FYI
2 500's - OTA only
1 500 updated the other not.
Tonight while recording, on the 500 that wasn't updated, I started watching a show at about 10 min. in.
I did a fast forward at the commercial and it locked. Clock also stopped updating.
When the 500 finally came back it reset with the Welcome and did the 6 count.
The show came back on in progress but the clock was --:--.
After about 3 min the clock came back but was about 40 min behind.
After another 2 min it set itself to correct time.
Finished watching the show and went to delete it.
The record menu showed 9.9 hours of the show over as many weeks, but only showed the one that had stalled and it showed "No listing".
The other 9 shows didn't appear in the listing after clicking on the main title.
Deleting it removed the main title from the list along with all other shows which it didn't list anymore.
I checked the 753 menu right after the reset and zip code and clock packets showed 0.
In five min. I checked again and there were 3 zip code packets but no time packets even though the clock had reset to the right time.
For some reason this event wiped out all of the shows of that title even though it showed 9.9 hours recorded.
This has happened before but it usually reset in about 2 min and continued with the last command..i.e. FF, RW, etc. without clearing any saved programs.
Anyone else?

BTW: The show was on 2-1 which is the digital VBI channel.

FWIW:
The next day the 500 that reset showed no clock, no listings, no adds.
I think it did another reset during the night.
The 753.. menu showed 08.01.71/08.05.40/00.00.00/00000 12c 164/0000.
This 500 was not upgraded.
I upgraded about 1:00 PM after doing a G*test on 2-1 and 0-2 with not a glimmer of hope appearing that it would help.
By 7:00 PM the clock was back, without the .44 showing in the 753 menu,
but no grid or ads.
By 11:00 PM I had a grid but no listings or ads.
By this morning everything was filled in, all 8 days including the ads.
Host is using 0-2 and clockset is using 2-1.
It did one more 6 count reset while I was re-arranging my line-up but came back ok.
Currently the 753 menu shows no timezone packets and one zipcode packet so the 6 count reset must have cleared them.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see until June if this all stops being a problem.

.................. My grid was filled with "No Listing", ................

THIS is the key phrase in your statement. Your DHG will probably NOT acquire a grid with "digital only". :(

THIS is the key phrase in your statement. Your DHG will probably NOT acquire a grid with "digital only". :(

I agree with you totally. I'm clinging to my grid because I know if I lose it, I'm in trouble. AFAIK, once you lose your grid, you can only acquire it again through an analog host channel (doesn't matter which firmware you have). Maybe upgrading to 1.2.21 now will prevent me from losing my grid down the road. I think everyone who upgraded (with a grid) still had a grid when finished. I have to make a decision whether to mess with what's working (upgrade) or risk losing my grid by staying with the old firmware.

drm -

I did a total of five upgrades. Three units, one of which I upgraded three times (while trying experiments). All had grids and listings prior to the upgrades, and none lost them in the process of doing the upgrades. :)

How do you get a grid? This might be a little redundant but I wanted to post a specific question. If you live in an area that is digital only and have no grid, How do you re acquire the grid? If someone made a VHS tape of an analog station that was a tv guide provider and that was during a time of transmission such as after midnight, would that restore the grid?

How do you get a grid? This might be a little redundant but I wanted to post a specific question. If you live in an area that is digital only and gave no grid, How do you re acquire the grid? If someone made a VHS tape of an analog station that was a tv guide provider and that was during a time of transmission such as after midnight, would that restore the grid?
I think the answer MIGHT be that you may be stuck...unless the Sony has the recent upgrade AND it works as advertised..

I think the answer MIGHT be that you may be stuck...unless the Sony has the recent upgrade AND it works as advertised..

Upgraded!:(

Upgraded!:(
"AND it works as advertised.." My bet is the upgrade will have to be upgraded before June 12!

Does anybody know if the Lubbock or Amarillo, Texas markets are transmitting any TVGOS data digitally? I'd like to hear from someone if so. I thought about giving away one of my 250s to my folks.

Does anybody know if the Lubbock or Amarillo, Texas markets are transmitting any TVGOS data digitally? I'd like to hear from someone if so. I thought about giving away one of my 250s to my folks.

According to Rabbit Ears the answer is no.

http://www.rabbitears.info/market.php?mktid=181

But to confirm that, you should call the Lubbuck PBS and CBS stations to see if they are OR if they will come June 12th?

If not, then just send the boxes to me. Um, I will send someone to pick them up if you want?

INF 0000FF80
INF 1000FF80

during warm 2 button reset....displayed during the process?

Cw

In the "digital only" scenario it was stuck at trying to acquire the Grid. For "digital only" there is still a piece of the puzzle missing, either on the broadcast end or on the firmware end. :(


I concur!

No lineup packets, probably like most everyone in the digital only realm. (See attachment)

Seems like my DTVPal would have been able to see the lineup packets even if my Sony couldn't. Since neither did, that makes me wonder if the problem is on the transmission end. (Or I'm confused - again :rolleyes:)

Before updating to version 1.2.21, Washington D.C. CBS, OTA channel 9.1, showed VBI packets and passed the G test. Under 1.2.21, no VBI packets are detected, and the VBI test fails. The TV guide does not appear after 24 hours, and the time stamp is incorrect. Has anyone successfully got the TV guide and correct time stamp in the D.C. area after PBS ended the analog TV Guide transmission? If so, how was this done, and what ZIP code was used?

Try zip code 20016 -- that is the zip code for CBS channel 9.

New update from Chicago, OTA-only:

Whatever WBBM (the local CBS) was doing over the last few weeks, it seems like they finally got the kinks worked out this weekend.

After weeks of no HostChan and sporadic listings, as of Saturday I discovered that the Stats page had finally locked into 0:3-0 as HostChan (the "real" channel behind 2.1), and the ATSC Slicer page had begun incrementing packets in the second column rather than the third. Even better, as of Sunday I had 8 days of full listings, with no conspicuously empty timeslots!

On the down side, over 20 of my stations (including the major ones) were once again bumped down the the very bottom of my channel display list (which had updated from 575 to 583 items), and I had to move them back where they belonged again. (At least this time they didn't turn off and lose their channel numbers, though.) It was merely an annoyance, but I sure hope this won't recur every time some cable provider I'm not even using adds to its lineup.

So, all told, everything now seems to be working the way it's supposed to, and I'm a happy camper! I just hope (fingers and toes crossed) that the box doesn't lose the Host again when WBBM switches broadcast frequencies from 3-0 to 12-0 on June 12th...

I f yours still works with the old firmware, I would say you still have an analog signal. any disagreements.

If that's a question I should answer that yes, my cable is analog. I never heard of a cable company passing ATSC signals. This is too close to an apples & oranges comparison though. There is NTSC (analog), QAM64/256 (cable digital), and ATSC (OTA digital). I get raw cable (no box or CC). I have fed an analog channel 3 into my antenna input from a VCR and that works too, and had packets from my current (analog) source.

After having no luck since upgrade on getting a Buffalo host the proper way, I tried cheating by doing this to at least get some grid up..

Changed zip code to a Toronto DMA zip. Got analog 9 as host complete with grid within a few hours (so yes, getting analog host still works fine). Changed zip to Buffalo and waited overnight. This morning - Toronto grid still there - no Buffalo grid, and now the host is blank in the 753.. menu. So still no luck.

Will leave this way for now to see if anything happens.

I too have given up in Buffalo.I'm waiting for replies from Mits and Sony regarding the possibility the data is not being passed on from WNED which I believe is the case.

Whatever I try gives clock & ads but no lineup or listings.At this point, I think I would almost settle for the ads. :eek:

That is a question that only Sony (and macrovision?) can answer, since "it can't work without an upgrade" is their official position. However their "fix" apparently is still not working for a lot of people.

Yes, you can force the host channel afterward if necessary. I can understand why you wouldn't want to do the upgrade. As far as I know, nobody (except JoeKustra with his oddly numbered cable channels refusing to do manual recordings) has had problems after the upgrade, that they weren't already having before the upgrade (including me).

Mark

OK, I played the guinea pig and did the the upgrade on my #2 unit (hdd250) last night. All seems well this morning.

Immediately after the upgrade was complete I checked the VBI channel and it showed channel 66. "That just ain't right," I muttered. (Coincidentally, the unit just happened to be tuned to cable channel 66 when I did the upgrade.)

I turned the unit off overnight and checked again this morning and indeed it shows VBI channel as 0:42-1. That's KEYE-DT (CBS-OTA). Now that's more like it. Also most listings are now filled in whereas last night I had "no listings".

There is something I am curious about, however. In the "753" submenu Unit #1 (firmware 1.2.05) lists no "Host Chan" and shows "VBI Chan" as 0:42-1. On the other hand, unit #2 (upgraded to 1.2.21) shows "Host Chan" as 1:82-0 and "VBI Chan" as 0:42-1.

I have no clue what this means.

Both units appear to be functioning normally. I will probably go ahead and apply the upgrade to unit #1 today also. For those contemplating the upgrade I simply unzipped the files directly onto a 256 mb FAT32 flash drive. A folder labeled "Sony" is automatically created. That's all that's needed. No special volume names, etc.

The screens at the end of the process are a little different than what Sony shows in the instructions (why couldn't they get this right?). Overall the process seems simple and painless for those that can read and follow instructions.

I hope this information is useful. I will post if anything changes. Thanks to all who responded to my need.

I turned the unit off overnight and checked again this morning and indeed it shows VBI channel as 0:42-1. That's KEYE-DT (CBS-OTA). Now that's more like it. Also most listings are now filled in whereas last night I had "no listings".

There is something I am curious about, however. In the "753" submenu Unit #1 (firmware 1.2.05) lists no "Host Chan" and shows "VBI Chan" as 0:42-1. On the other hand, unit #2 (upgraded to 1.2.21) shows "Host Chan" as 1:82-0 and "VBI Chan" as 0:42-1.

I have no clue what this means.


VBI Channel is whatever channel you are currently tuned to when you do the 753 menu.

As for your "1:82-0" host channel, I have a theory. I believe your cable company is taking the TVGOS data and putting it on channel 82. This will allow TVGOS devices to get the guide. I'm not sure if it's analog 82 or digital 82.0, but in the past, I had a host ID of "1:93-0".

ft

There is something I am curious about, however. In the "753" submenu Unit #1 (firmware 1.2.05) lists no "Host Chan" and shows "VBI Chan" as 0:42-1. On the other hand, unit #2 (upgraded to 1.2.21) shows "Host Chan" as 1:82-0 and "VBI Chan" as 0:42-1.



Do you also have cable connected? Usually a host channel beginning with "1" (1:XX-X) means it is from cable. You box may have locked on to KEYE-DT over cable???

VBI Channel is whatever channel you are currently tuned to when you do the 753 menu.

ft

Now I feel stupid! No wonder it showed 66! Now it shows 42 because that's where I have it tuned! Doh!

Do you also have cable connected? Usually a host channel beginning with "1" (1:XX-X) means it is from cable. You box may have locked on to KEYE-DT over cable???

Yes, I have TWC connected, but cable KEYE-DT is channel 1531 in this area. Channel 42.1 is KEYE-DT OTA.

How can I be receiving TVGOS on one of my units with no host channel at all? This is the unit that I "forced" to host channel 42.1 yesterday!

How can I be receiving TVGOS on one of my units with no host channel at all? This is the unit that I "forced" to host channel 42.1 yesterday!

I'm not sure of the reason, but many users have reported having a digital host channel and it not showing up in the 753... Menu. My host channel has been blank for over two months after forcing a digital host, but I am still getting listings.

I'm not sure of the reason, but many users have reported having a digital host channel and it not showing up in the 753... Menu. My host channel has been blank for over two months after forcing a digital host, but I am still getting listings.

OK, thanks. I'm going to stop worrying about it then. Tonight I'll upgrade unit #1 with the new firmware, and tomorrow I'll see what it shows as host channel. I was going to hold off on the upgrade but it went so smoothly on unit #2 that I think I might as well go ahead with it. Both are receiving TVGOS data now and hopefully I won't mess things up.

I agree with lawman00. Miraculously, my upstairs HDD-500, the unit that I just left on my correct Chicago zip code as a "control" unit (I have 2 other units set to suburban zips) is finally A-OK.

I have not done the FW update on any of my units; I'm still in the process of troubleshooting and I can't change too many things at once.

So here's the story:
For the last month +, this unit has been rebooting itself again, while powered off (same thing my units had been doing from last November through January). Spotty, inconsistent listings. Finally, around last Wednesday, the misbehaving unit had lost all listings. Every grid box was "No Listing." The 753... screen has been showing no host since I can't remember.

Frustrated, I tuned to our digital host, CBS 2.1, and performed the *G test. Since I have the old FW, packets show on the screen. I then checked the ATSC slicer screen, and the TVGOS packet count was increasing. I exited the screen, left the unit on overnight. And the next morning...

Full listings! Host channel! PBS analog 11, which is weird, but hey--what do I care? As long as it's back.

No TVGOS reset, no Reset User Config, no Full Factory Reset, no FW update!

My theory as to why things are back to "normal"? Macrovision. Or CBS, PBS, or whomever happens to be transmitting the data TODAY. That's puzzle piece #1. Puzzle piece #2 is what you might call "catching the wave." It just so happens that I did that *G test Weds (or Thurs), and at the same time, it would appear, the transmitted data was corrected.

This is what happened back on Jan. 22nd, too. Just when I told PhillyC to change his zip, Macrovision fixed their problems and I was actually able to switch back to my Chicago metro zip. Sure makes troubleshooting hard when they're screwed up.

I'm going to keep an eye on it for a few days.

11 1/2 hours without a post. :eek: Must be a record for the past few weeks. :cool:

(By the way, I'm back to PBS analog as my OTA host in Chicago. What's up with these people?)

I received an answer from the chief engineer of our 'Host' station in this market stating Macrovision remotely checked their signal and said all was ok. That doesn't answer why I use to receive a packet count and now I don't.

Called Sony today after not receiving the promised micro drive over a week ago. Told them the problem again. They had no indication of my prior conversation with JP. They asked about my USB device, I told them it was a DataTraveler. I told them all indications were a successful download. They said some people were having problems because they did not have FAT32. I told them I did....... Blah Blah. They said they would send me a MicroDrive. and to follow the instruction. Blah, Blah Blah.

Yes, I have TWC connected, but cable KEYE-DT is channel 1531 in this area. Channel 42.1 is KEYE-DT OTA.

How can I be receiving TVGOS on one of my units with no host channel at all? This is the unit that I "forced" to host channel 42.1 yesterday!

The most likely explanation is hat the DVR does have a host channel but no longer reports it correctly.
The various DVR diagnostic screens are designed for the Sony software developers and the Sony repair technicians. Without access to the Sony proprietary software running on top of the Linux base we users are severely hampered in trying to interpret the diagnostics.

Even if we did have access to to source code, it is not easy. I remember one of my assignments while employed was to write the acceptance test procedure for an airborne digital flight control system used in an RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle). The source info was the source code for the flight controller which was written mostly in PLM except for the Real time executive which was written in 80286 assembler. (PLM is Intel's adaptation of IBM's PL1 for microcomputers).
Speaking of acronyms PL1 stands for Programming Language 1, clever don't you think.

The job took me 4 months and turned out well. So you see I am (or was) no stranger to software.

Another thought, Engineers want 'stuff' to work. If left alone (by management) it can become an obsession. The Engineers employed by MV and the TV station involved in the TVGOS data delivery want to succed, want TVGOS to work correctly. If given the resources and the assignment they will eventually get there.

My Sony is in for its third repair. Previously, they would ship imediately after repair was completed (in Pitsburg). Today, my Sony has completed repair, but gone to a quality evaluation department (in Laredo).

I note on eBay that there are only two Sonys for sale, and the last 250 to sell got a low price. The last 500 to sell got a high price.

After trying and rejecting MOXI, I am now awaiting a TIVO HD, which arrives Friday. I signed up for a month to month subscription. TIVO then sent me an email that explained that while I would be billed monthly, I had agreed to a one year subscription. Any cancellation requires payment of the entire price of the monthly payments left in the year. This is not a good start.

I am now awaiting a TIVO HD, which arrives Friday. I signed up for a month to month subscription. TIVO then sent me an email that explained that while I would be billed monthly, I had agreed to a one year subscription. Any cancellation requires payment of the entire price of the monthly payments left in the year. This is not a good start.

You'll love your new TiVo as much as you Love Your Sony DVRs.

I have 4 Sony's and One Tivo. The absolutely ONLY complaint I have
against TiVo is the PAY FOR subscription. If it wasn't for that I would
have SOLD all my Sony's last year when I bought my TiVo.

If you are computer savvy - the first thing I did was upgrade my TiVo
to a 1TB Internal HD. Step By Step Instructions Here. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=5616160#post5616160)

After trying and rejecting MOXI, I am now awaiting a TIVO HD, which arrives Friday. I signed up for a month to month subscription. TIVO then sent me an email that explained that while I would be billed monthly, I had agreed to a one year subscription. Any cancellation requires payment of the entire price of the monthly payments left in the year. This is not a good start.Note you have one month to cancel service for a full refund. In that regard, it is similar to Moxi.

Dear Sony,

Thank you for the update 1.2.21 which makes so many users of your product happy. Maybe it will make some of us purchase a Sony product in the future since you seem to really care about us.

If you are listening, I have a request, should you have a reason for a new release. Add a memory (configuration) dump/restore to the USB port. We know the DHD can read the flash drive. We would really appreciate the option to save everything (zip code, time zone, channel lineup, etc.) to the flash drive too, along with a restore option. Since you can read the USB port, half the work is already done.

Thanks Sony, and keep up the good work.

Dear Sony,

Thank you for the update 1.2.21 which makes so may users of your product happy. Maybe it will make some of us purchase a Sony product in the future since you seem to really care about us.

If you are listening, I have a request, should you have a reason for a new release. Add a memory (configuration) dump/restore to the USB port. We know the DHD can read the flash drive. We would really appreciate the option to save everything (zip code, time zone, channel lineup, etc.) to the flash drive too, along with a restore option. Since you can read the USB port, half the work is already done.

Thanks Sony, and keep up the good work.

And please please do something about that clock :eek:

Having the clock rely on nebulous TVGOS signal is really not the way to go, there should be some internal clock keeping feature and interface that allows the user to manually correct the clock should it fail due to power outage. There should be the option to either use 'internally kept' clock or the TVGOS clock. If I only could get my clock back, the device could still be used to record programs based on good old timer mechanism.

As of now... hmmm.. I have full 8 days of listings but my clock is 2 hours and a few minutes too fast. I am in the EST zone of the US, I don't understand why I am getting the time readings from the time zone that doesn't even exist in the US.

I have been pulling my hair out for the last 3 weeks since I lost my TVGOS. The signal gets lost but then comes back again. VBI packets are lost, the are no more even prior to me upgrading the box with the new Sony firmware that would allow to read digital TVGOS.

I am on Comcast using cable card in DC metro area. Sending signal to the cablecard which is what comcast does when I call them and complain seems to work and gets TVGOS updates for 8 days. Prior to upgrade my clock was also correct whenever I would get the listings. Since VBI packets disappeared I was getting no host channel listed in my 753159852 screen, but my clock and failing clock channel was always 117 (digital We channel). 117 was also my old host channel when I could get VBI counts on my G* test. So, I suspect it's still my host channel from which I am getting the TVGOS even though it's no longer showing on 753 screens.

After applying the upgrade for several days I had no result, nothing. No guide, no clock. My clock has been incorrect for a week now. 2 days ago I called Comcast and asked them to re-send the data to the cablcard. A day later as it happened before I got the listings, but this time my clock didn't come back! I has changed, used to be behind and now ahead of the real time, but still not correct! My clock channel is 117, no host info is displayed. I have no idea why all of a sudden the same channel TVGOS would now make my clock inaccurate. Is 117 sending bad signal? Does this have anything to do with the Sony firmware upgrade?

At this point I am giving up. I went today to the Comcast office and got a digital DVR. It's the cheapest option for us for now, given how expensive Tivo and Moxi are. I also am still hopeful that when TV becomes all digital things will eventually get fixed. I am not going to sell my DHG just yet, give it another 3-4 months and see if I get any different outcome. If I do, then the Comcast 'rental' would be a lot cheaper option than having to get a Tivo while I am waiting for Sony to start working again. At least I don't have to buy Comcast DVR and can easily return it when not necessary after any number of months. And I am kinda happy to know that if anything goes wrong, it's their responsibility to fix it :) I hope I like it.

Not any real change here since the new software install more than a week ago; all is working correctly.

Pic 7115: about 2.5 pages of “Schedule” thru Tuesday May 5th

Pic 7117 & 7120: The last analogue download was 4/20/09 Since that time all the remaining downloads have been digital. These pages do not become fully visible unless the clock is on digital source. Occasionally, the clock will go back to analogue and these pages will go away. When the clock reverts back to digital all the download pages become visible again. The latest digital Guide download is date and time stamped 4/28/09. This appears to be its normal operation in a mixed use environment.

Pic 7121: Reset Error tracker. 800A power outage on 4/17 09, followed by new software install, followed by one interruption soft reset by me (which it did not need), followed by a self reset for correction about midnight on 4/17/09. No additional resets since that time. There was the Full Factory Reset on 3/17/09, and a self system correction at midnight 3/27/09 error 8013



I do not anticipate problems when the analogue goes away. Just a few of the informational screens will change, mainly getting rid of the analogue data and tracking.

