Problem with 8300HD, Cable in Houston TWC/Comcast.

All of my recorded programs are skipping, dropping out, pausing, etc. during playback. Even recordings that worked fine before. I am only at 25% of the available space.

I rebooted, I did a Vol +, Vol -, Info boot. No luck. Everything is still stopping and starting during playback. Any thoughts on this? Is this box bad?

Is there a way to format the hard drive again? I hate to lose my saved recordings but they are unwatchable now anyway.

Help!

If it starts with an HD channel and I just select HD channels there is no problem.
If the problem is with the TV, it might be possible to avoid it by setting the 8300 to output 1080i always, by setting the output format to "fixed".

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll try it out.

On a side note these boxes seem to be very unreliable. Are there any HD DVRs that are better?

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll try it out.

On a side note these boxes seem to be very unreliable. Are there any HD DVRs that are better?

Not from the cable companies. If you want a better box you'll have to go w/a TIVO 3.

I am having the same problem with my 4250HD from Cablevision, connected to my Hannspree Xv37 via HDMI.

When I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel my TV goes from 1080i to 480p and the image is shifted to the left with a black bar on the right.
Only power cycling the TV or switching TV inputs fixes the problem, because both actions initiate an HDMI handshake.

It exists across all 3 of my HDMI inputs but does NOT exist on component.

I was thinking it was the TV but with all the problems I am reading about on the Sci Atl boxes, perhaps a box swap is in order.


I have the following problem that just manifested itself in the last 24 hrs w/ Charter & SA 8300HD (SARA 188.25.1) box connected via HDMI to Vizio 37" (VX37L) LCD HDTV. If I switch from a HD channel to a SD channel the picture shifts to the left about 1" and picture quality degrades significantly. If I cycle inputs it will correct on the SD channels until I switch back to HD and the process repeats. I have not tried component inputs to determine if the problem is the HDMI connection. I will attempt tomorrow and advise.

Anyone else have an opinion on whether it is the TV or the cable box.

Follow-up:

Troubleshooting performed:

Disconnected HDMI cable and reinstalled: Unchanged
Connected HDMI cable into HDMI #2: Unchanged
Disconnected HDMI and connected Component cables: Problem work around

However, this does not correct the primary problem of not being able to use HDMI connections. I do not know which way to troubleshoot- Cable box or HDTV.

I am having the same problem with my 4250HD from Cablevision, connected to my Hannspree Xv37 via HDMI.

When I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel my TV goes from 1080i to 480p and the image is shifted to the left with a black bar on the right.
Only power cycling the TV or switching TV inputs fixes the problem, because both actions initiate an HDMI handshake.

It exists across all 3 of my HDMI inputs but does NOT exist on component.

I was thinking it was the TV but with all the problems I am reading about on the Sci Atl boxes, perhaps a box swap is in order.


I think it is a little of both, but the source of the problem I think is mostly the box. From what I see, there is a problem with this box having some compatibility with certain TV's with the HDMI port. I am having the same problem. Components work, cable straight to TV and TV converts fine. It is just with the HDMI. I think some kind of firmware update would fix the problem. Whether the firmware update should come from the settop box or the TV company is the question.

I have a Vizio GV47L 1080P and I have also notived that through the box I get a slightly stretched picture with 1080i channels. If I set the box to 720P fixed, those same channels seem fine. I have this problem with HDMI and component. If I run cable straight to the TV, those same channels again seem fine with 1080i. Very weird things happening with this box.

Screwed up tonight!

I changed my resolution to 720p and apparently my Mitsu widescreen doesn't support it. When I turn the TV on it is scrambled for a second then goes to a blue screen.

How can I change it back to 1080i without the on-screen menus? Read thru the guide on the SA site but the only one that covers this is the 8000 manual, and the procedure doesn't work for the 8300?

Sorry to throw up a vague post, have tried to read up on this thread but got lost around page 15 - most of you guys are way ahead of me on the tech front!!

Appreciate any help that you can offer :)

Thanks,
CR


edit - I am not using HDMI - am using component cables.

If you can't see the 720p output from component output. Simply temporarily connect thru the composite or s-video output which is always 480i output format. You can then "see" the screen and turn off 720p mode. After that you can switch back to the component output.

Yeah, I figured it out this morning. It was on the "DTV" input, when I switched to the Antenna source (cable in) and went to channel 3, it worked in 480i. Then I just had to remove 720p from the list.

Thanks for the tip, don't know how I didn't think of that sooner! I've always been a techie but have really slacked off on keeping up the last few years and am starting to feel pretty out of touch! Must have been pretty beat yesterday not to think of the source change tho!

I just got my SA8300HD from Rogers Cable (Canada), as well as a Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000. I gave up on HDMI, it would reset every single power-on to 480i, or every time I changed inputs on the TV. I'd have to run the setup wizard on every power-on.

Also, sometimes while running the Wizard in advanced mode, the TV would lose sync with the 8300. I can only assume the 8300 has issues with the 1080p the TV supports.

So for now, I'm tolerating component, though there is a noticeable increase in noise due to the analog nature of the signal, I'd suspect.

I'll have to hope a future version of SARA will solve the issue.

So, what is the verdict on HDMI connection for 1080P TV sets? I have the same issue with box dropping to 480i on each power-on with Samsung HL-S5687W TV.
Should I go for exchanging the box with Comcast or is it fruitless and I am doomed at running component?

netscorer.

So, what is the verdict on HDMI connection for 1080P TV sets? I have the same issue with box dropping to 480i on each power-on with Samsung HL-S5687W TV.
Should I go for exchanging the box with Comcast or is it fruitless and I am doomed at running component?

netscorer.

The problem is not confined to 1080p displays, nor is due to a defective example of the 8300HD. The problem lies either in the box's software or the HDMI handshaking protocol or both.

The problem behavior has been widely reported on this forum and others. I have a Toshiba 720p plasma connected to the 8300HD, and the 8300HD reverts to 480i whenever the TV has been switched to another input, even when the cable box has been turned off prior to switching to the other input.

Exchanging your cable box will not eliminate this problem. I have had at least six different 8300HD's from TWC and the problem persists.

Thanks Pbarach,

do you know if SA (or Comcast, or TWC) are working on rectifying this problem? How much PQ degradtion should I expect from switching to component?

netscorer.

Thanks Pbarach,

do you know if SA (or Comcast, or TWC) are working on rectifying this problem? How much PQ degradtion should I expect from switching to component?

netscorer.

SA has already fixed the problem in firmware version 1.89.x.x. The problem is that your cable company, like mine, has only pushed out firmware version 1.88.x.x. Check out the post listed HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4683407&&#post4683407) and scroll down to the "1.88.x.x - Bugs Remaining (Not all-inclusive)" section.

SA has already fixed the problem in firmware version 1.89.x.x. The problem is that your cable company, like mine, has only pushed out firmware version 1.88.x.x.

My cable company (TWC NEOhio) has pushed out 1.87.16.1--I just checked. Thanks for identifying the source of the problem :(

Goodbye SA8300HD, hello TIVO series 3! It should be here today! WooHoo

SA--you won't have me to confuse and kick around anymore! ;)

Not sure if this has been addressed but I have 2 TVs each hooked to SA8300 via HDMI. I have noticed that on the Toshiba 37HL95 LCD the audio will frequently fade in and out. It happens on both HD and SD programming in addition to DVR programming. Is there anyway to address this or is it a Toshiba defect? I have noticed this problem on my Sony A2000 to a lesser extent

Goodbye SA8300HD, hello TIVO series 3! It should be here today! WooHoo

SA--you won't have me to confuse and kick around anymore! ;)

Wow, you were willing to pay $600 plus monthly TiVo charges just to get rid of SA box! It's that bad, hah. Besides frustration with bugs in SA, were there any specific reasons to go with TiVo?

If I understand it, TiVo does not work with OnDemand video.

netscorer.

None of the techs at Time Warner had the slightest idea how to fix this error with my Sony SXRD 60A2000 which was hooked using HDMI. Accidentally, I erased the entire hard drive on the box and - bingo - it works perfect. All you have to do then is reprogram all your settings on the TWC remote.
Then I found a TWC tech who told me how to erase the hard drive on the SA8300 HDDVR so now I think I'm in business for future trouble. Does any of this make sense to any of you experts out there? I spent 81/2 hours on the phone with TWC tech support before this was resolved. Thanks.

I didn't see this subject broached in the thread index, so here goes....

I'm trying to help my in-laws set up their 8300. Specifically, I'm trying to set up their 8300HD to accept RF remote signals. Every cable box I've ever had could be set to IR or RF or even both. However, the twitchy tech employee, after admitting she didn't know how to access the service menu, told me the 8300HD can not accept RF.

Is this true?

And if not, how do I access the appropriate menu? (Not the basic one accessed by pushing 'settings' twice.)

Thanks in advance.

Is this true?
Yes. But there are RF remotes that will translate to IR, like the One-for-All URC-9910.

Is there a way to disable the hard drive in the SA8300? I had a 3250HD box that the sound stopped working on and TW replaced it with the SA8300. I think the 8300 provides a better picture on the SD channels than the 3250 did but, the box is in the bedroom and the hard drive noise is driving me crazy. I do not need the DVR function as I have Replaytv DVR which is much quieter.

Try tuning both tuners to a VOD channel; the main tuner and the PIP tuner. For me it only works with the VOD channels that play previews in the corner. The VOD channels that do not play previews don't work. (For some people this also works with the music channels, but not for me).

If I tune to two VOD channels with previews, I can hear the hard drive spin down. Unfortunately, the fan stays on. It seems you have to unplug the unit to turn off the fan.

After the hard drive spins down, do not turn off the unit. If you turn off the unit, after just a few seconds the hard drive will spin-up again. I think it may then be de-fragmenting the hard drive.

Let me know if you find an easier method. The noise bothers me, also.

Fan?

v/r,
C-F

I think it's fan, though I guess I could be wrong. I hear the hard drive spin down but there's still a humming noise. I assumed that was a fan.

edit: maybe it's not a fan, maybe it's still the hard drive spinning but it's just not reading/writing anything. I'm not sure; all I know is that I haven't found a way to make it quiet apart from unplugging it.

Thanks Meli
I think you are correct that its doing a defrag after you turn it off. It seems that is the noise I'm hearing. I will try leaving it on and see if that helps. If not, I may have to switch back to non-DVR box.

Thanks Meli
I think you are correct that its doing a defrag after you turn it off. It seems that is the noise I'm hearing. I will try leaving it on and see if that helps. If not, I may have to switch back to non-DVR box.

I have the same thing happening--it's the hard drive running, even though I'm not paying for DVR services. TWC said there's no way to keep off the hard drive in this unit.

Two questions. I am new to the Passport software. In Austin, I had the 8300HD running SARA, but in Raleigh they use Passport. I like it, but there are some things I have yet to figure out.

First is, how do you see space left for the DVR? On SARA it was just hit C I believe, on the recorded show list. I can't for the life of me find anything anywhere on this one. I'm sure I can pull up the diagnostic screen and get it, but that can't be how you're expected to check remaining space.

Second I have seen the answer here, but I want to make sure it's the case. Can you really not change to black bars for 4:3 content with the Passport software? Grey sure is annoying.

Passport doesn't have a space left status reading, unless you go into the service diagnostic mode to see how much space is used.
Its not really necessary however since Passport will show icons warning you on the recorded program list if you are getting close. It will first show how much time is remaining estimated until certain recorded programs may have to be erased, like several days at first. This gives you time to watch them before then.

Also Passport OS does not have any support for changing the sidebar color, its a fixed gray only. Would be nice if they added a setup menu item for that, but they haven't done so in the past couple years despite requests!

