete guide and clock in less then 8 hours.


I have to agree with Fox200. I just did the same thing 2 days ago, and I am 90% sure that I don't have access to an analog host. The clock channel shows as 0:19-0 which shows 'No Signal' if you tune it directly because it is actually digital 12-1, and 12-2 (12-1 is my real host channel).

However, that doesn't necessarily mean that ImTheOne is completely wrong. I "lost" my clock when I did the reset, but it didn't turn to --:--, but reverted to 12:00am 12/31/???4 (either 2004, or 1994 I'm not sure which). In the G* Test screen the clock did show as --:--. So when we say someone "lost" their clock does that mean it reverted to --:-- (as shown on the front panel), or that it is just off by several hours/years? Maybe, because I had a time showing, that is why mine worked (although I don't see what having or not having a clock would have anything to do with whether the DVR would use the VBI data that is coming in)? Also, my clock did not get set until 24 hours after my unit had updated itself to 8.06.44.

Another possibility between working, and not working is that my clock channel is the same channel as my host channel. Maybe if my unit needed to search for a different clock channel, maybe it wouldn't have worked.

Also, for the most part I followed Frank70's procedure, but there were a couple of things I did that weren't mentioned in it. For instance any time I got to a step that said "firmware has been upgraded to xx.xx.xx", I turned the DVR off and turned it back on before proceding (my thinking was that maybe you had to reboot for it to start using the new firmware).

One more question that I just thought of for Dave Kristol. You said your version is 8.01.42, did you read that off the 753159852 screen (where it would show as 8.01.42/0.00.00, or did you read that on the G* Test screen (this screen always shows the base version, but not the upgrade version). I just want to make sure that your unit really did revert back to 8.1.42.

Mark

I have to agree with Fox200. I just did the same thing 2 days ago, and I am 90% sure that I don't have access to an analog host. The clock channel shows as 0:19-0 which shows 'No Signal' if you tune it directly because it is actually digital 12-1, and 12-2 (12-1 is my real host channel).

However, that doesn't necessarily mean that ImTheOne is completely wrong. I "lost" my clock when I did the reset, but it didn't turn to --:--, but reverted to 12:00am 12/31/???4 (either 2004, or 1994 I'm not sure which). In the G* Test screen the clock did show as --:--. So when we say someone "lost" their clock does that mean it reverted to --:-- (as shown on the front panel), or that it is just off by several hours/years? Maybe, because I had a time showing, that is why mine worked (although I don't see what having or not having a clock would have anything to do with whether the DVR would use the VBI data that is coming in)? Also, my clock did not get set until 24 hours after my unit had updated itself to 8.06.44.

Another possibility between working, and not working is that my clock channel is the same channel as my host channel. Maybe if my unit needed to search for a different clock channel, maybe it wouldn't have worked.

Also, for the most part I followed Frank70's procedure, but there were a couple of things I did that weren't mentioned in it. For instance any time I got to a step that said "firmware has been upgraded to xx.xx.xx", I turned the DVR off and turned it back on before proceding (my thinking was that maybe you had to reboot for it to start using the new firmware).

One more question that I just thought of for Dave Kristol. You said your version is 8.01.42, did you read that off the 753159852 screen (where it would show as 8.01.42/0.00.00, or did you read that on the G* Test screen (this screen always shows the base version, but not the upgrade version). I just want to make sure that your unit really did revert back to 8.1.42.

Mark

Ask yourself this: If your recorder reverts back to version 8.1.42 of the software after a reset and you need to be at version 08.01.65 or higher to process VBI information from a digital channel, how can the recorder understand the information to download the software update or the clock information?

Also: How is the software download transmitted? How is the clock information transmitted? Are software and clock downloads formatted and processed differently than VBI data? Why can't Dave Kristol or arnjohn get the software update or clock data from their respective digital stations after a reset? Since the recorder has an internal schedule of download times, if the clock is set to the wrong time or has no time at all, will the recorder listen for updates at the wrong time or does it listen all the time? Even when setting up one of these recorders for the first time, the machine needs to get time zone information first before it can set the clock, then it must set the clock before it can download the channel list and listing data. Why wouldn't you need to have a clock to do the same thing after a reset?

Maybe I don't understand the process completely, but the empirical evidence that I have observed seems to support my theory of operation. I am open to anyone having more accurate information to share.

BTW - in the G* Test, the VBI Fail isn't important if the counts are increasing. This is a timing issue and, as Frank70 has pointed out in previous posts, entering 2 will restart the test and you will then get a VBI pass if the counts were increasing (the other items that passed initially will then show Fail).
Furthermore, in the G* test on a digital TVGOS station, not only may it NOT get a vbi pass, but the COUNT (at least for my unit and area) doesn't start until about 20 seconds after you initiate the test!

I imagine a lot of people think the test has failed, when it just hasn't started counting yet...

(and, of course, there are no vbi packets coming in on digital anyway...so even the label itself is a misnomer; yet people in the above posts keep referring to vbi data...what not just call it TVGOS data, anyway?)

