Clock 1: all seem correct:

time zone element: 16
time zone version: 52
offset from UTC: -18000


I have counts for each of ZipcodePkts, TimezonePkts, and HostSchedule.

I've gone through so many steps, I'm not sure when the last time was that I did a channel scan. I'll do another and see what happens.

Dave Kristol

Dave I was in the same boat you're in but have got it to work. Like others have said, if you set your focus to getting the firmware updates, then clock, then the last thing you have to do get to the "is this your provider" page and you're set. I did another G* reset then left it on all day and overnight for the firmwares to update (running the G* test and leaving it on my host...mostly following ImTheOne's recently posted instructions). Once it was up to the most recent firmware I didn't do the 963.. command until I had a correct clock. Once I had a clock I did 963 and shut 'er down overnight and sure enough in the morning it gave me the screen where you select your setup (I had to pick fios silver spring even though I'm in arlington). It's been working for a few days now. All digital on fios.

I think trying a force digital host 963.. command before you have a clock just confuses it. I was doing this in my previous attempts before starting again from scratch. Of course, it could just be luck that it worked this time.

FWIF, Washington DC metro area has 7 full days of listings. Eighth day has partial listings, some entries are No Title and some entries are No Listing. This isn't unusual as the eighth day has started filling in a little at a time over a longer period of time.

FWIF, Washington DC metro area has 7 full days of listings. Eighth day has partial listings, some entries are No Title and some entries are No Listing. This isn't unusual as the eighth day has started filling in a little at a time over a longer period of time.

Mine shows this, too.

Also no listings here last night :(, but my host still says 5.1 OTA :)
Jim
So I guess they've turned off TVGOS on both analog PBS and digital CBS here in the SF area - not the first time...

I may try to force a search on my LG3410a, but I'll leave my Sony alone, since I can always catch up on its listingsby leaving the unit ON while tuned to 5.1 after doing A G* test - can't do that with the LG and, besides, the LG is the unit with problematic listings from PBS here...oops!... can't really push it to CBS analog, which is more stable, if ALL the SF area TVGOS is down...

"No Listings" for Tuesday March 17th

It had been perfect for almost 2 months now. It is possible that PBS was off the air last night, so that may be the problem here.

Ok, so late yesterday I discovered "Day 8" with no listings - no biggie I thought cause we have seen that before and has always been self correcting.

However:

Last night we were watching the recorded "24" while the Sony Box was recording "American Idol" - - - About 7 minutes into the show it "locked up" on commercial jump and hold etc. When it locks up, the clock also freezes, and of course soft reset does not work. so it was "un plug time"

With this type of reset the clock would normally come back in less that 5 min after about 20 min or so was still the "dash line" for clock.

We finished watch the 2 hour American Idol live, the clock on the Sony was still dead. I turned it on, and the clock said 6:28pm (it was actually after 9pm). As it's clock got back to 7pm, it attempted to record American Idol again (it's really 9:40pm or so)..............so we just watched the recorded "24" straight thru, knowing if I did any commercial jumps or much else it would lock up again.

At the end of "24" it was locked up again, so the only way to turn it off was to unplug again. Waiting a few minutes and plugged back in. Clock never came back. But the instant I turn it "on" it shows 6:28pm - and if I attemp to use it heavy duty, it locks up.

So unplug one more time, wait, plug back in and left it off overnite.

No Clock this morning.

PBS is still broadcasting in analogue; but we are no longer getting clock or data from them.

I have decided that we will watch the "recorded" shows over the next week............and just hope it wakes up soon, so I can set the recordings again.

The FCC has really screwed this stuff up big - they all should be in prison.

We could just do the darn DTV switch and this would be over in a "day" - but "oh no" - we have to waste millions.

Dave I was in the same boat you're in but have got it to work. Like others have said, if you set your focus to getting the firmware updates, then clock, then the last thing you have to do get to the "is this your provider" page and you're set. I did another G* reset then left it on all day and overnight for the firmwares to update (running the G* test and leaving it on my host...mostly following ImTheOne's recently posted instructions). Once it was up to the most recent firmware I didn't do the 963.. command until I had a correct clock. Once I had a clock I did 963 and shut 'er down overnight and sure enough in the morning it gave me the screen where you select your setup (I had to pick fios silver spring even though I'm in arlington). It's been working for a few days now. All digital on fios.

I think trying a force digital host 963.. command before you have a clock just confuses it. I was doing this in my previous attempts before starting again from scratch. Of course, it could just be luck that it worked this time.

I am up to the current firmware, and I have a good clock. Last night I rescanned channels. Then I did the 963... step to Search VBI Current Channel. And this morning... nothing. I have yet to be asked to choose a lineup. I suspect there's some kind of funny business having to do with what physical (Comcast cable, no cable box) channel has the channel listings and what the DHG shows as its virtual channel.

I think I've done all the steps I need to/can do. I guess there's something funny about Comcast's setup that will get resolved eventually, and I just have to wait. At least I can do timed recordings for now.

Dave Kristol

I wasn't going to write anything yet, waiting to see what develops, but with others having issues that may be related, I'll add mine.

Two DHG's side by side, a 250 and a 500.

Last evening I realized that the 500 had no data for next Tuesday. The 250 was fine.

I checked the host channel- 14 on both- and for the first time ever- VBI test failed (on both) (no packets whatsoever). VBI also failed on the PBS channel 13 for the first time (14 -the scroll guide channel-may be a duplicate of 13),

Obviously I wonder why the 250 has data. Did it find a new host? It still shows 14 as host.

I check again this morning. Again the 250 has data and the 500 does not.

But- for both- the packets are back and the VBI test passes.

So obviously there is/was some issue that effected some of us where packets didn't flow.

Now I need to wonder why the 250 has data and the 500 doesn't and when/if will the 500 get it back.

Also Have another 500 at another location- also without data. Is it just a coincidence that both 500's acted similarly (not getting data) but the 250 acted differently (getting data)?

Ok, still no clock but not really expected at this point.

I did the "recommended" TVGuide zip "00000" reset, then new zip etc etc. Clock is now about 7:24pm and counting "up"(last nite), which is about 1hr of watching the recorded "24".

This morning I deleted all the "scheduled recordings" - since it has no accurate clock and this will prevent lock ups when viewing the 20 or so "recordings" still in the box.

There is a least ONE new information screen under 753159258 that has not been there before AND a few of the screen have lots of stuff-data-traffic coming in.

My PBS host is blank, and both primary and back up clock (failsafe) fields are blank.

Until the clock is back and fully accurate I will keep it off 80-85% of the time; except when watching "recorded" shows in the evening.

Since our CBS is low power and in RF conflict.........we may have absolutely nothing until after June 12th - Thank You FCC

HoustonPerson,

I have had no problem setting the clock via 11.1 and 9012 "G* Factory Test".

HoustonPerson,

I have had no problem setting the clock via 11.1 and 9012 "G* Factory Test".

I guess we are too far out, our 13-1 and 11-1 fight each other, almost constantly.

If the PBS and FOX? are gone for TVGOS, will the box attempt to get 11-1 on its own?

HoustonPerson,

Here is a link to another site with the LOCKUP problem resolution spelled out. I did this and my hdd250 has been working great for over 1 month now.

http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=cd8595250cd2655f625110239d46b102&topic=38.0

You may already know this procedure, but thought I'd send it anyway. After 477 pages on a board, the original information may get overlooked.

I've been subjected to reading books for the last several weeks as I can't get my 250 TVGOS to show up. While reading isn't a bad thing, being forced to watch 24, Lost, The Office, etc. on a computer screen is.
Here's my problem, while I'm not a technophile I have tried my best to keep up with you all on this message board. Back in Feb. my 250 lost all TVGOS data. I began reading this board and trying a couple of solutions. In the midst of it, I accidentally restored my TVGOS and lost everything, so now the screen just shows "No Data Available" when on the TVG screen.
I contacted my local PBS and they did stop broadcasting the analog signal. I then contacted my CBS station (Columbia, SC) and the said they were broadcasting the digital TVGOS signal.
I then tried several suggestions I read on this thread...forcing the digital channel, G test, VOBS, yada yada yada...I even tried a 4 day process someone had listed.
My conundrum is that I'm still sitting with a TV Guide screen that says No data available. My digital host channel is set correctly, I pass the VOB packet test, all of my versions are up to date, my clock is even set right but I just can't get anything on my TV Guide screen...not even a time graph with the "no data" on each time and channel.
Am I missing something here? I could really use some insight and would be much obliged for any help. I'm afraid that if I continue reading at the pace I am, I will end up selling my TV and begin churning my own butter.

HoustonPerson,

Here is a link to another site with the LOCKUP problem resolution spelled out. I did this and my hdd250 has been working great for over 1 month now.

http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=cd8595250cd2655f625110239d46b102&topic=38.0

You may already know this procedure, but thought I'd send it anyway. After 477 pages on a board, the original information may get overlooked.


I have had the same problem.

Make sure you turn the TV on before the DVR. If you forget then shut down and make sure the TV is on before the DVR. I think it has somethiing to do with the way it reads the HDMI signal.

Anyway as long as i Do this I never had a problem again.

HoustonPerson,

Here is a link to another site with the LOCKUP problem resolution spelled out. I did this and my hdd250 has been working great for over 1 month now.

http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=cd8595250cd2655f625110239d46b102&topic=38.0

You may already know this procedure, but thought I'd send it anyway. After 477 pages on a board, the original information may get overlooked.

Yes that works fine, and I had to use that with the "first" wave of DTV switchover in January. Problem is they started all the stuff-crap again, and hence the lock up again. Since we want to watch all our recorded shows I just deleted the "scheduled recordings" which prevents the lock ups for now so we can watch what is in the box without the clock working.

I've been subjected to reading books for the last several weeks as I can't get my 250 TVGOS to show up. While reading isn't a bad thing, being forced to watch 24, Lost, The Office, etc. on a computer screen is.
Here's my problem, while I'm not a technophile I have tried my best to keep up with you all on this message board. Back in Feb. my 250 lost all TVGOS data. I began reading this board and trying a couple of solutions. In the midst of it, I accidentally restored my TVGOS and lost everything, so now the screen just shows "No Data Available" when on the TVG screen.
I contacted my local PBS and they did stop broadcasting the analog signal. I then contacted my CBS station (Columbia, SC) and the said they were broadcasting the digital TVGOS signal.
I then tried several suggestions I read on this thread...forcing the digital channel, G test, VOBS, yada yada yada...I even tried a 4 day process someone had listed.
My conundrum is that I'm still sitting with a TV Guide screen that says No data available. My digital host channel is set correctly, I pass the VOB packet test, all of my versions are up to date, my clock is even set right but I just can't get anything on my TV Guide screen...not even a time graph with the "no data" on each time and channel.
Am I missing something here? I could really use some insight and would be much obliged for any help. I'm afraid that if I continue reading at the pace I am, I will end up selling my TV and begin churning my own butter.

In one respect these things are very easy, in another way they are very complex. Add to that the FCC interium transitions mess, and it has driven almost everyone mad. For one thing "every" city is in a different situation.

For example what is happening in Houston today, may have happend in another city last week, and may not show up in other cities for up to a month from now. For many some cities are just "turned off" for TVGOS downloads for now.

It may not be till after June 12th that some of these things are really answered and working again (we hope).

to make it the "most" simple, if you are in one of those insane interium Big Mess statue like Houston (and most major cites), you may just want to wait till after June 12th.

The more complex route, means a lot of reading, testing, resets, full factory 9012 resets, etc until such time the dust settles.

Last night we were watching the recorded "24" while the Sony Box was recording "American Idol" - - - About 7 minutes into the show it "locked up" on commercial jump and hold etc. When it locks up, the clock also freezes, and of course soft reset does not work. so it was "un plug time"

With this type of reset the clock would normally come back in less that 5 min after about 20 min or so was still the "dash line" for clock.

We finished watch the 2 hour American Idol live, the clock on the Sony was still dead. I turned it on, and the clock said 6:28pm (it was actually after 9pm). As it's clock got back to 7pm, it attempted to record American Idol again (it's really 9:40pm or so


I had the same problem last night also.
here in Houston.

I had the same problem last night also.
here in Houston.

This type of lockup is well documented in this thread. The simple fix that almost always corrects the problem is to perform a soft reset (front panel), rescan your channels, and then re-enter the setup information (answer no to the Is Everything Correct question and start over). Although it sounds like the Houston area may be experiencing transition pains and you may not have the garden variety of lockup.

So I guess they've turned off TVGOS on both analog PBS and digital CBS here in the SF area - not the first time...

I may try to force a search on my LG3410a, but I'll leave my Sony alone, since I can always catch up on its listingsby leaving the unit ON while tuned to 5.1 after doing A G* test - can't do that with the LG and, besides, the LG is the unit with problematic listings from PBS here...oops!... can't really push it to CBS analog, which is more stable, if ALL the SF area TVGOS is down...
OK, to recap, a bunch of us from the SF area found our units had failed to get listings yesterday, including my Sony from PBS analog (the753...code showed a blank host channel) and my LG had no listings (but still showed 9 - analog PBS as host), and someone else with a Sony using CBS 5.1 also had no listings...

As noted above , I was thinking about using my LG's search for host code (653214741) to see if my LG would go find CBS analog as its host. At first, I decided this wouldn't work because presumably CBS analog was down, too. But late in the evening, I thought about the fact the Sony's G* test on CBS analog showed vbi packets, whereas this wasn't true for PBS analog...maybe CBS analog was still operating!?

So I used the search-for-host code above on the LG last night and turned the unit off, and - voila! - this AM I found the new ednesday listings were THERE on the LG AND the host channel had switched to CBS analog, but - again - no new listings (and still no host channel) on the Sony...WOW!!!

So my question in the heading is whether the 653214741 code - which I THOUGHT was lifted from Spiffy's original Sony user guide - actually works for the Sony! I don't have it in my printout from long ago of the part of the user guide dealing with these codes in the TVGOS service menu...so where did this code come from? I'll post this specific question in the LG3410a thread, but...

has any one heard of this code for use with the Sony?

Give it a try.

TV before DVR

OK, to recap, a bunch of us from the SF area found our units had failed to get listings yesterday, including my Sony from PBS analog (the753...code showed a blank host channel) and my LG had no listings (but still showed 9 - analog PBS as host), and someone else with a Sony using CBS 5.1 also had no listings...

As noted above , I was thinking about using my LG's search for host code (653214741) to see if my LG would go find CBS analog as its host. At first, I decided this wouldn't work because presumably CBS analog was down, too. But late in the evening, I thought about the fact the Sony's G* test on CBS analog showed vbi packets, whereas this wasn't true for PBS analog...maybe CBS analog was still operating!?

So I used the search-for-host code above on the LG last night and turned the unit off, and - voila! - this AM I found the new ednesday listings were THERE on the LG AND the host channel had switched to CBS analog, but - again - no new listings (and still no host channel) on the Sony...WOW!!!

So my question in the heading is whether the 653214741 code - which I THOUGHT was lifted from Spiffy's original Sony user guide - actually works for the Sony! I don't have it in my printout from long ago of the part of the user guide dealing with these codes in the TVGOS service menu...so where did this code come from? I'll post this specific question in the LG3410a thread, but...

has any one heard of this code for use with the Sony?

This is the Cold Reset code on the Sony.

This type of lockup is well documented in this thread. The simple fix that almost always corrects the problem is to perform a soft reset (front panel), rescan your channels, and then re-enter the setup information (answer no to the Is Everything Correct question and start over). Although it sounds like the Houston area may be experiencing transition pains and you may not have the garden variety of lockup.

exactly with all the transition non sense here, we just have to wait, and if that does not work the full reset is the only thing that will.........but no reason to do that if there is no clock in the "air"

Currently both the front panel reset, unplug reset, and TVGOS zip code flush and reset only yield a time of 1:25AM about 13 hours ago the correct time is 2:26PM now.

After we watch our 20 shows in box over the next 10 days or so........I will try the full reset again

This is the Cold Reset code on the Sony.
strange...all the other codes are the same for the 2 units...are you sure you aren't referring to 653274147, which resets TVGOS to scratch?

exactly with all the transition non sense here, we just have to wait, and if that does not work the full reset is the only thing that will.........but no reason to do that if there is no clock in the "air"

Currently both the front panel reset, unplug reset, and TVGOS zip code flush and reset only yield a time of 1:25AM about 13 hours ago the correct time is 2:26PM now.

After we watch our 20 shows in box over the next 10 days or so........I will try the full reset again

Do you have correct GMT displayed on the 753... diagnostic screens?

OK, to recap, a bunch of us from the SF area found our units had failed to get listings yesterday, including my Sony from PBS analog (the753...code showed a blank host channel) and my LG had no listings (but still showed 9 - analog PBS as host), and someone else with a Sony using CBS 5.1 also had no listings...
[/B]

Again no listings here last night - that's two in a row, very unusual, especially in the middle of the week. :( Clock is still OK. OTA 5.1 digital host channel, Cable 9 analog clock channel.

Jim

strange...all the other codes are the same for the 2 units...are you sure you aren't referring to 653274147, which resets TVGOS to scratch?

I got these from a list of unpublished codes:
147412356 Warm Reset
653274147 System Reset
653214741 Cold Reset
963214785 VBI Search Current Channel
987789987 VBI Quick Search Cur Channel

What you are calling a TVGOS reset is a System Reset for the Sony. And no, I didn't see a printed list with Sony's logo stamped on it. These, along with many others, were posted and I can't guarantee that the names next to the codes are correct.

I got these from a list of unpublished codes:
147412356 Warm Reset
653274147 System Reset
653214741 Cold Reset
963214785 VBI Search Current Channel
987789987 VBI Quick Search Cur Channel

What you are calling a TVGOS reset is a System Reset for the Sony. And no, I didn't see a printed list with Sony's logo stamped on it. These, along with many others, were posted and I can't guarantee that the names next to the codes are correct.
Hi, thanks for this info...

BUT, I tried the 653274147 code some months ago on the Sony, and it is described in the original Spiffy guide as "reset slicing data" (NOT a Sony system reset - besides, why would that be one of the codes accessed from the TV Guide screen?) AND is one of the TVGOS codes...I assumed that "reset slicing data" meant it would reset the data on that screen in the 753...set of data screens. But, no, it reset TVGOS to ground zero, so of course it reset the data on that screen, but also the whole TVGOS...but it is certainly not a reset for the Sony itself!

I'm not sure what a "cold reset" means, but I do know this code - the one that I was inquiring about - is NOT in Spiffy's original user guide, so I suspect that - if it is ON the Sony - it does the same thing as it does on the LG, which is to search for a new host channel (given that the 3 TVGOS codes that ARE described by the Spiffy document do the same thing on the LG)...though in the case of my LG, it only DID that when the current host channel was unavailable (as far as I can tell)...

So I am still wondering, does anyone know as a fact (like, from experience) what the 653214741 code does on the Sony??? Thanks - Tony

Hi, thanks for this info...

BUT, I tried the 653274147 code some months ago on the Sony, and it is described in the original Spiffy guide as "reset slicing data" (NOT a Sony system reset - besides, why would that be one of the codes accessed from the TV Guide screen?) AND is one of the TVGOS codes...I assumed that "reset slicing data" meant it would reset the data on that screen in the 753...set of data screens. But, no, it reset TVGOS to ground zero, so of course it reset the data on that screen, but also the whole TVGOS...but it is certainly not a reset for the Sony itself!

I'm not sure what a "cold reset" means, but I do know this code - the one that I was inquiring about - is NOT in Spiffy's original user guide, so I suspect that - if it is ON the Sony - it does the same thing as it does on the LG, which is to search for a new host channel (given that the 3 TVGOS codes that ARE described by the Spiffy document do the same thing on the LG)...though in the case of my LG, it only DID that when the current host channel was unavailable (as far as I can tell)...

So I am still wondering, does anyone know as a fact (like, from experience) what the 653214741 code does on the Sony??? Thanks - Tony

The partial list I posted came from a list of 66 commands posted by someone else (I don't recall who). As I stated before, I don't know the original source and can't vouch for the accuracy. Where did you get the list of commands for your LG? How many are there? Would you be willing to post them?

The TVGOS signal is on 11-1 in Fort Myers as confirmed by WINK TVengineering

Spiff's original guide does mention 653274147 as "reset slicing data", but given Avnstf's experience with it, I'd say the "system reset" description is what it really does. :D The list of TVGOS setup codes comes from this post (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=49.0)on Spiff's space. I don't think I'd want to experiment with very many of them.

BTW, unrelated to the above discussion, for anyone using the previously posted DL schedules, they have changed. All start times were moved up by 6 minutes. Of course, you also need to adjust for DST too to know when something is supposed to be happening.