EDIT ... Should have pointed you at the PASSPORT Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804) ... /EDIT


I second the lack of a "fuel gauge" was not really a problem for us on PASSPORT, especially since we could move the saved shows up and down the list (in descending priority) -- so every couple of days, kick an old favorite show back to the top of the list, while letting the "Kim Possible"s fall off quickly.

My problem was moving to SARA, when my wife discovered the "fuel gauge". Suddenly she is highly concerned about how routinely full the DVR actually was with all the shows. Previously the DVR almost never ran below 70-80% full. Anything over 30% is now a cause for action. (I'm saving up BSG on UHD because I do not have time to catch up and watch it).

For the sidebar colors, I never saw them except when watching 16:9 over composite or S-Video. I just let the TV supply any required bars otherwise. Are you using HDMI and your TV will not accept 480i/p, or is NC one of those areas where 1080i is prescribed over HDMI by some silliness at the head-end?

A SARA plus - it will allow anamorphic output - like the Pioneer PASSPORT boxes used to, albeit with some set-up time cost.

v/r,
C-F

SA 8300HD Problems and solutions threadProblem: It's a crappy old STB that my local cable provider currently charges $17.90 +tax /mo. to rent. :eek:

Solution: Get rid if it. ;)

SA has already fixed the problem in firmware version 1.89.x.x. The problem is that your cable company, like mine, has only pushed out firmware version 1.88.x.x.

I'm sorry to report that I've been having the same problem (drops to 480i after each power down and requires much fiddling to re-establish HD signal), and this is with firmware SARA 1.89.16.2. So I guess we have to hope that the solution comes with a later firmware upgrade. Meanwhile, looks like I'll have to switch over to component connection.

I'm sorry to report that I've been having the same problem (drops to 480i after each power down and requires much fiddling to re-establish HD signal), and this is with firmware SARA 1.89.16.2. So I guess we have to hope that the solution comes with a later firmware upgrade. Meanwhile, looks like I'll have to switch over to component connection.

WOW, that sucks! I still haven't received my firmware upgrade to 1.89.xx.x so for now I have just set the box to always power up on channel 2. This way the box starts in 480i and goes directly to HD when I switch to an HD channel.

Why are you going back to Component? Does this problem not occur with Component?

WOW, that sucks! I still haven't received my firmware upgrade to 1.89.xx.x so for now I have just set the box to always power up on channel 2. This way the box starts in 480i and goes directly to HD when I switch to an HD channel.

Why are you going back to Component? Does this problem not occur with Component?

I've had the box set to power up on an SD channel but still had the problem that the signal stayed at 480i when switching to an HD channel. I've only had an HDTV for a few days now, but gathered from this thread and discussions elsewhere that there isn't the same problem with component connections.

An employee at the box store (Futureshop, in Canada) where I purchased the TV suggested that I run both the HDMI and component connections from the box to the TV at the same time, claiming that if I leave it that way the box will "learn" within a week or so how to switch from SD to HD channels via HDMI. I was pretty skeptical (still am) but, since I was hooking up the component connections anyway, just left the HDMI connection in place to see what happened. Now, with both connections in place, the problem I've been having with the HDMI connection seems to be gone even when I'm using the HDMI input to the TV.

It's not a long-term solution, as I don't have a component input on the TV to spare for this purpose, but I suppose it's progress. I still have a hard time believing that if I disconnect the component connection in a week my HDMI problem won't come back, but I suppose it can't hurt to try it and see what happens.

Regarding SARA firmware versions. TWC in Northeast Ohio (formerly Adelphia territory) pushed out 1.88.x.x firmware to correct for the DST issues. And then about a month ago, they reverted back to 1.87.x.x, much to my dismay. I sent an email to TWC asking them about the "downgrade". Here is the email that I sent and their reply:

"I was so pleased a couple of months ago when you upgraded the SARA software to version 1.88 on the 8300HD DVR boxes to add the 4x fast forward/rewind and to correct some of the annoying features of the box. Can you please tell me why you have chosen to go back to the previous (and very flawed) version 1.87 of SARA software? I can hardly stand to watch programs on my DVR. I realize that you probably deployed 1.88 to solve the Daylight Saving Time issues, but the other benefits made the box ten times better. Please let me know if (and when) you plan to put the 1.88 software back on my 8300HD DVR."

And TWC's reply:
Dear Mr. Hayes:

Thank you for your email. We always appreciate the opportunity to respond to our customers.

In order to resolve an issue with subscribers experiencing errors getting to their on demand services, we needed to rollback the upgrade that was installed to a previous version of the box software. We are planning an upgrade to our servers during the early morning hours within the next few days. Once the servers are upgraded, we will be able to roll out the box software with the new DVR functions. This is a temporary setback and we appreciate you continued patience as we strive to make your entertainment service better.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. The cornerstone of our philosophy has always been to provide "excellence in customer service" and we will continue to provide the high quality of service you expect and deserve from Time Warner Cable.

Sincerely,
amk

Your On-Line Time Warner Cable Representative

I wonder if we'll ever see 1.89 software in NE Ohio??? If this post is inappropriate for this thread, I apologize. I just felt that it might be helpful for other SA8300HD users in the NE Ohio area to know just what the heck was going on.

I just recently got SA8300HD box from Comcast and have problems with both HDMI and component connections downgrading to 480i.
With HDMI it happens every time I restart the box or switch input source on TV (Samsung DLP SL-H5687W). I assumed this was due to old firmware bug reported here.
However, I have the same problem with Component cable connection. It does not downgrade on every switch on/off but if I leave the box off for some time (like overnight or during the day), the next time I turn it on, the connection fails to recognise the HDTV TV and shows picture in 480i and without blue colors. I have to go through the Setup Wizard to force it to recognise HDTV set again.

Any help would be apreciated.

*sigh* I've been digging through many pages on the net the last 24 hours, and can't seem to find a solution to my problem.

I bought a new 50" Toshiba 50hmx96 a few days ago, and I got a 8300HD box from Time Warner here in Appleton, WI. Everything is working good, except that on HD channels the edges of the picture are cut off. I noticed it while watching LOST last night, and it's very noticeable when watching ESPNHD, as a good portion of the logo on each side of the ticker is missing. This only happens in 720p and 1080i modes. It's almost as if it's trying to stretch a regular image to widescreen, except that the picture is already widescreen so the edges get cut off.

If I switch to 480i or 480p, the entire picture is visable again.

This only happens on HD channels. I can set the box to 1080i fixed, watch an analog channel and nothing is cut off.

I'm almost at the point where I want to rip my hair out here. Has anyone run into this before? I've found a few posts but they all suggested that the TV was at fault. I'm relatively sure the TV isn't the problem, as only HD channels experience this issue.


Edit: I'm connected via Component cables.

*sigh* I've been digging through many pages on the net the last 24 hours, and can't seem to find a solution to my problem.

I bought a new 50" Toshiba 50hmx96 a few days ago, and I got a 8300HD box from Time Warner here in Appleton, WI. Everything is working good, except that on HD channels the edges of the picture are cut off. I noticed it while watching LOST last night, and it's very noticeable when watching ESPNHD, as a good portion of the logo on each side of the ticker is missing. This only happens in 720p and 1080i modes. It's almost as if it's trying to stretch a regular image to widescreen, except that the picture is already widescreen so the edges get cut off.

If I switch to 480i or 480p, the entire picture is visable again.

This only happens on HD channels. I can set the box to 1080i fixed, watch an analog channel and nothing is cut off.

I'm almost at the point where I want to rip my hair out here. Has anyone run into this before? I've found a few posts but they all suggested that the TV was at fault. I'm relatively sure the TV isn't the problem, as only HD channels experience this issue.


Edit: I'm connected via Component cables.

It alsmost sounds like the zoom is set on the 8300HD. Have you tried pressing the # key on the number pad? This key will cycle through all the zoom settings.

Hope this helps.

It alsmost sounds like the zoom is set on the 8300HD. Have you tried pressing the # key on the number pad? This key will cycle through all the zoom settings.

Hope this helps.

Yep, tried that, it doesn't do anything. If the zoom was set though, wouldn't it cut off the top and the bottom as well? Also, wouldn't it be active for all channels?

I went out and picked up a HDMI cable today and hooked it up that way, there's still no change. Although the picture does look better :)

I can't seem to get the 8300 to work with my Panasonic PWD8UK with the 8 series HDMI card. It works fine with my DT500, so I don't think it's the box itself. And my HD-XA2 works fine over HDMI to the plasma, so it's not the cable. Any thoughts or possible solutions?

However, I have the same problem with Component cable connection. It does not downgrade on every switch on/off but if I leave the box off for some time (like overnight or during the day), the next time I turn it on, the connection fails to recognise the HDTV TV and shows picture in 480i and without blue colors. I have to go through the Setup Wizard to force it to recognise HDTV set again.

I'm not sure, but I wonder if this part of your problem is a result of keeping both the component and HDMI connections plugged into the box at the same time. I recall something similar happening when my box was set up that way. Try turning off the box and the TV, then unplugging the HDMI cable. Do you still get a red picture?

Yep, tried that, it doesn't do anything. If the zoom was set though, wouldn't it cut off the top and the bottom as well? Also, wouldn't it be active for all channels?

I went out and picked up a HDMI cable today and hooked it up that way, there's still no change. Although the picture does look better :)

Heh, I'm replying to myself.

The good news is I fixed it. Unfortunately, I have no idea how. I held down the "Select" button on the box, and started hitting some of the other buttons to see what it could do (I was originally trying to get it to go into diagnostics mode, which didn't work, so I decided to try other things). I got the box to display some information both on screen, and on the box itself. I must have tried the "hold select, then push X button" with every button on the front of the box.

I didn't think I had found anything, but later when I went back to the TV, HDTV channels were fine, and displaying in full 720p and 1080i.

I'm not sure, but I wonder if this part of your problem is a result of keeping both the component and HDMI connections plugged into the box at the same time. I recall something similar happening when my box was set up that way. Try turning off the box and the TV, then unplugging the HDMI cable. Do you still get a red picture?

No, component is the only cable at this point that is connected to the cable box. Since my attempts to preserve HD signal through HDMI have failed, I moved that cable to DVD player.

I have another question as well - how do I access Service Menu? I tried the approach provided in Tips and Tricks Thread (holding Select button on the box pressed until Mail light comes on) but it does not work for me - no matter ho long do I hold (I did give up in couple of minutes), no light have come up. Is there an alternative approach maybe? My SA8300HD is March 2007 release.

Are you on SARA? Try here -> SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859)

I believe one of the Dave's spoke to something like that when making anamorphic DVD, and the standard fix for that sort was a hard reboot immediately following the setup wizard.

v/r,
C-F

hi group ...

the other day, the power cord for the cable box (TWC, Houston) came unplugged (at wall), so i plug it back in and i got the "boot" and so on, but NO clock and ONLY 5 channels: 16-19, and 98. called TWC tech support and they determined the box went bad.

so i bring the box back and trade it for a SA 8300HD, get home and plug it in, get "boot", then it goes blank, then after 10 minutes, it does the SAME thing: NO clock and ONLY 5 channels: 16-19, and 98. called TWC techs and they arent sure what's up, so suggest to go back to TWC service center to change out the box for another SA 8300HD.

still the same problem. i'm using component cables to an Akai 42" plasma. i can bring up the configuration (screen modes) of the 8300 on the TV's screen, but there is no clock on the 8300 and i only get 5 channels. TWC techs said they've sent a signal and do not know anything else to do, so they are coming out to the house tomorrow (tue may 15th).

any ideas why THREE boxes (i forget what the first box was - not an SA 8300HD) do not show a clock and only get 5 local channels (16-19, 98) ??? the coax is good, as i used another TV to test it out.

regards, michael

anyone getting a bunch of white dots that show up when you are playing a saved tv show on a HDDVR SA 8300

its when your playing a saved tv show and the white poka dots show off and on any idea what this could be
i got a vizio 42in lcd

anyone getting a bunch of white dots that show up when you are playing a saved tv show on a HDDVR SA 8300

its when your playing a saved tv show and the white poka dots show off and on any idea what this could be
i got a vizio 42in lcd

Out of curiosity: Is the dotted show "24"? When I watch this show on HD, periodically I see a grid of white dots across the entire picture. It's just a brief flash, but it appears on this show and no other. I don't use the DVR features on my 8300HD, and I've assumed this is some kind of compression artifact.

