When I wrote my post I was not. I did it this morning with it tuned to the PBS channel (I now have my stations back from over night, but still no listings) The VBI passed this time, serial and IR failed still - FWIW.

I have a feelling that I will not have any listings when I get home tonight.

The non-HD channels do look better overall, but they have some noise in the form of black lines in them, as do some HD channels (which also have digital artifacts) I'm realizing that it's not this box (which makes me feel a lot better), but I can't figure out what is different with my current setup to make the cable signal decline. (I am using Monster componant cables)

I really want to like it and keep it, but if it's this much trouble just to get the guide working, then it's not worth it. If I can get it figured out soon, I'll roll with it. Otherwise, there will be another one available at Crutchfield just after the holidays.

Video quality problems may be caused either by the cable company or the tv station. Problem is probably due to one of these causes if signal you receive has a high signal to noise ratio greater than 20: while you are observing the noisy video, open the diagnostics menu and note the signal to noise ratio.

With regard to getting the guide menu, I hope you left your unit in standby. Don't understand what you mean by getting stations back from overnight. As I recall, all receivable stations are available to tune in immediately after the unit completes station scan.

I have the time warner cable HD tier, which includes channels 1855, 1856, 1857, etc...

If the channels don't show up in the tv guide will this mean I can't time record programs on those channels with the DHG-HDD500 but I can still tune them in using the cablecard???

Video quality problems may be caused either by the cable company or the tv station. Problem is probably due to one of these causes if signal you receive has a high signal to noise ratio greater than 20: while you are observing the noisy video, open the diagnostics menu and note the signal to noise ratio.

With regard to getting the guide menu, I hope you left your unit in standby. Don't understand what you mean by getting stations back from overnight. As I recall, all receivable stations are available to tune in immediately after the unit completes station scan.

Thanks for the help Ray! I was wondering what a decent SNR would be. I observed one of my HD chaannels and the SNR was in the 32 range. I used to have a FANTASTIC picture with the Cableco's Scientific box, but unhooked everything and hooked it back up with this box and the PQ went down. It is also down when putting the Cableco's box in. So, I know it is a signal issue and not the box, but I can't figure out where it's coming from, b/c until I put this box in it was GREAT.

I have left the unit off except for a few hours last night when I was watching TV. I have the channel lineup in the guide, but no listings. I changed somethign last night and lost even the channel line up but that is back now after setting it up again. I called home and there are still no listings and it has been off since about 11:00 last night.

I'm pondering changing either the cable provider selection from Adelphia Digital Rebuild to Adelphia Rebuild, or changing the ZIP code, but will changing the ZIP code screw up the channel lineup, or what will this affect.

Thanks!!!!

When I wrote my post I was not. I did it this morning with it tuned to the PBS channel (I now have my stations back from over night, but still no listings) The VBI passed this time, serial and IR failed still - FWIW.

I have a feelling that I will not have any listings when I get home tonight.

Yes, the serial and IR tests fail. That's OK. The other three tests pass. On the right side of the screen you should see "Good" packets being received.

Did you ask the cableco if they are passing the TVGOS data properly (not corrupting the VBI part of the signal)?

Did you find out if you are on ADS?

Did you try splitting the incoming cable to the ANT input (to get analogs 2-13)?

Can you get the guide if you remove the CableCARD?

Here are a few other observations I made in setting up my recorder:

1. My cable company location was not among the list of cable choices. I had the same problem in Phoenix, on Cox cable, I hooked the recorder up in that location for our weeks stay. I tried several on the list until the program guide listing contained the appropriate channels and channel numbers, except for HD.

2. Initally, there was no signal on any of the HD channels, probably because I don't have a cable card. By manually changing channels, I found them, wrote down their channel numbers, and entered them in the guide, using the edit mode. Also, retained this channel list, which comes in handy when I reload the guide or when the tv guide glitch occurred.

3. Since I receive both cable and OTA, I had four channels for most of the HD stations, plus lots of Spanish stations, and other channels that I don't view. To avoid guide clutter, I shut off the OTA and analog cable channel, plus t;he channels I don't view.

4. Order of stations in the guide is a manual process - no auto sort. I've had to repeat that process many times.

5. instructions in the Manual for playing recorded shows was incorrect. However, downloadable Manual on the Sony web site gives correct instructions, and probably includes other corrections and additions.

6. OTA HD provides much higher quality images than the analog version on every station, even though the signal to noise ratio of the analog station is high. I assume that is because the station is not broadcasting analog with the same quality.

7. I was amazed at the number of HD channels available only via OTA. Also, many subchannels - 58.1, 58.2, 58.3 etc. Most of these are not in the guide so you need to enter the channel number to access them.

8. Recorder has no provision for editing in a name to replace Unknown, after a manual recording is completed. Fortunately, for my needs date, time and channel tell me what was recorded. I have a non-HD DVR that only records this way but allows me to add a title. Only add title to non-weekly shows.

Yes, the serial and IR tests fail. That's OK. The other three tests pass. On the right side of the screen you should see "Good" packets being received.

Did you ask the cableco if they are passing the TVGOS data properly (not corrupting the VBI part of the signal)?

Did you find out if you are on ADS?

Did you try splitting the incoming cable to the ANT input (to get analogs 2-13)?

Can you get the guide if you remove the CableCARD?

I will ask the Cableco tonight (on my way home now) - Do I just say "are you passing TVGOS data without corrupting the VBI part of the signal?"

Define ADS for me please. If it's related to the cable provider I choose from the menu the lady told me to pick Adelphia Rebuild, and I said not Adelphia Digital Rebuild, then she said "Oooo, I don't know, b/c you do have digital channels." So I choose Adelphia Digital Rebuild. Coudl it be as simple as choosing Adelphia Rebuild (as opposed to the digital rebuild.)

I have not tried splitting the incoming cable yet, as my cable PBS is analog anyway, and it's split so many times, I dont' want to do it one more if I don't have to.

I do not have the cable card yet - getting it Tuesday if I can get it to work beforehand.

Thanks a lot again!

endo129,

ADS means a simulcast of digital and analog versions of channels 2-99. However, since you do not have a card yet, this is not your current problem and there is no need to split the cable to your Sony ANT input. Your Sony will only see the analogs, which should allow it to find the guide host channel and download nightly data.

Also, since you are seeing VBI packets being received in the test screen, I'd have to guess that your cable company is corrupting the data somehow. You are putting the question properly, but the very hard part will be getting to someone that understands what this means. You will no doubt need a tech supervisor at the very least.

One possibility is that your poor signal is causing the problem, although others report that guide data can be OK even with a weak signal. Perhaps your particular kind of interference is enough to damage the data. Those black lines you describe sound very suspicious. What cableco do you have?

My suggestion is to get your picture quality fixed before trying anything else. That might solve the guide problem.

Thanks for the help Ray! I was wondering what a decent SNR would be. I observed one of my HD chaannels and the SNR was in the 32 range. I used to have a FANTASTIC picture with the Cableco's Scientific box, but unhooked everything and hooked it back up with this box and the PQ went down. It is also down when putting the Cableco's box in. So, I know it is a signal issue and not the box, but I can't figure out where it's coming from, b/c until I put this box in it was GREAT.

I have left the unit off except for a few hours last night when I was watching TV. I have the channel lineup in the guide, but no listings. I changed somethign last night and lost even the channel line up but that is back now after setting it up again. I called home and there are still no listings and it has been off since about 11:00 last night.

I'm pondering changing either the cable provider selection from Adelphia Digital Rebuild to Adelphia Rebuild, or changing the ZIP code, but will changing the ZIP code screw up the channel lineup, or what will this affect.

Thanks!!!!


You need digital cable setting if you want the guide to include the HD channels, so I suggest you keep the current setting. My impression is that the guide always downloads after 1am. My unit was set to automatically shut off at that time. Since I sometimes watch tv at that time, I changed it to 2am, and guide works fine that way.

Sorry I don't know the answer to your question but it made me think about how the zip code is used. Seems to me that the guide station broadcasts all the guides for that area, flagged to denote OTA, and the various cable company options. In addition, it must provide a list of all the cable companies that service the broadcast area. The unit uses zip code to determine the list of cable company choices. If you change zip codes, you may or may not be presented with a different list. After you make your choice, the unit uses it to select the guide linked to that choice.

I have the time warner cable HD tier, which includes channels 1855, 1856, 1857, etc...

If the channels don't show up in the tv guide will this mean I can't time record programs on those channels with the DHG-HDD500 but I can still tune them in using the cablecard???


By using manual recording, only things you need to make a timed recording are a working clock and channel reception.

However, If the channels aren't listed, you probably didn't make the right choice from the list of cable company options. I assume one of the options was digital cable.

If your channel numbers correspond to OTA analog stations such as CBS, ABC, etc. , and these are shown in your guide, you have another option:

Use the Edit mode to change channel numbers from analog to corresponding digital. For example, if CBS analog is channel 2 and CBS HD is channel 1855, just change channel number from 2 to 1855.

I know this works since I accidentally did the opposite and recorded the analog version several programs, and blamed the station for substituting program type - until I discovered my mistake.

By using manual recording, only things you need to make a timed recording are a working clock and channel reception.

However, If the channels aren't listed, you probably didn't make the right choice from the list of cable company options. I assume one of the options was digital cable.

If your channel numbers correspond to OTA analog stations such as CBS, ABC, etc. , and these are shown in your guide, you have another option:

Use the Edit mode to change channel numbers from analog to corresponding digital. For example, if CBS analog is channel 2 and CBS HD is channel 1855, just change channel number from 2 to 1855.

I know this works since I accidentally did the opposite and recorded the analog version several programs, and blamed the station for substituting program type - until I discovered my mistake.

Thanks Ray but I do already change the broadcast channels to their HD counterparts. The problem I have is that TV guide is not sending HDNet, IND1 & IND2, etc...in the data stream so I can't view whats on for those channels, although I can tune them in. It's funny but it's like they don't send all the channels you have in the lineup. Time Warner of course is very helpful, they want $18 a month for their HD DVR, which of course will solve the problem. Is their any way to add channels/logos to the tv guide data stream?

I suspect I already know the answer, but has anyone tried connecting an antenna to the cable port? I know you can get analog stations that way, but can it tune digital/HD OTA ATSC signals as well (obviously it can do QAM on the cable tuner - I wonder if it can do ATSC there as well).

The reason I'm asking is because it looks like I need to separate antennas to get everything at once - I'd rather avoid trying to hook them together via a splitter due to intereference - I suspect that it would make both sets of signals worse instead of helping.

I'd try it myself, but when I did the initial setup I told the box I had OTA but no cable, so I'd have to reset it and lose all my chanel setup changes/guide listings/etc.

Thanks,
-Jim

The problem I have is that TV guide is not sending HDNet, IND1 & IND2, etc...in the data stream so I can't view whats on for those channels, although I can tune them in.

Only TV Guide can add channels to the TV Guide.

Their omissions do seem idiotic. For example, many of us have INHD1 in the guide, but not INHD2. Comcast customers do not have Comcast Sports Net in the guide, even though it obviously appears in Comcast's own box --- whose guide is furnished by TV Guide.

What is the best way to get a channel added that isn't shown in the guide (for a cable provider)? Can you talk to someone in their customer service area and try to get them to update their listings with Gemstar? Has anyone successfully done this with a cable provider?

Thanks

I don't think the cablecos care. You would probably have to talk to the channel broadcaster or to Gemstar. There was someone in the LG DVR thread who had partial success getting something added (maybe 1 channel out of 3 or 4 requested), but that person apparently worked in the TV industry and had "connections". Even so, their success was limited.

If it's not one thing it's another. My TV guide is fully populated, took a day. I can record just fine. However 1080i causes my TV guide and some channels like ESPN HD to get cut off on the left part of my screen. I am using the HDMI cable with DVI adaptor. If I switch it to auto-HDMI then the picture looks fine, however the TV guide looks like crap on non HD channels. And HDMI had some weird aliasing problems on HD channels that 1080i doesnt seem to have. Anybody know the issue? Does the sony have screen adjustment? The only way I can recreate this (guide display problem) is if I set the TV to a zoom mode. Set your TV to 16:9 and see if the situation improves. If it doesn't, try connecting via component. Looks like there may be an HDMI issue involving the Sony and/or your TV and/or cables. The Sony has several screen "adjustments" accessed via the screen mode button (upper left section of the remote).

Thanks jefcmcc, doesnt look like I can adjust the TV through it's remote. Only the screen adjust on the Sony, which "squeezes and makes the picture bad and at any rate doesnt fix the TV guide being pushes to the left.

Thanks jefcmcc, doesnt look like I can adjust the TV through it's remote. Only the screen adjust on the Sony, which "squeezes and makes the picture bad and at any rate doesnt fix the TV guide being pushes to the left. Mike, are you sure your TV doesn't have zoom modes? They may exist but I haven't heard of a TV with HDMI capability that didn't have one or more zoom modes. Someone else here may have more on this -- what type of TV do you have? Also, its a pain in the rear but you may have to trouble shoot with a component connection at least to eliminate HDMI connection issues.

I found this interesting article when I had to decide between using DVI or component. After reading this you may no longer care to use the DVI and just use component if that helps you get rid of some picture issues. Bottom line is really if you actually see a difference on your own TV between both but this article bassically says that unless you have a trully digital set (DLP or LCoS only) , compoment should be the best choice.

http://www.cobaltcable.com/pdfs/component_vs_dvi_hdmi.pdf


JP

Sorry I wasn't clear. My TV does have zoom, however zoom is on theTV remote. The TV or Sony wont let me zoom or unzoom using my TV remote. I believe this is true for a bunch of TV's. If you are in a component or DVI input it restricts your screen adjust capablities. My TV is an RCA HDTV D52W20.

Also I have this is a problem in 1080i component also. It is not as bad, but the top and bottome get cut off about half an inch. I plan on switching to component, props to Sony for including almost all possible cables.

I found this interesting article when I had to decide between using DVI or component. After reading this you may no longer care to use the DVI and just use component if that helps you get rid of some picture issues. Bottom line is really if you actually see a difference on your own TV between both but this article bassically says that unless you have a trully digital set (DLP or LCoS only) , compoment should be the best choice.

http://www.cobaltcable.com/pdfs/component_vs_dvi_hdmi.pdf


JP

Not to confuse the issue even more, but some TV's actually "cheap out" on the HDMI connection (like my Mitsubishi WD-62525 DLP). We found the service manual for it, and the schematics show pretty clearly that the HDMI input immediately comverts the signal (through a D/A converter) to component video. I find that the HDMI input on my TV actually looks washed out (like the brightness/contrast are messed up). Component video input looks great, though. I find this irritating not because I want the digital input, but I see it as the loss of a perfectly valid TV input. I currently am using ALL of the inputs on the TV that are capable of handling HD (all 3 of the component inputs).

If I ever get another device, I am going to be forced to live with the funky contrast on the HDMI input.

Five different HDTV tuners have been hooked up to my Sony plasma. In EVERY case, the component connection yielded a picture superior to that of DVI, no matter how the TV controls were adjusted.

I agree, component seems to be the choice of input with the current batch of HDTV's out there. My DVI looks bad, it is slightly more blurry than component and you can see aliasing. For instance a golf flag pole looks like it is in a video game where it bends and pixelates. Im using the HDMI to DVI connector, that may be an a source of my problem with HDMI/DVI picture quality.

Had my unit for over three weeks now and guess what? TVGOS showed listings for the first time today..lmao! I did nothing different. Really no matter to me because I have just been manually recording my shows anyway without an issue. Just wanted to let the thread know. Listings good til sunday at 6am. Still love the machine!

Has anyone heard of any modding yet to these boxes? (Dual tuner, bigger HD, record to pc, etc) My guess it you can record to pc using the s-video cable, but that's not very ideal.

Has anyone heard of any modding yet to these boxes? (Dual tuner, bigger HD, record to pc, etc) My guess it you can record to pc using the s-video cable, but that's not very ideal.

Search this thread, someone did try to add a second 250GB drive to a 250 to make it a 500 without succeeding. He even posted pictures of the inside of the box and gave the exact model of the drive.

JP

If anyone really wants one, I saw that eCost.com had a few HDD250's and HDD500's left, but they are selling them for 589 and 769, respectively.

The 250:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=584667&wt.mc_id=EWB08427&adcampaign=email,EWB08427

The 500:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=584671&wt.mc_id=EWB08427&adcampaign=email,EWB08427

If anyone really wants one, I saw that eCost.com had a few HDD250's and HDD500's left, but they are selling them for 589 and 769, respectively.

The 250:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=584667&wt.mc_id=EWB08427&adcampaign=email,EWB08427

The 500:
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?DPNo=584671&wt.mc_id=EWB08427&adcampaign=email,EWB08427


One Call has the DHG-HDD500 for $699 (via Amazon). Also, tweeter has them for $699 plus take 10% off for the holidays coupon. I picked one up at tweeter for $629.

Just picked up the HDD250 at BB yesterday for $499... still have it boxed since it's my xmas present. I knew full well of all the issues going in, so I have myself to blame if things don't work out with this unit (could always return it if I am not happy).

Tried the Sammy T451, and had issues with the box losing all channels and guide data at the same time. Happened twice inside of a week. Had great (> 90%) signal strength with just a set of VHF/UHF rabbit ears though

Tried the LG3510A with built-in DVD player. Tuner could not pull in signals as well as the T451, but I thought the DVD player would be a bonus. Not. DVD player was noisy as hell.

Purchased the DigitalStream at CC yesterday, then saw the HDD250 at BB later in the day. The DigitalStream went back after I picked up the HDD250.

I refuse to pay anymore money to D*... paid them $4,000 over a 5-year period, and won't play that game again. Cable is the same thing... a ripoff to me. And anything TiVo is out too... I won't pay the $300 lifetime (or $13/mo) subscription to watch/record FREE TV.

So it was either the HDD250 for the LG 3410A... and the HDD250 has a newer generation tuner, so I went with that one.

-T

Just picked up the HDD250 at BB yesterday for $499...
-T


T-Bone, well for sure you know all the issues if you read through all the threads here.

I think one mistake I made when I first got it was to delete all the channels that I thought where unnecessary. Of course that deleted tvguide.

So my humble advice, don't delete any channels until you know what is your tvguide channel is transmitting on.

Secondly, if you get the cable card, which you will need to view hbo etc, tell them that you will need the that tvguide channel unblocked or whatever to get the guide and that it is a dvr and thus the copy protection has to be disabled.

Once you get the guide working, I find it to be very good for free.

Many that own it and others that own tv's with the tvguide that don't know about this forum must pull their hair out trying to get the guide working.

I have no regrets about mine and would love to pick up another one at a super distressed price. Once they are gone, they will begin to show up on ebay.

