The unit that I upgraded yesterday, updated the TVGOS software from 08.01.71 to 08.05.40 last night, and I expected to have to wait till tomorrow morning for it to go to 08.06.44. But it happened this afternoon while I was out. So now both sets of software are completely up to date.

The program listings still have some "No Listing" and "No Title" sprinkled around. They do extend the full eight days, through next Saturday.

Now that I've had a chance to look at the OTA channel lineup (including the disabled channels), and compare it to what I had before, I see a pattern. In both cases, the lineup contains stations from the host channel's DMA, plus the immediately adjacent DMAs in all directions.

This is especially noticeable with the help of the DMA map at
http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?request=marketmap

While I was still getting analog TVGOS, my host channel was in the Greenville SC DMA, and the lineup contained stations from Greenville, Charlotte, Columbia, Augusta, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville and Johnson City.

My digital TVGOS comes from Columbia, and the lineup contains stations from Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Savannah, Augusta, Greenville and Charlotte.

In both cases I also have the New York City and Los Angeles major network stations (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), plus a sprinkling of oddballs like WISH (Indianapolis), WISN (Milwaukee), and WISE (Fort Wayne). Maybe those three have to do with my having WIS in Columbia?

I just got finished watching Full Metal Jacket that I recorded last night. Again, I experienced NO audio dropouts over the entire movie. To be clear, my connection is component video to my 65" Mits, and digital coax to my receiver. This is two nights straight (since the new firmware) with no audio dropouts. In my experience with the HDD500's this is very unusual. And there are posts in this thread going back years that speak of the same issue.

I feel certain that between the .13 firmware and the new .21 firmware release, Sony fixed some issues that they will probably never admit existed. :D

Is anyone having problems with a "buzzing" sound while using fast forward or reverse after upgrading to 1.2.21? I didn't have this problem before the upgrade. My HDD250 is connected to a Samsung HP-S5053 Plasma TV via HDMI.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Regards.

1) Manual recordings made before the upgrade display Unknown while playing. Manual recordings made after the upgrade display No Listing. I have no grid so it may pick up the title from the grid if you have one.
2) In the Recordings section after you open Unknown (all I got, no grid remember) but before you open an individual recording, the recording entry now has Cable, Channel XXX, on the left, where before it was blank.


Regarding Item 2) . . I don't have any "Unknown" since I've had a grid and listings forever, but I noticed tonight on both old and new recordings where the Primary Title would show like CSI:NY (or whatever) and sometimes individual episodes may be unnamed and show up as a gray bar, the gray bar is now filled with Air or Cable, and the Channel Number as you pointed out. The recording date and time shows up on the right of the gray bar, as I think it always did.

8:46 clock is back and has correct time

Since the unit now has correct clock sync, gudie data should download. (sound of knocking on wood)

10:19pm correct time - now the ads are showing in grid - no listings yet. zzzzzzz

MySonyBox continues to function correctly.

When I last looked; it is still locked in to digital clock (CBS 11-1) and it says is Guide Host is analogue (PBS 8-0). As I indicated before, it could in fact be operating on a Digital Guide Host; but I do not yet currently interpret it that way.

However the “digital tickle” DL’s are filling “a lot” now (about 10-12 line items I think). It does appear it is making itself ready to change over for Digital Guide Host. I notice on one screen it said it had a cksum error (or some such) on one digital download. It also appears to me, it goes through a series of checks and balances before it changes itself to digital from analogue Guide host. Apparently, the clock was a very easy thing for it do, within about 5-6 hours after the new software install. I am going to take a guess at this point; I think about 20 more fields on the ATSC slicer page have to get filled in first; but then it should make the full transition to Digital Host. Once those boxes are checked (filled in), I think it will make the change, maybe?

I will be gone for most of tomorrow, so may not be able to check it – till Monday.

Exactly. Back when you had your problems with the "digital" data in your area, you posted a picture of the actual download schedules on your unit. I pointed out then that none of your schedules were digital schedules. Apparently Macrovision (not Sony), has corrected this on their end, and your digital host is now transmitting the correct digital download schedule.

I think if you go back a page to the actual download schedules you will see that one of your analog schedules is now converted to a digital schedule. It will have the same StID as your old analog schedule, but will not have any 180 minute downloads in it, and will have added the new 97 ID to it.

Mark

Remember there was only a "Schedule" for Downloads; but there were not actual digital downloads-those screens always remained blank (other than the "tickles" during the last two weeks while still on analogue).

StID, no the StID's have changed to what I define as the digital StIDs a different number from the analogue ID's - at least that is how it was up to the last hour. It might change tomorrow; but I do not think so, because so far all the "new" digital ID's (and are receiving digital files) are "new" ID's and not the older analogue ID's.

My interpretation is: 2687 are analogue ID's and 5319 are digital ID's. I had asked serveral questions on the ID issues before along with the Host slicing pages but just figured no one really knows for sure - no one replied.

The coming days with the new software in place will answer all those questions.

I did the upgrade and after reading a few posts I did the system check and found it was not permanent. I had done a factory reset.

What zip did you use?

29202.

Before the new Sony software appeared, I had started to experiment with Zip codes. First I tried 29201 for a couple of nights, with no channel lineup. I think it was Thursday night I changed it to 29202. Still no lineup on Friday morning, then I installed the new software at lunchtime Friday and bam! a lineup appeared. So I don't really have any idea what range of Zip codes will work.

New firmware update for Central Texas!

A day later after doing an update on one of my hdd-250's, I now have a full guide on all channels. Since I started reading & keeping up with this thread in '07, I still consider myself a novice especially with the Sony's hidden menus. I recall that someone stated that it's possible for this unit to receive TVGOS data from more than one source (or was I dreaming?)

I just might get the courage to play with the hidden menus and confirm this...www.rabbitears.info tells me that KEYE in Austin & KENS in San Antonio are providing this data.

Thanks guys for your valuable input & kudos to Sony.

My third HDD500 (the one that went from "Restore Factory Default") with the new firmware update finally has a Grid and Channel Lineup. The HostChan shows as OTA analog PBS. I feel certain that it will have listings later today. This took about 40 hours (from the Reset and Firmware update) to happen, but this DHG is on a very poor (basically uwatchable) antenna connection, as well as a cable connection that I still believe has no TVGOS data (although my Mits TV claims to be using it :confused:). Below is a link to the post with the progress of this HDD500.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16288004#post16288004

Well I'm out of ideas. I still have no data or grid. My dhg was a working unit untill I did a factory reset. I just can't recover with a digital signal. I get the ads on the left and that is all. I will call Sony next week and see if they can help.If I get nowhere than I will get rid of this junk and get a tivo. I'm so sick of getting up in the morn and hoping to see guide data.I still believe that these units will not recover from a reset in a digital envirement only. If anyone else has an idea let me know. Other wise this unit will soon be for sale on e-bay...........Stingray

Stingray -

What is your TVGOS version showing?

(08.01.71/??.??.??/00.00.00)

Has it updated at all since you did the reset?

Stingray -

What is your TVGOS version showing?

(08.01.71/??.??.??/00.00.00)

Has it updated at all since you did the reset?

It shows 8.01.71/8.06.44/000

In my area the cbs broadcast station had an equipment meltdown. After several days of recieving no or very slow data. I emailed the station and they said Macrovision was sending out new equipment. several days later I was getting good vbi. I made the mistake of doing a factory reset on one of my 250's because the 8.1.42 firmware will not load channel grid with a digital signal only. The only thing that will get that unit up will be the new firmware.

Have you talked to anyone at your station to confirm that they fixed the problem referenced above?

Looking at your older posts........... You have two DHG's, correct? Is the other one working? Is it's HostChan the CBS digital? If so, I think you probably just need to wait longer. This is new, and we don't know yet how long it takes. It took me 40 hours to get a grid (from Restore Factory Default) on one of my units, and I still have an analog host available.

just got one on the new firmware, when youall talk about dropout are you saying that audio dropsout and then comes back on its own, as in dropout implying audio comes and goes? when i have audio problems it goes and stays gone until i hit pause and then play on the remote. my audio is dolby digital to a denon 5800. now i never had the problem using the same digital cable to the denon and non-dolby digital setting on the sony dvr.

My other dhg is working fine.I haven't installed the new firmware.I contacted the cbs station and they are fine. The only thing wrong is I accendently hit the factory reset when doing the g-test 5 weeks ago. I get all the ads on left but get no data for guide. The other unit has a full 8 day listings. I'm afraid to install new firmware in the working unit . Don't need two bricks

Larry -

The dropouts that I and others (going way back) have experienced appear to be different from what you describe.

In my case the connection is Digital Coax to my receiver. This is the second receiver I've had since owning a DHG, and both exhibited the same symptom. While watching either 'live' TV or a recording via the DHG, the sound will go dead silent for a second or so. You will miss one word, or one note (if music), or one gunshot, whatever. If you backspace the recording or 'live' TV event the missing sound is actually there, it plays fine on the second pass.

This has not happened in two nights of watching after the upgrade. It would normally happen a couple of times per hour prior to the upgrade.


Stingray - You just need to be patient. Remember? Just like when we were W-A-I-T-I-N-G for the new firmware.

Have you talked to anyone at your station to confirm that they fixed the problem referenced above?

Looking at your older posts........... You have two DHG's, correct? Is the other one working? Is it's HostChan the CBS digital? If so, I think you probably just need to wait longer. This is new, and we don't know yet how long it takes. It took me 40 hours to get a grid (from Restore Factory Default) on one of my units, and I still have an analog host available.

I should be the real test to see if the dhg's recover in a digital envirement only. Here in the Ft. Myer area we have no analog . So far my results are very dissapointing. My unit never had a problem. Someone posted that maybe a vcr tape recording could recover the grid. I don't have that option anymore. If you recieve analog I suggest that you record six hours of the vbi to help recover. I'm so disgusted over this. I'm sure that I will never buy a Sony product again even though this may still be a Macrovision problem. It could be the info needed to load the grid maynot be transmitted here. As far as the cbs station they report all data that comes to them is going out. I have the station engineer email and he answers in minuets...........

Stingray - You just need to be patient. Remember? Just like when we were W-A-I-T-I-N-G for the new firmware.

Well the sun is shinning and the temps will be in the mid 80's today. Guess I will just jump in the boat and go kill some fish...........

Stingray

Is there anyone from the Lansing/Jackson Michigan area with a Sony DHG-HDD250 or DHG-HDD500? Are you still getting daily guide data updates from digital WLNS 6-1? My Sony has not been updating for the last several days and I'm wondering if the problem is with my dvr or if WLNS is having issues with the TVGOS inserter equipment at their station? I've applied the new firmware .21 but still nothing as of this morning. I've got an email into the WLNS chief engineer, but no response yet.

I have the Sony DHGHDD500, am OTA only, and have had the machine for a long time with no problems. I get my updates from Orlando and when the local PBS station quit sending the signal, I searched these forums and found out that CBS was sending the signals out, apparently on the digital station, which for me was 6.1. When I learned this I managed to follow instructions here for switching to that station for the downloads. I am now consistently getting the TVGOS, and I think my clock may have been right to begin with, but our power kicked off shortly after getting it going and now the clock is wrong. How do I correct the clock? The TVGOS is fine, all I need is a correct clock. I would have thought this would have corrected itself, but it has been a week and it is still wrong.

But remember its 8.01.71, not 8.1.71 ................. So wouldn't that make 8.06.44 newer?

I am guilty of being loose with leading zeroes. But I ask you to see post #1 of the TVGOS forum. In position 2 of the triplet, 1 means a general release, 6 is a main patch and 5 is a setup patch. The DHD seems to want that main patch (8.06.44) even after the new general release (8.01.71).

I like the TV Guiide and use it to find out information about a show or movie I may want to record. But, since I don't have a cable card, I can't use it for setting a timer. The channel selection input doesn't have a flexible manual channel ability so my NBC HD channel is displayed as 84.1401 on the DHD and 84.401 on my LST3410a. I need to be tuned to the channel to set a manual recording on any digital channel. Not a problem really since the quality of the recordings far outweigh the extra steps. My digital audio has short dropouts also. I should look into that (someday).

MySonyBox is still working 100%, Full 8 days. The following items occurred during the night.

1. The unit set itself back to analogue PBS clock (was digital CBS)

2. The digital errors noted yesterday have been eliminated-no longer there.

3. The “upcoming” download schedule that had digital in it yesterday is now 100% traditional analogue schedule seen in years gone by (reverted back).

4.The remaining “actual” digital ticklers from yesterday are reduced by half (about 4 now) and those with errors are gone. If the box remains at 100% analogue, then I expect the remaining actual digital with date and time stamp to be gone and of course replaced with the analogue within the next 12 hours.

Quick Pics:

Pic 7082 Page 2 Analogue DL "schedule" is only 2.5 page long, just like traditional analogue has been for years.

Pic 7083 Page 3 – the remaining half page-normal for analogue here.

Pic 7084 Page 1 of "actual" downloads analogue section 2387 towards the bottom, complete and accurate

Pic 7085 Page 2 of "actual" downloads remaining analogue section 2387 at the top complete and accurate.

Pic 7086 Page 3 of "actual" downloads remaining digital section 5319 – Only TWO remaining now. These screens change must faster than I expected; just 10 min ago there were FOUR here. But notice there are THREE full pages – this was up to 5 pages yesterday. It should reduce to 2.5 pages if the same progress continues.

Pic 7079 Sample of One of the blacklisted (some were complete, some had errors) digital from “yesterday”, notice page number. This is digital section 5319

I will be back tomorrow

I am guilty of being loose with leading zeroes. But I ask you to see post #1 of the TVGOS forum. In position 2 of the triplet, 1 means a general release, 6 is a main patch and 5 is a setup patch. The DHD seems to want that main patch (8.06.44) even after the new general release (8.01.71).

I like the TV Guiide and use it to find out information about a show or movie I may want to record. But, since I don't have a cable card, I can't use it for setting a timer. The channel selection input doesn't have a flexible manual channel ability so my NBC HD channel is displayed as 84.1401 on the DHD and 84.401 on my LST3410a. I need to be tuned to the channel to set a manual recording on any digital channel. Not a problem really since the quality of the recordings far outweigh the extra steps. My digital audio has short dropouts also. I should look into that (someday).

Joe -

Yes, I had seen that post before. But I guess I still believe that 8.06.44 is newer, and Sony must have decided that 8.01.71 is sufficient to get these units up and running with digital only, although WE haven't proven that yet unless I missed something. I believe it will happen for Stingray if he is patient enough.

In any case, I think we all agree that 08.01.71/08.06.44/00.00.00 is newer (more up to date) than 08.01.71/00.00.00/00.00.00, right?

As far as your recording issue, I'm just curious if you've tried it again since the new firmware upgrade (with fingers crossed)? :D

Program listings are appearing on my HDD500 (the one that went from ground up after "Restore Factory Default" and firmware upgrade). Below is a link to the post with the progress of this HDD500. Again, I have both analog and digital TVGOS in my area via OTA. This DHG is apparently choosing to use analog for both clock and TVGOS (possibly due to poor antenna and bad digital reception).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...4#post16288004

12:15pm - Full analog schedule listings thru day 8, Clock set channel has switched back over to OTA CBS digitial.

From yesterday evening:

The unit that I upgraded yesterday, updated the TVGOS software from 08.01.71 to 08.05.40 last night, and I expected to have to wait till tomorrow morning for it to go to 08.06.44. But it happened this afternoon while I was out. So now both sets of software are completely up to date.

The program listings still have some "No Listing" and "No Title" sprinkled around. They do extend the full eight days, through next Saturday.

The following morning, the listings have now filled in completely, or almost so. I didn't page through the entire program guide, just spot-checked it through next Sunday.

So, two days after the firmware upgrade, my TVGOS seems to be working properly from WLTX-DT (19.x) in Columbia SC, except for one little thing: the "Host Chan" field in the 753159852 diagnostic screens is still blank. I don't know what this means.

Sorry JT, but it's so hard to remember "who is what" . . . Are you digital only, OTA only? And did you start from a Restore Factory Defaults?

I'm OTA only, and there are no analog TVGOS host stations in my viewing range (the last one stopped sending TVGOS data a couple of weeks ago). Several days before applying the Sony firmware upgrade, I did a TV Guide "Reset to Factory Default" from the 9012 menus (not the "Restore Factory Default" which completely re-initializes the Sony including erasing the disk). After that, I had the proper clock setting and advertisements from WLTX-DT, but no channel grid until I did the firmware upgrade.

At the time I did the upgrade on Friday, I did not do another reset. It puzzled me that the channel grid appeared immediately after I did the upgrade. I've been wondering if the Sony had already downloaded the channel lineup sometime after I did the previous reset, but simply wasn't displaying it for some reason.

I think I'll do another TV Guide reset tonight and see what happens when it starts from scratch with the new firmware.

Bay Area Update (post upgrade): I have listings through next Sunday night, except no Saturday listings (full grid, though). I show Host channel as analog 9, VBI channel as 5.1, clock channel as 9, failing clock channel as 5.1. Ads have returned.

NY DMA OTA

Two unit both updated. Had to re-organize the grids in the TVGOS guide. Most of the program listings are good...a few "no data" for one station, but I'm pretty sure it's them as other programs on that station are listed.

Unit changes channels faster, both the HDMI unit and the one using RGB cables for output. There appear to be less "hangs" and as one other person posted, you can now go three or so channels quickly as the unit does not need to tune every one in sequence.

Things appear to be working here in NYC - area. Again, OTA only (Dish for others-my local cable company is a huge ripoff with overcompressed HDTV a way of life)

1) Manual recordings made before the upgrade display Unknown while playing. Manual recordings made after the upgrade display No Listing. I have no grid so it may pick up the title from the grid if you have one.
2) In the Recordings section after you open Unknown (all I got, no grid remember) but before you open an individual recording, the recording entry now has Cable, Channel XXX, on the left, where before it was blank..

Before the upgrade, manual recordings would sometimes be titled 'Unknown' at first (for several hours - not sure how long) and then mysteriously get named with show name including episode information - like it got filled in after the fact. My wife & I seen this many times - it threw us off guard.

Haven't done any manual recordings since the upgrade.

My OTA box with 14201 Buffalo zip code continues to sit with "There is no data for this screen" and an empty 753... host channel. Normally when the analog host was still around, it would be acquired within a few hours, if outside of prime time, and would definitely be acquired if left off overnight. It was left off last night and nada. (Yesterday I had entered the 00000 zip code to refresh before entering 14201 a couple of hours later.)

This despite the fact my main box with local zip code & Toronto host continues to get updates on a secondary basis from the digital Buffalo station (using the multiple host trick) - so I know that digital TVGOS is operating OK.

Will try 14202 zip code.

Well I'm out of ideas. I still have no data or grid. My dhg was a working unit untill I did a factory reset.

With nothing to lose, why not do a full format factory reset again.

If from scratch -again- nothing good happens- and your other is working as it should- then maybe something is bad with this one and, if it's worth it to you, a tip to Sony's repair shop may be warranted.

If it's defective you may have unpleasant issues if you do sell it on e-bay.

Stringray, I think we have the same situation. I live in Lincoln, NE and the only station that is broadcasting VBI is local CBS digital station (10.1). I have two 250 units. I did a reset on 1 unit three months ago, and it has been a brick since - It can do the TVGOS update sequence and I get ads, but I can't get a grid or a clock. Interesting enough, my other unit continues to work just fine and populates the listings just fine via the digital CBS station. Now, I put the firmware update on the "brick" unit, and it "took" just fine, but I still can't get a clock or listings. It seems weird to me that the Sony that I didn't previously reset works fine getting listings via the digital CBS station (without the firmware update), but the other Sony still doesn't work even after the firmware update. BTW, I'm OTA only.

No to get too far OT, but a 500 just sold for $770 on e-bay.

To repeat for all the ones who never look at previous posts:1. As stated, it doesn't matter what the drive is named,
2. There are four files, three are 1kb in size and the 4th is 19MB,
3. The actual file transfer from USB drive to recorder took around 20 seconds,
4. The whole flash proceess took 2 minutes and 15 seconds,
5. After "Writing dissappears, "Complete" flashes briefly, but no "Welcome" per instructions,
6. Base version showing now in the TVGOS diagonstic menu is 8.01.71. (I don't remember what it was before the flash),
7. Clock got set to 1201pm (it was 930am here) and the UTC offset was some odd number.
8. No guide before and no guide after (of couse since nothing was there in the first place),
9. No recordings were deleted and the tuner's channel list remained in tact (not the TVGOS channel lineup, but the recorders channel memory),
10. This is a TVGOS bug fix (of sorts), not a feature or user interface upgrade. IOW's AFAIK, there are no new features or looks to any of the menus (at least, so far).

Question is, for those who had a guide before from their analog host, is a TVGOS reset necessary?? Will the system automatically drop the current analog host and look at the digital host instead?? :confused:

Stay tuned.

5. After "Writing dissappears, "Complete" flashes briefly, but no "Welcome" per instructions,

Question is, for those who had a guide before from their analog host, is a TVGOS reset necessary?? Will the system automatically drop the current analog host and look at the digital host instead??

Per item 5, I saw "Welcome" appear on each of my three units when I did the upgrade. And on the unit that I upgraded twice I saw "Welcome" twice ;)

All three HDD500's had full listings before, from an analog Host. All three have full listings now and are using the analog host, even the one that had a "Restore Factory Defaults" performed. Actually, that unit doesn't have "full" listings yet, but is still in the process of aquiring full listings. :)

Stringray, I think we have the same situation. I live in Lincoln, NE and the only station that is broadcasting VBI is local CBS digital station (10.1). I have two 250 units. I did a reset on 1 unit three months ago, and it has been a brick since - It can do the TVGOS update sequence and I get ads, but I can't get a grid or a clock. Interesting enough, my other unit continues to work just fine and populates the listings just fine via the digital CBS station. Now, I put the firmware update on the "brick" unit, and it "took" just fine, but I still can't get a clock or listings. It seems weird to me that the Sony that I didn't previously reset works fine getting listings via the digital CBS station (without the firmware update), but the other Sony still doesn't work even after the firmware update. BTW, I'm OTA only.