I have the dots on "24". I don't notice them on any other shows I play back. My memory may be failing, but I don't think I remember seeing the dots all season - seems like something in the last few weeks.

I have the dots on "24". I don't notice them on any other shows I play back. My memory may be failing, but I don't think I remember seeing the dots all season - seems like something in the last few weeks.

I have seen them all season. In addition, I see a lot of what some people call "clay face" in that show, which is that paint-by-numbers look that you get with overly compressed video. It looks like there are only 3 or 4 shades of flesh color for white people, and the gradations from one shade to the next are abrupt, giving a flatness to images of Caucasian faces. The same phenomenon shows up elsewhere in "24," but that's where it's most consistently obvious.

I've tried to search for the following topic but have failed so forgive me if this has been answered before.
I have an SA 8300 HD DVR and would like to add an extra hard drive.
I live in Time Warner NYC territory and using Passport Echo 2.6.002 software.
I've read (somewhere in these forums) in the past that the latest software update has allowed us to add an external hard drive to get more capacity. Does anyone know where that thread is? If so please give it up?
While I'm at it I'd like to know if I can 'capture' what is on my hard drive to archive some of the shows, mostly music performances, to my PC to make room for more.
I have Video Advantage by Turtle Beach to capture SD but would like to know what I need to capture the HD shows on my 8300. Any recommendations welcome.
TIA

I've tried to search for the following topic but have failed so forgive me if this has been answered before.
I have an SA 8300 HD DVR and would like to add an extra hard drive.
I live in Time Warner NYC territory and using Passport Echo 2.6.002 software.
I've read (somewhere in these forums) in the past that the latest software update has allowed us to add an external hard drive to get more capacity. Does anyone know where that thread is? If so please give it up?
While I'm at it I'd like to know if I can 'capture' what is on my hard drive to archive some of the shows, mostly music performances, to my PC to make room for more.
I have Video Advantage by Turtle Beach to capture SD but would like to know what I need to capture the HD shows on my 8300. Any recommendations welcome.
TIA
Here's the eSATA (external hard drive) thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559

You may be able to capture Local HD broadcasts (ONLY!!!!) to a
PC or MAC via Firewire port (if it's even working on your system):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695
But many people have been unable to get this to work...

Most other cable channels are encrypted, so the only way to "capture" them
is with a D-VHS (Hi-Def) Recorder connected via Firewire interface
(if it's working on your system)....
Most of us use a separate SA3250HD just to feed the D-VHS, cuz the
Firewire port on the SA8300HD is still very problematic:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=593271

"Soon", new MS-VISTA PCs will become available, certified to accept
either one-way CableCARDs and/or new two-way MCARD type CableCARDs.
This will become the high-end solution for archiving to BLU-RAY or HD-DVD....

Out of curiosity: Is the dotted show "24"? When I watch this show on HD, periodically I see a grid of white dots across the entire picture. It's just a brief flash, but it appears on this show and no other. I don't use the DVR features on my 8300HD, and I've assumed this is some kind of compression artifact.

I've seen that artifact on Fox's HD programs including 24 and Bones, for the past year or so at times.
That artifact (only on Fox HD programs) with the SA8300HD-DVR has been mentioned by a Fox affiliate director of engineering as being due to some problem or conflict with that model DVR's firmware regarding buffering data and the Fox networks unique pre-compressed HD data stream compared to other networks. SA needs to work on that issue. Sounds like Fox has short spurts of high bitrate compared to the average bitrate that can overflow a data buffer in the DVR at times?

Here is the Fox engineer's informative post on that issue:
This is a nationwide problem with SA8300HD DVR and Fox Network HD. As it's been explained to me, Fox's style of hard-hitting variable bitrate encoding can overflow the buffer in this box. Scientific-Atlanta is aware of the problem because I've been in the middle of it. As far as we know, it doesn't occur with any other receiver. I have seen photos of the effect, but have never seen it on any receiver we have. We haven't heard of a fix date yet.
Dir. of Engineering
Bay City TV - XETV - FOX6

Here's the eSATA (external hard drive) thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559

You may be able to capture Local HD broadcasts (ONLY!!!!) to a
PC or MAC via Firewire port (if it's even working on your system):
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695
But many people have been unable to get this to work...

Most other cable channels are encrypted, so the only way to "capture" them
is with a D-VHS (Hi-Def) Recorder connected via Firewire interface
(if it's working on your system)....
Most of us use a separate SA3250HD just to feed the D-VHS, cuz the
Firewire port on the SA8300HD is still very problematic:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=593271

"Soon", new MS-VISTA PCs will become available, certified to accept
either one-way CableCARDs and/or new two-way MCARD type CableCARDs.
This will become the high-end solution for archiving to BLU-RAY or HD-DVD....


Just ordered a Seagate Barracuda 320 GB HD & Rosewill RX353-S enclosure thru Newegg to add to my 8300!
I'll post when/if I get it up & running.
thanx

Just ordered a Seagate Barracuda 320 GB HD & Rosewill RX353-S enclosure thru Newegg to add to my 8300!
I'll post when/if I get it up & running.
thanx

Your combination was reported as successful in this database: http://baseportal.com/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=/xnappo/passport

"Just ordered a Seagate Barracuda 320 GB HD & Rosewill RX353-S enclosure thru Newegg to add to my 8300!
I'll post when/if I get it up & running.
thanx"


Got it up and running in no time but now I notice that I've lost my buffers! I'm gonna miss them as I use then allot. I'm still testing tho and thought I'd ask for guidance before I skipped dinner working on this issue.
I can't 'pause' or 'freeze' a tuner when switching to the 'other' tuner since adding the new external HDD.
Any ideas, comments or suggestions welcomed.

Oh, to BobKat6- Coincidence? Not!
I got the config FROM http://baseportal.com/cgi-bin/basep...xnappo/passport as posted by holl_ands when he replied to my original inquiry above.

Tinhead, yep, that's how I understand it works. You will lose the live buffer when you use the external SATA drive. I don't believe there is a workaround.

Adding eSATA to PASSPORT (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804) = ["trick-play" / buffer / FF-RW] loss.

Since the functions work on recorded content just fine: to regain the FF & RW functions, you can record the program and then select from the recorded list using [Play from beginning].

SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859) does not have this limitation.

v/r,
C-F

I am sure that someone must have asked this questions, but I cannot find it:

Can I disconnect a SA 8300-HD DVR (Cablevision NY) from the cable and still watch recorded shows?

nagyg,
You loose all DVR functionality when the box cannot talk to the head end server.
Dead box.

TerryB

I am having a problem with my 8300HD. Every couple minutes, the audio drops out of my HD programming. It happens on every HD channel, and I am not sure about SD channels. I get audio fine and then it will break up for about 2 secs, coming in and out a couple times during the 2 secs (hope that is clear).

I have had the box for about a year, and this has happened once before, but seemed to fix itself. Everything was working great until a week ago, when the system froze and I unplugged it to reset it. After that, I have been experiencing this issue.

I have seen in this thread someone had experienced this problem before, and a reformat was suggested by another forum member. However, there was never a report on if the reformat solved the problem.

Does anyone know if a reformat would solve this type of problem, and what are the risks in reformatting the device? Also, if someone could point me to the reformatting procedure, or tell me how to do it, that would be great.

My setup is as follows:
Video out of the 8300HD to my Sony KDF-E50A10 through HDMI.
Audio out of the 8300HD to an Onkyo HTS-790 through Toslink cable.
The Audio is being output from the 8300HD in Dolby Digital.

Thanks in advance for all your help,

rfrankli

I am having a problem with my 8300HD. Every couple minutes, the audio drops out of my HD programming. It happens on every HD channel, and I am not sure about SD channels. I get audio fine and then it will break up for about 2 secs, coming in and out a couple times during the 2 secs (hope that is clear).

I have had the box for about a year, and this has happened once before, but seemed to fix itself. Everything was working great until a week ago, when the system froze and I unplugged it to reset it. After that, I have been experiencing this issue.

I have seen in this thread someone had experienced this problem before, and a reformat was suggested by another forum member. However, there was never a report on if the reformat solved the problem.

Does anyone know if a reformat would solve this type of problem, and what are the risks in reformatting the device? Also, if someone could point me to the reformatting procedure, or tell me how to do it, that would be great.

My setup is as follows:
Video out of the 8300HD to my Sony KDF-E50A10 through HDMI.
Audio out of the 8300HD to an Onkyo HTS-790 through Toslink cable.
The Audio is being output from the 8300HD in Dolby Digital.

Thanks in advance for all your help,

rfrankli

Nevermind, I seem to have answered my own question. It isnt the box, as it seems that others in my area are experiencing the same problem. Now to get Comcast to realize there is a problem and fix it...

Nevermind, I seem to have answered my own question. It isnt the box, as it seems that others in my area are experiencing the same problem. Now to get Comcast to realize there is a problem and fix it...Just out of curiosity, would you please post your location? A friend of mine complained to me today about experiencing almost identical symptoms with his HDMI-connected 8300HD...but the probability is that you two live in different parts of the country.

Just out of curiosity, would you please post your location? A friend of mine complained to me today about experiencing almost identical symptoms with his HDMI-connected 8300HD...but the probability is that you two live in different parts of the country.

I am in Alexandria, Virginia and have Comcast. Others in the "Local HD Info Thread" for my area have described the same problems I am experiencing, so that has led me to believe it is a Comcast issue and not an issue with the box.

Is there anyway to create a season pass recording schedule with the 8300? I am very disappointed with this DVR box. I had the comcast Motorola DVR which is 1000x better.

Thanks

Is there anyway to create a season pass recording schedule with the 8300?

Of course! It's called an all episode recording.

Will it record all episodes or just new episodes?

Yes. (You can choose either option.)

I am using SARA v 1.88.25.1. How do I perform a series recording for first run programs?

Sorry if this is covered in the thread, but it's hard to search for.

Have you all experienced your 8300 constantly putting out a signal over HDMI, even when the box is powered off? It's really annoying because my projector searches for a source, and always finds the HDMI signal from my cable box. It's weird, sometimes audio (over toslink) and video over the HDMI port comes through. It's particularly annoying because it adds more complexity to my setup, which makes it hard on my wife. I have to have her turn on the projector, then the dvd player, then switch sources. If she switches the source before turning on the DVD player it will just auto sense the cable box and switch.

Any fixes for this if you all have seen it? I am pretty sure it does this regardless of me having it going through my 4 port HDMI monoprice switcher.

I am using SARA v 1.88.25.1. How do I perform a series recording for first run programs?
Select program in guide, hit REC button
Select "All Episodes"
Press A to "Accept Recording"
Select "First Run only on this channel"

If you are new to the 8300HD, you may also benefit from reading the first post in this thread: SA 8300 HD Tips & Trics -- SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859&page=1)

If I have either component or HDMI plugged from my 8300HD to my TV and then S-Video or composite plugged into my DVD recorder from the 8300HD will they both work?

Thanks,
Steve

Yes, composite (yellow) and S-Video are always active.

hi is there any fix for the problem with hdmi where hd channels are displayed in 480i? I have to do the setup thing every time to output in hd.

I have cablevision by the way.

Did sa ever release a fix for this?