New update from Chicago, OTA-only:

Whatever WBBM (the local CBS) was doing over the last few weeks, it seems like they finally got the kinks worked out this weekend.

After weeks of no HostChan and sporadic listings, as of Saturday I discovered that the Stats page had finally locked into 0:3-0 as HostChan (the "real" channel behind 2.1), and the ATSC Slicer page had begun incrementing packets in the second column rather than the third. Even better, as of Sunday I had 8 days of full listings, with no conspicuously empty timeslots!

...

After nearly a month of being "gridless in Seattle" (OTA only), I now have a grid with listing from host ID # 0:39-0 (real channel 7.1 the CBS affiliate) We'll see if it stays.

After nearly a month of being "gridless in Seattle" (OTA only), I now have a grid with listing from host ID # 0:39-0 (real channel 7.1 the CBS affiliate) We'll see if it stays.

That is good news, especially if you are OTA only. No analog OTA stations are sending TVGOS in Seattle. Did you have to do anything or did your grid just appear? Did it prompt you to select your provider (may not give option if OTA only)? Did you update firmware to 1.2.21?

**UPDATE**Out of curiousity I just ran a G* test on analog PBS (OTA CH 9) to see if they had began sending TVGOS data again. Sure enough they are!! They weren't as of Saturday when I last checked. This would explain why your DHG was able to rebuild the grid and futher proves the Sony cannot rebuild a grid without a analog host. I am curios why PBS began sending the data again. I am going to make a VHS while we have a available analog channel sending data.

As of now... hmmm.. I have full 8 days of listings but my clock is 2 hours and a few minutes too fast. I am in the EST zone of the US, I don't understand why I am getting the time readings from the time zone that doesn't even exist in the US.


The way to tell if the TVGOS clock data that is sent out is correct, is to look at the clock at the top of the screen in the 753... menu. This clock should be (for the eastern time zone) 4 hours ahead of your local time. If that clock is right, then you haven't received a timezone packet which tells the system how far to offset your front panel clock from the GMT clock in the 753 menu. Until your system receives that timezone packet, your front panel clock will be wrong.

Mark

How can I be receiving TVGOS on one of my units with no host channel at all? This is the unit that I "forced" to host channel 42.1 yesterday!

The most likely explanation is hat the DVR does have a host channel but no longer reports it correctly.


I believe this is a side effect of the "force host channel" procedure. The blank host channel used to happen to me, until I stopped trying to force the host channel, and started letting the DVR find it itself (which it is designed to do). The way to tell if you really do have a host channel is to go into the 753... menu, and look at some of the screens that show a HostChan column, and see if those numbers count up when the DVR has been left off for a while. If those numbers don't change, then the system doesn't have a host channel. My DVR has a problem where it will only receive guide data if my host channel is blank, and won't receive guide data once the host channel sets. I have to change the zip code about once a week (which has the side effect of blanking the host channel), so the DVR will keep 8 days of data.

Mark

That is good news, especially if you are OTA only. No analog OTA stations are sending TVGOS in Seattle. Did you have to do anything or did your grid just appear? Did it prompt you to select your provider (may not give option if OTA only)? Did you update firmware to 1.2.21?

**UPDATE**Out of curiousity I just ran a G* test on analog PBS (OTA CH 9) to see if they had began sending TVGOS data again. Sure enough they are!! They weren't as of Saturday when I last checked. This would explain why your DHG was able to rebuild the grid and futher proves the Sony cannot rebuild a grid without a analog host. I am curios why PBS began sending the data again. I am going to make a VHS while we have a available analog channel sending data.


I did upgrade to firmware 1.2.21 on Friday April 17.I lost my grid about March 14 (power outage), it didn't come back until sometime this weekend

As of this morning, KYW-DT (3.1 in Philly) is including the TVGOS SCTE-127 data stream in addition to the TVGOS TVG1 data stream in their digital signal. In addition (since their analog programming is no-doubt derived by downconverting their digital programming to NTSC), KYW (analog 3 in Philly, still on the air until June) is transmitting analog TVGOS in its VBI.

Echostar/Dish DTVPal/TR40-CRA CECB owners, read on...

Furthermore (!), the DTVPal/TR40-CRA now passes along the SCTE-127 data stream in its VBI when it is in TVGOS mode (but not when it is in normal mode) and has been tuned to 3.1 while in TVGOS mode. Note that one cannot simply tune to 3.1 in normal mode, then use the menus to go into TVGOS mode, and expect the TVGOS VBI to be present. Once in TVGOS mode, the DTVPal MUST receive the Scientific Atlanta IR keycodes 1-3-1 (the codes to tune to 3.1 even though it may already be tuned to that channel) before the TVGOS VBI starts appearing on the analog output.

I don't know whether this signals a CBS roll-out to other cities nationwide or not, but if you've been waiting for this, you'd be wise to check now.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have posted that with the digital format downloads, Day 9 will start to download while using the box each evening. This seems to start about 8PM Houston time, and I assume it is completing about midnight (I'm not up that late)? Has anyone else noticed that? Or is that just happening here?


Under traditional analogue downloads in times gone by, days 1,2,5, and 8 would download everynight. It would be very common, about 95% of the time here, that schedule corrections were made for Days 1 and 2.


The President would "always" be "scheduled-in" for the primetime, either on the same day OR the day previous (day 2). That is not the case now. The President is "not" listed on any channel for tonight in MySonyBox.

Do you have the President is tonights schedule? How are you getting your downloads, analogue or digital?

side note: I simply adjust my recordings times in an attempt to capture the programs we want. Basically CBS 7PM to Midnight, we will just try to catch American Idle LOL

As of this morning, KYW-DT (3.1 in Philly) is including the TVGOS SCTE-127 data stream in addition to the TVGOS TVG1 data stream in their digital signal. In addition (since their analog programming is no-doubt derived by downconverting their digital programming to NTSC), KYW (analog 3 in Philly, still on the air until June) is transmitting analog TVGOS in its VBI.

Echostar/Dish DTVPal/TR40-CRA CECB owners, read on...

Furthermore (!), the DTVPal/TR40-CRA now passes along the SCTE-127 data stream in its VBI when it is in TVGOS mode (but not when it is in normal mode) and has been tuned to 3.1 while in TVGOS mode. Note that one cannot simply tune to 3.1 in normal mode, then use the menus to go into TVGOS mode, and expect the TVGOS VBI to be present. Once in TVGOS mode, the DTVPal MUST receive the Scientific Atlanta IR keycodes 1-3-1 (the codes to tune to 3.1 even though it may already be tuned to that channel) before the TVGOS VBI starts appearing on the analog output.

I don't know whether this signals a CBS roll-out to other cities nationwide or not, but if you've been waiting for this, you'd be wise to check now.

Thanks for your update on this!

You will find out on June 12. If they do the proper SCTE127 compliant conversion, you would never have to worry about finding or using a digital guide channel. Your Sony will roll happily along with an analog feed.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something (but I don't think so). The way I read page 10 of the TVGOS_2008 document attached in the link below, the SCTE127 is contained MPEG residing in a digital signal, not in an analog signal. ;)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=140524&d=1240413962

You are correct. It's all digital. That's why the cable company needs a particular 8VSB receiver that has the capability to convert the digital data to the analog form legacy devices always used. If the digital data is SCTE127 compliant AND the receiver is also, the receiver takes the digital data in and spits it out in the old analog form.

The TVGOS guy specifically mentioned the Tandberg receiver. No doubt there are or will be other brands coming down the pike. The cableco has to put out the $$$ to replace older receivers that could not do the guide data conversion.

As of this morning, KYW-DT (3.1 in Philly) is including the TVGOS SCTE-127 data stream in addition to the TVGOS TVG1 data stream in their digital signal. In addition (since their analog programming is no-doubt derived by downconverting their digital programming to NTSC), KYW (analog 3 in Philly, still on the air until June) is transmitting analog TVGOS in its VBI.


Frank -

I'm still trying to be clear on this. The SCTE-127 data is (will be) received by the Sony (or other TVGOS devices capable of using it) via DIGITAL broadcast, correct?

we will just try to catch American Idle LOL
I've heard that hes not going to be on Fox.

I've heard that hes not going to be on Fox.

yes but they may delay the show (American Idle) 1 or 2 hours.....hence the 5 hour recording on CBS....might catch some recorded shows on the DVR?

Hi Folks. This is my first post here. I got an HDD500 off of Ebay a couple weeks ago, and with much help from this forum, it's now running perfectly. Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge.

I'm in Pittsburgh PA, and OTA. When I got the unit I set up following the Sony instructions, and got nothing, not even the clock. After several days, I found the Sony firmware upgrade and managed to install it. I used a flash drive not on the approved list, and at first the Sony did not recognize it. I had to use the trick of unplugging and restarting with the flash drive in place.

This gave me a clock, but with incorrect time. After a couple days of trying things, setting it to the digital host (KDKA digital, 2.1 = 25) but leaving it off, I got the correct time but still no grid. Then I started getting a few listings, but no ad. After a couple days of leaving it power off overnight, with no improvement, I tried leaving it power on overnight. The next morning I had a full grid, 8 days of listings. It's been fine since.

There is one other thing. The same day I decided to leave it overnight power on, I also disconnected the antenna feed to our older, analog Panasonic hard drive recorder. Is there any chance having two recorders hooked up to the antenna feed might cause problems? When we were getting only a couple listings on the Sony, they were the digital-only channels that were not being picked up on the Panasonic grid. Or was this just coincidence?

Hi Folks.

There is one other thing. The same day I decided to leave it overnight power on, I also disconnected the antenna feed to our older, analog Panasonic hard drive recorder. Is there any chance having two recorders hooked up to the antenna feed might cause problems? When we were getting only a couple listings on the Sony, they were the digital-only channels that were not being picked up on the Panasonic grid. Or was this just coincidence?


I have found that "splitters" can be suspect, and they can cause intermitent problems with the Sony Box and even the TV set.

As crazy as this sounds, With the Sony Box turn on and tuned to a station. Try thumping the splitter - any changes in the picture? if yes there is a problem - could be a loose connection OR something wrong inside the splitter.

Up until yesterday, I had been running fairly smoothly. A few days ago, the unit started bogging-down on menu commands. It did a spontaneous reboot, and things seemed OK again (I've seen this happen a few times before over the years).

I decided to clear out a few recordings, and while doing so, the unit decided to reboot again on its own. When it came back, the clock was frozen on 6:31pm, all guide data had been erased, and the guide clock showed "-:--". I did a front-panel warm reboot, and got the clock to unfreeze (wrong time). Guide clock reset to 12:00am.

Ran through the guide setup screen, and tried a G* test on the CBS digital. Packets incremented, but the clock would not reset. I left it alone for the rest of the evening, and did another G* test and VBI force before turning it off and going to bed.

This morning, I checked the guide again. No listings, and the clock did not reset. So...I decided to upgrade to the new firmware. Upgrade went smoothly, from what I can tell. I ran a G* test on the CBS digital again, but am not seeing the VBI packet counter increment. ??? Is this normal with the new firmware?

If I look at the diagnostics screens, I see error codes for the Host and Clock channels (fffffffd). The slicer screen shows TVG packets incrementing, but the total packet count (at the top of the slicer screen) reads "0".

Just before typing this, I did another VBI force, and turned it off. Looking through some of the posts over the last several days, I saw mention of Sony support recommending leaving the unit in an "on" state. What's the concensus?

Do you have the President is tonights schedule? How are you getting your downloads, analogue or digital?



On my units, only PBS lists the news conference at 5:00PM PDT. ABC, CBS & NBC all list their regular news programs in that time slot, so it looks like it's more a matter of whether the network/station submits schedule changes in time to be included. I doubt it has anything to do with which download you receive.

Recap : Had Toronto zip with Toronto analog host & grid - then changed zip to Buffalo. Nothing changed - still have Toronto grid.

Today : The same channels are on the grid - however they have rearranged themselves (!) so that all of the Buffalo stations are listed first - so something is trying to happen.:eek:

One of my HDD-250's was getting a terminal case of the "hangs", not responding to buttons on remote or panel. Upgrade to .21 didn't make any difference.

I followed the writings of Spiffspace, Lord of things HDD.

After scanning, resetting, rescanning and TVGOS resetting, I turned the gadget off for the night.

This morning, I get correct clock and full grids ! I'm OTA only. I don't know if the source is PBS 13 Analog, the "old" method, or CBS 2.1, the "new" method.

Very nice to see. I did note that .21 turned my "unknown" shows to "no listing" on the front of my panel during playback.

On my units, only PBS lists the news conference at 5:00PM PDT. ABC, CBS & NBC all list their regular news programs in that time slot, so it looks like it's more a matter of whether the network/station submits schedule changes in time to be included. I doubt it has anything to do with which download you receive.

Even my PBS listing does not list the President; just the regular programs. I do not think there has been a situation where the President was not listed on all channels in recent year. Even 3 weeks ago when we still had pure analogue downloads. The whole roll-in of the Guide is different under digital vs analogue.

Is anybody else getting "day 9" roll-in of the Guide each evening?

Even my PBS listing does not list the President; just the regular programs. I do not think there has been a situation where the President was not listed on all channels in recent year. Even 3 weeks ago when we still had pure analogue downloads. The whole roll-in of the Guide is different under digital vs analogue.

Is anybody else getting "day 9" roll-in of the Guide each evening?

Yes, I get day 9 on my one 250 that I did not update with .21 FW. This one had a digital host and still does.. When I loaded the new FW on the other two units, they both acquired PBS analog and I get the standard 8 day sequence.

we will just try to catch American IdleIs he officially an American citizen now?

Yes, I get day 9 on my one 250 that I did not update with .21 FW. This one had a digital host and still does.. When I loaded the new FW on the other two units, they both acquired PBS analog and I get the standard 8 day sequence.

Ok, so that is at least "two" people that get "Day 9" download via Digital and not analogue. Anyone else?

btw I could never get the digital until I installed the .21 software.

Ok, so that is at least "two" people that get "Day 9" download via Digital and not analogue. Anyone else?

btw I could never get the digital until I installed the .21 software.

I got nothing after the PBS TVGOS analog shutoff back in March until they put the digital TVGOS equipment on line on 3/20. Eventually got full listings on all three of mine from PBS digital OTA. Then about a week before .21 FW came out, MV turned the analog feed back on to my local PBS. For whatever reason, after the FW update on two of my units they went for the analog source.

I'm hoping that jtbell or ClemsonKev see this posting since they are both located in my area. I'm in Simpsonville, South Carolina (Greenville County) and lost my Guide and clock a few weeks ago on my Sony 250. I also have an analog Panasonic DVR that has never lost it's guide or clock.
When the Sony was receiving the guide, the host channel was Charter Cable Channel 16 which I believe is WUNF (PBS) OTA 33 out of Asheville, NC.
The Panasonic DVR shows the host channel as Charter Cable Channel 13 which is WLOS (ABC) OTA 13 Asheville, NC.
When I do a VBI test on the Sony 250 on Chl 13, it passes the VBI test and I do get packet counts. What I don't get is a guide or clock from this channel. I've checked all the CBS and PBS channels in my area, and only get packet counts from Charter Cable Channel 13. What's funny is that I do not get any packet counts and the VBI test fails when checking OTA Chl 13 which is the same channel as carried on Charter 13.
I'm curious if anyone else in my area is receiving the guide from Charter 13, because I wasn't aware that the TVGOS signal was being carried by any ABC network channels in this area.
The big question is why is my Panasonic DVR still receiving the TVGOS and the Sony isn't.? By-the-way, the Sony has been upgraded to April's new firmware, and I've even tried reloading some of the older firmware updates; still no clock, no guide, and Sony Tech support has no answers.

11 1/2 hours without a post. :eek: Must be a record for the past few weeks. :cool:

(By the way, I'm back to PBS analog as my OTA host in Chicago. What's up with these people?)

After nearly a month of being "gridless in Seattle" (OTA only), I now have a grid with listing from host ID # 0:39-0 (real channel 7.1 the CBS affiliate) We'll see if it stays.
Aarrgh! Don't count on it staying. After two days of happiness here in Chicago, my HostChan went blank again, and my Day 8 listings are AWOL.

(And I don't have a listing for Obama's speech tonight, either.)

For a little while, all the problems seemed to be over. But now, no joy. :( What are they doing, and why?

Frank -

I'm still trying to be clear on this. The SCTE-127 data is (will be) received by the Sony (or other TVGOS devices capable of using it) via DIGITAL broadcast, correct?For the Sony, yes it will be received via DIGITAL though it's not clear that it needs it as it seemed relatively happy with just the digital TVG1 data stream. But note that people have been reporting long delays (perhaps forever) in getting an initial grid via that route, so the SCTE-127 stream can only help things.

Recap : Had Toronto zip with Toronto analog host & grid - then changed zip to Buffalo. Nothing changed - still have Toronto grid.

Today : The same channels are on the grid - however they have rearranged themselves (!) so that all of the Buffalo stations are listed first - so something is trying to happen.:eek:

Furthur update : with box off...

Now channel list has some new channel slots - 132-148 - and they are empty! In other words, just long grey bars, no channel logo, no channel assignment, no channel name. I've never seen that before!

Frank -

I'm still trying to be clear on this. The SCTE-127 data is (will be) received by the Sony (or other TVGOS devices capable of using it) via DIGITAL broadcast, correct?
? my understanding is that the SCTE-127 broadcast stream is NOT for digital devices to USE directly, but for the DTVPal to convert to analog form to support TVGOS devices that need the data in that form...though of course, the Sony should be able to use that analog converted form from the Pal (but presumably not use the digital stream directly), since it is - as we all know - perfectly able to use analog TVGOS data...

I'm in Simpsonville, South Carolina (Greenville County)

Close enough. :)

and lost my Guide and clock a few weeks ago on my Sony 250. I also have an analog Panasonic DVR that has never lost it's guide or clock.

Which model Panasonic?

When the Sony was receiving the guide, the host channel was Charter Cable Channel 16 which I believe is WUNF (PBS) OTA 33 out of Asheville, NC.

I was most recently getting full guide data OTA on analog WUNF-33, on both my Sony DVRs and on my Panasonic DMR-E75H DVD recorder. WUNF apparently turned off its TVGOS signal around the beginning of April. Since then I've had nothing on the Panasonic, and only partial success in getting digital TVGOS from WLTX-DT 19.1 in Columbia.

On one Sony, which I have neither reset nor upgraded to the new software, I still have the channel lineup that it downloaded from WUNF, and it's been getting program listings from WLTX-DT. On the other Sony, which I have both reset and upgraded to the new software, I have a clock and advertisements from WLTX-DT, but no channel lineup or program listings.

The Panasonic DVR shows the host channel as Charter Cable Channel 13 which is WLOS (ABC) OTA 13 Asheville, NC.
When I do a VBI test on the Sony 250 on Chl 13, it passes the VBI test and I do get packet counts. What I don't get is a guide or clock from this channel.

This is the first I've hard of WLOS carrying TVGOS. I just checked their analog OTA signal on one of my Sonys, and sure enough, there are VBI packets. I've reset the one that has no channel lineup, and initialized it with my zip code (I had changed it to a Columbia zip code when trying to get listings from Columbia). I've also re-initialized the Panasonic DVD recorder likewise. We'll see what I have tomorrow.

The WLTX station engineer stated the following (via email) to me: "Our 19.1 guide data is being transmitted, received and monitored off the air normally here at the station."

That being said, I'm seeing the same thing as jtbell. (see my signature line) :confused:

Trying edwinc's "leave it on" procedure now. So far, basically same thing as before (though won't know positively until tonight.)

Thanks for the information. :)
I got an e-mail from an engineer at SCETV today (04/30/2009) advising that within 60 days they would be transmitting digital TVGOS for South Carolina. Yeah!

Frances
Sandy Run, S.C.

Close enough. :)



Which model Panasonic?



I was most recently getting full guide data OTA on analog WUNF-33, on both my Sony DVRs and on my Panasonic DMR-E75H DVD recorder. WUNF apparently turned off its TVGOS signal around the beginning of April. Since then I've had nothing on the Panasonic, and only partial success in getting digital TVGOS from WLTX-DT 19.1 in Columbia.

On one Sony, which I have neither reset nor upgraded to the new software, I still have the channel lineup that it downloaded from WUNF, and it's been getting program listings from WLTX-DT. On the other Sony, which I have both reset and upgraded to the new software, I have a clock and advertisements from WLTX-DT, but no channel lineup or program listings.



This is the first I've hard of WLOS carrying TVGOS. I just checked their analog OTA signal on one of my Sonys, and sure enough, there are VBI packets. I've reset the one that has no channel lineup, and initialized it with my zip code (I had changed it to a Columbia zip code when trying to get listings from Columbia). I've also re-initialized the Panasonic DVD recorder likewise. We'll see what I have tomorrow.
An engineer at SCETV in Columbia, S.C. returned an e-mail to me today (04/30/2009) advising they will be carrying TVGOS for our area within 60 days. This verifies the information that I received from Macrovision over a month ago. I imagine since you are receiving the digital data packets that WLTX is sending out with their information, you will have no trouble receiving all the the digital TVGOS data when SCETV comes on line.

Frances
Sandy Run, S.C. (near Columbia, S.C.)

Cubit100; Why did you reject Moxi??
HoustonPerson; What is the 'VBI' packet count you get in a 60 second period of time?

For anyone that does has a working digital host, what packet count do you get in a 60 second period when running the so called "G* test"?

See attachment.

I have a clock and advertisements from WLTX-DT, but no channel lineup or program listings.