I know you have probably already done this, but did you double check the zip code you entered on that unit? Last week I reset my DVR, and connected it to an analog host. 24 hours later I still didn't have a clock, and thought that was unusual, so I double checked the set up, and discovered I had entered a zip code of 572xx instead of 672xx. Another possibility is that TVGOS isn't sending out timezone packets for your zip code, and you need to change your zip code to another one in your area. Your working unit could care less about timezone packets since it received one a long time ago (probably from an analog host), and that is all it needed.

Mark

Stringray,
I have 4 DHG's in south Sarasota that I have been useing WINK 11.1 for my data . Saturday I did a 00000 zip reset , off a few min. then back on and re-enter zip code and off for 8hr. or so . Then it had ch. grid and listings . So just keep trying . Also if you have a friend in Venice area Comcast has analog data on ch. 5 and 10 .

FWIW
2 500's - OTA only

Updated one of the 500's with no problems, time came back in 10 seconds, no lost listings, host showed blank, clock set showed 3-0.
Now.. Host and clock set went back to analog 0-2?
Everything else is still ok.

2nd 500, no update, host shows 3-0 (Digital CBS), clockset is using 0-2, everything is still up to date.

It seems like even with the SW update, to aid in Digital TVGOS conversion, the unit still prefers analog input.
I know CBS 2-1 is putting out good VBI data from the G*test on my 500 that's not been updated and is using 3-0 as host.

10:19pm correct time - now the ads are showing in grid - no listings yet. zzzzzzz

How long did it take for your unit to get the right time? I did a Restore to Factory Default yesterday (almost 24 hrs ago) then loaded the firmware update.
I verified that the unit took the version .21, but so far no clock info on the front panel, just --:--.

If you watch TV on the unit and press Rec on the remote it has the date of 01/01/04?, when I do the 753159852 command I see TV 8.0171/8.05.40 (not in any specific order ) under the heading Ads, day is 01/01/04, but further down the page I have TX Pkt Time of 4/19/09 and it is incrementing. Failing clock chan is 0.60.0 clock set chan is 0.2.1.,

There is a lot of data that is incrementing on this page which tells me something is happening, I just want to know if there is any short cuts to having the clock set. I think way back, there was a suggestion that a soft reset was necessary to get the time. Prior to doing the Restore to Factory Default I tried these before and in both instances the clock appeared but with the wrong time. Any suggestion?

Now.. Host and clock set went back to analog 0-2?

It seems like even with the SW update, to aid in Digital TVGOS conversion, the unit still prefers analog input. I know CBS 2-1 is putting out good VBI data from the G*test on my 500 that's not been updated and is using 3-0 as host.

It seems that from my experience with three units and also HoustonPerson's experience with his, the clock does change back to analog after a while. BUT, one of mine changed from analog to digital clock today all by itself. Why? I dunno.

I'm wondering if the analog/digital preference is handled not by Sony, but by Macrovision. Maybe when Macrovision is good and ready, version 8.06.44 will update to something new. And the preference will change to digital? Maybe this will happen when "Analog Freezes Over"??? :D

How long did it take for your unit to get the right time? I did a Restore to Factory Default yesterday (almost 24 hrs ago) then loaded the firmware update.
I verified that the unit took the version .21, but so far no clock info on the front panel, just --:--.


EdwinC -

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16288004#post16288004

it seems that if it is recieving packets and those packets do not seem to register some change in the unit then the unit is not accepting packets maybe due to some setup issue, and the only setup param i can think might be important in determining what packets the unit will accept (vs ignore/reject) is the zip code.

In Northern Virginia with Cox - 2 500s - only cable without cablecard (cable ready - no STB). Updated one to new firmware with no problems. Clock is correct, all 8 days of listings filled in. 753.. showing CBS analog 39 as host channel and clock set channel. Left the other unit alone without update. The one that was not updated still shows host as
PBS analog 26 and clock set channel as CBS analog 39. Evereything fine with both units.

There is a lot of data that is incrementing on this page which tells me something is happening, I just want to know if there is any short cuts to having the clock set. I think way back, there was a suggestion that a soft reset was necessary to get the time. Prior to doing the Restore to Factory Default I tried these before and in both instances the clock appeared but with the wrong time. Any suggestion?

Whenever I have had incorrect time, either due to unplugging or random times when the clock is off, I just tune to my host channel and run the G* test. The clock will usually set within a minute or two of starting the G* test. Note: During the G* test, you can press the '2' key on the remote and it will restart the G* test.

Just the other day my clock was off by about 50 minutes. Any shows scheduled to record would start recording at the wrong time and the box would freeze until the recording finished. I ran the G* test on my host channel which updated the time and corrected the problem with the DVR freezing during recordings.

How long did it take for your unit to get the right time? I did a Restore to Factory Default yesterday (almost 24 hrs ago) then loaded the firmware update. I verified that the unit took the version .21, but so far no clock info on the front panel, just --:--.

The worst case senerio for losing the clock is I believe, having it set too far off for new clock info to pass the sanity check. The unit then spends some time believing that it is receiving data "from tape." Check 753... up two, right two. If you have time stamps in TotFrTape and LastFrTape, there you are. My experience has been that this lasts just under three hours, before it decides that maybe it should pay attention. After that, it may need a bump or two from a G* test to get the displays to match the internal time (the ones that look ok in time stamps when the DHG displays no time or seems to be counting from 12:00).

My bad. Too tired. Still waiting for grids.

1) Manual recordings made before the upgrade display Unknown while playing. Manual recordings made after the upgrade display No Listing. I have no grid so it may pick up the title from the grid if you have one.
2) In the Recordings section after you open Unknown (all I got, no grid remember) but before you open an individual recording, the recording entry now has Cable, Channel XXX, on the left, where before it was blank.

Not much, but different.

subako,
Have you got your grid yet after doing the firmware upgrade?

How long did it take for your unit to get the right time? I did a Restore to Factory Default yesterday (almost 24 hrs ago) then loaded the firmware update.
I verified that the unit took the version .21, but so far no clock info on the front panel, just --:--.

If you watch TV on the unit and press Rec on the remote it has the date of 01/01/04?, when I do the 753159852 command I see TV 8.0171/8.05.40 (not in any specific order ) under the heading Ads, day is 01/01/04, but further down the page I have TX Pkt Time of 4/19/09 and it is incrementing. Failing clock chan is 0.60.0 clock set chan is 0.2.1.,

There is a lot of data that is incrementing on this page which tells me something is happening, I just want to know if there is any short cuts to having the clock set. I think way back, there was a suggestion that a soft reset was necessary to get the time. Prior to doing the Restore to Factory Default I tried these before and in both instances the clock appeared but with the wrong time. Any suggestion?

I got a bit confused as to what date you're seeing where, but you need to look at the 753 pages in the top left corner at the UTC date/time. Is it current? If it isn't, you're never going to get the clock set correctly until UTC is right. If it isn't current, do a G* test. That usually gets it set.

Also, RF 60 is virtual 2-1, so your unit is seeing KCBS-HD.

An OTA status report from Chicago, FWIW...

First of all, I agree with those who express appreciation to Sony for producing this update. I also agree, however, with those who point out that (A) they should have had it ready months ago, and (B) they should have actually let people know about it—at the very least, by updating customer service scripts so that reps could tell people something was coming. Sony's left hand clearly didn't know what the right hand was doing.

So: how does it work?

Mixed bag. I downloaded and installed it on Friday, following the instructions, with no problems whatsoever (aside from the extra "Welcome"). It corrected the clock much more quickly than before, updated the version numbers (1.2.21 from .06; 8.01.71 from .42), lost the ads to the left of the Guide, and stopped incrementing packets on the G* test, just as others have reported. I've turned the "auto off" feature back on, and left it tuned to 2.1 (local CBS digital) each night.

But it doesn't seem to have solved all the problems. My HDD-250 has spontaneously reset itself at least three times over the last two days (and probably other times I haven't witnessed), once in the middle of watching a program. The 753... stat screen still shows a blank for Host Channel, and the ATSC slicer screen shows packets incrementing under the "CurrChan" column, but not the "HostChan" column.

As of this afternoon (Sunday) ads are back, and I have my channel grid (which I never lost) with fairly complete listings for days 1-4, very partial listings (nothing for prime-time from the networks!) for days 5 and 8, and no listings whatever for days 6 and 7.

(And meantime, my girlfriend is grumbling that I've become obsessed with keeping this thing working.)

Has anybody in this neck of the woods had better results?

subako,
Have you got your grid yet after doing the firmware upgrade?

Not yet, but I may be watching the pot a bit too closely and tried too many things to hurry it along. Patience is not a strong point. :o

Next to try is TVGOS reset coming back to only cable. I'm seeing VBI on a couple of Analog VHF stations near here in Seattle and my UHF only antenna, which worked great when Comcast had no TVGOS channels [fixed now] and I still had a grid, doesn't pull in channels 4 or 13 any too well.

An OTA status report from Chicago, FWIW...

Has anybody in this neck of the woods had better results?

I'm cablecard and having no problems. Previous to the update, my host was CBS-HD 189 (although the DL schedule was all analog). After the update, the host went blank and later reverted to Comcast 94 --- CBS analog.

I never lost the 8.06.44 patch. As others report, the G*Test shows no packets from a digital host channel. (I wonder if the G*Test-leave-it-on emergency procedure will still get a quick 8 days of guide?)

A note to Comcast users: The diagnostic screen shows no packets coming in on 189, but does on OTA 2.1. It's likely that the CBS fiber feed to Comcast is AGAIN missing TVGOS data. This has happened many times over the last few months. Comcast has no way of checking except manually, so they usually don't bother unless someone complains. I think it's time to report CBS's repeated Comcast feed problems to Macrovision.

Stringray,
I have 4 DHG's in south Sarasota that I have been useing WINK 11.1 for my data . Saturday I did a 00000 zip reset , off a few min. then back on and re-enter zip code and off for 8hr. or so . Then it had ch. grid and listings . So just keep trying . Also if you have a friend in Venice area Comcast has analog data on ch. 5 and 10 .

Norm,
Thanks for the info. I also get the vbi from wink 11.1. I don't have cable even though I live three miles from the headend in Cape Haze. I tried the 00000 reset zip this morn and have yet turned on the dhg. Are you OTA? I really don't know anyone in Venice with cable. I may be a fact that with a digital only source it takes days for the grid to fill. I think the grid has over 400 channels if I recall...........Time will tell Sony should have released more info on this . At laest what to expect on getting back the grid.

Still hanging on
Stingray

(And meantime, my girlfriend is grumbling that I've become obsessed with keeping this thing working.)Just keep reminding her of the alternatives. ;)

I'm in your market, but I'm not planning on doing the update until I have to. I'm getting the analog guide from WBBM analog OTA most of the time (host channel was blank again when I checked last night - but still had full listings).

Besides, until or if WBBM-DT (CBS) ever moves from 3 to VHF-hi 12, I can't get them too well, anyway.

HELP ! ! I can't get the firmware update from Sony on my Sandick micro 2gb to work. I have Vista and did the format 32 for usb drive but can't get it to copy sony file to usb! or should I copy each individual files (4) to usb? Maybe I'm doing something wrong in the copy process. The Sony support page says that once usb inserted on back of dvr the tv screen should say welcome and start the update process. but nothing happens. This forum has always been helpful so please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............ The 753... stat screen still shows a blank for Host Channel, and the ATSC slicer screen shows packets incrementing under the "CurrChan" column, but not the "HostChan" column..................


I believe that the HostChan column will only show numbers if the unit is actually using a digital host. I looked at my Mits TV that has Version 9.1.56 of TVGOS and it seems to confirm that thought. The Mits appears to be currently using a digital HostChan (1:12-0) and there is a large number as the last entry in the HostChan column. Also, I've noticed that the numbers in the CurrChan column increment on the Mits just like they do on the ATSC-Slicer screen on the Sony.

Hello

I've installed the firmware update (.21), but I still do not have the tv guide grid or listings. I have been waiting for 3 days to see a change, but nothing has happenened yet. Is there a procedure that can be done in order to get my DHG-HDD250 working with a digital transmition. My clock displays the correct time and I do not have an analog transmition station anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

HELP ! ! I can't get the firmware update from Sony on my Sandick micro 2gb to work. I have Vista and did the format 32 for usb drive but can't get it to copy sony file to usb! or should I copy each individual files (4) to usb? Maybe I'm doing something wrong in the copy process. The Sony support page says that once usb inserted on back of dvr the tv screen should say welcome and start the update process. but nothing happens. This forum has always been helpful so please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Someone else had a problem with a Vista formatted USB drive IIRC. Search this thread for Vista for the past three days.

I got a bit confused as to what date you're seeing where, but you need to look at the 753 pages in the top left corner at the UTC date/time. Is it current? If it isn't, you're never going to get the clock set correctly until UTC is right. If it isn't current, do a G* test. That usually gets it set.

Also, RF 60 is virtual 2-1, so your unit is seeing KCBS-HD.

Just had a look but I can find anything that had UTC. The top left corner has todays date 4/19/2009 but the time is off it had 21:14(3) which I would guess indicates 9:14pm, local time when I looked at it was 2:14 LA time. I will try doing the G test but it did not work the last time. It used to work prior to loading the .21 firmware update. By the way I changed the zip code to 90012 waiting to see if this will speed things up. When you go to a different page where it has ADs the date are all 1/01/04. I did find a UTC, but it had the label Offset sec from UTC which was -167166529. I wonder what that means. There are a lot of activity on the ATSC slicer page I just don't know how to read these.

Hello

I've installed the firmware update (.21), but I still do not have the tv guide grid or listings. I have been waiting for 3 days to see a change, but nothing has happenened yet. Is there a procedure that can be done in order to get my DHG-HDD250 working with a digital transmition. My clock displays the correct time and I do not have an analog transmition station anymore. Any help would be appreciated.

People here are gonna need more information in order to try to help you. OTA? Cable? CableCard? City where you live?

People here are gonna need more information in order to try to help you. OTA? Cable? CableCard? City where you live?
I live near Detroit. Channel 62.1 is the CBS station that's transmitting the tvgos and it's OTA. I do not use cable.

HELP ! ! I can't get the firmware update from Sony on my Sandick micro 2gb to work. I have Vista and did the format 32 for usb drive but can't get it to copy sony file to usb! or should I copy each individual files (4) to usb? Maybe I'm doing something wrong in the copy process. The Sony support page says that once usb inserted on back of dvr the tv screen should say welcome and start the update process. but nothing happens. This forum has always been helpful so please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I don't know if this will help, I tried to load the update twice unsuccessfully. In this forum I read that if you unplug your unit for about 5 minutes, plug it back in again wait until the unit finishes resetting. Power back on then insert the USB it should work, worked for me. Good Luck.

Hi Stringray,
I have 3 units at my house that are over the air only in Sarasota and 1 at a friend's house in venice . There are 460 listing "slots" in the grid . I do have 2 VHS tapes that I used to restore the grid on one of my DHGs two weeks ago after it reset by it self and removed the "grid" . After Fridays update from Sony, on purpose I reset another DHG useing the 00000 zip which removed the "grid" . That unit had no trouble building a new grid. But of course I had to assign proper channel numbers and turn off ones I did not need .

Just had a look but I can find anything that had UTC. The top left corner has todays date 4/19/2009 but the time is off it had 21:14(3) which I would guess indicates 9:14pm, local time when I looked at it was 2:14 LA time. I will try doing the G test but it did not work the last time. It used to work prior to loading the .21 firmware update. By the way I changed the zip code to 90012 waiting to see if this will speed things up. When you go to a different page where it has ADs the date are all 1/01/04. I did find a UTC, but it had the label Offset sec from UTC which was -167166529. I wonder what that means. There are a lot of activity on the ATSC slicer page I just don't know how to read these.

Your UTC (GMT) is correct. 21:14 GMT = 14:14 PDT = 2:14 PM

That really bad number in the offset means your unit hasn't yet received a time zone packet, which also explains why you don't have a correct clock. I don't know what to suggest as your unit is certainly "seeing" channel 2-1.

I live near Detroit. Channel 62.1 is the CBS station that's transmitting the tvgos and it's OTA. I do not use cable.

Was you DHG working prior to the new firmware?

Try this:

Tune to your CBS digital station, then go to Guide screen, scroll to top of page, scoot over to Setup, cursor down once, press 753159852. You can then press down 4 times to get to the ATSC-Slicer screen. Look at the CurrChan column to see if you can see some values updating (may take several minutes).

Hello,
In the CurrChan column, I'm getting increasing counts for TVG, Tot Sections, C Good, Dummy and Skipped TVG1 has a number of 30

I don't know if this will help, I tried to load the update twice unsuccessfully. In this forum I read that if you unplug your unit for about 5 minutes, plug it back in again wait until the unit finishes resetting. Power back on then insert the USB it should work, worked for me. Good Luck.
Thanks It all took. So now I wait over nite to see the listing in guide. Thanks again AVS.....

jtr -

I think you have two choices. You can either just keep waiting, or you could try setting your zipcode to 00000 and then back to your real zipcode, and then "keep waiting". I don't think anyone is really sure yet "just how long it takes" to aquire a grid and listings with OTA digital only. I think several people are waiting, but I don't know if anyone is there yet. But then its all turning into a blur since Friday morning . . . . . :confused: :confused: :confused:

Well the sun is shinning and the temps will be in the mid 80's today. Guess I will just jump in the boat and go kill some fish...........

Stingray

Its 96 and sunny today here. Dry as hell unless you go to the beach.

An OTA status report from Chicago, FWIW...


Has anybody in this neck of the woods had better results?

See post 16292 for my report. 2 500's OTA only

Hello,
In the CurrChan column, I'm getting increasing counts for TVG, Tot Sections, C Good, Dummy and Skipped TVG1 has a number of 30

I believe those indications are good, based on the info found on page 3 of the attached document (a Mitsubishi document not a Sony document but maybe useful). :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=138815&d=1238889708

Hi,
I've been following this thread for several weeks now. I have 2 500 gig units that lost the program listings(w/grid). Prior to the software update, I managed to get the units back up and running w/the help of this forum and spiffsspace. Although, I managed to perform a TVguide/Reset to factory default on one of my units by mistake. This wiped out the guide grid and following from the advice of others managed to get the tvgos versions up to date w/ads and correct time. But after weeks of trying to regain the the grid to no avail, the new software came out. I updated the unit as per Sony's instructions. I waited since for the grid.(Nothing) I've tried to auto scan channels (clear all previous) the unit found all except the PBS2.1. I found this odd because I can tune to that channel manually. I then tried Auto add from antenna w/the same results. The unit won't add PBS2.1 to ch list w/the new software update. I didn't need anything on the drive so I performed the 9012/Restore to factory default and without updating tried the initial setup process. I then received PBS2.1 in the ch list. That's the point I'm at now. Does someone have any suggestions on what I should try next?

HELP ! ! I can't get the firmware update from Sony on my Sandick micro 2gb to work. I have Vista and did the format 32 for usb drive but can't get it to copy sony file to usb! or should I copy each individual files (4) to usb? Maybe I'm doing something wrong in the copy process. The Sony support page says that once usb inserted on back of dvr the tv screen should say welcome and start the update process. but nothing happens. This forum has always been helpful so please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a) The USB drive needs to be a Sandisk "Cruzer" micro 2GB (i.e. make sure you have a Cruzer, and that it's black per the compatibility list.)
b) You say "can't get it to copy sony file to usb". There is no sony file; it is a "sony" directory, and inside that directory are 4 files. The "sony" directory should be copied into the root directory of the USB; once you do that, if you open the "sony" directory on the USB, you should see the 4 files; if it doesn't work that way with Vista, ditch Vista. You should NOT put the 4 files into the USB root directory alone, they need to be inside the "sony" directory.
c) There have been reports here from Vista folk that unzipping the self-extracting zip file downloaded from Sony's web site DIRECTLY to the USB drive (rather than somewhere else and then copying) works better.

Your UTC (GMT) is correct. 21:14 GMT = 14:14 PDT = 2:14 PM

That really bad number in the offset means your unit hasn't yet received a time zone packet, which also explains why you don't have a correct clock. I don't know what to suggest as your unit is certainly "seeing" channel 2-1.

Let me see if I understand; You are saying that the unit actually has the right time "Your UTC (GMT) is correct. 21:14 GMT = 14:14 PDT = 2:14 PM" but because of the Offset the clock is wrong"? So what is causing this offset? And why is the clock not being displayed, the front panel still has --:--. From previous experience I get the clock to display when I do either a front panel soft reset or by unplugging the unit, however the clock that I get is wrong. Do you think it would be better having a clock displayed albeit having a wrong time rather than the --:--?

I've been following the reports from members who've applied the new firmware and so far, it doesn't look encouraging that it has solved the problem of getting a channel lineup when you ONLY have a digital host. That's been the sticky wicket for the past several months as the analog hosts have gone away. I keep hoping I'm going to see someone have success! :(

Let me see if I understand; You are saying that the unit actually has the right time "Your UTC (GMT) is correct. 21:14 GMT = 14:14 PDT = 2:14 PM" but because of the Offset the clock is wrong"? So what is causing this offset? And why is the clock not being displayed, the front panel still has --:--. From previous experience I get the clock to display when I do either a front panel soft reset or by unplugging the unit, however the clock that I get is wrong. Do you think it would be better having a clock displayed albeit having a wrong time rather than the --:--?