I just started having this problem a couple days ago as well. Every time I want the unit to output HD I have to turn it off, then re-do the output setup thing again. Its almost like its not saving my settings. If I just turn on the box normally then it outputs everything 480i over HDMI, even all my HD stuff. Also, it used to output everything as 720p, but it no longer does this. Im not sure if they messed with the firmware, but my box is starting to act screwy and its not making me happy.

This bug is nothing new I've heard that its been happening since the box came out. I'm just wondering if there's a fix by now.

Btw are there any alternatives to this box other than a TiVo series three which is very expensive?

Guys,

I am on my 3rd 8300 because the hard drives keep burning out.

The new unit I installed yesterday has a really weird problem... start up delay.

"Power" is activated by my logitech remote as part of a macro. Typically, the picture shows up within 5-7 seconds after the startup cycle has turned all the necessary components on.

Once the power is on, the picture remains blank (no menu's or anything) for 30-40 seconds. Both the TV and AV receiver "click" when they are ready for audio and video to start flowing... but nothing happens.

At around the 40 second marc, I hear the hard drive start whirling. Within 2 seconds after the drive starts spinning the picture appears.

I am also experiencing issues with recording playback. There are times when I select an item (typically HD) for playback and I see nothing but a blank screen. If I select another recording, that plays fine... when I return to the original item I wanted to watch... it then starts up normally.

Any ideas?

Please help.

Brian

Forgive me if this was discussed before. If you use an HDMI cable with the SA 8300HD box, will all of the other audio outputs still work? I'm talking about the dual L+R audio jacks in the rear as well as the coaxial and optical outputs.

I am on my 3rd 8300 because the hard drives keep burning out.
<snip>
The new unit I installed yesterday has a really weird problem... start up delay.
<snip>
At around the 40 second marc, I hear the hard drive start whirling. Within 2 seconds after the drive starts spinning the picture appears.

I am also experiencing issues with recording playback.
<snip>
Any ideas?Your third box is a lemon. Maybe a previous user had problems and returned it to the cableco, but its problems weren't fixed before re-entering the field and you were the next lucky recipient. At any rate, that's not how a healthy 8300 operates. You're going to need to swap it out again; let's hope the "fourth time's a charm" for you.

Having two hard drives "burn out" is quite unusual in itself, however. Is there anything potentially stressful (to the box) about your installation? Do you have the box in an enclosed cabinet (http://holidaygadgetguide.federatedmedia.net/image.php?f=Avion.jpg&w=600) with limited ventilation? Is it on top of an A/V receiver (http://www.timefordvd.com/images/hardware/Sony_STR-DB1070_backpanel_large.jpg) that generates a fair bit of heat? Is it in a high-vibration area, like on top of your subwoofer (http://www.svsound.com/products/subs/pb12plus/front_oak_lg.jpg)? Does your house have power quality issues (http://www.west.asu.edu/paloverde/images/lightning.jpg)?

Like many others, I've used my 8300HD for two years without any hardware failure. If you lost two hard drives in a short amount of time, you've either got the negative equivalent of lottery-winning luck, or else there's something making your boxes more prone to failure than the average...

Forgive me if this was discussed before. If you use an HDMI cable with the SA 8300HD box, will all of the other audio outputs still work? I'm talking about the dual L+R audio jacks in the rear as well as the coaxial and optical outputs.To search is human, to forgive is divine.

The analog audio outputs still work, the digital audio output has a switch. The 8300HD make you choose whether the digital audio out of the STB is Dolby Digital or HDMI. if you choose HDMI, the S/PDIF and coaxial digital audio output shut off in favor of the HDMI's digital audio signal.

The analog L/R outputs are always active.

-gil

To search is human, to forgive is divine.

The analog audio outputs still work, the digital audio output has a switch. The 8300HD make you choose whether the digital audio out of the STB is Dolby Digital or HDMI. if you choose HDMI, the S/PDIF and coaxial digital audio output shut off in favor of the HDMI's digital audio signal.

The analog L/R outputs are always active.

-gil

Thanks. I was wondering since I have a surround system with optical input plus a whole house amplifier speaker system and I need multiple audio outs from the STB to make them both work.

Many HDTV's have analog inputs with the HDMI input, in case you do DVI to HDMI and need to bring the audio into the TV (say, from a PC with DVI video out).

I use the analog audio in so that the TV has its own audio signal for when i want to watch it without the full 5.1 receiver set up. I set the 8300HD to Dolby Digital, and connect up both audio signals. Works great, and keeps the kids from messing with my hifi set up!! ;)

-gil

Many HDTV's have analog inputs with the HDMI input, in case you do DVI to HDMI and need to bring the audio into the TV (say, from a PC with DVI video out).

I use the analog audio in so that the TV has its own audio signal for when i want to watch it without the full 5.1 receiver set up. I set the 8300HD to Dolby Digital, and connect up both audio signals. Works great, and keeps the kids from messing with my hifi set up!! ;)

-gil

That's what I plan to do, thanks.

I just recently got SA8300HD box from Comcast and have problems with both HDMI and component connections downgrading to 480i.
With HDMI it happens every time I restart the box or switch input source on TV (Samsung DLP SL-H5687W). I assumed this was due to old firmware bug reported here.
However, I have the same problem with Component cable connection. It does not downgrade on every switch on/off but if I leave the box off for some time (like overnight or during the day), the next time I turn it on, the connection fails to recognise the HDTV TV and shows picture in 480i and without blue colors. I have to go through the Setup Wizard to force it to recognise HDTV set again.

Any help would be apreciated.

Did you ever solve/resolve this problem and if so, what did you do?

-G

I installed an 8300 HD DVR box for my folks with a Hot Link Pro IR extender and I just can't get that thing to work well with his Panasonic plasma.

On the Scientific Atlanta website, and supposedly available through Time Warner, is a IR remote made specifically to go with the 8300 box. Does anyone know if that is immune to plasma interference?

Thanks.

Harry - is the problem controlling the DVR or TV?

I use a xantec IR routing system to my gear in a closed (Ventillated) cabinet. I use a Logitec Harmony Remote.

Clarify the question (a little more detail on the plasma model, room layout, and failure circumstances) and I will try to give you my 2 cents.

BG

IR extender + plasma is a bad combination. Apparently Plasmas emit IR light and can render IR devices inoperable. From my experience with a generic extender and Pani Plasma, the only way to get it to work was to put the extender receiver behind the plasma or in my equipment cabinet below the plasma, where it was shielded from the plasmas ir emisions.

Darrell

IR extender + plasma is a bad combination. Apparently Plasmas emit IR light and can render IR devices inoperable. From my experience with a generic extender and Pani Plasma, the only way to get it to work was to put the extender receiver behind the plasma or in my equipment cabinet below the plasma, where it was shielded from the plasmas ir emisions.

Darrell
Yes, this is what I've learned the hard way, but I can't find a solution. There must be some trick or another product. Or back to the original question, does the 8300 extender work with a plasma?

Nobody tried this?

Harry - I can't speak to the product that you purchased...

As mentioned earlier... I have

50" Panasonic Plasma
8300, DVD Player, Receiver, & SVHS Player in a closed cabinet
Xantec IR Routing (this is a progressional grade IR routing solution)

I have used it for 4 years and it works great for me.

Here is their site: http://www.xantech.com/
The system is all seperates... You buy a connecting block that supports the number of items you need, emitters for each of your IR components, and an IR receiver (like the dinky link) to capture the signal.

I have my IR receiver installed on the upper right side of the cabinet that houses my TV. About 4" away from TV.

Note: the Dinky link has a small red IR indicator on it. The Plasma will cause it to glow a bit because of the massive RF/IR radiation it puts out. <-- a little scary in my opinion.

Brian



Yes, this is what I've learned the hard way, but I can't find a solution. There must be some trick or another product. Or back to the original question, does the 8300 extender work with a plasma?

Nobody tried this?

Thanks for the input. The third box was a lemon. I exchanged it an the new one is operating perfectly.

The location is an enclosed cabinet. The cabinet is actively cooled with a "silencer" fan that runs 24/7.

I am debating getting a component cooler for the 8300 because who knows...

Then I will have to deal with failure because of dust build up in the unit.

BG



Your third box is a lemon. Maybe a previous user had problems and returned it to the cableco, but its problems weren't fixed before re-entering the field and you were the next lucky recipient. At any rate, that's not how a healthy 8300 operates. You're going to need to swap it out again; let's hope the "fourth time's a charm" for you.

Having two hard drives "burn out" is quite unusual in itself, however. Is there anything potentially stressful (to the box) about your installation? Do you have the box in an enclosed cabinet (http://holidaygadgetguide.federatedmedia.net/image.php?f=Avion.jpg&w=600) with limited ventilation? Is it on top of an A/V receiver (http://www.timefordvd.com/images/hardware/Sony_STR-DB1070_backpanel_large.jpg) that generates a fair bit of heat? Is it in a high-vibration area, like on top of your subwoofer (http://www.svsound.com/products/subs/pb12plus/front_oak_lg.jpg)? Does your house have power quality issues (http://www.west.asu.edu/paloverde/images/lightning.jpg)?

Like many others, I've used my 8300HD for two years without any hardware failure. If you lost two hard drives in a short amount of time, you've either got the negative equivalent of lottery-winning luck, or else there's something making your boxes more prone to failure than the average...

Harry - I can't speak to the product that you purchased...

As mentioned earlier... I have

50" Panasonic Plasma
8300, DVD Player, Receiver, & SVHS Player in a closed cabinet
Xantec IR Routing (this is a progressional grade IR routing solution)

I have used it for 4 years and it works great for me.

Here is their site: http://www.xantech.com/
The system is all seperates... You buy a connecting block that supports the number of items you need, emitters for each of your IR components, and an IR receiver (like the dinky link) to capture the signal.

I have my IR receiver installed on the upper right side of the cabinet that houses my TV. About 4" away from TV.

Note: the Dinky link has a small red IR indicator on it. The Plasma will cause it to glow a bit because of the massive RF/IR radiation it puts out. <-- a little scary in my opinion.

Brian
I wonder if the Xantech receiver that is shielded for plasma would work with the Hot LInk Pro system if I spliced the correct connector onto it. That would save me from throwing a couple hundred bucks more at this problem.

hello,

we're encountering a problem concerning a SA8300HD digital recorder and a Panasonic DVD player. The DVD was bought earlier BTW.
The DVD cables- red, white, yellow are connected to their respective plugs in the Samsung TV.
I'm no specialist of this system but the problem basically is: We can get the DVD functions to work (play, stop, pause etc.) with the TV and DVD remotes but not with the 8300HD remote. And, neither do we get an image from the DVD.

Ask me to clarify if you dont understand

thanks for speedy reply

hashemite

Hello. I'm getting my HDTV next week. I'd like to go ahead and get my SA 8300HD box today and use it w/my SD TV until the new tv is delivered, however TW told me the HD box won't work w/my SD tv. Is that true, or do they just not want people "wasting" HD boxes on SD tv's?

Thanks,
Harold

Hello. I'm getting my HDTV next week. I'd like to go ahead and get my SA 8300HD box today and use it w/my SD TV until the new tv is delivered, however TW told me the HD box won't work w/my SD tv. Is that true, or do they just not want people "wasting" HD boxes on SD tv's?

Thanks,
HaroldOdds are very high, the latter... But... they might have been thinking you wanted to get HD resolution on your SD set just because you are using an HD set-top-box. They probably have had many people who wanted a HD box and did not have an HDTV, but who thought it would give them an HD picture on their existing set. Thinking about it that way, they were right, it won't work, you sill get SD resolution on your SD set.

The SA 8300 has both a composite video output that could be used with an SD TV and an RF output on channel 3/4. IT can indeed be connected to your SD set.

With that, I can't be certain those outputs will be enabled in your cable system, but odds are very high they will be.
(I have Time Warner Cable and they use SARA as the software in the 8300)

With your HDTV purchase so close, I think you could trade your current set-top-box in for the HD model. If they ask if you have an HDTV, answer yes...