I've been subjected to reading books for the last several weeks as I can't get my 250 TVGOS to show up. While reading isn't a bad thing, being forced to watch 24, Lost, The Office, etc. on a computer screen is.
Here's my problem, while I'm not a technophile I have tried my best to keep up with you all on this message board. Back in Feb. my 250 lost all TVGOS data. I began reading this board and trying a couple of solutions. In the midst of it, I accidentally restored my TVGOS and lost everything, so now the screen just shows "No Data Available" when on the TVG screen.
I contacted my local PBS and they did stop broadcasting the analog signal. I then contacted my CBS station (Columbia, SC) and the said they were broadcasting the digital TVGOS signal.
I then tried several suggestions I read on this thread...forcing the digital channel, G test, VOBS, yada yada yada...I even tried a 4 day process someone had listed.
My conundrum is that I'm still sitting with a TV Guide screen that says No data available. My digital host channel is set correctly, I pass the VOB packet test, all of my versions are up to date, my clock is even set right but I just can't get anything on my TV Guide screen...not even a time graph with the "no data" on each time and channel.
Am I missing something here? I could really use some insight and would be much obliged for any help. I'm afraid that if I continue reading at the pace I am, I will end up selling my TV and begin churning my own butter.

I'm shocked. All that's happened to me since TV Guide ceased on my Sony 250 was that I unplugged it and put it away and now rely entirely on my cable company's Motorola DVR which isn't as enjoyable to use as the Sony.

FWIW
2 500's - OTA only
1 is using 0-11 as host and the other is using 0-2. Clocks are both correct.
Yesterday both were missing day 8 listings so I left them on set to 2-1 over night.

One machine, host shows 0-11, clock set shows 0-2, all listing ok.

Second machine shows host of 0-2, clock set channel ffffffd, now missing days 7 & 8.
Both clocks OK.

Before when left on 2-1 both would show no host but update all listings.
Now they show different analogs and 0-11 seems to be better for data than 0-2.

Oh well!!

Spiff's original guide does mention 653274147 as "reset slicing data", but given Avnstf's experience with it, I'd say the "system reset" description is what it really does. :D The list of TVGOS setup codes comes from this post (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=49.0)on Spiff's space. I don't think I'd want to experiment with very many of them.
Thanks for the link...I guarantee I wouldn't try any code based on that list...I think people should be warned off even more strongly...

I had hoped Spiffy's board would somehow update info on his original FAQs. In particular, when I used the 653274147 (supposedly "reset slicing data"), I was kind of upset that it was a complete TVGOS reset. After it happened, which I think was last summer, I posted what happened on this thread, hoping the FAQs would be updated.

I remain curious about the 653214741 code, which is described in the LG thread as "force scan for new host channel" - based on experience of Jan J - in a relatively short summary post on service codes (this part being reproduced below) and several other issues: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13453320#post13453320.
This summary post is from last year, with a couple of brief updates. I have posted a question for Jan J about where he learned about this code, and my guess is that it was directly from Gemstar OR LG in some way.

Last, per request, is what the summary post has specifically about the four TVGOS service codes it describes (including the 3 that Spiffy's FAQ described). (Notice that item 5, describing the "reset slicing data" code is a lot more accurate that the original Spiffy summary, i.e., it actually resets the TV Guide (i.e., "fresh start"), which is what I found the code does for the Sony...)

2. To find current TVG host channel: (courtesy Jan J)
Enter TVG Menu. Arrow up and highlight Messages. Press Enter. Enter 753159852. Page 1 of 30 should now show onscreen. Host channel is 3 lines below Zipcode on page 1. It is given in hex and must be converted, i.e. 0xD = channel 13. Safe and no loss of recorded programs.

3. To force scan for a new host channel: (courtesy Jan J)
Enter TVG Menu. Arrow up and highlight Messages. Press Enter. Enter 653214741. Turn off and GUIDE light should come on. Safe and no loss of recorded programs.

4. To force host channel if known: (courtesy albertso) *** See update below***
“The code 963214785 (Force Host Channel) will lock the Host channel to the channel in use when activated? There is some danger in using it though. Getting away from this selected channel requires a COMPLETE hardware reset, at least it did in my case. Here is the procedure:
1). Tune to the station, either OTA or Cable that you want to set as host.
2). Go to GUIDE and use the same process that you do to get the diag screen (753...).
3). Enter 963214785. If accepted the message box below will change to "Searching Current VBI Channel." The screen should go away by itself after 5 minutes or so. Wait for it...
4). Turn off overnight and see if the guide info downloads. The 753159852 diag screen should now show the channel you set (right or wrong!!!) when you check it. If you got it right and the channel is carrying the data, the guide should start to fill.”
***Update*** [2/20/2009]
It should be safe to use the force host channel procedure between hosts without a complete reset. (courtesy Jan J)

5. To reset TVG/Slicing Data:
Enter TVG Menu. Arrow up and highlight Messages. Press Enter. Enter 653274147. Wait for the menu to clear and come back. Afterward do a 30 second unplug/replug. Leave off overnight. Should clear all prior TVG data and make a fresh start.

(end of quotation from summary post)

PS: I should add that I believe that the 653214741 does not necessarily find a new host if the unit already has a host channel, based on trying to switch my LG from PBS analog to CBS analog last month. But last night it apparently worked, finding CBS analog last night when the PBS analog station was apparently not broadcasting TVGOS data - as I discussed above, it's been MIA for 2 days.)

[QUOTE=jwpottberg;16019974]Again no listings here last night - that's two in a row, very unusual, especially in the middle of the week. :( Clock is still OK. OTA 5.1 digital host channel, Cable 9 analog clock channel.

yep.....I have 2 on analog and 2 on digital (ota) no listings for 2 days on all 4.

4. To force host channel if known: (courtesy albertso) *** See update below***
“The code 963214785 (Force Host Channel) will lock the Host channel to the channel in use when activated? There is some danger in using it though. Getting away from this selected channel requires a COMPLETE hardware reset, at least it did in my case. Here is the procedure:
1). Tune to the station, either OTA or Cable that you want to set as host.
2). Go to GUIDE and use the same process that you do to get the diag screen (753...).
3). Enter 963214785. If accepted the message box below will change to "Searching Current VBI Channel." The screen should go away by itself after 5 minutes or so. Wait for it...
4). Turn off overnight and see if the guide info downloads. The 753159852 diag screen should now show the channel you set (right or wrong!!!) when you check it. If you got it right and the channel is carrying the data, the guide should start to fill.”
***Update*** [2/20/2009]
It should be safe to use the force host channel procedure between hosts without a complete reset. (courtesy Jan J)


Bingo!!! Putting this info together with other things I have learned here on this board, I actually was able to get the channel to appear in the Host Channel Field, that I wanted. I have always followed the instructions, and turned off the DVR after doing the Search VBI Channel procedure. This last piece of information (that avnstf posted) suggested that this procedure would stop on its own in 5 minutes. Well, sure enough it did, but it didn't really matter except that it lead me to the next idea. Maybe I don't have to turn off the DVR, and hope that the host channel is filled in tomorrow. Maybe I can exit this screen, and go into the 653... menu now, and see what the host channel is. Sure enough I go into the 653... menu and my host channel (which was blank before) is now fffffffd :(.

Oh but wait. I learned the other day (probably from ImTheOne), that when you run the G* Test on the VBI channel it should fill in your channel number in the VBI: field and the ATSC: field on that screen. Virtually every time I run the G* Test, however, those fields read 1023-65533, not the actual channel I was on. Then someone pointed out how similar that number is (when converted to hex) to fffffffd (which shows up sometimes in the clock channel, or the host channel fields). Sure enough if you see the 1023-65533 when you run the G* test, and you let the G* test run for about a minute, you can go to the 653... menu, and look at the clock channel, and see that it is fffffffd. The other day, I played around and figured out how to get my channel number to show up in the G* Test screen, but when I presented the idea on here, ImTheOne said it didn't work for him, so it may not work for everybody, but it does for me (although I may have altered the procedure slightly from when I was first trying it).

Procedure to get the channel number to show up on the G* Test screen:
You want two channels, the one you want to be your host channel (with VBI data on it), and a channel that doesn't have VBI data on it (my non-VBI data channel is 10-1 which is just one channel down from my host channel 12-1). Go to your non-VBI data channel, and wait a couple of seconds (I wait until the channel popup description box goes away), then run the G* Test on this channel. Wait until all the tests pass or fail, and then exit the screen. Now change the channel to your desired host channel, wait for the description box to go away, and then run the G* Test on this channel. Nine times out of ten, the VBI, and ATSC fields get filled with the channel number instead of 1023-65533. If this doesn't work for you, try going back to your non-VBI channel, and try it again.

At this point (if you see your VBI channel in those fields), your clock channel has been correctly filled in, but we don't care about that now. Exit the G* Test screen, press the TV Guide button. Go over to the 'setup' menu, and down arrow to 'change system settings'. Now enter the 'Search VBI Channel' code 963214785. When you see the Search VBI Channel text, leave it on this screen for 30 seconds or so, and then exit.

Now lets see if your new host channel took (no need to wait all night). Press the TV Guide button, and go back to the 'setup' menu, and down arrow to 'change system settings', enter the 753951852 code. Now arrow right, and see if your VBI channel, and Host channel are the same channel. Success!

Now one last check... exit this screen and turn off the DVR, then turn the DVR on, and go back to the 753... menu screen. Scroll up 2 screens to the 'Reception Slicing' screen. Then Arrow right once to the 'Reception-Slicing 2' screen. Notice the 'Dummy' line there are 3 columns of numbers. The first column is 'SinceCold', the second column is 'HostChan', and the third column is 'CurrChan'. I have always had the first and third columns counting up, but the second column always showed zero, but after getting the host channel to set, the HostChan column now counts up also.

So does this mean anything? Is there a purpose for the Host channel field besides an indicator of where it got data from previously? Maybe I'll know tomorrow.

I'm shocked. All that's happened to me since TV Guide ceased on my Sony 250 was that I unplugged it and put it away and now rely entirely on my cable company's Motorola DVR which isn't as enjoyable to use as the Sony.

Townie - If you can get the analog signal from Fox23 in Tulsa, you can still get listings until June. For some reason Fox23 is sending the analog data now and sometime hopefully soon, OETA will start sending the digital Onscreen data. They were supposed to start a week ago, but I have a feeling they are still having problems integrating the TV Guide equipment into their systems, since it is still not up and running.

PS BEDLAM tomorrow, raise a cold one at Joe's for the Orange and Black, it is time the Sooners lost one this year!

Bingo!!! Putting this info together with other things I have learned here on this board, I actually was able to get the channel to appear in the Host Channel Field, that I wanted. I have always followed the instructions, and turned off the DVR after doing the Search VBI Channel procedure. This last piece of information (that avnstf posted) suggested that this procedure would stop on its own in 5 minutes. Well, sure enough it did, but it didn't really matter except that it lead me to the next idea. Maybe I don't have to turn off the DVR, and hope that the host channel is filled in tomorrow. Maybe I can exit this screen, and go into the 653... menu now, and see what the host channel is. Sure enough I go into the 653... menu and my host channel (which was blank before) is now fffffffd :(.

Oh but wait. I learned the other day (probably from ImTheOne), that when you run the G* Test on the VBI channel it should fill in your channel number in the VBI: field and the ATSC: field on that screen. Virtually every time I run the G* Test, however, those fields read 1023-65533, not the actual channel I was on. Then someone pointed out how similar that number is (when converted to hex) to fffffffd (which shows up sometimes in the clock channel, or the host channel fields). Sure enough if you see the 1023-65533 when you run the G* test, and you let the G* test run for about a minute, you can go to the 653... menu, and look at the clock channel, and see that it is fffffffd. The other day, I played around and figured out how to get my channel number to show up in the G* Test screen, but when I presented the idea on here, ImTheOne said it didn't work for him, so it may not work for everybody, but it does for me (although I may have altered the procedure slightly from when I was first trying it).

Procedure to get the channel number to show up on the G* Test screen:
You want two channels, the one you want to be your host channel (with VBI data on it), and a channel that doesn't have VBI data on it (my non-VBI data channel is 10-1 which is just one channel down from my host channel 12-1). Go to your non-VBI data channel, and wait a couple of seconds (I wait until the channel popup description box goes away), then run the G* Test on this channel. Wait until all the tests pass or fail, and then exit the screen. Now change the channel to your desired host channel, wait for the description box to go away, and then run the G* Test on this channel. Nine times out of ten, the VBI, and ATSC fields get filled with the channel number instead of 1023-65533. If this doesn't work for you, try going back to your non-VBI channel, and try it again.

At this point (if you see your VBI channel in those fields), your clock channel has been correctly filled in, but we don't care about that now. Exit the G* Test screen, press the TV Guide button. Go over to the 'setup' menu, and down arrow to 'change system settings'. Now enter the 'Search VBI Channel' code 963214785. When you see the Search VBI Channel text, leave it on this screen for 30 seconds or so, and then exit.

Now lets see if your new host channel took (no need to wait all night). Press the TV Guide button, and go back to the 'setup' menu, and down arrow to 'change system settings', enter the 753951852 code. Now arrow right, and see if your VBI channel, and Host channel are the same channel. Success!

Now one last check... exit this screen and turn off the DVR, then turn the DVR on, and go back to the 753... menu screen. Scroll up 2 screens to the 'Reception Slicing' screen. Then Arrow right once to the 'Reception-Slicing 2' screen. Notice the 'Dummy' line there are 3 columns of numbers. The first column is 'SinceCold', the second column is 'HostChan', and the third column is 'CurrChan'. I have always had the first and third columns counting up, but the second column always showed zero, but after getting the host channel to set, the HostChan column now counts up also.

So does this mean anything? Is there a purpose for the Host channel field besides an indicator of where it got data from previously? Maybe I'll know tomorrow.

I really hoped that you were on to something and I tried it out several times. Your method of setting the clock channel doesn't work for me, but I have another method that does. Starting with the channel that has TVGOS data, run the G* Test. If the VBI and ATSC fields fill with the actual channel number then the clock channel will be set to that channel (if the fields fill with --- the clock channel will be set to fffffff and if the fields fill with 1023-65533 the clock channel will be set to fffffffd). If the VBI and ATSC fields fill with anything other than the actual channel number, then repeat this process on other channels in your area until you find one that fills the fields with the actual channel number. Once both of the fields are filled in, exit the test and tune to the channel with the TVGOS data. Your clock channel is now set to that channel.

Once the clock channel was set, I tried running the 963214785 command (Search VBI Channel) for 30 seconds, exiting, and checking the host channel in the 753... screen. It was still blank. I repeated the process six times, each time waiting a little longer before exiting. On the last try I waited for the screen to exit on its own. No success on any attempt.

Either there is something different in our broadcast areas or you did something in your process that you didn't mention in your post. I forget, are you OTA or cable? That might have something to do with the difference in results.

Thanks for the link...I guarantee I wouldn't try any code based on that list...I think people should be warned off even more strongly...


C'mon, live a little. I tried a couple of (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=49.0) interesting codes and found this:

971397135 Enter Factory Test Screen --> this is another way to enter the Menu/Format/9012/G*Test
963852741 File System Shell -> DON'T TRY THIS! It seems to lock up, looking for input from somewhere else. The clock continues to run, but I had to soft-reset my way out. Someday when I feel adventurous, I'll try a USB-serial converter.

Who's next?

C'mon, live a little. I tried a couple of (http://www.spiffspace.com/forum/index.php?topic=49.0) interesting codes and found this:

971397135 Enter Factory Test Screen --> this is another way to enter the Menu/Format/9012/G*Test
963852741 File System Shell -> DON'T TRY THIS! It seems to lock up, looking for input from somewhere else. The clock continues to run, but I had to soft-reset my way out. Someday when I feel adventurous, I'll try a USB-serial converter.

Who's next?As far as I can tell, this (http://forum.videohelp.com/topic253998-450.html#1614275) was the original code post Nov 26, 2006.

As far as I can tell, this (http://forum.videohelp.com/topic253998-450.html#1614275) was the original code post Nov 26, 2006.
Just out of curiosity, how did you find this post?

What's funny is it seems to be about a Pioneer device, AND

...what is ironic is IT gives no source and refers just kind of generally to another thread on that board without being specific...(what IS it with these guys?)

Just out of curiosity, how did you find this post?
Applying Google-101 (http://www.google.com/support/websearch/?ctx=web) and looking for something specific and unique, like this (http://www.google.com/search?q=444555666++%22Accepting+Test+Patches%22&hl=en&filter=0)

Do you have correct GMT displayed on the 753... diagnostic screens?

What and where is that?

The front panel clock changes "twice" a day from "exactly" 12 hours too early to 13 hours too early. In the morning it is 13 hours early; but in the evenings it is 12 hours early. So is that like "standard" time on the other side of the planet? And not real Daylite Savings Time for Houston?

The host channel is blank

the clock screen two shows 0:0-0, the failing backup clock is 0:0-0

And this morning Day 8 is "no listings" again - just like it has been for the last 3 or 4 days now.

What and where is that?

The front panel clock changes "twice" a day from "exactly" 12 hours too early to 13 hours too early. In the morning it is 13 hours early; but in the evenings it is 12 hours early. So is that like "standard" time on the other side of the planet? And not real Daylite Savings Time for Houston?



HoustonPerson,

The 753... menu clock is the clock displayed at the top of the 753... menu screen on every page (shows as UCT time). It is the clock that actually sets when you run the G* Test. The front panel clock will then be set when you get the magic zipcode packet that matches your zip code, that tells the 753 menu clock how far to offset your front panel clock (if I interpret the info correctly that Possumgirl, and bwall23 provided.) I should also note that when I was at version 08.05.40 (a week ago), my clock was off an hour, but I presume the DST date move was added in 08.06.44, since my clock was right again when I got to 08.06.44. This wiould only be seen when during the overlap time between Mar 8, and Apr 4 (the new trnsition date, and the old transition date).

BTW,
No change here over night. No listings. I'll check again tonight.

Mark

Applying Google-101 (http://www.google.com/support/websearch/?ctx=web) and looking for something specific and unique, like this (http://www.google.com/search?q=444555666++%22Accepting+Test+Patches%22&hl=en&filter=0)
yeah, I figured...

Here's a link to a TVGOS Training Manual for LG. I know that much of it is outdated and does not apply...but there is some interesting information under the heading of "Diagnostics." Again...from a Spiff Site.

http://www.spiffspace.com/TVGOS_Training_Manual.pdf

There are parts that refer to the NTSC signal as opposed to the ATSC...but we know it works with ATSC. The principles can still be applied if not the specifics.

If I'm not mistaken, the prevailing opinion here is that one of these DHG's is pretty much like the rest. That software version has no different effect.

Now I wonder.

I have one 250 with version 1.2.06 and two 500's with version 1.2.05.

For several days now, the 250 is getting data as if everything is perfect. The two 500, one side by side with the 250, are showing no ads and getting sporadic data- if at all. Next Tuesday and Thursday missing.

Host channels the same on all. VBI passes on all. Clock correct on all. All from cable.

What and where is that?

The front panel clock changes "twice" a day from "exactly" 12 hours too early to 13 hours too early. In the morning it is 13 hours early; but in the evenings it is 12 hours early. So is that like "standard" time on the other side of the planet? And not real Daylite Savings Time for Houston?

The host channel is blank

the clock screen two shows 0:0-0, the failing backup clock is 0:0-0

And this morning Day 8 is "no listings" again - just like it has been for the last 3 or 4 days now.

Enter the 753... diagnostic screens. Look in the uppermost left corner. The date and time displayed there is GMT. This is the time used by TVGOS. It is translated to local time using the offset value specified on the first page. If you are not getting GMT correctly, you can not get your recorder set to the correct time. If you do a reset, the clock source is Host and the clock is set to 1/1/2004 12:00 AM GMT. Your clock will be off by the difference between current GMT and 12:00. When you are getting clock data from your clock set channel, the clock source is Normal.

From the other information that you posted, it looks like your recorder has (been) reset. Without a host channel, you won't get listings (but you know that). Have you performed G* Tests on your area channels to see if any of them are carrying TVGOS data?

When people started having listings problems, I posted that things appeared to be normal in my area. Since then things have changed. I have two 250s, one that I am currently using to run a series of tests to develop a procedure for recovery after a full TVGOS reset in a digital-only environment and one that I use on a daily basis. The first recorder clearly does not get listings data because of testing, but until Tuesday night I had no problems getting listings on the second recorder. I now have no listings for days 7 and 8. My host channel on that recorder is PBS analog 26. I ran a G* Test on 26 and discovered that it was no longer broadcasting TVGOS data. I don't know if this is permanent or not.

Out of curiosity, I ran G* Tests on all of the local and near local PBS and CBS stations with some interesting results. For the analog stations, CBS 9 doesn't have TVGOS data; CBS 13 does; so does PBS 22; PBS 26 does not (but it used to); PBS 32 does not (I'm not sure that it ever did); PBS 62 doesn't have it; but PBS 67 still does. For the digital stations, CBS 9.1/9.2 has TVGOS data, but none of the PBS stations carry it.