In order to set the clock correctly, three things are needed:

Currect UTC date/time - you have that
A time zone packet - you apparently don't have that
The TVGOS 08.06.44 patch - not sure if you got that yet


Once your zip code is matched to info sent by the host channel, the guide is supposed to accept a time zone packet. That contains the offset from UTC which then makes the display clocks have the right, local time.

I just don't know why your unit is not getting a match on zip code. Both yours and the L.A. one should work just fine.

Possumgirl -

Yeah, but then we don't know how long it takes with digital only. We also don't know WhatHappened to WhatHappend and ImTheOne. But I for one wish they would come to the party . . . . . :eek:

Just yesterday I found that my Mits TV managed to find a working TVGOS on digital PBS on cable. I believe that must be the only TVGOS available on my cable, since none of my Sonys are finding analog over cable. I have both analog and digital TVGOS available OTA. I guess I could run a test with my third HDD500 where I would do another "Restore Factory Defaults" and disconnect the antenna from the unit?

I live near Detroit. Channel 62.1 is the CBS station that's transmitting the tvgos and it's OTA. I do not use cable.

WWJ-TV's digital channel is on UHF channel 44, mapped to 62.1.

I tried the reset TVGOS, but doh! I needed to do reset user configuration to clear out my OTA station list. So I did and it wasn't too painful. UTC time came back within a couple of minutes (I ran G* on one of my TVGOS channels), and my timezone info within about fifteen minutes of turning the DHG off. I am now back to the same capability I've had since I lost my grid and certainly in a much cleaner position to see if the new firmware is going to get that grid for me. I don't have the TVGOS patch updates yet, but I haven't had difficulty with those before so I will try to leave this unit off overnight and report tomorrow.

Indeed I've had the audio dropsouts as described on the new software, they are so quick that I never paid any attention. But now I have a video problem that I know I've not had before. During playback (watching behind a program which I intentionally paused while away from the TV and of course zip through commercials), anyway, I will get green lines hortizontally random and no audio for about the blink of an eye? Just comes and goes away, only have seen it 3 times over the last 3 days.

I've been following the reports from members who've applied the new firmware and so far, it doesn't look encouraging that it has solved the problem of getting a channel lineup when you ONLY have a digital host. That's been the sticky wicket for the past several months as the analog hosts have gone away. I keep hoping I'm going to see someone have success! :(

I thought I remembered people commenting that it fixed their problems, but all I could find was people commenting about how fast their clocks returned afterward. Only one person (although I may have missed others), seemed to have success. that was jtbell (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16286912#post16286912)

Mark

Just yesterday I found that my Mits TV managed to find a working TVGOS on digital PBS on cable. I believe that must be the only TVGOS available on my cable, since none of my Sonys are finding analog over cable. I have both analog and digital TVGOS available OTA. I guess I could run a test with my third HDD500 where I would do another "Restore Factory Defaults" and disconnect the antenna from the unit?

Ok, I'm doing it. I did the Restore Factory Defaults again. Someone had asked yesterday about the date on the screen. I will note that when it comes up, before I update firmware (yet again). This unit is now connected to cable only, which should allow it only access to TVGOS via digital PBS, based on what my Mits TV is doing and what all my Sony's have done recently. :)

This image is after the .21 firmware had been previously installed, then a subsequent Restore Factory Defaults was performed -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/AfterV21thenFactoryRestore.JPG

This image is after the .21 firmware has been re-installed -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/AfterV21.JPG

This image is just minutes later after I tuned to QAM 83.1 (my digital PBS) and shows a ClockSetChan -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/ClockSetChan.JPG

The next 4 images were all taken in less than 40 seconds and show the ATSC-Slicer screen --- (No G*test has been performed !!!) -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer1.JPG
(Click the links if you wanna see the remaining ATSC-Slicer screens)
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer2.JPG
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer3.JPG
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer4.JPG

Note: Although the images above show a time, the Front Panel display clock reads "--:--"

4:15am Monday --- Have correct clock on Front Panel. The following images are from 4:15am

This image shows the first TVGOS software patch has occurred overnight. And ads are now displayed. -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/TVGOSupdate1.JPG

This image shows the Hostchan still shows as BLANK, but it must actually be something because the TVGOS software updated -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/BlankHost.JPG

This image shows current state of the ATSC-Slicer screen. How come no values in Host column? -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer5.JPG

This image shows current state of the ClockSetChan. Notice that FailingClockChan is now blank? -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/ClockSetChan2.JPG

4:00pm Monday ... This image shows the second TVGOS software patch has occurred during the day -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/TVGOSupdate2.JPG

4:00pm Monday ... ClockSetChan still 1:83-1, ClockFailChan still 0:0-0, ATSC-Slicer screen is updating

It is now 5:15pm Monday and I am waiting to see what happens next, hopefully the HostChan, the all important Grid, then . . . . . :D:D:D

4:30pm Tuesday ... No changes to report . . . . . NO news is BAD news . . . . .

4:20am Wednesday ... Still no changes to report . . . . . It's not looking promising at this point . . . . .

5:30pm Wednesday ... Still no changes . . . . . I think it's useless to wait any longer . . . . .

8:00pm Wednesday ... Based on EdwinC's apparent success -> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16322540#post16322540 <- I'm leaving this HDD500 turned ON . . . .

4:30am Thursday ... Still no Grid . . . .

4:25pm Thursday ... Still no Grid . . . I decided to do a Front Panel Reset (as Sony Chick said) and continue the power-on vigil . . . . .

4:30pm Thursday ... Clock is wrong after the reset, as expected . . . . .

5:00pm Thursday ... Clock is correct now, not sure how long it actually took because I wasn't watching . . . . .

4:30am Friday ... no Grid, no Dice . . . .

9:00pm Friday ... no Grid, no Cigar . . . .

10:00am Saturday ... no Grid, no Nothing . . . .

I know that EdwinC and a couple of others are claiming that they've gone from a "Restore Factory Defaults" to Listings via digital only, but it's not working here for me. I seem to be stuck at trying to acquire a Grid, the same place that numerous others have reached a dead end . . . . .

I have decided to end this experiment. I have reconnected my antenna, and re-reun the TVGOS setup to include OTA. This should get me a Grid by tomorrow, and probably at least some listings by tomorrow night, via analog OTA PBS.

I think that others that have (apparently) met with success in going from a "Restore Factory Defaults" to getting Listings in a purely digital environment have a unique situation at their digital source station. Either that, or else they are somehow mistaken, and an analog signal is sneaking in to their Sony. Unfortunately, the sticking place still seems to be in acquiring the Grid via strictly means. Everything else appears possible.

Footnote: 5:00pm Saturday ... After reconnecting the antenna, I now have a Grid. HostChan is 0:0-12 (OTA PBS analog)..

P.S.: 7:00am Sunday ... Listings are about 50% filled in. That analog is pretty cool stuff, huh?

.

Subako
I'm just north of lynnwood and have Comcast. I believe we have the same channel line up. Mine found a host after weeks of waiting. There is a cbs station being broadcast on 90 by comcast that mine picked as a host. Put your unit on 90 and turn it off.

Did you check to see if channel 2.1 is "checked" in the +/- Channel List?

Go to Menu, Preferences, CH +/- List, Edit CH +/- List;

Make sure channel 2.1 has a "Check Mark".

Regards,

BriHiFi,

Did you check to see if channel 2.1 is "checked" in the +/- Channel List?

Go to Menu, Preferences, CH +/- List, Edit CH +/- List;

Make sure channel 2.1 has a "Check Mark".

Regards,

it didn't show up in the list.

It seems that when a auto scan is preformed the original ch list is overwritten and the new scan activates all channel found.(w/a check in the edit ch=/- list. Since the factory default I've reinstalled the software update. I now have the correct time.

I think I'm at the point that I should wait til morning. I'm interested in what WS65711 posts next. I believe this is the 3rd time that he has performed a factory reset. These units have become a mission of mine like so many others out there.(It looks like there is a price for free HD/TIME, lots of it) I wish all good luck w/the new update.

I'm in your market, but I'm not planning on doing the update until I have to. I'm getting the analog guide from WBBM analog OTA most of the time (host channel was blank again when I checked last night - but still had full listings).
That actually seems to be what I'm getting, too, even after the update, if I can rely on other posters' interpretations of the stats screens.

Which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, honestly. CBS-2.1 seems to be a reliable source for VBI packets, including the TVGOS data (consistently true since last fall, aside from a few days here and there). Before the mid-March glitches, I could even get the Sony to recognize it as the Host Channel. Since then, however, it won't do that... indeed, apparently won't recognize any Host Channel at all, even when it's getting listings, even after this update... and I don't understand why not.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Besides, until or if WBBM-DT (CBS) ever moves from 3 to VHF-hi 12, I can't get them too well, anyway.
Guide issues aside, it'll probably be a trade-off reception-wise -- isn't ABC-7.1 moving down to a VHF frequency at the same time CBS-2.1 moves up to UHF?

I've been following the reports from members who've applied the new firmware and so far, it doesn't look encouraging that it has solved the problem of getting a channel lineup when you ONLY have a digital host. That's been the sticky wicket for the past several months as the analog hosts have gone away. I keep hoping I'm going to see someone have success! :(

I'm not sure that the digital version of TVGOS is up and working right now.
I have a DTV PalDVR that uses PSIP and TV Guide and it's only using PSIP
right now. I have read somewhere that Macrovision is doing equipment changes.

Subako
I'm just north of lynnwood and have Comcast. I believe we have the same channel line up. Mine found a host after weeks of waiting. There is a cbs station being broadcast on 90 by comcast that mine picked as a host. Put your unit on 90 and turn it off.

Thanks for the tip, but its not working on my part of the Seattle Comcast plant. Last fall Comcast set up channel 90 to point to an analog channel 9 KCTS. Cable card devices had (and still have) channel 9 pointing to a digital 480i version of OTA channel 9. The channel 90 allowed cable card devices access to an analog TVGOS source. After KCTS stopped their TVGOS signal, Comcast finally set up channel 90 to point to analog channel 7 KIRO. I found this curious since by that time I was seeing analog TVGOS on OTA 4 KOMO and OTA 13 KCPQ but none on OTA 7 KIRO. I also see none on analog channel 7 on my Comcast cable.

The folks that work on this stuff cannot be reached by customers. I had about an hour long chat with one of the folks I could talk to (a call back after the first line person finally agreed to have someone call me) and was told that he, the person I got the call back from, was not allowed to talk to the folks that work on the head end gear but he did work with the wife of one of those head end guys. Anyway, a few days after our chat in which I described as best I could that TVGOS was useful to a variety of devices and that it did seem to be working for others in the Seattle area, my channel 90 feed finally had Analog channel 9 KCTS TVGOS data on it.

I am quite confident that there are knowledgeable people here in Seattle that can configure this stuff correctly, but they don't seem to have a good plan for verifying that each head end is functioning properly. I also don't have any idea whether they intend to keep the functionality that is working for you, past the June 12th date. I guess I'll have to see if I can set up one of those chats after I either get a grid from the digital only signals or give up on that ever working. It would be useful for my Version 7 TVGOS RDRs, but I am more concerned with my DHGs at the moment.

It seems that from my experience with three units and also HoustonPerson's experience with his, the clock does change back to analog after a while. BUT, one of mine changed from analog to digital clock today all by itself. Why? I dunno.

I'm wondering if the analog/digital preference is handled not by Sony, but by Macrovision. Maybe when Macrovision is good and ready, version 8.06.44 will update to something new. And the preference will change to digital? Maybe this will happen when "Analog Freezes Over"??? :D


I tend to agree with what you are saying. From reading the screens each day, it appear my box does not want to change to digital because there are defects in it. It will "test" on it occationally, and the go back to analogue.

There are also "know" signal issues with CBS 11-1 on the north side of Houston. These will not be addressed until June 12th - Their antenna position changes, power goes up, and RF changes from 32 to 11. About 10 other stations are doing simpiar things June 12th. Basicaly, signal reception should improve a lot in our area on several stations for a lot of people.

In order to set the clock correctly, three things are needed:

Currect UTC date/time - you have that
A time zone packet - you apparently don't have that
The TVGOS 08.06.44 patch - not sure if you got that yet


Once your zip code is matched to info sent by the host channel, the guide is supposed to accept a time zone packet. That contains the offset from UTC which then makes the display clocks have the right, local time.

I just don't know why your unit is not getting a match on zip code. Both yours and the L.A. one should work just fine.


Thanks for the info. My TVGOS is now 8.01.71/8.05.40 this has updated since yesterday. I hope I get the 8.06.44 soon. Is there a way you can get it without waiting?

Ok, I'm doing it. I did the Restore Factory Defaults again. Someone had asked yesterday about the date on the screen. I will note that when it comes up, before I update firmware (yet again). This unit is now connected to cable only, which should allow it only access to TVGOS via digital PBS, based on what my Mits TV is doing and what all my Sony's have done recently. :)

This image is after the .21 firmware had been previously installed, then a subsequent Restore Factory Defaults was performed -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/AfterV21thenFactoryRestore.JPG

This image is after the .21 firmware has been re-installed -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/AfterV21.JPG

This image is just minutes later after I tuned to QAM 83.1 (my digital PBS) and shows a ClockSetChan -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/ClockSetChan.JPG

This next 4 images were all taken in less than 40 seconds and show the ATSC-Slicer screen --- (No G*test has been performed !!!) -
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer1.JPG
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer2.JPG
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer3.JPG
http://home.att.net/~pix/AVS/Slicer4.JPG

Note: Although the images show a time, the Front Panel display clock reads "--:--"

It is now 8:14pm Sunday and I am waiting to see what happens next, hopefully the update to 8.06.44, then Clock, the Grid, then . . . . . :D:D:D

.


I think your screens are saying the same thing my screens are saying.

It goes to a digital clock because you are currently "tuned" to digital CBS via cable. When I go away from channel CBS digital overnite, the clocks goes back to analogue PBS. The ATSC slicer page shows you are getting the TV Guides packets as well (replaces G Test function for us); but that screen implies to me, that it has not locked into the digital host for the Guide; therefore you other screens should be saying you are getting the Guide via a PBS analogue?


IMO, for me, I think macrovision/CBS are not yet 100% ready in Houston AND/OR the signal issues for CBS that will not be fixed here until June 12 (but the Sony Box is ready for them now).

Other than that my box works perfect, so I am happy for now.

I know you have probably already done this, but did you double check the zip code you entered on that unit? Last week I reset my DVR, and connected it to an analog host. 24 hours later I still didn't have a clock, and thought that was unusual, so I double checked the set up, and discovered I had entered a zip code of 572xx instead of 672xx. Another possibility is that TVGOS isn't sending out timezone packets for your zip code, and you need to change your zip code to another one in your area. Your working unit could care less about timezone packets since it received one a long time ago (probably from an analog host), and that is all it needed.

Mark

Thanks...ok, so I have an update my previous post this morning. My working unit experienced a reset while I was watching a recorded program, and apparently it made the clock wrong (or something else happened..either way the clock was off by 74 minutes). So I installed the firmware update, and the clock fixed itself right away (I'm entirely OTA, and all digital, no analog VBI available). So, I know the problem isn't my local CBS digital station broadcasting incorrect clock info on VBI. Then I noticed that I used a different zipcode on my working machine...so I changed that on my non-working Sony, and that didn't work either...so I finally broke down and did a "restore factory defaults" from the 9012 menu, THEN I updated the firmware again successfully. My clock is -- --, but I would expect that, since it needs to update the TVGOS level. So, if this works (and I'm able to FINALLY get a clock), then a restore factory default is the ticket for us losers that can't get a good clock. If this doesn't work, I think I'm out of ideas. I just have to think that there is a way to make this work, since putting on firmware update fixed the clock on my other system.

FWIW
2 500's - OTA only

Updated one of the 500's with no problems, time came back in 10 seconds, no lost listings, host showed blank, clock set showed 3-0.
Now.. Host and clock set went back to analog 0-2?
Everything else is still ok.

2nd 500, no update, host shows 3-0 (Digital CBS), clockset is using 0-2, everything is still up to date.

It seems like even with the SW update, to aid in Digital TVGOS conversion, the unit still prefers analog input.
I know CBS 2-1 is putting out good VBI data from the G*test on my 500 that's not been updated and is using 3-0 as host.

An OTA status report from Chicago, FWIW...

I downloaded and installed it on Friday, following the instructions, with no problems whatsoever (aside from the extra "Welcome"). It corrected the clock much more quickly than before, updated the version numbers (1.2.21 from .06; 8.01.71 from .42), lost the ads to the left of the Guide, and stopped incrementing packets on the G* test, just as others have reported. I've turned the "auto off" feature back on, and left it tuned to 2.1 (local CBS digital) each night.

The 753... stat screen still shows a blank for Host Channel, and the ATSC slicer screen shows packets incrementing under the "CurrChan" column, but not the "HostChan" column.

As of this afternoon (Sunday) ads are back, and I have my channel grid (which I never lost) with fairly complete listings for days 1-4, very partial listings (nothing for prime-time from the networks!) for days 5 and 8, and no listings whatever for days 6 and 7.

(And meantime, my girlfriend is grumbling that I've become obsessed with keeping this thing working.)

Has anybody in this neck of the woods had better results?

Just keep reminding her of the alternatives. ;)

I'm in your market, but I'm not planning on doing the update until I have to. I'm getting the analog guide from WBBM analog OTA most of the time (host channel was blank again when I checked last night - but still had full listings).

Besides, until or if WBBM-DT (CBS) ever moves from 3 to VHF-hi 12, I can't get them too well, anyway.

I have three 500's, and am OTA only in Chicago. I receive WBBM-DT (2.1) reliably. Ironically, all my units finally had the correct settings (host channel, clock set, etc..) with firmware 1.2.13, but I decided to upgrade them anyway. I performed the first update Friday night to test it out.

I had eight day listings on all three when I started, and still do. I was also baffled at the 3-0 clock set channel.

Anyway, maybe these settings will change with time, as that is what happened to me in recent weeks with firmware 1.2.13.

Mark

Well we have no digital hosts in Oklahoma yet. Been told it is coming within a few days several times by the local engineers. I upgraded to the new firmware and now the last two days have no listings for days 7,8. Just half hour segments of no listings.

I didn't pay attention when I did the upgrade to what the firmware numbers were. Today after 2 days I am at 08.01.71/08.06.44/00.00.00. Hoping tomorrow I start getting listings again from the analog host.

Hi Stringray,
I have 3 units at my house that are over the air only in Sarasota and 1 at a friend's house in venice . There are 460 listing "slots" in the grid . I do have 2 VHS tapes that I used to restore the grid on one of my DHGs two weeks ago after it reset by it self and removed the "grid" . After Fridays update from Sony, on purpose I reset another DHG useing the 00000 zip which removed the "grid" . That unit had no trouble building a new grid. But of course I had to assign proper channel numbers and turn off ones I did not need .

Norm,
Thanks for the info. I may need to do another reset. If you recovered already and I havent then my dhg must be hanging up on something. Your tapes and recorded in analog before feb 17? If I may need to borrow them......... Stingray

Thanks for the tip, but its not working on my part of the Seattle Comcast plant. Last fall Comcast set up channel 90 to point to an analog channel 9 KCTS. Cable card devices had (and still have) channel 9 pointing to a digital 480i version of OTA channel 9. The channel 90 allowed cable card devices access to an analog TVGOS source. After KCTS stopped their TVGOS signal, Comcast finally set up channel 90 to point to analog channel 7 KIRO. I found this curious since by that time I was seeing analog TVGOS on OTA 4 KOMO and OTA 13 KCPQ but none on OTA 7 KIRO. I also see none on analog channel 7 on my Comcast cable.

The folks that work on this stuff cannot be reached by customers. I had about an hour long chat with one of the folks I could talk to (a call back after the first line person finally agreed to have someone call me) and was told that he, the person I got the call back from, was not allowed to talk to the folks that work on the head end gear but he did work with the wife of one of those head end guys. Anyway, a few days after our chat in which I described as best I could that TVGOS was useful to a variety of devices and that it did seem to be working for others in the Seattle area, my channel 90 feed finally had Analog channel 9 KCTS TVGOS data on it.

I am quite confident that there are knowledgeable people here in Seattle that can configure this stuff correctly, but they don't seem to have a good plan for verifying that each head end is functioning properly. I also don't have any idea whether they intend to keep the functionality that is working for you, past the June 12th date. I guess I'll have to see if I can set up one of those chats after I either get a grid from the digital only signals or give up on that ever working. It would be useful for my Version 7 TVGOS RDRs, but I am more concerned with my DHGs at the moment.

Here in Bellevue, WA (98005), I have Comcast with a cable card. Today, the host channel showed up as 107, the CBS/KIRO affiliate channel.

I've got listings through next Sunday morning. Good luck.

Norm,
Thanks for the info. I may need to do another reset. If you recovered already and I havent then my dhg must be hanging up on something. Your tapes and recorded in analog before feb 17? If I may need to borrow them......... Stingray

I don't know if this will make a difference for you, but after a reset, I waited for over a week for a channel grid. I tried changing the zip to 00000 and then back and it didn't work. For some reason I decided to try using another zip code for the next town over in the same cable system. I immediately got the channel grid. My other 250 used the correct zip code and got the grid just fine a few weeks earlier. They had the same Sony and TVGOS firmware. So, apparently these units just like to be difficult sometimes.