Joe L.

Ok, thanks, Joe. I figured that's what it was.

Harold

I am currently using a SA 8300HD from COX in Las Vegas connected via HDMI to a Sony 52". Just recently, I have been experiencing "no signal" static when changing channels from one resolution to another (480i to 720p HD for example). I need to either turn off the box, turn off the TV, or unplug the HDMI cable in order for the static to go away and the picture to retun.

Is this a box issue or a tv issue. I have been using this set up for 3 months with no issues until last night. I figure it is a HDMI problem from the box, but do not have another cable or TV to test my theories.

I am currently using a SA 8300HD from COX in Las Vegas connected via HDMI to a Sony 52". Just recently, I have been experiencing "no signal" static when changing channels from one resolution to another (480i to 720p HD for example). I need to either turn off the box, turn off the TV, or unplug the HDMI cable in order for the static to go away and the picture to retun.

Is this a box issue or a tv issue. I have been using this set up for 3 months with no issues until last night. I figure it is a HDMI problem from the box, but do not have another cable or TV to test my theories.It sounds like a HDCP "handshake" problem. If it used to work fine, and if you have not changed anything, I would suspect that your cable company changed software. There have been cases where software "upgrades" have broken some things while fixing others. I'd call cable and complain. If they want to send a tech and replace your box, don't let the tech leave with your old box till you have verified that the new one works correctly.

It sounds like a HDCP "handshake" problem. If it used to work fine, and if you have not changed anything, I would suspect that your cable company changed software. There have been cases where software "upgrades" have broken some things while fixing others. I'd call cable and complain. If they want to send a tech and replace your box, don't let the tech leave with your old box till you have verified that the new one works correctly.
Thanks for the info. I called the cable company today and they said they updated the software over the phone (didn't fix the problem) and were contacting their tech team to send some other update within 24 hours. I tried component cables and they work fine--no issues. If it doesn't change in 2-3 days, I plan to go exchange the box myself.

Thanks for the info. I called the cable company today and they said they updated the software over the phone (didn't fix the problem) and were contacting their tech team to send some other update within 24 hours. I tried component cables and they work fine--no issues. If it doesn't change in 2-3 days, I plan to go exchange the box myself.I really doubt if a box exchange will solve the problem (but you never know). If you don't have anything recorded on the box that you want to save, then changing can't hurt.

I am trying to set up my TV so that on the non-hd channels it displays them in Cinema mode automatically, now i can only get them to display in Wide mode and i have to manually change it to Cinema, thoughts?

If you are sending 480i and 720p/1080i you need to set the TV settings to do this if your TV does this.
If you are sending only 720p/1080i, you set the DVR settings, but you need to check your software type and version for specifics/capabilities...

v/r,
C-F

Is there anyway to reset or cycle the HDMI output on the 8300HD? I've performed the hard reboot procedure described early in this thread to no avail. Last night (and for the previous 6 months) I was watching TV with an HDMI connection and things were working just fine. Today, my television no longer senses a signal coming through to it's HDMI input. I've tried plugging the cable into each of my 2 HDMI TV inputs, thinking that perhaps I had a bad HDMI input, but neither input sensed a signal so I strongly suspect it's the 8300HD HDMI output. Signal comes through the S-VHS and component outputs just fine, though.

Could still just as well be the TV. There is some HDMI circuitry common to all the HDMI inputs. See if you can borrow someones upconverting DVD player to check those inputs with a different source to isolate the problem.

Could still just as well be the TV. There is some HDMI circuitry common to all the HDMI inputs. See if you can borrow someones upconverting DVD player to check those inputs with a different source to isolate the problem.

I agree; 50:50 chance. I don't know anyone with an upconverting DVD, so I was hoping there were other things I might try before I have to wait around a half day for a Charter technician to come out and look at it.

Update: it is a faulty HDMI connector. I can gently push the cable connector upward and signal comes through. Because of how rigid my cable connector is, the box jack is the likely culprit. A tech is going to bring a new box out to confirm. I hope he can just swap jacks if that's the case. I'd hate to lose my whole catalog of recordings.

I hope he can just swap jacks if that's the case.I don't think I've ever seen (or even heard of) a tech performing a component-level repair like that in the field. A field tech is just gonna swap out the box.

Maybe there's a bench tech back at the cableco's equipment depot who can take the cover off and swap out faulty components, but I'd bet the boxes get shipped all the way back to SciAtl for those sorts of repairs.

If you can easily work around the problem by propping up the connector or by rigging some strain relief on the cable, that may be a better solution for you than having the tech swap your box out...

I don't think I've ever seen (or even heard of) a tech performing a component-level repair like that in the field. A field tech is just gonna swap out the box.

Maybe there's a bench tech back at the cableco's equipment depot who can take the cover off and swap out faulty components, but I'd bet the boxes get shipped all the way back to SciAtl for those sorts of repairs.

If you can easily work around the problem by propping up the connector or by rigging some strain relief on the cable, that may be a better solution for you than having the tech swap your box out...

Yeah, I thought I might be living in la la land there... I'll try to jimmy the jack and see if I can jam it into a position that works. I may just limp by on the component outputs if I can't get the jimmying to work. Maybe I'll have the HDMI issue "resolved" when there is a significant hardware upgrade to be had in a box replacement.

Exact same thing happened to me this week on my 8300HD, Brighthouse Tampa.

Came home from work, and HDMI is no longer working. TV at first was saying "no signal," now it says "not supported mode" after I reset the box and went through HD setup again. Hooked it up with cables and it works fine, so it's definitely just HDMI not working.

Guess I'll bring the box back to my local office on Monday and replace it...

Perhaps now is the time to bring up a couple of points about HDMI cables.

The standard HDMI connectors do not have good retention - they can come out easily. Watch out for a couple of things:

1) DO NOT use HDMI-DVI adapters: They provide leverage on the connection and typically apply a downward pressure on the connector causing problems like this.

2) Avoid the use of heavy HDMI cables, these also apply pressure on the connector. If you MUST use heavy cables, be careful to supply support near the connectons to avoid pressure on the connectors.

Perhaps now is the time to bring up a couple of points about HDMI cables.

The standard HDMI connectors do not have good retention - they can come out easily. Watch out for a couple of things:

1) DO NOT use HDMI-DVI adapters: They provide leverage on the connection and typically apply a downward pressure on the connector causing problems like this.

2) Avoid the use of heavy HDMI cables, these also apply pressure on the connector. If you MUST use heavy cables, be careful to supply support near the connectons to avoid pressure on the connectors.


Your advice is right on in general, but in my case, I'm not sure how relevant those issues are. My HDMI cable is well-supported and things don't get moved very often. I don't use an HDMI/DVI adaptor. The connections are reasonably tight and I would have to yank with decent force to accidently loosen them.

That said, I may buy another HDMI cable to see if my cable for some reason has failed. Or maybe I'll just leave it how I have things connected now: component. When we get an HD format DVD, we'll have Round 2 with HDMI. In any case, I don't feel like messing with a new box right now.

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.

Sorry for the delay. The AVS Council had a concall last night to discuss your problem. There are a few experiments we're running in the lab and we hope to have an answer in a few days. Please check back.

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.

HappyFunBoater is just joshing you. We've really been watching entirely too many movies to get back to your problem...what was it again?

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.

That's because your credit card was declined for the tech support fee. :rolleyes:

hello,

we're encountering a problem concerning a SA8300HD digital recorder and a Panasonic DVD player. The DVD was bought earlier BTW.
The DVD cables- red, white, yellow are connected to their respective plugs in the Samsung TV.
I'm no specialist of this system but the problem basically is: We can get the DVD functions to work (play, stop, pause etc.) with the TV and DVD remotes but not with the 8300HD remote. And, neither do we get an image from the DVD.

Ask me to clarify if you dont understand

thanks for speedy reply

hashemiteBeen waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.Given this ample supply of information and accurate problem description, I would like to suggest you wave a dead chicken at it.[1]

:rolleyes: :p

N/S/R,
C-F



[1]Apologies to Steven Mocking

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.

This is what you posted:
we're encountering a problem concerning a SA8300HD digital recorder and a Panasonic DVD player. The DVD was bought earlier BTW.
The DVD cables- red, white, yellow are connected to their respective plugs in the Samsung TV.
I'm no specialist of this system but the problem basically is: We can get the DVD functions to work (play, stop, pause etc.) with the TV and DVD remotes but not with the 8300HD remote. And, neither do we get an image from the DVD.From that it's sort of hard to figure out what your problem is (to me, it reads like you have a DVD player problem - this is a SA8300 thread).

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.You may find this website helpful in solving your problem: >Click here< (http://catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html)

Been waiting for 20 days for an answer from this site. Great job on efficency.
The solution to your problem is pretty simple. As far as the dvd player, first you need to -

Oh wait. My microwave just "dinged", dinner is ready. Lemme get back to you on that.

H

I think picture quality looks perfect on the tv (Sony KDL-40XBR4), my only problem is with the audio. Right now I have the tv connected to my cable box (SA8300 HD DVR) via HDMI (Input 1). For some reason, and it doesn’t happen all the time, when I turn the tv I will get a picture but no sound. Why is this happening? Do I need to set the tv to something. This never happened before when I was using another tv via hdmi when watching cable shows.

I notice that all SA boxes gave this feature. What does it bypass?
Does it mean that with the function enabled, and the boxed in stby, the signal still goes through to the TV and you could allow your TV tuner to take over. If this is the case would you still be able to view the HD signal? If you TV has an HD tuner but you have an SD box would the tv decode the HD signal?

thanks

Not sure exactly what you are talking about.

Are you are talking about connecting the RF-out cable from an 8300 to your TV? Then, if you already have the TV, why not just try it out?

If you are deciding on getting a TV with a QAM tuner, this should not be much of an decision point... In theory, the 8300 should allow everything through when 'off', so a TV with a QAM tuner could tune any channel the TV could normally. But, even if the 8300 does not, you could simply get a good (1GHz) splitter with two short cables and split the feed to the 8300 and the TV. I had this set up in KS when the kids still lived with us, to gain three tuner capability...

v/r,
C-F

Not sure exactly what you are talking about.

Are you are talking about connecting the RF-out cable from an 8300 to your TV? Then, if you already have the TV, why not just try it out?

If you are deciding on getting a TV with a QAM tuner, this should not be much of an decision point... In theory, the 8300 should allow everything through when 'off', so a TV with a QAM tuner could tune any channel the TV could normally. But, even if the 8300 does not, you could simply get a good (1GHz) splitter with two short cables and split the feed to the 8300 and the TV. I had this set up in KS when the kids still lived with us, to gain three tuner capability...

v/r,
C-F

thank you, answered my question perfectly

Perhaps now is the time to bring up a couple of points about HDMI cables.

The standard HDMI connectors do not have good retention - they can come out easily. Watch out for a couple of things:

1) DO NOT use HDMI-DVI adapters: They provide leverage on the connection and typically apply a downward pressure on the connector causing problems like this.

2) Avoid the use of heavy HDMI cables, these also apply pressure on the connector. If you MUST use heavy cables, be careful to supply support near the connectons to avoid pressure on the connectors.


This information was very helpful. I have fooled around with the 8300HD for two days trying to understand why my HDMI option and picture suddenly disappeared. After reading this, I simply lifted the cable and sure enough...the picture reappeared. Very frustrating but at least I have a reason. Thanks!