Me too... :)

I'm in Simpsonville, South Carolina (Greenville County) and lost my Guide and clock a few weeks ago on my Sony 250.

Sounds familiar... :)

I got an e-mail from an engineer at SCETV today (04/30/2009) advising that within 60 days they would be transmitting digital TVGOS for South Carolina. Yeah!


I'll give that news big grins! :D:D:D

Now we know when we should have a correct digital TVGOS feed for our hungry DVRs...

This is the first I've hard of WLOS carrying TVGOS. I just checked their analog OTA signal on one of my Sonys, and sure enough, there are VBI packets. I've reset the one that has no channel lineup, and initialized it with my zip code (I had changed it to a Columbia zip code when trying to get listings from Columbia). I've also re-initialized the Panasonic DVD recorder likewise. We'll see what I have tomorrow.

Neither unit acquired even a correct clock setting overnight. So I've gone back to using WLTX-DT for whatever I can get out of it, and nursing the Sony that still has a channel lineup, until SC ETV comes to our rescue. :)

Cubit100; Why did you reject Moxi??
HoustonPerson; What is the 'VBI' packet count you get in a 60 second period of time?

For anyone that does has a working digital host, what packet count do you get in a 60 second period when running the so called "G* test"?

See attachment.

Prior to the .21 software update, G test on CBS digital would yeild just over 1 per second. That was about one month ago (if I remember correctly) when I last used G Test

I just now check the ATSC slicer page (which has been there since the .21 upgrade 2 weeks ago?) AND

the "TVG" line is currently increasing about 2 per second AND

the "C GOOD" line is increasing about 25-40 per second (about every 2-3 seconds it has gone a 100 clicks or more)

Keep in mind the "flow rate" on that screen changes constantly. Sometimes it is zero flow rate and sometimes it is zooming.

I no longer use G Test - IMO it takes the Sony Box off target

Ok, just went and timed ATSC slicer for 60 seconds:

TVG was "98" count

and

C GOOD was "460"

again I have seen that screen with zero activity and other times I think zooming 10 times faster than the sample just now?

I no longer use G Test - IMO it takes the Sony Box off targetExplain?

Explain?

I wasn't the person you quoted, but I will say that the G* test doesn't act the way it did prior to upgrading to the new firmware.

Some history of what happened to me:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16364282#post16364282

I now have a clock and ads, but no grid data. Running G* tests since the firmware upgrade cause weirdness with the clock and VBI channel data. I've tried running a couple of G* tests, and it has caused those two parameters to go to error states. (Shows "fffffffd" codes).

Additionally, the VBI packet counter no longer increments for me during G* tests. Last night, I did another VBI search on the CBS digital (KCNC Denver) before going to bed. Clock channel has data in it again, and I have a blank host. The error codes are gone. I'm just going to leave it alone for now, and see if it picks up a host, as my attempts to force data (that used to work) no longer seem to help.

Explain?

This is just my opinion and I know "none" will agree with me, and I have no proof to really back this one up; But of course G Test only works on the station you are currently tuned to (at least it appears that way); but when I use it, it also seems to "stop" the box from doing anything else (like downloads) or causes errors in downloads. In other words "to me" it interfers with what the next assigned task(s) is for the box.

So, again IMHO, I just rely on the ATSC slicer page for a couple of reasons: 1) It reports data only (does not appear to mis-guide the tuner or the downloads) and 2) is "more" TVGOS specific -whereas the G Test is global VBI data in general and not specific to TVGOS.


As a side note: I know we all should be expecting significant changes between now and final "so-called" digital roll-in (June 12th). In Houston there was the MAJOR TVGOS pre-trasition crap the last week of January (preping for Feb 17th).

It appears to me, that many parts of the country (from reading this thread and others), that this phase of "pre-transition" has started about 7 weeks early. So indirectly, that means no G Test for me.

I do expect my box to "Die Again" between now and June 12th. But I do expect it to come back to life the last half of June.

So Momma Said "Don't Touch It!"

When my Box dies (and it WILL!), I will then resume the TVGOS Turtle Dance.

the VBI packet counter no longer increments for me during G* tests.Ok, we are getting somewhere. It doesn't here. I have been blaming what is being sent out from the station. This changes things. Before the upgrade what I posted above was the case. Now, after the upgrade I receive no count and the test fails.

I have seen that "ffffffd" for the clock set channel and/or the VBI channel after running one of those screens (either the System test or the VBI serach).

I also like what bretski said: "weirdness" of the new G Test results

Before I forget it, here is a e-mail address of Sony's 'tier 2' support (take note of the 'dot' between 'am' and 'sony'). I have already opened a case up with them after getting through their farmed out 1st level ;
cetier2support@am.sony.com

bretski; Dead link.I just rely on the ATSC slicer page for a couple of reasons: 1) It reports data only (does not appear to mis-guide the tuner or the downloads) and 2) is "more" TVGOS specific -whereas the G Test is global VBI data in general and not specific to TVGOS. Well that sounds as a plan to me. Labeling TVGOS packets "VBI" was bad when it was analog, as I 'bitched' about it before, there is no Vertical Blanking Period in a ATSC/QAM channel. :rolleyes:
If they can't get that straight, how can they get anything else correct??

I also like what bretski said: "weirdness" of the new G Test results

It's a very technical term, I know. ;)

To add a little more to what you mentioned about the slicer screen: I see incrementation on the counters when tuned to the CBS digital. I honestly can't remember if this is what it used to do, but the Total Packet counter (at the top of the screen) reads "0". Strange. There are TVG packets counting up, though.

More positive news: I just turned it back on to take a peek at the slicer screen, and I now have a Host Channel. :) It's UHF 35, which is the broadcast frequency of KCNC. Please, oh please, TVGOS gods, gimme a channel lineup!

videobruce: fixed the link, thanks for letting me know.

It's a very technical term, I know.What, the "G" test??
I think they should rename it to the G-spot test. ;)

..........Additionally, the VBI packet counter no longer increments for me during G* tests............

However, the packet counter will still increment when running the G*test on an analog station that transmits VBI data. ;)

However, the packet counter will still increment when running the G*test on an analog station that transmits VBI data. ;)

Yeah, yeah. Tell me about it in 43 days... :p :p :p

Yeah, yeah. Tell me about it in 43 days... :p :p :p

43 days if we're lucky. . . . .

More good news in my case: I took another peek after the afternoon download time. It asked me to choose a lineup from the possibilities in my zip code. Yay! I now have a grid. :) No listings yet, but I'm feeling better about it.

I had to physically restrain myself from entering <menu> - <screen mode> - 9012...I really wanted to, but I just know it'd screw things up again. :)

So, my anecdotal advice would be to just let the DHG find a host on its own, if you're using the new firmware.

Edited to add: I should also mention that now that I have a grid, I'm leaving the unit "On" and tuned to the host channel. Listings have now slowly begun to populate.

More good news in my case: I took another peek after the afternoon download time. It asked me to choose a lineup from the possibilities in my zip code. Yay! I now have a grid. :) No listings yet, but I'm feeling better about it.

I had to physically restrain myself from entering <menu> - <screen mode> - 9012...I really wanted to, but I just know it'd screw things up again. :)

So, my anecdotal advice would be to just let the DHG find a host on its own, if you're using the new firmware.

IMO, if there is any reliable solid TVGOS in the "air" (or cable), the new Sony Software will find it. If you leave it off tonight, then maybe you will have some listings in the morning.

For what ever reason (since April 20th here) in Houston I wait till after 7AM to turn it on, at that time it has finished its last batch of downloads. If I turn it on at 6AM or 6:30am it tells me on those DL pages (codes 97 usually) that I interupted it (back listed or errors or whatever). Of course that is not a big deal, since it always seems to correct itself in less than 5 more hours. Keep in mind that is only on the information pages, it is not anything I have ever seen as interuptions to the Grid or Listings (once you have the full 8 days that is).

Edited to add: I should also mention that now that I have a grid, I'm leaving the unit "On" and tuned to the host channel. Listings have now slowly begun to populate.

Once you do get the full 8 days (was less than 36 hours on mine), then you will also be getting 9th day downloads during primetime each evening - about 9PM...........even with the box "on" (recording AND playback at the same time).

That is just wild IMO, and is something new for sure.

^ Interesting. I'll watch for that once the guide (hopefully) fills-in.

I agree with you on the new firmware's ability to find a host. I am going to "de-program" myself from always trying to force hosts and listing DL's. From what I've seen so far, these old "tried-and-true" methods now do more harm than good.

I have a 250 in one room, and a 500 in another room. I'd like to put them in the same entertainment center, but I want them to respond independently of each other to remote control commands. Basically, I'd like to have one remote to control the 250 and the other to control the 500 (so I can operate the DHGs separately from one another). Is there a way to do this?

On my old JVC S-VHS VCRs (remember those ancient recording devices?), there is a feature that lets you set the VCR to respond to either 'A' remote codes or 'B' remote codes. You can then set the JVC remote to use 'A' or 'B' codes. You can switch the remote from 'A' to 'B' at will, or you can have two remotes, one set to 'A' and the other set to 'B' to control two identical JVC VCRs separately. I'd like to do this with my Sony DHGs.

Is there a way to do this?
Yes. Go to Menu / Preferences / System / Remote Control Code

Remote Control Code: The Remote Control Code menu allows
you to set the IR code of the remote control and of the HD DVR.
You may select code 50 (factory default) or code 51. This setting
may be useful if you have more than one Sony HD DVR or Sony
Digital Cable Receiver in your home and you wish to avoid
interference between the two devices. Follow the on-screen
instructions for setting the IR code to make sure that both the
remote control and HD DVR IR code are correctly set.

Anyone figure out how to make the HDD250 remote control work with the Sony Sound bar (HT-CT100)? I'm trying to program the amp function of the DVR remote but it won't accept codes 501 or 521.

That is good news, especially if you are OTA only. No analog OTA stations are sending TVGOS in Seattle. Did you have to do anything or did your grid just appear? Did it prompt you to select your provider (may not give option if OTA only)? Did you update firmware to 1.2.21?

**UPDATE**Out of curiousity I just ran a G* test on analog PBS (OTA CH 9) to see if they had began sending TVGOS data again. Sure enough they are!! They weren't as of Saturday when I last checked. This would explain why your DHG was able to rebuild the grid and futher proves the Sony cannot rebuild a grid without a analog host. I am curios why PBS began sending the data again. I am going to make a VHS while we have a available analog channel sending data.

What part of Seattle are you in? We just checked Comcast channel 9 and no VBI packets there. Only on channel 90 do we get VBI packets and do we get slicing data

Is anybody else getting "day 9" roll-in of the Guide each evening?


I have been getting a day 9 grid, but it is always filled with 'No Listing'. It doesn't fill in, I presume, until the 2:31am ID70 download. I'm not going to set an alarm to verify that though ;). Are you saying your grid fills in with guide data in the evening? I have never been able to get guide data to fill in outside of the usual download times (between 2:31 am and 3:56 pm here). From what I have been able to tell after 3:56pm there are no more guide downloads for the day.

Mark

What part of Seattle are you in? We just checked Comcast channel 9 and no VBI packets there. Only on channel 90 do we get VBI packets and do we get slicing data

I am in Port Orchard. I was referring to antenna channel 9 (analog PBS). They have started sending TVGOS data again. My DVR host also changed from digital Kiro to analog PBS.

which model panasonic?

Panasonic DMR-E85H



i was most recently getting full guide data ota on analog wunf-33, on both my sony dvrs and on my panasonic dmr-e75h dvd recorder. Wunf apparently turned off its tvgos signal around the beginning of april. Since then i've had nothing on the panasonic, and only partial success in getting digital tvgos from wltx-dt 19.1 in columbia.

If I remember correctly, the beginning of April sounds about the same time that I started losing TVGOS listings on the Sony. I lost the clock while attempting a User Configuration Reset. My Panasonic continued to receive listings from WLOS in Asheville, NC on Charter Cable Channel 13.


On one sony, which i have neither reset nor upgraded to the new software, i still have the channel lineup that it downloaded from wunf, and it's been getting program listings from wltx-dt. On the other sony, which i have both reset and upgraded to the new software, i have a clock and advertisements from wltx-dt, but no channel lineup or program listings..

I've been working with Sony Tech Support on a weekly basis trying to resolve this problem. They are unable to come up with an explanation why the Panasonic unit continues to function properly and the Sony is unable to set the Host Channel to WLOS, even though the unit is showing VBI packets.

Sony's solution was to send me a Flash Drive with the new update on it. I told them that unless the update was different than what they posted online, that they were wasting their time. When I received the Flash Drive, the system would not recognize the update, because I already had the same update on the unit. Just to make them happy, I reflashed the firmware with the prior update, and then used their Flash Drive to reflash to their update, which was no different than what is on their Support Site. Still no clock or listings.

Neither unit acquired even a correct clock setting overnight. So I've gone back to using WLTX-DT for whatever I can get out of it, and nursing the Sony that still has a channel lineup, until SC ETV comes to our rescue. :)

That is really weird! I would think that your Panasonic would have locked onto WLOS, as mine did.

I picked up my Sony from one of the Circuit City stores in Febuary while they were liquidating; so the unit is under Sony's One Year Warranty. I think I'll wait till after the June transition to see if the unit starts functioning properly after SCETV comes online. If not, I'm going to request that it be sent to their Service Center for repair.

Thanks for your replies to my original posting.

Dear Erik,

Many thanks for the alternate remote code tip. Worked perfectly.

Panasonic DMR-E85H

That model uses an earlier version of TVGOS which I think uses a different set of host channels than later versions (like in the EH75V or the Sony HD DVRs). I originally used an E85H, until I bought the EH75V a couple of years ago. I think back then, it used channel 21 (WHNS, Fox) instead of channel 29 (WNTV, PBS) which the newer units used until February. I remember noticing that the host channels were different on the Sony DVRs versus the E85H. Then when I got the EH75V, it used the same host channel as the Sonys.

[added]
According to the first post in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1122914), the E85H uses TVGOS version 7, the Sonys use version 8, and the EH75V uses version 9.

OK, thanks. I'm going to stop worrying about it then. Tonight I'll upgrade unit #1 with the new firmware, and tomorrow I'll see what it shows as host channel. I was going to hold off on the upgrade but it went so smoothly on unit #2 that I think I might as well go ahead with it. Both are receiving TVGOS data now and hopefully I won't mess things up.


OK, here's an update: After upgrading both of my units to 1.2.21, the unit that I didn't do any tinkering with prior to the update now shows host channel 0:42-1 (that's CBS-DT OTA)....exactly where it should be, and it found that all by itself. This unit showed host channel 1:82-0 right after the upgrade and was filling in listings nicely.

On the other unit I did the G* test and "force host" prior to the upgrade. After that and before the upgrade the unit seemed to be funtioning normally. I subsequently ran the upgrade software on this unit and for several days it has shown no host channel, but has been functioning OK. Tonight I checked the host channel on this unit and it is now showing 0:43-0. I don't know what that means. AFAIK there is no channel 43 OTA here. When I try to tune to that channel my TV defaults to channel 42 (CBS analog). Channel 43 cable is the Cartoon Network. But the DVR is working fine so I'm not concerned.

Anyway, it seems that the moral of my story is that I'd have been better off to have skipped right to the .21 upgrade....maybe.

OK, here's an update: .

On the other unit I did the G* test and "force host" prior to the upgrade. After that and before the upgrade the unit seemed to be funtioning normally. I subsequently ran the upgrade software on this unit and for several days it has shown no host channel, but has been functioning OK. Tonight I checked the host channel on this unit and it is now showing 0:43-0. I don't know what that means. AFAIK there is no channel 43 OTA here. When I try to tune to that channel my TV defaults to channel 42 (CBS analog). Channel 43 cable is the Cartoon Network. But the DVR is working fine so I'm not concerned.

Anyway, it seems that the moral of my story is that I'd have been better off to have skipped right to the .21 upgrade....maybe.

It is probably correct; check your RF listings for your area (like rabbit ears or antenna web. Bet the 43 is the RF for 42-1? IMO the G test and host force most likely just slowed it down or blocked it.

I have been getting a day 9 grid, but it is always filled with 'No Listing'. It doesn't fill in, I presume, until the 2:31am ID70 download. I'm not going to set an alarm to verify that though ;). Are you saying your grid fills in with guide data in the evening? I have never been able to get guide data to fill in outside of the usual download times (between 2:31 am and 3:56 pm here). From what I have been able to tell after 3:56pm there are no more guide downloads for the day.

Mark

I am referring to digital downloads (not analogue)

Yes it fills in while using the box Prime Time in Texas about 8-9PM. The empty grid block for day 9 is there; BUT if you want to see the programs listings "filling-in".........you have to look at 12.01AM forward to see the listings

bring up listings
enter 500 (go to the end)

back up to 12.05 AM on day 9; There you will see the listings filling in.

Typically when I do that; from the end of Day 8 midnight to about 4:30AM or so on Day 9 the listings are complete...........in about another 4-5hours of time (if not a lot sooner) the rest of Day 9 is complete. Of course when "midnight" rolls around that Day 9 you were looking at just becomes Day 8 (which is now 100% complete)

I am referring to digital downloads (not analogue)

Yes it fills in while using the box Prime Time in Texas about 8-9PM. The empty grid block for day 9 is there; BUT if you want to see the programs listings "filling-in".........you have to look at 12.01AM forward to see the listings

bring up listings
enter 500 (go to the end)

back up to 12.05 AM on day 9; There you will see the listings filling in.

Typically when I do that; from the end of Day 8 midnight to about 4:30AM or so on Day 9 the listings are complete...........in about another 4-5hours of time (if not a lot sooner) the rest of Day 9 is complete. Of course when "midnight" rolls around that Day 9 you were looking at just becomes Day 8 (which is now 100% complete)

The units have always filled in day 8 up through 4:00am on day 9. They have just never shown it. Also ID70 is a digital download. On the digital side, it only takes 30 minutes to acquire 8 days of guide data, where as on the analog side it takes 3 hours to only get 4 days of listings (the 1,2,5,8 pattern) ID70 times are now only 30 minutes long, but they are digital. To see this live, tune to your digital host channel between 10:01am and 10:31am (ID70 digital download time). Then go into the 753 menu, and go to the Reception-VBI Stats screen. You will see one or more of these fields counting up: SchedulePkts, ShowPkts, DescPkts, and CastPkts. During those ID70 times are the only time you will see these fields counting. That is your guide data loading. Actually if your guide is already completely filled, I'm not sure you will see the packets counting, since it has all the data it needs, but I think you will. Then wait for a time in the evening when you think your guide is filling, and do the same thing, and you will see that you aren't getting any of those packets.

Mark

I don't know how most of you feel but I'm very dissapointed in what Sony did on the new firmware. Sony just took old firmware dated Sept.22 2006 and passed it on to us and advertised it as the solution to getting the digital guide. In reality it helps but won't build a channel line up aka grid. I have called Sony three time and been on the phone for hours to get them just to relize that this won't work. I'm sure Sony already has the firmware that will work. Does anybody know if Sony Tv's or any other product has the 9 version firmware? It seems to me that looking at the .21 file if someone deleted the cfs file and placed in the file for the v9 MV firmware we all would be happy. I don't think this would be no different that upgrading you computer from windows 98 to xp if you had the room on the hard drive. I'm by far not an expert but if anyone has access to the v9 software it maybe worth a try. Looking at Macrovisions web page they show a photo of the latest firmware on a tv with a couple sitting on a couch. Sony tells me they are waithing for MV to get back to them to tell them why .21 won't load the grid. Sony spies if you are reading this then get off you asses and get this fixed asap!!! Hell I would even be willing to pay for the firmware version 9 if that helps, but It maybe hard for you to charge your customers for something that you will get for free . Any way I just had to vent some today..........Stingray

I don't know how most of you feel but I'm very dissapointed in what Sony did on the new firmware.It's not what they did, but what they didn't. You will be more dissappointed when you read the following:Sony has NOT allowed Macrovision to test their firmware update! Period. The above was from the horse's mouth. I just received a phone call from Macrovision minutes ago. After picking myself up off the floor, that was what I was told.
Phoney all baloney! DRM and the MPAA, take a long walk off a short pier.

I would suggest everyone contact $ony and start a incident number. That is the only way this can be resolved! Call 800-222-7669, then press 3 and 3 again. Get past Level one and talk to Level two. Level2 e-mail address is in my previous post.

More to follow. Stay tuned.

That model uses an earlier version of TVGOS which I think uses a different set of host channels than later versions (like in the EH75V or the Sony HD DVRs). I originally used an E85H, until I bought the EH75V a couple of years ago. I think back then, it used channel 21 (WHNS, Fox) instead of channel 29 (WNTV, PBS) which the newer units used until February. I remember noticing that the host channels were different on the Sony DVRs versus the E85H. Then when I got the EH75V, it used the same host channel as the Sonys.

[added]
According to the first post in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1122914), the E85H uses TVGOS version 7, the Sonys use version 8, and the EH75V uses version 9.

I noticed that when I reverted the Sony unit back to it's default firmware, the TVGOS software was dated 2005. (I'm at work and don't have access to the unit to see what software version the unit's at.)

When I upgraded to the April 2009 firmware update, the TVGOS system was pushed to a 2006 software version.

Is their anyway to transfer the different TVGOS versions from machine to machine?