Thanks...ok, so I have an update my previous post this morning. My working unit experienced a reset while I was watching a recorded program, and apparently it made the clock wrong (or something else happened..either way the clock was off by 74 minutes). So I installed the firmware update, and the clock fixed itself right away (I'm entirely OTA, and all digital, no analog VBI available). So, I know the problem isn't my local CBS digital station broadcasting incorrect clock info on VBI. Then I noticed that I used a different zipcode on my working machine...so I changed that on my non-working Sony, and that didn't work either...so I finally broke down and did a "restore factory defaults" from the 9012 menu, THEN I updated the firmware again successfully. My clock is -- --, but I would expect that, since it needs to update the TVGOS level. So, if this works (and I'm able to FINALLY get a clock), then a restore factory default is the ticket for us losers that can't get a good clock. If this doesn't work, I think I'm out of ideas. I just have to think that there is a way to make this work, since putting on firmware update fixed the clock on my other system.

Sorry, your mis-reading things. The reason your working system got the clock back so fast is because it didn't lose the timezone info it has had all this time. Your non-working DVR has never received a timezone packet for some reason, so changing the zipcode was the right thing to do, however, it may take 12 or more hours (after changing the zip code) for your non-working machine to get a timezone packet which will then allow the front panel clock to be set (you needed to wait, for several hours, before you could know whether it worked or not). Since you did the reset to factory default you are now back at square one, but that doesn't hurt anything. Now with your non-working DVR set to the same zip code as your working DVR, just give it 12 hours and see if it has a clock tomorrow.

Mark

I'm OTA only, and there are no analog TVGOS host stations in my viewing range (the last one stopped sending TVGOS data a couple of weeks ago). Several days before applying the Sony firmware upgrade, I did a TV Guide "Reset to Factory Default" from the 9012 menus (not the "Restore Factory Default" which completely re-initializes the Sony including erasing the disk). After that, I had the proper clock setting and advertisements from WLTX-DT, but no channel grid until I did the firmware upgrade.

At the time I did the upgrade on Friday, I did not do another reset. It puzzled me that the channel grid appeared immediately after I did the upgrade. I've been wondering if the Sony had already downloaded the channel lineup sometime after I did the previous reset, but simply wasn't displaying it for some reason.

I think I'll do another TV Guide reset tonight and see what happens when it starts from scratch with the new firmware.

What Columbia zip are you using?

My firmware update has been in place since its release Fri AM, and TVGOS version is current, but still have no channel lineup. (No data for this screen) :confused:

Tried first night (post-firmware) without any resets. Had clock and ads, just as before, on the next day (still no lineup).

Then tried TVGOS reset and waited another night. Lost my ads, but clock stayed, and still no lineup.

Did a front panel reset today. Powered the unit back up and entered 00000 for the zip code. Powered off for 5 mins, then powered up and entered a legit zip code for Columbia area. (Clock was about 45 min slow after reset, but recovered in a couple of hours)

We'll see what's there (or not) tomorrow... :)

This probably doesn't matter to very many here, but I got a new message after doing the upgrade. I wanted to record a QAM256 HD signal directly as I have been doing for about a year. I tuned to the channel (84.1401) and went to the Schedule option and brought up the menu for manual recording. I entered the time and date as always. The channel number 84.1401 was displayed. Then I went to schedule the recording. A message then displayed indicating that the channel I selected was not in my lineup. I guess if I had a cable card to change to channel to 512 or something, I could then record it. My lineup has over 400 channels but none are in the format of 0000 to 9999 except the old analog basic cable stations. The lineup even has stations like 26-1. But they are not enabled. This is not nice. I'm now restoring things back to last week to see if the feature goes away.

Alright, I have one 250 with the firmware update and one 250 without. So far, I'm not seeing much of a difference. Before the update, both units worked just fine after both having been reset. They had clock, channel grids, and listings from a digital host only. Both did not have a host channel listed and both seemed to only get listings when the digital host was manually tuned.
So, I was hoping that this update would help lock on to the digital host as the 'host channel'. So far, this hasn't happened. It has been just a little more than a day since I updated it so I'll give it more time.

Well, the ups and downs with my unit have been virtually all down lately...only one overnight download in the last week, and that on Tuesday...

so I figured, guess I'm a good candidate for the Sony firmware upgrade.

I did it about 2 hours ago...within a few minutes, I had the clock back (but I had been getting that consistently before the upgrade - so no improvement there) and, when I went to the TV Guide it asked me to confirm my zip code and that I liked my current channel lineup, which I did...

The diagnostic screens showed the new base firmware and the 8.6.44 patch...all good there

I checked PBS 9 and CBS 5 with the G*test...both show vbi packets, as has been the case for 2 or 3 weeks. Most recently, my unit had switched back to 9 for anything that it got (the rare program download, plus the routine clksets); I forgot to check CBS 5.1 with the G* before I did the upgrade, but I don't think anything had come from it lately...

So I'm hoping to actually get data again from 9, but I'd happily take it from CBS 5, which is where my 3410a has been getting it v7 data for weeks - but I suspect it's simply not broadcasting v8 data (although why they would arrange things this way, I don't know)

we'll see...

Has anyone gotten their TV Guide Grid and/or Listings back since Sony released the 1.2.21 Firmware Update for an OTA purely digital environment?

.......... The ATSC slicer page shows you are getting the TV Guides packets as well (replaces G Test function for us); but that screen implies to me, that it has not locked into the digital host for the Guide; therefore you other screens should be saying you are getting the Guide via a PBS analogue?

EXCEPT that PBS analog over cable FAILS the G*test for VBI. I have not run a G*test on this particular HDD500 since the Restore Factory Defaults. But on my other two units PBS analog via OTA passes, PBS analog via cable FAILS. So I'm thinking that it must be getting TVGOS from PBS digital.

I have added more info and pictures this morning -

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16300185#post16300185

What Columbia zip are you using?

already answered (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16296233&highlight=#post16296233)

(that's OK, it's easy to miss things in a thread like this one! :))

Yesterday I found an online zip code map (http://maps.huge.info/zip.htm), and discovered that 29202 is apparently specifically for USC, whereas 29201 is for the entire downtown area plus residential areas to the north and south.

I wanted to see what would happen if I started completely from scratch with the new firmware, so last night, I reset TVGOS (twice, using the TV Guide "Reset to Factory Default" from the 9012 menus, to clear out the downloaded updates and revert to 08.01.71), set it up with zip 29201, tuned to 19.1, and turned the unit off. I didn't try to force the host channel with either the 963214785 code or the G* factory test. I soon had the correct time on the front panel. When I get home from work this afternoon, I'll turn it on and see what I have. I want it to go undisturbed through a complete set of downloads, which run from 12:51 AM to 5:26 PM.

Has anyone gotten their TV Guide Grid and/or Listings back since Sony released the 1.2.21 Firmware Update for an OTA purely digital environment?

Not in Buffalo with zip code 14201. Host empty. "There is no data for this screen".

Last night I tried the 00038 zip code from DTV Pal as someone wanted a guinea pig to try. No luck either.

I will do a TVGOS reset today then a different zip code 14209.

Edit: I did a TV Guide: Reset to Factory Default from the 9012 menu and the 753.. screen shows TVGOS version as 08.01.71/08.06.44.

Edit: I did a TV Guide: Reset to Factory Default from the 9012 menu and the 753.. screen shows TVGOS version as 08.01.71/08.06.44.

Note that this is different from "Restore Factory Defaults" which would have caused the unit to revert back to the old firmware, and the original old TVGOS, and also would format your drive(s).

Has anyone gotten their TV Guide Grid and/or Listings back since Sony released the 1.2.21 Firmware Update for an OTA purely digital environment?

From starting with no grid and no channel lineup, I don't think so. I installed the firmware update Friday morning on a DHG500 that hasn't had a grid or lineup since it lost power and reset in late February. I am OTA digital only in the Mobile AL area, and the TVGOS data is being transmitted by PBS on 42.1 (UHF 41), as confirmed yesterday by the PBS corporate office via email to me. My POC said they are inserting the data they receive from macrovision into their digital transmission. There are a number of digital OTA only posters on the forum encountering the same thing I am - the grid will not appear and the TVGOS screen says "No data for this screen". The new firmware changes some of the screens in the 753... menu, but so far has no better results than the previous firmware for getting a grid on a gridless DVR. My DVR has been off enough since Friday to get a grid and channel lineup.

I am beginning to think this is a macrovision problem and that they aren't yet sending actual valid TVGOS data out that will allow the Sony DHG to initialize from nothing to a full digital guide. I did call the Sony customer support phone line and got a referral to 2nd level level support on this issue, however, they don't open til 9 AM CDT.

Well since my dhg still has no grid I did a restore to factory default today. When I did reset it was an accident 5 weeks ago. It was the button above the g-test. Maybe a line or something was dropped that fills in the grid. After the restore I reinstalled the .21 firmware. With in minuets my clock was back. Does anybody know the difference between the restore to factory default and reset to factory default? The reset doesn't give a warning . I will post results as soon as I get them. Once again I have my fingers and toes crossed trying to get back up...........Stingray

This morning I'm at the same point as WS65711. I'm OTA only in Miami, FL and also found that after a Factory reset the unit updated from 08.01.71/00.00.00 to 08.01.071/08.05.40 with correct time and ads. I was able to speak to a engineer at PBS last weak and he explained that they stop broadcasting tvgos about a year ago but he did mention that something was being added to the signal(didn't ask What?.). I haven't had any luck getting in touch w/CBS. Is there a difference in the signal between the ch line and the listings?(sent altogether or separately) Can anyone fill me in on that process?

On my main OTA/Cable box, I can confirm receiving new listings from 3 different hosts every day! The nice thing is it's a mix of 2 analog & 1 digital host. This could be done before the upgrade but only if the 753.. host was digital. After the upgrade, it now works even if the 753.. host is analog.

Current setup:
Local zip code : L3M 4E7 (Grimsby, ON)
753.. host = analog Cable 13 (CFTO Toronto..host #1)

In channel editor...
CFTO Air = 9.1 ON (digital 9.1 CFTO-DT Toronto..for viewing - not a host)
CFTO-DT Air = 17.1 OFF (digital 17.1 WNED-DT Buffalo..host #2)
CFTO Cable = 40 OFF (analog Cable 40 CKCO Kitchener..host #3)

As long as the proper 753.. host channel, Cable 13, isn't assigned in the channel editor, this works.

Confirmation is listings from stations that are uniquely found on each of the 3 individual hosts (ex. - CHEX Peterborough ON , WJAC Johnstown PA , WUAB Lorain OH).

I couldn't keep the 3-host configuration working for very long in the past because the 753.. host kept reverting from digital back to analog. Now I'm guessing this configuration should be stable and dependable since it doesn't matter whether the host is digital or analog.

But on my 2nd box I still can't get it to work with just 1 digital host using the digital host's zip code as per normal procedures - go figure!

For those of you having a hard time reloading, try messing around with changing your zip code to guess a older/mature zip or maybe more densely populated zip. Remember, you can't set the time, time zone, daylight savings or anything else that tells the box who it is, you can only set the zip! also note that different analog/digital stations transmitting TVGOS data may have different zip code lists, channel lineups etc that they are refreshing even though they may be in the same general area. I wouldnt doubt that the person in charge in maintaining the TVGOS insertion computer can edit these lists to cause the total cycle time of refreshing the data to be shorter, remember TVGOS is Ad supported and it is extreamely important to meet contracts that gaurantee that Ads are in place to start and to end at certain times, or there will be money to payback to the advertiser either in $ or makegoods. (I used to work for The Weather Channel). Keep in mind that insertion of Ads that are graphical in nature cost more in bandwidth then a TV text listing.

Now I had been using the zip code that I live in now since last June and it worked fine up to Feb when PBS ch 8 analog went away. Now 46.1 CBS is running the TVGOS show and I have not been able to get the thing to load TVGOS no matter what host channel setting procedure (i even made some of my own up) I used. WHEN I LOADED UP .21 I ALSO SET MY ZIP CODE BACK TO WHERE I USED TO LIVE, SINCE 1986 AND ALL WENT PERFECT, I HAD CLOCK UPDATED IN 30 SECS, TV LISTINGS COMPLETE IN 5 HOURS AND DID ALL THIS STARING AT 1PM IN THE AFTERNOON. It has taken about two days for the ads to start showing up.

The only problem I'm having is that 46.1 doesn't know about the PBS ch 8 switchover to digital 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 as they in my channel lineup (autoscan) but not in the TVGOS listings. Again, different TVGOS data broadcasting stations are most likely not working from the same setups.

Also, FYI I am purely digital, although I here that CH 2 analog is sending data I can't get anything from ch 2 analog but a snowy picture with my current UHF only antenna system.

I live in the Jacksonville Fla. market. I have seen no VBI for 2 days, any channel. I have no grid. I have no program listing. Anyone see differently?

This is broken down into these groups to hopefully keep it simple:

Current Status
Picture Explanations
Observations and Assumptions


CURRENT STATUS:

Generally, since the Sony Software update Friday late after 1 hour power outage, and loss of Grid and Listings; the Guide and Listings have been 100% complete (once filled in) until today. This morning Days 2, 5, and particularly day 8 are sprinkled with a few “No Titles”. So I would say the box is 98% complete and accurate. Not a big issue to me, because I feel it will self correct today (fill in the blanks).

Last night when I checked in I had reported it has stayed with “analogue” Guide for a Full Day, and the clock had gone back to analogue. This morning the box is almost? 100% digital – but still no cigar – there are still problems in Houston’s digital world. The pictures below will help (maybe) explain some of these observations.


PICTURE EXPLANATIONS:

Pics 7088 through 7091 are the Download Schedules (you will notice completely different from the 2.5 pages of analogue only – now 3 pages, plus 1 line – in months gone by at forcing digital it had approached 5 pages-not relevant now

Pic 7088 Page 1 begins what appears to be a normal analogue download schedule

Pic 7089 – 7091 Pages 2-3 starts StID’s 5319 with the assumed digital download schedule. This is expanded and changed from both previous 5319’s analogue DLs and the different 5319’s digital DLs I have seen in Houston. I have seen 5319 both “with” and “without” 180 min DL sections. And I have seen 5319’s with “continuous” and “alternating” blocks of codes 81, 27, and 97. I can only assume that Macrovision is experimenting on “how” it works?


Pictures 7092 through 7096 are the “actual” downloads (as opposed to the “schedules” above). The pattern suggest on these pages these are digital DLs following that of StID’s 5319, and no longer the StID’s of analogue 2687 patterns of yesterday.

Pic 7092 Page 1, notice my turning on the box this morning, created a “Active Suspension” 4/20/09 11:41. Perhaps that is the “cause” of the “No Titles” generated above for Days 2, 5, and 8?

Pic 7093 Page 2, Notice “InErrCheckSusp” – see explanation to Pic 7092

Pics 7094 and 7096 Pages 3 and 4 are Digital DLs continued

Pic 7097 Notice “15” Slicer Errors


OBSERVATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS:

Since the Software Update on Friday, the box made a valiant effort to go all digital. It was not happy and went back to analogue. It went through that same process again on Saturday (the second attempt). For the “end user” this would 100% transparent (I hate that word); because the box operates 100% normally. Both Sunday morning and evening it was still 100% analogue AFAIK.

During the night Sunday to Monday morning it has made the most valiant effort yet to go digital, and appears to be getting real close. And yet there are still error reports (they change constantly in a digital mode and very quickly – no way to catch them all on camera). Also the Host column on the digital slicer page still does not show a “lock-in”, if it is supposed to?

Has anyone in America, have the “Host” column lock-in on the Digital Slicer Page? That may answer some questions for the rest of us.


The Clock “leads” the Way? It appears to me that with the clock locks into to digital source, the box in the minutes and hours that follow, will attempt to make the Guide go Digital as well. If the Box is unsuccessful, then the clock will change back to analogue source and change the Guide back to analogue source at the same time.



Assumptions on “Where are the problems?”

1. IMHO the new Sony Software is doing a good job, of doing its best to maintain Guide regardless of problems and issues in “its” operating environment. It can change directions on a “dime” and go for the best Guide source. I think the probability of software bugs in the new software are “Very Low”. It appears to me the new Sony Software is “Very Smart” in attempting to correct problems. Its main “goal” is to “Get the Guide” from wherever is “best”.

2. Macrovision/CBS may still be having issues in getting solid reliable Digital “out” to all DMA’s and we all know each DMA is totally different. In regard to my specific issues in Houston, I would say this probability is “High”.


3. Local Reception Problems: Our local CBS digital KHOU 11-1 has known issues. They are significant and I would estimate affect about 40% of their market here. Those problems should be changed for the “better” on June 12th. The probability of this being the cause of my specific problems I will also place as “High”.

Pics 7092 -7097

EXCEPT that PBS analog over cable FAILS the G*test for VBI. I have not run a G*test on this particular HDD500 since the Restore Factory Defaults. But on my other two units PBS analog via OTA passes, PBS analog via cable FAILS. So I'm thinking that it must be getting TVGOS from PBS digital.

I have added more info and pictures this morning -

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16300185#post16300185

I do not take too much stock in G-Test per se; but did you run it 3 times in a row? Same results or different?

already answered (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16296233&highlight=#post16296233)

(that's OK, it's easy to miss things in a thread like this one! :))

Yesterday I found an online zip code map (http://maps.huge.info/zip.htm), and discovered that 29202 is apparently specifically for USC, whereas 29201 is for the entire downtown area plus residential areas to the north and south.

I wanted to see what would happen if I started completely from scratch with the new firmware, so last night, I reset TVGOS (twice, using the TV Guide "Reset to Factory Default" from the 9012 menus, to clear out the downloaded updates and revert to 08.01.71), set it up with zip 29201, tuned to 19.1, and turned the unit off. I didn't try to force the host channel with either the 963214785 code or the G* factory test. I soon had the correct time on the front panel. When I get home from work this afternoon, I'll turn it on and see what I have. I want it to go undisturbed through a complete set of downloads, which run from 12:51 AM to 5:26 PM.

Your are correct, I just missed your answer. Sorry!

Good info. I'm trying a zip further out from the city. Keep us posted. :)

Also, FYI I am purely digital, although I here that CH 2 analog is sending data I can't get anything from ch 2 analog but a snowy picture with my current UHF only antenna system.[/QUOTE]
Larrykabo,
Where abouts in Atlanta are you located? I am over in Decatur near Dekalb Medical Center and have not been able to lock on to the digital host(46.1) at all. Analog 2 seems to over power it. I have yet to try the upgrade, so maybe that will help/enable it.
Michael

Has any one in Atlanta started getting the digital host over Comcast cable since CBS 46.1 got their encoder fixed? If so, what channel on the cable system is it?
If not, have you heard anything positive from the cable company as to whether or not they will pass the TVGOS?
Thanks, Michael

Has anyone in America, have the “Host” column lock-in on the Digital Slicer Page? That may answer some questions for the rest of us.


No, but take a look at the post linked below, and also page 3 of the document linked below.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16294590#post16294590

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=138815&d=1238889708

My listings came back today from the analog OTA host. 2 days after doing the upgrade. No digital hosts around here yet.

Central Texas Update!

Well, I just upgraded my original 250. Everything went smooth again, although the update seemed to be faster. I upgraded at 11:35 a.m. By 3:00 p.m., I had a correct clock and a partial guide. I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary.

I did, though, want to pose a question...Anybody have this unit hooked up to a UPS? We're getting these Texas thunderstorms & would like to have this hooked up to a UPS in the event that we lose power.

Instead of re-posting this, take a look regarding this mess (as I call it):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16303924#post16303924

I am not able to get my 250 to recognize my usb drive either. My DVR has the .06 version of the sony software. is it possible you have to upgrade to the .13 version first?.. anyone

My 250 didn't recognize my USB drive the first time, either. I did a soft reset (front panel). After the 250 came back up, it immediately recognized my driver and performed the upgrade.

I did note one interesting difference in behavior: I had my 250 tuned to the Chicago 2.1 (our local CBS which is supplying digital TVGOS). After the first soft reset, my clock was wrong and did not change after several minutes. After the upgrade, the clock was immediately corrected.

For the record, I used a Kingston 8GB flash drive without any specific volume label. I had a number of other things already on the drive, and simply added the Sony folder to the root directory of the drive.

Dan (Woj...)

Instead of re-posting this, take a look regarding this mess (as I call it):

...2. There appears to be a serious flaw (or at least a major 'quirk') in this "G* test" where it will give a VBI packet count on the Host's digital channel when in reality the count is from the analog channel due to the VCT channel numbers being the same: 0-17 vs 17.2 in my case. IOW's even though you tune to the digital Host, the system (TVGOS) will see these (incorrectly named) "VBI packets" from the analog Host instead.

I don't doubt that I may be receiving TVGOS data from an analog host now or at various times in the recent past. Nevertheless, I think you and your local station engineer are wrong about the particular point quoted above. Here in Chicago, there was a period a few weeks back when one could run a successful G* VBI test on CBS analog (2.0), but not on CBS digital (2.1). This continued until the station engineer reset their decoder. Had a test on 2.1 somehow "picked up" signals from 2.0, such a problem would have been undetectable.

At any rate... this still doesn't answer what seems to be the emerging mystery, which is why so many people's systems are refusing to show any "HostChan" at all, either digital or analog, even when they're getting data.

The remaining (very few), "No Titles" I had for days 2, 5, and 8 are gone in less than four hours.

The actual digital downloads page now has about 18-20 digital DL items, none with errors. All the pages are digital in format. The Slicer page still show the "15" errors recorded from over night.

It appears the box is very close to being digital maybe? It still shows digital clock; but the Host ID is still PBS analogue, that may not be .
relevant.

It really is sort of amazing how fast it changes things.

The single biggest change in the last 3-4 hours is the actual DL pages, with all the positive DL's without errors.

Since there have been no new errors in the last four hours. Then this could be the result of Macrovision/CBS corrections. If the unit goes back to analogue.........then I would assume it all comes back to the local CBS signal problems (since the digital has periods of a few hours working correctly); which means my box may continue to change back and forth from digital to analogue and back again until June 12; until the airwaves are corrected.