Ask yourself this: If your recorder reverts back to version 8.1.42 of the software after a reset and you need to be at version 08.01.65 or higher to process VBI information from a digital channel, how can the recorder understand the information to download the software update or the clock information?The quite simple answer is that the information that says you need 8.1.65 to process digital TVGOS is bogus information. It is extremely clear to me (having done it) that it is possible to go from 8.1.42 to 8.6.44 using ONLY a digital channel. I know this because I've done it without ever turning the Sony off, and all the while tuned ONLY to my digital host, giving no opportunity for the tuner to search for VBI data from an analog channel. So have others. So we MUST conclude that this dubious piece of information to which you refer is incorrect.

If you want more mis-information, you can call Sony and they'll tell you (according to the script) that the DHG-HDD250/500 cannot under any circumstatances receive TVGOS data of any kind via a digital channel.

Now the clock may or may not be a different story (and so you may have a point in that respect). I would have answered that by now, but Congress, in their infinite technological wisdom, has postponed my opportunity to test that out until June.

If you think otherwise, good luck to you after they turn off all of the analog stations in your area and you need to reset your recorder.

Clock source channel indicates 5.1 and is normal in the 753 menu. After I
did the force host, this is what it read the the menu. My clock on the unit read --:--.
Within a few minutes, I had the right time and the software was loading from the digital host. Their is nothing analog about that.
Stop worrying about weather these units will work. The guys at Gemstar
and Macrovision made it right.
And also, these units have aging hard drives that will fail in time. I have been told by Gemstar last year now Macrovision that the TVGOS software has been given to manufacturers of TVGOS embedded units to install when repair is needed. However, they will still work without such an upgrade.
For those not getting their software or guide, their must be a problem
with the lack of source transmission or related to that.

FWIW here's my experience with the clock and a reset (voluntary or otherwise :D). On the 753... pages current GMT date and time display in the upper left corner. After a reset, the date goes to 1/1/2004. If the unit has never been back to Sony for repair/upgrade the time resets to 00:00. If the unit has been back, the time may be different. You can check your VBI Stats page in the field named LastFrTape. If there's a time there, it will be used for the reset. GMT time will begin incrementing from that point.

If the reset took you all the way back to Ver. 08.01.42, the display clock on the front panel and on the TVGOS pages will be --:--. You have to get back to Ver. 08.05.40 before the display clock will display time. It will start out displaying whatever GMT says at that point which may not be current yet. Once current GMT is reacquired, the display clock will be totally different because it keeps incrementing from the point where it first displayed. Have I confused you yet? :p

Ver. 08.05.40 can get a correct clock set from an analog host. Even after getting to 08.06.44 I haven't had luck getting the clock back from digital but I intend to do more testing when I can find a time to be without one of my units for a day or so. BTW, I have successfully used Frank's procedure to get from 00.00.00 to 08.06.44 digitally. It's just that darn clock set and subsequent channel lineup part that has stumped me and I've had to revert to analog.

On a somewhat related note, I've been doing some sleuthing because I noticed my clock set channel keeps changing back and forth between 11 (analog) and 2-1 (digital) even though my host channel has been on 2-1 for months. Turns out these sneaky machines are STILL doing analog downloads whenever they are turned off. When they are turned on and tuned to the digital host channel, the digital downloads are occuring. I've been keeping a log and documenting what is going on by using the various VBI screens.

[QUOTE=frank70;15938393]T

If you want more mis-information, you can call Sony and they'll tell you (according to the script) that the DHG-HDD250/500 cannot under any circumstatances receive TVGOS data of any kind via a digital channel.

I know! What is up with that! Even when you tell them it works fine, they say "no it won't". TVGOS made it right for us.

The quite simple answer is that the information that says you need 8.1.65 to process digital TVGOS is bogus information. It is extremely clear to me (having done it) that it is possible to go from 8.1.42 to 8.6.44 using ONLY a digital channel. I know this because I've done it without ever turning the Sony off, and all the while tuned ONLY to my digital host, giving no opportunity for the tuner to search for VBI data from an analog channel. So have others. So we MUST conclude that this dubious piece of information to which you refer is incorrect.

If you want more mis-information, you can call Sony and they'll tell you (according to the script) that the DHG-HDD250/500 cannot under any circumstatances receive TVGOS data of any kind via a digital channel.

Now the clock may or may not be a different story (and so you may have a point in that respect). I would have answered that by now, but Congress, in their infinite technological wisdom, has postponed my opportunity to test that out until June.

I've done this successfully too. But have you tried it after a reset with your clock at --:--?

I've done this successfully too. But have you tried it after a reset with your clock at --:--?

Yes.

Yes.

One last question: Did you check the clock channel before and after each step of the process to make sure your clock data was coming from a digital rather than an analog source?

OK, total newbie here. I have a HDD250 which is set in demo mode and do not have a remote for it. I do have access to either a Harmony 520 or 620 remote. I want to get into the 9012 hidden menu to perform a reset. The Harmony 620 has a menu key. Will the Harmony software automatically map a key to the "Screen Mode" key? If so, what key is mapped. If not, any suggestions for getting this thing reset and usable?