I just purchased an 8300hd off of ebay. When i plug it in, the display on the front just cycles through numbers from 000 - 900 with an h in front (ex. h104, h177, h202, etc). The unit will not allow me to power it off. Has anyone had this problem or know how to fix it. Thanks

I just purchased an 8300hd off of ebay. When i plug it in, the display on the front just cycles through numbers from 000 - 900 with an h in front (ex. h104, h177, h202, etc). The unit will not allow me to power it off. Has anyone had this problem or know how to fix it. ThanksMost of the 8300HDs I see on eBay right now or recently sold have a disclaimer in the listing that you might have missed:
- Please check with your local cable company to see if the box will work with your service.
- The unit serial number is {blahblah}, please verify if it is compatible with your local cable provider before bidding.
- Please contact your local cable provider for authorization.
- This unit powers right on, and needs to be activated, with a message on bootup that states to contact the cable company to activate, and is sold as is.
- Box worked fine befor it was disactivated, You will need to activat it thru your cable provider
- Buyer is responsible for knowing if the box is compatible with their cable company.

You should not be surprised if your cableco will not activate your box.

I just purchased an 8300hd off of ebay. When i plug it in, the display on the front just cycles through numbers from 000 - 900 with an h in front (ex. h104, h177, h202, etc). The unit will not allow me to power it off. Has anyone had this problem or know how to fix it. ThanksThe specific issue here is that the box is searching for authorization - and, as jruhnke points out, it isn't finding it!

Enjoy your paperweight!

I only get fuzz from the cable output on my 8300HD. It used to work fine. Now, my kids do play in the HT room, so they could have screwed something up, but I can't find anything.

I have tried hooking it up to two different Analog TVs, but the same result, no picture.

I have the cable output hooked up to a LCD, which I use as a control display for all of my sources, so I don't need to turn on the PJ to record shows or listen to DVD-A discs.

Any suggestions?

Hi all. I've looked through some of the recent posts and didn't see anything similar to what I'm about to ask so am posting here. Hope this isn't a repeat question. (If it's been asked before, could someone post a link to the thread I need?)

We have an SD8300HD DVR box from Atlantic Broadband, and this is connected to an LG LCD HDTV. We have digital cable and HD service, as well.

We've been having trouble on and off for a few months with just one of our HD channels. I'd assumed it was the signal being broadcast from the local station, but now I'm not as sure. The symptoms -- pixelation and an accompanying temporary drop out of audio signal, usually brief, which sometimes happens occasionally, but much more frequently occurs during the evening. In the past it's been so bad at night that I cannot even watch that channel (it's just maddening).

Why I am thinking this might not necessarily be a signal problem is through trial and error. I tried testing the connection of the HDMI cable at the TV and at the box. There was no change when checking the cable connection to the TV...BUT when I tried the connection of the cable to the box (making sure the connection is snug), the signal seemed to improve quite a bit. It's still not perfect, but it's a lot better. The cable itself is OK, I've checked it, and it's not a long cable; the TV and box are close in proximity. This leads me to ask, could the connection to the back of the box be loose/bad in some way?

I'm very reluctant to bring this box in to exchange it for another...it works fine on all other channels but this one...but with 10 HD channels, and one not working well, I'd like to be able to get this problem fixed.

Thanks in advance.
DK

We've been having trouble on and off for a few months with just one of our HD channels. I'd assumed it was the signal being broadcast from the local station, but now I'm not as sure. The symptoms -- pixelation and an accompanying temporary drop out of audio signal, usually brief, which sometimes happens occasionally, but much more frequently occurs during the evening. In the past it's been so bad at night that I cannot even watch that channel (it's just maddening).

Why I am thinking this might not necessarily be a signal problem is through trial and error. I tried testing the connection of the HDMI cable at the TV and at the box. There was no change when checking the cable connection to the TV...BUT when I tried the connection of the cable to the box (making sure the connection is snug), the signal seemed to improve quite a bit. It's still not perfect, but it's a lot better. The cable itself is OK, I've checked it, and it's not a long cable; the TV and box are close in proximity. This leads me to ask, could the connection to the back of the box be loose/bad in some way?

I'm very reluctant to bring this box in to exchange it for another...it works fine on all other channels but this one...but with 10 HD channels, and one not working well, I'd like to be able to get this problem fixed.

Thanks in advance.
DKI suspect that you have one of two issues:

1) (Most likely) Signal ingress: There is a local TV channel that is on exactly the same frequency as used by the QAM channel on cable (keep in mind that the TV channel numbers bear little relationship to the channel numbers on the cable system). And the local channel is leaking into the cable system. When you are fooling around with the cable, you may be changing the pick-up of the loca signal. If you are close to a TV station, this is a very likely cause.

2) Marginal signal level: Perhaps the channel that is giving trouble is at the highest QAM frequency and is lower in level than the others.

My advice for either problem is to call cable and schedule a tech visit. They are in the best position to take care of either problem (and exchange your box if that really is the problem)

I suspect that you have one of two issues:

1) (Most likely) Signal ingress: There is a local TV channel that is on exactly the same frequency as used by the QAM channel on cable (keep in mind that the TV channel numbers bear little relationship to the channel numbers on the cable system). And the local channel is leaking into the cable system. When you are fooling around with the cable, you may be changing the pick-up of the loca signal. If you are close to a TV station, this is a very likely cause.

2) Marginal signal level: Perhaps the channel that is giving trouble is at the highest QAM frequency and is lower in level than the others.

My advice for either problem is to call cable and schedule a tech visit. They are in the best position to take care of either problem (and exchange your box if that really is the problem)

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the reply.

Dumb question re: # 2, when you say lower in level, what do you mean? (Sorry, I'm not tech savvy whatsoever.) Does it matter at all that this is the lowest of the HD channels we receive (i.e. channel 770-779 are the HD channels here...this is ch. 770).

In any case I'm going to have to wait to call someone in for now -- I've got some stuff on the DVR that I want to watch/save before I call anyone, in the case that they do need to replace the box. Hopefully they can fix it before the new TV season starts, though. :)

DK

Hi all. I've looked through some of the recent posts and didn't see anything similar to what I'm about to ask so am posting here. Hope this isn't a repeat question. (If it's been asked before, could someone post a link to the thread I need?)

We have an SD8300HD DVR box from Atlantic Broadband, and this is connected to an LG LCD HDTV. We have digital cable and HD service, as well.

We've been having trouble on and off for a few months with just one of our HD channels. I'd assumed it was the signal being broadcast from the local station, but now I'm not as sure. The symptoms -- pixelation and an accompanying temporary drop out of audio signal, usually brief, which sometimes happens occasionally, but much more frequently occurs during the evening. In the past it's been so bad at night that I cannot even watch that channel (it's just maddening).

Why I am thinking this might not necessarily be a signal problem is through trial and error. I tried testing the connection of the HDMI cable at the TV and at the box. There was no change when checking the cable connection to the TV...BUT when I tried the connection of the cable to the box (making sure the connection is snug), the signal seemed to improve quite a bit. It's still not perfect, but it's a lot better. The cable itself is OK, I've checked it, and it's not a long cable; the TV and box are close in proximity. This leads me to ask, could the connection to the back of the box be loose/bad in some way?

I'm very reluctant to bring this box in to exchange it for another...it works fine on all other channels but this one...but with 10 HD channels, and one not working well, I'd like to be able to get this problem fixed.

Thanks in advance.
DK
DK,

Just so you don't think you're alone... A while back I was having very serious problems with just one HD channel too - even to the extent that most of the times I couldn't get anything. It happened to be the DiscoveryHD channel on my local cableco(TWC in Albany, NY). Since it was part of the HD package I was paying for I figured I should get the channel!

I finally called and scheduled a service call. The tech came, checked all the signals from the road, at the junction box, in the house, etc. Since I have multiple splitters on my cable wiring network(I mean cabling nightmare :D), he finally traced it to a cheapo Radio Shack splitter. Rather then putting a signal amp on the line, he was able to improve the signal with a new/different splitter and sorted out a rats nest of cable wiring in the drop ceiling of my home office. DiscoveryHD now comes in beautifully when before there where numerous dropouts, and signal pixelation. BTW, the cableco splitters are vastly superior to the ones available at RS and the techs are pretty good about giving you one and an extra length of cable if you ask during the service call - for future expansion/upgrades you may have in mind.

Anyway, I'm happy now and I think the service and support of TWC in my market area is first rate. Good luck.

Thanks redjr. Actually before all this, when we first got HD service, I had a similar problem as yours, but we were not getting one channel at all, and the others were not of the best quality. I discovered there was a splitter on the cable coming from the wall that was not needed so I took it off. That solved the problem entirely. I was pleased.

This whole thing with this one channel (so happens to be the local NBC affiliate's HD channel) is something that only started happening a few months ago...it hasn't always been this bad. It just seems odd to me that if I push the connector end of the HDMI cable into the cable box slot a little tighter, that the channel improves in quality a bit. (I should mention that sometimes it doesn't come in at all...but if I push on that cable as I mentioned about above, it DOES come in. Not perfectly, but it does.)

It's just a weird problem, and quite annoying. Eventually I'll give in and call tech support and get them to take a look at it.

DK

Dumb question re: # 2, when you say lower in level, what do you mean? (Sorry, I'm not tech savvy whatsoever.) Does it matter at all that this is the lowest of the HD channels we receive (i.e. channel 770-779 are the HD channels here...this is ch. 770). The channel numbering on the box is purely arbitrary. For example, Channel 770 might be on a QAM at 765MHz and Channel 771 might be on a QAM at 535MHz. The cable company dowloads a "map" into your box that keeps this straight. So, if your channel 770 IS at a high frequency (something like 765MHz) it could be weaker ("lower in level") than the other channels.

BTW: One QAM channel carries 2-3 HD channels or 12-15 SD ones.

newbie here, I know the subject of adding a SATA drive has been discussed at length, however, is it possible to connect an external drive (Seagate FreeAgent Pro) via the firewire ports on the back of the 8300HD? I thought I remember reading that you could with minimal effort. What are the downsides, i.e. loss of function?
Thanks

Hi guys, quick SA8300HD question... Is it possible to either turn off the "power standby" feature and always have the unit on. I have my media center pc connected to the stb via the svideo and the records just showed the "in standby" message. Also, is it possible to use the firewire connection as a connection to view the live tv feed as opposed to just the using the connection for recording? Thanks

Thanks redjr. Actually before all this, when we first got HD service, I had a similar problem as yours, but we were not getting one channel at all, and the others were not of the best quality. I discovered there was a splitter on the cable coming from the wall that was not needed so I took it off. That solved the problem entirely. I was pleased.

This whole thing with this one channel (so happens to be the local NBC affiliate's HD channel) is something that only started happening a few months ago...it hasn't always been this bad. It just seems odd to me that if I push the connector end of the HDMI cable into the cable box slot a little tighter, that the channel improves in quality a bit. (I should mention that sometimes it doesn't come in at all...but if I push on that cable as I mentioned about above, it DOES come in. Not perfectly, but it does.)

It's just a weird problem, and quite annoying. Eventually I'll give in and call tech support and get them to take a look at it.

DK
This might be a stretch, but... have you tried another HDMI cable. Your symptoms do seem odd for a loose or defective cable. You'd think it would affect all the channels! They say with digital you either have a signal or you don't. There's no 'quality' factor involved. But I suppose in this biz stranger things have happened. :confused:

I've got a problem with my Sony TV not syncing with the DVR box. Whenever I change HD resolutions (720p to 1080i) when I change channels on the DVR, I get white snow/static on the TV. I still have sound, but just no picture.

If I change the TV to a different input and then back to the cable input, it is fine. However, the next time I change the channel, I have the same thing happen again.

I have the DVR hooked up to the Sony using HDMI. If I hook it up via component, it seem to work fine, but the picture looks like crap.

PS3 works fine with the TV and outputs at all the different resolutions with no problems. It is also hooked up via HDMI. I've tried the PS3 HDMI cable and input and the DVR box still has issues, so I don't believe it is the cable or input.