Does anyone know how to obtain the TGOS version 08.06.44? I have one 250 working with listings and correct time. The other one is over 4 hours (or under 15 hours behind) and has no listings. Its TGOS version is 08.01.71/08.05.40. So I currently have one brick instead of two. The FW did not seem to work on it.

Does anyone know how to obtain the TGOS version 08.06.44? I have one 250 working with listings and correct time. The other one is over 4 hours (or under 15 hours behind) and has no listings. Its TGOS version is 08.01.71/08.05.40. So I currently have one brick instead of two. The FW did not seem to work on it.

If the firmware is listed on the Sony Prefernces screens then it is updated?

Other than that just leave it off overnight and it should go to 08.06.44

The diagnostic screens showed the new base firmware and the 8.6.44 patch...all good there

I checked PBS 9 and CBS 5 with the G*test...both show vbi packets, as has been the case for 2 or 3 weeks. Most recently, my unit had switched back to 9 for anything that it got (the rare program download, plus the routine clksets); I forgot to check CBS 5.1 with the G* before I did the upgrade, but I don't think anything had come from it lately...

So I'm hoping to actually get data again from 9, but I'd happily take it from CBS 5, which is where my 3410a has been getting it v7 data for weeks - but I suspect it's simply not broadcasting v8 data (although why they would arrange things this way, I don't know)

we'll see...

Are you OTA or cable ??
My unit works fine both before and after the firmware update last Friday. Has been locked on Analog PBS 9 as the host since PBS turned the data back on a 3 weeks ago. This was a total recovery from RESET once PBS returned !! It showed no host right after the upgrade but locked back to PBS after the first night. I did not get any zip code questions after the upgrade and I have not heard anyone else get that either ??

Is your Analog PBS a good clear signal ?
Have you done a TVguide reset within the last month ?
Either your signal is poor or your current grid is out of sync with the listings data ???? last resort may be to reset ??

Todd

I have one 250 and one 500 that need good homes... I have given up on ever getting a TVGOS signal in my area and have decided to go a different route now.

I wasn't sure what forum to post this for sale in so this one seemed to be the best alternative.

All I have is the remote and the unit, no box or manual. I will package and ship the units appropriately given the lack of mfg carton...

PM with offers...

Kinda funny i just brought a Sony 52"XBR6 and it has tvgos ike our DVR's but only has 2 days listings..FWIW

I just applied the firmware update using a PNY Attache 8GB flash drive.
So far so good. Now I hope the MLB Network miraculously appears in the TVGOS listings!

Has anyone gotten their TV Guide Grid and/or Listings back since Sony released the 1.2.21 Firmware Update for an OTA purely digital environment?

I believe my answer is yes. OTA only with TVGOS data from CBS local. After installing the 1.2.21 update, I did a TVGOS reset. I left the box alone and after twelve hours, I had updated TVGOS with ads and clock, but no grid. I left it off overnight and checked this AM at 5:30 CST. Still no grid. Just for kicks, I tuned to analog channel 19 (physical channel for local CBS 12.1) and did a g*test, leaving the unit on all day. At 2:30 PM CST, I flipped on the guide and saw the dreaded no data screen, but when I flipped to the listings screen VOILA, a grid. The channels were mostly wrong with a lot of analog channels now dead, turned on. I found all my locals in the channel editor and rebuilt the guide. Mostly as a voodu crutch, I turn the analog channel 19 on in the editor to cover my bases. I hope to have some listings later this afternoon. I am not 732... menu saavy to find my scheduled digital dl times, but it usually doesn't take long.
Hopeful again,
Scott

At any rate... this still doesn't answer what seems to be the emerging mystery, which is why so many people's systems are refusing to show any "HostChan" at all, either digital or analog, even when they're getting data.
This mystery emerged in February in the SF area, when - at times - we would get complete listings, but the host channel was empty...later it started showing CBS 5.1 (from which we had previously gotten data with the G*test-overnight on method), then later blank again, then most recently only from PBS 9, then recently...nothing - i.e., no program data...so I was kind of hopeful when the Sony upgrade appeared...

Tony,

I'll let you know what, if anything, filled in overnight last night, once I get home from work. I really think there is something screwy with the KPIX 5.1 Macrovision inserter, which is why only KQED 9 is currently working.

Rick

...
Is your Analog PBS a good clear signal ?
Have you done a TVguide reset within the last month ?
Either your signal is poor or your current grid is out of sync with the listings data ???? last resort may be to reset ??

Todd
I got data from PBS analog that was absoutely solid for years, until the shenanigans noted in the post next to last above began...OTA only

My analog 9 picture is so so, but much better than the minimum required for getting TVGOS data, based on previous experience with my LG3410a and tests of the DTVPal with it...

So, as for what has happened since last night, as of early this AM, my unit had acquired 9 as the host channel (and clock set channel), but still no program listings in my grid (except for Tuesday's, as previously noted)...checked early afternoon and found no added listings, but now the VBI data screen shows SOME packets of type B and C (which I believe it did NOT early am); strangely, the clkset channel is now 5.1

anyway, turned the unit off again and am hoping for further progress from this afternoon's download.

If I don't have any luck in the next 2 days, I will go for a TVGOS reset.

(Ah...to answer one of your questions, the reset screen shows the last 2 resets as yesterday - at the time when I did the Sony upgrade - and 3/27 - which is consistent with my vague memory...)

And to Rbrodzinsky - I thought they had just turned OFF the 5.1 data, and so was surprised when it showed an hour ago as the clkkset channel..

Well - I applied the system software update Saturday the 18th, have the correct time, ads in the program grid but no data.
Calling Sony at 5:40pm.

At first, the rep wanted me to send it in to have the software installed. I insisted that I installed the update properly. I also told her that I was not willing to part with the dvr for a couple of weeks while in transit between Pittsburgh and Laredo, Texas. She let me know that the DHG series repair is done in Mt. Pleasant, PA and the turnaround time is about a week. I said I could drive to Mt. Pleasant in an 45 minutes and drop it and wait if I had to...

I asked if Sony would send me a prepaid UPS label - she put me on hold.

6:08pm Gets better. Now she is offering to send me a "product update" - will have it within the next 5 to 7 business days. Being processed in Mt. Pleasant. Have a work order # to check status of this issue. Makes me wonder if we are beta testers.

I wanted to see what would happen if I started completely from scratch with the new firmware, so last night, I reset TVGOS (twice, using the TV Guide "Reset to Factory Default" from the 9012 menus, to clear out the downloaded updates and revert to 08.01.71), set it up with zip 29201, tuned to 19.1, and turned the unit off. I didn't try to force the host channel with either the 963214785 code or the G* factory test. I soon had the correct time on the front panel. When I get home from work this afternoon, I'll turn it on and see what I have. I want it to go undisturbed through a complete set of downloads, which run from 12:51 AM to 5:26 PM.

No channel lineup. :(

I do have ads, and the TVGOS software has been updated to 08.06.44. In the 753159852 screens, the Host ID has been set to 0x56 (decimal 86), the proper value for Columbia, and it looks like I've been getting all the different kinds of packets except for UpdatePkt, LineupPkt and LineupSelPkt.

I'll give it another day or two. If I still don't have a lineup, I'll change the zip code back to 29202, which is what I was using when I got the channel lineup on Friday.

Well - I applied the system software update Saturday the 18th, have the correct time, ads in the program grid but no data.
Calling Sony at 5:40pm.

At first, the rep wanted me to send it in to have the software installed. I insisted that I installed the update properly. I also told her that I was not willing to part with the dvr for a couple of weeks while in transit between Pittsburgh and Laredo, Texas. She let me know that the DHG series repair is done in Mt. Pleasant, PA and the turnaround time is about a week. I said I could drive to Mt. Pleasant in an 45 minutes and drop it and wait if I had to...

I asked if Sony would send me a prepaid UPS label - she put me on hold.

6:08pm Gets better. Now she is offering to send me a "product update" - will have it within the next 5 to 7 business days. Being processed in Mt. Pleasant. Have a work order # to check status of this issue. Makes me wonder if we are beta testers.

1. I have not followed your threads; but have you confirmed the Sony Software is in the box (Sony Menu Screens-Preferance System)

2. Have you confirmed that the TVGOS (page 1 information screen) is at the correct level?

If the answer to 1 is "yes" and the answer to 2 is "no" and its been more than 12 hours since Sony Update, or the answer to 2 is "yes" and it has been less than 12 hours since the Sony Update; then I suggest a front panel soft reset (just one) and wait overnight.

Looks as if I'm continuing to get TVGOS downloads from analogue Ch 9 (KQED). Upon getting home, I checked and have listings all the way through next Monday night, with the exception of Saturday. This makes sense if I'm receiving the old DL schedules, since Saturday would not have updated.

I still show the host as 9, and the VBI channel as 5.1 (go figure). Clock channels both show 5.1 now.

Rick

The TV station says that 7.1 is the TV Guide channel and has passed all of TV Guide's tests. My question is if there is no VBI on that channel can a guide be downloaded from that channel?

6:08pm Gets better. Now she is offering to send me a "product update" - will have it within the next 5 to 7 business days. Being processed in Mt. Pleasant. Have a work order # to check status of this issue. Makes me wonder if we are beta testers.

What exactly is a "product update"? A cross-shipped replacement? A refurb? A different DVR? A thumb drive with the software update?

What exactly is a "product update"? A cross-shipped replacement? A refurb? A different DVR? A thumb drive with the software update?

Maybe it is an official bulletin from Sony stating that they do not guarantee that the DHG will work in a digital environment. :mad:

Sorry, I couldn't resist,

Mark

To save myself some typing, MV = Macrovision

This is beginning to make sense. For months, Sony and/or MV have said the base TVGOS version 08.01.42 could NOT receive digital guide data. That seemed odd since many of us were able to get listings from a digital host. Could even recover from a ground zero reset, except for the channel lineup build problem. We could tune the digital channel, do a G* test and see the VBI packets.

Now with the new firmware/base TVGOS version, no VBI packets are seen when using the G* test on the digital station.

The MV inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

Of course none of this explains the "no grid" problem which, so far, seems to still be an issue.

That's my take on it FWIW.

Not all bugs are fixed I've noticed that the one way to "hang" these units is to, while a show is recording, try to access that show and watch from the beginnning. The unit will refuse to run commands, and eventually "unstick", but during that time, the clock freezes. All I am trying to do is watch the news from the beginning when I am showing up at the middle !

With the update, that bug is clearly not fixed. I was surprised to see, after hang, the unit do a warm reset by itself, and zero the clock back to --:--. Since time acquisition is no longer "overnight" post firmware upgrade, the clock resets within five minutes. In three or so years of ownership, I don't think I've ever seen the unit reset itself post-hang up.

Oddly, this does not happen if you go into the TVGOS menu for recordings and watch, only if you turn unit on, and hit "rewind".

Still, the unit is a bit faster and just works better post firmware-and it has a built in warm reboot function.

To save myself some typing, MV = Macrovision

This is beginning to make sense. For months, Sony and/or MV have said the base TVGOS version 08.01.42 could NOT receive digital guide data. That seemed odd since many of us were able to get listings from a digital host. Could even recover from a ground zero reset, except for the channel lineup build problem. We could tune the digital channel, do a G* test and see the VBI packets.

Now with the new firmware/base TVGOS version, no VBI packets are seen when using the G* test on the digital station.

The MV inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

Of course none of this explains the "no grid" problem which, so far, seems to still be an issue.

That's my take on it FWIW.Received this today:

Please let me explain, the original Digital Television (DTV) signal was
transmitted on Channel 38 which is 614 Megahertz (MHz). On April 6th we shut
off our Analog channel 7 transmitter, which is 174 MHz and our Channel 38
transmitter. Then the Channel 7 transmitter was converted to Digital and
turned back on. This entire process would have appeared transparent to you,
except that you would have had to rescan your TV.

The transmitted signal contains the digital information that tells your TV
what channel you are viewing, so our DTV channel 38 would have appeared to be
7-1, 7-2 etc., however now our digital signal is being transmitted on Channel
7. Most TV stations are transmitting on a different frequency other than the
channel displayed on your TV. Channel 12 is actually channel 10, and Channel
30 is channel 32 and so on.

The data used to tell your TV all this channel information is called "Program
and System Information Protocol" or PSIP. PISP will send the information
(data) with a header called "Program ID" or PID. The TV guide PID's are
carried in our channel 7-1 stream and the TV guide people have confirmed that
all the TV Guide PIDs are present. If you can receive channel 7-1 than in
theory you should receive the TV Guide. If you still can not get the TV Guide
to function please contact TV Guide!

Originally Posted by myoda View Post
6:08pm Gets better. Now she is offering to send me a "product update" - will have it within the next 5 to 7 business days. Being processed in Mt. Pleasant. Have a work order # to check status of this issue. Makes me wonder if we are beta testers.

Wonder if we are beta testers ?!?!?!
Are you kidding !?!?!?!?!
If you know what 753...means you are a beta tester.
Data Slicer ? What is this, Star Wars ?
Warm reboots, cold reboots, recovery from user reset.
VBI data ?
How many of us sound like broadcast engineers ?
Packets ?
Detailed discussions of data encoding in HD signals ?

This makes my other hobby, ham radio, look like checkers.:D:D:D:D

While I am quite appreciative of the support from Sony (the service center in PA is very good), the fact is this product is a work in progress. Sony had to have lost hugely on this product line here in the states. Elsewhere, I'm sure they do well on DVR products.

Sony can send me the HDD-500 Mk 2 in return for my testing. PM me for address. You're Welcome. :p

To save myself some typing, MV = Macrovision

This is beginning to make sense. For months, Sony and/or MV have said the base TVGOS version 08.01.42 could NOT receive digital guide data. That seemed odd since many of us were able to get listings from a digital host. Could even recover from a ground zero reset, except for the channel lineup build problem. We could tune the digital channel, do a G* test and see the VBI packets.

Now with the new firmware/base TVGOS version, no VBI packets are seen when using the G* test on the digital station.

The MV inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

Of course none of this explains the "no grid" problem which, so far, seems to still be an issue.

That's my take on it FWIW.

So do you think the VBI packets as we know from the "G" test are no longer valid. I don't see them.

[I]
Sony can send me the HDD-500 Mk 2 in return for my testing. PM me for address. You're Welcome. :p

I think there is a follow on.

Not all bugs are fixed I've noticed that the one way to "hang" these units is to, while a show is recording, try to access that show and watch from the beginnning. The unit will refuse to run commands, and eventually "unstick", but during that time, the clock freezes. All I am trying to do is watch the news from the beginning when I am showing up at the middle !

With the update, that bug is clearly not fixed. I was surprised to see, after hang, the unit do a warm reset by itself, and zero the clock back to --:--. Since time acquisition is no longer "overnight" post firmware upgrade, the clock resets within five minutes. In three or so years of ownership, I don't think I've ever seen the unit reset itself post-hang up.

Oddly, this does not happen if you go into the TVGOS menu for recordings and watch, only if you turn unit on, and hit "rewind".

Still, the unit is a bit faster and just works better post firmware-and it has a built in warm reboot function.

There is a conflict with the internal TVGOS software. The sure fix is the Full Factory Reset. Short story the freeze or hang gets there via defects from the TVGOS downloads and/or interaction from the user (ie G test and/or force digital host, etc). Users have reported (but not really recognized) they have gotten the defects from either cable or OTA - but it does seem at least from this forum, the vast majority are created via the cable downloads.

If those are "self" warm reboots you are referring to, it is an indication the unit is attempting to correct itself. But it may not be successful thus requiring the full factory reset.

To save myself some typing, MV = Macrovision

This is beginning to make sense. For months, Sony and/or MV have said the base TVGOS version 08.01.42 could NOT receive digital guide data. That seemed odd since many of us were able to get listings from a digital host. Could even recover from a ground zero reset, except for the channel lineup build problem. We could tune the digital channel, do a G* test and see the VBI packets.

Now with the new firmware/base TVGOS version, no VBI packets are seen when using the G* test on the digital station.

The MV inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

Of course none of this explains the "no grid" problem which, so far, seems to still be an issue.

That's my take on it FWIW.


Now your cooking. Fundamentally correct.

There is a conflict with the internal TVGOS software. The sure fix is the Full Factory Reset. Short story the freeze or hang gets there via defects from the TVGOS downloads and/or interaction from the user (ie G test and/or force digital host, etc). Users have reported (but not really recognized) they have gotten the defects from either cable or OTA - but it does seem at least from this forum, the vast majority are created via the cable downloads.

If those are "self" warm reboots you are referring to, it is an indication the unit is attempting to correct itself. But it may not be successful thus requiring the full factory reset.

A full factory reset returned me to the un updated condition.

What exactly is a "product update"? A cross-shipped replacement? A refurb? A different DVR? A thumb drive with the software update?

It would be nice if they upgraded me to a hdd-500..the software update on a usb drive is the correct answer. By the way, I changed my zip code in the tvgos setup back to my original zip three hours ago, and finally the program grid is populating with no listings. Most progress I've seen in four days. Let's see what happens overnight.

Now with the new firmware/base TVGOS version, no VBI packets are seen when using the G* test on the digital station.

The MV inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

Of course none of this explains the "no grid" problem which, so far, seems to still be an issue.

That's my take on it FWIW.Interesting theory, but I believe there are two things which make it somewhat flawed:

1) I don't think the SCTE 127 TVGOS stream is actually being broadcast yet in most of the country. Something about CBS corporate holding it back?

2) It seems like even the older 8.01.42 firmware must have been using the TVG1 stream because the SCTE 127 stream (even if it is being broadcast) would not be able to quickly download a full 8-days worth of listings like we were seeing; it would need to be providing data at the analog VBI data rate which took 3 hours to download 4 days worth of listings.

So after my reset user configuration I quickly got time back with time zone and left it off for about 22 hours. Today the TVGOS patches were in place but still no grid. I have a couple of recordings tonight, but other than those recordings, the machine will be off until tomorrow afternoon.

I still show the host as 9, and the VBI channel as 5.1 (go figure). Clock channels both show 5.1 now.

The vbi channel is merely the channel the unit was last tuned to...

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

That doesn't explain why I could get listings from WNED-DT 17.1 before the upgrade and can also get listings now after the upgrade. The only thing I couldn't do before or after is have the unit acquire the digital host all by itself by simply entering the zip code and waiting overnight.

Unless WNED-DT 17.1 sends both SCTE127 and TVG1 ????

I finished loading my updated guide and other than order it pretty much contains what I had before. One noticeable exception is that the host channel is the KCET analog feed, yet the guide labels it as CSPAN. Go figure. Still no digital host detected, but I think that will remain true as TWC pulls a COMCAST. The bastards. Seeing as there is a market for these things, I'll wait for the switchover and see. Does it work with digital OTA in Los Angeles? I have no idea, but Possumgirl seems to have luck.

That doesn't explain why I could get listings from WNED-DT 17.1 before the upgrade and can also get listings now after the upgrade. The only thing I couldn't do before or after is have the unit acquire the digital host all by itself by simply entering the zip code and waiting overnight.

Unless WNED-DT 17.1 sends both SCTE127 and TVG1 ????
I agree with Frank 70 regarding the SCTE127 data...I was certainly getting digital data (in the last couple of months, not to mention last fall) when MV had specifically said that CBS 5.1 had not started sending that special data, Furthermore, as I and many others have understood it for months, that data is specifically designed for the DTVPal (in its TVGOS mode), and - as I understand it - will only have one data set per metro area...nothing like the data tailored to zip code that we have now...

Eventually, digital station ARE anticipated to send both that data stream and the main digital TVGOS stream (TVG1), but it ain't happened yet!

In fact, with all the problems that Macrovision ran into post 2/17, when they tried to shut down the analog broadcasts, I think all their energy has been focused on straightening out the main digital broadcast situation before continuing to roll out the legacy stream for analog devices...

Just my opinion

cxgy; Are you getting listings??

To save myself some typing, MV = Macrovision
The MV inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.


I get no TVG1 data. Maybe a lot of carriers haven't made the switch yet. I strongly recommend the zip code switch. It took me two overnights to get everything by analog, both guide and channel mapping.

Someone in the last day's worth of posting asked about a UPS. Yes, I have my DHG250 and Sony TV on a UPS/Filter. If I shut the TV off right after the power goes out, the UPS will keep the DVR running for almost an hour before it gives out. It's an old UPS with a fresh battery. Generally speaking we are lucky here in southern Nevada and don't get that many power outages that last longer than a few minutes. This keeps the DHG running smoothly avoiding those power outages.

Regards
MK

[...]
When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?
[...]

I have a much simpler take on MV, and Sony's stand on this. Simply put, if the end user uses the DVR as it was meant to be used (no hidden menus, no G* Test), then it would be impossible for them to receive digital data with the old firmware. By default, in version 1.2.13, the processing of digital data is turned off in the DHG. The only way to turn it on is to go into a hidden menu, and run the G* Test. Therefore, as far as Sony is concerned, from a "typical user's" point of view, 08.01.42 cannot process digital data.

Mark

cxgy; Are you getting listings??

Yes I am getting listings from WNED-DT 17.1 - but through the backdoor method explained on p.546 post #16367. CFTO Cable 13 is my actual host. Listings from WNED-DT 17.1 are coming in using the "multiple host" trick. I've confirmed its really from WNED-DT since CFTO & CKCO do not give listings for Johnstown, Altoona, Elmira, WXXIW, etc.

On my 2nd test box..
Entering Buffalo zip codes in the setup has not resulted in any success acquiring a host nor listings. My grid is gone and simply have the "There is no data for this screen" msg. I have tried not to "cheat" using G-tests, etc. to see whether the firmware really works or not.