I plan to wait a day or two to see if PBS 26 starts broadcasting the data again (not hopeful) and get the listings updates by tuning to 9.1 during scheduled downloads. Then I'll force a search for a new host channel. I'm curious to see if the recorder will do this on its own.

As far as I can tell, this (http://forum.videohelp.com/topic253998-450.html#1614275) was the original code post Nov 26, 2006.

Actually, the source for this board was from post #8064 and the the file system shell code was tried by Mark Fontana from post #8078. The codes I posted did come from the videohelp website in the Pioneer recorder section, and I thought I advised sufficient warning about trying them haphazardly. There still is a search function here even though the thread has gotten pretty massive.

When people started having listings problems, I posted that things appeared to be normal in my area. Since then things have changed. I have two 250s, one that I am currently using to run a series of tests to develop a procedure for recovery after a full TVGOS reset in a digital-only environment and one that I use on a daily basis. The first recorder clearly does not get listings data because of testing, but until Tuesday night I had no problems getting listings on the second recorder. I now have no listings for days 7 and 8. My host channel on that recorder is PBS analog 26. I ran a G* Test on 26 and discovered that it was no longer broadcasting TVGOS data. I don't know if this is permanent or not..

I have lost listings on all three of mine in the last couple of days. Unfortunately, the one with the cablecard got a (unrelated) reset and now it's clock is off by 23 minutes. Looks like I'll wait a few days and see if I can force a new host. I know the local PBS station (CPTV - Hartford) is getting in new digital equipment this month and they may have temporarily taken the analog off line.

Also, It seems that in the SF bay area channel 9 PBS analog has stopped VBI updates. Yesterday CBS 5.1 digital was still sending them but had stopped as of this morning and curiously CBS 5 analog showed packets this morning.

Also, It seems that in the SF bay area channel 9 PBS analog has stopped VBI updates. Yesterday CBS 5.1 digital was still sending them but had stopped as of this morning and curiously CBS 5 analog showed packets this morning.

No listings here for 3rd day in a row. I'm getting a bad feeling about this... :( :( :( OTA digital 5.1 host

Jim

Also, It seems that in the SF bay area channel 9 PBS analog has stopped VBI updates. Yesterday CBS 5.1 digital was still sending them but had stopped as of this morning and curiously CBS 5 analog showed packets this morning.

No listings here for 3rd day in a row. I'm getting a bad feeling about this... :( :( :( OTA digital 5.1 host

Jim

Well this would explain why mine wont update properly after a power failure two nights ago. Also in Bay Area BTW. (Updates were over QAM Cable CBS 5.1)

I am up to the current firmware, and I have a good clock. Last night I rescanned channels. Then I did the 963... step to Search VBI Current Channel. And this morning... nothing. I have yet to be asked to choose a lineup. I suspect there's some kind of funny business having to do with what physical (Comcast cable, no cable box) channel has the channel listings and what the DHG shows as its virtual channel.
Dave Kristol

Here's something that has worked for me when my DHG was stuck at the same point yours is (e.g. everything appears to be in order except you still have the dreaded "no data for this screen" message after multiple download sessions of lineup packets etc...). My circumstances were not exactly the same as yours but it's worth a try anyway.

Go to where you would enter the 753 code and instead, enter "123123123". It should respond with somethiing like "All channels ON". Go back to the listings page and see if there's a lineup now.

Enter the 753... diagnostic screens. Look in the uppermost left corner. The date and time displayed there is GMT. This is the time used by TVGOS. It is translated to local time using the offset value specified on the first page. If you are not getting GMT correctly, you can not get your recorder set to the correct time. If you do a reset, the clock source is Host and the clock is set to 1/1/2004 12:00 AM GMT. Your clock will be off by the difference between current GMT and 12:00. When you are getting clock data from your clock set channel, the clock source is Normal.

From the other information that you posted, it looks like your recorder has (been) reset. Without a host channel, you won't get listings (but you know that). Have you performed G* Tests on your area channels to see if any of them are carrying TVGOS data?

ImTheOne and mabuttra - this is what I got.


Ok, it is just after noon here – Houston. These pictures were taken at 12:43PM. But the face of the recorder shows 11:43PM (just before midnight 13 hours ago).

It was getting PBS analogue perfect and I could make it get FOX analogue perfect……….never been able to get CBS digital here.

Some of the information screens are starting to change but I have no idea what it means. I do know the time is wrong now, and there are no Guide Downloads.

Pictures may shed some more light? Again the time is 12:43PM Houston.

Well this would explain why mine wont update properly after a power failure two nights ago. Also in Bay Area BTW. (Updates were over QAM Cable CBS 5.1)
I'm down in San Jose. I'm seeing VBI data on the G* screen from clear QAM 5.1. However, for three days I have failed to get progress in restoring my DHG-HDD500 after Sony servicing. If I turn it on with the channel preset to 5.1 I get the time 1 hour off. I have 5.1 as the VBI channel in the 753 screen, but there is still no host channel after sitting overnight, and no listings yet.

I am in the middle of a test and waiting for my clock to set correctly. It has been almost two days and I have not received any TimezonePkts, which means no time zone element, no time zone version, and no offset (sec) from UTC. I checked my other recorder and it has not incremented TimezonePkts in more than a day of checking. Does anyone out there show an increasing count for TimezonePkts? I'd like to get information about both analog and digital hosts.

Face of the Box - I forgot - it shows the 11:43PM (wrong by 13 hours)

Is this the time zone screen you are talking about?

ImTheOne and mabuttra - this is what I got.


Ok, it is just after noon here – Houston. These pictures were taken at 12:43PM. But the face of the recorder shows 11:43PM (just before midnight 13 hours ago).

It was getting PBS analogue perfect and I could make it get FOX analogue perfect……….never been able to get CBS digital here.

Some of the information screens are starting to change but I have no idea what it means. I do know the time is wrong now, and there are no Guide Downloads.

Pictures may shed some more light? Again the time is 12:43PM Houston.

Your recorder has the wrong GMT. It looks like it went through some kind of reset. Your clock source is Host instead of Normal, which means that the time was not set from an external source since the reset occurred. Your other clock information seems to have carried over from before the reset because you have retained your time zone and UTC offset information. You have lost your clock channel and don't appear to be receiving clock data. The Section Reception-Slicing screen is consistant with a reset. It would be helpful to see the Section Reception-VBI Stats screen (2 right arrows or 1 left arrow from the Section Reception-Slicing screen). Have you tried to force a clock channel?

Samething here, Time problems, Although it is only 15 mins off at the moment. Would be nice if this would get fixed so my recording doesn't end up all screwed up.

Is this the time zone screen you are talking about?

No, the 5 screens you originally posted earlier contained most of the time information that I wanted to see. The other screen that would be helpful is the Section Reception-VBI Stats screen (see my earlier post).

Houston, at the time you took those pics GMT should have been 16:43 not 04:43. It seems to be exactly 12 hours off. The display clocks are actually "right" based on the wrong GMT. Also, when GMT is set correctly the number in the bracket [2] changes to [3].

Also, It seems that in the SF bay area channel 9 PBS analog has stopped VBI updates. Yesterday CBS 5.1 digital was still sending them but had stopped as of this morning and curiously CBS 5 analog showed packets this morning.
Yes, nothing from PBS analog beginning with the Tuesday listing (and also none from CBS 5.1 beginning then, according to at least one poster). On Tuesday I noticed, using the G* test, that CBS 5 still seemed to be broadcasting packets, so that night I used the search for a new host code on my LG3410a - where it's known to work (at least some of the time) - and I got listings on it for Wednesday, then left it as is and got today's listings.

It's the TimezonePkts value on this screen. It's not something that's easy to watch realtime. Take note of the value, then come back later to see if it has incremented.

I thought I'd chime in since I have a pic of this screen already. I'll check mine after the Arizona PAC10 game.

So far there have been no listing problems here in the L.A. area from my FOX analog host. I don't know if the PBS host has had issues. CBS digital is also fine.

I think these are the screens. I gone the rest of the day........may try a couple of things tomorrow.........out of here.

Houston, at the time you took those pics GMT should have been 16:43 not 04:43. It seems to be exactly 12 hours off. The display clocks are actually "right" based on the wrong GMT. Also, when GMT is set correctly the number in the bracket [2] changes to [3].

during the day time is is 13 hours off and in the evening it becomes 12 hours off - that is the time on the front of the Sony box. guess it has something to do with DST? vs GMT

but you are correct something is wrong.....later

It's the TimezonePkts value on this screen. It's not something that's easy to watch realtime. Take note of the value, then come back later to see if it has incremented.

I thought I'd chime in since I have a pic of this screen already. I'll check mine after the Arizona PAC10 game.

Yes, this is the screen that I am asking about. I have been checking it every several hours or so and the count for the TimezonePkts field hasn't changed in two days. I was wondering if others could monitor it for a day or so and let me know if they see the count increase. This can be easily done by checking the value and then checking it again a day later. Thanks to all who reply.

I think these are the screens. I gone the rest of the day........may try a couple of things tomorrow.........out of here.

No question, your recorder has reset. To see if you are receiving data at all, tune to a channel with TVGOS data, run the G* Test, then go to the 753... diagnostic screens and look at the TVG count on the Section ATSC-ATSC Slicing screen and also look at the counts on the Section Reception-Slicing 2 screen. If you are seeing the counts increasing in the previous two screens, then look at the Section Reception-VBI Stats screen during a channel listings download to see if the counts are increasing. This will tell you if your recorder understands and can process the data it is receiving.

Yesterday afternoon day8 was bad since analog PBS Ch8 was not sending data. So I forced my dvr500 to digital CBS Ch11.1.

The listings were correct by 5pm.

Today the 8-day listing seems to be okay.

The 'Host Channel' is blank.
The 'Failing Clock Channel' is FFFFFFFD.
The 'Clock Set Channel' is 0:31-0. [aka CBS Ch11.1]

I'm watching for anyone in the San Francisco Bay area to advise when channnel 5.1 (CBS) is sending normal TVGOS again.

One odd thing, if I do the G* test on 5.1, the first test fails for VBI. However, as soon as it says that it failed, the VBI data starts to increment. If I then do a 2nd G* test the VBI shows PASS.

(I'm dead in the water for 3 days after a Sony service factory reset.)

I once had a Sony Vaio serviced and they sent it back by FedEx 2nd day service. My DVR came back (Tuesday) from Sony in Pennsylvania by UPS ground.

Sony service was replacing my tuner cad, but the OTA sensitivity for ATSC is still poor compared to my HDTV tuner. Also, although they did not invoice for it, I can tell they replaced the hard drive(s) with a much quieter drive(s).

I have had the DHG-HDD500 since July 2008.

Yes, nothing from PBS analog beginning with the Tuesday listing (and also none from CBS 5.1 beginning then, according to at least one poster). On Tuesday I noticed, using the G* test, that CBS 5 still seemed to be broadcasting packets, so that night I used the search for a new host code on my LG3410a - where it's known to work (at least some of the time) - and I got listings on it for Wednesday, then left it as is and got today's listings.

In addition to no listings, my host channel (which was OTA 5.1 since last Nov) is now blank, I assume because my 250 has given up waiting and is going to go around searching for guide data elsewhere. My clock is still good (from cable analog 9) so I am going to wait it out and see if it finds another host.

Jim

In addition to no listings, my host channel (which was OTA 5.1 since last Nov) is now blank, I assume because my 250 has given up waiting and is going to go around searching for guide data elsewhere. My clock is still good (from cable analog 9) so I am going to wait it out and see if it finds another host.

Jim
yes my Sony's host channel (ordinarily PBS 9) has also been blank since Tuesday...now I'm curious to see whether - since it's been 3 days - it might go searching and find CBS analog, which is where I "pushed" my LG to go for listings beginning Tuesday night, and where it has stayed...I'm still surprised, given that both 9 and 5.1 are down, that 5 is still broadcasting TVGOS

hmm...so yours is picking up its clock from PBS via cable, but PBS itself isn't broadcasting TVGOS??? seem like Alice in wonderland..now that you mention it, my Sony still has the right time...maybe it stays ok (with a little drift, probably) as long as the unit doesn't reset...

The other odd thing is that, when I checked 5.1 for packets with the G* test on Tuesday, it was getting them, but there hadn't been any downloads...go figure...(This is really ironic because it was the fact the CBS analog showed vbi packets in the test that stimulated me to use the LG's search for a new host channel code to try to get it to flip over to channel 5...and it worked!)

One odd thing, if I do the G* test on 5.1, the first test fails for VBI. However, as soon as it says that it failed, the VBI data starts to increment. If I then do a 2nd G* test the VBI shows PASS.

That is normal behavior for the G* test, at least on 5.1 - happens every time I've done it...(people on this thread have usually ignored the pass/fail thing - the real issue is whether it starts counting good packets)

ORLANDO Guide Listings lost!

Similar to many of you, I lost the guide listings (TVGOS) in Orlando a few days ago. ...

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 :-)

My latest update ... I contacted Channel 6 (CBS) and they were nice enough to respond. Unfortunately, the news is not what we were hoping for ... so we wait ... :confused:

We currently have the TV Guide Data disabled. The TV Guide equipment that inserts this into our signal is not working correctly. We will return this to operation once this problem has been resolved.

I checked my other recorder and it has not incremented TimezonePkts in more than a day of checking. Does anyone out there show an increasing count for TimezonePkts? I'd like to get information about both analog and digital hosts.

Analog host in Tucson: Today, sometime during the latter half of DLID 70 or within 40 minutes following, TimeZonePkts increased by 1.

Some Other items I just happened to notice:
Zipcodepkts +4
HostSchedule +4
EPP +1
Dpp +1

...
hmm...so yours is picking up its clock from PBS via cable, but PBS itself isn't broadcasting TVGOS??? seem like Alice in wonderland...


Last year, before the PBS/CBS switch, I was getting TVGOS from OTA analog 9 (PBS). This was what my 250 picked when I first got it. (Didn't know to look for clock channel then.) After the switch (~November), when I was no longer getting guide data and heard that CBS digital should work, I "forced the digital host" using the Spiff/Frank70 procedure on 5.1, and that was working until Tuesday (except for those occasional weekend hiccups).

I get the impression the clock and TVGOS data are entirely separate, I know the clock on my old analog TV in the bedroom is set from cable analog 9, but never confirmed that cable 9 ever had (or does now have) TVGOS data or not. I guess my 250 will find it if it is there.

I saw a post from Possumgirl that all is well in L.A., so I asked folks on a different forum for a tech contact at KPIX so I could call and see if something might be hung up there (although other parts of the country seem to be experiencing the same problems also). Anyway, whatever is happening has never happened from my perspective before. :(

Still waiting
Jim

I'm watching for anyone in the San Francisco Bay area to advise when channnel 5.1 (CBS) is sending normal TVGOS again.

One odd thing, if I do the G* test on 5.1, the first test fails for VBI. However, as soon as it says that it failed, the VBI data starts to increment. If I then do a 2nd G* test the VBI shows PASS.

(I'm dead in the water for 3 days after a Sony service factory reset.)

I once had a Sony Vaio serviced and they sent it back by FedEx 2nd day service. My DVR came back (Tuesday) from Sony in Pennsylvania by UPS ground.

Sony service was replacing my tuner cad, but the OTA sensitivity for ATSC is still poor compared to my HDTV tuner. Also, although they did not invoice for it, I can tell they replaced the hard drive(s) with a much quieter drive(s).

I have had the DHG-HDD500 since July 2008.

What TVGOS software version did Sony send back in the unit?

[...]
4. To force host channel if known: (courtesy albertso) *** See update below***
“The code 963214785 (Force Host Channel) will lock the Host channel to the channel in use when activated? There is some danger in using it though. Getting away from this selected channel requires a COMPLETE hardware reset, at least it did in my case. Here is the procedure:
1). Tune to the station, either OTA or Cable that you want to set as host.
2). Go to GUIDE and use the same process that you do to get the diag screen (753...).
3). Enter 963214785. If accepted the message box below will change to "Searching Current VBI Channel." The screen should go away by itself after 5 minutes or so. Wait for it...
4). Turn off overnight and see if the guide info downloads. The 753159852 diag screen should now show the channel you set (right or wrong!!!) when you check it. If you got it right and the channel is carrying the data, the guide should start to fill.”


I don't think this information is completely reliable. Several of us, including me, have done this procedure without managing to get a Host Channel.

Dave Kristol

Yes, this is the screen that I am asking about. I have been checking it every several hours or so and the count for the TimezonePkts field hasn't changed in two days. I was wondering if others could monitor it for a day or so and let me know if they see the count increase. This can be easily done by checking the value and then checking it again a day later. Thanks to all who reply.

Look again at this link courtesy of bwall23: link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15963759)

I think you need to get the right zipcode packet before it will download a timezone packet. I get a zipcode packet once every 30 seconds (on the nose).

Mark

Do what I did and call the support line and leave a message. Ask
the nice people at TVGOS to please kindly send the data.
The number is 800-386-7380.

Look again at this link courtesy of bwall23: link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15963759)

I think you need to get the right zipcode packet before it will download a timezone packet. I get a zipcode packet once every 30 seconds (on the nose).

Mark

Since reset - 1744 zipcode packets & 0 timezone packets

I'm wondering if the digital channel is broadcasting timezone packets. When I tune the other recorder to the digital channel, the timezone packet count does not increase.

I posted earlier that PBS analog 26 stopped broadcasting TVGOS data. The recorder using channel 26 as a host channel was smart enough to recognize this and find another host channel, CBS analog 13. It reset the clock channel from digital 9.1 to analog 13 when the switch occurred.

Once the recorder switched to the new host channel, I started getting timezone packets again.

I really hoped that you were on to something and I tried it out several times. Your method of setting the clock channel doesn't work for me, but I have another method that does.

I think this has to do with how my DVR is behaving now. I don't think it even searches for a host channel on its own any more (see below). I have been noticing for over a week now that whenever I go into the 753... menu my packets are always actively counting up. You said the other day that when the download is finished it turns off the packet counting (or something like that). Mine never turns off, unless I am on a non-VBI channel. As soon as I switch back to the VBI channel, they resume counting up.


Once the clock channel was set, I tried running the 963214785 command (Search VBI Channel) for 30 seconds, exiting, and checking the host channel in the 753... screen. It was still blank. I repeated the process six times, each time waiting a little longer before exiting. On the last try I waited for the screen to exit on its own. No success on any attempt.

Either there is something different in our broadcast areas or you did something in your process that you didn't mention in your post. I forget, are you OTA or cable? That might have something to do with the difference in results.

I tried to reproduce this tonight, first when I got home from work, and then again after 9:00pm. After work I couldn't get the actual channel to show up on the G* Test screen no matter what I did. After 9:00pm I did get the channel to show up in the G* Test screen, but it was more difficult than last night. However, I never got the host channel to set in the 753 menu tonight, so that method is a bust. My host channel is now blank once again.

Another thing I discovered today, but have heard other people talking about. Is that my DVR doesn't download guide data unless it is turned on and tuned to the VBI channel. I didn't even have to run the G* Test. I just left the DVR on for about an hour and a half, and my guide filled in completely for the first time in over a week (before my last reset).

Mark

I don't think this information is completely reliable. Several of us, including me, have done this procedure without managing to get a Host Channel.

Dave Kristol

I agree. I never had it do anything from what I could tell, until last night, but even that method failed me today.

Mark

I posted earlier that PBS analog 26 stopped broadcasting TVGOS data. The recorder using channel 26 as a host channel was smart enough to recognize this and find another host channel, CBS analog 13. It reset the clock channel from digital 9.1 to analog 13 when the switch occurred.

In what time frame did the switch happen? Several hours, or several days? I thought I read somewhere that the DVR would continue trying to get data from a channel for 3 days before searching for a new host channel. Maybe that is just for getting guide data, but not clock data.

Mark

I don't think this information is completely reliable. Several of us, including me, have done this procedure without managing to get a Host Channel.

That is just what some people have used on the 3410a thread, which someone here asked me to cite. Furthermore, the 2 units ARE somewhat different, for what that is worth... Ironically, I believe that the person who first introduced the 963214785 code into the 3410a thread had found it on THIS thread and decided to give it a try...others have since used it successfully...

As you may know, there are things in THIS thread that are incorrect. For example, the description of the reset slicing data code in Spiffy's FAQS neglects to mention that this includes a complete TVGOS reset - I was dismayed to learn that the hard way; in contrast, the description from the 3410a thread describes that code correctly.

I have both of these units, and I'm trying to figure what works and what doesn't on each...I'm still trying to decide whether to try the 653214741 code (scan for new host channel) on my Sony, which has had a blank host channel for 3 days...it worked on my LG when IT stopped getting TVGOS downloads 3 days ago!