Hdaddiction

Ive had the hdd250 for a couple weeks now, and today while passing the tv I noticed a slight humming noise coming from the dvr. It was not powered on and I was a little surprised to hear this noise. I probably havn't noticed it before because the house is always noisy. Is it typical for these things to make a humming sound when not even on--(plugged in but not on)?? Need to know cause the 30 day return period is running out. thanks

Ive had the hdd250 for a couple weeks now, and today while passing the tv I noticed a slight humming noise coming from the dvr. It was not powered on and I was a little surprised to hear this noise. I probably havn't noticed it before because the house is always noisy. Is it typical for these things to make a humming sound when not even on--(plugged in but not on)?? Need to know cause the 30 day return period is running out. thanks Don't jump to any conclusions with my observations -- gather some other opinions here. I don't hear a thing out of mine other than the disk spinning, and I wouldn't call this "noise" since I have to put my ear almost on top of the unit to hear it. There is a tiny, tiny amount of vibration that just might resonate a little depending what yours is sitting on. Good luck.

The hard drive spindle motor does run continuously, and there is also a small fan cooling the hard drive(s) and power supply. The unit is powered up and processing 24/7 while plugged in. The "power" switch really only controls whether the outputs and user interface are enabled, basically allowing the DVR to know whether a human is watching or not. (If not, it's free to tune to the TVGOS host channel and download guide data.)

I found this interesting article when I had to decide between using DVI or component. After reading this you may no longer care to use the DVI and just use component if that helps you get rid of some picture issues. Bottom line is really if you actually see a difference on your own TV between both but this article bassically says that unless you have a trully digital set (DLP or LCoS only) , compoment should be the best choice.

I'm not sure I agree. Generally speaking, you want your signals to be delivered in didital form for as long as possible with the rendering as close to the display as possible. The reason is that analog signals degrade or interfere with other RF saources when you carry them over distance. You first begin to lise the highest frequency data. This is why digital transmission OTA is so much clearer than analog. The principle of digital as close to the display (which is almost always analog) reduces

That's not to say that, with some displays and with short cords, component can't outperform digital. You just shouldn't expect that in general.

/says the guy with only component inputs to his widescreen.

Ive had the hdd250 for a couple weeks now, and today while passing the tv I noticed a slight humming noise coming from the dvr. It was not powered on and I was a little surprised to hear this noise. I probably havn't noticed it before because the house is always noisy. Is it typical for these things to make a humming sound when not even on--(plugged in but not on)?? Need to know cause the 30 day return period is running out. thanks

Mine has always hummed. It may have to do with the way the unit is sitting, and on what, such that there is some natural amplification. As already mentioned, the unit is always "on", so this is normal.

i thought the 'power' button's supposed to glow in the dark or lighted up!

cheers!

Hi all,

I've had my HDD250 (got from Best Buy for $450 with 10% off) for a little over a week now. The cable guy is supposed to come by tomorrow to install the cable card.

So far, it's been working great, but I can't get any HDTV on it yet (mountains block over air broadcasts). I have Charter cable in Reno, and saw someone post they could get local channels HDTV over their Charter cable on the analog cable, but I can't seem to do that.

Anyway, I just found this thread last night and have been searching through it. But it's 68 pages long, so doubt I'll find everything I need before I get the cable card.

Any hints I need to know about using the cable card and getting it to work properly? I have rev 1.2.09 software on my HDD250. Any known bugs? I see 1.2.13 is the latest. From the searches I've done, it seems the cable card should work for both local and premium (HBO, ESPN HD, etc.) channels? So far as I can find, I just need to just make sure the cable company disables copy protection? I've seen some posts about problems with the premium channels, so any hints about those would be appreciated.

I too was hoping I could add a second hard drive, either internally, or even better via the USB port on the HDD250. I've read several posts about this, and it seems some people have gotten close but no one's figured it out yet? If I've missed something, please let me know.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I've had my HDD250 (got from Best Buy for $450 with 10% off) for a little over a week now. The cable guy is supposed to come by tomorrow to install the cable card.....


Before the cable guy leaves, make sure that you see HBO and that you can record HBO before he leaves. He may balk, but the cable card has to show up as "subscribed" and copy protection disabled. Probably more to it than that, but that is the basics.

Be aware that once the cable guy puts in the cable card, your tvguide may be at risk as the card takes over. Know how to read the codes from the screen shots on the tvguide system...'753159852' i think. I would let all the channels load till you know what channel the guide is coming over via cable.

HDaddiction

Just FYI.

My sony unit was working perfect and I had tried a Cable Card in my TV first just to try it out. All I wanted was HD Discovery. After that worked fairly ok (ocassional audio drop outs though). So I moved it to the sony. It is a Scientific Altantic card and my Cable Company is Charter. It worked but I'd kept getting a message every so often that I need to contact my Cable Company due to error 161-6. Everything seemed to run the same. Still got occasional audio dropouts (works fine on OTA HD stations) just the QAM stations have drop outs (HD discovery and Local HD stations on Cable).

I also could not record anything on HD Discovery. But I could record other QAM stations. Just HD Discovery would not allow. This was not that critical to me, it would have just been icing on the cake. Turns out HD Dicsovery was really kinda junky anyway and even if it all worked I'm not sure it was worth paying anything for. PBS is way better.

You cannot move a card from one device to another. I'm surprised it works at all.

Before the cable guy leaves, make sure that you see HBO and that you can record HBO before he leaves. He may balk, but the cable card has to show up as "subscribed" and copy protection disabled. Probably more to it than that, but that is the basics.

Be aware that once the cable guy puts in the cable card, your tvguide may be at risk as the card takes over. Know how to read the codes from the screen shots on the tvguide system...'753159852' i think. I would let all the channels load till you know what channel the guide is coming over via cable.

HDaddiction

Well, still haven't gotten the cable card installed yet but I found my local channel HDTV broadcasts in the 101.xx to 108.xx channel range. There were a bunch of other channels there that I did not recognize as well. The channel guide doesn't seem to know about these channels.

So far as I know, my cable guide comes from the PBS station which is channel 5 here. I don't know what you mean about the screen shots on the tvguide system, and haven't seen numbers like that. I guess I'll hope everything works...

BTW, a cable card here rents for $1.50 per month. Since I use autopay for my billing, all my installation fees are waived.

My cable card was free from Comcast....does anybody know how to program the advance button to do 30sec to a min instead of the 5 to 10 seconds it does now? I know this can be done with other DVR's, I did it with my old comcast motorola remote.

My cable card was free from Comcast....does anybody know how to program the advance button to do 30sec to a min instead of the 5 to 10 seconds it does now? I know this can be done with other DVR's, I did it with my old comcast motorola remote.

You will find this option in Recording preferences, in Preference menu. See manual pages 36 and 37. I suggest that you download the latest version from the Sony web site.

You cannot move a card from one device to another. I'm surprised it works at all.

I had the cable company reprogram it each time I moved it. They did it in 5 minutes.

I got my cable card installed and so far it seems to be working well. Once it was put in, I lost all my TV Guide info and lost the correct time as well. I tried recording HBO on both SD and HD channels, and didn't see any problem doing so.

So far, after about 2 hours, I finally have the correct time. Looks like I'll have to wait overnight to see if the TV Guide comes back.

I wanted to do a cable channel scan again, but with cable card installed, it won't let you do that. I guess all channel info now comes from the cable company.

While talking to the cable guy, I did learn something real interesting. Prior to installing the cable card, I was able to get my local HDTV channels in the QAM channel range of 101.xx to 108.xx. But I also saw other channels I could not identify, especially in the 108.xx range. But many of these channels would come and go. Sometimes I'd see something, other times it said there was no signal. I even saw some nudity which surprised me because I don't subscribe to those channels and didn't think it was HBO/Showtime/Cinemax because I shouldn't be able to get those channels without the cable card.

Anyway, the cable guy said the extra stuff was pay per view or on demand stuff that my neighbors were watching. If it was on demand, he said I'd even see them pause, FF, or RW (not that I saw it in the short time I was watching). Now that's real strange!

But now that the cable card is installed, I can no longer select those QAM 101.xx to 108.xx channels. Now I just get the normal digital cable stations in the 101-108 range. Oh well, it was interesting while it lasted!

Hi Folks-

I've had no problems with my HDD500 (Bright House Networks cable, Cable card enabled) at all until today. I'm not sure about cause and effect on this, and would appreciate some comments from the readership here.

This morning (or maybe late last night; I forget) I had the recorder set to record "Totally Blond" from one of the showtime channels. I don't think it was the HD Showtime channel. Anyway, I turned the unit on for the first time this evening, to view the movie. The recording had failed, with that message about content not allowed to be copied by service provider. First time I've seen that (or had any failure whatsoever) in a couple dozen recordings.

I then found out that NONE of the premium channels were accessible. I would tune to them and just get the blank screen. Non-premium channels (digital and analog) would tune OK. Since it's late and my cable company ddoesn't have useful call center help at this hour, I tried a re-boot. Powered down and unplugged, then restarted it.

This worked; after the reboot all channels tune just fine.

Does this sound familiar? Seems bizarre to me. Do you think some glitch happened first, causing the recording failure, or do you think that a recording failure somehow caused the inability to tune to premium stations?

Other than that, all has been fine. But now I'm worried.

Marc

I had the cable company reprogram it each time I moved it. They did it in 5 minutes.

Well, that's the only way it would work. But other folks might not find it so easy to switch devices and get the cableco to reprogram the card by phone. They might be forced to have a service call to install it in a new device.

Heck, I lost my premiums over the weekend and had to call Comcast today. The CSR "researched" the problem and said I'd need a service call. What? She said they couldn't just send a hit because it might damage my tuner. Eh? I insisted she hit the card immediately. After more "research", she did send the hit and of course the problem was corrected instantly.

Sheesh!!

Following up on my "loss of channels" post from last night, after writing that, my wife and I sat down to watch a movie recorded off of HBO HD. A few minutes into the playback, the unit froze and became unresponsive. Power button didn't do anything (remote or on the unit itself). So, for the second time we rebooted. That worked, and we could watch the movie OK from that point on.

I wonder what gremlin was glitching us yesterday!

Marc

This has come up before, but there were conflicting responses. I was wondering if this forum has established whether the analog channel that TVGOS uses to download its listings has to be in the CH +/- List (NOT the TV Guide Listings)?

On my Samsung TV I have established that it does, but maybe Sony figured out a way to pass that info to the TVGOS firmware without forcing us to flip through that channel every time.

Is there a way to change how long the Status Bar is displayed? That is the bar that shows where you are compared to live TV and/or recorded show. It is very quick, so quick I find it almost useless.

While watching Live TV, it seems to start recording from the time you start watching the channel. I have not found in the documentation how long it will do this, any one know? I am not sure it is the same as the "pause Live TV" setting, it seemed to record longer than the 30 minutes it is configured for.

If it does in fact start recording the live TV automatically, is there a way I can save it to view later if I decide too late to push the record button?

In the Dolby Digital Setting you can choose Auto On or Off. Does that setting apply to both HDMI and the Optical Output? I ask because when I connected the unit to my TV via HDMI and had it set to Auto On, I did not get sound through my TV. When I set it to OFF, then I did get sound through the TV. What does the Auto part of Auto On mean?


I want it both ways, I want to be able to use the TV speakers without Dolby Digital, but I also want to use my Surround Amp with Dolby Digital, but I do want to change the setting each time.
Right now I resolved the issue by using Component Video and separate stereo audio.

This has come up before, but there were conflicting responses. I was wondering if this forum has established whether the analog channel that TVGOS uses to download its listings has to be in the CH +/- List (NOT the TV Guide Listings)?

On my Samsung TV I have established that it does, but maybe Sony figured out a way to pass that info to the TVGOS firmware without forcing us to flip through that channel every time. You'll get varying responses to this. In my case I have the host channel disabled, in fact everything is disabled except digital HD channels in both the channel +/- and TV Guide list. I still get guide data. Others have lost data if the host channel is disabled. I haven't compared each such post but I think many of then were OTA, so it may depend on whether the source is OTA or analog cable. But I don't think anybody really knows the answer to this yet. In time we'll probably figure it out.

Also I have this is a problem in 1080i component also. It is not as bad, but the top and bottome get cut off about half an inch. I plan on switching to component, props to Sony for including almost all possible cables. I've got the Sony hooked up to a 32" analog set, and I've noticed at 480i output to s-video the top and bottom of the picture are cut off noticably compared to the other tuners I've used. After hearing the above, I'm a little worried that this will be the norm when I eventually switch over to 16:9, because it will very likely be a plasma. Is anyone else finding this to be the case? Also, after using TVGOS on my Panny E85H DVD/DVR extensively for almost a couple of years (anddd....loving it!), I am kind of dissapointed that I can't scroll through the guide on the Sony while keeping the video window locked (unless there's something I missed in the manual). I'm also able to do this with my "E." guide. This is a BIG inconvenience for me. I also don't care for the fact that I can't just immediately hit the record button and start recording something on a whim. I was also wondering if anyone's been able to use a uni/learn. remote with this, as it has the navigation ring, which is so heavily used, on it. The channel button doesn't seem like it'll last too long either, the way I use it. The main thing I DO enjoy, though, is the fantastic picture. And it does seem to be a pretty sensitive tuner (for OTA).

I've got the Sony hooked up to a 32" analog set, and I've noticed at 480i output to s-video the top and bottom of the picture are cut off noticably compared to the other tuners I've used. After hearing the above, I'm a little worried that this will be the norm when I eventually switch over to 16:9, because it will very likely be a plasma. Is anyone else finding this to be the case? Also, after using TVGOS on my Panny E85H DVD/DVR extensively for almost a couple of years (anddd....loving it!), I am kind of dissapointed that I can't scroll through the guide on the Sony while keeping the video window locked (unless there's something I missed in the manual). I'm also able to do this with my "E." guide. This is a BIG inconvenience for me. I also don't care for the fact that I can't just immediately hit the record button and start recording something on a whim. I was also wondering if anyone's been able to use a uni/learn. remote with this, as it has the navigation ring, which is so heavily used, on it. The channel button doesn't seem like it'll last too long either, the way I use it. The main thing I DO enjoy, though, is the fantastic picture. And it does seem to be a pretty sensitive tuner (for OTA).You can lock the vid window, but, since I returned my unit, I can't tell you off the top how. It's somewhere in the prefs. And I used the Sony with a Harmony 659, and it worked fine. So a universal remote will work with the navigation ring.

I've got the Sony hooked up to a 32" analog set, and I've noticed at 480i output to s-video the top and bottom of the picture are cut off noticably compared to the other tuners I've used. After hearing the above, I'm a little worried that this will be the norm when I eventually switch over to 16:9, because it will very likely be a plasma. Is anyone else finding this to be the case? Also, after using TVGOS on my Panny E85H DVD/DVR extensively for almost a couple of years (anddd....loving it!), I am kind of dissapointed that I can't scroll through the guide on the Sony while keeping the video window locked (unless there's something I missed in the manual). I'm also able to do this with my "E." guide. This is a BIG inconvenience for me. I also don't care for the fact that I can't just immediately hit the record button and start recording something on a whim. I was also wondering if anyone's been able to use a uni/learn. remote with this, as it has the navigation ring, which is so heavily used, on it. The channel button doesn't seem like it'll last too long either, the way I use it. The main thing I DO enjoy, though, is the fantastic picture. And it does seem to be a pretty sensitive tuner (for OTA).
To lock the video window in the listings grid, hit TVGuide to pull up the listings, then move the highlight left to highlight the channel logo. Then press menu and you will see an option to lock the video window.

To lock the video window, you just need to go into the guide, scroll to the LEFT until you have highlighted the channel logo of the guide. If you have the info window set to display show descriptions (it isn't just a one line info box), you should see something that says that the window is unlocked. If you push the menu button at this point, you will get a toggle menu that lets you lock/unlock the video window.

And I have been using a Harmony 880 remote for the Sony since the day I got it. It works just fine - the navigation ring is just a combo up/down/left/right arrow keyset. The logitech also had a preprogrammed "scroll up" and "scroll down" command. It works OK too, but the function doesn't seem quite the same without it being attached to an actual scroll wheel.

You'll get varying responses to this. In my case I have the host channel disabled, in fact everything is disabled except digital HD channels in both the channel +/- and TV Guide list. I still get guide data. Others have lost data if the host channel is disabled. I haven't compared each such post but I think many of then were OTA, so it may depend on whether the source is OTA or analog cable. But I don't think anybody really knows the answer to this yet. In time we'll probably figure it out.On my initial set-up, my guide started to fill in, then, unknowingly, I disabled the host channel (analog PBS) on both the ch. list AND the guide. The next afternoon I checked and had all "no listings" on the guide, so after I went into the "753..." and learned the host ch., I returned it ONLY to the guide. It's worked fine ever since. To be honest, I hadn't let the guide fully fill in before I originally removed them, so I'm not sure if that had any effect. Anyhow, that was my experience. And thanks, guys for the video lock info. I didn't think they could possibly take that feature away.

So, as I was ready to come back home from the holiday to return my 250, I suprisingly found that I FINALLY had listings after a week. I was amazed, ready to keep it and send back the CC box. However, I came home this evening to "no listings" across the board. What is going on with this? I have not disabled any channels. The only thing I did was lock the screen so it doesn't change when I'm browsing the guide. I'm now ready to return it again. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

OK, so call me impatient; I just browsed ahead and saw that I have Monday's listing. Can anyone tell me, is this the normal download 1,2, and 8 behavior? Does it then take a week to catch up with itself and get "fully" populated.

Thanks a lot!!!

So, as I was ready to come back home from the holiday to return my 250, I suprisingly found that I FINALLY had listings after a week. I was amazed, ready to keep it and send back the CC box. However, I came home this evening to "no listings" across the board. What is going on with this? I have not disabled any channels. The only thing I did was lock the screen so it doesn't change when I'm browsing the guide. I'm now ready to return it again. Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

OK, so call me impatient; I just browsed ahead and saw that I have Monday's listing. Can anyone tell me, is this the normal download 1,2, and 8 behavior? Does it then take a week to catch up with itself and get "fully" populated.

Thanks a lot!!!When I first got my Sony, it did take a full week to populate the entire eight days of the TVGOS. Then, every day after that, it would add one day.

In the Dolby Digital Setting you can choose Auto On or Off. Does that setting apply to both HDMI and the Optical Output? I ask because when I connected the unit to my TV via HDMI and had it set to Auto On, I did not get sound through my TV. When I set it to OFF, then I did get sound through the TV. What does the Auto part of Auto On mean?


I want it both ways, I want to be able to use the TV speakers without Dolby Digital, but I also want to use my Surround Amp with Dolby Digital, but I do want to change the setting each time.
Right now I resolved the issue by using Component Video and separate stereo audio.

This stuff is covered on pages 24 and 46 of the manual. Auto On means that the audio signal automatically switches to Dolby Digital audio when it is available. I feed Component Video and Stereo Audio to my TV and optical output to my audio amplifier. My TV doesn't have HDMI but from what I've read on this form, Component video is the better choice.

In the Dolby Digital Setting you can choose Auto On or Off. Does that setting apply to both HDMI and the Optical Output? I ask because when I connected the unit to my TV via HDMI and had it set to Auto On, I did not get sound through my TV. When I set it to OFF, then I did get sound through the TV. What does the Auto part of Auto On mean?