I had the same problem; then I discovered the USB port felt 'loose'. I opened the cover, powered it on, pressed straight down on the shield around the inside of the USB port, and it immediately found the flash drive and updated. Keep pressing down until the update is complete. And while you're in there make sure the fan is turning; mine was shot and I had to replace it.
Pete

OK, here's an update: After upgrading both of my units to 1.2.21, the unit that I didn't do any tinkering with prior to the update now shows host channel 0:42-1 (that's CBS-DT OTA)....exactly where it should be, and it found that all by itself. This unit showed host channel 1:82-0 right after the upgrade and was filling in listings nicely.

On the other unit I did the G* test and "force host" prior to the upgrade. After that and before the upgrade the unit seemed to be funtioning normally. I subsequently ran the upgrade software on this unit and for several days it has shown no host channel, but has been functioning OK. Tonight I checked the host channel on this unit and it is now showing 0:43-0. I don't know what that means. AFAIK there is no channel 43 OTA here. When I try to tune to that channel my TV defaults to channel 42 (CBS analog). Channel 43 cable is the Cartoon Network. But the DVR is working fine so I'm not concerned.

Anyway, it seems that the moral of my story is that I'd have been better off to have skipped right to the .21 upgrade....maybe.

I just now checked the host channel on the unit that was showing 0:42-1 and now it's back to 1:82-0!!

This is crazy. I should stop looking at it. Both DVR's seem to be working fine. This may be a case of too much information.

I just now checked the host channel on the unit that was showing 0:42-1 and now it's back to 1:82-0!!

This is crazy. I should stop looking at it. Both DVR's seem to be working fine. This may be a case of too much information.

gwsmith,

I bet if you tune to channel 82.1, 82.2, ... etc. you will eventually find that there is an 82.x channel that is digital CBS. Your DVR has locked onto the digital CBS station on cable, rather than OTA.

Mark

Strange thing happened in the last day.
I lost all digital channels, not analog, just digital.
Cable was fine.
Did a power reset and a cablecard reset and it rapidly got clock, but has the wrong channel listings.
It also gets the digital channels fine now like nothing ever happened.

Also can't find accurate host channel or info that indicates where anything is coming from.

Are you saying your grid fills in with guide data in the evening?

I have never been able to get guide data to fill in outside of the usual download times (between 2:31 am and 3:56 pm here). From what I have been able to tell after 3:56pm there are no more guide downloads for the day.

Mark

YES Guide data fills in everyday in the evening from about 8PM to 9PM. It has been doing that since April 20th - It has never done that before. It does that for Day 9

It also fills in Guide data (through out the grid) about 4 times a day. Under analogue it only did that "once" per day.

I lost my listings over a week ago. I have correct clock and getting ads but no grid. It's been awhile since I was on the forum cause everything has been working great until now.

I keep reading about updating your firmware, what are you guys talking about, how do I update the firmware?

what does it mean when the Host Chan is blank? I have not done the update nor have I forced a Digital Host in the past.

I lost my listings over a week ago. I have correct clock and getting ads but no grid. It's been awhile since I was on the forum cause everything has been working great until now.

I keep reading about updating your firmware, what are you guys talking about, how do I update the firmware?
Hi you can read about it here (http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-download.pl?mdl=DHGHDD250&upd_id=4542&os_id=25)

what does it mean when the Host Chan is blank? I have not done the update nor have I forced a Digital Host in the past.

Having a blank host is not unusual, if you're running the older firmware. Just keep an eye out to make sure new listings are still coming in. If new listings stopped, my typical solution would be to run a G* test on a known good host channel, and leave it tuned there. YMMV, but that always worked for me...

Having a blank host is not unusual, if you're running the older firmware. Just keep an eye out to make sure new listings are still coming in. If new listings stopped, my typical solution would be to run a G* test on a known good host channel, and leave it tuned there. YMMV, but that always worked for me...

Thanks. Older firmware is 1.2.05. No problems with listings and I don't know what the analog host channel would be since not listed in 753 menu any longer. Does digital host channel show up in 753 menu after update?

Is it possible to get Digital TVGOS without .21 update?

thanks for the link to the new firmware I am going to try this and update my firmware.

Question: I am currently OTA antenna and cablecard w/ Comcast. Should I disconnect my OTA antenna first and then do the updated firmware? Or should I leave it connected. My host channel is blank and I have correct clock and have ads but no grid for past 2 weeks I'd say. I know that VBI is passing on 4.1 which shows as a digital antenna channel but I apparenetly am not getting any grid from that anymore on this old firmware.

Last night I had a recording scheculed on PBS digital. Normally, I would leave the box in the "off" position on digital CBS - but I have stopped that, to see if it can survive on its own.

This morning it had set itself back to analogue, clock etc. there was no listings for Day 8 and part of day 7 was now missing.

Been out of town all day, the unit was off. Now after coming back home, the clock is now digital again, the missing Day 7 is filled back in, and half of Day 8. And the info screens shows two digital guide downloads today.

I have no idea if this was signal broadcast issues (very common here), or on going TVGOS changes or what?

I think it would and can actually work better if there only a digital source in Houston - when it flip flops, it goes a little nuts (missing listings) for a few hours until it locks back into the digital again.

I am in Port Orchard. I was referring to antenna channel 9 (analog PBS). They have started sending TVGOS data again. My DVR host also changed from digital Kiro to analog PBS.

Thank you for telling me where you lived. I connected Rabbit Ear antenna and got VBI Slicing/ and VBI Packets on Channel 9 PBS. I thought they were all digital though.

Still no Slicing data on Comcast 104,105, or 107.

I think it would and can actually work better if there only a digital source in Houston - . . .

Yeah........... just as long as you don't lose that precious grid !!! :rolleyes:

I just performed the firmware update and then confirmed it took the update, noticed it fixed clock to correct time.

For those that did this firmware update, do you have to do a soft reset on the front (tv guide button/exit) or just leave it. Also how soon did your grid start to fill, overnight or few days?

Washington D.C. successful reception of OTA digital TVGOS. It took 3 days to get a good clock, another three to get a grid, and then 1/2 day to fill the grid. The host channel is listed as a non existent channel 34.0

Washington D.C. successful reception of OTA digital TVGOS. It took 3 days to get a good clock, another three to get a grid, and then 1/2 day to fill the grid. The host channel is listed as a non existent channel 34.0Non existant? The FCC doesn't think so. NTSC DTV DTV ANTENNA
STATE & CITY CHAN CHAN POWER HAAT
(kW) (m)
DC WASHINGTON 7 39 1000.0 235.0
DC WASHINGTON 9 34 1000.0 235.0
DC WASHINGTON 20 35 231.6 235.0
DC WASHINGTON 26 27 67.2 233.0
DC WASHINGTON 32 33 194.3 213.0

For those that did this firmware update, do you have to do a soft reset on the front (tv guide button/exit) or just leave it. Also how soon did your grid start to fill, overnight or few days?

You don't need to do a reset. If your TVGOS is a patch level 8.06.44, and if you have a channel lineup, you should have at least some listings in the morning, assuming there is a TVGOS station in your area. If you don't have a channel lineup (no grid), then it's anybody's guess. If you don't have a lineup and there's no analog TVGOS station available you may be in for a l-o-n-g wait. :eek:

Thanks for the information. I only knew about the TV listing as channel 9.1, not the DTV channel as 34.

You don't need to do a reset. If your TVGOS is a patch level 8.06.44, and if you have a channel lineup, you should have at least some listings in the morning, assuming there is a TVGOS station in your area. If you don't have a channel lineup (no grid), then it's anybody's guess. If you don't have a lineup and there's no analog TVGOS station available you may be in for a l-o-n-g wait. :eek:

Yes my TVGOS is at 8.06.44. I have clock and ads but no grid. I just did the new firmware update about 4:00 pm today, it is now 10:45 pm. I am not doing a front panel reset, will leave it off overnight and see if I have a grid in the am. I know for certain that my digital OTA host is CBS 4.1 as I was getting grids from this prior to losing grid. It seems like I starting losing grid around the begining of April or so. I'm hoping this new firmware update gets me listings in the morning. I don't see why it won't since I have correct clock, getting ads and new firmware is updated and guide is 8.06.44. Well see tomorrow, will post back.


**My head literally hurts cause I went back and read 50+ pages today starting April 01 2009 on this thread to read about the new firmware and how it's working for everyone.

Regrettably, neither of my units below got day 8 listings today AND the 3410a switched (apparently futilely) to PBS 9 as host..

Both units had been SOLID getting listings as described for some time (in the case of the 3410a for FOUR weeks...a recent record for either unit...)

Maybe this heralds somethings GOOD that Microvision is doing (which would be a real change)...

In response to a couple of questions from Jan, I've posted some speculation (here:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16387307#post16387307) about A and B packets (used by the 3410a) vs B and C packets (used by the Sony) and the potential relationship with the structure (or not) of the broadcast of the different TVGOS versions. To my knowledge, there's been essentially no real info (or even speculation) about these issues, and I'd be curious if others have EITHER!

Cheers - Tony

My unit has been acting wierd lately with respect to guide and channel capture. It seems to be getting a little data from nowhere obvious. I think I will leave it off and see what happens.

I have two units, one has the update and no problems. The other one lost it's grid sometime in March. I did the update like some of the other post and i'm able to get correct time and the ads but no grid? I've done hard and soft reboot and still nothing. Has anybody had any success with factory reset? I also want to point out that I only updated 1.2.21 days days ago. I live near buffalo and tried different zip codes.

I have two units, one has the update and no problems. The other one lost it's grid sometime in March. I did the update like some of the other post and i'm able to get correct time and the ads but no grid? I've done hard and soft reboot and still nothing. Has anybody had any success with factory reset? I also want to point out that I only updated 1.2.21 days days ago. I live near buffalo and tried different zip codes.If all else fails, you can purchase or borrow and hook up a DTVPal CECB and follow my directions here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16362993#post16362993 (except replace code 131 with the Scientific Atlanta channel code for your digital host channel.) If you leave it hooked up for a day or two and are able to get your grid, then you can disconnect it and resume use of your normal antenna reception for regular listing updates. Of course this requires that SCTE-127 data being broadcast by the Buffalo area host channel, but it seems as if it's coming on-line most places now that the June cutoff date approaches.

For those who don't know how to compute the Scientific Atlanta remote code for a DTVPal CECB in TVGOS mode... if you want the DTVPal to tune to digital channel C.S (Channel C, Subchannel S), the Scientific Atlanta remote must send a 3-digit number computed as 100 + 10*C + S. Since the subchannel for this purpose is almost always 1, then for example to tune to channel 23.1, you would need to send 3-3-1 from the SA-programmed remote (331 = 100 + 10*23 + 1) Note that you MUST send the code to the DTVPal, it will not deliver TVGOS VBI without that step, even if it is tuned to the host channel when you put it into TVGOS mode. Virtually any universal remote can be programmed to send Scientific Atlanta cable-box codes.

One other side-note: the funky zip codes listed in the TVGOS manual apply to analog-only TVGOS devices that won't understand digital channel numbers. Use your regular zip code in the Sony to get a grid with regular digital channel listings.

Reporting Back

After updating the new firmware yesterday afternoon and having a clock and ads but no grid I left it off overnight. This morning checked at 7:30 am and still no grid, still correct clock and have ads. So I decided to do a front panel soft guide reset. After booting clock went --0:00-- turned it on and I HAVE A GRID (HAPPY DANCE) but the grid shows no listings but at least I have a grid. The clock first went 20 min behind but then after a few mins it went correct clock. Checked the 753 menu and shows no host, turned off and will wait for this mornings download times and check later to see if I have any programing on my grid.

This is looking somewhat good, seems the new firmware may be starting to work. Will report back later today.

The last two days and been more strange than normal; if there is such a thing. Late yesterday when I checked things out, it was back to digital clock. This morning it is back to analogue clock, and "day 7" has no listings. Day 8 is complete. It is still tacking all the Guide downloads as digital.

I am beginning to think the digital the last couple of days keeps turning "on" and "off". When it comes back on, the box has to play catch up.

Assumting the Day 7 gets filled in by tomorrow morning (or sooner) like it did yesterday, then this is the second time it has done this odd pattern?

I think the pattern we're all seeing is Macrovision playing with changes on the weekends. Most of the mysterious "glitches" in downloads, whether digital or analog, seem to occur on Saturdays. One of these days, hopefully, they'll get it right, and the units will settle back down.

I think my recent issues are more closely related to the fact that TWC has stopped re-broadcasting TVGOS data is my area. Everything was fine until VBI disappeared.

The last two days and been more strange than normal; if there is such a thing. Late yesterday when I checked things out, it was back to digital clock. This morning it is back to analogue clock, and "day 7" has no listings. Day 8 is complete. It is still tacking all the Guide downloads as digital.

I am beginning to think the digital the last couple of days keeps turning "on" and "off". When it comes back on, the box has to play catch up.

Assumting the Day 7 gets filled in by tomorrow morning (or sooner) like it did yesterday, then this is the second time it has done this odd pattern?

I have ssen the same pattern here in LA. I have no listings for next Saturday, but next Sunday (8th day) came in last night. I did the .21 upgrade and my box is still using analog for a host, but the clock set channel changes from analog to digital and back frequently. Bottom line, it is all working for now (except for that missing 7th day of listings which will probably fill in soon).

I think the pattern we're all seeing is Macrovision playing with changes on the weekends. Most of the mysterious "glitches" in downloads, whether digital or analog, seem to occur on Saturdays. One of these days, hopefully, they'll get it right, and the units will settle back down.

This time is different for me. Instead of just not getting new listings for a couple of weekend days, I lost everything after about 4:00 Sunday afternoon. That is, I had 8 days Friday night. Saturday morning I had Saturday and part of Sunday only. No new listings today. This is analog cable with plenty of packets coming through.

Very annoying, Macrovision.

Like many of you I have been suffering without guide data since January. Our local PBS station was transmitting up until then. I have been in contact with my cable provider (Cox Communications) and they decided to provide the TVGOS data to its customers, so in February they had MTC engineers install the equipment on our local Cox system. At first they had many problems getting it installed properly and working properly. For about a month they could not figure out how to get the TVGOS system to push out the data automatically and we had very spotty listings. I was about to give up and ebay my boxes and buy at least one Moxi box. But late last week they finally got the system up and running completely. I have 3 Sony DHG-HDD250s and we have full 8 day listings now on all three units. Each unit has been through various "resets" and I did do the firmware update to 1.2.13 on all three boxes. But even the boxes which reset to previous firmware settings are working. Cox decided to transmit the data via QVC which is analog channel 3 in our area (NW Arkansas). I know this does not help those of you with digital only availability, but it does give some hope to those of us on cable systems that still transmit the data via analog. Cox has stated on their website they are committed to retransmitting the digital stations in analog for at least another 3 years after the digital transition in June. If you are with Cox I suggest contacting their customer service email and if they are doing it here in one of the smaller markets, maybe they are/will be doing this in each market (I think we are 104th market nationwide). Hope this helps and gives some of you some useful info.

Thanks for the information. I only knew about the TV listing as channel 9.1, not the DTV channel as 34.
You should be aware that WUSA-DT CBS 9 in DC will be switching from UHF 34 to VHF 9 on June 12. What happens to the guide data when the digital source changes physical RF channels is going to be interesting. Even after a rescan, I can see it taking several days to find the guide data again. DT 34 will be taken over by WPXW-DT Ion 66, so the broadcast channel will still be there, but presumably no guide data. WJZ-DT CBS 13 in Baltimore, currently UHF 38, is following a similar path, switching back to VHF 13 and turning it's UHF 38 broadcast channel over to WMAR-DT ABC 2. The source stations that are switching back to their VHF channel AND turning over their UHF broadcast to another station could add an interesting twist to how long it takes the Sony to re-acquire the guide data after June 12.

After the update to .21 (weeks after the guide data dried up), I ended up doing a reset and lost the grid. After leaving the box alone for some 5-6 days, it finally has a grid and is filling in the guide data. I get the stations in 2 markets OTA - DC and Baltimore. But what is weird is that, if I am reading it correctly, it shows the VBI source as 38.0 - WJZ-DT in Baltimore - but is showing the DC market stations in the grid. Is the grid data something that is only sent out every so many days? Are they now sending out guide data only for one market? I have been reading this forum for some time, but admit I am confused about what the .21 update changed. :confused:

Maybe we should start a new post analog shutdown era & .21 update Sony DHG thread.

Are their any other TWC users in SoCal reading? I would like to know if they are getting any TVGOS?

Does anyone know if the DHG-HDDXXX can be controlled by BeyondTV or any other PC program? And if so is their a link? Looks like time for some Sourceforge afficiando to give TVGOS a run for their money.

Sony is just playing games with us! We already know our dhg's are up gradeable. Instead of giving us the latest new firmware from MV we get an old firmware from sept. 2006. They have the newest 9 v firmware in the KDL xbr tv's. Lets see you have to push this buttom and spin around on one leg then leave unit off on this channel. Bull crap!! If your dhg is working good for you . You won't feel so lucky after June 12 if you ever do a reset and you can't get analog. I have made a point of calling Sony every week and bitching . We will Never get the new firmware unless lots of people keep the pressure on Sony. Tomorrow I plan on calling MV and I will try to get a straight answer on why no one is getting the channel line up with the 8.1.71 firmware. I will also ask if MV will be adding a new patch to fix this. However I believe the real solution is to get the 9v firmware. What reason can Sony justify not giving us the latest firwware? I could see them holding back If Sony had a new dvr in the works but have said that none is planned. How about some help from others here on the fourm? Call Sony and demand the latest firmware. Remember if enough peps keep bitching than it just may get done.

I have ssen the same pattern here in LA. I have no listings for next Saturday, but next Sunday (8th day) came in last night. I did the .21 upgrade and my box is still using analog for a host, but the clock set channel changes from analog to digital and back frequently. Bottom line, it is all working for now (except for that missing 7th day of listings which will probably fill in soon).

Are their any other TWC users in SoCal reading? I would like to know if they are getting any TVGOS?

I'm here in the South Bay (L.A.) and have the same pattern as Tucknan. I am also TWC...however many moons ago...it seemed TWC stopped transmitting TVGOS, so I added an antenna and now am both OTA and TWC. I've been getting the downloads OTA for at least a year, maybe 2 now...don't know if TWC ever resumed sending here in L.A.

Sony is just playing games with us! We already know our dhg's are up gradeable. Instead of giving us the latest new firmware from MV we get an old firmware from sept. 2006. They have the newest 9 v firmware in the KDL xbr tv's. Lets see you have to push this buttom and spin around on one leg then leave unit off on this channel. Bull crap!! If your dhg is working good for you . You won't feel so lucky after June 12 if you ever do a reset and you can't get analog. I have made a point of calling Sony every week and bitching . We will Never get the new firmware unless lots of people keep the pressure on Sony. Tomorrow I plan on calling MV and I will try to get a straight answer on why no one is getting the channel line up with the 8.1.71 firmware. I will also ask if MV will be adding a new patch to fix this. However I believe the real solution is to get the 9v firmware. What reason can Sony justify not giving us the latest firwware? I could see them holding back If Sony had a new dvr in the works but have said that none is planned. How about some help from others here on the fourm? Call Sony and demand the latest firmware. Remember if enough peps keep bitching than it just may get done.

Sony has multiple options, but they clearly treat this as an obsolete product. The knowledgeable engineers probably haven't touched it in 3 years.
If they had a vested interest, they could give us a driver that used the USB to attach to the internet and Macrovision could give use the guide that way.

Frankly, I was surprised when they published any firmware upgrade.

I'm here in the South Bay (L.A.) and have the same pattern as Tucknan. I am also TWC...however many moons ago...it seemed TWC stopped transmitting TVGOS, so I added an antenna and now am both OTA and TWC. I've been getting the downloads OTA for at least a year, maybe 2 now...don't know if TWC ever resumed sending here in L.A.

southbayla,
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I can't get 2.1 in Ventura County.
Up until last week, they were passing it still on some version of 28.
I'm looking for someone that is exclusively TWC and getting TVGOS.
Is there any recourse to TWC not passing it on?

Yesterday the Day 7 was about 80% "no listings" - today the Day 6 only has less than a half dozen show slots as "no listings". All remaining days are 100% complete.

All actual downloads are still produced via the digital schedules; the last analogue Guide my Sony Box received is still flagged as April 20th.

I may have discovered why the clock keeps changing back and from analogue to digital. It appears that if the last time the box was "on" and it was tuned to CBS digital, the clock will stay digital. If the last time the box was use it was on any other station, the clock will lock onto PBS analogue. However, I have now come to the conclustion as long as your area has both analogue and digital Guide, then it will still gets its Guide from Digital. By default this implies when "analogue PBS" goes away this will no longer be an issue?

We average recording about 25-30 shows per week. With the clock occasionally changing from digital to analogue and back; this has caused a tiny problem with the Guide always coming from digital - and it is one of "timing"............the two stations are not always in sync (PBS and CBS), and sometimes their time can be off by 1 or 2 minutes here - thus affecting start or stop times a bit.

I really do not know what this means or implies? In years gone by, the analogue PBS clock has always been "perfect" - never off by even a minute.

I know that digital PSIP digital clocks are all over the map (at least in Houston) - I have seen them off by a few minutes to a few hours. NONE of them have every been ALL peferct - Never. With that said, I do not think the TVGOS Clock is the same data stream? And yet the digital TVGOS and analogue clocks are not always the "same" time.

More than ready for the transition to be over!

................. However, I have now come to the conclustion as long as your area has both analogue and digital Guide, then it will still gets its Guide from Digital...........

How did you reach this conclusion? :confused: I have OTA analog and digital stations with TVGOS, and also digital stations on cable with TVGOS. My three HDD500's all choose OTA analog.