One more question that I just thought of for Dave Kristol. You said your version is 8.01.42, did you read that off the 753159852 screen (where it would show as 8.01.42/0.00.00, or did you read that on the G* Test screen (this screen always shows the base version, but not the upgrade version). I just want to make sure that your unit really did revert back to 8.1.42.


Okay, to reprise: I had a power failure, after which my DVR seemed completely reset. I lost all saved programs. The clock shows --:-- and has not changed from that since the apparent reset. Likewise, the Host Chan (under Statistics) has remained blank.

My 743 screen says:
08.01.42/08.05.40/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000

So, yes, I'm back to square one.

My DVR has until now been off for about 10 hrs. (I did a Search Current VBI Channel then on 13-1, PBS in my area.)

On the Clocks 1 screen:
[upper left] 1/1/2004 10:19 [2]
...
offset (sec) from UTC -162904578

Clocks 2 screen:
Failing Clock Chan 0:0-0
Clock Set Chan 0:0-0

Under Reset Info-Statistics I see
Cold Time 2/28/09 14:46:02

That's interesting, isn't it!? That's about the correct time (UTC) that I last fussed with trying to get the clock going.

Not to muddy the waters, but under Comm-Serial, the number Tx Num Pkts/Bytes is incrementing. What's with that??

Under VBI Data-VBIDLSched, there are lots of entries, four pages. I'll go out on a limb and identify these as program guide information hunks and the times they were seen (by what time base?). Under VBI Data-Task Misc, the times for LstSIIdle, LstPgmGCSt, LstPgmGCE are identical and increasing monotonically as I type.

Under G*, I am getting good VBI packets (the count increments) on 13-1.

Even though it does not appear to get VBI packets, I will try Search VBI Channel procedure for analog CBS, channel 2 and see what happens overnight.

Thanks for help, ImTheOne and fox200.
Dave Kristol

One last question: Did you check the clock channel before and after each step of the process to make sure your clock data was coming from a digital rather than an analog source?

Clock source channel 5.1 after the force host procedure selected it.
Software 42,and -- -- clock read on front panel.

Well, I got up this morning, but the clock was still not set :mad:. I turned the unit on, and had no channel list, then I noticed that I had ads... I haven't had ads since December, so something is working. I forced the host again, and turned the unit off, and went to work. Tonight I got home, and my clock is now set :D. I should also point out that this is all from a digital host. There is no analog host here any more. I still don't have a channel list, or listings, but the listings weren't there before anyway. So now I can set some manual recordings at least.

The clock thing confuses me. Before, whenever I would do a TV Guide/Exit reset it would throw off my clock by about 40 minutes. All I had to do to get it corrected was to run the G* Test on my digital host, and it would be set within 2 minutes. I thought this was a function of the 8.06.44 software, so I thought the only issue would be whether I could get back to this version of software. Although it did, I couldn't set the clock by running the G* Test and had to let it find it on its own. The clock channel is now 0:19-0, which is the RF channel for 12-1 which is my digital host channel. My host channel is currently blank.

Mark

Mark,
I too have my host as 19.0 now, and noticed an ad as well. On a whim, I added 19.0 as a bogus channel in my tv guide listing and ran a g*test on 19. It passed and in a few hours, I had full listings:D. I can't say it would have worked without adding the channel, and I don't know if it will download on its own yet, but there is life. If you still can't get anything, you could try that, but from what others have posted, our listed host should not matter. Happy again
Scott

Okay, to reprise:
My 743 screen says:
08.01.42/08.05.40/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000

So, yes, I'm back to square one.


No, you aren't, you are at square two ;). Your software version 8.01.42 is your starting version number, but the next three numbers are what I call the upgrade version 8.05.40. If you were on square one, this version would show as 0.00.00. If you have Frank70's procedure handy, you are at step 6, and you are ready for step 7 (Do the G* test on your digital host channel), and then step 8 (leave on overnight). You should then be up to version 8.06.44.

I don't think your unit is upgraded far enough to find this stuff on its own when it is off. You need to do the G* Test one more night, and leave it on.

Mark

Mark,
I too have my host as 19.0 now, and noticed an ad as well. On a whim, I added 19.0 as a bogus channel in my tv guide listing and ran a g*test on 19. It passed and in a few hours, I had full listings:D. I can't say it would have worked without adding the channel, and I don't know if it will download on its own yet, but there is life. If you still can't get anything, you could try that, but from what others have posted, our listed host should not matter. Happy again
Scott

Great News! Thanks for the update. I will do another G* Test overnight, and see what happens.

Mark

OK, total newbie here. I have a HDD250 which is set in demo mode and do not have a remote for it. ... If not, any suggestions for getting this thing reset and usable?Buy a remote on ebay. If you can't find any, I've got a spare I can sell you.