I think this has to do with how my DVR is behaving now. I don't think it even searches for a host channel on its own any more (see below). I have been noticing for over a week now that whenever I go into the 753... menu my packets are always actively counting up. You said the other day that when the download is finished it turns off the packet counting (or something like that). Mine never turns off, unless I am on a non-VBI channel. As soon as I switch back to the VBI channel, they resume counting up.

Mark

After a full TVGOS reset back to the default software version, when you download the intermediate software version and again when you download the latest software version, the counts displayed on the slicing screens stop and don't start again until you run a G* Test. Otherwise, whenever your recorder is on and tuned to a channel with TVGOS data, the counts should increase without having to run the G* Test.

In what time frame did the switch happen? Several hours, or several days? I thought I read somewhere that the DVR would continue trying to get data from a channel for 3 days before searching for a new host channel. Maybe that is just for getting guide data, but not clock data.

Mark

I checked it Tuesday night when people were posting that they weren't getting listing data for day 8. I checked it again Thursday afternoon and discovered that I didn't have data for days 7 & 8 (see earlier post). Thursday evening (tonight) I went to set the recorder to record a couple of shows and saw that the channel lineup was completely rearranged. This is a sign that the recorder has changed host channels. I checked the 753... screen and confirmed this. Rearranging the channel listings is always sooooooo much fun.:D

After a full TVGOS reset back to the default software version, when you download the intermediate software version and again when you download the latest software version, the counts displayed on the slicing screens stop and don't start again until you run a G* Test. Otherwise, whenever your recorder is on and tuned to a channel with TVGOS data, the counts should increase without having to run the G* Test.

So maybe mine isn't acting as strangely as I thought. However, the fact that mine doesn't download guide data unless it is turned on might be another clue to why mine acts different than yours.

Mark

In what time frame did the switch happen? Several hours, or several days? I thought I read somewhere that the DVR would continue trying to get data from a channel for 3 days before searching for a new host channel. Maybe that is just for getting guide data, but not clock data.

Mark

3 days exactly for me - my host is now blank.

Jim

If I'm not mistaken, the prevailing opinion here is that one of these DHG's is pretty much like the rest. That software version has no different effect.

Now I wonder.

I have one 250 with version 1.2.06 and two 500's with version 1.2.05.

For several days now, the 250 is getting data as if everything is perfect. The two 500, one side by side with the 250, are showing no ads and getting sporadic data- if at all. Next Tuesday and Thursday missing.

Host channels the same on all. VBI passes on all. Clock correct on all. All from cable.I think you may be on to something here. What TVGOS base version (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15882735) is on each unit. 08.01.42 or 08.01.44? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15986800)

No question, your recorder has reset. To see if you are receiving data at all, tune to a channel with TVGOS data, run the G* Test, then go to the 753... diagnostic screens and look at the TVG count on the Section ATSC-ATSC Slicing screen and also look at the counts on the Section Reception-Slicing 2 screen. If you are seeing the counts increasing in the previous two screens, then look at the Section Reception-VBI Stats screen during a channel listings download to see if the counts are increasing. This will tell you if your recorder understands and can process the data it is receiving.The only count that increments during the G* test if you are using a digital host is the Dummy packet count on the Slicing 2 screen; that doesn't mean it isn't working, it just means that is the only field that ever increments during normal operation. If the Dummy field on the far right (the 3rd column of numbers) isn't incrementing during G* test on a hopeful digital host, then that channel is NOT transmitting TVGOS data.

For the first time in the many years I've been checking my host channel, it is now blank and has been for 2 days of normal operation; previously it had been 3-1 (the CBS digital channel in Philly.) I still have 8 days of listings and everything is just dandy. So as reported previously here, there need be no host channel listed in the diagnostic screens for TVGOS to be working normally. Go figure!

What TVGOS software version did Sony send back in the unit?
I'm not sure which number on the 753 screens would be the version number.

This morning, after another failed night, on 5.1 I discoverred that in the data slicing screens there is an item called "DUMMY" which is incrementing. I also discoverred that our FOX channel (clear QAM 2.1) shows VBI data on the G* screen. Data slicing screens showed TX packets incrementing, but nothing under receive. The FOX channel also increments "DUMMY."

In my latest test of recovery from a full TVGOS reset in a digital-only environment, after successfully updating the software to the current version and entering the setup information, I waited for the clock to be set to the correct time. Two days I waited. The recorder had the correct GMT, but it was not receiving timezone packets from the digital VBI channel that is my intended host. As a result, the time zone element, time zone version, and offset from UTC fields were not set properly. After a day of waiting, I tuned my other recorder to the same channel, left it on, and periodically checked the TimezonePkts field. The count did not increase on either machine.

Last night I decided on a change in plan. I forced the clock channel to an analog station, tuned back to the digital station with the TVGOS data, performed a VBI Search Channel (963214785), and turned the recorder off. In the morning, the recorder had the correct time, the time-related fields mentioned above were all set properly, the host channel was 0:34-0 (which maps to CBS digital 9.1, my intended host), the clock set channel was reset to 0:9-1, I had a complete channel lineup, and I had partial listings for the full eight days.

However, the TimezonePkts count was 1. This means that the recorder got one time zone packet from the analog station, set the clock correctly, set up TVGOS correctly, but when it switched to the digital clock channel, it stopped getting time zone packets. This is BAD news.:( It means that if you can't get time zone packets, you can't recover from a reset. I'm going to monitor the count while I have a digital host channel on the recorder to see if the count increases. I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has a digital host channel and can check the TimezonePkts count periodically. Hopefully, this is isolated to my local digital CBS station and can be corrected.

> I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has a digital host channel
> and can check the TimezonePkts count periodically.

Houston,TX - digital CBS Ch11

3/12/08 5:45p TimezonePkts 38
3/13/08 8:00a TimezonePkts 54

what tvgos software version did sony send back in the unit?
08.01.42/08.05.40

If I turn it on with the channel preset to 5.1 I get the time 1 hour off.


08.01.42/08.05.40

Ah, your version is currently only 08.05.40, my theory earlier was that version 08.05.40 uses the old first weekend of April date for daylight savings time. I bet that is why your clock is an hour off. Your unit should go ahead and grab the newest patch, and then your clock will be right. I don't know why it hasn't yet though, since it usually gets that within 24 hours of getting 08.05.40. Was today the first tme you ran the G* test since you got it back? It could be when 08.05.40 got loaded it reset and the VBI data wasn't coming in. As ImTheOne pointed out, when you run the G* Test for the first time after a reset, that gets your VBI data started, and then it will continue getting the next patch.

Mark

> I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has a digital host channel
> and can check the TimezonePkts count periodically.

Houston,TX - digital CBS Ch11

3/12/08 5:45p TimezonePkts 38
3/13/08 8:00a TimezonePkts 54

I sent you PM. I think you are getting correct clock and correct full listings?So maybe you can help me unlock the magic to get my Sony box work again AND save the recordings in the box. Thanks

Ah, your version is currently only 08.05.40, my theory earlier was that version 08.05.40 uses the old first weekend of April date for daylight savings time. I bet that is why your clock is an hour off. Your unit should go ahead and grab the newest patch, and then your clock will be right. I don't know why it hasn't yet though, since it usually gets that within 24 hours of getting 08.05.40. Was today the first tme you ran the G* test since you got it back? It could be when 08.05.40 got loaded it reset and the VBI data wasn't coming in. As ImTheOne pointed out, when you run the G* Test for the first time after a reset, that gets your VBI data started, and then it will continue getting the next patch.

Mark

But since there haven't been any guide downloads for the past 4 days I doubt whether a patch will be coming any time soon either.

Jim

But since there haven't been any guide downloads for the past 4 days I doubt whether a patch will be coming any time soon either.

Jim
Ah, good to confirm that you (Jim) are still seeing the same results (nada), that I am. Thanks.

Well for whatever reason while checking the VBI data on PBS (9 & 9.1) and on CBS (5 & 5.1) in the middle of things my HDD250 said there was a hard drive error and reset to fix it. When it came back up my time was at least set correctly (it was 11 hours off.) Host Chan is blank and VBI Chan is 1:5-1. VBI populates & I have guide data up to Tues at 4am.

We will see if I get any more guide data downloads.

I guess there is little hope of my unit resetting itself to the correct guide station and start receiving TVGOS again. I like others in the Bay Area (I'm on Comcast) have been out of luck getting no guide info for about 4 days.
I have resisted learning how to get in and around the inner workings of the firmware/software...but it looks like that I will have too. I'm capable of doing it, just trying no to add any more complicatioins to my life.
Oh, and my new sony z4100 is also not receiving TVGOS....Argh!!!!

Chris
Santa Rosa, CA

As I noted earlier, in addition to my Sony - which has had no guide data beginning on Tuesday - I have an LG3410a which has normally gotten its data from PBS analog. When it, like the Sony, had no guide data on Tuesday, but the G* test on the Sony suggested there was data on CBS analog, I decided that night to try the code described in the LG thread for searching for a new host channel. On Wednesday I has fresh data on the LG, and I've had it since, and CBS 5 has been the LG's host channel since then. So now I'm trying that code on the Sony...not that I really expect it to work...

I think that Gemstar has begun screwing around in a really major way. Whereas previously it has taken down the TVGOS broadcasts for a couple of days, I'm afraid we're in for a lot of trouble until they finish figuring out whatever it is they're trying to do...

In the last 6 hours my version has upgraded and I no longer get counts for DUMMY packets. I had been 08.01.42/08.05.40 -- I am now 08.01.42/08.06.44 !

This morning I turned the DHG-HDD500 on and did a G* test on the CBS 5.1 until I could see VBI counting. I then left the DVR on.

No guide yet, but I'm thrilled.

(I was using the cable TV clear QAM for 5.1)

Do I need to reboot, like a PC, to get the new upgrade software to run?

Further testing revealed an interesting fact about the way time zone packets are received. Leaving the recorder that has 9.1 as a host channel off and turning the other recorder on and tuning it to 9.1, I observed that the TimezonePkts count increased on the recorder that uses 9.1 as a host and did not increase on the recorder receiving TVGOS data over the VBI channel. This certainly affects testing since it makes it more difficult to simulate a digital-only environment and it may or may not have an impact on recovery in a digital-only environment.

In the last 6 hours my version has upgraded and I no longer get counts for DUMMY packets. I had been 08.01.42/08.05.40 -- I am now 08.01.42/08.06.44 !

This morning I turned the DHG-HDD500 on and did a G* test on the CBS 5.1 until I could see VBI counting. I then left the DVR on.
...
Do I need to reboot, like a PC, to get the new upgrade software to run?
So you're using the G*-test/leave-unit-on method for getting listings.

My Sony G* test on 5.1 has shown packets all week, despite not getting any downloads for the last 4 days...I haven't tried the G* test method because I'd prefer the unit succeed at getting overnight (unit-off) downloads...for example, downloads from the G*-test method won't establish a host channel (which my unit is now lacking)

As to your question, I'm doubtful that a reboot is required (although maybe that accounts for the rare unexplained resets that have occurred with my unit...)

Looks like another TVGOS "screw-around weekend". No new listings today from Comcast PBS analog 94.

Interestingly, my clock channel (which seems to change randomly every few days) recently switched to a DIGITAL channel on its own. The host remains analog. I'm not sure that I've seen that before. I think previously that the clock channel was digital only after I forced a digital host.

With the above setup, I gained 301 zip code packets and 2 time zone packets since yesterday. Is there a large discrepancy in the number of these packets in different areas? Do we know that time zone information comes from TVGOS? I suppose it does, but could it find this on the clock channel instead? Just thinking out loud.

But since there haven't been any guide downloads for the past 4 days I doubt whether a patch will be coming any time soon either.

Jim

Ouch, I missed that important detail :(. On the bright side, if this isn't fixed (and if my theory is correct), Cubit100's clock should be right come April 5th ;).

Mark

FWIW
2 500's - OTA only
Used the proceedure to get the G*test to show actual digital channel (2-1)
This took multiple tries but I finally got it on each machine.
Neither showed 2-1 as host but both showed 2-1 as clock channel.

Left both machines on over night set to 2-1.

1 machine now shows 2-1 as host and clock set channel, full listings and correct time.
(First time it ever has shown as host, usually it's blank)

2nd machine still had no host showing but clock set was at 2-1, full listings a correct time.

Tried to get the second machine to show 2-1 in the G*test and it was locked and wouldn't change channels. It reset itself, did the 6 count and when I turned it back on the clock was off by about 4 mn. Did the G*test on 2-1 and clock came back in seconds.

Then I was going to try the G*test again to get the correct station to show and aaaaah, I hit the dreaded "Reset to factory default" by accident.
Rescaned the channels, Time reset to 12:00, no listings.

I will leave on 2-1 with machine on and see if it sets the clock without having to go to an analog.

Poop

Ouch, I missed that important detail :(. On the bright side, if this isn't fixed (and if my theory is correct), Cubit100's clock should be right come April 5th ;).

Mark

Mark, your theory is spot-on! :p I'm in the midst of a test and just proved it.

Then I was going to try the G*test again to get the correct station to show and aaaaah, I hit the dreaded "Reset to factory default" by accident.
Rescaned the channels, Time reset to 12:00, no listings.

I will leave on 2-1 with machine on and see if it sets the clock without having to go to an analog.

Poop

What bad luck :(. Be sure you have acquired current UTC again or you won't get a correct clock. Probably should reinput your setup ZIP code & stuff too.

Thanks, I already did that. What a pain but maybe this will help settle if the clock will come back on digital.
The guide is still at 44 and I already have ads but obviously no listings yet.
will let you know.

Lost guide data again. You know these machines are starting to become a PITA. Should a DVR be this hard to operate? I'm about to throw these out the window and get another satellite DVR. I still wish there was a way to hook these up to the internet in order to get guide data.

To all of you having host problems: Hang in there.

I force, keep the host for a while, lose it again. It happens every couple of weeks; been going on for quite a while now. My routine is just to run a G* test every week or so on the CBS digital, let it run over night, and my listings keep populating, regardless.

[...]
I have both of these units, and I'm trying to figure what works and what doesn't on each...I'm still trying to decide whether to try the 653214741 code (scan for new host channel) on my Sony, which has had a blank host channel for 3 days...it worked on my LG when IT stopped getting TVGOS downloads 3 days ago!

I'm confused. When I look for information about 653214741, it's described as a Cold Reset. That doesn't sound like something you want to do!

Dave Kristol

I guess there is little hope of my unit resetting itself to the correct guide station and start receiving TVGOS again. I like others in the Bay Area (I'm on Comcast) have been out of luck getting no guide info for about 4 days.

I'm also on Comcast, in the metro NY area, and I haven't gotten channel listings or program listings either. I wonder if it's a Comcast problem somehow.

Anyone out there on Comcast have good listings?

Dave Kristol

I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has a digital host channel and can check the TimezonePkts count periodically. Hopefully, this is isolated to my local digital CBS station and can be corrected.

I had a minor reset yesterday that wiped out all my counts but here are mine from the last 24 hours:

ZipcodePkts 305
TimezonePkts 0

That is ironic, since getting my clock set after a reset, is what I have the least trouble with.

BTW, I'm completely digital here (no analog host around any more),
Mark

Thanks, I already did that. What a pain but maybe this will help settle if the clock will come back on digital.
The guide is still at 44 and I already have ads but obviously no listings yet.
will let you know.

The clock can definitely be set from digital. Less than 1-1/2 hours after starting my test the clock was set. My software was still at 08.01.42/00.00.00, so it does not even require the SW updates to get it. Of course, it was an hour off until the SW got to 08.06.44 which proved Mark's theory.

Once I finish my test (or give up whichever occurs first :D) I'll write up what I've learned.

[...]
Last night I decided on a change in plan. I forced the clock channel to an analog station, tuned back to the digital station with the TVGOS data, performed a VBI Search Channel (963214785), and turned the recorder off. In the morning, the recorder had the correct time, the time-related fields mentioned above were all set properly, the host channel was 0:34-0 (which maps to CBS digital 9.1, my intended host), the clock set channel was reset to 0:9-1, I had a complete channel lineup, and I had partial listings for the full eight days.

However, the TimezonePkts count was 1. This means that the recorder got one time zone packet from the analog station, set the clock correctly, set up TVGOS correctly, but when it switched to the digital clock channel, it stopped getting time zone packets. This is BAD news.:( It means that if you can't get time zone packets, you can't recover from a reset. I'm going to monitor the count while I have a digital host channel on the recorder to see if the count increases. I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has a digital host channel and can check the TimezonePkts count periodically. Hopefully, this is isolated to my local digital CBS station and can be corrected.

I have opposite results from you. I have zero TimezonePkts, but I have correct time, which was set off a digital channel. However, I have yet to get a Host Channel set. I do have ZipcodePkts.

At http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-581845.html, the author said: "CHANNEL LINEUP is related to receiving "LineupPkts", "LineupSelPkt", "StationPkt". If these are NOT YET recieved all other packet types do not appear to get stored (all but "Rejected" has an increasing count in SECTION MEMORY - LISTINGS). People who could not get these packets at all should get in touch with Gemstar support to ask if they could use an alternate ZIPCODE." Well, I'm getting those packets, but I have no channel lineup.

In http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15522804&postcount=13458, mradler said code 123123123 - All Channels On - helped to get a Host Channel. I tried that code, but it did not work for me.

So, still waiting for a Host Channel to get set and for listings.

Dave Kristol

The clock can definitely be set from digital. Less than 1-1/2 hours after starting my test the clock was set. My software was still at 08.01.42/00.00.00, so it does not even require the SW updates to get it.

1-1/2 hours beats my time, I thought I was doing good when I got my front panel clock to set in less than 12 hours with only a digital host :). That was before I knew that you could run a G* test to set the 753... menu clock just minutes after the reset (it took less than 5 hours to set the 753 menu clock automatically). This was all with the DVR turned off rather than turned on running the G* Test.

Of course, it was an hour off until the SW got to 08.06.44 which proved Mark's theory.


*Thud* (Sound of Mark falling over) You mean I was right about something :eek:? I think that is a first on this board. Maybe I should leave while I'm ahead :p


Once I finish my test (or give up whichever occurs first :D) I'll write up what I've learned.


I look forward to read about what you have learned.

Mark

No,,,,,,Total BS from Comcast.

Chris
Santa Rosa, CA

At http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-581845.html, the author said: "CHANNEL LINEUP is related to receiving "LineupPkts", "LineupSelPkt", "StationPkt". If these are NOT YET recieved all other packet types do not appear to get stored (all but "Rejected" has an increasing count in SECTION MEMORY - LISTINGS). People who could not get these packets at all should get in touch with Gemstar support to ask if they could use an alternate ZIPCODE." Well, I'm getting those packets, but I have no channel lineup.

Dave Kristol

Without a host channel you can't get a channel lineup, without a channel lineup you can't get listings even though your recorder can receive and understand the downloads.

I have opposite results from you. I have zero TimezonePkts, but I have correct time, which was set off a digital channel. However, I have yet to get a Host Channel set. I do have ZipcodePkts.


Since switching over to digital, there are several fields that I have found that are zero that had data when I was using an analog host. An example of this is the data on the Reception-Slicing screen. Several fields on that screen count up when using an analog host, but using a digital host, they are all zeroes. With digital you can squeeze more information into a smaller space, so they may be doubling up the information that are in these packets, leaving packets that used to contain data blank.

Mark

Without a host channel you can't get a channel lineup, without a channel lineup you can't get listings even though your recorder can receive and understand the downloads.

I've decided that knowing whether you have a host channel or not has become more difficult with a digital host (because of the issue of the host channel being blank yet guide data is filling in). However, I believe I may be able to prove that I have a host channel even though it is blank in the 753... menu. Once again you were the one who lead me to this discovery. Today, I intentionally left my DVR tuned to a different channel than my host channel when I turned it off. When you requested that we report what our ZipcodePkts, and TimezonePkts counts were, I turned on my DVR about 7:20 this evening (with it tuned to a non-vbi channel), and went into the 753... menu, and wrote down those numbers (there were 305 ZipcodePkts). I then exited the 753 menu, and turned off the DVR. About 20 minutes ago I went and turned the DVR back on, went back to the 753... menu and checked those two fields again, and although the TimezonePkts were still 0, the ZipcodePkts were up to 469, which means that when I turned the DVR off it tuned to some channel to keep that number incrementing. So the question is, did the DVR automatically tune to my host channel when I turned it off, or does it just blindly scan channel after channel for VBI data until it finds one, which may or may not be the channel it calls the host channel?

Mark

I was losing my guide data about 4 days ago. This forum has helped me so much in the past. I came back to see others are having the same problem. I am using cablecard and outside antenna. The day I noticed I was having problems I checked to see what my host channel was showing it was local PBS 17 (OTA antenna) however I knew that my host that was passing VBI data was 4.1 (CBS digital) Went to 4.1 (digital) CBS and confirmed it is passing VBI data.