Everything used to work fine when I first got the TV and the DVR box, but it all went south when the box got updated back in Feburary for the DST issue.

Any thoughts or ideas on what the problem could be?

Here are my specs:
WideOpenWest cable
SARA 1.89.20.1
Sony KDS-50A2000
Monoprice HDMI cable

Thanks!!

Everything used to work fine when I first got the TV and the DVR box, but it all went south when the box got updated back in Feburary for the DST issue.

Any thoughts or ideas on what the problem could be?You put your finger on it: the update in February. That update also included updated HDCP code (that is the real cause of your problem). That new code fixed some problems, but created others.

You put your finger on it: the update in February. That update also included updated HDCP code (that is the real cause of your problem). That new code fixed some problems, but created others.


Is there any sort of fix for it? It is terribly annoying. :mad:

Is there any sort of fix for it? It is terribly annoying. :mad:

1: Bitch to the cable company (very likely to be frustrating*)
2: Switch to component (which is what cable will tell you to do)

*NOTE: The Cable Company really is not in a position to do much - except complain to Scientific Atlanta (which they likely have already done). The real problem is that they are very cautious (they ought to be) about releasing new versions of software (for fear that they might break something else). The "fix" will likely come when there is something else that really has to be changed.

1: Bitch to the cable company (very likely to be frustrating*)
2: Switch to component (which is what cable will tell you to do)

*NOTE: The Cable Company really is not in a position to do much - except complain to Scientific Atlanta (which they likely have already done). The real problem is that they are very cautious (they ought to be) about releasing new versions of software (for fear that they might break something else). The "fix" will likely come when there is something else that really has to be changed.


Bitched a lot already. I've had a tech out here 4-5 times already. Just had one here today.

Yep, the cable guy hooked up componet cables and said to use them. The picture really looked terrible compared to HDMI. I really couldn't stand it.

I really wish SA would fix it.....this sucks.

This might be a stretch, but... have you tried another HDMI cable. Your symptoms do seem odd for a loose or defective cable. You'd think it would affect all the channels! They say with digital you either have a signal or you don't. There's no 'quality' factor involved. But I suppose in this biz stranger things have happened. :confused:

Yeah really! I agree, it is strange.

I did try another cable but it didn't seem to help anything. Maybe I ought to go out and get a cheap-o one and try that, and see what happens. The one I have is a Monster, though...you'd think that wouldn't give me problems (for all we paid for the stupid thing). We got it before finding out that there's others of equal quality that cost a lot less, but that's a story for another day.

DK

Yeah really! I agree, it is strange.

I did try another cable but it didn't seem to help anything. Maybe I ought to go out and get a cheap-o one and try that, and see what happens. The one I have is a Monster, though...you'd think that wouldn't give me problems (for all we paid for the stupid thing). We got it before finding out that there's others of equal quality that cost a lot less, but that's a story for another day.

DKOne problem with Monster (and other high priced) HDMI cables is its weight. This often puts a pressure on the HDMI connection - which may well be leading to your problems. There is no need for heavy HDMI cables, at least at the typical 6ft length.

Get the 28AWG Monoprice cable.

Anyone notice this with the SA8300HD cable box. Sometimes (has done it only twice so far on my 1 month LCD TV) when I switch to my cable box via HDMI there will be small green and pink diagnal lines in shadow areas of the screen such as on the lower cheek/chin of people, etc. The whole picture or color is not bad it is just certain edge areas if you will. But if I make the cable box switch resolutions or switch inputs on the TV and back the problem goes away. Its almost like the initial HDMI handshake bugged and making it handshake again fixes the problem. Anyone else notice this? Is it the cable box or the TV? I am assuming it is the cable box since I have not noticed it on my HDMI DVD player.

BTW, my SA8300HD is one of the first ones since it does not have the firewire ports.

I just purchased an 8300hd off of ebay. When i plug it in, the display on the front just cycles through numbers from 000 - 900 with an h in front (ex. h104, h177, h202, etc). The unit will not allow me to power it off. Has anyone had this problem or know how to fix it. Thanks
Unless you are in Canada, the cable company does not find the box's
serial number in it's list of authorized boxes (i.e. it's probably stolen).

One problem with Monster (and other high priced) HDMI cables is its weight. This often puts a pressure on the HDMI connection - which may well be leading to your problems. There is no need for heavy HDMI cables, at least at the typical 6ft length.

Get the 28AWG Monoprice cable.

Thanks Dave. Any other cable recommendations? Belkin, Sony, Rocketfish, Acoustic Research, and Phoenix Gold are some available locally...any of these any good?

DK

Anyone notice this with the SA8300HD cable box. Sometimes (has done it only twice so far on my 1 month LCD TV) when I switch to my cable box via HDMI there will be small green and pink diagnal lines in shadow areas of the screen such as on the lower cheek/chin of people, etc. The whole picture or color is not bad it is just certain edge areas if you will. But if I make the cable box switch resolutions or switch inputs on the TV and back the problem goes away. Its almost like the initial HDMI handshake bugged and making it handshake again fixes the problem. Anyone else notice this? Is it the cable box or the TV? I am assuming it is the cable box since I have not noticed it on my HDMI DVD player.

BTW, my SA8300HD is one of the first ones since it does not have the firewire ports.

Haven't noticed the lines, but I have the two firewire ports. My box was used when I got it from TWC. :rolleyes:

Which brings up another question, how would I add an external drive via the firewire port? I tried a FreeAgent Pro (Seagate), and nothing!:mad:
Another gripe I have is that although I leave the DVR on, when I turn off the TV, the DVR seems to go thru a reboot cycle every time. :mad::mad:

Thanks Dave. Any other cable recommendations? Belkin, Sony, Rocketfish, Acoustic Research, and Phoenix Gold are some available locally...any of these any good?

DKNo experience with any of them (except some tend to be overpriced as well). Note, Monoprice delivery is cheap and fast. (6 ft cable + 2 day US Priority Mail delivery LESS than $10! - click on the sponsor link at the top of the page. :)

No experience with any of them (except some tend to be overpriced as well). Note, Monoprice delivery is cheap and fast. (6 ft cable + 2 day US Priority Mail delivery LESS than $10! - click on the sponsor link at the top of the page. :)

Thanks for all your help!

DK

I have a SA 8300HD running sara 1.89.20.1 software. The HDMI cable is connected to my Samsung HL-P5663W/HL. The optical audio out goes to my yamaha RXV-750 receiver. When I configure the system for dolbly digital out, the audio is clipped. It stops intermittently for about 1/2 a second (or less) every 10 seconds so. My receiver shows that is is getting dolby digital in and it also blinks when the audio cuts out.

Several factors lead me to believe it is the 8300

The DVD output does not do this
It happens no matter which input I use on the receiver.


I have searched this thread but was not able to find anything like this behavior.

Anybody have any ideas or better any solutions??

Thanks,
Andy

Not recording. This is my 2nd 8300HD in about a month. It sometimes records a scheduled program - and sometimes, it doesn't!!! This just isn't acceptable. Anyone know what might be going on - and how to fix it? BTW, the signal strength has measured good - in fact, we have an amplifier at the junction box. Thanks.

This is probably a Comcast thing (since both the 2000 Explorer box in the bedroom and the 8300hd in the family room do the same thing): When switched on they automatically tune to channel 8 (the more-or-less local Comcast channel). I would much perfer that the box and tv start up on the last channel the box was tuned to! Is there a way to make that happen with SA cable boxes?

yes. push your menu button twice... scroll down to "viewer: power on" and select the channel you want...
if you want "last channel on", then select the last channel option...

I have a panny 700u series plasma and the 8300 dvr. When hooked up with component cables the image is wonderful. Yesterday I attached a high quality hdmi cable to try to improve the picture even more. No such luck.:mad:

The image was full of artifacts and unwatchable compared with the component view. The box was set to auto dvi/hdmi. What's wrong?:confused:

BTW, I have already switched back to component, but want to get the hdmi to work just the same.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Craig

bump...

Bad cable?
Loose connection from heavy cable & non-locking connectors?
Unlucky combination of HDMI implementations in STB and TV ?

v/r,
C-F

I know this has been covered before, because I swear I saw it before, but for the life of me I can't find it here.

I'm trying to find the "Pass Thru" setting on my SA8300HDC. Can anyone tell me where it is found in the setting menu or some other menu please?

Also, if I use the pass thru setting will my Panny TH-50PZ700 automatically do the scaling then? This is what I hope to do.

One last question. Does the pass thru function work over both HDMI and component? I may need to output from my 8300 via component due to a lack of one additional HDMI input on my panel for now.

Thanks very much and I apologize for the most certainly repeated post.

Rob

I have a SA 8300HD running sara 1.89.20.1 software. The HDMI cable is connected to my Samsung HL-P5663W/HL. The optical audio out goes to my yamaha RXV-750 receiver. When I configure the system for dolbly digital out, the audio is clipped. It stops intermittently for about 1/2 a second (or less) every 10 seconds so. My receiver shows that is is getting dolby digital in and it also blinks when the audio cuts out.

Several factors lead me to believe it is the 8300

The DVD output does not do this
It happens no matter which input I use on the receiver.


I have searched this thread but was not able to find anything like this behavior.

Anybody have any ideas or better any solutions??

Thanks,
Andy
I had all the same symptoms and traced the problem to my optical cable. For some reason, it spontaneously stopped being able to provide a clear signal. Try a different cable and see if that helps.

Matt

...find the "Pass Thru" setting ... in the setting menu or some other menu please?It depends. You should look in the thread for the software your cable system uses: NAVIGATOR (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830) PASSPORT (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804) SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859)
The SARA thread has some pictures of the different "looks" under "Interactive Program Guide Images", although they may differ for each cable system.

v/r,
C-F

Hoping someone might have an answer...

I have the SA8300HD on Long Island - Cablevision is the provider. This past weekend the HDMI output stopped working on the box - or so it seems. We are getting no picture to the TV with HDMI hooked directly from 8300 to Samsung 5687 HDTV.

We did try another HDMI cable (didn't fix the problem).
We did try another HDMI input on the TV (didn't fix the problem).
We did try another piece of equipment using it's HDMI out to the HDMI input on the TV (which worked fine).

Is it possible for the HDMI output to just "go bad" or "get fried" like that? We weren't home when the problem apparently occurred, just went to the TV that night and there was no picture. In the meantime we have the 8300 hooked up to the TV using component... and though it works, the picture doesn't look as good.

Thoughts?

Hoping someone might have an answer...

I have the SA8300HD on Long Island - Cablevision is the provider. This past weekend the HDMI output stopped working on the box - or so it seems. We are getting no picture to the TV with HDMI hooked directly from 8300 to Samsung 5687 HDTV.

We did try another HDMI cable (didn't fix the problem).
We did try another HDMI input on the TV (didn't fix the problem).
We did try another piece of equipment using it's HDMI out to the HDMI input on the TV (which worked fine).

Is it possible for the HDMI output to just "go bad" or "get fried" like that? We weren't home when the problem apparently occurred, just went to the TV that night and there was no picture. In the meantime we have the 8300 hooked up to the TV using component... and though it works, the picture doesn't look as good.

Thoughts?Most likely some sort of software "upgrade". It seems that every time that they change the HDCP software, some problems get fixed, while other things get "broken".

Most likely some sort of software "upgrade". It seems that every time that they change the HDCP software, some problems get fixed, while other things get "broken".

I thought about that... is there anything I should do to try to see if I can get it working? (SARA software)

My 8300HD cable output is not working. All I get is snow. I use this output for a control LCD in my HT rack so I don't need to fire up the projector when I am setting up to record a show or I want to see what is on.

I could not find any settings in the manual that would affect the cable output, but I am hoping someone may know something.

Otherwise, my box is bad and I need a new one, which will suck since I have some good HD content on there that I will lose.