The quite simple answer is that the information that says you need 8.1.65 to process digital TVGOS is bogus information. It is extremely clear to me (having done it) that it is possible to go from 8.1.42 to 8.6.44 using ONLY a digital channel. I know this because I've done it without ever turning the Sony off, and all the while tuned ONLY to my digital host, giving no opportunity for the tuner to search for VBI data from an analog channel. So have others. So we MUST conclude that this dubious piece of information to which you refer is incorrect.

If you want more mis-information, you can call Sony and they'll tell you (according to the script) that the DHG-HDD250/500 cannot under any circumstatances receive TVGOS data of any kind via a digital channel.

Now the clock may or may not be a different story (and so you may have a point in that respect). I would have answered that by now, but Congress, in their infinite technological wisdom, has postponed my opportunity to test that out until June.

Frank I had just typed in a ton of stuff pre, interim, post transition and a zillion issues concerning the clock; but the computer or the dog ate it.

Ultra short answer, same as yours. I really will not if it all works until till after June; but I believe it will IF our transition is not postponed again?

Because I had to do the full factory reset back in January it has been working perfect.

No, you aren't, you are at square two ;). Your software version 8.01.42 is your starting version number, but the next three numbers are what I call the upgrade version 8.05.40. If you were on square one, this version would show as 0.00.00. If you have Frank70's procedure handy, you are at step 6, and you are ready for step 7 (Do the G* test on your digital host channel), and then step 8 (leave on overnight). You should then be up to version 8.06.44.

I don't think your unit is upgraded far enough to find this stuff on its own when it is off. You need to do the G* Test one more night, and leave it on.

Mark

Could you please give me a link to "Frank70's procedure?" I was unable to find it.

Anyway, I think I've done roughly the same thing. I did tune to the digital host channel, then watched the G* count increase. But I did not turn off the DVR at that point. I continued with ImTheOne's procedure (msg 13968), which included using 963... to set the Search VBI Current Channel, before turning it off. I left it overnight. No clock, no listings.

However, I'll give your (Frank70's) procedure a try.

Dave Kristol

Could you please give me a link to "Frank70's procedure?" I was unable to find it.http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0

Short story: It did not work for me.

I have used the HDD500 (OTA only) for a few years now, and it has been basically perfect all the time. Sure TVGOS would do something wacko once or twice every other year (like completely new grid layouts etc), but the soft reset was the answer; never a big deal.

January 2009:

Based on what I had heard for the Houston market, I thought now is the time to Force the CBS host channel. Rumor was it worked. This was based on those about 45 miles south of here, so I really do not know their facts and circumstances. So in January I spent about a week attempting to make it work, it would never stay locked in to CBS – if it ever did, I could not confirm? But it did re-set itself to different analogue sources (from PBS to FOX and back again several times), and I even noticed when trying to get to CBS for the guide - the “clock source” seemed to come from almost anywhere “except” CBS or any other “reliable” clock source.

During that time of attempting to get CBS, the clock was crazy all of the time; it was “never” accurate. The closest I could get to the correct time was 10 min. off. Most of the time it was 4-6 hours off!

One of the major issues in my specific area, is low power levels for most of the digital stations (which includes CBS), and almost constant RF conflicts with digital ABC. This is the main reason I felt HDD500 would not work at my location when attempting to force CBS. Both of those stations will “power up” and go back to their original RF’s so I do anticipate that problem will go away; once we get the full transition in June; assuming it is not delayed again?

So since the forced attempt to CBS did not work, I did the soft reset. And the box gave the illusion all was fine – except for the constant lock ups with heavy use. Hence the full factory reset was required to make it work correctly again and that cleared out all the gremlins. It seems it clock systems were so messed up, it could not fix itself and the full factory reset was required. Each soft reset gave different results “source” for the clock – it had lost its mind.

The only problem (reported on earlier here) after the full factory reset was the “odd” slider bar issue, and yes the soft reset fixed that instantly. I attribute that to poor electricity – yes we still have problems with that 6 months after the hurricane. In other words the full factory reset, needed full 100% electricity for a few hours and apparently there was I tiny bubble in supply I did not notice, so it was unable to have a clean re-boot, when making the "first slider bar incomplete". Again, that was a non-issue.


Clock observations: Under normal soft resets the clock will come back in about 3-5 min. Same thing if you unplug and later (even the next day) plug back in. With the full factory reset, the clock did not show up until about 5-6hours after the rebuild.

Extended Short Story on the Clock: Since a reliable clock could not be obtained when forcing CBS as host, the box would not work. The box stayed in a half functional stupid state even when using soft reset attempting to go back to PBS. Only the full factory reset made it whole again.

At this point there is no reason to do anything; it works perfect now, March 1st. And by the end of June, I should know one way or another if it still does.

The only "post-transition" issue I've been having with my DHG is that the tpt guide entries are messed up. Just after the transition, when tpt dropped the 17.1 thru 17.5 channels and added 2.3 and 2.4 to their prior 2.1 and 2.2 offerings, my SXRD immediately recognized the change and would tune to the new channels and not the old ones. On the DHG I did a rescan of channels and it dropped the 17.x channels but didn't add 2.3 and 2.4. Also, the TVGOS for 2.1 and 2.2 always showed the same content, and, I managed to miss recording a few episodes of "This Old House Hour" because of this confused guide data.