So I followed this procedure here yesterday
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15980420&postcount=14191

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15971343&postcount=14166

Set my Sony for a daily record of 1 minute on ch 4.1 to start at 12:30 am till 12:31 am (this way it will be locked on this ch when the next download starts) sure enough the next day I had all my listings, in fact it prefilled all the missing days before too, every listing was filled with data.

I think this is an awesome procedure and it confirms for me that this Sony will accept a digital channel for guide data.

My only question is do I set this for a daily record or a weekly record? I'm confused by daily and weekly what is the difference? Are they not the same, I want it daily but I also want it weekly, How do I know it will record this every single day not just Mon-Fri but weekend too. Can someone confirm who has done this manual recording in this procedure do I use daily or weekly?

Thanks again

I've decided that knowing whether you have a host channel or not has become more difficult with a digital host (because of the issue of the host channel being blank yet guide data is filling in). However, I believe I may be able to prove that I have a host channel even though it is blank in the 753... menu. Once again you were the one who lead me to this discovery. Today, I intentionally left my DVR tuned to a different channel than my host channel when I turned it off. When you requested that we report what our ZipcodePkts, and TimezonePkts counts were, I turned on my DVR about 7:20 this evening (with it tuned to a non-vbi channel), and went into the 753... menu, and wrote down those numbers (there were 305 ZipcodePkts). I then exited the 753 menu, and turned off the DVR. About 20 minutes ago I went and turned the DVR back on, went back to the 753... menu and checked those two fields again, and although the TimezonePkts were still 0, the ZipcodePkts were up to 469, which means that when I turned the DVR off it tuned to some channel to keep that number incrementing. So the question is, did the DVR automatically tune to my host channel when I turned it off, or does it just blindly scan channel after channel for VBI data until it finds one, which may or may not be the channel it calls the host channel?

Mark

Among the information that the recorder receives during setup (and updated periodically) is a download schedule. The schedule tells your recorder which message IDs are downloaded when and what channels carry them. Look in the 753... information on the Section VBI Data-VBIDLSched screens. You will see the download ID types with station IDs and download times and durations. The 3 (analog) or 4 (digital) message types repeat with the same times, but different station IDs. If your recorder hasn't set a host channel, it has a short list of providers from which to get the data.

Has anyone that has a digital 'host' channel and is receiving data via that channel get a "Pass" when doing that so called "G* test"??

[...]
My only question is do I set this for a daily record or a weekly record? I'm confused by daily and weekly what is the difference? Are they not the same, I want it daily but I also want it weekly, How do I know it will record this every single day not just Mon-Fri but weekend too. Can someone confirm who has done this manual recording in this procedure do I use daily or weekly?


"Daily" means the same time every day, seven days a week. "Weekly" means same time, same day each week. So 8PM to 9PM daily will record at that time MTuWThFSaSu. 8PM to 9PM weekly must specify a day of the week and records for an hour a week at that time and day.

Dave Kristol

Has anyone that has a digital 'host' channel and is receiving data via that channel get a "Pass" when doing that so called "G* test"??

Yes, usually. The VBI test will only fail on mine if the test finishes before the packets start counting up. Seeing the packets counting up is more important than whether the VBI Test fails or not. Also, if the packets are counting up, but the VBI Test has already failed, you can press 2 on your remote to run the VBI test again. If you don't see packets counting up on this screen, the VBI test will never pass (no VBI data is found).

Mark

I have 4 machines with no listings for 4 days. I have been doing force host
procedure for the past 3 days with no luck. No host channel no clock channel.
I called TVGOS and left messages about the problem, but don't know if that did anything.
Now last night (Fri.), I did the force host again on all and this morning I have 2 machines with 8 days of listings with ads and spotty "no title", 1 machine with
with no data for the screen but has ads, and 1 with nothing (no change):(
All have no host channel listed. However, all do list 5.1 as the clock channel.
I no longer can get VBI packets for any analog PBS channel.
Maybe TVGOS wanted to purge the analog host from everyone's system this past week?

Regards
Oh, I'm only ota

I have comcast cable from Peoria Illinois.
I have 2 250 hard drives.

#1- The first one the time was off by 15 minutes and the guide said no listing for everything. I left the cablecard in and reset the time and everything in the guide menu overnight and it still shows nothing for the time and guidemenu says no listing.

#2- The second one the time was by 15 minutes and the guide said no listing for everything. Also every channel said no signal so I had to pull the cablecard to get picture and sound. I did the same thing reseting the time and everything in the guidemenu overnight and this one brought up the time but it is still incorrect and the guide still says no listing for everything.

Now I worked at a big electronics retail chain that recently just went under (Cough Cough). So im not retarded, I read stuff about a G reset and possibly a software update. If someone could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated please thanks. Jarrod

SF-Bay Area -- I did a force host last night on 5.1, leaving the unit on, and now I have full listings again, except for NBC11.1. At least, these days, I don't record anything from NBC.

Rick

Can anyone tell me what the digital host channel would be for Comcast?
Would it still be 5.1 (like the OTA) or something else.

Going on 5 days with the clock 15min slow, and no guide data
My new sony Z4100 also has no guide data. It says it is recieiving clock data, and since it is a digital setup, I would assume it is locked onto a digital channel for the clock info. I keep hoping like the above posting, that they are just clearing out all the old analog stuff, and our units will come back to life again early next week....not holding my breath though!

Thanks
Cw

I'm trying to stay out of the the service menus....but I guess it is inevitable.

I have 2 500s and both lost listing,
I'm in Houston, I also have a 3410 no listing also.

I have tried many settings on the 1 sony for the last week and still
have no listing. I did a reset and also scan for stations and other tests.

Since I can test and play with this unit I came up with a work around
on the 2nd sony. Here is what I did.

Since the warm reset set my clock to 1/1/2004 12:00 am Thrusday,
on Wednesday night at 11:59:40 pm I did a warm reset which set the
clock to 12:00:00 am. My clock on both units does not auto change at all
so today it has 01/03/04 Saturday and correct time of day. For next weeks
recording shows like 24 I just set the record for 01/05/04 8:00 pm - 9:00pm
26-1 and weekly. This works since all I need is it to record each show at the correct time each day of the week. I created a spreadsheet of the TV shows to record for example

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

7:00pm 11-1 Cold Case 26-1 House 11-1 NCIS 11-1 Criminal Minds 11-1 Surviver 11-1 Ghost Whisperer

When I look at the recorded listings I see unknown but the day of week and time of the week are listed and I can then tell what shows I have.

example

unknown 1/3/04 Monday 8:00pm-9:00pm 26-1
1/4/04 Tuesday 7:00pm-8:00pm 11-1

The first would be 24 and the 2nd NCIS which is on the spreadsheet.

Also if any one in Houston is having luck can you please PM me so that we can work together on this problem.

Many thanks to the group
Mike

Can anyone tell me what the digital host channel would be for Comcast?
Would it still be 5.1 (like the OTA) or something else.

Going on 5 days with the clock 15min slow, and no guide data
My new sony Z4100 also has no guide data. It says it is recieiving clock data, and since it is a digital setup, I would assume it is locked onto a digital channel for the clock info. I keep hoping like the above posting, that they are just clearing out all the old analog stuff, and our units will come back to life again early next week....not holding my breath though!

Thanks
Cw

I'm trying to stay out of the the service menus....but I guess it is inevitable.

Put up an antenna and point it to KPIX and do a force host procedure for
your guide data. You can have ota and Comcrap at the same time.

bwall23: All three units are 8.1.42/8.6.44

The wackness continues. The 250 has data and ads as if everything is perfect.

The two 500 are usually getting neither ads nor data (one day an ad showed up another day some data).

Time is correct. Host is same channel.

Also - may or may not be related- in the last few days each 500 froze- one while fast forwarding- the other did not reply to remote- in neither case was anything being recorded.

Reading other posts, it is becoming more clear that something happened but it is not effecting all the units in the same way. Whatever it is, so far, my 250 is immune. Unfortunately, not so the 500's.

SF-Bay Area -- I did a force host last night on 5.1, leaving the unit on, and now I have full listings again, except for NBC11.1. At least, these days, I don't record anything from NBC.

Rick
I too left mine ON on 5.1 last night, but the auto-off feature turned it off before morning. I now have advertisements, which I did not before. I think my DVR has not yet received zipcode info. Once it does, I should get a choice of several cable systems. Still no channel listings, of course.

Great to hear you got full listings.

I may search for the disable option for auto-off.

Since I can test and play with this unit I came up with a work around
on the 2nd sony. Here is what I did.


Mike

In other words- back to the future. We may all have to set recordings the way we did with VCR's.

In other words- back to the future. We may all have to set recordings the way we did with VCR's.

Very true, and if I cannot get them to work after June 12, I'm gone to build a PC with 2 tuners SanpStream sofware and 3 Tbytes of storage, HDMI video card for about $1000. SnapStream is nice because of the internet control and you can set it to record only new shows and does not loss scheduled record settings.

But I do like the Sonys very much and they have worked for years. I hope they will again.

Question for you all, where to I see the clock setting station?

Mike

Has anyone that has a digital 'host' channel and is receiving data via that channel get a "Pass" when doing that so called "G* test"??

Yes, mine passes all of the time. Some things you should know about the G* Test: If the counts take longer than 18 seconds to start, the VBI Test will be set to FAIL even though you are receiving TVGOS data. If you press 2 any time after that, the test will restart; the VBI Test will be set to PASS; and the other two tests that originally were set to PASS will now show as FAIL. If you exit the test after VBI Test is set to FAIL and the counts start increasing, and you immediately run the G* Test again, the first three tests (including VBI Test) will almost always be set to PASS.

I may search for the disable option for auto-off.

press Menu
select the Preferences entry (6th menu item)
select the System entry (1st menu item)
select the Auto Off entry (4th menu item)
select the Off entry (second menu item)
press Exit

Also - may or may not be related- in the last few days each 500 froze- one while fast forwarding- the other did not reply to remote- in neither case was anything being recorded.



Just out of curiosity, have you tried the front panel reset - rescan channels - re-enter zip code sequence that usually corrects recorder freeze-ups?

Question for you all, where to I see the clock setting station?

Mike

Enter the 753159852 information display
....press Rec List
....press left arrow twice
....press down arrow once
....press 7, then 5, then 3, then 1, then 5, then 9, then 8, then 5, then 2
On the Section Other-Clocks 2 screen observe the Clock Set Chan
....press down arrow twice
....press right arrow once
....look at the last line, which starts with Clock Set Chan

I too left mine ON on 5.1 last night, but the auto-off feature turned it off before morning. I now have advertisements, which I did not before. I think my DVR has not yet received zipcode info. Once it does, I should get a choice of several cable systems. Still no channel listings, of course.

Great to hear you got full listings.

I may search for the disable option for auto-off.

I too see some SF area progress :D I disabled Auto-Off, and just ran the G* test on 5.1 OTA all night (not the force procedure) and got ads and sporadic listings out through next week, typical for this scenario. So it seems guide data is again flowing. Still blank host channel, will try the full force procedure this weekend. Did not look at any analog sources...

Jim

Just out of curiosity, have you tried the front panel reset - rescan channels - re-enter zip code sequence that usually corrects recorder freeze-ups?

I was forced to do the front panel reset. If freeze becomes the norm, I guess I will be forced to do the rest.

With the situation the way it is, I'm afraid to do anything that may lose me the grid. As long as there is time and a grid, as mentioned above, we can always set recordings the VCR way. Which remains better then nothing.

Thank you ImTheOne

Found it, it is ffffffffd

But doing the force to 11-1 and G* test turn on off the second unit
has the correct time, it was 20 minutes off before,
On the 1st sony that was reset
to 1/1/04 it now has the correct date and time but 1 hour late.

Still no listing but on 1st sony VBI pass and data packs counting.

I'm learning more maybe I have more hope now.

Thanks
Mike

I think my DVR has not yet received zipcode info. Once it does, I should get a choice of several cable systems.


Cubit100,

Is your clock correct now that you have version 08.06.44? I believe if your clock is correct, it means it got the zipcode info, it is now waiting to get the channel lineup. This is where my DVR got to (and Dave Kristol's too), and it never did get the lineup after several days. I finally gave up, and connected it to cable (analog CBS station) which got the channel line up in less than 12 hours. Unfortunately it appears most people may not have that option.

Mark

On the 1st sony that was reset to 1/1/04 it now has the correct date and time but 1 hour late.


After the reset your sony has to re-download two software patches. The last one (version 08.06.44) will fix your clock (the pre-08.06.44 software still thinks the DST change is in April).

Mark

Among the information that the recorder receives during setup (and updated periodically) is a download schedule. The schedule tells your recorder which message IDs are downloaded when and what channels carry them. Look in the 753... information on the Section VBI Data-VBIDLSched screens. You will see the download ID types with station IDs and download times and durations. The 3 (analog) or 4 (digital) message types repeat with the same times, but different station IDs. If your recorder hasn't set a host channel, it has a short list of providers from which to get the data.

Where did you get the info that StID stands for "Station ID"? Do you have any more info about this StID field? Does this number point to the actual source of the TVGOS data, and not just my local channel that is passing the data along? I wonder if outage problems people seem to be having recently could be traced back to a certain StID?

I only have one set of digital download StIDs in the table (I have some analog ones too, as a result of something I did last weekend). The digital StID I have is 1716. Last Tuesday I created an XL spreadsheet, that takes the GMT time in this table, and the duration time and fills in the start and stop times based on an offset (currently 5 hours for CDT). I also put the StID entry into this table. Well, I went back and looked at the table in the 753... menu this morning, and although the StID is the same as it was Tuesday, all the times have shifted 24 minutes earlier. So I assume from this that the table updates itself. I thought in the past that there was a whole history of these download schedules. I didn't think it actually updated this history.

Do you think I should have more than one group of StIDs in the table?

All that aside, here is my DVR's status. For the first time since Feb. 17th, I have had two nights of successful downloads with the DVR turned off, and operating on its own. Thursday I was concerned that the DVR was not functioning on its own, and was totally relying upon being manually tuned to a VBI channel and left on. So, Thursday evening I did a 'Reset User Configuration' in the 9012 menu. I thought this would wipe out my guide, but it didn't. It reset, and then took you through the initial setup of the unit. When it got to the TV Guide setup all my data was already there, and so were all my listings. It did throw off my clock, and the Power On field in the reset screen indicated N/A. Running the G* Test, set my clock correctly.

After this everything has been working right for 2 days. I still don't know if I have a host channel (I'm sure I do, but the host channel field is still blank), but I don't care. :cool:

Mark

After using warm reset to clear a freeze, my 250 unit reverted to standard time: The clock is one hour earlier than the current time and so is the program guide. For example, the 11pm news is scheduled for 10pm. Repeated resets have not changed this situation, and neither did the zip code trick of entering all zeros. Also tried the usual stuff with the digital CBS channel. This is my only source for guide data since PBS channel 28, my analog source of data is not putting out guide data. Channel 11 may be broadcasting guide data, but the signal is too weak to be usable. I assume the unit reverted to that channel when channel 28 signal disappeared.
Keeping the unit on all night tuned to CBS digital did not fix the problem.
Ray

I subscribe to TW in Los Angeles, but have yet to find a channel that outputs VBI data so I also use an antenna for that purpose. Does anyone know if such a channel exists, and if yes, what is the channel number?
Ray

After using warm reset to clear a freeze, my 250 unit reverted to standard time...

...Repeated resets have not changed this situation, and neither did the zip code trick of entering all zeros. Also tried the usual stuff with the digital CBS channel.


The warm reset caused your DHG to drop back to your base firmware version (that version still thinks DST doesn't happen until April), and must get the two upgrades (8.05.40 (which also doesn't know about the DST change), and 08.06.44) before your time will correct itself. Try to refrain from resetting it any more, because it probably loses any progress it has made every time you do. If it has been 24 hours since the last reset, it probably is up to version 08.05.40, and the next patch (which should download overnight) will fix it.

Mark

WOW!!,,

On the 2nd unit, the one that was 20 minutes off clock and only 2 days of listing. I have the correct clock and a full 8 days of listings.

I'm in Houston, just OTA no cable.
I did a G* and the 753159852 did show 11-1 for VBI and G* did pass.
I had it off for the last 2 hours and when I turned it on to check other settings. There was my TV listing for a full week. WOW!!

Thanks to all of you!
Mike

I have a problem with my HDD500, I can force a digital host no problem, and it works fine. However every night I have to manually change the channel to CBS or else it will reset the digital host to whatever I was watching before I shut off the unit. ie. If I was watching 24, the next morning I run the test and it will pick up FOX as my digital host and will have received no data for the night.

This unit has a cablecard in it.

Is there any fix to this? I mean I suppose I could set up a 1am recording on CBS every night but that sounds like a crappy makeshift solution.

I still do not have program listings, and I have yet to receive any ZipCodePkts. I got to thinking like an engineer (and I play one in real life), and here's a purely speculative explanation of how things work and why I've got no program listings.

I'll work backwards. Assume your DHG has program listings. How did it figure out what to display? In my area there are five possible channel listing sets. I figure a local station (host channel) must distribute a whole sh*tload of sets of listings to cover all the potential areas their signal reaches. Then somehow your DHG has to sift through them and find the right one.

Well, obviously if you're not getting any TVGOS packets, you're not going to see listings. I'm getting the packets, but not the listings. In fact, assuming the StID in (is it?) the VBI information screen is some kind of code for a set of channels, I'm picking up several sets. So the host channel must be sending this stuff out. (I'm also getting ads.)

Usually after a successful setup, I'm asked which of the five channel lineups I want. That hasn't happened yet. That must mean the DHG sees no mapping between my Zip Code and any of the sets of channel lineups. I'm assuming that that's the role of the ZipCodePkt, to tell which channel lineup (StID) goes with which Zip Code. And, if there's more than one mapping, your DHG asks you which one you want.

Okay, so where do the ZipCodePkts come from? Obviously they're localized. The host channel would want to send the packets for just the stations within its reach, although I guess TVGOS could continually send out a complete set. It's just data, and your DHG just has to see the right one. And you only have to get one once that tells your mapping. Either way, the local stations (I've got two candidates) aren't sending them or my DHG is not seeing them. Or perhaps, in my case, Comcast is blocking them.

My conclusion from all this is that all the voodoo we've been going through to try to pick up listings is for naught unless ZipCodePkts start appearing. So, are there any counterexamples out there, anyone who's getting program listings but not ZipCodePkts?

Dave Kristol

Where did you get the info that StID stands for "Station ID"? Do you have any more info about this StID field? Does this number point to the actual source of the TVGOS data, and not just my local channel that is passing the data along? I wonder if outage problems people seem to be having recently could be traced back to a certain StID?

I only have one set of digital download StIDs in the table (I have some analog ones too, as a result of something I did last weekend). The digital StID I have is 1716. Last Tuesday I created an XL spreadsheet, that takes the GMT time in this table, and the duration time and fills in the start and stop times based on an offset (currently 5 hours for CDT). I also put the StID entry into this table. Well, I went back and looked at the table in the 753... menu this morning, and although the StID is the same as it was Tuesday, all the times have shifted 24 minutes earlier. So I assume from this that the table updates itself. I thought in the past that there was a whole history of these download schedules. I didn't think it actually updated this history.

.....

Mark

I don't know if the St stands for station, but there's certainly some correlation between host channel and which DL schedule it uses. My DLSched has 6 analog groups and one digital group (StID 6482). The 6 analog scheds are identical except one that has an additional start time 3 minutes after the regular one and that is the one my units use.

The schedule is just that though....a schedule of what type data is sent at each interval. Right now it's being adjusted 6 minutes per day. Looks like that is how TVGOS adapts to DST so that after 10 days it will be transmitting at the same times it did under STD time.

On 3/11/09 I posted this message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16023284#post16023284). Today after getting two days of data successfully for the first time since Feb. 17, I went back to that message, and put this disclaimer at the top of it.

Update 3/19/2009: Since posting this message, my DVR reverted back to not downloading listings, so it wasn't the force host procedure that was causing this issue. So I have removed the disclaimer.

Mark

FWIW I've basically done nothing to my 250. Went through the no listings this week, lost my host channel, clock channel, etc. clock never changed though. Tried tuning digital VBI (with packets) and leaving it on but no updates. Tuned to old analog host and turned it off last night. This morning, full listings, still a blank host but the clock channel is now the real channel (29) for the virtual digital host KPIX 5.1. Based on what Ken H said there should be no reason to go through all the gyrations people are doing to get TVGOS to work as the average user wouldn't be able to do this anyway and Macrovision knows it. If you have a reliable TVGOS source in your area the most you should have to do is a standard setup. There's just too many variables to expect otherwise. YMMV.