I finished loading my updated guide and other than order it pretty much contains what I had before. One noticeable exception is that the host channel is the KCET analog feed, yet the guide labels it as CSPAN. Go figure. Still no digital host detected, but I think that will remain true as TWC pulls a COMCAST. The bastards. Seeing as there is a market for these things, I'll wait for the switchover and see. Does it work with digital OTA in Los Angeles? I have no idea, but Possumgirl seems to have luck.

Below is what Sony said when they released the update.
Due to the transition from analog to digital by all broadcasters, the TV Guide update data normally being broadcast over analog signals will begin being broadcast only over digital signals. This software update (version 1.2.21) will enable the DHG-HDD250 and DHG-HDD500 digital recorders to receive TV Guide update data from the digital signal.

Judging from what I am reading in this forum, Sony fell short of the stated objective. I can receive CBS 2.1 OTA and we have verified that it is transmitting TVGOS signal. Yet my 250 still does not have the correct clock, no grid, no nothing. After 3 days nada.

Time to get Sony's attention by writing them a nasty letter.

There is a conflict with the internal TVGOS software. The sure fix is the Full Factory Reset. Short story the freeze or hang gets there via defects from the TVGOS downloads and/or interaction from the user (ie G test and/or force digital host, etc). Users have reported (but not really recognized) they have gotten the defects from either cable or OTA - but it does seem at least from this forum, the vast majority are created via the cable downloads.

If those are "self" warm reboots you are referring to, it is an indication the unit is attempting to correct itself. But it may not be successful thus requiring the full factory reset.All right, here I go again.

No, I haven't done anything yet. I'm waiting to see what kind of results everyone is having. I have full listings on 2 500s, so I'm not keen to play with them just yet.

However, my unit upstairs is still rebooting itself, and the listings are spotty at best. This is my only unit that is still set to my correct zip code (as a house "control" unit). No host channel indicated. Also note that this unit is strictly OTA -- it has never been connected to cable.

So here's my question, HoustonPerson:
If this is a data corruption issue, why does it only happen when set to my correct (Chicago) zip? If I switch to one of two suburban zips (I'm using on my other units), then everything is fine. How is this the Sony's fault if changing the zip allows it to function properly?

This all happened back in November. Everything was screwed up on all my units. Rebooting themselves all the time. Switched the zip code, then everything fine. Then, after some major national TVGOS reset on January 22, I was able to switch back to my Chicago zip and everything was completely back to normal. That lasted until about a month ago, when the reboots started again.

This sounds like a Macrovision problem to me. What is different in the data stream (or whatever it is) for one zip code that causes the unit to crash and another that doesn't?!

I have shortened this post. You can all thank me later. That is, until I go ahead and post what I deleted.

Thanks to everyone here for keeping on top of all this and sharing your experiences. Without you, we'd all be sitting here with useless bricks.

I would try the zip 00000 and then start over using 91360 OTA on the antenna and see if that works. These should pick up LA locals. Or try Possumgirl's ZIP. Also using 753..., what versions do you show?
Don't touch the DVR in the AM, leave it off after 10PM to a verified VIB. 5PM is a safe time to check to see the state of affairs. Always turn it off on the verified VIB.

Also, FYI I am purely digital, although I here that CH 2 analog is sending data I can't get anything from ch 2 analog but a snowy picture with my current UHF only antenna system.
Larrykabo,
Where abouts in Atlanta are you located? I am over in Decatur near Dekalb Medical Center and have not been able to lock on to the digital host(46.1) at all. Analog 2 seems to over power it. I have yet to try the upgrade, so maybe that will help/enable it.
Michael[/QUOTE]

Way way out (compared to you) Kennesaw/Town Center

All right, here I go again.



However, my unit upstairs is still rebooting itself, and the listings are spotty at best. This is my only unit that is still set to my correct zip code (as a house "control" unit). No host channel indicated. Also note that this unit is strictly OTA -- it has never been connected to cable.

So here's my question, HoustonPerson:
If this is a data corruption issue, why does it only happen when set to my correct (Chicago) zip? If I switch to one of two suburban zips (I'm using on my other units), then everything is fine. How is this the Sony's fault if changing the zip allows it to function properly?

This all happened back in November. Everything was screwed up on all my units. Rebooting themselves all the time. Switched the zip code, then everything fine. Then, after some major national TVGOS reset on January 22, I was able to switch back to my Chicago zip and everything was completely back to normal. That lasted until about a month ago, when the reboots started again.

This sounds like a Macrovision problem to me. What is different in the data stream (or whatever it is) for one zip code that causes the unit to crash and another that doesn't?!

I have shortened this post. You can all thank me later. That is, until I go ahead and post what I deleted.

Thanks to everyone here for keeping on top of all this and sharing your experiences. Without you, we'd all be sitting here with useless bricks.

short answers:

One of your OTA sources had sent out defective data; perhaps starting in Novemeber? Your error tracking pages (two of them), hold the answers to that. Those pages will start over with full factory reset. The unit with constant resets are an indication of an internal problem; but it is very unlikely there is any thing wrong with the box. You get different results on changing zip codes - to be expected; that also implies one of your sources may still be sending out defective data.

Once you do decided to do the Full Factory Reset then:

1. Do the full reset
2. Install the new Sony Software
3. Only check the box in the evening hours 7-8PM, the more you leave it off the better. It should have correct clock with 24 hours.
4. Do not Force Host, Do Not Run G Test

If that box is not happy withing 3 days, then there is something wrong with the source in your area and/or the box is not getting a good signal.

The two error pages (should be called audit trail), are two of the most important screens in the information group. It really tells you what is going on in the box AND what is good and bad, when the box is happy or not. IMHO about 70% of the questions and issues most users have during this DTV change can be answer by studying those pages.


Ok, the unit is OTA (actually easier to work with). Are the connections good - yes I know a dumb question. And are you using any splitters?

During this last year when setting up my Home Theater, I came across the fact that about 60% of just plain ordinary antenna splitters are BAD and often do not let "all" the signal pass through. I had purchased 4 from MonoPrice only ONE worked. I purchase 4 from HomeDepot and only 2 of those worked. Apparently there are about 6 different types of splitters (all sorts of crazy stuff-with and without FM, forwards, backwards, bi-directional, and defective). Another thing I found out the "splitter" you buy today from X store is NOT the same splitter you will buy again from X store six months from now with the SAME model number.

Splitters are Suspect. Every try "thumping" the splitter while the TV is "on". Yea right surprize!

Let me know how it turns out, I will do the best I can.

The vbi channel is merely the channel the unit was last tuned to...

Why is there a "VBI" test that is a pass/fail determined if there is a data stream?

Why is there a "VBI" test that is a pass/fail determined if there is a data stream?

It only test the channel currently "tuned" to and it may or may not have TVGOS data in it and "only" if it sending out data at that moment in time. That may be of some value.

It is of little value with the new Sony Software. The new software tells you if you are receiving digital or analogue TVGOS data, and that is what most are trying to determine.

....................
The Macrovision inserter adds 3 data streams to the broadcaster's digital signal: SCTE127 (which contains the VBI in MPEG stream to accommodate analog guide versions), TVG1 which is the purely digital guide version, and TVG2 (reserved for future).

When MV said 08.01.42 couldn't receive digital, what they undoubtedly meant was the TVG1 stream. Whether they (or Sony) realized the DHGs could process the SCTE127 data because they do ATSC slicing...who knows?

With the 08.01.71 version, the units are no longer reading the SCTE127 stream. They're reading the TVG1 stream which contains no VBI because it's not needed.

Of course none of this explains the "no grid" problem which, so far, seems to still be an issue.

That's my take on it FWIW.

Just for reference, the diagnostics screen on my V9.1.56 TVGOS Mits TV also shows a TVG3 stream. :)

See images at the link below -

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16314966&highlight=#post16314966

Last month I had a good "VBI test" (Passed) packet count; 60 per seconds on my Hosts digital channel.
Now it is zero. The VBI test fails with '0' packet count. Same channel.

The difference, other than a months time, their former analog host went dark. The station engineer only is aware of a problem when 'National Data Services' (not sure if that is the exact name he gave) contacts them. They are the supplier of the data stream who pays the station to carry the stream, no reference to Macrovision was made at all.

The engineer seems to think the previous test was showing the packet count from their analog signal since the VCT will list both channels with the same number. When I did a separate VBI test on the old analog channel, I receives a count around 200 packet in a 60 second time frame, not 60 like I did on their digital channel.

The other oddity, that 'data stream' is on their 1st sub channel (43.2). If I remember correctly, it didn't matter which of the three channels I used; 43.1, 43.2 or 43.3 (vitual channel 17), I received a count on any of them.

Also, FYI I am purely digital, although I here that CH 2 analog is sending data I can't get anything from ch 2 analog but a snowy picture with my current UHF only antenna system.
Larrykabo,
Where abouts in Atlanta are you located? I am over in Decatur near Dekalb Medical Center and have not been able to lock on to the digital host(46.1) at all. Analog 2 seems to over power it. I have yet to try the upgrade, so maybe that will help/enable it.
Michael[/QUOTE]

To add, I certainly am going to get a much weaker ch2 then you, I would also expect that my digital stations be weak as well, I've not gotten a feel if my distance from downtown atl (where most of the xmitters are) is good or bad. I do know that I have about 7 different HDTV rated ant that I've accumulated over the last 4-5 years (the sony hdddvr) is not my first attempt at OTA HDTV) and none give me perfect reception on all channels, and key here, ALL the time. I may get it set up good on all channels and a day later reception goes to .... What I have wound up with is two RCA flat panel indoor (there is no model#) ant, they come unamplified, I've got an external amp off one of my other HDTV ant bricks. These ant do not have an external "whip" like the others and I assume there is not one inside and based on my vhf reception I assume they are uhf only. But they have worked the best so far (I've got another on another tv) and are my guess very directional. Also I've tried with limited success (I can't swear to it) but the theory is that those folks to close to the xmit ant and with lots of buildings (reflections of good stuff and bad) around with lots of other ant around (microwave, cell etc.) increases your chances of receiving stuff hitting your hdtv decoder thus maybe confusing or overloading or making it very hard to pick out the good stuff. Try using a cheap coax splitter (not to split the signal mind you), they usually have a frequency rating range on them and usually have an upper cutoff around 1000mhz which is above uhf and below stuff you don't want. Just a thought and your unable to lock on 46.1.

All right, here I go again.

No, I haven't done anything yet. I'm waiting to see what kind of results everyone is having. I have full listings on 2 500s, so I'm not keen to play with them just yet.

However, my unit upstairs is still rebooting itself, and the listings are spotty at best. This is my only unit that is still set to my correct zip code (as a house "control" unit). No host channel indicated. Also note that this unit is strictly OTA -- it has never been connected to cable.

So here's my question, HoustonPerson:
If this is a data corruption issue, why does it only happen when set to my correct (Chicago) zip? If I switch to one of two suburban zips (I'm using on my other units), then everything is fine. How is this the Sony's fault if changing the zip allows it to function properly?

This all happened back in November. Everything was screwed up on all my units. Rebooting themselves all the time. Switched the zip code, then everything fine. Then, after some major national TVGOS reset on January 22, I was able to switch back to my Chicago zip and everything was completely back to normal. That lasted until about a month ago, when the reboots started again.

This sounds like a Macrovision problem to me. What is different in the data stream (or whatever it is) for one zip code that causes the unit to crash and another that doesn't?!

I have shortened this post. You can all thank me later. That is, until I go ahead and post what I deleted.

Thanks to everyone here for keeping on top of all this and sharing your experiences. Without you, we'd all be sitting here with useless bricks.

nealgrof,

I don't believe what you guys have experienced in Chicago is corrupted anything. I believe the concensus was that the main Chicago zip codes receive such huge amounts of data, that it causes the DVRs in that area to reboot often. Switching zip codes does fix the problem, as several of you have proven. HoustonPerson fixed his DVR afer it started locking up by doing the Full Factory Reset... but that is all he tried. From reading his posts back then he never tried any of the lesser resets, that probably would have also fixed his problem. He is sold on the idea of everyone doing a full factory reset on their DVRs, but I don't buy it. There are instructions over on spiffspace for fixing freeze problems, that don't involve the full factory reset. However, I don't think those procedures would work in your case, since I don't believe your resets are caused by the same problem as the lockup during playback issue.

Just another point of view,
Mark

Why is there a "VBI" test that is a pass/fail determined if there is a data stream?

fxstsb,

It is easy to prove to yourself that what avnstf is saying is true. Change channels on your DVR and go into the 753 menu, and look at the VBI channel. Repeat as needed. :)

Mark

......... Has anyone in America, have the “Host” column lock-in on the Digital Slicer Page? That may answer some questions for the rest of us.............

Not sure what you mean by "lock-in", but Mabuttra has values in the HostChan column on that ATSC-Slicer screen . . .

Look at ATSCSlicing.jpg -

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16307389#post16307389

Well It Just Won't Work !!!
I have tried everything with the new firmware but I still can't get the grid to fill. I really believe this is a MacroVision problem. I think that MV supplied the firmware to Sony but have yet to back it up in the data stream. Our only recourse is to call Sony and bitch. I'm sure at some time in the future our dhg's will work but not today. I did a Restore to factory and everything came back in 8 hours even the ads but not the grid. I can't get a analog signal so I'm SOL. Everybody needs to complain to Sony so they can pass it on to MV since MV won't deal with us mere mortals. I suggest of you atill have analog data to record it on vhs as a back up . I wish I had done this. Don't do a restore to Factory if you only can get digital because you will be in the same situation as I am........... Stingray

Dear SS-stingray,

If I remember correctly from a previous post of yours, you're getting TVGOS data from OTA WINK 11.1 in Fort Myers, FL. So am I. I'm in Fort Myers, and I have a 250 and a 500. The 250 has the old firmware, and TVGOS in it continues to work fine. The 500 has the new firmware, and it's still working O.K. as well.

Below is what Sony said when they released the update.
Due to the transition from analog to digital by all broadcasters, the TV Guide update data normally being broadcast over analog signals will begin being broadcast only over digital signals. This software update (version 1.2.21) will enable the DHG-HDD250 and DHG-HDD500 digital recorders to receive TV Guide update data from the digital signal.

Judging from what I am reading in this forum, Sony fell short of the stated objective. I can receive CBS 2.1 OTA and we have verified that it is transmitting TVGOS signal. Yet my 250 still does not have the correct clock, no grid, no nothing. After 3 days nada.

Time to get Sony's attention by writing them a nasty letter.

The digital version of TVGOS is being worked on by Macrovision. Equipment changes. Should be up by the end of the month.

The digital version of TVGOS is being worked on by Macrovision. Equipment changes. Should be up by the end of the month.Well, the above is a little cryptic, but perhaps what it means (getting back to Possumgirl's theory) is that an SCTE 127 data stream is necessary to download a timezone and channel lineup after a TVGOS factory reset, and MV expects CBS to be broadcasting the SCTE 127 data stream by the end of the month. So it's possible that the older firmware only worked with the TVG1 data stream, while the newer firmware works with both the TVG1 data stream (for patch and daily listings downloads) and the SCTE 127 data stream (for the very infrequent timezone and channel lineup downloads), and we're just waiting for CBS and MV to get their act together on the latter. If this is true, we might expect the G* test to start passing once SCTE 127 data starts arriving, since it is the closest thing to VBI in the digital signal.

How's that for a SWAG!?

I'm happy to report that, on just now checking, I found my Sony has a regular 1,2,5,8 day download! I hope this means my unit is now in the groove, Sony upgrade and all...

Of course LAST Tuesday's download was exactly ALL I got for the week, and if THAT repeats this week, I'll be down in the dumps instead!

(I HATE having to check the TV Guide on my LG3410a and then to set MANUAL recordings on my Sony...3 "unknown" recordings from last night...)

I have not done the the software upgrade. So why are my Sonys still working on a digital only signal, while others are having so many issues getting theirs to work?

Well, the above is a little cryptic, but perhaps what it means (getting back to Possumgirl's theory) is that an SCTE 127 data stream is necessary to download a timezone and channel lineup after a TVGOS factory reset, and MV expects CBS to be broadcasting the SCTE 127 data stream by the end of the month. So it's possible that the older firmware only worked with the TVG1 data stream, while the newer firmware works with both the TVG1 data stream (for patch and daily listings downloads) and the SCTE 127 data stream (for the very infrequent timezone and channel lineup downloads), and we're just waiting for CBS and MV to get their act together on the latter. If this is true, we might expect the G* test to start passing once SCTE 127 data starts arriving, since it is the closest thing to VBI in the digital signal.

How's that for a SWAG!?
very neatly rounded prognostication, but I suspect that, when the transition actually cometh, the prophet of Sony will be TVG1 alone, and that of DTVPal SCTE127...

I have not done the the software upgrade. So why are my Sonys still working on a digital only signal, while others are having so many issues getting theirs to work?
Ah, there you go again in Phoenix!

Probably because they are still doing in Phoenix what they had been doing up here until 2 or 3 weeks ago!?

Who can really say why or what?

nealgrof,

I don't believe what you guys have experienced in Chicago is corrupted anything. I believe the concensus was that the main Chicago zip codes receive such huge amounts of data, that it causes the DVRs in that area to reboot often. Switching zip codes does fix the problem, as several of you have proven. HoustonPerson fixed his DVR afer it started locking up by doing the Full Factory Reset... but that is all he tried. From reading his posts back then he never tried any of the lesser resets, that probably would have also fixed his problem. He is sold on the idea of everyone doing a full factory reset on their DVRs, but I don't buy it. There are instructions over on spiffspace for fixing freeze problems, that don't involve the full factory reset. However, I don't think those procedures would work in your case, since I don't believe your resets are caused by the same problem as the lockup during playback issue.

Just another point of view,
Mark

I know the threads are way too long too read and follow. yes I did do the front panel and other resets. On two occasions Full Factory Reset was required, the lessor resets would not work. yes try the other resets, and often they will work; but when they don't, then the Full Factory Reset will. It is proven.

I have not done the the software upgrade. So why are my Sonys still working on a digital only signal, while others are having so many issues getting theirs to work?

The issue seems to be in getting a Channel Lineup and Grid from digital. :(

Listings are easy. :)

My unit has periodically flip flopped back and forth from analogue to Digital and back again. Some of this has been required because of both signal issues in Houston, and as well as MV changes and work on the TVGOS system.

However, I have just discovered I can increase the changes of it staying with digital host, by being certain the last program recorded in the evening is CBS (this goes back to the older post a couple of months ago). The difference now is: 1) the new Sony Software 2) both analogue and digital are now broadcasting TVGOS, and 3) the signal issues for Houston

Generally, MySonyBox has been 100% since the Software Update last Friday. Most would not be aware of the flipflops. No lock ups or other problems.

mabuttra.

I sent you a question list - must have went to another thread?

Anyway I saw your pictures (just found them and lost them?).

What is your environment? OTA or cable?

You have digital HOST column locked in? Correct and the analogue slicers are blank?

there is no analogue host in your area? correct?

And you do have the new Sony Software installed?

Just for reference, the diagnostics screen on my V9.1.56 TVGOS Mits TV also shows a TVG3 stream. :)

WS6

One of the links you sent me yesterday from the MIT's TVGOS info had some good information. I think it was on page 4 of that print out in the chart section.

I do not have it in front of me; but it referred to the b percentage of Bad data (above 10%) for Type C (and maybe others). The same reading on mySonyBox is often above 20%.

These Houston problems explain some of the flipflop mySonyBox has been doing.

I have not done the the software upgrade. So why are my Sonys still working on a digital only signal, while others are having so many issues getting theirs to work?How do you know for sure that data is coming from a digital host channel? Is your analog host still up and running?an SCTE 127 data stream is necessary to download a timezone and channel lineup after a TVGOS factory reset, and MV expects CBS to be broadcasting the SCTE 127 data stream by the end of the month.You mention CBS. Not all stations are CBS affiliates. Our Host is a PBS affilate. Why do you think this is a "CBS" or probably more correctly a 'broadcaster' issue??

Here are screen shots of my current situation.
These first five screens seem to show AOK other than the lack of the host channel.

Anyone see anything wrong or missing?

The remainder of the shots are here. #6 & 7 are mostly blank since I am not getting any (what they call) VBI packet data when I do the G* test (which is use to get) from the same channel.
Oddly, the D/L schedule is fully populated.

Comments?

No channel lineup. :(

I do have ads, and the TVGOS software has been updated to 08.06.44. In the 753159852 screens, the Host ID has been set to 0x56 (decimal 86), the proper value for Columbia, and it looks like I've been getting all the different kinds of packets except for UpdatePkt, LineupPkt and LineupSelPkt.

I'll give it another day or two. If I still don't have a lineup, I'll change the zip code back to 29202, which is what I was using when I got the channel lineup on Friday.

No lineup for me either, but have ads and clock.

I did see a host id and a clock host, but all my lineup packet vals are zero. I concur with giving it another day or two.

Glad we're trying zips on opposite ends of the spectrum (yours is dead center of the city, mine is a fringe zip).

Glad I have a HTPC backup. :D I use SageTV, which uses web-based guide data and name-based recording.

I know the threads are way too long too read and follow. yes I did do the front panel and other resets. On two occasions Full Factory Reset was required, the lessor resets would not work. yes try the other resets, and often they will work; but when they don't, then the Full Factory Reset will. It is proven.