Yesterday, I unplugged the DHG, then rescanned channels after plugging it back in. Voila, 2.3 and 2.4 could were now recognized in the ch +/- tuning. For awhile the clock was off, but, it corrected, and, my host channel continues to be 4.1 (CBS digital). However, the 2.x TVGOS data is still screwed up.

2.1 shows no programming
2.2 shows the programming that should be on 2.1
2.3 shows the programming that should be on 2.2
(2.4 doesn't show anything because I've got it surpressed since it's just a MN avaition weather broadcast)

All my other channels (I only allow digital ones: 4.1, 5.1, 9.1, 11.1, 11.2, 23.1, 29.1, 41.1, 41.2, 41.3, 45.1; I surpressed SD duplicate subchannels) seem fine.

Are others in the MSP area seeing this same issue, or, should the guide straighten out when it next refreshes?

If the TVGOS is really being sent wrong, is there someplace to contact them and let them know they need to correct their line-up?

Is my only choice for recording stuff from tpt to do manual recordings?

I lucked out. I got the correct clock and version 08.06.44 from analog ch. 2 in Boston last night with only OTA connected. I reconnected the cable and did a scan and now I have a partial channel list but no program information. My problem now is when I do the G* test on the digital cable channel (WSBE Providence PBS) which is supposed to support TVGOS, I do not get any counts of whatever it is supposed to be counting. Does this mean that it really does not support TVGOS? I do not get digital WSBE OTA to see if is supported there.

The only "post-transition" issue I've been having with my DHG is that the tpt guide entries are messed up. Just after the transition, when tpt dropped the 17.1 thru 17.5 channels and added 2.3 and 2.4 to their prior 2.1 and 2.2 offerings, my SXRD immediately recognized the change and would tune to the new channels and not the old ones. On the DHG I did a rescan of channels and it dropped the 17.x channels but didn't add 2.3 and 2.4. Also, the TVGOS for 2.1 and 2.2 always showed the same content, and, I managed to miss recording a few episodes of "This Old House Hour" because of this confused guide data.

Yesterday, I unplugged the DHG, then rescanned channels after plugging it back in. Voila, 2.3 and 2.4 could were now recognized in the ch +/- tuning. For awhile the clock was off, but, it corrected, and, my host channel continues to be 4.1 (CBS digital). However, the 2.x TVGOS data is still screwed up.

2.1 shows no programming
2.2 shows the programming that should be on 2.1
2.3 shows the programming that should be on 2.2
(2.4 doesn't show anything because I've got it surpressed since it's just a MN avaition weather broadcast)

All my other channels (I only allow digital ones: 4.1, 5.1, 9.1, 11.1, 11.2, 23.1, 29.1, 41.1, 41.2, 41.3, 45.1; I surpressed SD duplicate subchannels) seem fine.

Are others in the MSP area seeing this same issue, or, should the guide straighten out when it next refreshes?

If the TVGOS is really being sent wrong, is there someplace to contact them and let them know they need to correct their line-up?

Is my only choice for recording stuff from tpt to do manual recordings?

From the menu, edit the channel numbers yourself to match programing
listed in the guide.

Here's something I don't get. All the reset procedures have steps thats say to leave the DVR off overnight. But that makes no sense to me. If my DVR does not know what time it is, it doesn't know when "overnight" is, it doesn't care whether I leave if off overnight or for some other equally long period, does it? So the real purpose must be for the DVR to be off during a period in the local timezone when TVGOS transmits its information, and it must be off to bracket that entire period, right?

So what are those periods? According to the TVGOS Training Manual:
========
While the times for TVGOS transmission are not constant throughout the country, nor published, they are typically in the early am, late morning,
early evening, and late pm. Since the TV must be able to tune to a Host channel to download TVGOS data, the set must not be in use order to receive TVGOS downloads. The timing of the TVGOS data transmissions ensures that the data is available during periods when the TV is
typically not being used.
========

Overnight would mean "late pm" or "early am", I would assume. However, I would think the DVR would be able to pick up what it needs during the other periods, as well, which means if you're fussing early in the day, you might pick up the "late am" or "early evening" data, and you might even be able to do a couple of the steps that require the DVR to be "off overnight" from <http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0> in a day that require the DVR to be "off overnight".

Comments?
Dave Kristol

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the "Channel Lineup" (that your DHG will require after being reset) is only included in the overnight data transmission. The "leave off overnight" statements apply because that is when the channel lineup transmission occurs.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the "Channel Lineup" (that your DHG will require after being reset) is only included in the overnight data transmission. The "leave off overnight" statements apply because that is when the channel lineup transmission occurs.

After a reset and using an ANALOG source, I've had channel lineup load in around 6:30PM-7:30PM, which leads me to think it is the ID27 download that's doing it. On the analog schedule, ID27 runs four times in a 24-hour period.