I still do not have program listings, and I have yet to receive any ZipCodePkts.


I thought you were getting ZipcodePkts, just not TimezonePkts?


Okay, so where do the ZipCodePkts come from? Obviously they're localized. The host channel would want to send the packets for just the stations within its reach, although I guess TVGOS could continually send out a complete set. It's just data, and your DHG just has to see the right one. And you only have to get one once that tells your mapping.


I could be wrong, but I don't think any data comes from a local source. That would mean they would have to insert the data into the stream as it comes through. I think the TVGOS people handle all of this.


My conclusion from all this is that all the voodoo we've been going through to try to pick up listings is for naught unless ZipCodePkts start appearing. So, are there any counterexamples out there, anyone who's getting program listings but not ZipCodePkts?


I agree that the line between something being broke on their end, and something being broke on my end is very fuzzy. I have learned quite a bit reading this board, and more of it makes sense than it did before. How much it can help getting things up and running again, I'm not sure.

Mark

On 3/11/09 I posted this message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16023284#post16023284). Today after getting two days of data successfully for the first time since Feb. 17, I went back to that message, and put this disclaimer at the top of it.



I posted this based on the problems that I have had trying to get back to working in the last couple of weeks. No matter what, I always ended up having to leave the DVR on to get listings, and I believe the 'Search VBI Channel' procedure is why.

If there are enough people who respond here that they used the procedure and it fixed a problem that they were having, I'll consider removing the disclaimer (although the original message is probably out of sight, and out of mind for most people anyway, so it doesn't really matter).

Mark

The disclaimer is nonsense. I have used this command many times with no adverse effect on either of my recorders.

[QUOTE=mabuttra;16042148]After the reset your sony has to re-download two software patches. The last one (version 08.06.44) will fix your clock (the pre-08.06.44 software still thinks the DST change is in April).
QUOTE]

True
The incorrect one is 08.05.40
the correct one is 08.06.44

Thanks

I still do not have program listings, and I have yet to receive any ZipCodePkts. I got to thinking like an engineer (and I play one in real life), and here's a purely speculative explanation of how things work and why I've got no program listings.

I'll work backwards. Assume your DHG has program listings. How did it figure out what to display? In my area there are five possible channel listing sets. I figure a local station (host channel) must distribute a whole sh*tload of sets of listings to cover all the potential areas their signal reaches. Then somehow your DHG has to sift through them and find the right one.

Well, obviously if you're not getting any TVGOS packets, you're not going to see listings. I'm getting the packets, but not the listings. In fact, assuming the StID in (is it?) the VBI information screen is some kind of code for a set of channels, I'm picking up several sets. So the host channel must be sending this stuff out. (I'm also getting ads.)

Usually after a successful setup, I'm asked which of the five channel lineups I want. That hasn't happened yet. That must mean the DHG sees no mapping between my Zip Code and any of the sets of channel lineups. I'm assuming that that's the role of the ZipCodePkt, to tell which channel lineup (StID) goes with which Zip Code. And, if there's more than one mapping, your DHG asks you which one you want.

Okay, so where do the ZipCodePkts come from? Obviously they're localized. The host channel would want to send the packets for just the stations within its reach, although I guess TVGOS could continually send out a complete set. It's just data, and your DHG just has to see the right one. And you only have to get one once that tells your mapping. Either way, the local stations (I've got two candidates) aren't sending them or my DHG is not seeing them. Or perhaps, in my case, Comcast is blocking them.

My conclusion from all this is that all the voodoo we've been going through to try to pick up listings is for naught unless ZipCodePkts start appearing. So, are there any counterexamples out there, anyone who's getting program listings but not ZipCodePkts?

Dave Kristol

I have an entirely different take on the process.

IMHO:

The recorder needs to receive time zone packets in order to set the clock correctly. The recorder only processes time zone packets when it is turned off. The Timezone Element, Timezone Version, and Offset (sec) from UTC fields are set from the information contained in the time zone packets. Clock data is received over the clock set channel in GMT and is modified by the time zone data stored in the recorder to display the proper local time.

Zip Code packets are received and matched to the Zip Code entered during setup. These packets contain the schedule information for the stations in your Zip Code containing TVGOS data. For example, I have three sets of analog and one set of digital download schedules. When your recorder searches for a host channel, it looks at this short list of available stations containing TVGOS data for one that has a strong enough signal to receive data with an error rate below a specified threshold. Once the recorder selects a host channel, it only looks at that channel to get information in the future. It also creates a second set of entries for the host channel in the scheduling information that start three minutes after the originally scheduled times. I think that it uses the delayed scheduled times to bypass data at the begining of the download period. This is why the recorder can receive downloads without having a host channel set. It just looks from station to station on the short list until it finds one that has a strong enought signal receive data. If the signal also passes the error rate test it is then set as the host channel. This is also why the recorder sometimes changes host channels (and clock set channels) on its own. If the error rate on its host channel exceeds the threshold, it looks for a better source of data. Remember what happens on your television screen when your analog or digital TV signal is interrupted by a storm, or an airplane, or an atmospheric disturbance. You get a snowy, distorted, or pixelated image. Think what happens to the TVGOS data being carried by your host channel when this happens.

The above is partially based upon testing, partially based upon observation, and partially based upon speculation (I perfer to refer to it as theory). Oh, did I mention my PhD in VooDoo from the College of the Black Arts?:D

I have an entirely different take on the process.
[...]
Zip Code packets are received and matched to the Zip Code entered during setup. These packets contain the schedule information for the stations in your Zip Code containing TVGOS data.
[...]


Actually it isn't all that different. Because I'm not getting Zip Code packets, I'm getting no listings.

Dave Kristol

I have 4 machines with no listings for 4 days. I have been doing force host
procedure for the past 3 days with no luck. No host channel no clock channel.
I called TVGOS and left messages about the problem, but don't know if that did anything.
Now last night (Fri.), I did the force host again on all and this morning I have 2 machines with 8 days of listings with ads and spotty "no title", 1 machine with
with no data for the screen but has ads, and 1 with nothing (no change):(
All have no host channel listed. However, all do list 5.1 as the clock channel.
I no longer can get VBI packets for any analog PBS channel.
Maybe TVGOS wanted to purge the analog host from everyone's system this past week?

fox200: I'm curious what you (and also Rbrodzinsky) mean by the force host procedure...do you mean using the 963...code and then turn the unit off as usual? Apparently Rbrodzinsky means something else because he mentions leaving the unit on...perrhaps he's talking about using the G*test/leave-unit-on procedure....

I finally did the latter last night after waiting 4 days for the unit and/or Gemstar to straighten itself out, to no avail...despite the fact that the G* test has shown packets from 5.1 the whole time...anyway I got 5 days filled in. so my Sony is back to 8 days of listings. But still no host channel, so we'll see what happens tonight...

I don't agree with what you say about "purging" the analog broadcasts, because they didn't do it for CBS 5, for which I have continued to get packets all week - AND for which reason, with my 3410a I used its "scan for new host channel" procedure Tuesday night, and I've been getting fresh listings every day, with CBS 5 as my 3410a's current host...

Once again, I feel that Gemstar is screwing around in a way that is impossible to figure out from this end - they are one more of the grand "no info for you, you lowly consumer" corporations

... with my 3410a I used its "scan for new host channel" procedure Tuesday night, and I've been getting fresh listings every day, ...


avnstf,

Did you ever try the "scan for new host channel" code on the DHG? I thought you said you were going to try it to see what happens?

Mark

I have an entirely different take on the process.

IMHO:

The recorder needs to receive time zone packets in order to set the clock correctly.
My opinion differs slightly :) The above statement is true, but...

The recorder only processes time zone packets when it is turned off.
This is not true. At the beginning of my current "back to ground zero" test I never turned the unit off after resetting GMT and inputting my setup info. The clock was set within 1-1/2 hours. One timezone packet had been received. That was all it needed. BTW, this happened while the SW was still at 08.01.40/00.00.00

The Timezone Element, Timezone Version, and Offset (sec) from UTC fields are set from the information contained in the time zone packets. Clock data is received over the clock set channel in GMT and is modified by the time zone data stored in the recorder to display the proper local time.
The clock sets that occur after TVGOS has set its clock appear to be used only to adjust drift. That might be what you mean there.

Back on 3/3/09 I posted the following that I found on another website and I think it pretty well explains the initial process.


Before TVGOS can begin receiving program listings, it needs to determine which channels are available to you. At frequent intervals, your TVGOS host station transmits a list of zip codes in your area and their associated channel lineups. If one of the potential zip codes matches yours, TVGOS will set your clock and store your channel lineup.

If TVGOS can't find a match for your zip code, you won't be able to proceed any further. TVGOS will also not set its clock until a zip code match is found.


The source of that quote is on this website (http://home1.gte.net/res18h39/tvgos.theabsolutenuts.com/general.html).

What I still haven't figured out is if it stores a channel lineup when it first gets a zip code match, why it apparently doesn't or can't process it while the unit is on. From some of the other posters here who are now in an all-digital environment, it looks like lineups and listings do start working okay when the units are off.

Just my 2 or 3 cents. :D

fox200: I'm curious what you (and also Rbrodzinsky) mean by the force host procedure...do you mean using the 963...code and then turn the unit off as usual? Apparently Rbrodzinsky means something else because he mentions leaving the unit on...perrhaps he's talking about using the G*test/leave-unit-on procedure....

I finally did the latter last night after waiting 4 days for the unit and/or Gemstar to straighten itself out, to no avail...despite the fact that the G* test has shown packets from 5.1 the whole time...anyway I got 5 days filled in. so my Sony is back to 8 days of listings. But still no host channel, so we'll see what happens tonight...

I don't agree with what you say about "purging" the analog broadcasts, because they didn't do it for CBS 5, for which I have continued to get packets all week - AND for which reason, with my 3410a I used its "scan for new host channel" procedure Tuesday night, and I've been getting fresh listings every day, with CBS 5 as my 3410a's current host...

Once again, I feel that Gemstar is screwing around in a way that is impossible to figure out from this end - they are one more of the grand "no info for you, you lowly consumer" corporations

Yes, force procedure by turning the unit off.

Purging was just a guess/possibility.

KPIX CBS 5 does not transmit analog VBI. You must mean KPIX CBS 5.1 digital.

Gemstar has nothing to do with TVGOS as it was sold about 10 months ago.

The recorder needs to receive time zone packets in order to set the clock correctly.


Here is some related information... I just checked my unit, and somewhere between ZipcodePkt 1097 (earlier today), and ZipcodePkt 1327 (now), something happened. I now have 2 TimezonePkts. On Pkt 1097, I still had 0 TimezonePkts, and my host channel was blank, but now my host channel is 0:19-0 (the RF channel for the CBS on 12-1). Coincidence, or are TimezonePkts needed to set the host channel also?

Mark

The clock was set within 1-1/2 hours. One timezone packet had been received. That was all it needed. BTW, this happened while the SW was still at 08.01.40/00.00.00


It was Thursday night when I reset my user configuration, and it cleared all my packet counts. So why did it take 2 days for me to receive any TimezonePkts? Is this why this whole recovery process is taking so much longer on the digital side?

Mark

avnstf,
Did you ever try the "scan for new host channel" code on the DHG? I thought you said you were going to try it to see what happens?
Mark
yes, I tried it 2 for periods last night, and nothing happened when I entered the code (as expected), except that the unit reverted to the channel I had it tuned to, at which point I turned the unit off - in each case, when I checked later, the diagnostic menus showed a time at which a search was begun and when it ended (which was when I turned the unit on again).

So late last night, I did it again...this time I was a little shocked at what happened...a couple of times the screen went blank and/or there was a flash, I got the Sony welcome screen briefly (I'm not sure in what order these occurred), and finally the unit turned itself off.

After a bit I turned it on again and checked the TV Guide first...the unit thought it was already Saturday morning AND showed no listings for Saturday (whereas I HAD listings before), and (as before) still showed no listings beginning next Tuesday and thereafter.

(I don't know why there was such a big difference in behavior from one try to another... always possible I hit the wrong number button, BUT it's a hard-to-forget sequence, once you do it...)

Not knowing exactly what to do, but concerned that I had lost the right time, I then started the G* test on CBS digital (which was still showing packets), leaving the unit on...it seems to me that it picked up the right time quickly, and - as noted in a post above - by morning all 8 days of listings were filled in...

I wish the result of the code was clearer, but it wasn't...with my LG, a couple of times last month it simply showed no results, but last Tuesday night, I actually got it to change from one analog host channel to another; to be more precise, before doing it the diagnostics indicated it still had an analog host, although it was getting no listings and the Sony's G*test indicated that channel had no packets, and it found the analog host channel that was still broadcasting packets (according to the G* test)...

I mention all this, because the behavior and success of such codes MAY depend on the precise before and after states of the unit...for example, as I recall, there is a warning on one of the threads against trying the 963... force to specific host channel code if you don't already have a host channel. And the earlier times I had tried the 653...code on my LG, the host channel that I was trying to LEAVE was still broadcasting TVGOS, which may be related to the fact that it didn't find a new host channel...

Yeah, our beloved Sony DHG should work better than ever.
Why there is so much frustration and obsession on this board?! People are really making this switchover process a lot more complicated than necessary.
Actually it is literally as simple as setting a recording on DHG250/500. You see DHG goes thru four downloads a day and as long as the unit is set to the digital host right before it downloads it won't look further. If it doesn't find VBI coming in then it will scans all analog channels and report "no listings". So here is the trick: set a regular recording at 12:30am for half an hour at lowest resolution (to save space) on CBS digital station. That way DHG sees the VBI data when it comes on to download TVGOS every morning. DHG stays on the same channel you last watched or recorded. So other scheduled shows are not affected.
In 753 data page your host channel will show blanck and your VBI channel will be whatever it last tunes to. But so what? and who cares? As long as the guide data comes in every day you just sit back and enjoy the shows. Quit messing around with that thing like setting host chan, VBI search and all the rest, in the end its the TVG that matters, the other gibbrish just doesn't enter the picture.

GREAT POST - way to cut through the noise... However, why a 1/2 hour? Seems that a 1 minute DAILY scheduled recording would do if all that's needed is to make sure that the DHG is set to the correct channel for AM GUIDE DATA download, yes?

KPIX CBS 5 does not transmit analog VBI. You must mean KPIX CBS 5.1 digital.

Nope - That's what I thought until just after Thanksgiving, when my LG switched to 5...after about 3 weeks it reverted to 9 (PBS). Then, after a weekend of lost data on both my units, my LG went back to 5. (I then lost the lock on 5 when I spent a couple of nights testing whether the DTVPal was yet finding any digital TVGOS data that it could convert to an analog facsimile; I did the test by setting up the DTVPal in front of the LG in TVGOS mode, in which state all you really want out of the unit is the converted channel 5.1, output via channel 3; I then used the search for a new host channel code on the LG, but eventually the host channel it found was 9, because - aside from its channel 3 output - the Pal acts like a high-pass filter, and although there was only a very snowy channel 9 getting through, apparently there was barely enough VBI getting through for the unit to latch onto...so I ended up back on 9.

In any case, as I've noted above, Tuesday night I used the search for new host channel code (for the LG), because the my Sony G*test was showing no packets on 9, but had packets on 5 (both still being the case). So the unit switched to 5, and since I've been getting listings, with 5 analog as host channel. (The LG only gets TVGOS from analog...) So I only lost 1 day of listings during this past week on my LG, not the 4 days I lost on the Sony...

So late last night, I did it again...this time I was a little shocked at what happened...a couple of times the screen went blank and/or there was a flash, I got the Sony welcome screen briefly (I'm not sure in what order these occurred), and finally the unit turned itself off.


That is enough information for me. I don't know what happened the first time you did it, but this second one was definitely a reset. It was a minor one though. A major one would have wiped out your guide data completely, and reset your software back to the default.

Mark

This is not true. At the beginning of my current "back to ground zero" test I never turned the unit off after resetting GMT and inputting my setup info. The clock was set within 1-1/2 hours. One timezone packet had been received. That was all it needed. BTW, this happened while the SW was still at 08.01.40/00.00.00



I agree with everything except the above. Please see my post #14397 a couple of pages back. Did you check the 753... screens to confirm that Timezone Element and Timezone Version were set to 0 and Offset (sec) from UTC was some hugh negative number? If they weren't reset, you would have gotten your clock back quickly. My test showed that the recorder did not receive time zone packets while turned on.

Here is some related information... I just checked my unit, and somewhere between ZipcodePkt 1097 (earlier today), and ZipcodePkt 1327 (now), something happened. I now have 2 TimezonePkts. On Pkt 1097, I still had 0 TimezonePkts, and my host channel was blank, but now my host channel is 0:19-0 (the RF channel for the CBS on 12-1). Coincidence, or are TimezonePkts needed to set the host channel also?

Mark

I believe that you need a correct clock in order to set a host channel if you don't currently have a host channel set.

GREAT POST - way to cut through the noise... However, why a 1/2 hour? Seems that a 1 minute DAILY scheduled recording would do if all that's needed is to make sure that the DHG is set to the correct channel for AM GUIDE DATA download, yes?

You actually only need 1 min not a whole 1/2 hour and you can choose lowest quality setting doesn't matter. I set it for a daily. Ever since I followed this I have been getting guide data and even pre-filled on missing days before in 1 single download. I set mine for 12:30 am to 12:31 am for my VBI host channel. Boom, next day I was filled with listings I had been missing. Confirmed again today I'm still getting listings. This procedure works.

I mention all this, because the behavior and success of such codes MAY depend on the precise before and after states of the unit...for example, as I recall, there is a warning on one of the threads against trying the 963... force to specific host channel code if you don't already have a host channel. And the earlier times I had tried the 653...code on my LG, the host channel that I was trying to LEAVE was still broadcasting TVGOS, which may be related to the fact that it didn't find a new host channel...

I have used the 963214785 command to acquire/change a host channel many times on both of my recorders with no adverse effect. In some testing I have done this with no host channel, but most times I have done this with a good analog host channel when trying to force a digital host channel.

The disclaimer is nonsense. I have used this command many times with no adverse effect on either of my recorders.

Posting the disclaimer may not have been neccessary, but I was getting the feeling that something hasn't been right with my DHG for the last couple of weeks, and the only thing I have been doing to it are, running the G* Test, and doing the VBI Channel Search. The G* Test has been necessary to get the VBI data started when it is stopped, and setting the clock quick, but I am unclear on what if anything good the VBI Channel Search does. Then I see messages like these:

message1 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15971343#post15971), message2 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16038908#post16038908), message3 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16042888#post16042888)

These messages basically describe the same symptoms as my DHG (i.e. it doesn't seem to do anything on its own anymore, and I have to point it to the channel it is supposed to download from, or it won't do it). It was number 3 that made me write the disclaimer. Here's a guy that is happily doing the force host channel procedure regularly, and that it "works fine", and then proceeds to describe how his DHG doesn't work right... Hmmmmmm... Coincidence?

I just didn't want people to see the message that I wrote, and assume that it is something they should do, when the author (me), is now leery of doing that procedure.

Mark

You actually only need 1 min not a whole 1/2 hour and you can choose lowest quality setting doesn't matter. I set it for a daily. Ever since I followed this I have been getting guide data and even pre-filled on missing days before in 1 single download. I set mine for 12:30 am to 12:31 am for my VBI host channel. Boom, next day I was filled with listings I had been missing. Confirmed again today I'm still getting listings. This procedure works.

You can choose the lowest setting but recording will be HD quality if recording channel is in HD.

Ray

OTA is not an option for me.....I need a pretty good antenna, plus there are obstruction near by.....so, what comcast channel is the current host channel?

Thanks

Cw

I believe that you need a correct clock in order to set a host channel if you don't currently have a host channel set.
For the record my clock was set last Monday morning (maybe farther back than that even).

I think you are trying to say that if the TVGOS has not received a timezone packet, it doesn't think the clock is set, even if it is. Since it doesn't think the clock is set, it refuses to set the host channel. Once I received the timezone packet, it "set" the clock, and allowed the host channel to be set. Does that sound like what you are trying to say :)?

Mark

Posting the disclaimer may not have been neccessary, but I was getting the feeling that something hasn't been right with my DHG for the last couple of weeks, and the only thing I have been doing to it are, running the G* Test, and doing the VBI Channel Search. The G* Test has been necessary to get the VBI data started when it is stopped, and setting the clock quick, but I am unclear on what if anything good the VBI Channel Search does. Then I see messages like these:

message1 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15971343#post15971), message2 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16038908#post16038908), message3 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16042888#post16042888)

These messages basically describe the same symptoms as my DHG (i.e. it doesn't seem to do anything on its own anymore, and I have to point it to the channel it is supposed to download from, or it won't do it). It was number 3 that made me write the disclaimer. Here's a guy that is happily doing the force host channel procedure regularly, and that it "works fine", and then proceeds to describe how his DHG doesn't work right... Hmmmmmm... Coincidence?