I think I'm at the FFR point with my 500 unit. Last week, while trying to watch while recording it locked up and eventually reset and I briefly saw an INFxxxxxx where the 'x's are numbers I did not think to write down. Unit recovered right time but all my recordings were gone! When I tried to record something or to pause a live show I got a message on the screen to the effect that the "hard drive is not available". I did a HDD format from the 9012 screen and after 10 minutes or so it reset to the welcome screen and the --:-- clock. When I turned it on the TV screen showed a "successful recovery from a hard drive error" message. Unit recovered and I updated with the new firmware and guide populated with my OTA analog TVGOS host. However, I tried to record a program I was watching live last night and it froze again! Once it reset and recovered the clock, I set a recording for overnight and went to bed. Unit did record the show so the drives seem to be OK. Since I have no recordings to lose, might as well do the FFR now before I record stuff I want to watch later.

Do you know if I need to remove the Cablecard before doing this action?

The digital version of TVGOS is being worked on by Macrovision. Equipment changes. Should be up by the end of the month.

Is this from a reliable source? The only reason I ask is because there was a time where I was receiving TVGOS from a digital host, in my case channel 2.1 in LA.

Also Sony confirms that their current product offerings that feature TVGOS work in a digital environment. I just hope Sony and Macrovision talk to one another before they release a firmware update that gets everybody excited, only to be disappointed in the end.

Just got off of an online chat. Here's how it went:

eSupport Chat Transcript
Lindsey_ > Hi Brian. Welcome to Sony Online Support. I'm Lindsey. Please allow me a moment to review your concern.
Lindsey_ > Thank you for waiting, Brian. I'm sorry for the difficulties you're experiencing with the Digital Video Recorder as there is no TV guide and clock settings. I'll be glad to assist you with this.
Lindsey_ > When was the last time it worked normally?
BRIAN > I do have a clock. I get the clock, tvgos version updates, and advertisements...but no channel lineup or listings. I can only set manual recordings.
BRIAN > Technically about a month ago.
BRIAN > Since then Sony released the new firmware update for the digital environment.
Lindsey_ > Thanks for the confirmation, Brian.
BRIAN > There were some improvements, in that the aforementioned things work fine now without some kind of intervention. However, still not getting channel lineup - even after a tvgos reset.
BRIAN > Been waiting since Friday afternoon -- 4+ days
Lindsey_ > Thanks for the confirmation, Brian.
Lindsey_ > In this case, please reset the TV guide and leave the Digital Video Recorder in the stand by mode for 24 hours to resolve teh issue.
BRIAN > done aready
BRIAN > already - can't type
Lindsey_ > Please give me a moment while I get this information for you.
Lindsey_ > Thank you for waiting, Brian.
BRIAN > no prob
Lindsey_ > I would like to forward a link where you can view the information to resolve the issue online.
Lindsey_ > When you receive the link please click on it to open the page and let me know if you are able to view it.
BRIAN > ok
Lindsey_ > http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C394713
Lindsey_ > Are you able to view the page?
BRIAN > using safari...don't know if that's an issue, can't click...give me time to type it manually
Lindsey_ > You may wish to type the link or you will be glad to know that if you choose to review this session, we could mail this chat transcript to you from where you can copy the link to view it.
Lindsey_ > I’ve already forwarded the chat transcript to your email id. You may wish to check it now.
BRIAN > getting document not currently available -- yes, please email
Lindsey_ > Sure, Brian.
Lindsey_ > I’ve already forwarded the chat transcript to your email id.
Lindsey_ > Please open the link in the internet explorer to resolve the issue.
BRIAN > sorry it's taking so long...still here
Lindsey_ > Sure, please go ahead.
Lindsey_ > I assure you that this will resolve the issue.
Lindsey_ > Is there anything else that I may assist you with today?
BRIAN > all that tells me is that i have to wait 24 hours -- i've done that
BRIAN > is there anything else
Lindsey_ > Did you leave the Digital Video Recorder in the stand by mode?
Lindsey_ > I meant in the stand by mode without turning OFF for 24 hours.
BRIAN > hmmm....just to verify, powered off where it only displays the clock
BRIAN > but, no, i did not leave the dvr ON
BRIAN > is there anything special to get it in standby?
Lindsey_ > Please leave the Digital Video Recorder after setting the TV guide in standby for 24 hours to resolve the issue.
Lindsey_ > Yes, leaving the Digital Video Recorder in stand by mode will install the TV guide properly and it is recommended to leave in the stand by mode.
BRIAN > i'm an IT guy...and therefore need specifics... are you telling me to leave the DVR powered ON?
Lindsey_ > Yes, you're correct.
BRIAN > please convirm that "standby mode" is "powered ON"
Lindsey_ > Yes, you're correct.
BRIAN > that's the first i've heard of that... will try it... so, i need to leave it ON... should it be tuned to the digital station?
Lindsey_ > No, please leave it turned ON.
BRIAN > used to be one had to power it off -- it gets all of the other updates....clock etc. while off --- sorry, this concept is totally new after owning it for 3 years
Lindsey_ > I assure you that this will resolve the issue.
BRIAN > cool...thank you so much...will try it...do you know if i really need to do the tvgos reset at this point...or is it just probably best
Lindsey_ > No, it is best, Brian.
Lindsey_ > You're welcome.
Lindsey_ > It was really nice chatting with you.
Lindsey_ > Is there anything else that I may assist you with today?
BRIAN > ok...thanks lindsey...that's what i'll do
Lindsey_ > You're welcome.
Lindsey_ > It was really nice chatting with you.
Lindsey_ > Good bye and take care.

According to this...the unit needs to be left ON for 24 hours...with the positive "I assure you that this will resolve the issue." So, I'm going to try it. All of you No Channel Lineups and OTA Digital Only's - give it a try. Or wait for my update.

I think her point is that the DVR needs to have power applied to it, not turned ON in the sense that you would see a channel number on the display or video on the screen. She's basically saying "don't unplug it."

I think her point is that the DVR needs to have power applied to it, not turned ON in the sense that you would see a channel number on the display or video on the screen. She's basically saying "don't unplug it."

I think that's what he was trying to get out of her. At this point it's worth a try if nothing else is working, especially since just leaving it plugged in is what he's been doing for 4+ days...

I think her point is that the DVR needs to have power applied to it, not turned ON in the sense that you would see a channel number on the display or video on the screen. She's basically saying "don't unplug it."

That's why I specifically asked her what she meant by that. I know the "book" says standby is powered off. But I would hope she wouldn't think for a second that anybody would think they could get anything with the device unplugged.
We'll see.

According to this...the unit needs to be left ON for 24 hours...with the positive "I assure you that this will resolve the issue." So, I'm going to try it. All of you No Channel Lineups and OTA Digital Only's - give it a try. Or wait for my update.

I sense your frustration with the support person.

I updated (4) Sony DVRs with the new 1.2.21 FW.

I never ever leave my units ON - unless I am using them
to watch TV. Obviously they are always plugged in and
supplied with 110V.

All four of my units have 8 days of guide data. If after 24
hours - yours still have nothing - I suggest a front-panel
reset. Many times my guide has data but might not be
showing it. After the front panel reset the data is there.

If all this FAILS - it is probably your TVGOS Station is not
sending out guide data.

I sense your frustration with the support person.
... If after 24 hours - yours still have nothing - I suggest a front-panel reset.

It does seem strange. But I made her be very specific. I actually did the front panel reset on Sunday A.M. -- Everything updates fine with it off, except for getting channel lineup and listings. I'm getting Schedule...etc. Packets; but they are all being rejected, I believe due to the fact that the channel lineup doesn't load. Figured it's worth a try. Will let you all know tomorrow afternoon sometime.

It does seem strange. But I made her be very specific. I actually did the front panel reset on Sunday A.M. -- Everything updates fine with it off, except for getting channel lineup and listings. I'm getting Schedule...etc. Packets; but they are all being rejected, I believe due to the fact that the channel lineup doesn't load. Figured it's worth a try. Will let you all know tomorrow afternoon sometime.

Have you tried the nearby zip code trick?

Just got off of an online chat. Here's how it went:

eSupport Chat Transcript
Lindsey_ > Hi Brian. Welcome to Sony Online Support. I'm Lindsey. Please allow me a moment to review your concern.
Lindsey_ > Thank you for waiting, Brian. I'm sorry for the difficulties you're experiencing with the Digital Video Recorder as there is no TV guide and clock settings. I'll be glad to assist you with this.
Lindsey_ > When was the last time it worked normally?
BRIAN > I do have a clock. I get the clock, tvgos version updates, and advertisements...but no channel lineup or listings. I can only set manual recordings.
BRIAN > Technically about a month ago.
BRIAN > Since then Sony released the new firmware update for the digital environment.
Lindsey_ > Thanks for the confirmation, Brian.
BRIAN > There were some improvements, in that the aforementioned things work fine now without some kind of intervention. However, still not getting channel lineup - even after a tvgos reset.
BRIAN > Been waiting since Friday afternoon -- 4+ days
Lindsey_ > Thanks for the confirmation, Brian.
Lindsey_ > In this case, please reset the TV guide and leave the Digital Video Recorder in the stand by mode for 24 hours to resolve teh issue.
BRIAN > done aready
BRIAN > already - can't type
Lindsey_ > Please give me a moment while I get this information for you.
Lindsey_ > Thank you for waiting, Brian.
BRIAN > no prob
Lindsey_ > I would like to forward a link where you can view the information to resolve the issue online.
Lindsey_ > When you receive the link please click on it to open the page and let me know if you are able to view it.
BRIAN > ok
Lindsey_ > http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/documentLink.do?externalId=C394713
Lindsey_ > Are you able to view the page?
BRIAN > using safari...don't know if that's an issue, can't click...give me time to type it manually
Lindsey_ > You may wish to type the link or you will be glad to know that if you choose to review this session, we could mail this chat transcript to you from where you can copy the link to view it.
Lindsey_ > I’ve already forwarded the chat transcript to your email id. You may wish to check it now.
BRIAN > getting document not currently available -- yes, please email
Lindsey_ > Sure, Brian.
Lindsey_ > I’ve already forwarded the chat transcript to your email id.
Lindsey_ > Please open the link in the internet explorer to resolve the issue.
BRIAN > sorry it's taking so long...still here
Lindsey_ > Sure, please go ahead.
Lindsey_ > I assure you that this will resolve the issue.
Lindsey_ > Is there anything else that I may assist you with today?
BRIAN > all that tells me is that i have to wait 24 hours -- i've done that
BRIAN > is there anything else
Lindsey_ > Did you leave the Digital Video Recorder in the stand by mode?
Lindsey_ > I meant in the stand by mode without turning OFF for 24 hours.
BRIAN > hmmm....just to verify, powered off where it only displays the clock
BRIAN > but, no, i did not leave the dvr ON
BRIAN > is there anything special to get it in standby?
Lindsey_ > Please leave the Digital Video Recorder after setting the TV guide in standby for 24 hours to resolve the issue.
Lindsey_ > Yes, leaving the Digital Video Recorder in stand by mode will install the TV guide properly and it is recommended to leave in the stand by mode.
BRIAN > i'm an IT guy...and therefore need specifics... are you telling me to leave the DVR powered ON?
Lindsey_ > Yes, you're correct.
BRIAN > please convirm that "standby mode" is "powered ON"
Lindsey_ > Yes, you're correct.
BRIAN > that's the first i've heard of that... will try it... so, i need to leave it ON... should it be tuned to the digital station?
Lindsey_ > No, please leave it turned ON.
BRIAN > used to be one had to power it off -- it gets all of the other updates....clock etc. while off --- sorry, this concept is totally new after owning it for 3 years
Lindsey_ > I assure you that this will resolve the issue.
BRIAN > cool...thank you so much...will try it...do you know if i really need to do the tvgos reset at this point...or is it just probably best
Lindsey_ > No, it is best, Brian.
Lindsey_ > You're welcome.
Lindsey_ > It was really nice chatting with you.
Lindsey_ > Is there anything else that I may assist you with today?
BRIAN > ok...thanks lindsey...that's what i'll do
Lindsey_ > You're welcome.
Lindsey_ > It was really nice chatting with you.
Lindsey_ > Good bye and take care.

According to this...the unit needs to be left ON for 24 hours...with the positive "I assure you that this will resolve the issue." So, I'm going to try it. All of you No Channel Lineups and OTA Digital Only's - give it a try. Or wait for my update.


I also had a chat with Linsey and she did tell me to reset TV Guide Setting, Set Up, Change Zip Code and leave unit ON! Since this is also new for me I will follow her advise. Although I must admit prior to this, she told me to leave the unit off for 24 hours. So who know, I did ask her what this is supposed to do and she said, I assure you this will resolve the issue. We shall see.

I did ask her what this is supposed to do and she said, I assure you this will resolve the issue. We shall see.

But we shall NOT hold our breath !!! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Have you tried the nearby zip code trick?

Yes I have. There are only 5 major stations in our OTA vicinity. Only 1 CBS station that is accessible. Tried the one closest to the station. No luck.

I also had a chat with Linsey and she did tell me to reset TV Guide Setting, Set Up, Change Zip Code and leave unit ON! Since this is also new for me I will follow her advise. Although I must admit prior to this, she told me to leave the unit off for 24 hours. So who know, I did ask her what this is supposed to do and she said, I assure you this will resolve the issue. We shall see.
I'm thinking that maybe the "rules have changed" with the update. Her answer appears to be quite confident.

Do you know if I need to remove the Cablecard before doing this action?

I am not familiar with CableCard proceedures. Those that are familier with FFR with Cable Card should now.

Nevermind, it must have been a server issue . . . . .

Maybe?

I have found that when it is "off" it will tend to lock into digital host IF it was last tuned to the digital CBS host. If it is on any other channel when "off" it will lock into PBS analogue. I had posted on this earlier with more details, and of course Houston is sort of special mess anyway.

nealgrof,

I don't believe what you guys have experienced in Chicago is corrupted anything. I believe the concensus was that the main Chicago zip codes receive such huge amounts of data, that it causes the DVRs in that area to reboot often. Switching zip codes does fix the problem, as several of you have proven. HoustonPerson fixed his DVR afer it started locking up by doing the Full Factory Reset... but that is all he tried. From reading his posts back then he never tried any of the lesser resets, that probably would have also fixed his problem. He is sold on the idea of everyone doing a full factory reset on their DVRs, but I don't buy it. There are instructions over on spiffspace for fixing freeze problems, that don't involve the full factory reset. However, I don't think those procedures would work in your case, since I don't believe your resets are caused by the same problem as the lockup during playback issue.

Just another point of view,
MarkThanks, Mark. I read the consensus opinions concerning zip codes back then. I thought it made sense that the unit was being "overloaded" with data. Only one problem: there was no difference in the number of channels in the channel editor using one zip over another. I could understand if the channel editor showed, say, 720 channels for the metro zip, but only 577 for the suburban zip; this was not the case. For a while (these things change periodically), all of my 3 units showed the same number of channels in the editor list.

My total channels now are as follows:
DVR 1: OTA + Comcast cable, suburban zip: 641 channels, working fine
DVR 2: OTA only, different suburban zip: 585 channels, working fine
DVR 3: OTA only, Chicago zip code: 577 channels, frequent reboots, incomplete listings, and no host channel showing

DVR 3 with the Chicago zip, in fact, has the least number of channels. Unless I'm not understanding something (likely), wouldn't fewer channels translate to less data downloading?

My only point here is this: if Macrovision (Gemstar, TVGOS) is sending out bad data, no matter what I/we do with these units -- from FW updates to wiping our harddrives -- they're still going to be screwed up. If everyone outside Chicago has stopped having these reboot issues, that's great. Here in Chicago, though, I think Macrovision is still poisoning the well.

I need to get to the bottom of this before June 12. If Macrovision is responsible, I want to "induce" them to "fix" whatever they fixed back in January, again.

HoustonPerson, I greatly appreciate your suggestions. I am not saying that a Full Factory Reset will not solve the problem. Obviously, I can't be sure until I do it. That is my last resort. But whatever Macrovision did nationwide on January 22nd fixed the problem, whether deliberately or serendipitously. And the only thing I did was a TVGOS default reset with my correct zip.

NOTE: Just to clarify, my DVR 1 was working fine back in January on the suburban zip before this Macrovision "fix." The fix just allowed me to set the unit back to my Chicago zip without the reboots and channel remapping.

Just got off of an online chat. Here's how it went:

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

According to this...the unit needs to be left ON for 24 hours...with the positive "I assure you that this will resolve the issue." So, I'm going to try it. All of you No Channel Lineups and OTA Digital Only's - give it a try. Or wait for my update.

I have attached an image of the document Lindsey is referencing. My interpretation is that procedure works IF YOU HAVE A GRID AND CHANNEL LINEUP. This is virtually the same procedure documented in this forum ages ago to get listings from a digital source. I have left my gridless DHG on without success, but it's worth trying again. It sure isn't finding a grid after the power button is "turned off". Charlie

I'm in Chicago and was having the freeze-up problems awhile back, and a few soft resets cured it. Hasn't done it for a few weeks now, even though they keep screwing with the analog guide data by turning it on and off (it seems - with WBBM analog. I'm not getting any digital data, because I currently can't receive the host channel for that).Freeze-ups are not my problem. I have always been able to fix those, and other assorted glitches with a "Reset User Configuration." What I'm talking about, Rammitinski, is reboots. When the unit is switched OFF, the unit "clicks," the front panel goes completely dark, and then the Welcome screen comes up and ends with a "--:--" clock.

If you want to see what I mean, set your unit to a Chicago zip. But don't, because you won't appreciate the result.

Dear SS-stingray,

If I remember correctly from a previous post of yours, you're getting TVGOS data from OTA WINK 11.1 in Fort Myers, FL. So am I. I'm in Fort Myers, and I have a 250 and a 500. The 250 has the old firmware, and TVGOS in it continues to work fine. The 500 has the new firmware, and it's still working O.K. as well.

I have two dhg's and one has been reset to factory default. What won't work is getting the grid. If you have the grid already loaded by analog you can geet guide data. If you want to test that, then do a reset and you will know what I mean. I called Sony today and had a very long conversation with an engeneer working on this .He will call me Friday with answers to all of our questions. At first he said that the new firmware fixed all this but finally he admitted that there is still problems. He said another firmware update maybe soon released. At first Sony wanted to send me a flash drive with some new firmware it was 1.2.21 . I politely declined the offer pointing out that I have it already installed.

Freeze-ups are not my problem. I have always been able to fix those, and other assorted glitches with a "Reset User Configuration." What I'm talking about, Rammitinski, is reboots. When the unit is switched OFF, the unit "clicks," the front panel goes completely dark, and then the Welcome screen comes up and ends with a "--:--" clock.

If you want to see what I mean, set your unit to a Chicago zip. But don't, because you won't appreciate the result.I did have that happen a couple of times, too. Not just out of the blue when watching live, or when the unit was "off" (that's the first time I've ever heard of that around here) but when I would be using the HDD. First it would freeze - and then it would reboot. The soft resets/reboots (pressing the "TV Guide" and "Exit" buttons on the unit at the same time) seemed to have gotten rid of that. Unless it was just something they did.

If that doesn't work, I don't know what to tell you, 'cause, like I said, that's the first I've ever heard of that happening. I know that others here in the Chi. area were having the HDD reboots, though.

Only thing I can think of is it must be trying to load the corrupted TVGOS data at that moment. All I know, is that they're still constantly fooling around with (at least) the analog stream here, but I'm hoping that stops eventually. (I don't know what they're doing with the digital stream, though. Possibly switching off between the two, and hoping people's units will cross over and stick, and work alright with it. Either that, ot Macrovision's intentionally trying to frustrate us to the point of giving up on TVGOS altogether, because they know it'll never work. Me, I'm about this close to just getting a TiVoHD.)

Like I've said before, though - I haven't done the "update" yet, because 1.) I want to make sure the thing actually works before doing anything like that to my unit, and 2.) I can't receive the host channel anyway, right now. I just wish I could know if this thing's ever going to work OTA for sure come June 12, because I'd like to try to sell it well enough before that actual time if it won't. Somebody that's getting the analog guide data through cable can most likely still fully use it.

IMy interpretation is that procedure works IF YOU HAVE A GRID AND CHANNEL LINEUP. This is virtually the same procedure documented in this forum ages ago to get listings from a digital source. I have left my gridless DHG on without success, but it's worth trying again. It sure isn't finding a grid after the power button is "turned off". Charlie


I don't buy it, but will try it also. We lost TVGOS at two different local Comcast franchises in March. One returned to life in April but went down again prior to SW update, other never came back. When it was up and running, TV HOST was blank although the full listings kept current.

If you plan on leaving the unit on, don't forget to disable the "Auto Off Time" preference (defaults to 1 AM auto turn off time).

To any that are going to try the "Leave it turned on for 24 hours" suggestion . . .

Be sure to go into your setup menu and DISABLE the AUTO-OFF setting. ;)

I did have that happen a couple of times, too. Not just out of the blue when watching live, or when the unit was "off" (that's the first time I've ever heard of that around here) but when I would be using the HDD. The soft resets/reboots (pressing the "TV Guide" and "Exit" buttons on the unit at the same time) seemed to have gotten rid of that. Unless it was just something they did.

If that doesn't work, I don't know what to tell you, 'cause, like I said, that's the first I've ever heard of that happening. I know that others here in the Chi. area were having the HDD reboots, though.

Only thing I can think of is it must be trying to load the corrupted TVGOS data at that moment. All I know, is that they're still constantly fooling around with (at least) the analog stream here, but I'm hoping that stops eventually. (Like I said, I don't know what they're doing with the digital stream. Possibly switching off between the two, and hoping people's units will cross over and stick, and work alright with it. Either that, ot Macrovision's intentionally trying to frustrate us to the point of giving up on TVGOS altogether, because they know it'll never work. Me, I'm about this close to just getting a TiVoHD.)Yes, if I recall correctly, you weren't having the same problems that PhillyC and I were. But Phil and I are both in the city.