Does anyone know for sure what ID27 and ID81 do? ID70 is program listings. On the digital download schedule it looks like ID70 has been broken up into two sections: ID70 & ID97.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the "Channel Lineup" (that your DHG will require after being reset) is only included in the overnight data transmission. The "leave off overnight" statements apply because that is when the channel lineup transmission occurs.

I don't think that's true. I think any of the four daily transmissions probably carries that information. I've had channel lineup information arrive in the middle of the day. In any case, I'm a couple of steps back from getting channel lineups. My DVR needs to download current software and reacquire a clock setting before getting a channel lineup.

Dave Kristol

Previously I had reported that I did not have any guide data. Then I did not really use my unit after that. A week ago I rescanned my antenna channels due to all the changes just so some would even come in and maybe that is key since today I turned it on after not having it on and to my surprise I had guide data, but it said no signal on all channels both antenna and cable. This was perplexing since I thought it was getting signal. Not knowing what else to do I turned it off and then unplugged it so that it would restart. That brought back all my channels and I still have guide information. Perhaps if the guide data is not coming from anything close by such as the local digital or the cable channels as has been speculated maybe the guide data is coming from these remaining analog sources that are way off in the distance. I do have very large outdoor antennas. Then again the data could be comming from a local source and even over Cox cable who knows? Whatever the case I now have guide data. Maybe I just needed patience and I needed to turn off the unit for a while so it would have time for the guide data to populate. I am not sure why the unit needed to be restarted in order to get back my channels. I am grateful for assistence this thread and forum has provided. If anyone local or not has any insights feel free to share them. At the next digital shutoff or even tommorrow who knows what is going to happen with this unit but I hope it still continues to work.

Hello, I've been happy with my Sony DVR for a while, but I lost KQED HD 9.1 (local PBS channel for SF Bay Area) programming sometime last week-end around 2/22. :confused: All my scheduled recording for this channel stopped working and when I look at the TV Guide and force this channel number it shows "AIR" for all the 30-minutes slots.
The problem persists after a week... :mad:
I'm still getting reception for 9.1 and getting programming data from TVGOS for analog channel 9 and other digital channels 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 etc. Only 9.1 HD programming is gone (although it's theoretically just the same as 9 in HD).
Does this have anything to do with the postponed digital transition?
Some problem with local PBS tower?
Or some other problem with my DVR I can reconfigure? I did tried to turn power off, reboot, rescan all the channels, but it didn't help... I get the signal, but no guide for 9.1... :(
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Here's something I don't get. All the reset procedures have steps thats say to leave the DVR off overnight. But that makes no sense to me. If my DVR does not know what time it is, it doesn't know when "overnight" is, it doesn't care whether I leave if off overnight or for some other equally long period, does it? So the real purpose must be for the DVR to be off during a period in the local timezone when TVGOS transmits its information, and it must be off to bracket that entire period, right?

So what are those periods? According to the TVGOS Training Manual:
========
While the times for TVGOS transmission are not constant throughout the country, nor published, they are typically in the early am, late morning,
early evening, and late pm. Since the TV must be able to tune to a Host channel to download TVGOS data, the set must not be in use order to receive TVGOS downloads. The timing of the TVGOS data transmissions ensures that the data is available during periods when the TV is
typically not being used.
========

Overnight would mean "late pm" or "early am", I would assume. However, I would think the DVR would be able to pick up what it needs during the other periods, as well, which means if you're fussing early in the day, you might pick up the "late am" or "early evening" data, and you might even be able to do a couple of the steps that require the DVR to be "off overnight" from <http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=55.0> in a day that require the DVR to be "off overnight".

Comments?
Dave Kristol


There are numerous downloads throughout the day and night. Two types of software downloads, and Guide data download. Here is the download sequence for Central Time Zone: The downloads below are Analogue not Digital (like from PBS):

“Guide” Downloads 4 Times a day – 3 hours each, and “each” is the same download.

1:20AM 180 min.
6:00AM 180 min.
9:05AM 180 min.
12:45PM 180 min.

“Software” and “other” downloads occur 7 times a day-downloads can be different and some are 30 min some are 1 hour.

11:40PM 30 min.
12:15AM 60 min.
4:55AM 60 min.
12:10PM 30 min.
4:45PM 60 min.
10:00PM 30 min.
10:35PM 60 min.



"All" Downloads in sequence:

11:40PM 30 min. SW 1
12:15AM 60 min. SW2
1:20AM 180 min. Guide
4:55AM 60 min. SW2
6:00AM 180 min. Guide
9:05AM 180 min. Guide
12:10PM 30 min. SW1
12:45PM 180 min. Guide
4:45PM 60 min. SW2
10:00PM 30 min. SW1
10:35PM 60 min. SW2

Generally, you have a small window of time “to look” at the software updates (typically 5 min or so), before the next one starts – meaning you should have the unit off for the download to work.

Basically, the longer you leave it off – especially from a full factory reset, the faster it will recover. In the first 24 hours you can go from 00.00.00 software to the latest available. And within about 3 days you can have the full 8 day listings.