I just didn't want people to see the message that I wrote, and assume that it is something they should do, when the author (me), is now leery of doing that procedure.

Mark

Many others going far far back in this thread have reported using this command and have not reported problems. There is no question that something strange is happening with your recorder and those of others posting here recently, but these things were already happening before people tried using this command. Because different areas of the country are in different states of transition to the digital-only environment, it should be expected that some of us will experience anomalous operation at times and that the recorders in some areas will not operate the same as those in other areas until the transition is complete. It is more likely that these problems are caused by the various TV stations experiencing problems installing and setting up the new digital equipment than it is that commands that worked previously have suddenly gone awry. Another thing to consider is the knowledge level of some of the people posting. Take comfort that you don't have to go through this alone and that there are many people on this thread who are will to help out with ideas and suggestions. Eventually, we as a group will figure out how to correct all of the problems we are currently experiencing.

OTA is not an option for me.....I need a pretty good antenna, plus there are obstruction near by.....so, what comcast channel is the current host channel?

Thanks

Cw

cwallace56,

I am nowhere near the bay area, but did you try channel 111 that Comcast suggested? If so, and there is no data there, I would try these stations:

A CBS station (analog, and digital if you can get that through comcast)
A PBS station (analog, and digital)

If neither of those work, I would try CSPAN, because sometime ago, someone on here from the USA, said they were getting TVGOS data on the channel CSPAN is on :D. And that reminds me that some people have reported also getting data on the TV Guide channel on cable (the one with the scrolling listings).

Good Luck,
Mark

For the record my clock was set last Monday morning (maybe farther back than that even).

I think you are trying to say that if the TVGOS has not received a timezone packet, it doesn't think the clock is set, even if it is. Since it doesn't think the clock is set, it refuses to set the host channel. Once I received the timezone packet, it "set" the clock, and allowed the host channel to be set. Does that sound like what you are trying to say :)?

Mark

No this is not what I am trying to say. Having a correctly set clock is a prerequisite to getting a host channel, but it is not sufficient by itself. In addition to having everything set up properly in the recorder, things like reception, signal strength, atmospheric conditions, etc. come into play. Your recorder needs to get a consistantly strong signal that has less than a certain error rate in order to select it as a host channel. Even if it doesn't set a host channel, it should still be able to locate a channel containing TVGOS data and download listings if you already have a channel lineup. And yes, you only need to get one time zone packet to set the time zone related fields in the recorder. If you happen to do a reset that doesn't clear the time zone values, you don't even need one time zone packet to set the clock correctly. This is why some people get their clock back within minutes.

I have used the 963214785 command to acquire/change a host channel many times on both of my recorders with no adverse effect. In some testing I have done this with no host channel, but most times I have done this with a good analog host channel when trying to force a digital host channel.
Just out of curiosity, are you talking about the 14 step (give or take) procedure of frank70 et al, or just punching in the code? I assume it's the longer procedure, since I haven't seen that shorter one explicitly mentioned in recent times...or maybe the longer one is specifically for shifting to a digital host?

I haven't kept track of this issue, because - other than mess-ups of the kind the SF area experienced this week - I haven't had much reason to venture into pushing my unit to a digital host (other than the two times I've use the G*-test method to get an overnight download when I've lost most or all of my 8 days of listings).

There is no question that something strange is happening with your recorder and those of others posting here recently, but these things were already happening before people tried using this command.


Well, my DVR has been working fine since the 'Reset User Configuration' I did Thursday night. It has gotten listings 2 days in a row, and picked its own host channel today, without me trying to tell it what it's host channel should be, so I'm happy :).

Mark

Given the uncertainties that remain about how the Sony will fare on its own after analog TVGOS evaporates, I wonder if those who have been working on trying to understand whether the Sony CAN make it on its own digitally feel about the fall-back position of using the DTVPal as a "helper" to keep the Sony working primarily off of a digital host.

Granted, for the most part the DTVPal option is not yet operational in most areas, but if it were working and were set up to produce a faux analog TVGOS host channel, would having that joined with an antenna signal carrying the preferred digital host permit a situation where the Sony could (it it's necessary) actually GET time packets from an analog host but get the rest from the DIGITAL channel?

I imagine the only answer to this question will come from actually trying it (if necessary) after analog TVGOS is gone, but I'm curious what those who have been working so industriously on the digital question think about it..

Cheers - Tony

(The Pal could also, presumably, be used for booting the Sony back up to current TVGOS firmware, should that be necessary from time to time, an issue that HAS been raised here before...)

...In addition to having everything set up properly in the recorder, things like reception, signal strength, atmospheric conditions, etc. come into play. Your recorder needs to get a consistantly strong signal that has less than a certain error rate in order to select it as a host channel.


You never saw the crappy analog host channel I had for years. You couldn't even watch it, because it was so weak, but it kept my guide up to date, day after day, year after year, until they turned it off January 5th. When they replaced the antenna with a brand new full power digital antenna, and fired it up Feb. 17th... nothing, I can't get them any more, the signal is too weak. I guess that proves your point though. The digital side is much more susceptible to drop outs due to weather and stuff, and you either get it, or you don't.

Mark

Just out of curiosity, are you talking about the 14 step (give or take) procedure of frank70 et al, or just punching in the code? I assume it's the longer procedure, since I haven't seen that shorter one explicitly mentioned in recent times...or maybe the longer one is specifically for shifting to a digital host?

I haven't kept track of this issue, because - other than mess-ups of the kind the SF area experienced this week - I haven't had much reason to venture into pushing my unit to a digital host (other than the two times I've use the G*-test method to get an overnight download when I've lost most or all of my 8 days of listings).

I have used Frank70's procedure to force a digital host channel. I have also written procedures of my own which use this command. I don't know if you have been following all of the posts in this thread or just the ones that apply to your situation, but I was concerned with what would happen if an OTA only recorder experienced a complete TVGOS reset (intentional or involuntary) in a digital-only environment (which is already happening in various parts of the country). My initial concern was that the default software that is loaded after a reset does not receive TVGOS data from a digital channel. Testing proved that the recorder can update to the necessary software version. The next concern was that the recorder could not find and use a digial clock channel. Testing has confirmed that most of the process necessary to get the correct clock information works, but there appears to be some unresolved issues or at least the process is far from smooth since there are people posting here with this exact problem. I published a test procedure several pages back which uses this command to simulate acquiring a host channel in digital environment (there are too many analog signals to perform the test otherwise). A couple of times I have just punched in the code to change the host channel. I have never experienced a problem with this command, however, it should be noted that just because you tune to a channel that has TVGOS data and issue the 963214785 command doesn't guarantee that the recorder will select the tuned channel as the new host channel.

OTA is not an option for me.....I need a pretty good antenna, plus there are obstruction near by.....so, what comcast channel is the current host channel?

Thanks

Cw
705 (CBS HD) is usually the digital host channel for comcast in the bay area (I'm in Berkeley). It hadn't been working for me since Tuesday, but last night I did get my whole schedule to fill with a G* from 702 (FOX HD). The analog guide info on PBS (KQED 9 - comcast 96) seems to be shut down. I'm going to try 705 tonight, to see if it's been fixed on that station too.

... The 6 analog scheds are identical except one that has an additional start time 3 minutes after the regular one and that is the one my units use.


Possumgirl,

How did you find out which download schedule your units actually use?

Mark

Did you do the G* test, then leave it on 702?

I did franks 14 steps for 705....but turned the unit off....got zero

Cw

What are the TVGOS transmit times....are they still what spiff shows in his FAQ?

Cw

As mentioned in a earlier post, I have 4 machines. 3 now have complete guide
data, ads, and clock host. However, no host channel. 1 reboot itself 2 days
ago and went to complete default settings (ground zero). Within a day, this unit had updated the guide software and has the digital clock host. It even
has ads. However, it will not obtain a channel lineup:(. No channel lineup, no
listings....right. I am trying different zip codes. PBS analog guide sources
appear to have come to an end in the Bay Area since last Tuesday.
1) Does this mean that the Sony cannot recover from a full reset without analog??
or
2) Is TVGOS revamping it's channel lineup?
or
3) Is something broke at TVGOS that is being worked on?

What are the TVGOS transmit times....are they still what spiff shows in his FAQ?

Cw

The download schedule seems to be changing. I checked the schedule in my recorders after I saw it mentioned in this thread and found the times had shifted by 18 minutes. Possumgirl posted earlier that the times are shifting about 6 minutes per night and speculated that this is to gradually shift the schedule to the same times during daylight savings time that they were originally scheduled during standard time.

Whatever is happening that is effecting some of us is not necessarily a digital issue. It's not for me.

My 250 is continuing to get perfect data from an analog host.

The two 500's using the same host are getting rare occasional data. Oddly, when some data has filled in, it seems to come from an afternoon download not overnight.

As mentioned in a earlier post, I have 4 machines. 3 now have complete guide
data, ads, and clock host. However, no host channel. 1 reboot itself 2 days
ago and went to complete default settings (ground zero). Within a day, this unit had updated the guide software and has the digital clock host. It even
has ads. However, it will not obtain a channel lineup:(. No channel lineup, no
listings....right. I am trying different zip codes. PBS analog guide sources
appear to have come to an end in the Bay Area since last Tuesday.
1) Does this mean that the Sony cannot recover from a full reset without analog??
or
2) Is TVGOS revamping it's channel lineup?
or
3) Is something broke at TVGOS that is being worked on?

Does this mean that you withdraw the I Told You So that you posted earlier?;)

Does this mean that you withdraw the I Told You So that you posted earlier?;)

AAHH......time will tell. You will be the first to know:).
I thought those earlier discussions were regarding the clock. No problems with the digital clock.

That is enough information for me. I don't know what happened the first time you did it, but this second one was definitely a reset. It was a minor one though. A major one would have wiped out your guide data completely, and reset your software back to the default.

Mark

I have also seen the behavior where some sequence of button presses (don't know what, but not any of the Setup sequences) causes the DHG to do a soft reset. I get the Welcome screen and the count up. The clock is usually still correct afterward.

Dave Kristol

AAHH......time will tell. You will be the first to know:).
I thought those earlier discussions were regarding the clock. No problems with the digital clock.

The discussions about the clock were part of a larger discussion of problems associated with recovery from a full TVGOS reset in a digital-only environment and included updating the software to the required version, setting the clock, establishing host and clock channels, getting the channel lineup, and getting the listings. Most things had already been verified at that point, but I was still having problems with testing the clock since I have to simulate a digital-only environment. I'm past that now and on to other issues.

[...]
If neither of those work, I would try CSPAN, because sometime ago, someone on here from the USA, said they were getting TVGOS data on the channel CSPAN is on :D. And that reminds me that some people have reported also getting data on the TV Guide channel on cable (the one with the scrolling listings).


I tried CSPAN and the TV Guide channel here, both analog and digital, with no luck, FWIW.

Oh, and I have now gotten both TimeZonePkts (1) and ZipCodePkts (many), but still neither channel nor program lineup. So much for yesterday's hypothesis. :(

Dave Kristol

Well since last Tuesday March 10th have been dead in the water here. It appears both PBS and FOX analogue for clock and TV Guide are gone for ever.

So on to Digital CBS: Zero progress made to date here - nada!

When I do a soft reset - no clock at all. When I turn the unit on, the clock is now about 13 hours and 20 minutes early - useless in otherwords.

On one of the "information" screens there is some (not much) text data packets coming in - but it seems very light duty to me. 99% of the other screens show zero activity.

As most of you know; one of my "Sony Support Chat" persons, said the change to Digital would take place almost seamlessly. A couple a days ago ,the next "Sony Support Chat" person "Allison" said after about 2 hours of 100% non-sense said my antenna was not connected.............so I discontinued that conversation. No results there.

Currently I have an on going "email" going on with Sony Support (I think they are hinting the box will work - but we shall see?). But during this process, at least they did post "some?" encouraging news on their web site March 1st:

http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C394713

So only time will tell if this is actually resolved for Houston; either now, or after June 12th, or never?

I am waiting to hear back from KWG here in Houston to check his progress on the same issues.

Thank You so much FCC for screwing up planet earth. Oh well life goes on.

Also, last week I sent an email to KHOU CBS to check their status on TV Guide On Screen (with clock) - I have yet to hear back from them.

The discussions about the clock were part of a larger discussion of problems associated with recovery from a full TVGOS reset in a digital-only environment and included updating the software to the required version, setting the clock, establishing host and clock channels, getting the channel lineup, and getting the listings. Most things had already been verified at that point, but I was still having problems with testing the clock since I have to simulate a digital-only environment. I'm past that now and on to other issues.
What is your opinion on receiving guide data without a host? Last week in the Bay Area we lost everything for 4 days and then everything came back without a host channel and of course the channel lineup. If you already have a channel lineup, everything is fine.

Did you do the G* test, then leave it on 702?

I did franks 14 steps for 705....but turned the unit off....got zero

Cw
Yes, I did G* on 702 then left it on overnight, and everything filled up (except for some reason no new listings on 703 - I think someone else also reported that). Last night I tried G* on 705 then turning it off, and it didn't get new listings for next Sunday. I'm going to try G* and leave it on for 705. If that doesn't work, I'll go back to 702 G* on overnight.

Just want to update that after a week my HDD250 is still receiving 8 days of guide via all digital fios, clear QAM, no cablecard. Using the guide seems snappier than it's ever been and my ads update daily (they frequently have ads in there for things airing that night...such as an ad for Saints tonight on NBC and Au Pair 3 on ABC family).

My clock set channel has remained as 1:9-1, although my host channel is now showing as 1:71-0 (not sure what that means). It's been that way for a couple days but I keep having all 8 days of listings fill in and ads update. My TimeZonePkts have gone from 1 to 4 since ImTheOne asked us to start looking a couple days ago. ZipCodePkts have gone from 2910 to 5000-something.

Well since last Tuesday March 10th have been dead in the water here. It appears both PBS and FOX analogue for clock and TV Guide are gone for ever.

So on to Digital CBS: Zero progress made to date here - nada!

When I do a soft reset - no clock at all. When I turn the unit on, the clock is now about 13 hours and 20 minutes early - useless in otherwords.

On one of the "information" screens there is some (not much) text data packets coming in - but it seems very light duty to me. 99% of the other screens show zero activity.

As most of you know; one of my "Sony Support Chat" persons, said the change to Digital would take place almost seamlessly. A couple a days ago ,the next "Sony Support Chat" person "Allison" said after about 2 hours of 100% non-sense said my antenna was not connected.............so I discontinued that conversation. No results there.

Currently I have an on going "email" going on with Sony Support (I think they are hinting the box will work - but we shall see?). But during this process, at least they did post "some?" encouraging news on their web site March 1st:

http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C394713

So only time will tell if this is actually resolved for Houston; either now, or after June 12th, or never?

I am waiting to hear back from KWG here in Houston to check his progress on the same issues.

Thank You so much FCC for screwing up planet earth. Oh well life goes on.

Also, last week I sent an email to KHOU CBS to check their status on TV Guide On Screen (with clock) - I have yet to hear back from them.

Have you been able to confirm that CBS in your area is transmitting data?
If so, do the force host procedure by turning the unit off. Check every few hours for the software update and do it again until complete. I been able to get software patches, ads, and guide data in a day. Now if you don't already have a channel lineup, you may not be able to get one until TVGOS finishes whatever it's doing to the software. Something is in transition right now and unable to get the channel lineup. If you already have the lineup, then give it a go.

What is your opinion on receiving guide data without a host? Last week in the Bay Area we lost everything for 4 days and then everything came back without a host channel and of course the channel lineup. If you already have a channel lineup, everything is fine.

I stuck my neck out with an explanation of how I think the recorder works in post 14454 a couple of pages back. I agree that if you already have a channel lineup, you can still receive and process listing updates, but if you lost your channel lineup I think that you are toast until you reacquire a host channel, which is necessary to get the channel lineup.

mabuttra; This is on a digital channel??

I stuck my neck out with an explanation of how I think the recorder works in post 14454 a couple of pages back. I agree that if you already have a channel lineup, you can still receive and process listing updates, but if you lost your channel lineup I think that you are toast until you reacquire a host channel, which is necessary to get the channel lineup.

Yes......agreed...... I've had digital host channel for months and last week, poof, all the data and no host.

OTA in metro Detroit. No schedule past Monday. No clock for several days.

Unit has picked up clock. But its about 35 hours behind real world.

via all digital fios, clear QAM, no cablecard.

I thought I had read that Verizon FIOS is not transmitting the TVGOS data.

Here too: http://digitaltransition.macrovision.com/

Also, concerning FIOS, don't you need their box or a cablecard to get the cable channels?

As mentioned in a earlier post, I have 4 machines. 3 now have complete guide
data, ads, and clock host. However, no host channel. 1 reboot itself 2 days
ago and went to complete default settings (ground zero). Within a day, this unit had updated the guide software and has the digital clock host. It even
has ads. However, it will not obtain a channel lineup:(. No channel lineup, no
listings....right. I am trying different zip codes. PBS analog guide sources
appear to have come to an end in the Bay Area since last Tuesday.
1) Does this mean that the Sony cannot recover from a full reset without analog??
or
2) Is TVGOS revamping it's channel lineup?
or
3) Is something broke at TVGOS that is being worked on?
Your reset DVR matches my current situation. I got the software update, the clock was restored to correct display, and I get the TVGOS advertisements. That is the end of progress from comcast 5.1 (CBS). Presumably the step where the DVR gets linup info for my zipcode is missing somewhere. (Last night I tried OTA 5.1, but my signal level is poor. Picture breaks up as any jet passes over. I'm near a landing flightpath.)

Next I am trying the G* leave ON process using comcast 2.1 (FOX), since the guy in Berkley says he got listings from the FOX channel. I get VBI on comcast 2.1 (FOX), but OTA 2.1 does not show VBI.

Also, I have only today disabled the auto-off option that was stopping my G* and leave on process at 1AM.

I have not yet checked the clear QAM CSPAN3 channel or the TV Guide channel for VBI.

Also, concerning FIOS, don't you need their box or a cablecard to get the cable channels?AFAIK, except for possibly a few 'in the clear stations'.

My local CBS on fios passes the VBI test. I've gone from base to the most recent firmware all via fios. When doing a channel scan without cable card, the HDD250 picks up all local channels as their OTA numbers (4.1, 7.1, 9.1) except for the Maryland PBS, WMPT. It sees this as 67.1 instead of 22.1. The scan also picks up a bunch of the audio channels and other digital non-hd channels but I turn these off in the sony's channel menu only leaving on the HD stuff.

So I'm not sure about other locations but FiOs in DC must be transmitting TVGOS for this to work. The only input I have going into the sony is from fios. I pick up their clear QAM channels.

I thought I had read that Verizon FIOS is not transmitting the TVGOS data.

Here too: http://digitaltransition.macrovision.com/

Also, concerning FIOS, don't you need their box or a cablecard to get the cable channels?

I agree with everything except the above. Please see my post #14397 a couple of pages back. Did you check the 753... screens to confirm that Timezone Element and Timezone Version were set to 0 and Offset (sec) from UTC was some hugh negative number? If they weren't reset, you would have gotten your clock back quickly. My test showed that the recorder did not receive time zone packets while turned on.

Of course I checked. After doing the reset config twice to ensure the SW was back to base version, I used the 753... screens to check everything including Clocks 1 & 2 and that all packet types were 0. I then ran G* test on my digital source being sure actual channel number displayed for both fields. Rechecked 753... to verify GMT set correctly. Input my setup ZIP and air only config. The clock on the TVGOS screens (left side of top bar) was --:--. Front panel display was frozen at 12:09AM. Left unit on and did not look at it again for 1-1/2 hours. The clock had been set correctly (albeit was displaying standard time). I don't know exactly when during that 1-1/2 hours it actually set. A look at the 753... screens verified one time zone packet had been received along with ~50 zip packets.

I can only report my experience with my unit. Obviously YMMV. :)

When doing a channel scan without cable card,

If without a cablecard I am then assuming that your trade off is that you use the Sony to only record the clear QAM channels.

Have you tested if using a cablecard- which would allow you a greater choice of recording channels- the TVGOS data is still available?

Possumgirl,

How did you find out which download schedule your units actually use?

Mark

On the VBI Info screen there are 3 fields of interest (to me :D). LastDLStart, LastClkSet and DLTimer. By observing what's in the DLStart field I can match it to a specific DL Schedule group. Analog downloads update this field, but it doesn't appear that the digital ones do even if I have the unit on at the time a digital DL starts. Some, but not all, of the analog DL starts also do a clock set. The timer field shows the next scheduled DL from either analog or digital. Because I did a "force host" after the units already had an analog host they seem to acknowledge both schedules. They only use the analog though when they are turned off.