I have three of these DVRs. Prior to upgrading to 1.2.21, they were having the occasional lock up issue while recording and trying to play back. After the upgrade, they consistently lock up.

I did the reset procedures before as described on this site back in February. It looks as though I will need to do them again. I was wondering if it was necessary to do the Reset User Configuration or if I can get away with just performing the Reset TVGOS to Default. Any thoughts?

I'm in Dallas and OTA only, and it appears that analog PBS is broadcasting TVGOS data again as that is what is being reported in the 753... menu. It had been working from digital CBS for a couple of months. I am a little leery of wiping the grid when I do the resets as others have had issues getting it to come back. However, if data really is coming from analog PBS, then it should come back no problem...theoretically.:rolleyes:

You should be aware that WUSA-DT CBS 9 in DC will be switching from UHF 34 to VHF 9 on June 12. What happens to the guide data when the digital source changes physical RF channels is going to be interesting. Even after a rescan, I can see it taking several days to find the guide data again.

Since I am having no problems with Wash DC analog TVGOS at the moment, perhaps I should wait until June 12 to upgrade to firmware .21 since CBS 9.1 is changing from UHF 34 to VHF 9?

I'm in Dallas and OTA only, and it appears that analog PBS is broadcasting TVGOS data again as that is what is being reported in the 753... menu. It had been working from digital CBS for a couple of months. I am a little leery of wiping the grid when I do the resets as others have had issues getting it to come back. However, if data really is coming from analog PBS, then it should come back no problem...theoretically.:rolleyes:

If your analog PBS is actually transmitting TVGOS then you should have no problem getting your channel lineup back quickly (less than 2-days). :)

So Sat afternoon I updated to the new firmware, I was getting no grid before the firmware update. Sun morning turned on no grid (it had not been a full 24 hrs, only overnight) decided to do a front panel guide reset, checked and finally got a grid but no listings. Sun night I checked again and still no listings but ads and good clock. Today Mon morning turned on to find 8 Full Days of Listings. I can't believe it, I don't remember ever getting 8 full days before. What I also noticed was how fast it is to scroll through each days listing to get to day 8, much much faster. I also checked the 753 menu and my host channel is showing blank. I know that my host is 4.1 OTA digital CBS.

So for me it took about 2 full days of leaving it off to get my listings and grid after the new firmware.
I can't believe I'm finally back up and working, you don't realize how much you depend on this until it stops working. The best part of all HD recording no monthly fees, take that Comcast. :D Let's hope it stays working.

From the lack of or the slowing down of activity here, can I conclude that those with the .21 upgrade are all hunky-dory?
I am going to wait till June, since the analog station just overpowers me in trying to aquire the digital one. No matter what I have tried, my units will not lock on to the digital channel.
Michael

How did you reach this conclusion? :confused: I have OTA analog and digital stations with TVGOS, and also digital stations on cable with TVGOS. My three HDD500's all choose OTA analog.

Lot’s of information in these threads and they go on for many miles. The explanations below are the short version.

There are of course the “two groups” of screens for VBI data downloads. One group is for the “schedule” and another group is for the “actual” downloads. StID 2687 is PBS analogue for my area. StID 5319 is CBS digital for my area. The other StID’s listing for my area has never been used AFAIK, and StID 5319 only started on MySonyBox after the new Sony Software install.

For many years the analogue downloads have followed a consistent pattern of days 1,2,5, and 8 (no longer the case with digital-at least so far). Also, the Guide Listings portion has always been a single block of 180 minutes of time (no longer the case with digital-so far has been up to 4 times a day and just 30 minutes long). Most assume the Guide listings are coded “70” – as do I. There may also be additional codes assigned to “listings” as well under the new digital format but I have not confirmed that and cannot tell for sure.

Also, in years past under analogue downloads via StID 2687, the “actual” download tracking (date and time stamps) “always” changed every day – no exceptions to that AFAIK. Now, since the last StID of 2687 (PBS Analogue) shows the last download of April 20th about 2:30AM Monday Houston time. Best I can tell from the “actual” downloads 2687 has not been used since. Also, StID 5319 updates the actual digital downloads several times a day, as well as the new code 97 added to the list.

Both “scheduled” and “actual” downloads screen “appear” and “disappear” depending on the active Clock Set channel – “a switch of visibility”. In other words, when the box says there is an analogue clock, the VBI screens are truncated to show analogue only; HOWEVER, that does not mean the data is gone or lost, because when the Clock says it is set to digital; those screens re-appear and “none” of the data is lost for it, nor the previous historic analogue position of April 20th, and the digital data continues to move forward in time.

These pictures were taken just a few minutes ago. The digital portions of the screens change almost constantly, the analogue has not changed since the April 20th

Pic 7126 Page “2” of download “schedule”. StID 5319 is the only one with ID 70 of 30 minutes

Pic 7122 Page “1” of actual download. StID 2687 is still holding the last old analogue download of April 20th (Monday morning Houston time about 2:30AM). This commingled screen also shows the latest digital download to StID 5319 on May 4th. That line will change every day.

Pic 7123 Page “2” actual download (both current digital downloads and historic last analogue download)

Pic 7124 Page “3” – same as Pic 7123

Pic 7125 Page “4” Actual DL codes 97 to StID 5319 digital, changes several times a day, from “no” lines to “several” lines with current date time stamp.

How did you reach this conclusion? :confused: I have OTA analog and digital stations with TVGOS, and also digital stations on cable with TVGOS. My three HDD500's all choose OTA analog.

Are you sure they stay with "analogue" all the time?

Do the "schedule" and "actual" VBI Download screens (pages) stay the same length OR do they change lenght from time to time or a few times a day?

Are you receiving code "97" data at anytime?

Do you receive data from more than "one" StID?

HoustonPerson Wrote:
"For many years the analogue downloads have followed a consistent pattern of days 1,2,5, and 8 (no longer the case with digital-at least so far)."


I would have to agree with that now that I have seen first hand. It use to be before I did the new firmware that if I had ever lost listing and they came back (before new firmware) that my listing would be 1,2,5 etc.. but it amazed me after the firmware that I had a FULL 8 days of listings, I literally scrolled across each day to see all 8 days were full. I had never had that ever happen prior to the new firmware. So yes digital seems to be working differently with guide listings filling in.

I have three of these DVRs. Prior to upgrading to 1.2.21, they were having the occasional lock up issue while recording and trying to play back. After the upgrade, they consistently lock up.

I did the reset procedures before as described on this site back in February. It looks as though I will need to do them again. I was wondering if it was necessary to do the Reset User Configuration or if I can get away with just performing the Reset TVGOS to Default. Any thoughts?

I'm in Dallas and OTA only, and it appears that analog PBS is broadcasting TVGOS data again as that is what is being reported in the 753... menu. It had been working from digital CBS for a couple of months. I am a little leery of wiping the grid when I do the resets as others have had issues getting it to come back. However, if data really is coming from analog PBS, then it should come back no problem...theoretically.:rolleyes:

I did full resets on a .21 box, the full spiffspace reset and scan and reset and scan again. Even after this, I can get a lockup if I go to TVGOS and navigate out of there. The clock stops, the buttons freeze, until the recording is over, at which point operation returns.

If I go straight to menu, and use the sony way into the recorded programs, I can watch one thing while recording another.


I try to avoid the "watch/record" thing, which is pretty easy the way my stuff is set up. (Dish box with OTA tuner, tuner in TV set). The problem only occurs if the device is recording per a preset show or time. No problems moving about in a buffered show or recorded show, as long as the unit is not recording on a scheduled event.

southbayla,
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I can't get 2.1 in Ventura County.
Up until last week, they were passing it still on some version of 28.
I'm looking for someone that is exclusively TWC and getting TVGOS.
Is there any recourse to TWC not passing it on?

I didn't get 2.1 either using the old VHF/UHF combo antenna on the roof. 2.1 is UHF currently...so I bought and installed a small Channel Master(no bigger than a sattelite dish) bowtie (UHF only) antenna...aimed it at Mt. Wilson...and voila. OTA signal strength better than TWC.

Perhaps changing your antenna? Can't believe that Thousand Oaks is too far out.

Of course...after 6/12 I can't remember if 2.1 is one of the digitals being moved back into the VHF band...if it is...I still have the old antenna on the roof.

From the lack of or the slowing down of activity here, can I conclude that those with the .21 upgrade are all hunky-dory?

On the one of my two Sonys that I've upgraded to .21, I still have no channel grid, although I do have the clock and ads. (OTA with only a digital host channel) The other Sony that I have not upgraded still has the channel grid from the old analog host channel, and is receiving program listings from the digital host channel.

I'm just sitting tight for now, because Macrovision is working on setting up a new host channel in my area anyway. Also, there have been enough reports here of the "clock and ads, but no grid" syndrome that I suspect a general problem which will have to be fixed with a TVGOS software update, delivered in the TVGOS data stream like the 08.05.40 and 08.06.44 versions.

Since I am having no problems with Wash DC analog TVGOS at the moment, perhaps I should wait until June 12 to upgrade to firmware .21 since CBS 9.1 is changing from UHF 34 to VHF 9?
I'm not clear on whether WETA PBS 26 is still broadcasting TVGOS data or not because my Sony was no longer getting guide data before I switched to .21 firmware. But it may not be wise to wait to upgrade until after WETA 26 shuts down it's analog broadcast, which will be on the morning of June 12 as I recall (quite a few stations have filed that they will be shutting down/switching on the morning or afternoon of June 12, not midnight. WETA has to vacate UHF 26 to allow WHAG-DT NBC 25 to finally go to post-transition full power on UHF 26). Word of the day for June 12: rescan early, rescan often.

If you have a 3-4 day window where there are no TV programs you absolutely have to record, I would go ahead and do the upgrade at least 1 to 2 weeks before June 12. That way, there are still analog stations to fall back on. Of course, if there is another update from Sony or Macrovision in the works, OTOH, it may be better to wait longer. At the moment, it appears my Sony 250 has a grid and is getting guide data from WJZ-DT in Baltimore. I just have to go through the tedious process of re-aligning the stations & sub-channels shown in the grid.

Of course...after 6/12 I can't remember if 2.1 is one of the digitals being moved back into the VHF band...if it is...I still have the old antenna on the roof.

2.1 will stay on UHF but they're moving from RF60 to RF43. Sister station KCAL is moving from RF43 back "home" to RF9.

How did you reach this conclusion? :confused: I have OTA analog and digital stations with TVGOS, and also digital stations on cable with TVGOS. My three HDD500's all choose OTA analog.
same on my single unit...although it MAY be that CBS 5.1 hasn't been broadcasting consistently...but my unit has been locked onto PBS 9 since it did the firmware upgrade...

Are you sure they stay with "analogue" all the time?

Do the "schedule" and "actual" VBI Download screens (pages) stay the same length OR do they change lenght from time to time or a few times a day?

Are you receiving code "97" data at anytime?

Do you receive data from more than "one" StID?
MY unit has been solid on PBS 9 as host channel (AND clock channel) since I upgraded the firmware...

I haven't checked most days, But when I have there's been NO DL 97 activity...

Usually my unit shows DL activity from TWO analog stations and activity with respect to SOME digital DLs (other than 97), but - with respect to the so-called "actual" - I do not believe all these listings are ACTUAL downloads...in fact they CAN'T be since the ANALOG ones OVERLAP for sure...I haven't checked that with respect to the digital's schedule...

(I have to add with respect to "actual" that I CANNOT TELL THE length...all it lists are STARTS...)

Are you sure they stay with "analogue" all the time?

Do the "schedule" and "actual" VBI Download screens (pages) stay the same length OR do they change lenght from time to time or a few times a day?

Are you receiving code "97" data at anytime?

Do you receive data from more than "one" StID?

I did the upgrade and mine continues to use a cable analog host also. There was no sign of digital in the DL schedules ever during this time. My guide was consistently full.

But my listings were lost Friday night and did not return. So last night I ran the G*Test on the cable digital host (even though packets don't show up there anymore) and turned the unit off. Today I have about 95% of all 8 days. The DL schedules are now mixed analog/digital for the first time since the upgrade.

I'm not sure what I will do tonight...

Pic 7126 Page “2” of download “schedule”. StID 5319 is the only one with ID 70 of 30 minutes

Pic 7122 Page “1” of actual download. StID 2687 is still holding the last old analogue download of April 20th (Monday morning Houston time about 2:30AM). This commingled screen also shows the latest digital download to StID 5319 on May 4th. That line will change every day.



HoustonPerson,

Why did you choose to match the 7:31 DL time in picture 7122 with the 5319 digital schedule, and not the 4505 analog schedule (right above it)? I see two other ID81 times in 7122 that also match the 4505 analog schedule (5:31 & 17:51). I can conclude by looking at this that those are analog downloads dated today. How can you conclude that you haven't had an analog download since 4/20 when it shows 2 (maybe 3) right on that screen?

Also, I'd like to know if there is anyone who is digital only (which I am) who gets a timestamp in the LstSuStrt column. Mine doesn't, but mine is broken. I have 6 download schedules on my DVR, 5 analog, 1 digital, and I get all kinds of times filling in from all the different schedules, analog (which should be impossible), and digital. I never get a LastSuStrt time though which could really mean that all of mine fail, and that is why it won't download guide data after my host channel sets.

Mark

HoustonPerson,

Why did you choose to match the 7:31 DL time in picture 7122 with the 5319 digital schedule, and not the 4505 analog schedule (right above it)? I see two other ID81 times in 7122 that also match the 4505 analog schedule (5:31 & 17:51). I can conclude by looking at this that those are analog downloads dated today. How can you conclude that you haven't had an analog download since 4/20 when it shows 2 (maybe 3) right on that screen?

Also, I'd like to know if there is anyone who is digital only (which I am) who gets a timestamp in the LstSuStrt column. Mine doesn't, but mine is broken. I have 6 download schedules on my DVR, 5 analog, 1 digital, and I get all kinds of times filling in from all the different schedules, analog (which should be impossible), and digital. I never get a LastSuStrt time though which could really mean that all of mine fail, and that is why it won't download guide data after my host channel sets.

Mark

4505 is not used, they are blended information screens when in mixed environment. You would really have to see all screens over several days (one of the reasons I did not bother to try to explain the "blended" screens.)

This one shot back on April 20th is an illustration of StID 5319 when the clock is analogue, notice the 5319 with 180 min. As soon as the clock changes to digital (which so far as been about 90% of the time), the 5319 goes back to 30 min (as shown in the previous shots above). When in analogue mode "here" in Houston only the StID 2687 is used.

MY unit has been solid on PBS 9 as host channel (AND clock channel) since I upgraded the firmware...

I haven't checked most days, But when I have there's been NO DL 97 activity...

Usually my unit shows DL activity from TWO analog stations and activity with respect to SOME digital DLs (other than 97), but - with respect to the so-called "actual" - I do not believe all these listings are ACTUAL downloads...in fact they CAN'T be since the ANALOG ones OVERLAP for sure...I haven't checked that with respect to the digital's schedule...

(I have to add with respect to "actual" that I CANNOT TELL THE length...all it lists are STARTS...)

Therefore, I feel you are correct your boxes are analogue because you never see the digital clock set and you do not see DL 97s.

Length of Pages (each DMA could be a lot different); pages are numbered at the top.

When in analogue clock only, my schedule pages are 2.5 pages long and the actual page match.

When in digital clock mode the schedule pages are usually 3 pages, plus 1 line; but I have seem them as long as 4.5 pages. The actual pages (because they are blended are usually 3.5 pages - so as you can see they do not match in lenght (schedule to actual).

I did the upgrade and mine continues to use a cable analog host also. There was no sign of digital in the DL schedules ever during this time. My guide was consistently full.

But my listings were lost Friday night and did not return. So last night I ran the G*Test on the cable digital host (even though packets don't show up there anymore) and turned the unit off. Today I have about 95% of all 8 days. The DL schedules are now mixed analog/digital for the first time since the upgrade.

I'm not sure what I will do tonight...

Yes the screens can blow your mind. I do check them once in the morning and once or twice in the evening. They change all the time; but the analogue history of its last download remains the same; whereas the digital expands and contracts constantly.

I did full resets on a .21 box, the full spiffspace reset and scan and reset and scan again. Even after this, I can get a lockup if I go to TVGOS and navigate out of there. The clock stops, the buttons freeze, until the recording is over, at which point operation returns.

.

If it is still freezing; have you done this in this order:

1. Full Factory Reset (wipes the hard drive and resets everything to original factory defaults)

2. Install new Sony Software

3. Tune to Digital CBS (or your Digital TVGOS station in you area), and play it for an hour or so.

4. Turn it off overnight


Never run G test or Force Host in this process.

Someone asked about successes after the .21 DL. I have to say my 500 got fixed since I got the .21 update. I got nearly full grid listings in a few days. I do not know if my host is digital or analog. It shows a strange cable ch 82 as host, just like another Austinite here is getting. I did check 82.1, 82.2, etc but find no signals at 82.

The one odd thing is that some channels, abc and PBS mostly, get 'no listing' on about every 3-4th program thru the whole week. Never seen that before. Used to be that there would be a beginning and definite end to 'no listing' programs as the data filled in, in sequence. I patched about a week ago. ota & cable.

ps-someone mentioned Sony not giving us the latest software. 2 very new Sony TVs, (52XBR9, 52Z5100) show Gemstar v.10, some previous sets had v.9. not sure what it means to us. (The TV's built-in guides only show like 2 days of programming).

Someone asked about successes after the .21 DL. I have to say my 500 got fixed since I got the .21 update. I got nearly full grid listings in a few days. I do not know if my host is digital or analog. It shows a strange cable ch 82 as host, just like another Austinite here is getting. I did check 82.1, 82.2, etc but find no signals at 82.


Someone awhile back provided this link and it helped me find out what my host was and what channel it was mapping to for VBI in my area, maybe this will help for others.

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Welcome.aspx

Click on choose an antenna, type in your zip code then hit submit (you dont have to complete your whole address) next screen is your location, then hit the continue button at the bottom the next screen is your Frequency Assignment Channel for your area (this should also be your host channel for your area) under the channel column should be your channel that you get your downloads from.

For my zip code, the freq assignment is cable ch 22 but the left of that is 4.1 CBS Miami, FL (which is OTA digital ch).

I upgraded to new firmware 3 days ago this past Sat, today Mon I finally got for a full 8 days of listing, tonight I checked the 753 menu to see what my host ch is showing and low and behold it is cable ch 22 which shows this 0:22-0 this forumula means it's a cable ch 22 and according to this Antenna website this ch maps to 4.1 OTA digital.

So I am convinced that updating to this new firmware has enabled me to finally lock onto a ditigal OTA ch for my guide downloads.

FYI: I am using both cablecard and OTA antenna.

FanofHD; Take note of my sig. ;)

4505 is not used, they are blended information screens when in mixed environment. You would really have to see all screens over several days (one of the reasons I did not bother to try to explain the "blended" screens.)

This one shot back on April 20th is an illustration of StID 5319 when the clock is analogue, notice the 5319 with 180 min. As soon as the clock changes to digital (which so far as been about 90% of the time), the 5319 goes back to 30 min (as shown in the previous shots above). When in analogue mode "here" in Houston only the StID 2687 is used.

I have seen the growing and shrinking DLSchedule before, but never knew it was directly related to the clock channel. I did verify that by tuning mine to analog CBS on cable, and getting the clock to set from there. Then I went into the DLSchedule screen, and the StID was still digital, but within a minute, it switched to the analog schedule. Switching it back to the digital clock channel wasn't as fast though, and I watched it for several minutes, and it never did change back. I knew it would eventually though. I still don't see how you can have 2 StIds that show the exact same times and be able to know which one it actually uses. The only one I'm sure of is the one digital schedule I have. If your clock channel is analog, are your ID70 download times 30 minutes or 180 minutes for your one digital schedule? This is confusing because I don't see how it can get a digital download that is 180 minutes long. It isn't digital at that point.

I'd also like to see a picture of the first screen that you go to in order to scroll over to the DLSchedules. The one that has the last clock set time, and the LastDLStart, LastDLEnd, and DLTimer fields on it. Does your LastDLEnd field fill in correctly (mine is always N/A). That would tell you exactly how long the last download took.

Mark

I have two HDD-250's and when South Carolina ETV shut down their analog in February I lost both clock and guide. The two CBS station in this area won't carry the guide so SCETV will pick it back up in a couple of months. One of my units is on both antenna and cable, the other one is only on cable. My clock was inaccurate since February until I did the Sony update and over night the clock had the correct time. Yesterday morning I noticed the unit rebooted with the welcome screen. Since then my clock has the wrong time. I did a soft reset and also a total power fail. It wasn't a power problem since its plugged into a battery backup. My second unit clock wasn't correct since February and it was blank with I checked it. This makes me think both unit did a reboot. Has anyone had this problem and any suggestions. I hope when we get a digital signal all will start working.

. I still don't see how you can have 2 StIds that show the exact same times and be able to know which one it actually uses.
Mark

Because when in blended mode (both analogue and digital "actual" DLs) the information is listed in a "dovetailed" format (like a dresser drawer joint), and it also expands to to different and changing page lengths.

When it is analogue mode only, there is a exact pattern, that is always the same and never changes in length.

Therefore the "only" day I have been able to items identify is by the date and time stamp. Analogue (so far) has "never" changed the date and time stamp and the digital always changes.