For the record, the only time I had a unit reboot while ON was when I was running the *G test on CBS 2.1. Other than that, my units only rebooted when they were OFF. In fact, if I wanted to be sure that I would get a programmed recording, I had to leave the unit on when I left the house. Nothing got screwed up as long as it was on.

Thanks, Mark. I read the consensus opinions concerning zip codes back then. I thought it made sense that the unit was being "overloaded" with data. Only one problem: there was no difference in the number of channels in the channel editor using one zip over another.

Conjecture warning!! I thought the idea was to limit the number lineups that your DHG tried to store. If you choose a zip where there is less diversity in the possible lineups and your lineup is still one of them, you win.

Conjecture warning!! I thought the idea was to limit the number lineups that your DHG tried to store. If you choose a zip where there is less diversity in the possible lineups and your lineup is still one of them, you win.Ahh! Yes, I did miss that. I'll have to check each unit and see now many lineups are showing. That is, if they will show on the rebooting unit...

Still, this was rendered moot by Macrovision's "fix" on January 22nd. It worked for over a month. Why??!!!

Those in the Oklahoma City and/or Tulsa area ought to try to revive their Sony DVR. After learning of the new firmware upgrade, I got my Sony out of storage and applied it. Now a few days later and presto, now have TV Guide listings again! Haven't checked yet what channel they're coming from.

I have two dhg's and one has been reset to factory default. What won't work is getting the grid. If you have the grid already loaded by analog you can geet guide data. If you want to test that, then do a reset and you will know what I mean. I called Sony today and had a very long conversation with an engeneer working on this .He will call me Friday with answers to all of our questions. At first he said that the new firmware fixed all this but finally he admitted that there is still problems. He said another firmware update maybe soon released. At first Sony wanted to send me a flash drive with some new firmware it was 1.2.21 . I politely declined the offer pointing out that I have it already installed.

I would hope that Sony has the ability to actually test a unit in an all-digital environment and be able to recreate the "no grid" problem. I strongly suspect the issue is with MV, their digital stream, and Ver. 08.xx.xx anything software. Particularly since folks with Mits TVs and Ver. 08.xx.xx seem to be having the grid problem as well.

There were interesting comments yesterday on my "theory" about SCTE127 and TVG1 and that got me thinking more (dangerous I know ;)). If, indeed, the units have been using the TVG1 all along, then as Mabuttra suggested, all this update did was make it so the units would do that without user intervention of running G* tests, etc. If that is the case, then nothing really got "fixed" at all.

Lindsey_ >I meant in the stand by mode without turning OFF for 24 hours.
Lindsey_ > Yes, leaving the Digital Video Recorder in stand by mode will install the TV guide properly and it is recommended to leave in the stand by mode.
BRIAN > ... are you telling me to leave the DVR powered ON?
Lindsey_ > Yes, you're correct.
BRIAN > ... should it be tuned to the digital station?
Lindsey_ > No, please leave it turned ON.
Lindsey_ > I assure you that this will resolve the issue.


Admittedly, this is confusing.
Is she actually recommending that the DVR be left "ON" all of the time?
And, when I asked if it should be tuned to the digital station, she says, "NO, please leave it turned ON." Not sure what she means, no matter how clearly I tried to make her state it. However, after 3+ hours, the clock hasn't yet set properly. I'm too impatient. Guess I'll just leave it alone for now.

Many posters here have observed that when they have both Analog and Digital stations broadcasting data, TVGOS appears to prefer the Analog over Digital downloads.

If one examines the download schedules which have been published here, you see that Analog downloads start around 10:30PM local time, whereas Digital downloads start around 1:10AM local time.

If one were to shutdown their TVGOS device at, say 11:30PM when they retire for the evening, then the TVGOS would start searching for downloads, and find only Analog downloads being broadcast. The TVGOS would presumably lock into this stream of downloads, ignoring the Digital downloads which start an hour or more later.

Of course, if the TVGOS were to transmit "placeholders" (a stream of data saying 'standby, data will be forthcoming'), then TVGOS could lock onto either analog or digital. We have no indication that TVGOS does this. This may explain the apparent preference of TVGOS to lock onto the Analog stations.

Those in the Oklahoma City and/or Tulsa area ought to try to revive their Sony DVR. After learning of the new firmware upgrade, I got my Sony out of storage and applied it. Now a few days later and presto, now have TV Guide listings again! Haven't checked yet what channel they're coming from.

Sorry Townie but Tulsa is getting listings from analog FOX23. I have heard various reports of some digital data being available in OKC, but it still hasn't been confirmed and OETA is definitely not sending any out in Tulsa yet. Keep getting that it is coming soon from the engineers at OETA.

fxstsb,

It is easy to prove to yourself that what avnstf is saying is true. Change channels on your DVR and go into the 753 menu, and look at the VBI channel. Repeat as needed. :)

Mark

Thanks for your post. My concern is that there is no VBI, any channel. Just so I don't misunderstand, which 753? I only know of one with about 3 sub screens.

Well It Just Won't Work !!!
I have tried everything with the new firmware but I still can't get the grid to fill. I really believe this is a MacroVision problem. I think that MV supplied the firmware to Sony but have yet to back it up in the data stream. Our only recourse is to call Sony and bitch. I'm sure at some time in the future our dhg's will work but not today. I did a Restore to factory and everything came back in 8 hours even the ads but not the grid. I can't get a analog signal so I'm SOL. Everybody needs to complain to Sony so they can pass it on to MV since MV won't deal with us mere mortals. I suggest of you atill have analog data to record it on vhs as a back up . I wish I had done this. Don't do a restore to Factory if you only can get digital because you will be in the same situation as I am........... Stingray
I don't think my PBS station would know since they have no TVGOS decoder. Sure it passes their tests but that does not mean the data stream is correct.

If, indeed, the units have been using the TVG1 all along, then as Mabuttra suggested, all this update did was make it so the units would do that without user intervention of running G* tests, etc. If that is the case, then nothing really got "fixed" at all.
well, it might also have set things up so that, when analog REALLY disappears, the unit will still be capable of getting listings (i.e., from digital)...most of us KNOW we're not in an all digital environment, so we can't really tell WHAT effect the upgrade has (aside from the fact that, in my case, it caused a partial TVGOS reset and now I've gotten at least one 4-day set of data, which of course may be just coincidental)

Is this from a reliable source? The only reason I ask is because there was a time where I was receiving TVGOS from a digital host, in my case channel 2.1 in LA.

Also Sony confirms that their current product offerings that feature TVGOS work in a digital environment. I just hope Sony and Macrovision talk to one another before they release a firmware update that gets everybody excited, only to be disappointed in the end.

If this is the case, why would Sony release its upgrade? They had to use some specs to do the development.

Some scattershot responses:
...my unit upstairs is still rebooting itself, and the listings are spotty at best. This is my only unit that is still set to my correct zip code (as a house "control" unit). No host channel indicated. Also note that this unit is strictly OTA -- it has never been connected to cable.

So here's my question, HoustonPerson:
If this is a data corruption issue, why does it only happen when set to my correct (Chicago) zip? If I switch to one of two suburban zips (I'm using on my other units), then everything is fine.
You've described pretty much exactly my own situation... and the question you ask is a darn good one. However, if the ZIP code thing is a possible solution, much as I'd like to know why, it may be worth trying if it works, explanation or no. I'm not anxious to rebuild my channel lineup, but I will if it'll stop the self-resets and give me more complete listings. What are the specific suburban Chicago ZIPs that you've found to work?

Thanks to everyone here for keeping on top of all this and sharing your experiences. Without you, we'd all be sitting here with useless bricks.
I'll echo that. Of course, a lot of this online prospecting wouldn't have been necessary in the first place if Sony had just included a couple of extra pages in the user manual explaining the "hidden" screens and anticipating the digital conversion. Instead, they figured it was safer to assume their users were idiots...

I don't believe what you guys have experienced in Chicago is corrupted anything. I believe the concensus was that the main Chicago zip codes receive such huge amounts of data, that it causes the DVRs in that area to reboot often. Switching zip codes does fix the problem, as several of you have proven...
Seems like an odd theory... on the broadcast side, Chicago actually has fewer channels than a lot of other towns, and on the cable side, the 'burbs don't have any fewer channels available than the city. So why would the switch make a difference?

There are instructions over on spiffspace for fixing freeze problems, that don't involve the full factory reset. However, I don't think those procedures would work in your case, since I don't believe your resets are caused by the same problem as the lockup during playback issue.
Logical enough. I've only had the lockout-on-replay problem once, thank goodness, and the SpiffSpace procedure fixed it handily. (It also involved rebuilding the channel lineup, which is always a hassle, but such is life.) Seems completely unrelated to the erratic-listings issue, anyway.

I think I'm at the FFR point with my 500 unit. Last week, while trying to watch while recording it locked up and eventually reset and I briefly saw an INFxxxxxx where the 'x's are numbers I did not think to write down. Unit recovered right time but all my recordings were gone! When I tried to record something or to pause a live show I got a message on the screen to the effect that the "hard drive is not available". I did a HDD format from the 9012 screen and after 10 minutes or so it reset to the welcome screen and the --:-- clock. When I turned it on the TV screen showed a "successful recovery from a hard drive error" message. Unit recovered and I updated with the new firmware and guide populated with my OTA analog TVGOS host. However, I tried to record a program I was watching live last night and it froze again!
Sounds to me (FWIW) like you have an actual hard drive problem, which is something we haven't really discussed much around here. Which I find somewhat reassuring... any hard drive has a Mean Time Before Failure, and since Sony has made it basically impossible to swap out or upgrade these drives, eventually they'll brick themselves for reasons that have everything to do with hardware and nothing to do with TVGOS. Thus far, though, given the paucity of complaints, we can assume with some safety that the MTBF is some ways off yet... and focus on the problems of the day. You may just have an unlucky machine, ahead of the curve, as it were.


My total channels now are as follows:
DVR 1: OTA + Comcast cable, suburban zip: 641 channels, working fine
DVR 2: OTA only, different suburban zip: 585 channels, working fine
DVR 3: OTA only, Chicago zip code: 577 channels, frequent reboots, incomplete listings, and no host channel showing

...My only point here is this: if Macrovision (Gemstar, TVGOS) is sending out bad data, no matter what I/we do with these units -- from FW updates to wiping our harddrives -- they're still going to be screwed up. If everyone outside Chicago has stopped having these reboot issues, that's great. Here in Chicago, though, I think Macrovision is still poisoning the well.
Good point. But what would MV be doing differently for the 'burbs as opposed to the city? They're all the same basic broadcast area, served by the same cable companies... the differences in listing should be minor.

---
FWIW, myself: still getting no official HostChan, and eight days of very spotty listings. Particularly curious: on Sunday I had listings for day 8 (the following Sunday), but on Monday that day (now day 7) was scrubbed, all "No Listings." I can't figure out why or how that would happen... I thought new data streams only updated prior listings, not erased them.

Also ironic: across the whole week, WBBM (the local CBS affiliate, and supposed Host station) has more "No Title" (vs. "No Listing") entries in its lineup than any other single channel I can see. Go figure.

Regarding the patchiness -- and I'm just woolgathering here -- but has anybody investigated the possibility that the machine is picking up (or perhaps even MV is passing along data from?) some individual stations' PSIP info, rather than a single integrated program guide? From what I've read, those are notoriously less reliable, since they depend on each individual broadcaster updating its listings.

Thanks for your post. My concern is that there is no VBI, any channel. Just so I don't misunderstand, which 753? I only know of one with about 3 sub screens.
753159852...there are about 30 screens (up, down, and sideways)...when you complete the code, hit the right key and the screen that comes will show host channel and vbi channel (among other things)...in general going right gives you subscreens of the particular group, and going up or down gives you other groups (of which there are about a dozen)

The G* test counts vbi packets from analog stations that may have TVGOS, and - if you haven't upgraded - will count packets that may have TVGOS data from a digital station. (It is a misnomer to call them vbi packets - though that is what the screen says - because digital transmissions do not have vbi...)

753159852...there are about 30 screens (up, down, and sideways)...when you complete the code, hit the right key and the screen that comes will show host channel and vbi channel (among other things)...in general going right gives you subscreens of the particular group, and going up or down gives you other groups (of which there are about a dozen)

The G* test counts vbi packets from analog stations that may have TVGOS, and - if you haven't upgraded - will count packets that may have TVGOS data from a digital station. (It is a misnomer to call them vbi packets - though that is what the screen says - because digital transmissions do not have vbi...)

Thanks, I guess that asnswers the VBI question. I did not realize that many screens. I will re visit the down arrow key. Thanks

lawman00:
I am using 60712 and 60190. 60712 is Lincolnwood, and is the same as Evanston, IL lineup. For Comcast cable, Evanston is your best bet, as you will not need to remap as many channels; it has the most channel locations in common with Chicago that I have found. If I knew a suburban zip that had the same channel lineup as Chicago, I'd use it. I doubt that it exists.

Remember, I'm referring specifically to Comcast cable, here. OTA-only requires no remap.

mabuttra.

I sent you a question list - must have went to another thread?
Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16310047#post16310047) are the answers.

You have digital HOST column locked in? Correct and the analogue slicers are blank?

Yes the host channel was locked in, and the analog Section-Slicers screen is all zeros just like in the old firmware. Although in the old firmware the dummy packets used to count up on screen 2 but now they are zeros also.

Mark

Here in Bellevue, WA (98005), I have Comcast with a cable card. Today, the host channel showed up as 107, the CBS/KIRO affiliate channel....

Here in Madison, WI (53705), I have Charter with a cablecard. I also have OTA, but our local CBS station (WISC-TV) has reportedly declined to serve as a TVGOS host. Although my DHG-HDD500 reports no host channel, it was nevertheless able to update to 08.06.44 after my application of Friday's firmware upgrade from Sony. I hope eventually to learn the identity of that host. At one point before the firmware upgrade, the host appeared to be 1:0-21 (Univision); but that has not been repeatable.

My clock is still wrong. The last I looked, I had received 59 ZIP code packets.

Macrovision deflects questions from Charter subscribers in my ZIP code to Charter, and that led me to start the following thread. Charter indeed distributes TVGOS data over its cable, but that is evidently streamed to Charter's cable box via the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS); it is not piggybacked on a host channnel in a form usable by the Sony.

I haven't posted enough on this forum to be allowed to include the URL. To see the discussion thread, you can search on dslreports for CATV-How-does-Charter-Cable-update-TV-Guide-On-Screen-TVGOS.

FWIW
2 500's - OTA only - Zip 60188
Updated 1 500 and it went immediatly to digital host and clock set, now is using 0-2 for both.
Full listings, no resets and no problems watching while recording.
It also seems to have helped with an HDMI problem using a 5 switch box.

2nd 500, no update is using 3-0 as host and 2-1 as clock set, full listings, no problems
with resets or lockups.

I left both units off last night and set to non VBI stations and lost nothing compared to
several weeks ago when it seemed I had to leave them off on a VBI channel.

Don't know how different my lineup could be from Chicago but I've been pretty lucky with the data.

It sounds like Sony was following this thread 4 or 5 weeks ago when I and many others
posted having to leave the unit turned on to a digital station after a G*test in order to update the listings!

lawman00:
I am using 60712 and 60190. 60712 is Lincolnwood, and is the same as Evanston, IL lineup. For Comcast cable, Evanston is your best bet, as you will not need to remap as many channels; it has the most channel locations in common with Chicago that I have found. If I knew a suburban zip that had the same channel lineup as Chicago, I'd use it. I doubt that it exists.

Remember, I'm referring specifically to Comcast cable, here. OTA-only requires no remap.

I'm still on 60712 per your suggestion earlier this year --- and I won't switch back to a Chicago zip. The lineup is the same, at least for the channels I watch most. I installed the FW update with no problems. The unit worked before and continues to work now. It is sticking with an analog cable host.

Many posters here have observed that when they have both Analog and Digital stations broadcasting data, TVGOS appears to prefer the Analog over Digital downloads.

If one examines the download schedules which have been published here, you see that Analog downloads start around 10:30PM local time, whereas Digital downloads start around 1:10AM local time.

If one were to shutdown their TVGOS device at, say 11:30PM when they retire for the evening, then the TVGOS would start searching for downloads, and find only Analog downloads being broadcast. The TVGOS would presumably lock into this stream of downloads, ignoring the Digital downloads which start an hour or more later.

Of course, if the TVGOS were to transmit "placeholders" (a stream of data saying 'standby, data will be forthcoming'), then TVGOS could lock onto either analog or digital. We have no indication that TVGOS does this. This may explain the apparent preference of TVGOS to lock onto the Analog stations.

This is what I think about it, rightly or wrongly..... The Preference is controlled by the TVGOS software, not the Sony firmware. Macrovision currently still wants every device (whenever possible) to look for and lock on to analog first. Why? ..... Because analog TVGOS (when available) works. When MV manages to get digital TVGOS working properly, they will send out a TVGOS patch that will nudge every V-8.xx.xx machine that is capable of using it, over to digital. :) I think that the Sony's are now (or will be) capable. :D

Don't take this as fact, because it's just my theory. :eek:

This is what I think about it, rightly or wrongly..... The Preference is controlled by the TVGOS software, not the Sony firmware. Macrovision currently still wants every device (whenever possible) to look for and lock on to analog first. Why? ..... Because analog TVGOS (when available) works. When MV manages to get digital TVGOS working properly, they will send out a TVGOS patch that will nudge every V-8.xx.xx machine that is capable of using it, over to digital. :) I think that the Sony's are now (or will be) capable. :D

Don't take this as fact, because it's just my theory. :eek:

I tend to agree with this as I applied the FW upgrade to two of my units that had been using a digital host and they are both now locked on to my local analog OTA TVGOS station (which was just recently reactivated in my local area).

Here in Madison, WI (53705), I have Charter with a cablecard. I also have OTA, but our local CBS station (WISC-TV) has reportedly declined to serve as a TVGOS host. Although my DHG-HDD500 reports no host channel, it was nevertheless able to update to 08.06.44 after my application of Friday's firmware upgrade from Sony. I hope eventually to learn the identity of that host. At one point before the firmware upgrade, the host appeared to be 1:0-21 (Univision); but that has not been repeatable.

My clock is still wrong. The last I looked, I had received 59 ZIP code packets.

Macrovision deflects questions from Charter subscribers in my ZIP code to Charter, and that led me to start the following thread. Charter indeed distributes TVGOS data over its cable, but that is evidently streamed to Charter's cable box via the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS); it is not piggybacked on a host channnel in a form usable by the Sony. BS...Makes no sense at all.

I haven't posted enough on this forum to be allowed to include the URL. To see the discussion thread, you can search on dslreports for CATV-How-does-Charter-Cable-update-TV-Guide-On-Screen-TVGOS.


Exact same set up here in St Louis. Channel 4 transmits digital tvgos. Charter retransmits it on analog channel 94. I have had no problems on the guide side. Sony shows 94 as the host channel and clock channel. I have not upgraded the software.

I would doubt that charter does anything different with the guide throughout their customer base. Let me add, it makes no sense for charter to transmit it (TVGOS) over the cable internet line and not the cable tv line (I know its all one cable). I read that thread over in dsl reports and I think that they are mistaken. Just hersay IMO

Ah, there you go again in Phoenix!

Probably because they are still doing in Phoenix what they had been doing up here until 2 or 3 weeks ago!?

Who can really say why or what?
Sorry I didn't mean to offend anyone on here. I'm just trying to figure out why some are having so many issues and some are not.

The issue seems to be in getting a Channel Lineup and Grid from digital. :(

Listings are easy. :)
Sounds to me like this might be part of the problem, when coming out of a full reset.

How do you know for sure that data is coming from a digital host channel? Is your analog host still up and running?
No its not. I've been told by the head engineer that the analog host is not broadcasting TVGOS information anymore, its only from the digital channel. They will be moving back to their old VHF channel 8 and going full digital next week.

FWIW, I unplugged both of my 500's on Sunday to rearrange some things and to dust. When I plugged them back in they had the wrong time. After doing the G* test on my digital host channel twice in a row I got the clock back immediately. Does doing the G* test twice in a row help any?

Has anyone had problems with their unit (I have the HDD500) freezing up while recording a program. That is, the remote control will not do anything and the buttons on the DVR, itself, will not function while a program is being recorded. After a program has stopped recording, the remote control functions as normal. I never had this problem until the recent firmware update.

BTW: The firmware update has allowed me to being retrieving listings again--I have 8 full days.

Greg

Sorry Townie but Tulsa is getting listings from analog FOX23. I have heard various reports of some digital data being available in OKC, but it still hasn't been confirmed and OETA is definitely not sending any out in Tulsa yet. Keep getting that it is coming soon from the engineers at OETA.

Well, sorry, after putting my Sony 250 away, I forgot, thanks to analog 23, that getting TV Guide info via SONY DVR had ceased to be a major issue in Tulsa.

But now I don't know where my new TVG info is coming from because in the TVG service menu, it's just a blank where the host channel is indicated. Since OKC digital PBS 13 weakened and quit coming here on the Sony after its switch to all digital, my guess it's coming thru 13 via cable. So I guess I'll just disconnect my rabbit ears from the Sony to help confirm my hunch.

My 500 (v1.02.06) made the digital switch by itself I think and is working fine. Is that normal?
Host Ch is CBS-HD OTA, (used to be PBS).
I did have a glitch a few days ago, and it froze and reset, then a wrong clock time appeared but everything else was fine. I did a G test and the clock fixed. I see 8.01.42 on the G Test screen.

Should I do the FW upgrade? Can you DL it on a Mac? My other 500 is 1.02.13, it seems to be working fine but I haven't checked host/VBI data on it.

I thought VBI was a analog only thing, digital is digital. In digital, there is no notion of extra space allowed in the analog hortizontal scanning for the time needed for the gun to return back to the top from the bottom for the next frame. (NTSC design). Or am I stupid?