I want it both ways, I want to be able to use the TV speakers without Dolby Digital, but I also want to use my Surround Amp with Dolby Digital, but I do want to change the setting each time.
Right now I resolved the issue by using Component Video and separate stereo audio.
Yes, unfortunately, the Dolby Digital setting applies to both HDMI and Optical outputs. Your tv probably isn't Dolby compatible through the HDMI cable. "Auto On" means the DVR will output the program in either Dolby 2.0 or Dolby 5.1 depending on how the source was originally encoded. If you have Dolby "Off", the DVR will output PCM no matter how the source was encoded. If you want to leave the Dolby set at "Auto On", continue to use Component video. My Panasonic plasma locks-up if I try to send Dolby audio through the HDMI cable. The plasma's operating manual says the HDMI is only compatible with PCM. In the Sony DVR settings, I wish there was a way to turn on the Dolby for the Optical output but leave the HDMI on PCM audio. I mean why would one want to send Dolby to the tv? I too switched to component video. It looks just as good as HDMI, and all controls respond faster (especially channel, format, and screen changes). There were some good links a few pages back that explain why HDMI isn't necessarily better than Component (unless you have DLP or LCoS).

You will find this option in Recording preferences, in Preference menu. See manual pages 36 and 37. I suggest that you download the latest version from the Sony web site.

Thanks Ray found it right where you told me. What were you talking about downloading from Sony? I thought the download section was a disabled button on their website?

Thanks Ray found it right where you told me. What were you talking about downloading from Sony? I thought the download section was a disabled button on their website?


He was referring to downloading the latest version of the user manual from their site.

Anybody found any luck copying recorded shows/movies onto a pc?

Can anyone tell me if channels in the channel editor that are turned OFF have listings populated?

For example, I had analog CBS listed as channel 4 which was ON and had listing info. Another line had the -DT version, listed as OFF and no guide data. I turned it on, but the guide data shows "no listing" even though the analog line shows the proper guide data.

If the station is "off" in Guide Plus then it does not process any listings for it. You'll have to wait for it to populate like when everything was new.

If the station is "off" in Guide Plus then it does not process any listings for it. You'll have to wait for it to populate like when everything was new.

Thanks. That's what I was hoping would happen. Didn't want to have to use the analog symbols to tune the HD broadcasts if I could help it.

IR Codes:

I am looking for the IR codes to control the Sony HDD500 from a Panasonic remote. Anyone know what 3 digit code to program in the remote?

IR Codes:

I am looking for the IR codes to control the Sony HDD500 from a Panasonic remote. Anyone know what 3 digit code to program in the remote?


That may prove difficult to find anytime soon. You might just hold it up to the Sony and do the automatic find that most universal remotes have.

When I pause/play, or hit replay, I am no longer watching Live TV. Is there a one button solution for instantly going back to Live TV while watching the current channel?

Thanks...
-T

When I pause/play, or hit replay, I am no longer watching Live TV. Is there a one button solution for instantly going back to Live TV while watching the current channel?

Thanks...
-T

If I understand your question right, I think the "NEXT" button at the very bottom right of the remote will do what you're asking.

Thanks... I'll have to try that...

-T

Hi Folks-

I've had no problems with my HDD500 (Bright House Networks cable, Cable card enabled) at all until today. I'm not sure about cause and effect on this, and would appreciate some comments from the readership here.

This morning (or maybe late last night; I forget) I had the recorder set to record "Totally Blond" from one of the showtime channels. I don't think it was the HD Showtime channel. Anyway, I turned the unit on for the first time this evening, to view the movie. The recording had failed, with that message about content not allowed to be copied by service provider. First time I've seen that (or had any failure whatsoever) in a couple dozen recordings.

I then found out that NONE of the premium channels were accessible. I would tune to them and just get the blank screen. Non-premium channels (digital and analog) would tune OK. Since it's late and my cable company ddoesn't have useful call center help at this hour, I tried a re-boot. Powered down and unplugged, then restarted it.

This worked; after the reboot all channels tune just fine.

Does this sound familiar? Seems bizarre to me. Do you think some glitch happened first, causing the recording failure, or do you think that a recording failure somehow caused the inability to tune to premium stations?

Other than that, all has been fine. But now I'm worried.

Marc

Probably my last followup on this: I was able to record the show this morning from the same channel that gave a problem a few days ago. I'm under the impression that some glitch set the cablecard to not pass the premium channels, and when subsequently I tried to record, I got the error about copyying not allowed.

Fortunately the reboot fixed it.

Marc

I've had an HDD250 for about a month and after two weeks of working perfectly, it stopped receiving guide information. I live in the Buffalo area.

Confused about adding/removing channels and its effect on guide data, I did a full system reset the other day. Since then not only have I not received guide data, but the time/date hasn't been set either (this makes it difficult to schedule manual recordings).

I've run the G* test while tuned to my local PBS channel (via analog cable) and it passes the VBI tests, yet the "host channel" in the 753* menu remains blank.

What else can I do in this situation? Is there some way to coax the TVG system into using a certain channel? Is this a local outage? (If so, will the TVG system recognize when things are working again.) Or, at the very least, is there a way I can manually set the time and date?

I've since done one more AutoAdd scan and left everything in the +/- list. My PBS station is accessible both OTA (both digital and analog channels) as well as through the analog cable input (also both digital and analog channels). Could this be confusing the TV Guide system?

Thanks for the help. This forum is invaluable.

-Joshua

Does the Sony RDR-HX715 output HDTV channels like the Sony DHG HDD250?

Does the Sony RDR-HX715 output HDTV channels like the Sony DHG HDD250?

No-- standard definition only.

Anyone find any good deals on the 250 or 500 recently? Or, know of any Best Buy coupon deals?

I've been to some best buy's recently to check on the status of the 250. Where they are still in stock, the price is still $499.99. I already bought one and returned it at that price, hoping to get an even deeper discount. (given it's limitations and discontinued status, it's just not worth $500 at this point in my opinion).

Looks like Sony is holding strong to keepong the price around 500. I cant find anythign cheaper. Does anybody know if this unit can skip commercials?

Looks like Sony is holding strong to keepong the price around 500. I cant find anythign cheaper. Does anybody know if this unit can skip commercials?

It has an "advance" button to skip ahead when playing recorded programs... configurable to skip ahead either 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, or 300 seconds. I set mine to 30 since most commercial breaks are multiples of 30 seconds...works great for me.

-T

Has anyone heard anything about possible replacements to be announced at CES next week?

Has anyone heard anything about possible replacements to be announced at CES next week?

I asked a coworker who is going to CES to look for a Sony HD DVR with Blu-Ray...

I am thinking they will show something like that.

Yeah the advance button is great, it would be nice if it could skip commericals when it records, I think that is a basic feature in most new and some old VCR's. I know ReplayTV and some Tivos can do it. I dont understand why The Sony DVD-HR720 doesnt support DCR or as an HD Tuner. I would drop the DHG HDD250 in a heart beat if it would just recieve HD signals. I am not that excited for the DVD-HR1010 if it doesnt have an HDTV tuner of DCR, which from this forum I understand to be the blu-ray verison of the HR750.

Anyone find any good deals on the 250 or 500 recently? Or, know of any Best Buy coupon deals?.

I have been watching ebay and there have been a few of the 500 auctioned off at around 560-600 plus shipping :D . There are others at buy it now prices of $7xx or so., not such a good deal. Just watch ebay.

On another note, I thought that setting the screen formats would output them automatically. Careful reading of the manual however only leads me to believe that those screen formats can be 'toggled' by the screen button on the remote. I was hoping to automatically out put the screen format of SD to widescreen, since my tv is 16x9. SD comes in with the hideos black bars and I have manually adjust them (selecting the screen button on the remote).

anyone know anyway around this?

HDaddiction

Yeah the advance button is great, it would be nice if it could skip commericals when it records, I think that is a basic feature in most new and some old VCR's. I know ReplayTV and some Tivos can do it. I dont understand why The Sony DVD-HR720 doesnt support DCR or as an HD Tuner. I would drop the DHG HDD250 in a heart beat if it would just recieve HD signals. I am not that excited for the DVD-HR1010 if it doesnt have an HDTV tuner of DCR, which from this forum I understand to be the blu-ray verison of the HR750.

Not to pick your lint, but certain models of the replay unit COULD skip commercials, but as far as I knew, they always record them. I had the 5040 and the commercial skip was awesome, too bad they didn't come out with the hd version.

I am not aware of any pvr that actually avoids recording the commerical.

Myth tv can also skip play plack of the commerical, but I don't believe it has the capability of record digital cable premium channels. something I don't believe hollywood would permit with its open architecture.


HDaddication

Here are a few other observations I made in setting up my recorder:

1. My cable company location was not among the list of cable choices. I had the same problem in Phoenix, on Cox cable, I hooked the recorder up in that location for our weeks stay. I tried several on the list until the program guide listing contained the appropriate channels and channel numbers, except for HD.

2. Initally, there was no signal on any of the HD channels, probably because I don't have a cable card. By manually changing channels, I found them, wrote down their channel numbers, and entered them in the guide, using the edit mode. Also, retained this channel list, which comes in handy when I reload the guide or when the tv guide glitch occurred.

.

Ray1938,

I setup my new HDD250 similar to yours. Your setup steps look very good. Is there a simple way to "find" the cable HD channels?

Would "scanning" the cable not find them?

You mention "manually changing channels" to find them. Did you manually press 1 then enter, wait, press 2 then enter, wait, press 3 then enter, wait ...? Or do i need to enter 1.1 then enter, wait, enter 1.2 then enter, wait, ...? Up to what number? 2048.99 would be a LOT of button pressing.

Any internet source of information out there that would tell us what channel to tune?

Sorry, i'm kinda dense. Thanks for the help.

Mike

Ray1938,

I setup my new HDD250 similar to yours. Your setup steps look very good. Is there a simple way to "find" the cable HD channels?

Would "scanning" the cable not find them?

You mention "manually changing channels" to find them. Did you manually press 1 then enter, wait, press 2 then enter, wait, press 3 then enter, wait ...? Or do i need to enter 1.1 then enter, wait, enter 1.2 then enter, wait, ...? Up to what number? 2048.99 would be a LOT of button pressing.

Any internet source of information out there that would tell us what channel to tune?

Sorry, i'm kinda dense. Thanks for the help.

Mike


Try www.titantv.com to get all the the HD channels that you "should" get.

But now that the cable card is installed, I can no longer select those QAM 101.xx to 108.xx channels. Now I just get the normal digital cable stations in the 101-108 range. Oh well, it was interesting while it lasted!

I presume you only have the one cable attached to the cable card input? Try running another feed to the cable or antenna inputs on the Sony and see if the QAM stations are tuneable again.

I have a JVC 61" HD-ILA 61Z786 with a Time Warner Scientific Atlanta CableCard. I was very happy with the PQ but the lack of a guide bothered me for not knowing what was on tv. Now, since I purchased the Sony DHG-HDD500 and added a second CableCard to the mix, except for my confusion in selecting the correct channel lineup for the tv guide (I selected the analog instead of digital but with help on this forum I corrected my error), I'm a happy camper. The quide started downloading immediately, for some reason, I don't have the issues others have reported here. I purchased my HDD500 for $629 at Tweeters in the Crossgate Mall Washington Ext in Albany, NY.

My firmware version is 1.2.05. I've also connected a Philips HDRW720/17 120GB DVD Recorder to this mix and I'm very satisfied with the results. So far, I've managed to record analog programs on the Philips and HD programs on the Sony. And with the outputs of the Sony connected to the Philips, I've been able to copy movies & shows to DVD.

So, in my case, it has been a positive experience with the Sony.

Ray1938,

I setup my new HDD250 similar to yours. Your setup steps look very good. Is there a simple way to "find" the cable HD channels?

Would "scanning" the cable not find them?

You mention "manually changing channels" to find them. Did you manually press 1 then enter, wait, press 2 then enter, wait, press 3 then enter, wait ...? Or do i need to enter 1.1 then enter, wait, enter 1.2 then enter, wait, ...? Up to what number? 2048.99 would be a LOT of button pressing.

Any internet source of information out there that would tell us what channel to tune?

Sorry, i'm kinda dense. Thanks for the help.

Mike

By manually changing the channels I meant pressing the page up/down key. With that method, I scanned all the channels that the Sony found, and noted the channel numbers I was interested in. The channel numbers in the guide are correct only with the cable card installed.

Over the air HD channel numbers are easy to find. For example if you get channel 4 analog, and that station also broadcasts digital, the digital channel number will be 4.1. In addition, there may be subchannels - 4.2, 4.3, etc.

I noticed for then first time tonight that the video of an HDTV show would get choppy for a few seconds (almost looked like the show was displayed at ~15 frames/sec if that makes sense). Anyway, when I hit replay and watched the same scene again, it was not choppy.

Happened twice: 1) I was watching a live broadcast and I was also recording it; 2) happened while watching a recorded program while the Sony was recording a different program.

NOTE: the Sony was set to output all material at 720p. The programs in question were 1080i from CBS in Orlando. When I switched the Sony to NATIVE, I never saw choppy video again, but that could be just coincidence.

It's late and my projector is turned off, so I don't have the firmware version. I saw several posts that dealt with choppy video, but those posts were related to San Francisco OTA.

-T

Site to keep an eye on:

http://www.sony.com/ces/index.shtml

I presume you only have the one cable attached to the cable card input? Try running another feed to the cable or antenna inputs on the Sony and see if the QAM stations are tuneable again.

That's a good suggestion and I'll give it a try when I get a chance. I could also remove the cable card now and then, but it looks like that takes away the channel search and channel sort info. And I've spent way to much time already manually sorting my channels.

It was kind of cool watching the PPV stuff the neighbors were getting... LOL.

Does anybody know how to add the program info to the main screen when watching tv like it is in listings menu?

It was kind of cool watching the PPV stuff the neighbors were getting... LOL.

It is fun to see that your neighbors like "adult entertainment", and that they fastforward through the "boring" sections of the movies!

Does anyone have an idea when and if Sony will put out the replacement for these HD recorders? I may bite the bullet now as I'm starting to see steeper discounts on these but if a newer, improved model is out soon I may wait.
If I get one now the replacement will probably be announced the next day. :(

Does anyone have an idea when and if Sony will put out the replacement for these HD recorders? I may bite the bullet now as I'm starting to see steeper discounts on these but if a newer, improved model is out soon I may wait.
If I get one now the replacement will probably be announced the next day. :(

Here is my plan:
go to best buy and get the best deal I can from them on a 250 now.
then, see what happens during the next 30 days, if a new improved model is announced I'll return the 250.

The BB in our area (Davenport, Iowa) has four of the HDD 250s sitting in a rack at $499 (each). No 500s. Looks like they're collecting dust, so you might be able to talk 'em down.


Here is my plan:
go to best buy and get the best deal I can from them on a 250 now.
then, see what happens during the next 30 days, if a new improved model is announced I'll return the 250.

I think that's an EXCELLENT idea...I may just do that (even though I returned the 500 and would MUCH rather have a TiVO HD unit!) just to hedge all my bets. But I would certainly expect CES to be the jumping point for announcing new Sony and TiVo HD standalone recording products.

When is CES?
I googled it - Jan 5-8. I'll wait.

Here is my plan:
go to best buy and get the best deal I can from them on a 250 now.
then, see what happens during the next 30 days, if a new improved model is announced I'll return the 250.

Be prepared to wait a while for that new model:
Sony announced in Oct 2004 that they would start shipment of the HDD250/500 in December. I ordered one from Amazon in mid December for delivery in late January. In February, they canceled my order and removed it from their web site. In Apriil, CNET showed that it was available at Datavision, so I ordered it from them. After my order was placed, they said that they ran out of stock, and they finally shipped it in mid June.

The BB in our area (Davenport, Iowa) has four of the HDD 250s sitting in a rack at $499 (each). No 500s. Looks like they're collecting dust, so you might be able to talk 'em down.

Hmmmm. Thought Best Buy was out of them. Or was that online only?

If you've got a Tweeters around, they might still have some. The one by me didn't have it marked down like on the website the last time I was in there - but that was almost a month ago. Might not hurt to check.

Hmmmm. Thought Best Buy was out of them. Or was that online only?

I just checked availability on the web. Looks like several places still have them but for more than $499.

Not selling well might be the reason Sony discontinued selling them. If demand is too low, perhaps Sony won't release a new model in January.

I may be willing to sell mine for $550 if anybody is interested?

Hmmmm. Thought Best Buy was out of them. Or was that online only?Must be online...stack was still there in the Davenport store last night.

If you've got a Tweeters around, they might still have some. The one by me didn't have it marked down like on the website the last time I was in there - but that was almost a month ago. Might not hurt to check.

Also, Tweeter does price matching.
When I bought mine from them about a month ago, I brought in a copy of the Best Buy web page showing the price and they matched it.


Mitch

Hmmmm. Thought Best Buy was out of them. Or was that online only?

The Best Buys at Palisades Center in NY has three in stock for $499 when I was there on Thursday.
Franco

It's been a couple of days since my continuous reboot problem. That was fixed with a service menu reset. After the reset I was greeted with a nice message of "hard drive disk error has been detected, auto recovery was successful". I shrugged it off. Nice to see it can handle its own hiccups. Well, today it rebooted again although this time not continuously. That's the good news. The bad news is it gave me the ol "A hard disk drive error has been detected. Auto recovery is not possible. Recording and playback of TV programming will not be possible. Contact your sony service center to learn about repair options." I was miffed at first but thanks to ordering from Crutchfield a new one is already on it's way. I'm rolling the dice and hope I don't get another lemon. Yes, I really want this thing to work.

I'm happy to report my replacement 250 from Crutchfield has lasted a whole 8 days with no problems!!! woohoo! I think I know what caused those reboots and the hard drive crash on the first one... I removed the big green sticker on the front of it and I haven't removed it from the replacement. Now I'm afraid to. :o

My unit is up and running pretty well, I'm glad to say. Slow to populate all guide inforamtion, but I will just be coming up the one week of solid use. Just got the cable card installed this morning, everything was pretty good until a minute ago. I was watching DISC-HD and I got an error that said there was trouble getting the info or something, call the cable co and report error 161-1. Now nothing that I need the cable card for works, except DISC-HD. I'm thinking they can just send a hit to the card and it'll work (I hope). The box still recongnizes the card, but can't seem to get the right info from it. anyone experience this yet?

Also, I know I read on here about adding and removing channels. I want to make my ABC, NBC, etc. not on the guide, but rather replaced with the HD versoins. However, I don't want to turn them off for fear of losing my host channel (I can't figure out how to find the host channel). What does auto-hide do (seems to do nothign to me). Also, how do I get the channels that don't show, such as iNHD2 in my guide (even if the info doesn't populate). I just want to be able to see that it is there in the guide. Also, I can add and remove channels in the menu setting at will without losing losig the host channel correct? (This is the setting that determines what channels tune when you hit channel + and -).

Thanks again!!!

My Sony DVR won't pick up certain digital channels coming in OTA. I've got a strong signal, and when I plug the coax cable into my TV, those channels come in fine. However, the DVR says No Signal on these same channels. Other channels work fine. Any ideas?

Sony tech support was useless, saying this is an antenna problem. Well, my antenna is brand new and two other devices have no problem receiving all the digital channels. Anyone have a different idea?

My Sony DVR won't pick up certain digital channels coming in OTA. I've got a strong signal, and when I plug the coax cable into my TV, those channels come in fine. However, the DVR says No Signal on these same channels. Other channels work fine. Any ideas?