I

I'd also like to see a picture of the first screen that you go to in order to scroll over to the DLSchedules. The one that has the last clock set time, and the LastDLStart, LastDLEnd, and DLTimer fields on it. Does your LastDLEnd field fill in correctly (mine is always N/A). That would tell you exactly how long the last download took.

Mark

First Screen? -I dont think I understand the question? If it is what I think you are saying, may be hard to do. The digital part changes so often? The analogue does not.

Also, there can be a "on" again "off" again delay of up to 4 hours (usually about 2 hours) I have notice between what the "clock set" says and what the actual DL VBI pages say. I think that is part of what you are asking?

wait a minute: I think you mean the page that has in the bottom left corner the number of times it has "set clock" and the most recent date time stamp. Ok i will try to take a picture of that today. I think it updates about once every 2-6 hours, and already has 100-200 "clock sets" since the Sony Software upgrade - I think. The date and time stamps on the right of the screen come and go all the time, I will try to catch some of those.

wait a minute: I think you mean the page that has in the bottom left corner the number of times it has "set clock" and the most recent date time stamp. Ok i will try to take a picture of that today. I think it updates about once every 2-6 hours, and already has 100-200 "clock sets" since the Sony Software upgrade - I think. The date and time stamps on the right of the screen come and go all the time, I will try to catch some of those.

Yes, that is the one I mean. I was too lazy to go find the actual screen name.

Mark

Yes, that is the one I mean. I was too lazy to go find the actual screen name.

Mark

Pic 7127 I think is screen you were asking for. The Clock Sets seems to change about every 2-6 hours. The last 6 lines or so, on the bottom right hand corner usually have data in them and also changes about every 2-6 hours (I think). Sometimes there will be no data at all in the right hand side; but the last two lines of clock set are always there (bottom left).

Pic 7128 is the code 97 DL’s at that point in time. I have only seen “InLineScan” twice before. I have seen Errors, Active, Active Suspension, Backlisted, and ?? several times before. The 97’s have been "all gone", to "all lines filled in except 2". It changes all the time.

Pic 7129 the “InLineScan” above made me look at the ATSC slicer page. The current column usually has TVG increasing, it always starts at “zero” when I open the information screens; but it was actually zooming in count and TVG was already 30,000 – I assume from the “InLineScan” ?

Yes the HOST column has always remained blank. IMO it is receiving all the data digital; but because it is operating in a blended/mixed environment, the data incoming on the ATSC slicer page is simply stored on the analogue page for now. IMO it will remain that way until our PBS analogue goes away. One of the reasons I say this, is because the clock set channel Does let the box show data on certain screens (comes and goes); depending on whether it is analogue or digital clock (ie code 97's and a zillion others)

pictures taken about 12:30PM Houston time tuesday

Sony is just playing games with us! We already know our dhg's are up gradeable. Instead of giving us the latest new firmware from MV we get an old firmware from sept. 2006. They have the newest 9 v firmware in the KDL xbr tv's. Lets see you have to push this buttom and spin around on one leg then leave unit off on this channel. Bull crap!! If your dhg is working good for you . You won't feel so lucky after June 12 if you ever do a reset and you can't get analog. I have made a point of calling Sony every week and bitching . We will Never get the new firmware unless lots of people keep the pressure on Sony. Tomorrow I plan on calling MV and I will try to get a straight answer on why no one is getting the channel line up with the 8.1.71 firmware. I will also ask if MV will be adding a new patch to fix this. However I believe the real solution is to get the 9v firmware. What reason can Sony justify not giving us the latest firwware? I could see them holding back If Sony had a new dvr in the works but have said that none is planned. How about some help from others here on the fourm? Call Sony and demand the latest firmware. Remember if enough peps keep bitching than it just may get done.

I spoke to a 2nd Level Support Technician from Sony yesterday and he stated that Version 9 of the TVGOS software was written for televisions that support the TVGOS system only. Version 9 was not written to support DVR TVGOS according to the tech.

2.1 will stay on UHF but they're moving from RF60 to RF43. Sister station KCAL is moving from RF43 back "home" to RF9.

Possumgirl -
What does this mean? Do I need a new antenna? I just checked my unit (250) and its shows the host channel as 0:60, Clock set channel still shows 0.2-1. Do you know why the display changes from 0:2-1 to 0:60? If CBS moves from RF 60, to RF 43, will I need to rescan my channels?

If you recall I was able to recover from a Full Restore to Factory Default, with the .21 FW upgrade with only OTA digital source.. My unit has been working fine, except for some days it would be missing listings for days 6, 7 and 8, but since I have 5 days of listings at any given day, I can live with this.

Hello dgh owners. Well I have some bad news. I just talked to Sony engineering and they are not working for a new firmware at this time. Sony said not enough calls have been made to Sony regarding this issue. I'm ota digital only and the .21 software will not load the channel grid. Sony said it may be possible if you leave the dhg in the standby mode for a minium of 228 hours to get the grid .Turning the dhg on may start it over but not sure of that. The Sony engineer also said if enough complants are logged than that decision not to give new firmware will be reversed. If you have a working unit I'm sure you could care less but I ask all owners call Sony at least once a week untill they reverse the decision. You may say well I'm on cable and I have analog so i don't care but there maybe no analog data after June 12. The number to call is 1-800-222-7669 and keep asking for the top level of support. The top level is in San Diego, Calf.

I'm asking for everybody's help Please call..........SS Stingray

Hello dgh owners. Well I have some bad news. I just talked to Sony engineering and they are not working for a new firmware at this time. Sony said not enough calls have been made to Sony regarding this issue. I'm ota digital only and the .21 software will not load the channel grid. Sony said it may be possible if you leave the dhg in the standby mode for a minium of 228 hours to get the grid .Turning the dhg on may start it over but not sure of that. The Sony engineer also said if enough complants are logged than that decision not to give new firmware will be reversed. If you have a working unit I'm sure you could care less but I ask all owners call Sony at least once a week untill they reverse the decision. You may say well I'm on cable and I have analog so i don't care but there maybe no analog data after June 12. The number to call is 1-800-222-7669 and keep asking for the top level of support. The top level is in San Diego, Calf.

I'm asking for everybody's help Please call..........SS Stingray

I know how frustrating it can be. The answers you get from SONY depend on who you talk to. One tells you leave the unit ON, the others tell you it needs to be OFF! Notice that 1 day before SONY released the FW upgrade .21, Tech support was insisting that there was no FW upgrade.

Since, I was able to recover from a Full Restore to Factory Default with no analog host, I believe that your unit will do the same.

So, why don’t you give it one last try?

From 9012 menu Choose Restore to Factory Default, you got nothing to lose
Load FW .21, verify new software version is installed – Preference-System-
Do front panel reset, Once clock is correct, Leave the unit tuned to known digital host (you are OTA only right) LEAVE UNIT ON FOR 24 Hours make it 36 hours just to be safe. If this does not bring up a grid, then TURN unit OFF for 36 hours see what happens.

This worked for me, but then again you are in Florida, I’m in LA so there is no guarantee that this will work for you.


Good Luck!

Possumgirl -
What does this mean? Do I need a new antenna? I just checked my unit (250) and its shows the host channel as 0:60, Clock set channel still shows 0.2-1. Do you know why the display changes from 0:2-1 to 0:60? If CBS moves from RF 60, to RF 43, will I need to rescan my channels?
Most markets will have to do a full rescan on or after June 12. If you are in the LA market, there are four digital stations moving from UHF to their upper VHF analog channels on June 12: KABC 7, KCAL 9, KTTV 11, KCOP 13. Then there are the stations moving their DT UHF channels: KCBS 2 from DT 60 to DT 43, KCET PBS 28 from DT 59 to DT 28 and several others. Looks like most them are switching in the evening of June 12. So, yes, in the LA market, a rescan or multiple rescans while jiggling the antenna is necessary. Whether you need a new antenna depends on how well the current antenna works for upper VHF reception and your distance to the broadcast towers.

As a side note, one of the most comprehensive sources for what the stations in each market are doing is Falcon_77's spreadsheet at http://www.rabbitears.info/ss/. In the interest of disclosure, I helped him fill in parts of it last year.

Since everything seemed back to normal for me since the new firmware I went ahead yesterday and turned off all the channels that I don't use like the hundred music channels that show up on the guide and all the crap channels too (takes like forever to do this) I did make sure I kept the host channels turned on. ;)

Today when I turned the guide on I got a window saying there were mutiple channel line ups in my area and to choose my city, I did and it went back to the guide lising. I thought that was weird since my guide was already full of 8 days of listings. Maybe all the channels had not loaded up yesterday and after they did then the window comes up the next day about choosing your city. I also then checked the 753 menu again and it's still showing my host channel is correct.

I know how frustrating it can be. The answers you get from SONY depend on who you talk to. One tells you leave the unit ON, the others tell you it needs to be OFF! Notice that 1 day before SONY released the FW upgrade .21, Tech support was insisting that there was no FW upgrade.

Since, I was able to recover from a Full Restore to Factory Default with no analog host, I believe that your unit will do the same.

So, why don’t you give it one last try?

From 9012 menu Choose Restore to Factory Default, you got nothing to lose
Load FW .21, verify new software version is installed – Preference-System-
Do front panel reset, Once clock is correct, Leave the unit tuned to known digital host (you are OTA only right) LEAVE UNIT ON FOR 24 Hours make it 36 hours just to be safe. If this does not bring up a grid, then TURN unit OFF for 36 hours see what happens.

This worked for me, but then again you are in Florida, I’m in LA so there is no guarantee that this will work for you.


Good Luck!

I'v had the .21 firmware since April 17 and it's been off most of the time. I have two dhg's and the one that I accidently reset to factory is the one I'm having issues with.I did the the reset by doing the g-test and the roller enter button jumped. Hey I keep bugging Sony to help us all out . I know I can record in manual but that is a pain when comparred to the guide.

I spoke to a 2nd Level Support Technician from Sony yesterday and he stated that Version 9 of the TVGOS software was written for televisions that support the TVGOS system only. Version 9 was not written to support DVR TVGOS according to the tech.

This is Sony Bull again. Our DHG's have a hard drive like a computer. The 9 v firmware will work if Sony wanted us to have it. Televisions don't have the hard drive so they put the firmware on a chip to use in the tv. If you want look at the macrovision web page and see how nice the 9 v looks with small pictures of the comming program in the area wher you can set up the record ........Stingray

I spoke to a 2nd Level Support Technician from Sony yesterday and he stated that Version 9 of the TVGOS software was written for televisions that support the TVGOS system only. Version 9 was not written to support DVR TVGOS according to the tech.

The Panasonic DMR-EH55 and -EH75V DVD/HDD recorders (analog only) use TVGOS version 9.

My DHG-HDD500 comes back from Sony Service tomorrow. I have been watching the eBay auction prices crash for both the 250 and the 500 in the last two weeks.

I'm not sure why this is happening. Many of the auctions say nothing about the existence of the TVGOS issues. Perhaps the economy is dipping again.

I had been planning to sell the 500, without even powerring it up, after Sony servicing. However, with prices depressed, I guess I will get the Sony operational and wait for the eBay prices to come back up.

I've been happy with my Tivo HD, except for the monthly fee, and the advertisements on Pause. It is nice to have two tuners and external expandability for the hard drive. The Tivo HD also streams my Netflix videos with a sharper HD picture than my ROKU box.

The MOXI I tried had too many problems.

Ah, one other gripe about Tivo: After the 30 day trial period, one is committed to a full year, even if one is on the month to month plan.

Possumgirl -
What does this mean? Do I need a new antenna? I just checked my unit (250) and its shows the host channel as 0:60, Clock set channel still shows 0.2-1. Do you know why the display changes from 0:2-1 to 0:60? If CBS moves from RF 60, to RF 43, will I need to rescan my channels?

If you recall I was able to recover from a Full Restore to Factory Default, with the .21 FW upgrade with only OTA digital source.. My unit has been working fine, except for some days it would be missing listings for days 6, 7 and 8, but since I have 5 days of listings at any given day, I can live with this.

There was a post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16387150#post16387150)a few days ago in the LA OTA thread with approx. analog shutoff times. Looks like an all-day affair here so either multiple scans on the 12th, or just wait and do one on the 13th. :D

I'm in Washington D.C., OTA only, and now have the full TVGOS from CBS digital after PBS stopped the analog broadcast. I did a disk reformat and factory reset before installing the .21 firmware. It took three days to get a correct clock, another three to get a grid, and then a few hours for the TVGOS to load. I'm using the zip code of the CBS station which broadcasts Washington D.C. TVGOS.

I'm in Washington D.C., OTA only, and now have the full TVGOS from CBS digital after PBS stopped the analog broadcast. I did a disk reformat and factory reset before installing the .21 firmware. It took three days to get a correct clock, another three to get a grid, and then a few hours for the TVGOS to load. I'm using the zip code of the CBS station which broadcasts Washington D.C. TVGOS.Are you sure you're 100% digital? I ask only because CBS stations that are broadcasting digital TVGOS on their digital channels may also be broadcasting analog TVGOS on their (a little more than a month to go) analog channels as a side-effect of Macrovision finally including an SCTE-127 legacy stream in their digital TVGOS inserters. If you are truly at the .21 firmware and truly digital, your host channel should be blank or listed in the form 0:xx-1 or 0:xx-0, where "xx" is either a PSIP mapped digital channel number (first form) or the physical channel number (second form) of your digital host. If, on the other hand, your TVGOS is still latching onto an analog signal (for the next month), the host channel will be reported as 0:0-xx (where xx is the analog channel number of your possibly CBS analog host.)

If indeed you have a blank host or a host in the form 0:xx-1 or 0:xx-0, then I believe you've disproved all the nay-sayers here who think you can't get from square one to up and running when all you have is a 100% digital host.

Currently, my host channel is blank. When I checked it a few days ago, it was listed as 0:34-0, which is the digital channel for CBS in Washington D.C.

The Panasonic DMR-EH55 and -EH75V DVD/HDD recorders (analog only) use TVGOS version 9.I believe that the last Toshiba's with TVGOS had it, too, but it didn't work with satellite like with the Panny's.

... CBS stations that are broadcasting digital TVGOS on their digital channels may also be broadcasting analog TVGOS on their (a little more than a month to go) analog channels as a side-effect of Macrovision finally including an SCTE-127 legacy stream in their digital TVGOS inserters...
? when you say "side-effect", do you mean side benefit or something like that?

As it happens, in my market (SF Bay area), CBS 5 has been broadcasting TVGOS, sporadically beginning around Thanksgiving, and pretty solidly for over a month...in any case, with NO legacy stream being broadcast by CBS digital.

Conversely, I am trying to imagine how a digital legacy stream could find its way into an analog broadcast without it being by design...the legacy stream would have to be converted to analog AND inserted into the analog broadcast...hard to imagine that happening on a happenstance basis...:)

For my amusement, but also because I've been trying to understand better what the G* test and the (analog) slicing screen give in terms of packet counts, so that when I actually start getting the legacy data I can understand a little better what my LG3410a is seeing from my DTVPal, I did a little side-by-side comparison of packet rates seen by my two units from both of the analog stations now broadcasting TVGOS data in our area.

Bottom line (from http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16405308#post16405308), my two units saw the same rates for type B (which they both use) at 3 per second from BOTH PBS 9 and CBS 5, while type C (Sony only) were about about 1/s and type A (LG only) were down by at least another factor of 3...all at about 4:15 PM, give or take 10 minutes.

Pic 7127 I think is screen you were asking for. The Clock Sets seems to change about every 2-6 hours. The last 6 lines or so, on the bottom right hand corner usually have data in them and also changes about every 2-6 hours (I think). Sometimes there will be no data at all in the right hand side; but the last two lines of clock set are always there (bottom left).

I was interested to see the LastDLStart, LastDLEnd, and DLTimer fields. LastDLEnd is N/A just like mine always is. DLTimer shows the next scheduled download, and it is from the analog schedule. This is how mine works also, even though I have no analog hosts around, it still attempts the downloads. Whenever my host channel blanks out (whenever I change my zip code), these 3 fields are frozen until the host channel is set again. Yours seems to be alive even though you say the host channel is blank.


Pic 7128 is the code 97 DL’s at that point in time. I have only seen “InLineScan” twice before. I have seen Errors, Active, Active Suspension, Backlisted, and ?? several times before. The 97’s have been "all gone", to "all lines filled in except 2". It changes all the time.

Pic 7129 the “InLineScan” above made me look at the ATSC slicer page. The current column usually has TVG increasing, it always starts at “zero” when I open the information screens; but it was actually zooming in count and TVG was already 30,000 – I assume from the “InLineScan” ?

Yes the HOST column has always remained blank. IMO it is receiving all the data digital; but because it is operating in a blended/mixed environment, the data incoming on the ATSC slicer page is simply stored on the analogue page for now. IMO it will remain that way until our PBS analogue goes away. One of the reasons I say this, is because the clock set channel Does let the box show data on certain screens (comes and goes); depending on whether it is analogue or digital clock (ie code 97's and a zillion others)

pictures taken about 12:30PM Houston time tuesday

So all the activity shows only on the analog data screens? Does the HostChan column increment on that screen, or just the total column? I guess you'll have to see what happens with all this next month.

Thanks for posting those pics

Mark

Currently, my host channel is blank. When I checked it a few days ago, it was listed as 0:34-0, which is the digital channel for CBS in Washington D.C.Sounds encouraging, but just for kicks, could you run the G* test while tuned to your analog channel 9; if you are truly in a 100% digital environment, there should be no incrementing VBI count and the VBI test should fail every time when run repeatedly. That would prove that your CBS analog station was not providing analog TVGOS (and consequently your Sony was not using analog on the sly.)

? when you say "side-effect", do you mean side benefit or something like that?

As it happens, in my market (SF Bay area), CBS 5 has been broadcasting TVGOS, sporadically beginning around Thanksgiving, and pretty solidly for over a month...in any case, with NO legacy stream being broadcast by CBS digital.

Conversely, I am trying to imagine how a digital legacy stream could find its way into an analog broadcast without it being by design...the legacy stream would have to be converted to analog AND inserted into the analog broadcast...hard to imagine that happening on a happenstance basis...:)What I meant by "side-effect" is illustrated by what happened a week or so ago in Philly: the instant our CBS digital station (KYW-DT, 3.1, UHF channel 26) began to broadcast legacy (SCTE-127) TVGOS data, their analog station (KYW, VHF channel 3) began to broadcast analog TVGOS. My conjecture is that, while it may not have been 100% intentional to broadcast the analog TVGOS (or indeed it may have), KYW's entire operation is digital now but to keep the analog transmitter going for its last month, the analog modulation is derived by simply downconverting their digital signal to NTSC. Since the digital stream suddenly contained the TVGOS legacy VBI (in MPEG), the downconverter inserted corresponding VBI lines into the NTSC modulation (just following orders, sir.)

My Sony automagically switched back to the analog TVGOS host within a day or two of this event; but I got the last word because analog channel 3 (unlike my old PBS host on 12) is VHF-low; So I just went up into my attic and yanked (until I need it come June) my dedicated VHF-low antenna and wrapped the exposed coax end with aluminum foil. Lo and behold reception on 3 dropped to virtually nil, the Sony switched back to digital TVGOS, and it's been happy every since.

Just checking with regard to your not-yet receiving the SCTE-127 stream: Are you sure you've put the DTVPal in TVGOS mode and then sent it the Scientific Atlanta IR key codes 1-5-1, and then run the G* test on 3/4 to confirm that no analog TVGOS packets are being output by the Pal? I'm sure you must have tried this (many times, no doubt), but the 1-5-1 step is absolutely necessary.

I find it odd that your KPIX analog station would be intentionally inserting TVGOS data at this late date without carrying the legacy VBI stream in their digital signal, especially since another station is also carrying the analog TVGOS.

What I meant by "side-effect" is illustrated by what happened a week or so ago in Philly: the instant our CBS digital station (KYW-DT, 3.1, UHF channel 26) began to broadcast legacy (SCTE-127) TVGOS data, their analog station (KYW, VHF channel 3) began to broadcast analog TVGOS. My conjecture is that, while it may not have been 100% intentional to broadcast the analog TVGOS (or indeed it may have), KYW's entire operation is digital now but to keep the analog transmitter going for its last month, the analog modulation is derived by simply downconverting their digital signal to NTSC. Since the digital stream suddenly contained the TVGOS legacy VBI (in MPEG), the downconverter inserted corresponding VBI lines into the NTSC modulation (just following orders, sir.)

Just checking with regard to your not-yet receiving the SCTE-127 stream: Are you sure you've put the DTVPal in TVGOS mode and then sent it the Scientific Atlanta IR key codes 1-5-1, and then run the G* test on 3/4 to confirm that no analog TVGOS packets are being output by the Pal? I'm sure you must have tried this (many times, no doubt), but the 1-5-1 step is absolutely necessary.

I find it odd that your KPIX analog station would be intentionally inserting TVGOS data at this late date without carrying the legacy VBI stream in their digital signal, especially since another station is also carrying the analog TVGOS.
I'm still skeptical about your idea of how TVGOS got into CBS analog...I'm no expert, but my guess is that the digital downconversion of the audiovisual is a whole different deal than what's done with the digital legacy stream...but, as I said, I'm no expert...