My local CBS on fios passes the VBI test. I've gone from base to the most recent firmware all via fios. When doing a channel scan without cable card, the HDD250 picks up all local channels as their OTA numbers (4.1, 7.1, 9.1) except for the Maryland PBS, WMPT. It sees this as 67.1 instead of 22.1. The scan also picks up a bunch of the audio channels and other digital non-hd channels but I turn these off in the sony's channel menu only leaving on the HD stuff.

So I'm not sure about other locations but FiOs in DC must be transmitting TVGOS for this to work. The only input I have going into the sony is from fios. I pick up their clear QAM channels.

FYI, WMPT is broadcast over many different stations in Maryland using the same call letters and with the same content. OTA I get 22.1-3, 62.1-3, and 67.1-3. One is from Annapolis, one is from Frederick, and the other is from Baltimore (I think, I'm not home at the moment and can't verify), so 67.1 isn't actually a mistake or a remapping of 22.1.

Well, after months of reliably getting day 8 listings from FOX 11, today I found a mishmash of "no listings" and "no titles" for next Sunday. It wasn't a solid 30-minute grid though; the time periods looked right, just no program info. Fortunately, the digital downloads from 2-1 are filling it it nicely.

I haven't tested with a cablecard. I have a Tivo HD which I use with cablecards and have the sony around as a backup. Our Tivo used to frequently have problems with the Fios signal, problems that the Sony wouldn't (there are numerous Tivo/Fios threads on this over at tivocommunity). I guess I could pull a cablecard out of the tivo, put it in the sony, do a channel scan, and see if it gets VBI packets...but don't want to upset the tivo which has been working great the last few weeks. If this kind of test would really help people and it can be guaranteed to not effect the Tivo then I'd do it, though.


If without a cablecard I am then assuming that your trade off is that you use the Sony to only record the clear QAM channels.

Have you tested if using a cablecard- which would allow you a greater choice of recording channels- the TVGOS data is still available?

Of course I checked. After doing the reset config twice to ensure the SW was back to base version, I used the 753... screens to check everything including Clocks 1 & 2 and that all packet types were 0. I then ran G* test on my digital source being sure actual channel number displayed for both fields. Rechecked 753... to verify GMT set correctly. Input my setup ZIP and air only config. The clock on the TVGOS screens (left side of top bar) was --:--. Front panel display was frozen at 12:09AM. Left unit on and did not look at it again for 1-1/2 hours. The clock had been set correctly (albeit was displaying standard time). I don't know exactly when during that 1-1/2 hours it actually set. A look at the 753... screens verified one time zone packet had been received along with ~50 zip packets.

I can only report my experience with my unit. Obviously YMMV. :)

Strange. My recorders are one on top of the other, both using the same antenna. One has digital 9.1 as the host channel and was left off for a few hours, the other was left on during the same time period and tuned to digital 9.1. The recorder that was turned off (my test recorder at the moment) received time zone packets while the recorder that was left on (the recorder that I use on a daily basis and has no problems) did not receive time zone packets. I checked by observing the TimezonePkts counts before and after the test period. The "off" recorder received timezone packets over the host channel, the "on" recorder did not receive timezone packets over the VBI channel. All other test parameters were the same for both recorders.

Didn't mean to imply you weren't careful with your test. Just checking on your starting point.

My mileage did vary.:)

OTA in metro Detroit. No schedule past Monday. No clock for several days.

Unit has picked up clock. But its about 35 hours behind real world.

Same problem here, Clock is not being updated here in Detroit.

mabuttra; This is on a digital channel??

Yes, I'm digital only, although for full disclosure, I can connect my unit to cable, and get analog listings since they are converting the digital TVGOS to analog, and sending it out on analog CBS. I cheated and did that last sunday (for a few hours) to get over the apparent "can't get channel lineup" hump, I was stuck at.

Mark

Strange. My recorders are one on top of the other, both using the same antenna. One has digital 9.1 as the host channel and was left off for a few hours, the other was left on during the same time period and tuned to digital 9.1. The recorder that was turned off (my test recorder at the moment) received time zone packets while the recorder that was left on (the recorder that I use on a daily basis and has no problems) did not receive time zone packets. I checked by observing the TimezonePkts counts before and after the test period. The "off" recorder received timezone packets over the host channel, the "on" recorder did not receive timezone packets over the VBI channel. All other test parameters were the same for both recorders.
My experience over the last few days of tests and leaving the unit continuously on is that it only received one time zone packet. Sort of like that's all it needed. When I deliberately re-input my setup info trying to force it to build the channel lineup (which it didn't), was that it once again received one time zone packet even though the clock had not been reset that time.

Now my other unit that hasn't been reset since Dec. has 665 time zone packets. That unit says its host is 2-1 but I know it uses analog 11 so all those packets are likely coming in from analog downloads. Are you sure your units aren't sneaking away to an analog channel when turned off? ;)

Didn't mean to imply you weren't careful with your test. Just checking on your starting point.

My mileage did vary.:)

My background is in IT so I've 'been there done that' with application testing & debugging more than a few times. Guess that's why trying to figure out these processes intrigues me. :eek:

Yes, I did G* on 702 then left it on overnight, and everything filled up (except for some reason no new listings on 703 - I think someone else also reported that). Last night I tried G* on 705 then turning it off, and it didn't get new listings for next Sunday. I'm going to try G* and leave it on for 705. If that doesn't work, I'll go back to 702 G* on overnight.
I tried a G* this morning on 705, then left the power on for several hours, and it filled in the rest of the schedule (including 703, which wasn't filled in before). So 705(CBS-HD) and 702(FOX-HD) both seem to be giving schedule info in the bay area.

G* comcast 705, left unit on this morning....recieved partial listings for a 8 days. Will try again tonight to see if it completes.

Cw
Bay Area, CA

I have recently decided to pay for fios. I am using their unit. This means I am looking to sell my 500. If you live in an area that is receiving digital tvgos and would like to purchase my working unit, shoot me an email with an offer.

mowpower@verizon.net

What is your opinion on receiving guide data without a host? Last week in the Bay Area we lost everything for 4 days and then everything came back without a host channel and of course the channel lineup. If you already have a channel lineup, everything is fine.

My experience FYI - after no listings loaded since Tues in SF area, and then a blank host, I ran the G* test on OTA 5.1 Fri night and got partial listings.
Rather than trying to force a host decided to leave it alone last night. Voila! :) Full listings today out to next Sunday, except for NBC which shows a lot of "No Title" (not "No Listing"), mostly during primetime. My channel lineup was already established and did not change, however the host channel is still blank. My clock channel did change from cable analog 9 to OTA digital 29 (which is the physical channel for KPIX 5.1) so I suspect I am getting listings from there also. Since I am getting listings I am going to do nothing but monitor the clock and host channels for a while.

(FWIW, when I lost downloads last Tues, I noticed my host, which was always OTA 5.1, stayed that way for 3 days and then went blank, presumably because it started searching for a new host?. Anyway I would not be surprised if it took a few days for the host to re-establish while getting downloads, although I think somebody said their host was always blank?)

Jim

I stuck my neck out with an explanation of how I think the recorder works in post 14454 a couple of pages back. I agree that if you already have a channel lineup, you can still receive and process listing updates, but if you lost your channel lineup I think that you are toast until you reacquire a host channel, which is necessary to get the channel lineup.

Wait a minute......you know I gotten complete channel lineup and guide by doing the G test just a few weeks ago. And you know (ImTheOne) that their is no host channel when doing the G test. One of the drawbacks of doing this procedure. So without a host channel, you should be able to get the channel lineup. If I recall, you gotten your channel lineup and guide by trying this. Right? I know others have on this forum.

My experience FYI - after no listings loaded since Tues in SF area, and then a blank host, I ran the G* test on OTA 5.1 Fri night and got partial listings.
Rather than trying to force a host decided to leave it alone last night. Voila! :) Full listings today out to next Sunday, except for NBC which shows a lot of "No Title" (not "No Listing"), mostly during primetime. My channel lineup was already established and did not change, however the host channel is still blank. My clock channel did change from cable analog 9 to OTA digital 29 (which is the physical channel for KPIX 5.1) so I suspect I am getting listings from there also. Since I am getting listings I am going to do nothing but monitor the clock and host channels for a while.

(FWIW, when I lost downloads last Tues, I noticed my host, which was always OTA 5.1, stayed that way for 3 days and then went blank, presumably because it started searching for a new host?. Anyway I would not be surprised if it took a few days for the host to re-establish while getting downloads, although I think somebody said their host was always blank?)

Jim

Regarding your NBC 11, just use channel editor to find the other NBC 11 that works. Their is a couple of them like KNTV11, or KNTV HD, or KNTV DT.
I changed mine to one that is active now. Like I said early, I think TVGOS might be purging analog channels from their lineup....I hope.

Have you been able to confirm that CBS in your area is transmitting data?
If so, do the force host procedure by turning the unit off. Check every few hours for the software update and do it again until complete. I been able to get software patches, ads, and guide data in a day. Now if you don't already have a channel lineup, you may not be able to get one until TVGOS finishes whatever it's doing to the software. Something is in transition right now and unable to get the channel lineup. If you already have the lineup, then give it a go.

I cannot get a confirmation on CBS sending data in Houston.

I do have a channel line up left over in the Guide Listings, but they are left overs from the "analogue" from March 9th and prior. So in one or two days "all" 8 days will be "no listings".

Of course the unit still tunes and receives all stations...........just no clock and no listings (it also plays recordings left over in the box).

And the clock is just becoming even a little more "crazy".

I cannot get a confirmation on CBS sending data in Houston.

I do have a channel line up left over in the Guide Listings, but they are left overs from the "analogue" from March 9th and prior. So in one or two days "all" 8 days will be "no listings".

Of course the unit still tunes and receives all stations...........just no clock and no listings (it also plays recordings left over in the box).

And the clock is just becoming even a little more "crazy".

Email your local CBS and ask what's up if you haven't already done so.

Email your local CBS and ask what's up if you haven't already done so.

I will send them another email Monday; it's been a few days and I have not heard anything.

Between the mix of useless emails from Sony and Macrovision, I have come across this device:

http://www.macrovision.com/webdocuments/PDF/DTVpalUserGuideandManual.pdf

Read in detail pages 23-30 - this is for OTA people "only". There are three items of interest.

1. Digital Zip Codes to be used to receive TV Guide On Screen! I am trying that one now, all by itself
2. On original set select that you "do have cable" when you do not, and select Scientific America as the box.
3. Then some jibberish about channel 9 - but somehow I do not feel it applies to the Sony Box?

The thing I found the "most" interesting is what I call is the "Digital Zip Codes"

For example Houston is "00010" instead of a choice of dozens and dozens of zip codes used in the past - This makes so much more sense!

Wonder if it really works?

No listings for next Friday through Sunday. Host remains cable PBS analog 94, but the G*Test reveals TVGOS packet transmission has stopped completely (permanently?). So I ran the G*Test with the unit on overnight on cable CBS-HD, then today on CBS-HD OTA. Both show lots of packets coming in, but I still have still zero listings.

It's been three days, so the unit may search for a new host tonight. If no listings appear by tomorrow, I may do a soft reset in case something is "stuck".

This is probably part of the apparent national problem. CBS here has had frequent problems with data insertion to their Comcast feed, but this time even OTA does not seem to be sending valid data.

Between the mix of useless emails from Sony and Macrovision, I have come across this device:
http://www.macrovision.com/webdocuments/PDF/DTVpalUserGuideandManual.pdf


This is about the DTVPal that still isn't working in the TVGOS mode, which is described in the pages you mention...

Why do you call the substitute zip codes the "digital zip codes"? These are fake zip codes used in the TVGOS mode, but not the zip codes if you want to get direct digital TVGOS...The "10" in the fake zip code is just the number for your metropolitan area...

Is this new to you? Many of us - namely those with TVGOS devices that ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE analog TVGOS - have been waiting 6 months for the special digital TVGOS data that will make the TVGOS mode of the Pal operational...

You probably know all of this, but it didn't sound like you were really familiar with the Pal, based on your reaction to that document...

My experience FYI - after no listings loaded since Tues in SF area, and then a blank host, I ran the G* test on OTA 5.1 Fri night and got partial listings.
I was vastly relieved to find today that I had gotten a mostly normal download overnight, though I STILL have a blank host channel - as I have had since Tuesday, in which respect my experience differs from that of jwpottberg... I got a full set of listings for next Sunday, but the "no title" thing has appeared fairly frequently through the week...mostly on NBC and Fox.

So now we in the SF area also seem to be in this never never land of no host, but getting anyway anyway data...go figure...

One other thing, my G* test still indicates packets on CBS 5.1 AND 5, and none on PBS 9 (my usual host)...these are the same readings I have gotten all week. AND my LG3410a is still locked onto CBS 5 (analog) as host channel, as it has been since Wednesday (due, I presume, to my using the LG's scan for a new host channel code)...

I should mention again that I'm OTA only...

Another oddity (not the only one)...not only does the Sony show a blank host channel field, but the VBI download record shows NONE since 3/9/9...something I really don't understand, but I guess it means the Sony isn't counting either the Friday night multiple day downloads with the unit on after a G*test, OR last night's "normal (unit-off) download, as real, which I guess makes sense since I don't have a host channel :confused:

I cannot get a confirmation on CBS sending data in Houston.


Have you done a G* Test while tuned to your digital CBS channel? That is the easiest way to know whether your CBS station is sending TVGOS data. If you haven't then I should have mentioned it sooner, because those pictures you posted the other day of the reset screen showed the PowerOn field being N/A which means, the "VBI retrieval engine" (well that is what I call it) hasn't been started. A G* test can fix that in acouple of seconds. You might be surprised that this even sets your clock for you.

Mark

I had a set back today. This morning after 2 days of successful downloads, and even having the host channel set correctly, I got 'No Listings' for day 8. Here is some interesting info about what I discovered. I'll have to wait until tomorrow morning to see if there is any change.

After seeing the No Listings, I tuned to the host channel, and went to the 753 menu. I looked at 4 things: Host Channel, Clock Channel, ZipcodePkts, and HostChan dummy counts.

I'm sorry for the crudeness of this information, but I was too lazy to put it in a different form.

753... menu
Host Channel 0:19-0
Clock Channel 0:19-0

No packets were counting
ZipcodePkts 1693
HostChan counts 22805

Ran G* Test: Packets counting, channel reported as 1023-65533

753... menu
Host Channel 0:19-0
Clock Channel fffffffd

Packets counting, however the "HostChan" column was not incrementing, as if it lost my host channel.
ZipcodePkts also not counting up.

ZipcodePkts 1693
HostChan counts 22805

I was wondering if the invalid clock channel could affect the ZipcodePkts.

Back to G* Test. Did the, switch channel run test, switch channel run test, sequence until the VBI field indicated the actual channel number, then did the G* Test on the host channel (0:12-1 virtual, 0:19-0 RF).

753... menu
Host Channel 0:19-0
Clock Channel 0:12-1

ZipcodePkts resume counting
HostChan still not counting

ZipcodePkts 1700
HostChan counts 22805

Next test: I wanted to see if the recorder would autotune to the host channel when turned off.

Tuned to non-VBI channel

753... menu

No packets counting (good)
ZipcodePkts stopped at 1700
Host counts still stopped at 22805

Exited and turned off DVR for a couple of minutes

Turned on DVR

753... menu
Host Channel 0:19-0
Clock Channel 0:19-0

Clock channel switched back to RF channel from digital channel (ok)

ZipcodePkts 1702
HostChan counts 23066

Both packet counts incrementing


Observations:

Looks like my "VBI retrieval engine" shut down last night. I recorded SNL from 10:30 to 12:00am. Previous 2 nights I had no recordings scheduled.

The G* Test got it going again (I wonder if the "TV Guide/Exit" reset would also get it going again, since some people fix 'No Listing' problems by doing this.)

Invalid clock channel resulted in no ZipcodePkts, and no packets detected as HostChan packets.

Clock Channel and Host Channel filled in but not the same, this seemed to result in ZipcodePkts, but no HostChan packets incrementing. Which is why I did the next step:

Tuned to a non-VBI channel, and went into the 753 menu. Noted what the HostChan count was. Turned off the DVR, left it off for about a minute, and then turned it back on.

Went back to the 753 menu, and looked at the HostChan count, and it had changed, so while the DVR is off it is tuning to my real host channel, and getting data from it.

I'll see what happens in the morning.

Mark

So whats going on here, All of a sudden everyone is having problems? I had been going along just fine, I just did a tv guide reset and it once again picked up the wrong time:confused:

Hi folks,

FWIW, I'm missing day 8 (as of Sunday). Day 7 was partial. I get my downloads via OTA from PBS WFYI on channel 20 analog. This happened a week ago and things got restarted on their own with no action from me so I'm letting it ride. Last week, there were two days of No Listings before it started back up. I'm presuming there are regional or national issues going on.

Marc

On the VBI Info screen there are 3 fields of interest (to me :D). LastDLStart, LastClkSet and DLTimer. By observing what's in the DLStart field I can match it to a specific DL Schedule group. Analog downloads update this field, but it doesn't appear that the digital ones do even if I have the unit on at the time a digital DL starts. Some, but not all, of the analog DL starts also do a clock set. The timer field shows the next scheduled DL from either analog or digital. Because I did a "force host" after the units already had an analog host they seem to acknowledge both schedules. They only use the analog though when they are turned off.

Thanks Possumgirl,

LastDLStart, LastDLStop, and DLTimer were all N/A the last couple of days. Today I noticed that LastDLStart, and DLTimer both have times, but LastDLStop is N/A. BTW, I am all digital here.

Mark

With all the talk about the host channel, I am reprinting this procedure (slightly altered to be more user friendly) that was at the bottom of my log message. I believe this method can be used to tell if you have a host channel or not.

Tune to a non-VBI channel, and go into the 753 menu. Go to the 'Reception Slicing 2' screen (up twice, right once). On this screen there are 4 rows of numbers. The first row of numbers is labeled 'Dummy'. following the label are 3 columns of numbers. The first column is labeled 'SinceCold', the second column is labeled 'HostChan', and the third cloumn is labeled 'CurrChan'. Note what the Dummy line's 'HostChan' count is. Exit, and turn off the DVR, leave it off for about a minute, and then turn it back on.

Go back to the 753 menu, and back to the 'Reception Slicing 2' screen (up twice, right once). Look at the 'HostChan' count, and see if it has changed. If the count has changed, then your DVR is tuning to a real host channel when it is turned off.

Mark

Well, on Mar 6 my 250 lost the guide and clock. I have tried every procedure
listed here and still nothing. The next day I bought a new HDTV for the kitchen
and got a Motorola DCH6416 DVR from the cable co. After a week of screwing
with the Sony I pulled it from the main tv and put the Moto in. The Sony is now
hooked up in the kitchen and is going to be used for tests and experiments.
Today I formatted the HDD and got a message that an error had been fixed.
Reset to factory and setup zip and cablecard (no OTA) and turned it off.
Will wait to see what happens.

Are you sure your units aren't sneaking away to an analog channel when turned off? ;)



I'm pretty sure this was run at a time of day when there were no scheduled downloads, but its easy to run again. I try to be careful to run controlled tests so that the results are definitive.

Wait a minute......you know I gotten complete channel lineup and guide by doing the G test just a few weeks ago. And you know (ImTheOne) that their is no host channel when doing the G test. One of the drawbacks of doing this procedure. So without a host channel, you should be able to get the channel lineup. If I recall, you gotten your channel lineup and guide by trying this. Right? I know others have on this forum.

I have never been able to get a channel lineup without a host channel. I have been able to get listings without a host channel, but only when I already have a channel lineup. I don't recall anyone claiming to get a channel lineup without a host channel and only running the G* Test, but I could be wrong about that. I am OTA only, cable may be different.

Packets counting, however the "HostChan" column was not incrementing, as if it lost my host channel.
ZipcodePkts also not counting up.

ZipcodePkts 1693
HostChan counts 22805



The counts in the HostChan column should not increment while the recorder is turned on. The recorder gets data from the host channel when it is turned off and from the VBI channel when it is turned on.



I was wondering if the invalid clock channel could affect the ZipcodePkts.



No.

Still no clock or guide in Houston for over a week. I've tried so many things I have forgotten what they are, I am sure most have been the wrong thing to do.

Anyway as of today, I ran the G test for the first time (I think), and this is what I got:

As you can see, it was on the screen about 1.5 min when I took the picture. Ok, I considered that a "fail"? I have no idea.

Then I ran the G test again; it went through Flash, VBI, and ATSC test in about 5-10 seconds (not enough time to take a picture), all 3 "PASS" and then went into reset (looked like an automatic soft reset to me?) "SONY" appeared on the TV screen for 2 seconds?

Then the unit turned itself "off" and there it sits with no clock

any ideas?