Sony tech support was useless, saying this is an antenna problem. Well, my antenna is brand new and two other devices have no problem receiving all the digital channels. Anyone have a different idea?

Did you do the scan for channels when you first got it? I think this must be done or you won't be able to tune to those channels...(I could be wrong - I thought I read that elsewhere in this thread).

endo129 - to find out host channel - turn on guide - scroll all the way up to bar - go to "setup" - go down to "System Settings", DO NOT PRESS "ENTER" - punch in the numbers 753159852 - service menu will appear - click right arrow once to bring up second page - look down on list for "host channel" - it will say "Host Channel - 0:0-?? - the ?? is your host channel. For example, mine says, 0:0-11, therefore my host channel is analog ch.11.

Did you do the scan for channels when you first got it? I think this must be done or you won't be able to tune to those channels...(I could be wrong - I thought I read that elsewhere in this thread).

Yeah, I scanned for them, and they didn't come up. I don't know why.

What does auto-hide do?

I believe it will hide the channel listing if the guide data shows "No Listing"

I've had an HDD250 for about a month and after two weeks of working perfectly, it stopped receiving guide information. I live in the Buffalo area.

Thanks for the help. This forum is invaluable.

-Joshua

Welcome to my world Joshua! I've been experiencing the same problem. I spoke to Engineering at WNED in Buffalo before Christmas and they found their time insertion had failed. They fixed it, although I have both the HDD500 & an old Sony VCR, neither of which will set their clocks from OTA channel 17. WNED Engineering tried the same with an old VCR and it set, so I can't explain it. I can tell you they say TVGOS data comes in via their PBS satellite feed and is injected into the VBI, but they cannot tell if it's valid data or not and they have no TVGOS-capable device to test with.

After 3 days of frustration I chose to set my PVR back to my Canadian postal code, which had not worked since November, and believe it or not it came back to life within 24 hours. I've had clock and guide data uninterrupted since December 24th, and confirmed it is in fact coming from CFTO TV (Ch. 9 OTA) in Toronto. I spoke to CFTO in early December about the system no longer working from their signal and they didn't seem to understand what I was asking them, but 3 weeks to the day later it came back. Try a Fort Erie Canada postal code for a couple of days and see if you get at least a clock from CFTO, assuming of course you can get an OTA signal from channl 9 off the CN Tower.

Bob

I know this was mentioned in the "early" days of this thread with no solution, but has anyone every discovered a "previous channel" button or command for this unit?

Yes, although there's no Prev Ch button on the remote, the unit does implement the previous channel function if you have a programmable remote, along with discrete power off and on.

Prev Ch = EFC 131 (OBC 108, hex 36)
Power Off = EFC 109 (OBC 047, hex F4)
Power On = EFC 113 (OBC 046, hex 74)

These work great on my el-cheapo One-For-All Cinema7. Someone discovered and posted these codes sometime around late July.

Yes, although there's no Prev Ch button on the remote, the unit does implement the previous channel function if you have a programmable remote, along with discrete power off and on.

Prev Ch = EFC 131 (OBC 108, hex 36)
Power Off = EFC 109 (OBC 047, hex F4)
Power On = EFC 113 (OBC 046, hex 74)

These work great on my el-cheapo One-For-All Cinema7. Someone discovered and posted these codes sometime around late July.mark - I've got a Harmony SST-659 which isn't as programmable as, say, the HTMs. Do you know if it's doable with the Harmony? Thanks.

My unit is up and running pretty well, I'm glad to say. Slow to populate all guide inforamtion, but I will just be coming up the one week of solid use. Just got the cable card installed this morning, everything was pretty good until a minute ago. I was watching DISC-HD and I got an error that said there was trouble getting the info or something, call the cable co and report error 161-1. Now nothing that I need the cable card for works, except DISC-HD. I'm thinking they can just send a hit to the card and it'll work (I hope). The box still recongnizes the card, but can't seem to get the right info from it. anyone experience this yet?

I've had multiple units that have had the 161-6 error. It finally took sending the unit to Sony and having them perform the "161-6 error fix". The cable co. will have no idea what you're talking about, although sending a "Hit" isn't a bad idea. Make sure your cablecard is manufactured after Apr 2005, since that's when Sci-Atl (if that's who made your card) did a firmware upgrade. Sony "Level II Support" will be your only hope, since the Level I folks can barely speak English and only do what the computer tells them to do (no ability to think outside the database.)

The problem is in the Sony unit's Q-tuner and being able to handle the de-crypting on the digital encrypted channels...stuff like the Military Channel, Speed, History International, etc. Good luck!

mark - I've got a Harmony SSt-659 which isn't as programmable as, say, the HTMs. Do you know if it's doable with the Harmony? Thanks.

I have the Harmony 659 and it works great with the HDD250. I had to teach the Harmony all of the remote codes at first (back in May), but they must have added the codes at some point, because I updated the remote about a month ago (deleted and added the device) and Harmony had all of the codes including the previous channel code.

Bierboy:

Look at this link for the Harmony remote:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6644888&&#post6644888

I don't know about your remote, but if you send this info to Harmony Tech Support, they can add these commands to your setup for you.

Bierboy:

Look at this link for the Harmony remote:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6644888&&#post6644888

I don't know about your remote, but if you send this info to Harmony Tech Support, they can add these commands to your setup for you.Thanks!

My Sony DVR won't pick up certain digital channels coming in OTA. I've got a strong signal, and when I plug the coax cable into my TV, those channels come in fine. However, the DVR says No Signal on these same channels. Other channels work fine. Any ideas?

Sony tech support was useless, saying this is an antenna problem. Well, my antenna is brand new and two other devices have no problem receiving all the digital channels. Anyone have a different idea?

Are you connecting the coax directly into the antenna input of the recorder? Are you sure that the missing channels were broadcasting when you performed channel scan? If not, I suggest you repeat the process. As I recall, unit can't receive digital channels that have not be detected by that scan process.

Bierboy:

Look at this link for the Harmony remote:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6644888&&#post6644888

I don't know about your remote, but if you send this info to Harmony Tech Support, they can add these commands to your setup for you.Looks like Logitech/Harmony has already taken care of this. As I looked at my SST-659 configuration online, I noticed they had the power on/off discretes already added, and the "previous channel" command is actually labeled "shortcut." It should be noted that there's also a "channel previous" command which does NOT do that. It's the "shortcut" command; I just renamed it, then mapped it to my remote.

I have had the Sony DHG HDD 500 since July of 2005. I have it connected to a Sony 34XBR960 Direct view TV (which also has a built in PIP HD tuner)with the HDMI cable through the HDMI input on my TV. I have cable cards installed in both pieces of equpment and have Cox as my provider for digital service. I have really had no problems exception the weirdest thing happened last night for the very first time while I was trying to tune to TNTHD, LOGO, and FITTV through the DVR. I got the following message on the monitor - "This program is not available when connected to HDMI or DVI equipped monitor. You may change channel or use the Component or SD video outputs." I had never gotten this message prior to last night and when I tried to view the same channels on my Sony tv, there was no problem. I went back to try to tune these channels again on the HDD 500 and the same message displayed with no video. Only on these three channels. So, I checked all the cables and after turning everything off and back on it worked again, and that
message didn't appear again! Could it have been that the TV and the DVR were having a problem with HDCP? Except they're both HDCP compliant. Has anyone had a similar thing happen?

As I expected I got my listings this morning for days 1,2 and 8. The Seattle feed is fine.

Cosmicvoid and jengle1023 are your listings OK today?

I will try one more time to change my antenna orientation so that I can get Fox and sacrifice the PBS signal quality and see if I stop getting listings again to make sure I haven't been doing this because the feed was instead down.

JP

Cosmicvoid and jengle1023, are you getting updated listings in Seattle? My power went out yesterday and cameback, but my clock wont set itself. In the past after a poweroutage my clock set itself in just a few minutes. The VBI test fails on PBS, KCTS 09 and I don't have listings past this Friday indicating that the feed's been down for a few days.

I sent KCTS an email asking them to check their feeds but I'm not sure how much good that will do.

JP

Interesting FAQ from a PBS web site about the other types of signals they pass.

http://www.kcts.org/inside/techreport/faq/index.asp#TIME

JP

Cosmicvoid and jengle1023, are you getting updated listings in Seattle? My power went out yesterday and cameback, but my clock wont set itself. In the past after a poweroutage my clock set itself in just a few minutes. The VBI test fails on PBS, KCTS 09 and I don't have listings past this Friday indicating that the feed's been down for a few days.

I sent KCTS an email asking them to check their feeds but I'm not sure how much good that will do.

JP

I'm not getting guide data any more either. It appears that the guide data quit on me new years eve. My clock is wrong and no guide data is coming in from channel 9 (over the air). I see VBI data on channel 13 (Fox) but this never appears to be used by the Guide software so I assume that it is some other data for another service.

Kind of ticks me off as my Sony and the Guide had been stable for the past month and now we appear to be back to the Sony being an expensive doorstop.

Ian

Interesting FAQ from a PBS web site about the other types of signals they pass.



JP

I don't get this part of the FAQ as it states that PBS does not support Guide+ data. Is this something new?

FAQ Quote:

Public Television stations do not transmit Guide+ data. Commercial stations on the major networks ABC, CBS, NBC, UPN and FOX contract with Gem Star for carriage of the Guide+ service.

I don't get this part of the FAQ as it states that PBS does not support Guide+ data. Is this something new?

FAQ Quote:

Public Television stations do not transmit Guide+ data. Commercial stations on the major networks ABC, CBS, NBC, UPN and FOX contract with Gem Star for carriage of the Guide+ service.

It's not something new and it was working fine before. TVGOS could be using the starsight signal which is also Gemstar. They do broadcast that one. The VBI feed is down and we don't even get the clock from them right now.

I would suggest that you also send them emails or call them to complain about the VBI feed being down. They should be able to bring it back up shortly if enough people bug them about it.

JP

It's not something new and it was working fine before. TVGOS could be using the starsight signal which is also Gemstar. They do broadcast that one. The VBI feed is down and we don't even get the clock from them right now.

I would suggest that you also send them emails or call them to complain about the VBI feed being down. They should be able to bring it back up shortly if enough people bug them about it.

JP

I sent email about the lack of a time signal and VBI data, hopefully they get it up and running soon. I'm wondering if the Sony box uses a combination of the time signal from PBS and the guide data is pulled from Fox. Possibly if the time signal goes out the guide is unable to pull the data from Fox successfully. Looking at the guide diagnostic information my host channel is 9 (PBS) but the VBI channel is 13 (hex D).

I'm certainly glad to see I'm not the only one having issues.

Ian

Cosmicvoid and jengle1023, are you getting updated listings in Seattle?I just checked, and my last 3 days of listings (day 6,7,8) are missing. No power outages here, and the clock has the correct time.

On the TVGOS test page, I have no host ID, and in the "9012" diagnostix screen, there are no VBI packets for KCTS.

Have you tried calling the phone # at the last paragraph of the 'time signal' portion of the KCTS FAQ page?

So,... Where is the latest greatest deals on obtaining these units. Even after reading the posts in this thread, I think that I'm ready to purchase one. Who has the HDD250 for less than $500?

Thanks...

I think $500 is the best you're going to find from a legitimate source. I'm waiting to hear what (if anything) replaces these models at CES before buying an DHG-HDD500 for myself. Does anyone know of any websites that are going to have coverage of CES?

Welcome to my world Joshua! I've been experiencing the same problem. I spoke to Engineering at WNED in Buffalo before Christmas and they found their time insertion had failed. They fixed it, although I have both the HDD500 & an old Sony VCR, neither of which will set their clocks from OTA channel 17. WNED Engineering tried the same with an old VCR and it set, so I can't explain it. I can tell you they say TVGOS data comes in via their PBS satellite feed and is injected into the VBI, but they cannot tell if it's valid data or not and they have no TVGOS-capable device to test with.

After 3 days of frustration I chose to set my PVR back to my Canadian postal code, which had not worked since November, and believe it or not it came back to life within 24 hours. I've had clock and guide data uninterrupted since December 24th, and confirmed it is in fact coming from CFTO TV (Ch. 9 OTA) in Toronto. I spoke to CFTO in early December about the system no longer working from their signal and they didn't seem to understand what I was asking them, but 3 weeks to the day later it came back. Try a Fort Erie Canada postal code for a couple of days and see if you get at least a clock from CFTO, assuming of course you can get an OTA signal from channl 9 off the CN Tower.

Bob

Hi Bob
I own a HDD500 and live in Niagara Falls,NY.

TGOS has not showed a correct time since Dec 14th and obviously not recorded and no listings .. Due to holidays I just got around to trying to troubleshoot this week.

I ran the diagnostics(menu/screen/9012/enter--->TV Guide) and it showed:
Flash test: Pass
VBI test: Failed
ATSC test: Pass
Serial test: Failed
IR Test: FAiled

I spent an hour on phone with Sony Tech Support today and was getting ready to pack it up and mail it to service center when I came across your posting so what's another few days.

I put in Niagara Falls Ontario zip and hope it may work. My thoughts are if VBI test failed that it is not getting signal from 'only-God- knows-where-ever' it is supposed to be getting it from.
(May need to get an antenna for this experiment but hubby wants one anyway for the HD signal or something like that.) Not sure if understand the host channel thing but since it was not an issue prior to this I am hoping that it still is not an issue.

Have you had any problems with your unit locking up/ becoming basically unresponsive? I have had this happen several times after heavy usage and the HDD temp was really elevated on one of the drives...(It was a while back so don't remember the excats numbers) I think I did the tv guide and exit button to get out it and let unit cool down and it would work okay.


Take care Neighbor and thanks for your input regarding the local Adelphia/WNED problems. I love the machine when it is working properly.

Sharon

I think $500 is the best you're going to find from a legitimate source. I'm waiting to hear what (if anything) replaces these models at CES before buying an DHG-HDD500 for myself. Does anyone know of any websites that are going to have coverage of CES?Here (http://www.cesweb.org/press/news/default.asp).

So,... Where is the latest greatest deals on obtaining these units. Even after reading the posts in this thread, I think that I'm ready to purchase one. Who has the HDD250 for less than $500?

Thanks...

I bought a sealed 250 off ebay for under $400. It arrived as advertised and works perfectly.

I just checked, and my last 3 days of listings (day 6,7,8) are missing. No power outages here, and the clock has the correct time.

On the TVGOS test page, I have no host ID, and in the "9012" diagnostix screen, there are no VBI packets for KCTS.

Have you tried calling the phone # at the last paragraph of the 'time signal' portion of the KCTS FAQ page?

I havn't tried the number yet, but since the signal is not back this morning, that's my next plan.

Everyone in Seattle please call this number and complain.

"If the time resets, but the time is still incorrect, please call KCTS at 206.728.6463. We may have a problem that we are not aware of having."

All-Channel DVRs available in 2010...from Sony of course.


http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/pop_image/mag_content/20051229172228/cs-fig1.jpg

wow!

http://neasia.nikkeibp.com/pop_image/mag_content/20051229172524/cs-fig4.jpg

I havn't tried the number yet, but since the signal is not back this morning, that's my next plan.

Everyone in Seattle please call this number and complain.

"If the time resets, but the time is still incorrect, please call KCTS at 206.728.6463. We may have a problem that we are not aware of having."

I tried to call the number multiple time and it's always busy. I'll keep trying.

JP

I got through at 10:00 and she said something about that TVGuide is only providing national listings now and it is up to the local stations to provide the info.

I asked her does that mean my DVR unit it now useless and I won't be getting any guide info and she said to call back in an hour.

She also said that I was the first to call about any Guide or VBI failing problems.

I've been trying to talk with Sony support but I just get transferred and now on hold for the last 20 minutes to elevated support.

Oh I'm in the Seattle area. I really like the Sony unit so I hope it isn't now obsolete.

They need to be broadcasting the time, that's what I want to get them to do. We may only need them for that and we may be getting our listings from FOX.

JP

I deleted my last message because I just called them again and they said it was back. I will do the VBI test to see if it is still failing or not.

The VBI for channel 9 OTA passes now. The next transmission is from 1:49pm to 4:49pm so set your DVR to channel 9 OTA and turn it off. Then we will have to wait and see.

For those in the Seattle area and on Comcast limited cable here is a channel sheet I have put together. I'm not using any Box or Cable Card.

For info pages on your DVR unit press:
Guide - Setup - Change System Settings - key in 753159852

For the VBI test screen go into the channel you want to test like OTA channel 9 and press:
Menu - Screen mode - 9012
Then go to TV Guide then G* Test.

You will then see if you're getting any VBI packets and if it failed or not.

VBI Updating schedule in Pacific time:

70 - 2:24am - 5:24am
70 - 7:04am - 10:04am
70 - 10:09am - 1:09pm
70 - 1:49pm - 4:49pm
81 - 12:44am - 1:15am
81 - 1:14pm - 1:45pm
81 - 11:04pm - 11:35pm
27 - 1:19am - 2:19am
27 - 5:59am - 6:59am
27 - 8:49pm - 9:49pm
27 - 11:39pm - 12:39pm

Just make sure your DVR is off during one of each set of times. You only need to have it set to the channel you know the VBI is passing from once before you turn it off. The 70 set is 3 hours the 81 set is 1/2 hour and the 27 set is 1 hour.

79-1 NWCN 2
79-2 KWPX 33
79-3 KOMO ABC 4
79-4 KING NBC 5
79-5 KONG 16
79-6 CBUT 2
79-7 KCTS 9
79-8 KTWB 22
79-9 KSTW 11
79-10 KBTC 28
80-1 KCPQ FOX 13
80-2 KIRO CBS 7
80-3 KHCV 45
80-4 KWDK 56
80-6 KTBW 20
80-7 TVW
80-8 KWOG 51
80-9 KCTS Plus
80-10 KBCB 24
81-1 KCPQ HD FOX 13
81-2 KTWB HD 10
82-1 KCTS DT
82-2 KCTS Kids
82-3 KCTS Learns
82-4 KOMO HD ABC 4
82-5 KCTS HD
83-1 KING HD NBC 5
83-2 KONG HD 6
83-3 Weather Plus
84-1 KIRO HD CBS 7
89-12 KWOG 51
91-4 Univision
91-8 Hallmark Channel
100-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 On Demand
102-9 UWTV
102-10 uw2.tv
103-4 Discovery Channel 8
104-1 C-SPAN
104-2 C-SPAN2
104-9 HSN
104-10 QVC
105-1060 PSETV
105-1070 TVGUIDE
105-1071 TWC DT
105-1085 Comcast
105-1087 PentagonTV
105-1088 PentagonTV
105-1090 CPTC
112-11 Weatherscan
112-13 On Demand
114-9 MOVIEplex
116-1 NBA League Pass

118-16 DMX Music
118-17 DMX Music
118-18 DMX Music
118-19 DMX Music
118-20 DMX Music
118-21 DMX Music
118-22 DMX Music
118-23 DMX Music

119-10 Music Choice
119-11 Today's Country
119-12 Classic Country
119-13 Bluegrass
119-14 R&B Hip Hop
119-15 Classic R&B
119-16 Smooth R&B
119-17 R&B Hits
119-18 Rap
119-19 Metal
119-20 Rock
119-21 Arena Rock
119-22 Classic Rock
119-23 Alternative
119-24 Retro-Active
119-25 Electronica
119-26 Dance
119-27 Adult Alternative
119-28 Soft Rock
119-29 Hit List
119-30 Party Favorites
119-31 90's
119-32 80's
119-33 70's
119-34 Solid Gold Oldies
119-35 Singers and Standards
119-36 Big Band and Swing
119-37 Easy Listening
119-38 Smooth Jazz
119-39 Jazz
119-40 Blues
119-41 Reggae
119-42 Soundscapes
119-43 Classical Masterpieces
119-44 Opera
119-45 List Classical
119-46 Showtunes
119-47 Contemporary Christian
119-48 Gospel
119-49 Radio Disney
119-50 Sounds of the Seasons
119-51 Musica Urbana
119-52 Salsa y Meringue
119-53 Rock en Espanol
119-54 Pop Latino

Hi Bob
I put in Niagara Falls Ontario zip and hope it may work. My thoughts are if VBI test failed that it is not getting signal from 'only-God- knows-where-ever' it is supposed to be getting it from.