Previously I had reported that I did not have any guide data. Then I did not really use my unit after that. A week ago I rescanned my antenna channels due to all the changes just so some would even come in and maybe that is key since today I turned it on after not having it on and to my surprise I had guide data, but it said no signal on all channels both antenna and cable. This was perplexing since I thought it was getting signal. Not knowing what else to do I turned it off and then unplugged it so that it would restart. That brought back all my channels and I still have guide information. Perhaps if the guide data is not coming from anything close by such as the local digital or the cable channels as has been speculated maybe the guide data is coming from these remaining analog sources that are way off in the distance. I do have very large outdoor antennas. Then again the data could be comming from a local source and even over Cox cable who knows? Whatever the case I now have guide data. Maybe I just needed patience and I needed to turn off the unit for a while so it would have time for the guide data to populate. I am not sure why the unit needed to be restarted in order to get back my channels. I am grateful for assistence this thread and forum has provided. If anyone local or not has any insights feel free to share them. At the next digital shutoff or even tommorrow who knows what is going to happen with this unit but I hope it still continues to work.

Read back a few pages. It was posted Fox23 analog is sending the guide data over the analog signal and OETA is preparing to begin the digital version soon. They just received the equipment last week and are having some installation issues. They hope to have the digital version up in the next week.

Hello, I've been happy with my Sony DVR for a while, but I lost KQED HD 9.1 (local PBS channel for SF Bay Area) programming sometime last week-end around 2/22. :confused: All my scheduled recording for this channel stopped working and when I look at the TV Guide and force this channel number it shows "AIR" for all the 30-minutes slots.
The problem persists after a week... :mad:
I'm still getting reception for 9.1 and getting programming data from TVGOS for analog channel 9 and other digital channels 9.2, 9.3, 9.4 etc. Only 9.1 HD programming is gone (although it's theoretically just the same as 9 in HD).
Does this have anything to do with the postponed digital transition?
Some problem with local PBS tower?
Or some other problem with my DVR I can reconfigure? I did tried to turn power off, reboot, rescan all the channels, but it didn't help... I get the signal, but no guide for 9.1... :(
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Edit your channel 9 in the menu to correspond with the guide data.

Analog schedule (EST) converted from GMT in VBI Sched

12:31 AM - 1:21 AM ID81
1:26 AM - 2:26 AM ID27
2:31 AM - 5:31 AM ID70
5:36 AM - 6:36 AM ID27
6:41 AM - 9:41 AM ID70
9:46 AM - 12:46 PM ID70
12:51 PM - 1:41 PM ID81
1:46 PM - 4:46 PM ID70
5:46 PM - 6:46 PM ID27
10:31 PM - 11:21 PM ID81
11:26 PM - 12:26 AM ID27

Some interesting things to note:
1. There are 4 180-minute ID70, 3 50-minute ID81, and 4 60-minute ID27 downloads per day for analog
2. There are no ID97 downloads scheduled (they aren't ads because I have ads without these)
3. Each of the scheduled starts is at quality 6 followed 3 minutes later by a start at quality 3

The analog schedule for PST zone is exactly the same as the above EST schedule. The digital schedule is different than the analog:

Digital sched (PST)...converted from GMT in VBI Sched

12:51-1:11 AM DL#81
1:16-1:36 AM DL#27
1:41-2:01 AM DL#81
2:06-2:26 AM DL#27
2:31-3:01 AM * DL#70 Listings
3:06-4:06 AM DL#97
4:11-4:41 AM * DL#70 Listings
4:46-5:46 AM DL#97
5:51-6:11 AM DL#27
6:16-6:46 AM * DL#70 Listings
6:51-7:51 AM DL#97
7:56-8:26 AM * DL#70 Listings
8:31-9:31 AM DL#97
9:36-9:56 AM DL#81
10:01-10:31 AM * DL#70 Listings
10:36-11:36 AM DL#97
11:41-12:11 PM * DL#70 Listings
12:16-1:16 PM DL#97
1:21-1:41 PM DL#81
1:46-2:16 PM * DL#70 Listings
2:21-3:21 PM DL#97
3:26-3:56PM * DL#70 Listings
4:01-5:01 PM DL#97
5:06-5:26 PM DL#27

As I asked in an earlier post, does anyone know for sure what is transmitted during the ID27 & ID81 downloads?

Read back a few pages. It was posted Fox23 analog is sending the guide data over the analog signal and OETA is preparing to begin the digital version soon. They just received the equipment last week and are having some installation issues. They hope to have the digital version up in the next week.

Thanks osu1991.

Okay, to reprise: I had a power failure, after which my DVR seemed completely reset. I lost all saved programs. The clock shows --:-- and has not changed from that since the apparent reset. Likewise, the Host Chan (under Statistics) has remained blank.

My 743 screen says:
08.01.42/08.05.40/00.00.00/0000012C/64/0000

So, yes, I'm back to square one.

My DVR has until now been off for about 10 hrs. (I did a Search Current VBI Channel then on 13-1, PBS in my area.)