With regard to the legacy stream, it ain't here...I haven't even been testing because there's a guy (kev...) who's been checking the streams on KPIX regularly with TSReader(?), and another local guy pointed me to the reader results posted on rabbit ears, AND Microvision itself said last month that the legacy stream wasn't being broadcast from KPIX because CBS was holding it up. Furthermore, the CBS analog TVGOS started appearing aT LEAST by Thankgsgiving, and remember also that the local PBS station STOPPED carrying TVGOS for a while after the FIRST transition date...
I couldn't figure out why CBS started the analog, except that maybe they were trying to make things easier in view of the anticipated PBS shutdown (which actually stared to SOME extent BEFORE February),but it sure made my LG3410a a happy puppy compared with the problems the PBS analog was giving it (I had to reboot the unit nightly if I wanted a download overnight...EVER SINCE LAST MAY)...

Oh, I forgot...I vaguely understand how you're saying to start up the Pal EXCEPT for the Sci At code...how do I do that? And how do I set up my 3410a...with my real zip code and cable or no cable? (I'm, OTA only...) I know this has been explained somewhere, but when people talk about cable setups, I have to focus very specifically because I really don't know how EITHER of my units operates with cable...so I've been postponing trying to parse what people have said until I KNOW someone has succeeded with slaving the pal to the 3410a (and I think Jan has just completed THAT, but his whole setup is so complicated that I in fact asked if he could post exactly what one had to do IN THE ABSENCE of cable, but haven't seen that yet...)

Cheers - Tony

I know how frustrating it can be. The answers you get from SONY depend on who you talk to. One tells you leave the unit ON, the others tell you it needs to be OFF! Notice that 1 day before SONY released the FW upgrade .21, Tech support was insisting that there was no FW upgrade.

Since, I was able to recover from a Full Restore to Factory Default with no analog host, I believe that your unit will do the same.

So, why don’t you give it one last try?

From 9012 menu Choose Restore to Factory Default, you got nothing to lose
Load FW .21, verify new software version is installed – Preference-System-
Do front panel reset, Once clock is correct, Leave the unit tuned to known digital host (you are OTA only right) LEAVE UNIT ON FOR 24 Hours make it 36 hours just to be safe. If this does not bring up a grid, then TURN unit OFF for 36 hours see what happens.

This worked for me, but then again you are in Florida, I’m in LA so there is no guarantee that this will work for you.


Good Luck!

I accidentally hit reset while attempting the G* test and lost my clock and listings. Of course I felt that I may have just created a paper weight but now a couple days latter, the clock is correct. I noticed that after about 24 hours that the clock was back but wrong, but the correct time appeared while I had the unit on tonight. I set up a manual recording but noticed that the date was wrong (the next day was listed as today) and about an hour latter even the date is right. I would deduce that the unit can correct itself while it is "on". Next I'll have to see if I can get a grid and listings and/or install the updated firmware........as much heat as that firmware has taken I'm on the fence.

I may have inadvertently fixed one issue to create another with the reset. My unit was locking up during recordings all the time and it would never stay set to either 2-1 or 60-0 as the host channel. I had seen both here in LA.

Oh, I forgot...I vaguely understand how you're saying to start up the Pal EXCEPT for the Sci At code...how do I do that? And how do I set up my 3410a...with my real zip code and cable or no cable? (I'm, OTA only...) I know this has been explained somewhere, but when people talk about cable setups, I have to focus very specifically because I really don't know how EITHER of my units operates with cable...so I've been postponing trying to parse what people have said until I KNOW someone has succeeded with slaving the pal to the 3410a (and I think Jan has just completed THAT, but his whole setup is so complicated that I in fact asked if he could post exactly what one had to do IN THE ABSENCE of cable, but haven't seen that yet...)Your LG, I'm assuming, has only one coax RF input (unlike the Sony), so for an OTA setup (once your digital CBS station starts transmitting the legacy stream):

a) Your antenna feed needs to have channel 3 or 4 (whichever isn't used in your area) notched out and the RF output from the DTVPal (set to the same output channel) combined in. Use one of these: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SPSC4 or the amplified version: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=40-SC4A . Be sure to get the model appropriate for the channel you've selected (3 or 4.) If you will have no VHF-Low digital channels post-June, you can get away with just a UHF/VHF combiner such as: http://www.antennasdirect.com/antenna_combiner.html (but it's no cheaper).

b) Analog channel 3 or 4, as appropriate, needs to be enabled and receivable in your LG (i.e.: you should be able to view the DTVPal's output picture and be able to change its channels, navigate the menus, etc.)

c) Just leave your real zip code in the LG. The funky zipcodes are for TVGOS devices that don't have digital tuners. Likewise, use your real zip code in the Pal.

d) You must switch the DTVPal to TVGOS mode via it's menus (that's either menu-2-3-6 or menu-3-2-6, I can't remember which.)

e) You MUST set up a universal remote control (set to its cable function, which you normally wouldn't be using anyway) to control a Scientific Atlanta cable box (follow directions for the remote.) Then you need to aim that remote at the DTVPal (which is now in TVGOS mode) and enter the 3-key sequence 1-5-1. The green light on the front of the DTVPal should blink once for each key pressed. If you're watching the DTVPal output, you should see it switch to channel 5.1. You MUST do this even if the DTVPal is already tuned to channel 5.1!!! Otherwise, no TVGOS VBI will be forthcoming from the Pal.

f) At this point, running the G* test on your LG tuned to channel 3 or 4 (as appropriate) should confirm (via an incrementing VBI count - pay no attention to the Pass/Fail) that TVGOS VBI is present.

g) Leave it like that and turn off your LG (or, pre-transition, force it to use channel 3 or 4 as its TVGOS host.) Your guide data should be received via the channel 3 or 4 host. Until analog goes off, it may transition back to one of your other analog TVGOS hosts.

h) After a power failure, you'll probably need to set up the DTVPal again as in d) and e) above... I dunno.

The setup for cable is essentially the same, just replace "antenna feed" with "cable feed". Of course, in that case the LG TVGOS setup would be more complex (selecting cable lineups, etc.), but that doesn't affect how to interface to the DTVPal box.

So all the activity shows only on the analog data screens? Does the HostChan column increment on that screen, or just the total column? I guess you'll have to see what happens with all this next month.

Thanks for posting those pics

Mark

Made a quick check this morning. The activity is on both digital and analogue screens. The current feed is on the digital (see above), and the total are accumalted on the analogue screen - both since cold (April 17th) and Host are the same, zero for the third. This morning there are (6) 97 codes DL (one backlisted), I think all six are in the last few hours (totally different than yesterday as explaned above).

After June 12th will be the test. The box will either completely die OR it will continue fine and dandy?

I have no idea what "pre-transition" stuff MV will do (like they did the last week of January here)...........so it is possibly it could die before June 12th.

As many have stated lots of "odd" stuff occured this last weekend; but days 6 and 7 got corrected on Monday/Tuesday of this week.

I do know has others have seen, the box will udate "any" day it wants now, whenever it wants. It has not done the Day 1,2,5 and 8 since April 17th. It will also update very often when you are using the box (never did that before either)...........and dozens of other things are different.

Got to run.

After several weeks of perfect operation- it is happening again.

The 250 is getting ads and listings, the 500 at its side has stopped getting both.

The last time, a few weeks ago, I ended up doing nothing for the 500 to resume downloads. I will just wait this time.

But this phenomena does seem to confirm that if there is something wrong with the data, it does not effect the 250 but does effect the 500.

If someone could only figure out why.

I'm in Washington D.C., OTA only, and now have the full TVGOS from CBS digital after PBS stopped the analog broadcast. I did a disk reformat and factory reset before installing the .21 firmware. It took three days to get a correct clock, another three to get a grid, and then a few hours for the TVGOS to load. I'm using the zip code of the CBS station which broadcasts Washington D.C. TVGOS.

If DC area PBS stopped sending OTA analog TVGOS then where am I getting it from? I have not done the .21 update and have always gotten all the programming.

Note - My host channel is blank and I use zip 20500 (I believe).

If DC area PBS stopped sending OTA analog TVGOS then where am I getting it from? I have not done the .21 update and have always gotten all the programming.

Note - My host channel is blank and I use zip 20500 (I believe).Even without the update, the Sonys are capable of getting digital TVGOS; the firmware update makes it somehow better. Unfortunately, the blank host channel is common with digital, so you can't exactly tell where it's coming from. But if it's working, that's all that's really important.

I did multiple G* tests on the analog CBS channel 9.0 in D.C. All tests failed, so it appears my OTA TVGOS is purely digital. In the process of getting the TVGOS, I tried forcing the host channel to 9.1, and subsequently also left the recorder on to 9.1 late in the evening. Neither action seemed to have an effect, but they were part of my successful acquisition of OTA digital TVGOS, so I'm reporting them.

I did multiple G* tests on the analog CBS channel 9.0 in D.C. All tests failed, so it appears my OTA TVGOS is purely digital. In the process of getting the TVGOS, I tried forcing the host channel to 9.1, and subsequently also left the recorder on to 9.1 late in the evening. Neither action seemed to have an effect, but they were part of my successful acquisition of OTA digital TVGOS, so I'm reporting them.Then I think we can safely say that a properly functioning Sony with the latest firmware can recover from factory reset in a purely digital environment (it may need to have all 3 data streams present: TVG1, TVG2, and SCTE-127 legacy; or it may need only the first.) Patience is the operative word - why 6+ days to get a grid is beyond me, but if it works, so be it - nobody should have to do it very often.

If DC area PBS stopped sending OTA analog TVGOS then where am I getting it from? I have not done the .21 update and have always gotten all the programming.

Note - My host channel is blank and I use zip 20500 (I believe).
you could check the clock set channel for a hint...if you go to the first diagnostic screen, then hit DOWN twice and RIGHT once, you'll see the clock set channel and the backup clock channel (if I remember correctly) on the lower right-hand corner of the data shown...

you could check the clock set channel for a hint...if you go to the first diagnostic screen, then hit DOWN twice and RIGHT once, you'll see the clock set channel and the backup clock channel (if I remember correctly) on the lower right-hand corner of the data shown...

Thanks. I will try that tonight.

Then I think we can safely say that a properly functioning Sony with the latest firmware can recover from factory reset in a purely digital environment (it may need to have all 3 data streams present: TVG1, TVG2, and SCTE-127 legacy; or it may need only the first.) Patience is the operative word - why 6+ days to get a grid is beyond me, but if it works, so be it - nobody should have to do it very often.

I agree. It has been an uphill battle to get SONY to support the discontinued DHG-HDD 250/500 series, in the end they did so by releasing the .21 update, and SONY should be commended for this.

I agree. It has been an uphill battle to get SONY to support the discontinued DHG-HDD 250/500 series, in the end they did so by releasing the .21 update, and SONY should be commended for this.

Totally. I'm sure the reason is a contract between Sony and TVGOS for mutual support-and while it may be verboten by gentleman's agreement to make and sell an OTA DVR in a normal commercial manner in the US market, we do benefit. Sony and others make nice DVR's elsewhere, but no one even tries here. There is a market.

Sony is stuck supporting these units for a quite a while more:D

Or maybe they could, you know...make a new one ?

:rolleyes:

Today, I got back a 500, which had gone to Sony in Laredo, TX for a hard disk failure. The hard disk now works and the firmware is 1.2.21, BUT the HDMI connector has no audio output, and only outputs 480P.

Tomorrow, I get to call and tell them they need to try for a third time to fix my DVR. I had high hopes this time because they told me that the DVR was sent for a quality inspection before shipping it back.

The Sony (on the back) has a warranty seal that had been put on in Pitsburg. Texas broke the warranty seal and sent the unit to me without putting a new seal on. Thus, they may falsely accuse me of openning the unit.

By eyeball the Sony HDMI connector looks OK. The audio is present on the DVR RCA connnectors, but I don't use those.

I tested with two known good HDMI cables to two different HDMI inputs on my Vizio. The same cables and Vizio display just fine from my Sony Blu-Ray player and from my Tivo.

When turned "on" the Sony says Auto HDMI in the window.

I'm afraid to do a Factory Reset, because I read on here the the Factory Reset from the 9012 menu erases the 1.2.21 update.

The repair invoice says: Constant Data Input/Output, Electrical Adjustment, Cleaned and/or Lubricated

Sony says nothing about fixxing the hard drive failure that had been reported by the DVR itself.

I'm pissed.

Monday night I decided to try the Reset To Factory Default, and see if my DVR would recover without cheating (I am digital only OTA, but I have access to cable, and the analog TVGOS data is available from there). I did this successfully with the old firmware, but hadn't tried it since installing the new firmware. I did two resets to wipe the patch versions back to 00.00.00, this was at 11:00pm. I was optimistic that my system would recover faster than before, since I no longer have to run the G* Test after each patch loads to get the digital side working again. The last time I did this was at 10:00pm on March 25, and my system had the channel grid by March 27 at 4:00pm. The clock had set by the morning of the 26th, before the 8.5.40 patch had even loaded.

After the reset I went into the 753 menu to make sure the packets were coming in, and the GMT clock set moments later (all was looking good). I turned it off and went to bed.

Tuesday morning at 6:30am, the clock wasn't set, but I was up to patch 08.05.40. At 5:00 pm the clock still wasn't set, and I was at patch 08.06.44. Looking at the reset info showed that the first patch loaded 5 hours after the reset, and the second patch loaded 6 hours after that. At 10:00pm still no clock (it had been about 12 hours after the second patch had loaded). I was already discouraged since I had much more success with this on March 25. I was starting to become concerned because I had two shows to record on Wednesday night. I went to bed.

At about 2:00am. I woke up and checked the clock. It was still not set. At this time I had received 985 ZipcodePkts (in 27 hours), but no TimezonePkts (which I believe is the hold up). So then I punted. I hooked up the cable line, setup TVGOS for cable, and OTA, did a quick channel scan, tuned to my analog CBS on cable and turned the DVR off. At 6:20am, the clock was back. I turned on the DVR, and had a channel lineup, and grid. I had 1000 ZipcodePkts (only 15 in 4 hours), and 2 TimezonePkts (mine always come in pairs). I went back into the TVGOS setup turned off cable, and turned off the DVR and went to work. Tonight at 6:00pm, the guide was filled with 8 days of data (as expected). At this time I had 1215 ZipcodePkts (only 215 in 12 hours), and 6 TimezonePkts, which means that although I couldn't get any timezonepkts over the previous 27 hours, I got 4 in 12 hours today.

So I was unable to get a front panel clock over digital after 27 hours, but got my clock, and channel lineup over analog in less than 4 hours. I'm not giving up though. Next week is season finales week, and then my recording schedule will be clear. After next week I'm going to experiment, and see if I can't have better luck with this.

Mark

I agree. It has been an uphill battle to get SONY to support the discontinued DHG-HDD 250/500 series, in the end they did so by releasing the .21 update, and SONY should be commended for this.

Sony should be commened for this? They give us a 3 year old firmware instead of the latest. Also they don't even test it to see that it works. Finally after people complain they test the firmware and in the lab it takes 228 hours to get a grid. Yet I still can't get a grid after three weeks in a non lab test. You must be on the Sony payroll. The only way they made this feeble attempt was because some units are still under extended warrenty. I have offered to pay Sony for the latest firmware to make my unit work but they refused because they would be embaresed to make users pay for what they should do. Frankly I'll never purchase another Sony product again.

[QUOTE=mabuttra;16413078]looking good).
So I was unable to get a front panel clock over digital after 27 hours, but got my clock, and channel lineup over analog in less than 4 hours. I'm not giving up though. Next week is season finales week, and then my recording schedule will be clear. After next week I'm going to experiment, and see if I can't have better luck with this.

I got the clock in 15 minuetts and the first patch in 2 hours. I had the ads in the first patch and had 8.06.44 patch in the next morning. Three weeks later nothing. Now Sony says it takes 228 hours with a perfect signal to load the grid. I guess me and Video Bruce are the only ones up set by this. Lets see Sony now says you must leave the unit in standby for 10 days. If you turn it on to check you must start the 10 days over. What a wounderfull fix from such a leading company like Sony.

teeitup told me he was getting packets on PBS Channel 9 in the Seattle Area. I connected my rabbit ears up to a VCR(Video Cassette Recorder). I viewed the screen that shows the download schedule for the DVR.
I recorded 60 minutes of one download, and 180 minutes of another download.
My wife went into the 9012 menu and reset the guide.
We lost the grid and all of the listings. I had to run the G* test to get the clock to update. After I got a valid clock, I played the 4 hour tape and had my grid back and listings back.
I was very surprised because I did not start the tape at the time that I thought the DVR was expecting listings.

Overnight, the unit was powered off and the next morning it prompted me to tell the DVR which cable service I had.

Somebody else suggested on this forum this idea. It worked for me.

I still have no A,B or C data on the VBI Slicing page for digital channels.
If I do have a power failure, it appears that I have a way of re-building the grid and guide data.

RE: Sony Repair troubles: Today, I got back a 500, which had gone to Sony in Laredo, TX for a hard disk failure. The hard disk now works and the firmware is 1.2.21, BUT the HDMI connector has no audio output, and only outputs 480P.For the audio problem, I'd suggest you go to Menu|Preferences|Audio|Dolby Digital and make sure it's off (they may have turned it on for testing and forgotten to turn it back off); with Dolby Digital output on, all other normal stereo audio outputs go dead.

For the stuck-in-480p problem, I'd highly suggest you choose 1080i (or 720p if you are so inclined) by using the Format button on the remote; Auto HDMI is quite often problematical with various monitors. You probably had it set that way before you sent it in but factory reset defaults back to Auto HDMI.

Monday night So I was unable to get a front panel clock over digital after 27 hours, but got my clock, and channel lineup over analog in less than 4 hours. I'm not giving up though. Next week is season finales week, and then my recording schedule will be clear. After next week I'm going to experiment, and see if I can't have better luck with this.

Mark

Mark, if you go through the Full Factory Reset again to see of OTA digital only will work; then this might work? (there may be a tiny bug in the .21 software OR MV in your area may not up to par?)

go through all the steps you went through; except each time you turn the box "on"; be certain it is tuned to your digital host (CBS here), before you turn it "off" again. Next time you turn it back "on" confirm it is still on your digital host.

In my case, if mine is "off" and on any station "other" than CBS the clock will set back to PBS analogue (which therefore seems to control or direct every thing else in the box). But if it is on CBS digital, it will "always" get the CBS Digital clock set and "then" direct itself to do everything digital.

For me in Houston, I cannot tell if that may be a Sony flaw OR MV issue; but I think in my case the problem will go away after June 12 (die or live)?

Well I checked my slicing page this morn. First I checked the good 250. It was 19.6 million and not changing. That unit has the grid. The other slicing page(on the 250 with no grid) the tvg line was going up at about 60 per minuet. My count was 14.2 million. Maybe in a few more days I will get a grid. Can anybody check this out? If I hit that 19.6 will I get a grid?

Random pictures for those interested. Box still working fine here. Programs scheduled thru May 15th the 8th day.

I sort of expect MV to start pre-transition stuff the end of May (just like the end of January). Which if that is true, it would be “dead” for about the first two weeks of June. But if it keeps working that would be better. LOL

Pictures taken just after the 7AM group of downloads Houston time Thursday.

Pictures Part II

After several weeks of perfect operation- it is happening again.

The 250 is getting ads and listings, the 500 at its side has stopped getting both.

The last time, a few weeks ago, I ended up doing nothing for the 500 to resume downloads. I will just wait this time.

But this phenomena does seem to confirm that if there is something wrong with the data, it does not effect the 250 but does effect the 500.

If someone could only figure out why.

After not getting listings for two days, the 500 reacquired listings overnight.

I did nothing.

The 250 never lost a day.

I continue to find it strange that only the 500 is overly sensitive and will lose its ability to download and/or process listings while the 250 is fine with the exact same data.

teeitup told me he was getting packets on PBS Channel 9 in the Seattle Area. I connected my rabbit ears up to a VCR(Video Cassette Recorder). I viewed the screen that shows the download schedule for the DVR.
I recorded 60 minutes of one download, and 180 minutes of another download.
My wife went into the 9012 menu and reset the guide.
We lost the grid and all of the listings. I had to run the G* test to get the clock to update. After I got a valid clock, I played the 4 hour tape and had my grid back and listings back.
.....
If I do have a power failure, it appears that I have a way of re-building the grid and guide data.

Good to see you had success using a VHS to re-build the grid. I have been planning on making a VHS recording as well. When you ran the G* test to update the clock, did you have your antenna or cable still hooked up to the DVR or just the VCR? It seems it would just set the clock to whatever time it was during the recording.

I'm glad I check this thread, now and then. I did the firmware upgrade -- after vacuuming the dust from the USB slot -- and it still works :).

It took me awhile to figure out that the Clock channel, 0:30-0, is the UHF freq. for the CBS digital OTA channel. I usually use cable to tune to CBS. When trying the ATSC slice page, I don't get any activity for the cable CBS, but I do for the OTA version. Does that mean that the cable company is not passing the data? (Boston area)

It's not what they did, but what they didn't. You will be more dissappointed when you read the following: The above was from the horse's mouth. I just received a phone call from Macrovision minutes ago. After picking myself up off the floor, that was what I was told.
Phoney all baloney! DRM and the MPAA, take a long walk off a short pier.

I would suggest everyone contact $ony and start a incident number. That is the only way this can be resolved! Call 800-222-7669, then press 3 and 3 again. Get past Level one and talk to Level two. Level2 e-mail address is in my previous post.

More to follow. Stay tuned.And the "more to follow" is here:
According to the Sony engineer Macrovision talked to, digital downloads should take between 60 and 240 hours with the firmware that Phoney all baloney released without letting Macrovision test it first. Normal digital daily downloads should only take 30 minutes as opposed to three hours for analog. IOW's, the first group of listings (forgot what days they are) you should have in the next 30 minute download time slot.