Have you had any problems with your unit locking up/ becoming basically unresponsive? I have had this happen several times after heavy usage and the HDD temp was really elevated on one of the drives...(It was a while back so don't remember the excats numbers) I think I did the tv guide and exit button to get out it and let unit cool down and it would work okay.


Sharon


Hi Sharon,

Glad I could shed at least a bit of light on the problem. I've had 100% solid data since the 24th from OTA channel 9 here in Toronto. (CFTO) I presume from what you wrote you're on cable only? I've never read any comments from your area as to whether or not you should expect TVGOS data via Adelphia cable so an antenna may be your only fix. I'm not brave enough to go back to a 142xx zip code to see if it's come back to life via WNED or not, but as of the 28th my old Sony VCR clock had not set using channel 17 OTA, so I'm not convinced WNED has actually fixed anything. I'll let the Engineering fellow I was chatting with know that mine never recovered and yours still hasn't using your zip code.

Are you able to get a decent OTA signal from channel 9 in Toronto at all? It may work via your cable system if you folks get CFTO, but I wouldn't promise it.

As for the lock-up problems, no, none so far. However given that the unit has only been reliable for TVGOS for 10 days now I wouldn't be too quick to pass judgement. It was basically useless for the first 4 weeks I had it...

Bob

The VBI for channel 9 OTA passes now. The next transmission is from 1:49pm to 4:49pm so set your DVR to channel 9 OTA and turn it off. Then we will have to wait and see.

I was happy to see you report that the signal is back. I got a busy signal all day trying to call KCTS. I sent them another email in the mean time.

I went to check my clock and it was still wrong. So I proceeded to check for the VBI signal and as it was reporting PASS, my clock set itself at that time. I wonder if that was just a coincidence or if I actually triggered it that way instead of having to wait for it to eventually set itself.

Why do you say that you should set the DVR to the channel before turning it off? I would think that is not be necessary.


JP

VBI Updating schedule in Pacific time:

70 - 2:24am - 5:24am
70 - 7:04am - 10:04am
70 - 10:09am - 1:09pm
70 - 1:49pm - 4:49pm
81 - 12:44am - 1:15am
81 - 1:14pm - 1:45pm
81 - 11:04pm - 11:35pm
27 - 1:19am - 2:19am
27 - 5:59am - 6:59am
27 - 8:49pm - 9:49pm
27 - 11:39pm - 12:39pm

Just make sure your DVR is off during one of each set of times. You only need to have it set to the channel you know the VBI is passing from once before you turn it off. The 70 set is 3 hours the 81 set is 1/2 hour and the 27 set is 1 hour.



Interesting information.

Again, I don't think you need to have the DVR set to the originating station to get the updates...

What is the difference between the 3 hours, the 1 hour and the 1/2 hours sets? Is the information broadcasted different? Where did you find this information?

Thanks

JP

JP, I think that the logic is that it will first try the station that is currently selected to check for the VBI signal first. Then it might try others. But once it has found the channel with a valid VBI signal then it will save that one and always use it.

At least that is what I think is happening with mine. I just want to help it along and much as I can. In December it took me almost a week to get it to download the Guide info. I had to install an antenna so I could get channel 9 over the air.

The schedule is in the DVR info screens. Once you do:

Guide - Setup - Change System Settings - key in 753159852

Press Down until you get the VBI info screen then click Right until you get the schedule screen. The times in there are in GMT so they need to be converted to your local time to see when you shouldn't be recording something. So for example if you have your DVR on all day and then have it record something at 1am for 2 hours then it will never get any guide data. But since I now know the times I can receive all 3 sets of data from 12:44am to 6:59am.

I think another problem I had was that I was recording too late and never giving my machine a chance to read the guide.

As far as what 70, 81 , 27 means I'm only guessing here but I think that it is for different days, 7 might mean get 7 days, 81 might mean get the 8th and current day, 27 might mean the 2nd and 7th day.

Mike

Well I just turned on my DVR and the TV Guide was there as planned. The Line up was not changed or anything. :)

I was happy to see you report that the signal is back. I got a busy signal all day trying to call KCTS. I sent them another email in the mean time.

I went to check my clock and it was still wrong. So I proceeded to check for the VBI signal and as it was reporting PASS, my clock set itself at that time. I wonder if that was just a coincidence or if I actually triggered it that way instead of having to wait for it to eventually set itself.

Why do you say that you should set the DVR to the channel before turning it off? I would think that is not be necessary.


JP

Here's the reply I got from KCTS, too funny...

Thank you for your interest in KCTS, the Public Network.

We sincerely apologize for the technical difficulties you encountered
over the weekend. Please rest assured that our engineers made every
effort to rectify the problem expeditiously. You should find that
everything has returned to normal today. Your comments have been shared
with our programming and engineering departments.

We greatly appreciate your patience as we make every effort to provide
you with the highest quality programming and technical services
available.

Best regards,

Ariel Burnett
Viewer Services Representative
KCTS Television

What is the difference between the 3 hours, the 1 hour and the 1/2 hours sets? Is the information broadcasted different? Where did you find this information?For the late comers to this thread, the VBI stuff has been discussed before, look at post #1127 in this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6520671&&#post6520671
which will refer you to another thread. In the referred thread, look at posts #123-128.

hello all, installed a hdd250 a couple weeks ago. only issue thus far is i've seen a
show disappear from the schedule, one of the csi's. no other problems with listings.
got a question... does anyone know the acceptable operating temperature range
for the hard drive? mine seems to be running hot, 105+ degrees. also, any ideas on
quiet 115 volt case fans that could be installed in an equipment cabinet?? thanks in
advance for any advice you can provide!

A few people in this thread had posted issues with choppy motion with two stations in the SF Bay area. The channels are 4.1 (KRON) and 11.2 (KNTV-Weather). I was one of those people and have been trying to get Sony to resolve this for me.

About 3-4 weeks ago, I was able to reach a seemingly knowledgeable person in Sony second level support, who thought that this was a firmware issue and that he may be able to find a better firmware, etc. He was supposed to contact me two days later. No response for some 3-4 weeks! So, I called today, go through the whole tech support dance again and find out that they indeed had a resolution for me filed in my trouble ticket. The resolution they gave me was that my SNR of roughly 30 wasn't good enough and that I should have greater than 40 SNR to get good picture.

No amount of explanation to the robot that helped me on the phone that this was an issue only with these two channels, that someone else has found that firmware 1.2.9 seems to have this problem, but not 1.2.5, etc. didn't help. Their solution was to have me get a signal amplifier and see if the problem goes away.

Anyway, I am not even sure that anyone in this forum has seen greater than 40 SNR. I am not talking about signal strength, but SNR.

I just thought that I would share this with everyone. Oh, well... So much for Sony "Support".

Well, there are apparently no (http://news.sel.sony.com/ces06/productnews.htm) replacements planned for the DHG-HDD250 and DHG-HDD500 models.

Bring on the TiVo SA HD dual tuner cablecard unit!!

[/QUOTE]re you able to get a decent OTA signal from channel 9 in Toronto at all? It may work via your cable system if you folks get CFTO, but I wouldn't promise it.


Bob[/QUOTE]

Hi Bob,

Just installed new Antenna tonight and getting a good OTA signal from CFTO (signal was not strong enough to even recognize previously when scanned).....Machine is off for another wait and see session.

Would love to even just get a correct time on the unit...for now it's a just very expensive broken clock. Too much down time for each try to see if it works or not.

BAck to twiddling my thumbs! Hope you are still up and running.
Sharon

Bring on the TiVo SA HD dual tuner cablecard unit!!

It's looking less and less likely that we will see an actual HD TiVo released this year. It's looking more and more like 2007. Maybe late this year if we're lucky. I'm waiting until tomorrow to hear some solid info from them. Otherwise I'm buying an DHG-HDD500. I don't know what's going on with the Comcast deal either. There was a huge Comcast presence at the Panasonic press event today where Comcast announced Panasonic would be providing future DVRs for them along with the Comcast Guide.

I've had my 250 for about 2 weeks and haven't enjoyed the interface(coming from a tivo machine). I will most likely return this product or ebay it.

It's looking less and less likely that we will see an actual HD TiVo released this year. It's looking more and more like 2007. Maybe late this year if we're lucky. I'm waiting until tomorrow to hear some solid info from them. Otherwise I'm buying an DHG-HDD500. I don't know what's going on with the Comcast deal either. There was a huge Comcast presence at the Panasonic press event today where Comcast announced Panasonic would be providing future DVRs for them along with the Comcast Guide.

And originally I had thought TiVo was going "in with" Comcast to offer their software to subscribers... but the Panasonic box is OCAP software and I haven't heard anything about TiVo redesigning their software for OCAP compatibility. I think there are going to be a lot of "TiVo killers" announced in the next two weeks (CES and Mac World Expo).

I gave up waiting for the TiVo HD CC Box... I've been waiting since they announced it last year. I've got an SA8300HD coming Friday.

A few people in this thread had posted issues with choppy motion with two stations in the SF Bay area. The channels are 4.1 (KRON) and 11.2 (KNTV-Weather). I was one of those people and have been trying to get Sony to resolve this for me.

About 3-4 weeks ago, I was able to reach a seemingly knowledgeable person in Sony second level support, who thought that this was a firmware issue and that he may be able to find a better firmware, etc. He was supposed to contact me two days later. No response for some 3-4 weeks! So, I called today, go through the whole tech support dance again and find out that they indeed had a resolution for me filed in my trouble ticket. The resolution they gave me was that my SNR of roughly 30 wasn't good enough and that I should have greater than 40 SNR to get good picture.

No amount of explanation to the robot that helped me on the phone that this was an issue only with these two channels, that someone else has found that firmware 1.2.9 seems to have this problem, but not 1.2.5, etc. didn't help. Their solution was to have me get a signal amplifier and see if the problem goes away.

Anyway, I am not even sure that anyone in this forum has seen greater than 40 SNR. I am not talking about signal strength, but SNR.

I just thought that I would share this with everyone. Oh, well... So much for Sony "Support".


What number did you call? I'll try calling in about it too. I also have a Sylvania SRZ2300 that does NOT have this problem on 11-2 and 4-1.

Cosmicvoid and jengle1023, are you getting updated listings in Seattle? My power went out yesterday and cameback, but my clock wont set itself. In the past after a poweroutage my clock set itself in just a few minutes. The VBI test fails on PBS, KCTS 09 and I don't have listings past this Friday indicating that the feed's been down for a few days.

I sent KCTS an email asking them to check their feeds but I'm not sure how much good that will do.

JP
I've been out of WA since 12-26. My wife just got back on Wed. the 4th. Only Wed, Thurs. Fri and Sat were on the guide. I think it quit. I'll be back in Seattle on Saturday the 6th and will let you know what is visible.

I've had my 250 for about 2 weeks and haven't enjoyed the interface(coming from a tivo machine). I will most likely return this product or ebay it.That was my situation with the 500 about a month ago. I returned it, but then picked up the 250 (for much less) as a hedge in case TiVo doesn't announce anything more concrete at CES on their SA HD box. Those who haven't used the TiVo interface apparently think the Sony is OK; those of us spoiled on TiVo (even with a monthly fee) know better ;)!

That's a great start then Sharon - I hope you did a full TVGOS reset then put in a Canadian postal code. I wondered about using a St. Catherines code - sort of midpoint between Buffalo and Toronto. It's a Cogeco Cable lineup much like I have here.

Mine is still humming along fine - 12 days and counting so far. No response from WNED about still not getting any data from them yet either.

Bob

That's a great start then Sharon - I hope you did a full TVGOS reset then put in a Canadian postal code. I wondered about using a St. Catherines code - sort of midpoint between Buffalo and Toronto. It's a Cogeco Cable lineup much like I have here.

Mine is still humming along fine - 12 days and counting so far. No response from WNED about still not getting any data from them yet either.

Bob
Hi Bob,
OMG I woke up this am with ....get this...the correct time..... at 10 am, have full canadian cable listings, I just called the hubby at work and told him we owed you lunch. ......some of the channels are wrong(Not sure how many yet because i will have to take time to manually click on them all to check. ) and I am wondering if there may be a quick fix to this or if we are going to have to go through and manually reassign the channels. Are we going to be constantly resetting

We used a Ft Erie postal code.....only because that is what you posted had worked for you. Now that we are functioning I imagine the hubby is going to be playing with the postal codes also. Please post if you do try any others or if you have any channel listing advice that may be helpful in completing the set up.

Not familiar with the cogeco line up. Are you on adelphia or does buffalo offer other cable company?

My husband seems to think this problem is someting the cable company is doing to the signal......but my thoughts are that we should still be able to get it OTA, which leads me back to WNED. I am not a real technically minded person just thankful we have gotten this far.

To Joshua, hope you are up and running....please post when you get a chance, I am hungry for input from anyone in the Buffalo/Niagara area.

Happily Using HDD500 again.

Sharon

That was my situation with the 500 about a month ago. I returned it, but then picked up the 250 (for much less) as a hedge in case TiVo doesn't announce anything more concrete at CES on their SA HD box. Those who haven't used the TiVo interface apparently think the Sony is OK; those of us spoiled on TiVo (even with a monthly fee) know better ;)!

I haven't used a TiVo but from what I've seen it doesn't seem to have a listings grid. I need to see what's on at a glance so that would be a major drawback. Since TiVo is a paid service I imagine their listings and channel lineups are more complete with better support. I wonder what happened to that TiVo Basic service they used to have. I haven't seen it mentioned in a long time.

What number did you call? I'll try calling in about it too. I also have a Sylvania SRZ2300 that does NOT have this problem on 11-2 and 4-1.

1-800-222-7669. Good luck.

Greetings to all users of this forum from a new owner of the Sony DHG-HDD250. I don’t know if this post will be of much technical interest or even any other interest(!), but I thought I would like to share with anyone who might be considering its purchase.

I am in a western suburb of Chicago, about 12 miles southwest of the downtown transmitters, using the HDD250 for OTA reception using a component video connection to a Toshiba analog set (27AF43) with a Radio Shack indoor amplified antenna (15-870). Oh, and the TV is in the basement(!) but near a large picture window. I don’t really have interest in cable/premium channels, so “free” TV is good enough for me. However, the ghosts and shadows of analog reception, even with an amplified antenna (which works well for the basement placement), were finally getting to me.

On Tuesday (1/3/06) I purchased a Pro Brand HD3150Plus HDTV receiver from CC and it worked well. Due to the design of the machine, I could only use S-video to the TV, but the reception was much improved from analog OTA with the same antenna. Naturally, as those around Chicago are used to experiencing, WBBM-DTV (Channel 2, CBS) was not being picked up. I wasn’t too surprised and figured it might be due to the weather (foggy, overcast) or just a combination of the WBBM signal and my equipment. However, the drawback of the Pro Brand not being able to record, or having to switch cables between TV or receiver and another recorder, quickly turned my attention to a HDTV receiver with HD.

I read about ten pages of postings in this and the LG LST-3410A forum. After reading the pros and cons of each, I decided upon the Sony. Having no experience with other TV Guide listing menus, I felt that this nuance wasn’t terribly important in my decision. Additionally, the LG LST-3410A doesn’t seem to be readily available. (I received an email from CC after I inquired about when it might become available and the individual basically said nothing except to keep watching out for it on the website. Some help.)

I found out from this forum that BB had these around in stores for $499 even though it wasn’t on their website. Lo and behold, the Melrose Park store still had one on the shelf Wednesday afternoon (1/4/06) and I picked it up. If you’re in the Chicagoland area and are considering purchasing the HDD250, just go to a couple of stores in your area...they might have it, as other posters mentioned a week or so ago for other areas of the country. I realize that these might be cheaper online or EBay, but for this purchase I felt more comfortable being able to return by carrying it back to the store instead of shipping. Besides, I wanted to get the Rose Bowl on tape! (OK, that doesn’t make sense any more. On disk? On disc? On hard drive?) :D

Having already set up a receiver the day before, the Sony came out of the box and connections were made fairly quickly. The scan for channels took about 5-10 minutes, with 22 analog and 26 digital channels listed as found. Then, since about 20 minutes remained until the game started, I fooled around with the menus for awhile before it became apparent (at least to me) that one couldn’t simply press “record” to start a recording, as on a VCR! Since I had just plugged the receiver in, naturally the clock had not auto programmed nor were there any TV listings either. I fumbled around with the owner’s manual and on-screen menus and was able to find the correct manual recording procedure. This meant that the date stamp listed on the HD was 1/1/2004 from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM, but the bottom line is it worked! I did a couple of rewinds/fast forward back to live as the game progressed – they worked as promised.

As of right now, I don’t know what other channels were found or how they look! I did note this morning that the time was now displayed, so I’m assuming that some TV guide info is getting through as well.

Some other notes from a newbie, not necessarily looking for answers since they may be elsewhere and I’m mostly going from how I interpret the manual, but here they are.

· The ABC-DTV signal was fantastic even on the analog set. (I know, I know, I haven’t compared it to a true HD output.) Even my wife (not one to rave much about technology) was impressed. :)
· I did note that the internal fan was on last night and this morning. I think that someone earlier mentioned this phenomenon. Hopefully it won’t be a 24/7 thing. (The unit is on top of my TV, not inside the TV stand.)
· When I’m ready for archiving, I plan to transfer from the HD to a JVC VHS/DVD recorder using the S-video output. The additional bonus of the Sony to me is that S-video and composite can be simultaneous outputs, unlike the Pro Brand. So even if I would just record to VHS/DVD in real time with the Pro Brand, there would be many more connections required.
· Slightly disappointed by the inability to “pause” while recording, or even doing a VCR-like recording. When recording certain sporting events using a VCR, I would pause the recording during commercials. This would result in less use of tape. But with DVD media being relatively inexpensive these days, I guess this is a minor issue.
· Similar to the above, I also don’t see the ability to edit out the commercials after the recording is residing on the HD. Again, I haven’t checked out all material on the web.
· I did know that jumping into the world of HD meant that most signals would be in 16:9 format, but I found the different sizes of signals (i.e. game feed, different commercials) gave me a headache when I was using the TV in letterbox mode (black bars were at the top and bottom for the game feed). :eek: Some commercials gave black bars on all sides, some at top and bottom, some filled the screen, etc. About halfway through I gave up and switched to zoom mode, which Sony calls “Side Crop”, to use 100% of the TV display, which I am more used to viewing!
· The analog tuner on the Sony (the Pro Brand only has a digital tuner) is a bonus to receive analog signals. I can still get somewhat of a signal for CBS on the analog side, so even if I can’t get the digital just yet, there will at least be some signal from CBS.
· The Pro Brand had a nice one-button feature that displayed the S/N ratio as well as overall signal strength (0 to 100), which was helpful for determining proper antenna rotation, etc. There doesn’t seem to be something similar on the Sony except by going through the diagnostic menus and finding the S/N ratio. What’s the typical reading for S/N?