On the Clocks 1 screen:
[upper left] 1/1/2004 10:19 [2]
...
offset (sec) from UTC -162904578

Clocks 2 screen:
Failing Clock Chan 0:0-0
Clock Set Chan 0:0-0

Under Reset Info-Statistics I see
Cold Time 2/28/09 14:46:02

That's interesting, isn't it!? That's about the correct time (UTC) that I last fussed with trying to get the clock going.

Not to muddy the waters, but under Comm-Serial, the number Tx Num Pkts/Bytes is incrementing. What's with that??

Under VBI Data-VBIDLSched, there are lots of entries, four pages. I'll go out on a limb and identify these as program guide information hunks and the times they were seen (by what time base?). Under VBI Data-Task Misc, the times for LstSIIdle, LstPgmGCSt, LstPgmGCE are identical and increasing monotonically as I type.

Under G*, I am getting good VBI packets (the count increments) on 13-1.

Even though it does not appear to get VBI packets, I will try Search VBI Channel procedure for analog CBS, channel 2 and see what happens overnight.

Thanks for help, ImTheOne and fox200.
Dave Kristol

Dave,

I didn't realize that you had lost all of your saved programming. That being the case, you should do a factory reset to restore the recorder to its default configuration. This should correct any strange state that it may have gotten into as a result of your "power event". This is the reset from the first level of the 9012 menu. After you have done this we can proceed with further diagnostics.

Clock source channel 5.1 after the force host procedure selected it.
Software 42,and -- -- clock read on front panel.

I have successfully forced a digital host when I had a valid clock, but when I tried it with no clock it did not work. In light of your success doing this, I am rerunning this test today to see if I can replicate your success. When I started the procedure I noticed that the first TVGOS reset cleared everything except the software version, which remained at 08.01.42/08.06.44. It required a second reset to get the software to version 08.01.42/00.00.00. If I had left the software at 08.01.42/08.06.44, I have no doubt that it would have worked after the first reset because 06.44 will recognize digital TVGOS data.

Two more questions for you: Did you start from 08.01.42/00.00.00 or 08.01.42/08.06.44 after your reset? Are you OTA or cable?

I have successfully forced a digital host when I had a valid clock, but when I tried it with no clock it did not work. In light of your success doing this, I am rerunning this test today to see if I can replicate your success. When I started the procedure I noticed that the first TVGOS reset cleared everything except the software version, which remained at 08.01.42/08.06.44. It required a second reset to get the software to version 08.01.42/00.00.00. If I had left the software at 08.01.42/08.06.44, I have no doubt that it would have worked after the first reset because 06.44 will recognize digital TVGOS data.

Two more questions for you: Did you start from 08.01.42/00.00.00 or 08.01.42/08.06.44 after your reset? Are you OTA or cable?

Started at 08.01.42/00.00.00. BE SURE TO SOFT REBOOT after TVGOS reset.
Do force procedure during download time from CBS source to get software
to load. Once software has loaded, You will notice no guide yet.
Now force one more time and the guide will load within a few hours.
Good luck. Oh yes OTA.

Hello, I've been happy with my Sony DVR for a while, but I lost KQED HD 9.1 (local PBS channel for SF Bay Area) programming sometime last week-end around 2/22. :confused: All my scheduled recording for this channel stopped working and when I look at the TV Guide and force this channel number it shows "AIR" for all the 30-minutes slots.
...

hmm... I haven't had any trouble with the program info on my Sony

but something analogous happened the week BEFORE last on my LG3410a, without my actually noticing it...the 11.1 programming was suddenly labeled as 11.2 in the program guide, and 11.1 had jumped to the top of the guide and was all "no listings", AND every recording I had set for 11.1 was of course STILL on the programs then listed for 11.2, so I got hours of the NBS weather channel!...(I first just set manual recording for the programs I wanted, but then we had a power outage and a TVGOS reset - only 1,2,8 listings and only the analog channel lineup, so I had to relabel all the channels to .1, anyway...

(next time I go downstairs, I'll recheck what my Sony has for 9.1...I haven't been watching it nearly as much since it switched June 30th to having the same programming as had been on 9 analog - ugh!)

Started at 08.01.42/00.00.00. BE SURE TO SOFT REBOOT after TVGOS reset.
Do force procedure during download time from CBS source to get software
to load. Once software has loaded, You will notice no guide yet.
Now force one more time and the guide will load within a few hours.
Good luck. Oh yes OTA.

Maybe you have to beat me over the head for me to get this, but are you saying that you got your DHG back up and running with only these steps:

TV Guide -- Reset Factory Defaults (Guide version will be 8.01.42/0.00.00)
Turn unit off and then on (soft reboot)
Do 'force host channel' procedure
Turn off DHG
A few hours later (overnight?) power up DHG
DHG is now at 8.06.44.
Do 'force host channel' procedure
Turn off DHG
A few hours later (overnight?) power up DHG
DHG now has full listings.

Is that what you are saying?

BTW, I now have my full listings back, so I shouldn't have to mess with this any more.

Mark