After not getting listings for two days, the 500 reacquired listings overnight.

I did nothing.

The 250 never lost a day.

I continue to find it strange that only the 500 is overly sensitive and will lose its ability to download and/or process listings while the 250 is fine with the exact same data.

did you check the error tracker to see what has been going on with the 500 the last couple of day? What did it say? And compare it to the 250?

For the audio problem, I'd suggest you go to Menu|Preferences|Audio|Dolby Digital and make sure it's off (they may have turned it on for testing and forgotten to turn it back off); with Dolby Digital output on, all other normal stereo audio outputs go dead.

For the stuck-in-480p problem, I'd highly suggest you choose 1080i (or 720p if you are so inclined) by using the Format button on the remote; Auto HDMI is quite often problematical with various monitors. You probably had it set that way before you sent it in but factory reset defaults back to Auto HDMI.
Thank you. That fixed the format, now 1080i. However, the Dolby Digital shows as off. So, I tried turning it on, rebooting, then turning it off, and rebooting. 500 still has no audio on the HDMI. Sony Specialist just gave me a workorder and shipping label to return the DVR to Texas.

you could check the clock set channel for a hint...if you go to the first diagnostic screen, then hit DOWN twice and RIGHT once, you'll see the clock set channel and the backup clock channel (if I remember correctly) on the lower right-hand corner of the data shown...

I tried it but what does this mean?

Failing Clock Chan 0:0-22
Clock Set Chan 0:0-13

Good to see you had success using a VHS to re-build the grid. I have been planning on making a VHS recording as well. When you ran the G* test to update the clock, did you have your antenna or cable still hooked up to the DVR or just the VCR? It seems it would just set the clock to whatever time it was during the recording.

I did the G* test on my Cable channel 90 which is/was broadcasting CBS. After playing the tape for almost 2 hours, I had no clock. This is why I did the G* test.

I tried it but what does this mean?

Failing Clock Chan 0:0-22
Clock Set Chan 0:0-13It means your clock was set from analog channel 13. Not terribly informative since a number of analog stations (typically PBS) broadcast the time; this does not necessarily imply they broadcast TVGOS data. There are far more devices that pick up time OTA than TVGOS-enabled devices.

I did the G* test on my Cable channel 90 which is/was broadcasting CBS. After playing the tape for almost 2 hours, I had no clock. This is why I did the G* test.

Did you unhook the cable after performing the G* test? Maybe I'm missing something, but how are you sure the grid was actually built from the VHS recording rather than cable channel 90. Did you try running the G* test on the output channel from your VCR (ie Ch 3 or 4) to see if it showed VBI from the PBS channel 9 recording?

And the "more to follow" is here:
According to the Sony engineer Macrovision talked to, digital downloads should take between 60 and 240 hours with the firmware that Phoney all baloney released without letting Macrovision test it first. Normal digital daily downloads should only take 30 minutes as opposed to three hours for analog. IOW's, the first group of listings (forgot what days they are) you should have in the next 30 minute download time slot.

Everybody must help get this resolved. After you get to level 2 ask to get to the special area( San Diego ). I talked to Patrick and he is very informed about the situation. He asked his boss if Sony will release the better firmware and his boss replied that not enough complaints have been filed. Patrick said that Sony tested the firmware after released and found that in their lab it took 228 hours to get a grid. I'm well over 350 hours and no grid. I will keep calling each week untill Sony gets sick of hearing about this. Video Bruce and I seem to be the only people calling. Maybe after June 12 some of you will wake up!! Gee you act like we want you guys to send mony .

When trying the ATSC slice page, I don't get any activity for the cable CBS, but I do for the OTA version. Does that mean that the cable company is not passing the data? (Boston area)

Try doing a G*Test while tuned to the cable digital host. Wait about 30 seconds. (You will not see any packets coming in.) Exit from the test, but remain on the same channel. Then go into the diagnostic screens and check the ATSC slicer page. You will see data arriving if is being passed by the cable company.

My DVR acts just like yours. Very odd. Someone else here came up with this sequence. I can't recall who it was.

Try doing a G*Test while tuned to the cable digital host. Wait about 30 seconds. (You will not see any packets coming in.) Exit from the test, but remain on the same channel. Then go into the diagnostic screens and check the ATSC slicer page. You will see data arriving if is being passed by the cable company.

My DVR acts just like yours. Very odd. Someone else here came up with this sequence. I can't recall who it was.

Thanks, that did the trick.

It means your clock was set from analog channel 13. Not terribly informative since a number of analog stations (typically PBS) broadcast the time; this does not necessarily imply they broadcast TVGOS data. There are far more devices that pick up time OTA than TVGOS-enabled devices.
? But the Sony looks for time from a TVGOS station...!?

On the other hand, If your host channel is blank and you clock set channel is analog, that means you are in one of those mixed up situations where you are getting some data from digital and some (perhaps only the time, but maybe other things---e.g., other setup info) from analog

Mark, if you go through the Full Factory Reset again to see of OTA digital only will work; then this might work? (there may be a tiny bug in the .21 software OR MV in your area may not up to par?)

go through all the steps you went through; except each time you turn the box "on"; be certain it is tuned to your digital host (CBS here), before you turn it "off" again. Next time you turn it back "on" confirm it is still on your digital host.

In my case, if mine is "off" and on any station "other" than CBS the clock will set back to PBS analogue (which therefore seems to control or direct every thing else in the box). But if it is on CBS digital, it will "always" get the CBS Digital clock set and "then" direct itself to do everything digital.

For me in Houston, I cannot tell if that may be a Sony flaw OR MV issue; but I think in my case the problem will go away after June 12 (die or live)?

I actually did it that way, which is unusual for me. I usually keep the DVR tuned off of my digital host channel, because I want to be able to go into the 753 menu, and count packets without them changing. Also there is the issue of if my guide data fills in, I want to know for certain that it did it on its own when it was off, and not because I had it tuned to my host channel when it was on.

Anyway in this case I wanted to be sure not to miss the elusive timezone packet, so I left it tuned to my digital CBS while I rooted around in the menus checking on its "progress". Also remember that I'm digital only here, there is no analog PBS for the clock to fall back to. Mine stays digital showing either 0:19-0 (the actual rf channel), or 0:12-1 the digital channel. It prefers 0:19-0, and when my host sets it is always 0:19-0. I don't think I have ever had my host be anything (when it isn't blank) but 0:19-0 in the last 3 months.

Mark

Try doing a G*Test while tuned to the cable digital host. Wait about 30 seconds. (You will not see any packets coming in.) Exit from the test, but remain on the same channel. Then go into the diagnostic screens and check the ATSC slicer page. You will see data arriving if is being passed by the cable company.


You don't need to do the G*Test if you've upgraded to FW 1.2.21.............

If you tune to your TVGOS channel and go to the slicer screen and it's not updating, simply try again later. Sometimes it's updating, sometimes it's not. Someone had suggested that maybe it only updates during download times.

You don't need to do the G*Test if you've upgraded to FW 1.2.21.............

If you tune to your TVGOS channel and go to the slicer screen and it's not updating, simply try again later. Sometimes it's updating, sometimes it's not. Someone had suggested that maybe it only updates during download times.While this may be true, I've found that if it isn't updating and I run the G* test and check back right away, it then is updating. So I don't know exactly what kicks it off other than the G* test, but you're right, something does. However, the G* test is pretty much guaranteed to kick it off.

? But the Sony looks for time from a TVGOS station...!?

On the other hand, If your host channel is blank and you clock set channel is analog, that means you are in one of those mixed up situations where you are getting some data from digital and some (perhaps only the time, but maybe other things---e.g., other setup info) from analog

In my case, the clock channel is analog 30 which is actually the UHF frequency of the digital CBS channel, 4.1. I don't know why the unit is displaying the carrier frequency and not the digital channel number. And, likewise, the host channel was blank.

Today, I got back a 500, which had gone to Sony in Laredo, TX for a hard disk failure. The hard disk now works and the firmware is 1.2.21, BUT the HDMI connector has no audio output, and only outputs 480P.

Tomorrow, I get to call and tell them they need to try for a third time to fix my DVR. I had high hopes this time because they told me that the DVR was sent for a quality inspection before shipping it back.

The Sony (on the back) has a warranty seal that had been put on in Pitsburg. Texas broke the warranty seal and sent the unit to me without putting a new seal on. Thus, they may falsely accuse me of openning the unit.

By eyeball the Sony HDMI connector looks OK. The audio is present on the DVR RCA connnectors, but I don't use those.

I tested with two known good HDMI cables to two different HDMI inputs on my Vizio. The same cables and Vizio display just fine from my Sony Blu-Ray player and from my Tivo.

When turned "on" the Sony says Auto HDMI in the window.

I'm afraid to do a Factory Reset, because I read on here the the Factory Reset from the 9012 menu erases the 1.2.21 update.

The repair invoice says: Constant Data Input/Output, Electrical Adjustment, Cleaned and/or Lubricated

Sony says nothing about fixxing the hard drive failure that had been reported by the DVR itself.

I'm pissed.
I would be more concerned with loosing the grid. The firmware is an easy fix to replace. I think the VHS idea has the best merit. I you can do it, do so and save it.

Everybody must help get this resolved. After you get to level 2 ask to get to the special area( San Diego ). I talked to Patrick and he is very informed about the situation. He asked his boss if Sony will release the better firmware and his boss replied that not enough complaints have been filed. Patrick said that Sony tested the firmware after released and found that in their lab it took 228 hours to get a grid. I'm well over 350 hours and no grid. I will keep calling each week untill Sony gets sick of hearing about this. Video Bruce and I seem to be the only people calling. Maybe after June 12 some of you will wake up!! Gee you act like we want you guys to send mony .

You know...... I bought 2 dual tuner DTV PAL DVR's for OTA and no more waiting for grids. The PALS work great. The Sony's are unplugged.

And the "more to follow" is here:
According to the Sony engineer Macrovision talked to, digital downloads should take between 60 and 240 hours with the firmware that Phoney all baloney released without letting Macrovision test it first. Normal digital daily downloads should only take 30 minutes as opposed to three hours for analog. IOW's, the first group of listings (forgot what days they are) you should have in the next 30 minute download time slot.

a few weeks back I posted that Sony would release an update on Friday. They also told me they would send a microdrive with the firmware. Weeks later, last week, I still have no grid and no programming. I called the and gave the E#. They did not have relocation of the conversation of JP saying he would send a micro drive. The guy I talked with was simply an idiot. He insisted that a new Micro drive would solve the problem. He said he would send it and I should receive it in 7-10 days. Guess what? Well any way the thumbdrive I used was a Kingston, Data Traveler which was on the list.
So after 2+ months I have nothing.

I must be stupid cause I don't understand this. Since I updated to the new firmware, in the 753 menu my host channel is 0:22-0. I immedialy got 8 days of listings. This would mean OTA Ch 22. However I the channel does not exist. I have Ch 22 but it is a cable Ch on my cablecard. So I rescanned my ant channels and it did not add this OTA Ch 22 to the DVR. When I press 22 on the DVR I get the cable ch from the cablecard but then it passes to ch 23. When I press 22.1 on the remote I get a black screen. When I go to the grid, I see cable ch 22 turned on and there is a picture and I see OTA (air) ch 22 turned on but a black screen that says no signal (yes I have 22 air turned on).
How can my host ch be locked onto 0:22-0 when there is no signal on the guide for that air ch 22. Now my grid is showing listings for a few days and then shows no listings on the grid. It seems I lost the signal for OTA 22 and I don't know how to get it back. It can't be my antenna cause I am getting other OTA channels except for air 22.

I must be stupid cause I don't understand this. Since I updated to the new firmware, in the 753 menu my host channel is 0:22-0. I immedialy got 8 days of listings. This would mean OTA Ch 22. ...
I checked the channels in your area using the link in my signature, and find that CBS 4.1 is rf 22...

I'm sorry to see so many people having difficulties getting grids, program data...since the firmware upgrade release, things have been pretty stable for me, mainly because PBS 9 resumed its TVGOS broadcasts...

I don't know what's going to happen ultimately, but we should have a lot better idea in just 5 weeks...that will be the test...

And if things don't work out immediately with respect to the Sony digital capability, those of us who rely on OTA always have the DTVPal option, which I've just set up for my LG3410a (cf. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16421200#post16421200), and which - it now appears - may be pretty simple...just substitute "Sony 250/500" where I have 3410a... (I hope).

But if what some are describing in terms of the performance of the Sony firmware, and their CSR response, is characteristic...then I think we ought to take Sony out to the toolshed for a little spanking...

Did you unhook the cable after performing the G* test? Maybe I'm missing something, but how are you sure the grid was actually built from the VHS recording rather than cable channel 90. Did you try running the G* test on the output channel from your VCR (ie Ch 3 or 4) to see if it showed VBI from the PBS channel 9 recording?

I honestly don't remember unhooking the cable prior to playing back the tape. I did an add channel deal once I started the playback. It only found channel 3OTA. I did verify that I had VBI packets on channel 3 while it was playing back. I played the tape for about 2 hours and still had incorrect clock and no grid. Once I did the G*test on cable 90 I got the correct time, I rewound the tape and let it play for the entire 4 hours that I recorded. After that it had the grid and the guide. I won't be home for another week. I will re-run the test and document what I did and in what order I do things.

In my case, the clock channel is analog 30 which is actually the UHF frequency of the digital CBS channel, 4.1. I don't know why the unit is displaying the carrier frequency and not the digital channel number. And, likewise, the host channel was blank.I must be stupid cause I don't understand this. Since I updated to the new firmware, in the 753 menu my host channel is 0:22-0. I immedialy got 8 days of listings. This would mean OTA Ch 22. However I the channel does not exist. I have Ch 22 but it is a cable Ch on my cablecard. So I rescanned my ant channels and it did not add this OTA Ch 22 to the DVR. When I press 22 on the DVR I get the cable ch from the cablecard but then it passes to ch 23. When I press 22.1 on the remote I get a black screen. When I go to the grid, I see cable ch 22 turned on and there is a picture and I see OTA (air) ch 22 turned on but a black screen that says no signal (yes I have 22 air turned on).
How can my host ch be locked onto 0:22-0 when there is no signal on the guide for that air ch 22. Now my grid is showing listings for a few days and then shows no listings on the grid. It seems I lost the signal for OTA 22 and I don't know how to get it back. It can't be my antenna cause I am getting other OTA channels except for air 22.Let me try to explain why you folks are confused... For OTA reception, the host channel (if reported, which it often is not) or clock set channel may appear in 3 formats. They look very similar, so you need to look carefully to tell what you're dealing with. I'll use channel 22 as an example:

Format 1) 0:0-22
This means your host is an analog TVGOS station (with listing data embedded within the NTSC Vertical Blanking Interval - VBI) that transmits on UHF channel 22.

Format 2) 0:22-0
This means your host is a digital TVGOS station (with listing data embedded as digital packets within the MPEG stream) that transmits on UHF channel 22. If you were to actually tune to channel 22 with an analog TV set, all you would see is snow or a "NO SIGNAL" indication or a blue screen. Nonetheless, the digital TV programming and TVGOS data is there - it is the snow.

Format 3) 0:4-1
This means your host is a digital TVGOS station (as with format 2) that still transmits on UHF channel 22, but has a PSIP-mapped channel number (i.e.: the channel and subchannel you normally select with your remote) of 4.1. This format designates the same host channel as format 2, but sometimes the Sony displays it in format 3, sometimes in format 2.

In the case of FanofHD, your host channel is the digital CBS station you know as 4.1, but that transmits on UHF channel 22.

In the case of AarDee, your clock channel is the digital station you know as (coincidentally) 4.1, but that transmits on UHF channel 30.

The blank host channel is sort of a 4th format that means the Sony feels like keeping the host a secret. Nobody knows (except some Sony engineer probably chuckling about this at a Karaoke bar right now) why the Sony chooses format 2, format 3, or blank rather arbitrarily. My host channel had been blank since I installed the firmware upgrade, then a couple of days ago it begain showing as 0:22-0, and this morning is back to blank. Before the upgrade, it went back and forth between 0:3-1 and 0:22-0 (both KYW-DT in Philly). Go figure!

Hope this clears things up a bit.

FanofHD, the reason you can't tune CBS on ch 22 is because "22" is an analog channel format. Try "22-1". All digital channels have a . or - in the format.

Also, if they include a virtual channel in the stream (ie 4.1 maps to 22.1), then the tuner on some hardware (including the Sony) will use that instead of the real frequency (22.1). Other hardware will tune 22.1 directly.

I actually did it that way,
Anyway in this case I wanted to be sure not to miss the elusive timezone packet, so I left it tuned to my digital CBS while I rooted around in the menus checking on its "progress". Also remember that I'm digital only here, there is no analog PBS for the clock to fall back to. Mine stays digital showing either 0:19-0 (the actual rf channel), or 0:12-1 the digital channel. It prefers 0:19-0, and when my host sets it is always 0:19-0. I don't think I have ever had my host be anything (when it isn't blank) but 0:19-0 in the last 3 months.

Mark

Ok, thats kewl, I figured you did it that way, it only makes sense.

One thing about the "clock set" and Franks post just above.

For Houston CBS digital is 11-1 and the RF is currently 31 (will change in June). Since MySonyBox stays with 11-1 better than 95% of the time and not 8-0 PBS analogue; it has always reported Clock as 0:11-1 on the Sony Software .21 It has "absolutely never" reported the 0:31-0 under the new software?

A few months back when attempting for Force Host to digital, which I could not get it to hold for more than 24-36 hours, and the box went crazy. It would at first report 0:31-0 for about 6-12 hours, then show 0:11-1 for a very short period of time (say 1-2 hours), then go right back to 8-0 (0:0-8)and "Stay" there until I would try for Force Host again. This was of course prior to the .21 software. I think I tried Force Host only twice and then gave up on it - I could not make it work for me.

I do not know if that information has any value to anyone or not? But to me, the .21 software appears to be more stable, since it requires no action on my part?

We all know every DMA is a completely different animal.

Pic 7138 confirming schedule 8 days out - complete

Picture 7142-7145 - I believe this is the first time I have seen StID 5319 with 180 min. WITH codes 97. It had always been 30 min before when using codes 97. If there were 180 guide downloads before with StID 5319 there would be "no" code "97" DLs. ?

There are a couple of other odd things on a few others screens; but not worth the pictures. Analogue screen shows Cchksum error in ALL 3 columns - a count of "2" in all three. Never saw that before?

The C error percentage on my box stays from a low of 8% to a high of 12% - today it is just over 10% (IMO that is due to the reception, RF conflicts, DTV transition issues). I think that will drop to less than 5% after the transition.

Hello,
First time posting here.
I got the Sony support number from this link. Called them, they advised me to download latest firmware at esupport.sony.com.
I did, and update completed. Clock time set in a few minutes. Overnight the grid and channels popped back and everything appears normal.
Now I am sure that in this long thread it mentions, that this changes the guide from analog to digital signal. That's great, but only if a local TV station agrees to broadcast tv guide in ditigal. This will be the real issue after the update. I searched for tv guide info and suggest if you are having issues after firmware update that is where you need to look. I understand in my limited research TV guide will not be carried by many cable companies and must come from OTA.
Thanks for your help and Sony for updating an old unit.
My Location is Miami, FL

Hello,
First time posting here.
I got the Sony support number from this link. Called them, they advised me to download latest firmware at esupport.sony.com.
I did, and update completed. Clock time set in a few minutes. Overnight the grid and channels popped back and everything appears normal.
Now I am sure that in this long thread it mentions, that this changes the guide from analog to digital signal. That's great, but only if a local TV station agrees to broadcast tv guide in ditigal. This will be the real issue after the update. I searched for tv guide info and suggest if you are having issues after firmware update that is where you need to look. I understand in my limited research TV guide will not be carried by many cable companies and must come from OTA.
Thanks for your help and Sony for updating an old unit.
My Location is Miami, FL

Does anyone notice here that new posters just love the great job Sony does? First post praising Sony bolony and gets a grid overnight? Busted!!!!

You don't need to do the G*Test if you've upgraded to FW 1.2.21.............

If you tune to your TVGOS channel and go to the slicer screen and it's not updating, simply try again later. Sometimes it's updating, sometimes it's not. Someone had suggested that maybe it only updates during download times.

No, I just tried it during a download time and get nothing on the ATSC slicer screen. That screen shows packets only if I run a G*Test first. I do have the .21 FW.

Maybe this behavior is different if you have a digital host? I'm doing the test on cable CBS-HD, however my host is still CBS analog.

a few weeks back I posted that Sony would release an update on Friday. They also told me they would send a microdrive with the firmware. Weeks later, last week, I still have no grid and no programming. I called the and gave the E#. They did not have relocation of the conversation of JP saying he would send a micro drive. The guy I talked with was simply an idiot. He insisted that a new Micro drive would solve the problem. He said he would send it and I should receive it in 7-10 days. Guess what? Well any way the thumbdrive I used was a Kingston, Data Traveler which was on the list.
So after 2+ months I have nothing.

Hi Fxstsb:

If you check my posts, and try some of my methods to get your grid back, you might have some success. I did get a thumbdrive from Sony Tech Center here in PA with the firmware, but had already downloaded and applied the f/w from the website. Just took a little longer to get all my guide data.

Due to the fact we get lots of lightning and temporary power outages in our area I have put a UPS Battery backup on my units. It works great and I never have to lose the clock or reset the channel guide. You can get a modest UPS for about $50 that will keep your unit powered for about 30 minutes to an hour if it is off.