Again, I might be missing something since I haven’t exhaustively searched everywhere, but if you’d like to comment or hammer me on something obvious I missed, please feel free!

...I did note that the internal fan was on last night and this morning. I think that someone earlier mentioned this phenomenon. Hopefully it won’t be a 24/7 thing. (The unit is on top of my TV, not inside the TV stand.)...
The noise you are hearing could be the fan or hard drive spinning, but it does that constantly. Also, be advised, the manual suggests that you NOT put it on top of your TV (because of heat generated by the TV). Mine is in an open rack.

I had mine on top of the TV and it started acting flakey so I moved it and it's been fine ever since. To see all the channels it added during the scan you could always use the channel up/down button to check them out. There is also a menu item for adding and removing channels that shows a list of all the channels it found. I wouldn't recommend removing any though as you may accidentally remove the one that provides the TVGOS data.

And originally I had thought TiVo was going "in with" Comcast to offer their software to subscribers... but the Panasonic box is OCAP software and I haven't heard anything about TiVo redesigning their software for OCAP compatibility. I think there are going to be a lot of "TiVo killers" announced in the next two weeks (CES and Mac World Expo).

I gave up waiting for the TiVo HD CC Box... I've been waiting since they announced it last year. I've got an SA8300HD coming Friday.

I'm hoping Best Buy drops the price of the DHG-HDD500 to $699 the way Crutchfied did. I want to get their extended warranty which I normally wouldn't do but since the hard drive spins 24/7 it's probably best to make an exception in this case.

I'm surprised we haven't heard anything about new DVRs at CES. Nothing from Sony. Nothing from TiVo. Sony I can somewhat understand as they will likely have a Blu-Ray recorder in late 2006 or early 2007 though that doesn't explain why the current models have been discontinued already. TiVo on the other hand I just don't get. Their press releases are up and no mention of any new hardware despite them showing a standalone HD model at least year's show. I don't think they will be around much longer.

I have serious doubts that Apple will come out with anything that records (especially HD) as they have been strongly against this sort of thing. Yes, it's idiotic of them. They of all people could do it right. Less than a week to go until Macworld though so I can wait just in case.

The noise you are hearing could be the fan or hard drive spinning, but it does that constantly. Also, be advised, the manual suggests that you NOT put it on top of your TV (because of heat generated by the TV). Mine is in an open rack.

Thanks for the heads up regarding the noise. I figured it was the hard drive or fan spinning, just wasn't sure if it should be constant. As for the unit placement, I guess that proves I haven't completely read the owner's manual yet... :o

I'm hoping Best Buy drops the price of the DHG-HDD500 to $699 the way Crutchfied did...I think you're out of luck as far as BB is concerned. They don't list the 500 on their Web site, and, while you can find boxes of the 250 in their stores, there's nary a 500 to be found. Check other online retailers or eBay.

I think you're out of luck as far as BB is concerned. They don't list the 500 on their Web site, and, while you can find boxes of the 250 in their stores, there's nary a 500 to be found. Check other online retailers or eBay.


What do you mean they don't list it? It's on their website right now for $999

That's odd since I did a search for it and came up with nothing. But I see it now, and what's really odd is that the 250 isn't listed, but they're available in their stores. No one's gonna buy a 500 at that retail price, though.

Best Buy had dropped the price to $899 for a few days last week but it's up to $999 again. I can get it for $699 elsewhere but I really want an extended warranty because the hard drive running 24/7 worries me.

Nothing new from Sony or TiVo at CES. This year's show has been a real yawnfest. In fact, I don't see any new DVRs at all except those announced as collaborations with various cable companies. Actually I think there is something sinister going on here. It seems as though in the future they won't be selling DVRs direct to consumers anymore. Instead they will be available exclusively through your local cable company for a monthly fee. I think this is due to the obsession over DRM and content protection.

...with a Radio Shack indoor amplified antenna (15-870). Oh, and the TV is in the basement(!) but near a large picture window...

Naturally, as those around Chicago are used to experiencing, WBBM-DTV (Channel 2, CBS) was not being picked up. I wasn’t too surprised and figured it might be due to the weather (foggy, overcast) or just a combination of the WBBM signal and my equipment.

Hebner,

Is that antenna a VHF or UHF antenna (or both)? Does it have rabbit ears (very long ones), or does it just have very small elments?

If it is UHF only, or if it doesn't have very long "rabbit ears" for VHF reception, this is probably the reason you can't get channel 2 (digital CBS). This is one of the most difficult channels to tune because of the very long wavelength (and the large antenna that is needed to tune this lang wavelength)...

CBS in West Michigan (Kalamazoo) is on digital channel 2 as well, and generates tons of gripes in the Grand Rapids, MI local reception forum.

I have a tech coming on Saturday to install a CC in my HDD250, and in my Mits TV. (They are also bringing an HD STB so I can do PPV stuff - my wife insisted on this)...

So I was wondering if there is anything I should make sure of before he leaves? I have basic cable right now + OTA for receiving my local CBS. The current host channel is OTA 35 (local PBS), and my clock channel is Cable 12 (local PBS).

Do I basically have to repeat the setup process from scratch when the CC is installed?

Thanks for your help!

Nothing new from Sony or TiVo at CES. This year's show has been a real yawnfest. In fact, I don't see any new DVRs at all except those announced as collaborations with various cable companies. Actually I think there is something sinister going on here. It seems as though in the future they won't be selling DVRs direct to consumers anymore. Instead they will be available exclusively through your local cable company for a monthly fee. I think this is due to the obsession over DRM and content protection.

I did see on their CES web site that they are giving away a HDD500 as part of the Grand Prize - High Definition Package. At least somebody at Sony hasn't given up on it! :)

I did see on their CES web site that they are giving away a HDD500 as part of the Grand Prize - High Definition Package. At least somebody at Sony hasn't given up on it! :)

Maybe that's the last one they have. :p

Well, it looks like TiVo is not going to be an option. Ever. Seems they are going to continue selling hardware for analog subscribers but as far as digital goes it will be a software only solution provided to the cable companies. Apparently plans for a standalone CableCard HD TiVo were scrapped. The cable companies will rent out the hardware and TiVo will supply the software. That's all folks.

...Apparently plans for a standalone CableCard HD TiVo were scrapped...That's all folks.Do you have anything to substantiate that other than pure speculation? If so, please post. Yes, it's extremely disappointing that TiVo has not made any announcement at CES (yet) about that unit, but your statement is a bit over the top.

Maybe that's the last one they have. :p

Well, it looks like TiVo is not going to be an option. Ever. Seems they are going to continue selling hardware for analog subscribers but as far as digital goes it will be a software only solution provided to the cable companies. Apparently plans for a standalone CableCard HD TiVo were scrapped. The cable companies will rent out the hardware and TiVo will supply the software. That's all folks.

Does'nt surprise me one IOTA. When I was researching the HD dvrs a few months ago, I was amazed that Panasonic, SHarp, Toshiba, Hitachi, on and on and on did'nt not have an offering. After I got my Sony and went through the hassle of setting it and getting everything working right, It kinda dawn on me why there is no product offering.. You have nothing but roadblocks from the cable companies and hollywood and you really have no (as a mfg) idea when digital well be mainstream and analog is dead.

LG is the only one offering DVR and thats in their TV's , no one else.

So as log as there is the analog for the tvguide the sony will work but after that if there is no provision within Sony or TVguide to continue it will die. Sony probably figured the hassle/reward factor was way tilted toward the hassle and decided to drop it.

Enjoy the sony while they last and hopefully they will be around once digital becomes mainstream...atleast till feb 2009 or so...Still worth it IMO.

HDaddiction.

I also don’t see the ability to edit out the commercials after the recording is residing on the HD.

Nope, no editing capability at all on this unit. When I archive HD material, I dub it via the "SD Out" format to a Panasonic HDD/DVD recorder, and edit out the commercials there before dubbing again to DVD. Of course, it isn't HD any more, but I can use the Sony's "Squeeze" mode to get the entire picture into the SD output, then expand it again with my HDTV's aspect control. So I still get a widescreen picture, at least, and it looks pretty good. In fact, right now I'm working on a 4-DVD set of the Orange Bowl game. The Rose Bowl comes next. :)

For SD material, I usually use a separate digital tuner that feeds directly into the Panasonic so as to save one dubbing step.

I've been out of WA since 12-26. My wife just got back on Wed. the 4th. Only Wed, Thurs. Fri and Sat were on the guide.

Did you have a power outage while you (or rather your wife) was gone? If the unit loses power for an extended period (don't know how long), all the guide info disappears and you have to re-initialize from scratch. This happened to me when we lost power for a day and a half because of a big ice storm about a week before Christmas.

Did you have a power outage while you (or rather your wife) was gone? If the unit loses power for an extended period (don't know how long), all the guide info disappears and you have to re-initialize from scratch. This happened to me when we lost power for a day and a half because of a big ice storm about a week before Christmas.

I lost power for about 2 hours and the only thing I lost was the clock. Everything else was just fine.

JP

Well....guess what TiVo just unveiled at CES...

http://www.tivolovers.com/252572.html

and

www.pvrblog.com

Ok folks,

It comes decision time for this guy. I have about 2 weeks to decide to return my 250 to crutchfield or keep it. I haven't been using it lately b/c I have decided to get rid of it, but I'm rethinking. I have fallen in love with its capabilities, but not with the fact that it already needs to go back to SONY for repairs (error 161-6). I have the cable card in and it works great except for the obvious error that is keeping it from working constantly.

The reasons I want to send it back:
For $500 it shouldn't need fixing already (any idea how long it takes to get this unit back from SONY if you get this problem fixed?).
For $500 I don't want a refurbished unit (will be once I get it fixed)
I can't see channel listings for channels such as iNHD2, etc, that aren't' on the TVGO system.
I don't want to have to reset it up every time there is a power outage. (How long does the power have to go out for it to lose everything?)
I want to wait for a SONY with dual tuners, and other upgrades.

The reasons I want to keep it:
I belive it is phenomenal if it works right (but I've had it since Dec. 17 and still is not right)
I like being about to watch my missed shows in HD (after all that's why I have an HDTV)
It doesn't look like SONY is coming out with anything soon, if at all to replace it.
I enjoy TV on my schedule, and the ease of clicking on a show and hitting record.

Ooooo! Almost forgot - I'm also out $50 for the cable company coming out to bring me the cable card, then to bring back my box.

Any help or guidance is, as always, appreciated! Thanks!

One snafu my wife ran into was she decided she wanted to record a show once it was on. She pushed the record button like you would normally do on a VCR, but instead of recording it came up with the window to set up a manual recording. She has always set up manual recordings on our old VCR, so that is not a problem, but she was expecting it to just start recording and did not want to "mess" with it. I looked briefly at the manual and did not see anything. Is there some secret combination to just start an indefinite recording?

One other complicating factor, for some reason the digital channel was not coming in, so she had it tuned to the analog station, which I have disabled in the Listings. Therefore, when I went to show her how to record the show immediately from the listing, there was no way to do it, and it just went to setting up a manual recording.

An alternative would be the ability to save the current "live TV" recording after pausing for 30 minutes or whatever it is set to. Is there a way to do that?

...I don't want to have to reset it up every time there is a power outage. (How long does the power have to go out for it to lose everything?) ...Get a UPS! That's what I have for mine.

One snafu my wife ran into was she decided she wanted to record a show once it was on. She pushed the record button like you would normally do on a VCR, but instead of recording it came up with the window to set up a manual recording. She has always set up manual recordings on our old VCR, so that is not a problem, but she was expecting it to just start recording and did not want to "mess" with it. I looked briefly at the manual and did not see anything. Is there some secret combination to just start an indefinite recording?

One other complicating factor, for some reason the digital channel was not coming in, so she had it tuned to the analog station, which I have disabled in the Listings. Therefore, when I went to show her how to record the show immediately from the listing, there was no way to do it, and it just went to setting up a manual recording.

An alternative would be the ability to save the current "live TV" recording after pausing for 30 minutes or whatever it is set to. Is there a way to do that?


I have found that the easiest way to record a show that is already on/running is to first go to the guide, make sure that the show is selected in the guide, and then press the record button. This will record without any extra button presses (unless there is some conflict with another program). Also, it is a handy way to record all the way back to the beginning of the program (as far as the recording/pause buffer will allow).

Hi Bob,
OMG I woke up this am with ....get this...the correct time..... at 10 am, have full canadian cable listings, I just called the hubby at work and told him we owed you lunch. ......some of the channels are wrong(Not sure how many yet because i will have to take time to manually click on them all to check. ) and I am wondering if there may be a quick fix to this or if we are going to have to go through and manually reassign the channels. Are we going to be constantly resetting

We used a Ft Erie postal code.....only because that is what you posted had worked for you. Now that we are functioning I imagine the hubby is going to be playing with the postal codes also. Please post if you do try any others or if you have any channel listing advice that may be helpful in completing the set up.

Not familiar with the cogeco line up. Are you on adelphia or does buffalo offer other cable company?

My husband seems to think this problem is someting the cable company is doing to the signal......but my thoughts are that we should still be able to get it OTA, which leads me back to WNED. I am not a real technically minded person just thankful we have gotten this far.

To Joshua, hope you are up and running....please post when you get a chance, I am hungry for input from anyone in the Buffalo/Niagara area.

Happily Using HDD500 again.

Sharon

Hi Sharon!

That's great news!

I'll try to answer your response in order. First, I'm not using a Fort Erie postal code, but that's not as important as the fact that you're obviously getting TVGOS from a Canadian source now and that can only be CFTO in Toronto. I'm actually using my postal code here west of Toronto, and the cable company that serves this area is Cogeco. When you checked your '500 this morning did it ask you to select a cable system? Was it Cogeco or perhaps Rogers? I'm not sure what company serves Fort Erie. Changing postal codes on your 500 isn't going to make any real difference as all cable system around Southern Ontario carry basically the same services. Only the channel numbers will vary. We don't get US Premium service like HBO, Showtime ESPN and so forth on any Canadian cable system so you're not going to find any Canadian postal code listing that matches what you'd have if you could receive Buffalo-based guide data. Like I mentioned earlier, for whatever reason even when WNED was sending TVGOS, there were no cable channel listings, only broadcast channels. All the premium channels were listed with proper logos, but there was never any TV show data in the guide.

(FYI, Adelphia Cable is a U.S. cable company - they don't exist in Canada.)

As for Adelphia being your problem I would have to disagree with your husband at this point as they would be getting TVGOS info via WNED and (hopefully) not stripping it out in the conversion of the channel 17 OTA signal to cable. I know WNED *was* sending TVGOS and time, but I'm still convinced it's broken at their end (or they aren't receiving TVGOS data from Gemstar and don't know it!). Until it can be verified that TVGOS works via channel 17 on an OTA antenna don't blame the cable company...

As for your channel line-up, the channel 2-13 and some UHF signals listed as "air" are sort of correct if you use an outdoor antenna. Of course some will be wrong as we get a Kitchener channel on 13 and you'de get Rochester, so they might be 75% accurate. You will indeed have to edit them all over to your local cable equivalents, but being Toronto-based all of your cable listings won't be there. Some will but be wrong channels, some aren't receivable from here so they aren't part of the listings.

Keep me posted on how you're making out. I've heard nothing back from WNED since mentioning both your problem and Joshua's comments from last weekend. Maybe he's away or maybe they're working on it and won't answer until they have an answer. Either way I'll let you know.

Bob

Hi folks- HELP!

Last week I reported a one-time loss of access to the premium channels (HBO/SHO channels) on my CC-equipped HDD500. I've got service with Bright House Networks cable. Other channels tuned fine, but tuning to the premiums gave a black screen. Rebooting the unit (unplug/replug) fixed it.

It was fine again for a week or so but last night I found it had done it again, and so once again I unplugged the unit, and started her up again. OK, works fine.

Now AGAIN tonight it happened once more. I actually don't know when it happened; sometime in the last 24 hours. I almost lost a recording due to it, as I got it restarted just a few minutes before a recording was scheduled.

What causes this? Since I don't need to interact with the cable company to fix it, I doubt it's anything on their end, though correct me if I'm wrong.

Has anyone else seen this, or can anyone suggest some diagnostics I might try to further investigate? I'm sure it will happen again, and when it's in that state, perhaps there are some windows I can explore to get info about the state of the unit that might let me put a finger on what's going on.

Any help would be appreciated. Other than this, I've only had one glitch since owning the unit (it froze once, had to reboot it, some time later in the day after the first loss of premium channel access).

Sincerely,

Marc

PS: I have not called Sony yet. I can't imagine I would talk to anyone there with useful input; I'm considering that my last resort. I'm using software version 1.2.0.6 I think.

Hi folks- HELP!

Last week I reported a one-time loss of access to the premium channels (HBO/SHO channels) on my CC-equipped HDD500. I've got service with Bright House Networks cable. Other channels tuned fine, but tuning to the premiums gave a black screen. Rebooting the unit (unplug/replug) fixed it.

It was fine again for a week or so but last night I found it had done it again, and so once again I unplugged the unit, and started her up again. OK, works fine.

Now AGAIN tonight it happened once more. I actually don't know when it happened; sometime in the last 24 hours. I almost lost a recording due to it, as I got it restarted just a few minutes before a recording was scheduled.

What causes this? Since I don't need to interact with the cable company to fix it, I doubt it's anything on their end, though correct me if I'm wrong.

Has anyone else seen this, or can anyone suggest some diagnostics I might try to further investigate? I'm sure it will happen again, and when it's in that state, perhaps there are some windows I can explore to get info about the state of the unit that might let me put a finger on what's going on.

Any help would be appreciated. Other than this, I've only had one glitch since owning the unit (it froze once, had to reboot it, some time later in the day after the first loss of premium channel access).

Sincerely,

Marc

PS: I have not called Sony yet. I can't imagine I would talk to anyone there with useful input; I'm considering that my last resort. I'm using software version 1.2.0.6 I think.

Not sure if this is your probelm, but it could be error 161-6 (if you're lucky enough to catch it while it's on you'll be told this) This causes the tuner to not be able to decode what the cable card says it shodul be decoding. Taking the card out and back in works, but you lose your channel arrangement, and you have to search for teh premium channels again.

If this is your problem, it is only fixed by service from SONY. I was on the phone all night with them and Crutchfield to come up with a solution.

I'll post my results next, but it must be repaired or replaced.

Well, the solution I think I've come up with is to go get one at Best Buy (my local store has 10 or so)(plus I have a 10% off coupon) and send this one back to Crutchfield.

Still though I would be curious how to get the channels that aren't offered such as iNHD 2 to show up on my guide, even if I can't see guide Data, just to help the other half know that they are there.

I'm also curious if anyne knows how long the power can go out before you lose everything.

...I'm also curious if anyne knows how long the power can go out before you lose everything.I unplugged mine to move it, and it was without power for about 45 minutes. When I plugged it in, the clock showed nothing, but the guide was still there (along with scheduled recordings). Then, after a connection to the PBS station, the clock returned, but was 45 minutes slow. Then, after another connection, all was back to normal. So it will go at least 45 minutes without major problems.

(FYI, Adelphia Cable is a U.S. cable company - they don't exist in Canada.)

Bob

hahaha Oh my, not sure how or why but I honestly thought you were in Buffalo. I moved here from Georgia and still not familiar with the all the town & city names and whether they they are located in US or Canada.

Hubby is Playing with the '500 tonight...has disconnected cable from unit and downloading OTA with USA zipcode. He wants to test out all possibilities and I must let him play since he paid so much for it in the first place.

Further discussions and tonight he is pondering that the WNED/PBS clock is not functioning and they either don't know it or something like that . (as you have been saying.)

Who Supplies the clock signal that goes to PBS?

Will try to keep a log of his different settings and results. I know the hubby and he will try to prove or disprove the clock theory in the upcoming week.
Thank you again,
S

This may have been covered before but a quick search didn't bring up any hits. When I first got my HDD500 5 weeks ago it displayed the time when it was off. Suddenly that stopped and I'm not sure why. There's no menu option for this that I can see. Anyone know what happened?

Do you have anything to substantiate that other than pure speculation? If so, please post. Yes, it's extremely disappointing that TiVo has not made any announcement at CES (yet) about that unit, but your statement is a bit over the top.

Sorry, I was repeating what was posted on a CES coverage site. I wouldn't have mentioned it except that just a couple hours after they posted it TiVo cancelled their press event and it all started to fit. It would have made sense for TiVo to go the software only route as they wouldn't have to worry about hardware and they would still be in a better position than ReplayTV due to their deals with the cable companies.

I'm glad they were wrong though. I still don't understand why on earth TiVo cancelled their press event. They claimed they had introduced too much the past year and didn't want to overwhelm people. Doesn't make sense to me. How do you overwhelm people at CES anyway? A Series 3 HD box is big news and they go and introduce it like it is nothing at all. It looks incredible.

Well, the solution I think I've come up with is to go get one at Best Buy (my local store has 10 or so)(plus I have a 10% off coupon) and send this one back to Crutchfield.

Did you find the 10% off coupon on the web? If you can share it please let me know, I've been hoping to find one.

MT

Did you have a power outage while you (or rather your wife) was gone? If the unit loses power for an extended period (don't know how long), all the guide info disappears and you have to re-initialize from scratch. This happened to me when we lost power for a day and a half because of a big ice storm about a week before Christmas.

We were both out of town. We're not certain if there was a power outage. When she got home, she did not mention that the time was off.

I have found that the easiest way to record a show that is already on/running is to first go to the guide, make sure that the show is selected in the guide, and then press the record button. This will record without any extra button presses (unless there is some conflict with another program). Also, it is a handy way to record all the way back to the beginning of the program (as far as the recording/pause buffer will allow). Yeah, I originally thought it was more involved to just start recording something until I just recently discovered the way you're saying. It can be done quickly enough when you get the knack. Especially if your on that channel already - then it's just two easy button presses. And like jtbell, I just transfer it to my Panny DVD/HDD for editing, also. And I haven't really detected any noticible picture degradation at all from the Sony to the Panny (thru s-video). I'm leaning towards keeping it because I like the tuners and picture quality, and the fact that they're integrated. I figure that there will always be a TV around that could use the tuner somewhere down the line in the future, after I've gotten my money's worth from it now. The way I look at it, unless it breaks down completely, it shouldn't ever become a TOTAL doorstop and I know I'll get plenty of good use out of it.

hahaha Oh my, not sure how or why but I honestly thought you were in Buffalo. I moved here from Georgia and still not familiar with the all the town & city names and whether they they are located in US or Canada.

Hubby is Playing with the '500 tonight...has disconnected cable from unit and downloading OTA with USA zipcode. He wants to test out all possibilities and I must let him play since he paid so much for it in the first place.

Further discussions and tonight he is pondering that the WNED/PBS clock is not functioning and they either don't know it or something like that . (as you have been saying.)

Who Supplies the clock signal that goes to PBS?

Will try to keep a log of his different settings and results. I know the hubby and he will try to prove or disprove the clock theory in the upcoming week.
Thank you again,
S

The clock signal is from a Time Insertion Unit right at WNED according to the station. The TVGOS data comes across their PBS satellite feed he say's, and they have a (presumably) PBS-provided VBI injector unit. WNED verified there is data in the VBI for me 2 weeks ago, but they can't tell if it's valid or not, or whether it's even TVGOS data for that matter. He also mentioned to me that he has concerns that Adelphia cable customers may never get TVGOS from WNED as he thinks Adelphia may be stripping out VBI data - I guess you can verify that if your OTA test using channel 17 works for a few days then you switch to cable only. I'd be tempted to leave the antenna connected and get the guide data that way, just to eliminate on potential disruption to the data should it start to work via PBS again.

Keep me updated on whether or not Adelphia cable channel line-ups start appearing on your guide. Do you know how to access the diganostic screens to see what channel the '500 is trying to use for clock and VBI data?

Bob

Not sure if this is your probelm, but it could be error 161-6 (if you're lucky enough to catch it while it's on you'll be told this) This causes the tuner to not be able to decode what the cable card says it shodul be decoding. Taking the card out and back in works, but you lose your channel arrangement, and you have to search for teh premium channels again.

If this is your problem, it is only fixed by service from SONY. I was on the phone all night with them and Crutchfield to come up with a solution.

I haven't seen any error messages (yet) in any of the three "loss of premium access" events. So, probably not that error that you reported. And, I'm not sure what could be "broken" in that it works most of the time. Just these three events over the last two weeks.

I'll keep everyone posted...

Marc

hahaha Oh my, not sure how or why but I honestly thought you were in Buffalo. I moved here from Georgia and still not familiar with the all the town & city names and whether they they are located in US or Canada.

Hubby is Playing with the '500 tonight...has disconnected cable from unit and downloading OTA with USA zipcode. He wants to test out all possibilities and I must let him play since he paid so much for it in the first place.

Further discussions and tonight he is pondering that the WNED/PBS clock is not functioning and they either don't know it or something like that . (as you have been saying.)

Who Supplies the clock signal that goes to PBS?

Will try to keep a log of his different settings and results. I know the hubby and he will try to prove or disprove the clock theory in the upcoming week.
Thank you again,
S


Sharon!!!

MORE NEWS!!!!

Direct from PBS in Buffalo as of Friday morning:

"I finally have some good news. We did find a problem "down stream" from the PBS VBI equipment. I seems that our own "VITS" (vertical interval test signal) generator was unintentionally inserting test
signals on some of the same lines that carry the Gemstar data, corrupting it. PBS has a remote monitoring system in place for their VBI equipment, but they look at it (via modem) before our VITs
generator and therefore saw no problems. PBS is going to send us equipment so we can monitor the data over-the-air locally, which will be a huge help. We've corrected the VITS generator problem."

I'd say go ahead and try WNED as your TVGOS source - looks like they might have found the problem...

Bob

Did you find the 10% off coupon on the web? If you can share it please let me know, I've been hoping to find one.

MT

I got it in the mail. Got the same type of thing just beofer Christmas too. A little blue envelope that has another envelope inside with 3 or so different coupons. They are valid from today through Monday. You may check AT Best Buy. I believe last time I was there they had a stack of their weekly adds on a table somewhere, and alos had a couple of these envelopes nearby. I'm not entirely sure these are covered by the terms of the coupon, but I'm going there on my lunch break and am going to be making a darn good case that they are not "excluded" from it.

Also, there will be a unit back at Crutchfield soon, but it will need SONY service for the 161-6 error, so I'm not sure they'd resell it, unless I didn't tell them there was a problem (which I woudn't do unless someone specifically wanted to try and pick it up. Not sure they would update their website for ONE item anyway.)

Hebner,

Is that antenna a VHF or UHF antenna (or both)? Does it have rabbit ears (very long ones), or does it just have very small elments?

If it is UHF only, or if it doesn't have very long "rabbit ears" for VHF reception, this is probably the reason you can't get channel 2 (digital CBS). This is one of the most difficult channels to tune because of the very long wavelength (and the large antenna that is needed to tune this lang wavelength)...

CBS in West Michigan (Kalamazoo) is on digital channel 2 as well, and generates tons of gripes in the Grand Rapids, MI local reception forum.

The antenna is a combination of VHF/UHF. I think it has a good gain for an indoor antenna (20 dB miniumum according to the manual) and it certainly makes my analog signal much improved. It does have rabbit ears; they are about 24" each. I am able to recieve the analog CBS-2 signal to some degree at full extension and parallel to the ground, but horizontal lines are present even then. Being in the basement, my antenna is at virtually ground level; I suppose that if I moved the antenna to the main floor I might improve the reception perhaps?

I do recognize from other forums there are various ways to try and remedy this VHF signal problem. However, I may be moving in the next few months so I don't want to do too much until then. There is a large outdoor antenna at that place (I don't have one right now, hence the amplified indoor).

Heb

Hi folks- HELP!

Last week I reported a one-time loss of access to the premium channels (HBO/SHO channels) on my CC-equipped HDD500. I've got service with Bright House Networks cable. Other channels tuned fine, but tuning to the premiums gave a black screen. Rebooting the unit (unplug/replug) fixed it.


What kind of equipment does Bright House use, Motorola or SA ? What firmware version do you have on your cable card ?

The antenna is a combination of VHF/UHF. I think it has a good gain for an indoor antenna (20 dB miniumum according to the manual) and it certainly makes my analog signal much improved. It does have rabbit ears; they are about 24" each. I am able to recieve the analog CBS-2 signal to some degree at full extension and parallel to the ground, but horizontal lines are present even then. Being in the basement, my antenna is at virtually ground level; I suppose that if I moved the antenna to the main floor I might improve the reception perhaps?

I do recognize from other forums there are various ways to try and remedy this VHF signal problem. However, I may be moving in the next few months so I don't want to do too much until then. There is a large outdoor antenna at that place (I don't have one right now, hence the amplified indoor).

Heb

The horizontal lines you mentioned sound like they are probably some sort of interference rather than a signal strength issue.

Is the analog channel at channel 2 for this CBS station? What channel is their digital assignment? In my area, analog CBS is channel 3, while their digital counterpart is channel 2. Because they are right next to each other, I can get a sense of the problems I get on the digital channel by looking at the analog picture quality. I often get interference that creates a faint audible "whine" in the audio, and it makes the picture look like it has a series of very closely spaced horizontal stripes (they look like waves that are oriented to move up/down on the screen)...

I just read online at Tivocommunity.com that Tivo has announced a series 3 Tivo with HD, cable card, etc. Don't know how much it will cost or when it will be released! The front of the unit looks a lot like the Sony DHG but it has two ATSC tuners, NTSC tuner, cable tuners, etc. It even has a eSATA port for hard drive expansion. It also has ethernet, USB, etc. Pretty cool. I wish it would be available soon. I have the DHG right now and have until Jan 24 to return it to BestBuy. Also, I bought it for $499 - is there a way I can get the 10% off that people have been talking about.

I just read online at Tivocommunity.com that Tivo has announced a series 3 Tivo with HD, cable card, etc. Don't know how much it will cost or when it will be released! The front of the unit looks a lot like the Sony DHG but it has two ATSC tuners, NTSC tuner, cable tuners, etc. It even has a eSATA port for hard drive expansion. It also has ethernet, USB, etc. Pretty cool. I wish it would be available soon. I have the DHG right now and have until Jan 24 to return it to BestBuy. Also, I bought it for $499 - is there a way I can get the 10% off that people have been talking about.You're a bit late ;)...see post #2186 in this thread...

The horizontal lines you mentioned sound like they are probably some sort of interference rather than a signal strength issue.

Is the analog channel at channel 2 for this CBS station? What channel is their digital assignment? In my area, analog CBS is channel 3, while their digital counterpart is channel 2. Because they are right next to each other, I can get a sense of the problems I get on the digital channel by looking at the analog picture quality. I often get interference that creates a faint audible "whine" in the audio, and it makes the picture look like it has a series of very closely spaced horizontal stripes (they look like waves that are oriented to move up/down on the screen)...

In the case of the Chicago CBS signals (WBBM), they are reversed...digital is channel 3 and analog is channel 2.

Thanks for the other tips!

So as long as there is the analog for the tvguide the sony will work but after that if there is no provision within Sony or TVguide to continue it will die. Sony probably figured the hassle/reward factor was way tilted toward the hassle and decided to drop it.

Enjoy the sony while they last and hopefully they will be around once digital becomes mainstream...atleast till feb 2009 or so...Still worth it IMO.

HDaddiction.

Please provide the link to where you got your information that the TVguide depends on an Analog signal?

I was told by a reliable source at Sony (not Sony Support) that both TV guide and Sony were both aware of the analog tv situation, and they made provision to add digital channels as source for the guide.

And does this box have that flaky problem with HDMI switching that the Moto 6412 cable box does?

Has anybody used this Sony unit with an HDMI-switching receiver? Does it work that way?
i have DHGHDD250 connected via HDMI to Yamaha HTR5990, and Auto-HDMI is always selected by the HDD250 unit depending on the sources, ie 1080i, 720p or 480i/p.

;) Also, I bought it for $499 - is there a way I can get the 10% off that people have been talking about.

I just got back from Best buy getting my new one, and I got it for $449.99 plus tax. Pick up a couple DVDs too and the total was still less that $500.

The coupon packet has 2 coupons that will work for this item in it. Both 10$ off and good until Monday. I think I got it b/c I have a Best Buy card.

Good luck!

PS. The guy at Best Buy told me that $499 is below cost. They used to be $799. I asked him what was wrong with them, why they were that low, he said nothing, he used to have one, but his cable company wanted $100 just to come INSTALL the cable card, then $3.72/mnth.

PSS - You could try telling them at Best Buy that you lost the coupon but you had it. Came in the blue envelope with two other ones, adn is good from the 6th to the 9th. She couldn't even get it to work for mine, she had to manually do it anyway.

Hey Folks,

I just purchased the HDD250. First, thanks to all who post such useful information and tips here. It helped me understand better what I was buying. Now, I'm hoping to get some feedback regarding my situation. A little background:

I have basic cable and OTA HDTV. I have never used a DVR before and haven't recorded anything off television in years. But, I like the idea of watching shows on your own schedule and wanted to record in HD so I bought the HDD250.

Inital impression:

- The tuner is good but doesn't seem as sharp as the HDTV tuner in my LG TV. I notice artifacting on fast/pan type shots that aren't present using the LG tuner. For realtime viewing, I'll stick with the LG tuner.

- Love the simple, clean design of the face of the Sony
- The clock is updated and I have about 24 hours of listings from tvgos.
- The autoscan picked up 4 digital channels from the cable and 6 of the OTA HD channels (note: a better antenna is due to be installed in the attic this weekend)

However, here are the problems:

- None of the digital cable channels or the OTA HD channels that the Sony autoscan picked up are listed in tvgos. The only shows I can schedule recordings for are analog - which defeats the purpose of getting the DVR. How can I get the HD channels in tvgos?

- I've recorded two snippets of shows manually as well as one show from the tvgos but NONE of them will playback. I go to the Rec List and see them listed. I highlight them and hold the play button for at least one second per the manual but nothing happens. What could be wrong here? Does the player seem to have a problem or is this user error?

Thanks much!

- None of the digital cable channels or the OTA HD channels that the Sony autoscan picked up are listed in tvgos. The only shows I can schedule recordings for are analog - which defeats the purpose of getting the DVR. How can I get the HD channels in tvgos?

- I've recorded two snippets of shows manually as well as one show from the tvgos but NONE of them will playback. I go to the Rec List and see them listed. I highlight them and hold the play button for at least one second per the manual but nothing happens. What could be wrong here? Does the player seem to have a problem or is this user error?

Thanks much!

I am guessing that you are looking at the "grouped" version of the Rec List. To watch something that is recorded, highlight it in the list, press SELECT, and you will probably see another line appear just below the highlighted item. Go down to the next line and then press SELECT again. This should play it.

There is a menu option in the Rec List to switch to a list view rather than group view. To do this, exit out to live TV, go to the Rec List, and press MENU before you arrow down at all to any of the shows. In this menu, there is an option to switch from group view to list view.

For the Guide, did you specify a digital cable lineup when you did the initial setup? If you told it you only have basic cable, it may not have listings for the digital HD channels. Also, when you did this setup in the TVGOS system, did you say you were using BOTH OTA and Digital cable? Did it ask you which local broadcast lineup you were using?

Ok, this is why my name is DVR_Newbie. lol. I figured out why I couldn't play the programs back - I followed the steps from page 55 of manual. But once I went to page 67 I realized I hadn't gone through all the proper steps.

Good news, one of the programs I manually recorded did record in HD. So, it looks like manually adding the digital cable channels to be recorded works. But, it would still be nice to be able to get those channels into the tvgos to make the recording/scheduling easier.

Ok, this is why my name is DVR_Newbie. lol. I figured out why I couldn't play the programs back - I followed the steps from page 55 of manual. But once I went to page 67 I realized I hadn't gone through all the proper steps.

Good news, one of the programs I manually recorded did record in HD. So, it looks like manually adding the digital cable channels to be recorded works. But, it would still be nice to be able to get those channels into the tvgos to make the recording/scheduling easier.

Did you read my edited post about the guide data?

- None of the digital cable channels or the OTA HD channels that the Sony autoscan picked up are listed in tvgos. The only shows I can schedule recordings for are analog - which defeats the purpose of getting the DVR. How can I get the HD channels in tvgos?

[added: I now notice spiff72's postings. Definitely make sure you've set up TVGOS correctly so you get the proper channel lineups, before you try the kludge I describe below.]

If TVGOS has a matching analog channel for a missing digital channel, you can re-map the analog channel's listing so that it points to the digital one. I've had to do this for some of my stations.

1. Go into the TV Guide, arrow up to the top bar with the list of functions, then over to SETUP, and down to "Change channel display," and select it. You'll see a list of all your TVGOS channels, both active and inactive.

2. Scroll down to the channel that you want to re-map, and hit the SELECT or MENU button. You'll get a menu on the left side of the screen, with options for that channel.

3. In that menu, scroll down to the "tune channel" box, which contains the channel number. Let's say it's analog channel 9. The corresponding digital channel is probably 9.1. Enter "9.1" in the "tune channel" box, then press the SELECT button twice to exit from that menu.

4. You're now back in the channel list. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary to remap any other channels you want.

5. Hit the TV GUIDE button to exit when you're finished.

If you don't have a matching analog channel for any of the missing digital ones, you're out of luck. For example, here in South Carolina the PBS stations all carry the PBS HD feed on subchannel 3. There's lots of good stuff there that I'd like to record, but the TVGOS data for my area doesn't include these subchannels, nor does it include the PBS HD listing anywhere else, as far as I can tell. Maybe someone can tell me that it's buried among the 200+ cable channels that are currently inactive? (I don't use cable, just OTA.) In the meantime, I have to record these programs manually, which means they all get collected under "Unknown" in the recording list, without titles. :(

What kind of equipment does Bright House use, Motorola or SA ? What firmware version do you have on your cable card ?

Dozens, and others following my CC occasional loss of premiums issue... Thanks.

The cable card is a Scientific Atlanta Hardware Model 0600 version 0010 Bootrom version 115 OS version 2.3.149.s2 (0) from May 2 2005.

Presuming there is a "next time" that the problem happens I'll go into that diagnostic screen and see what I can see.

Some other info: I have the system on a UPS so that any sporadic power outages won't take it down.

Any ideas, anyone?

Marc

Thanks, JTBell! That was very helpful.

Note that if you just press the TV Guide button the channel listing that appears only represents the channels that are turned on in the TVGOS channel lineup by default. If you go into the TVGOS channel editor it will show you a lot more channels available than if you just press the TV Guide button. My TVGOS channel lineup (as shown in the channel editor) includes about 380 channels though I do not actually get most of them.

Now what you want is the channel editor that you get to from within the TVGOS listings menu not the Channel Add/Remove option from the main menu. You don't want to mess with that.

Also from withing the TVGOS channel lineup menu you can go back into setup and select "My channel lineup is not correct" and it will then present you with a list of choices for cable company and perhaps OTA lineups. Mine shows something like this for cable company choices:

Comcast
Comcast (Rebuild)
Comcast, Digital
Comcast, Digital (Rebuild)

This doesn't seem to change the number of total channels shown in the channel editor but simply the order and which channels are on or off by defult. You can also remap channels as was stated previously. Now on mine the local analog channels are shown as WGN, WLS, etc while the digital versions are WGN-DT and WLS-DT, etc. A few are still missing completely though so the channel mapping hasn't helped there.

[added: I now notice spiff72's postings. Definitely make sure you've set up TVGOS correctly so you get the proper channel lineups, before you try the kludge I describe below.]

If TVGOS has a matching analog channel for a missing digital channel, you can re-map the analog channel's listing so that it points to the digital one. I've had to do this for some of my stations.

1. Go into the TV Guide, arrow up to the top bar with the list of functions, then over to SETUP, and down to "Change channel display," and select it. You'll see a list of all your TVGOS channels, both active and inactive.

2. Scroll down to the channel that you want to re-map, and hit the SELECT or MENU button. You'll get a menu on the left side of the screen, with options for that channel.

3. In that menu, scroll down to the "tune channel" box, which contains the channel number. Let's say it's analog channel 9. The corresponding digital channel is probably 9.1. Enter "9.1" in the "tune channel" box, then press the SELECT button twice to exit from that menu.

4. You're now back in the channel list. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary to remap any other channels you want.

5. Hit the TV GUIDE button to exit when you're finished.

If you don't have a matching analog channel for any of the missing digital ones, you're out of luck. For example, here in South Carolina the PBS stations all carry the PBS HD feed on subchannel 3. There's lots of good stuff there that I'd like to record, but the TVGOS data for my area doesn't include these subchannels, nor does it include the PBS HD listing anywhere else, as far as I can tell. Maybe someone can tell me that it's buried among the 200+ cable channels that are currently inactive? (I don't use cable, just OTA.) In the meantime, I have to record these programs manually, which means they all get collected under "Unknown" in the recording list, without titles. :(

This workaround works great for 3 digit channels...anyone figured out how to "edit in" 4 digit channels?

Note: Others have informed me that this requires a firmware update by Sony

If you don't have a matching analog channel for any of the missing digital ones, you're out of luck. For example, here in South Carolina the PBS stations all carry the PBS HD feed on subchannel 3. There's lots of good stuff there that I'd like to record, but the TVGOS data for my area doesn't include these subchannels, nor does it include the PBS HD listing anywhere else, as far as I can tell. Maybe someone can tell me that it's buried among the 200+ cable channels that are currently inactive? (I don't use cable, just OTA.) In the meantime, I have to record these programs manually, which means they all get collected under "Unknown" in the recording list, without titles. :(

You may be able to find the listing on the channel's web site, and you can use manual recording. The title will be unknown but the recording will be identified by date and time. If you recorded the program on a VCR tape, you would have no id. Until I got my DVRs, I recorded everything on VCR tapes, and noted programs on a log by tape number. You could do the same thing but you would only have to log in the show name and date/time.
You wouldn't even need to do that if the same program occurs daily or weekly. For example, I record Dateline and 20/20 on a non-hd DVR that doesn't have a guide. The recorder has provision to add program name, but I don't bother since day and time is enough to identify the show for me.

I'm on my second HDD250 now, and I can't get this one to work right either (the first one worked great for the first 3 days, then everything went crazy - buttons either didn't do anything or only worked sporadically. Took it back to BB and got the only unit left, a shelf model - for $389!)

This one seemed to set up just fine - found lots of cable channels and OTA channels just fine and found the time by the next morning. The picture is great and the advance, rewind, etc buttons and channel up/down rocker work like they should. But pushing the Menu button or Guide button (either on the remote or on the front panel) do nothing at all.

I don't think it's a problem with the remote or with the connection to the TV since nothing shows up on the front panel when I press Menu or Guide on the front panel. The only effect the Menu button has is to prevent me from changing the channel (either by direct input or using the channel rocker), and I finally discovered that pressing Exit gives back my channel control.

Obviously I can't fiddle with any of the settings or do any diagnostics since I can't get at the menu.

Anyone have any ideas what might be wrong??

Jack

Has anybody seen HDD250's at Best Buy in the Chicago area (I live in Naperville).

Thanks!

But pushing the Menu button or Guide button (either on the remote or on the front panel) do nothing at all. [...] I finally discovered that pressing Exit gives back my channel control.

This sounds your unit might be set to "SD Out" display format, in which all the menus and on-screen displays get sent to the composite/S-Video output along with the video. Hold down the FORMAT button on the remote until "SD Out" appears on the front panel display, then release and press the button a few times to cycle through the output format options until you get to one that's suitable for your TV. All of the other output formats do send the menus etc. to the TV.

The stuff above assumes that your TV is connected to either the component or HDMI outputs. If your TV is connected to the S-Video or composite outputs, then your problem is reversed and you need to set the unit to "SD Out" display format.

You may be able to find the listing on the channel's web site, and you can use manual recording.

That's exactly what I'm doing. Fortunately the South Carolina ETV stations provide a good program guide at http://www.scetv.org/ which allows me to display a week's worth of listings for any of their (sub)channels on one page. Of course I get their monthly printed guide, but it doesn't have listings for the HD channel or the "SC Channel" that has state-oriented programming.

And then there's titantv.com.

I did find a shortcut for those manual recordings, instead of having to enter the date and start/stop times by hand. If you tune to a station that isn't in the TVGOS listings, then when you enter the guide there's a line of dummy listings at the top of the grid, labeled with the channel number and divided into half-hour blocks, each labeled AIR. You can select one of those blocks and schedule a recording for it just like for a normal program listing. If your desired program is longer than a half hour, select the first half hour and adjust the recording to end late by an appropriate amount of time.

So is the Sony DHG HDD250/500 the last of the non-cable non-satellite dvr available for hd ota without subscription fees? If that's the case, I see prices going up for these stand alone models. Is Blu-Ray or something going to replace the dvr?

Has anybody seen HDD250's at Best Buy in the Chicago area (I live in Naperville).

Thanks!

Last week the store in Bolingbrook had one left for $499
It wasn't on the shelf in a set place, though. I saw it on the floor in the back area of the TV department. I'd bet it's still there- although the employees won't know anything about it!

I found one in Lincoln NE yesterday marked down to 449, so I grabbed it.

This sounds your unit might be set to "SD Out" display format, in which all the menus and on-screen displays get sent to the composite/S-Video output along with the video. Hold down the FORMAT button on the remote until "SD Out" appears on the front panel display, then release and press the button a few times to cycle through the output format options until you get to one that's suitable for your TV. All of the other output formats do send the menus etc. to the TV.

The stuff above assumes that your TV is connected to either the component or HDMI outputs. If your TV is connected to the S-Video or composite outputs, then your problem is reversed and you need to set the unit to "SD Out" display format.

Thanks jtbell!! Works great now. I don't know how anyone could have one of these without this forum for support.

Hi...I guess the LG 3410A (which I have) has become mostly unavaillable - except for one seller I've just seen - but it has the advantage that you can use firewire to download favorite recordings to digital tape (e.g., with a JVC 30k), which can then be played back via the 3410a (or through a samsung receiver of the type that controls the JVC - which is why I bought the JVC in the first place).

I haven't noticed anything about this capability when I've taken a look at this thread (though I've not tried to read the whole thing), so I guess the SOny doesn't offer the firewire/digital VCR option.

???Tony

So is the Sony DHG HDD250/500 the last of the non-cable non-satellite dvr available for hd ota without subscription fees? If that's the case, I see prices going up for these stand alone models. Is Blu-Ray or something going to replace the dvr?

It's very likely that Sony is working on a upgraded DVR that will include features such dual recording. Also likelly that other manufacturers will offer HD DVRs when there is a bigger market for HDTV recorders. Blu-Ray is fine for pre-recorded movies in HD but no replacement for the Sony DVR, which has a much greater capacity.
With regard to subscription fees, some people that contribute to this thread demand a TIVO guide, and apparently don't mind paying the monthly fee. I wonder how many people would be willing to convert their Sony HDD to TIVO service, if Sony/TIVO devised a TIVO conversion option? I would lke to see a pole on that issue put on this web site.

- The tuner is good but doesn't seem as sharp as the HDTV tuner in my LG TV. I notice artifacting on fast/pan type shots that aren't present using the LG tuner. For realtime viewing, I'll stick with the LG tuner.



I don't understand how the HDD could corrupt pan shots unless it is happening at the interface with your TV since the video is just a serial data stream. If you are using the DVI output, I suggest you try the component video.

Just got the an hdd250, on power-up I get SONY logo on screen (I'm using SD 480i). System shows Welcome. . . message followed by two didgit number on top line that counts up 01,02,03,04,05,06 and then stops. Sony logo disappears, front panel goes blank, then it displays 1.2.09 briefly, this is then replaced by the format setting of 480i along with power and the clock (but with no numbers).

I have tried the exit/tvguide reset several times as well as unplugging it with the same results every time. The unit only responds to a power on/off command from the remote control at this point and so I can't even get to a menu. Only the Format command is recognized from the front panel.

It's looking like I will have to take it to Sony, does anybody know if they still have their service center in Burbank?

Thanks.
Greg.

This is the second time I am able to do this. The first time I thought it may have been a coincidence. I lost power again today. I came back and my clock was showing the --:-- again. To force it to set itself without waiting, turn on your TV, the clock should now show the wrong time, tune to your host channel, usually analogue PBS, select menu, then screen mode, then 9012. Select TV Guide, G* test, and wait until the VBI test succeeds and check your clock. It will show the right time within a few seconds.

JP

I just bought a HDD250 today. How do I find out what version of firmware it has? What seems to be the best / most stable version?

I just bought a HDD250 today. How do I find out what version of firmware it has? What seems to be the best / most stable version?Go in to preferences --> system --> system menu. You'll find it there. Can't answer your second question, sorry.

It works :)

I somehow managed to get the setup display on, the only thing I did differently that I can think of was to press the front panel joystick, maybe it needed that to accept the SD 480i.

Did a channel scan and got 28 analog and 45 digital, Los Angeles.

Now I can sit down and play for a while, hopefully my TVGOS will be populated by tomorrow.

I also own an SIR-T451 which will now be used for watching another channel while the HDD250 is recording.

Except for the initial problem I am happy I got this unit, my only reservation was with it's reliance on the TVGOS. The problems quite a few people seem to have don't seem to be equipment based issues but how and where the "analog" data is to be found. If the TVGOS is on PBS uhf28 here in LA then I believe I should get the guide without any problem.

I am only using OTA so I won't be running into any of the headaches associated with cable cards and the imature support that seems to be prevalent within the cable companies.

So far it's looking good.

Greg.

With regard to subscription fees, some people that contribute to this thread demand a TIVO guide, and apparently don't mind paying the monthly fee.

I probably wouldn't use a TiVO guide myself, because I don't have a phone line in my living room where my AV system is, but I wouldn't mind the capability being present if I weren't forced to use it. If I could set the clock either manually or via broadcast signals, and schedule recordings manually, and be able to label the recordings myself, I'd be satisfied.

I haven't had any problem with the TVGOS system myself, except for it not having data for a few channels that I watch regularly; but I can see the problems some people are having with it. I think they'd be less upset if the operation of these units weren't so closely tied to TVGOS as to be practically useless without it.

I'm on my second HDD250 now, and I can't get this one to work right either (the first one worked great for the first 3 days, then everything went crazy - buttons either didn't do anything or only worked sporadically.

You don't have it on top of your TV or someplace with poor ventilation do you? When I had mine on top of my TV is tarted acting nuts after a few days. The buttons on the remote stopped working except the screen mode and instead of displaying Letterbox, Side Crop it said something like Expand, Normal as if it had reverted to a beta version of the firmware or something. After moving it I have no more problems with it.

So is the Sony DHG HDD250/500 the last of the non-cable non-satellite dvr available for hd ota without subscription fees? If that's the case, I see prices going up for these stand alone models. Is Blu-Ray or something going to replace the dvr?

Aside from the TiVo Series 3 I have not heard of any new HD DVRs being shown at CES or any DVRs at all for that matter. Panasonic and Samsung announced they will be provding various cable companies with HD DVRs but that was it. Nothing that consumers could buy directly. It's possible Sony is waiting on the CableCard 2.0 standard. TiVo won't even be selling theirs until late 2006 or early 2007 and I think the main reason is this will be a main selling point. People love VOD and interactive services I guess. Not me. I think if Sony comes out with replacements they will consist of a 300GB HDD and 300GB HDD/BD models. I wouldn't expect them (or at least the HDD/BD model) until late this year. Of course that doesn't explain why Sony has discontinued the current models already.

I probably wouldn't use a TiVO guide myself, because I don't have a phone line in my living room where my AV system is, but I wouldn't mind the capability being present if I weren't forced to use it. If I could set the clock either manually or via broadcast signals, and schedule recordings manually, and be able to label the recordings myself, I'd be satisfied.

I haven't had any problem with the TVGOS system myself, except for it not having data for a few channels that I watch regularly; but I can see the problems some people are having with it. I think they'd be less upset if the operation of these units weren't so closely tied to TVGOS as to be practically useless without it.

I haven't used the TiVo guide personally but it doesn't appear to have a traditional listings grid. This pictures I've seen make it look rather unintuitive actually though that doesn't mesh with the ease of use it's known for. Maybe someone can post some screen shots for comparison to the TVGOS interface. I really need the listings grid as I like to see what's on at a glance. I like the channel logos too though they are often incomplete. If Gemstar started a subscription service (along with the improvements one would expect) I would pay for it. They could continue the free service which would work as it does now (still wouldn't mind some improvements there) while the subscription service would provide more features as well as listings retrieval via the internet or phone line. The Sony's do have a USB port after all.

Maybe we should all email/write Gemstar with the missing channels/logos from our lineups all at the same time? More of an impact that way.

TiVo does actually have a Grid guide option (but most times you see photos, they are using the Tivo "Live Guide"). I actually prefer the Tivo Live Guide because it lets you see further in advance "at a glance".

I will take a few pics of the 2 options and post in a few minutes.

I haven't used the TiVo guide personally but it doesn't appear to have a traditional listings grid. This pictures I've seen make it look rather unintuitive actually though that doesn't mesh with the ease of use it's known for. Maybe someone can post some screen shots for comparison to the TVGOS interface. I really need the listings grid as I like to see what's on at a glance. I like the channel logos too though they are often incomplete. If Gemstar started a subscription service (along with the improvements one would expect) I would pay for it. They could continue the free service which would work as it does now (still wouldn't mind some improvements there) while the subscription service would provide more features as well as listings retrieval via the internet or phone line. The Sony's do have a USB port after all.

Maybe we should all email/write Gemstar with the missing channels/logos from our lineups all at the same time? More of an impact that way.Sorry, I don't have any screenshots. With TiVo, while watching a show, if you bring up their default program guide, on the left side of your screen, it lists all your channels with what's on at the current time. As you highlight each show, the guide then gives you a menu to the right side listing all the programs on that channel for the next however number of hours will fit on your screen. I hope that makes sense. It's not a grid it the strict sense of the word, but it's quite useable. And, of course, as pointed out in the post above, you can select the grid, but I much prefer the default TiVo guide. I'm one of those who much prefer the TiVo guide (provided by Tribune Media Services), even with the monthly cost. Of course, that also inlcudes Season Passes, Wish Lists, the ability to choose first-run, repeat or both when recording a program, plus many other features not available on TVGOS.

Here they are...

I will probably start saving up some cash for the Series 3 TiVo. I just got CC installed in my Sony, and I definitely prefer the TiVo guide. The guide on the Moto cable box I just got today is horrible, but my wife insisted on the ability to have PPV from cable. (We are looking at cancelling Dish).

The installer was stunned by the fact that I wanted to install 2 CC's and an STB on one TV!

Aside from the TiVo Series 3 I have not heard of any new HD DVRs being shown at CES or any DVRs at all for that matter. Panasonic and Samsung announced they will be provding various cable companies with HD DVRs but that was it. Nothing that consumers could buy directly. It's possible Sony is waiting on the CableCard 2.0 standard. TiVo won't even be selling theirs until late 2006 or early 2007 and I think the main reason is this will be a main selling point. People love VOD and interactive services I guess. Not me. I think if Sony comes out with replacements they will consist of a 300GB HDD and 300GB HDD/BD models. I wouldn't expect them (or at least the HDD/BD model) until late this year. Of course that doesn't explain why Sony has discontinued the current models already.


The Sony DHG 250/500 isn't the only HD DVR -Tuner currently on the US market that also a cable card slot in the back. The Mitsubishi HD-6000 came out at the same time as the Sonys . Here's the link:

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/other/details.asp?catId=3&id=66

What I like about the TiVo Live Guide is the fact that it is FAST, and I can simply arrow up and down on the left side to see what is coming up for the next 6 hours or so. The left side column gives you a list of what is currently on, and to see what is coming up you just look at the list on the right side. As you move up and down in the guide, it is quite fast.

The Sony DHG 250/500 isn't the only HD DVR -Tuner currently on the US market that also a cable card slot in the back. The Mitsubishi HD-6000 came out at the same time as the Sonys . Here's the link:

http://www.mitsubishi-tv.com/other/details.asp?catId=3&id=66


$2000.00 and only 120 gig....no thanks.

Here they are...

I will probably start saving up some cash for the Series 3 TiVo. I just got CC installed in my Sony, and I definitely prefer the TiVo guide. The guide on the Moto cable box I just got today is horrible, but my wife insisted on the ability to have PPV from cable.

I definitely prefer the grid guide pictured as opposed to the live guide. I'm glad it's an option.