Suggestions appreciated. TIA.

I thought about that... is there anything I should do to try to see if I can get it working? (SARA software)About all I can suggest is to complain to the cable company MAKING VERY CLEAR THAT THERE IS FUNCTIONALITY (HDMI) THAT USED TO WORK, AND NOW STOPPED. Do not get off the phone till you have to talked to a supervisor.

It is possible that something went wrong with your box. It is also possible that something also went wrong with your TV. The fact that HDMI works with a DVD player does not really prove anything, as a different HDCP handshake may be required. But, if the cable company wants to come out and TRY another box, that's one way to approach it.

Keep in mind that different HDCP implementations in various TVs can (and do) react differently to changes in the host HDCP device.

My 8300HD cable output is not working. All I get is snow. I use this output for a control LCD in my HT rack so I don't need to fire up the projector when I am setting up to record a show or I want to see what is on.

I could not find any settings in the manual that would affect the cable output, but I am hoping someone may know something.

Otherwise, my box is bad and I need a new one, which will suck since I have some good HD content on there that I will lose.

Suggestions appreciated. TIA.I assume that you are referring to the RF output, which is on channel 3 or 4. Have you checked to see that the channel has not changed?

Also, are you connected to the projector via HDMI? Is it possible that this is out when the projector is on?

Most likely some sort of software "upgrade". It seems that every time that they change the HDCP software, some problems get fixed, while other things get "broken".

There was no upgrade by Cablevision over the weekend. The HDMI on my SA8300HD still works fine. If a reboot didn't fix the problem then most likely the HDMI port failed on the box.

Dave,

Yes, I am referring to the RF Output. My projector is connected via HDMI through a VP50 processor. I am sure that both work simultaneously as this was not an issue a couple of months ago. My guess is that my kids somehow changed something.

Do you know where I can check the Channel 3,4 setting?

Normally, I set the LCD to TV input and then change channels as needed.

Do you know where I can check the Channel 3,4 setting?Depends if it is SARA or Passport in use there. If SARA: go to 2nd Settings Menu (push Settings on Remote twice) and scroll to "Set: Output Chan".

thanks. Mine is SARA.

I had all the same symptoms and traced the problem to my optical cable. For some reason, it spontaneously stopped being able to provide a clear signal. Try a different cable and see if that helps.

Matt

Matt,
Thanks for the reply. Although the problem cleared up as I was trying to isolate a cause, I will replace the optical cable and see if it stays away.

Andy

eweto16 said
I've got a problem with my Sony TV not syncing with the DVR box. Whenever I change HD resolutions (720p to 1080i) when I change channels on the DVR, I get white snow/static on the TV. I still have sound, but just no picture.


I have the same exact problem, which has been driving me crazy for about a year. The problem occurs when you set the 8300hd audio to digital audio out (while using an hdmi cable to tv - kds55a2000). I have an optical cable hooked up directly from my 8300hd to my sony stereo. If i leave audio out on 8300hd to hdmi - (hdmi to tv) , i get pcm on my stereo (no dolby), however no problem changing channels. When I change audio out on 8300 to digital audio out, i get great dolby through my receiver, however when switching from a hd 1080i to 720p channel or 720p channel to 1080i channnel, i get snow(it loses the handshake). have to shut the tv off and re power up.. then the picture is fine. The kds55a2000 digital audio out output does not work as that is only if you are using the tv tuner.
One solution to get dolby in my stereo and no handshake problem is to fix the output on the 8300hd to either 720p or 1080i. Of course that presents another isssue of having the cable box convert a 1080i signal to 720p or 720p signal to 1080i and then the tv reconverts to 1080p.. Any ideas on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Newbie here so please bare with me

So i'm watching HDTV and all of a sudden i get a message that says

Your HDTV does not support HDCP. Please disconnect your HDMI and connect YPrPB to continue to watch tv.

I call Cox Cable (Central Florida) and here is what the guy tells me....

they are saying that Scientific Atlanta is phasing out HDMI and i have no other option than to use component from now on. he tells me there is serious software issues with HDMI and no longer will it be used and noone will be using HDMI anymore.

Is that correct? What can i do? Anything?

"they are saying that Scientific Atlanta is phasing out HDMI and i have no other option than to use component from now on. he tells me there is serious software issues with HDMI and no longer will it be used and noone will be using HDMI anymore.

Is that correct? What can i do? Anything?"

I don't know. But I was using HDMI for a while and it worked fine. Then it stopped, so I switched back to component. I really couldn't tell any difference in picture quality. The biggest downside to me is that I have all of my TV component inputs filled up and the HDMI empty, and I would like to connect my Wii to a component input.

ya i just connected component and it looks about the same. i'm ticked as well that i have no more connections either.

"they are saying that Scientific Atlanta is phasing out HDMI and i have no other option than to use component from now on. he tells me there is serious software issues with HDMI and no longer will it be used and noone will be using HDMI anymore.

Is that correct? What can i do? Anything?"NO, that is NOT CORRECT - Here is an extract from the FCC rules (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/09nov20051500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2005/octqtr/pdf/47cfr76.640.pdf) pertaining to cable:
(ii) Effective July 1, 2005, include
both a DVI or HDMI interface and an
IEEE 1394 interface on all high definition
set-top boxes acquired by a cable
operator for distribution to customers.So the rules REQUIRE HDMI (or DVI): Hence SA can't phase them out!

Now the REAL problem here is not HDMI, but rather, the copy protection software (HDCP) that is also mandated. The specifications for HDCP were porly written with insufficient test cases so compatibility between YOUR particular TV and the cable box cannot be assured. It is a major "hassle" for the cable companies, because they have no control over what TV you try to connect to the box. Granted, SA ought to be doing a lot better job of checking new versions of HDCP against various TVs.

The most practical short term solution is to switch to component - but you should NOT accept that sort of crap from cable! I'd suggest calling them back, talk to a supervisor, remind them of the FCC requirements and ask to be kept up to date on their efforts to have SA resolve the problem.

Up till last night I had no problems with Dolby Digital from the 8300HD Box through my receiver. Then, I stopped getting sound all together from the HD Digital Channels - when the box tunes to the SD channels there is sound. I have switched cables to test them - no change. I checked to make sure the audio out is set to Dolby Digital - it is. So I changed it to Other, sound came from the HD channels (but not changing the receiver to a DD display) and sound continued coming from the SD channels. Changed back to audio out = Dolby Digital still only sound from SD channels none from any of the HD channels. Anyone else have this happen?

Might find some relevant tips re missing audio by visiting a possible local forum thread in that AVS section. A few years back, as NYC's TWC was converting most channels to digital delivery, such mixups occurred. Seemed related to delivery of digital audio for each channel. It's been ironed out now and my 8300HD now has a digital audio out for all channels, including the few remaining analog channels viewed from the 8300HD digital processing; we also get ~30 analogs viewable/heard with a direct cable input to a NTSC tuner. Also, always worth a try unplugging the STB for a few minutes to cure glitches--often a cure. -- John

Unplugging worked perfectly - Thank You

Might find some relevant tips re missing audio by visiting a possible local forum thread in that AVS section. A few years back, as NYC's TWC was converting most channels to digital delivery, such mixups occurred. Seemed related to delivery of digital audio for each channel. It's been ironed out now and my 8300HD now has a digital audio out for all channels, including the few remaining analog channels viewed from the 8300HD digital processing; we also get ~30 analogs viewable/heard with a direct cable input to a NTSC tuner. Also, always worth a try unplugging the STB for a few minutes to cure glitches--often a cure. -- John

I just started having this problem a couple days ago as well. Every time I want the unit to output HD I have to turn it off, then re-do the output setup thing again. Its almost like its not saving my settings. If I just turn on the box normally then it outputs everything 480i over HDMI, even all my HD stuff. Also, it used to output everything as 720p, but it no longer does this. Im not sure if they messed with the firmware, but my box is starting to act screwy and its not making me happy.
Did you find a solution for this problem? Thanks.

I'm having some problems lately (over the past few weeks) with some of the recordings made by the DVR.

When we go to the recorded programs list and try to play a recording, all we get is a blank screen If we then go select another recording, start watching it, hit stop, then go back to the recorded programs list and choose the 'problem' recording again, it will play.

Over the weekend we caught up on recorded shows and had an empty box, so I set the 8300HD to reformat the hard drive. Recorded several shows afterwards and the problem was still there. It seems to happen with both SD and HD recordings, but not every one. (At first I was thinking the box was getting confused on if it was supposed to be displaying an analog, digital or HD display.)

Any ideas on what it might be, or should I just bring the box down and swap it out?

Thanks!

I'm having some problems lately (over the past few weeks) with some of the recordings made by the DVR.

When we go to the recorded programs list and try to play a recording, all we get is a blank screen If we then go select another recording, start watching it, hit stop, then go back to the recorded programs list and choose the 'problem' recording again, it will play.

Over the weekend we caught up on recorded shows and had an empty box, so I set the 8300HD to reformat the hard drive. Recorded several shows afterwards and the problem was still there. It seems to happen with both SD and HD recordings, but not every one. (At first I was thinking the box was getting confused on if it was supposed to be displaying an analog, digital or HD display.)

Any ideas on what it might be, or should I just bring the box down and swap it out?

Thanks!It's a fairly common problem with SARA 1.89.xx.xx. Happens to me about once in 10-20 viewings. The odds are that the next box will have the same problem.

It's a fairly common problem with SARA 1.89.xx.xx. Happens to me about once in 10-20 viewings. The odds are that the next box will have the same problem.

I was thinking it might have something to do with the level of firmware. Come to think about it, this started happening around the same time that I noticed the new options available during recording configuration. (Ie. Record first run only, etc.)

Thanks for the info!

All,

I recently set up my new Onkyo sr705 and am having trouble getting HDMI to work from the 8300. The Bluray and HDDVD player work flawlessly.

It's running 8300 HDMI > Reciever > Sony 50sxrd.

I've been running component since I first came back to Cox, but now I cannot get picture/sound running HDMI (no picture, cable is fine). Is there a setting I have to change (didn't see anything in setup) to initiate the HDMI) For trail and error, I connected the HDMI cable directly from the 8300 to the TV and still could not get picture/sound.

Sorry if this has been covered, didn't find it on my search.

Thanks

Just curious if anyone has their SA8300 closed captioning set to "On with mute" and has it working. We get nothing with our Samsung LN-T4065F -- CC "on" works fine, but for some reason, "on with mute" does nothing. Does anyone have this working at all? Thanks!

Hopefully, someone can help me with this problem.

If I direct tune (type in channel 213), which is FOXHD, I only get the show in 480i per the 8300HD display. I can also verify this with my VP50 processor as it identifies the input resolution as well.

This also happens when I want to record a HD show on the DVR. Usually, but not always, it will record in 480i.

Now, if I manually change the channel using the up or down arrows to the next HD channel, I will get the full HD signal and if I change it back to the previous channel, it will now display a HD signal.

Since I have a Video Processor, I have the 8300HD set up as pass through, but something has changed and I don't know how to get it back.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

NO, that is NOT CORRECT - Here is an extract from the FCC rules (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/09nov20051500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2005/octqtr/pdf/47cfr76.640.pdf) pertaining to cable:
So the rules REQUIRE HDMI (or DVI): Hence SA can't phase them out!

Now the REAL problem here is not HDMI, but rather, the copy protection software (HDCP) that is also mandated. The specifications for HDCP were porly written with insufficient test cases so compatibility between YOUR particular TV and the cable box cannot be assured. It is a major "hassle" for the cable companies, because they have no control over what TV you try to connect to the box. Granted, SA ought to be doing a lot better job of checking new versions of HDCP against various TVs.

The most practical short term solution is to switch to component - but you should NOT accept that sort of crap from cable! I'd suggest calling them back, talk to a supervisor, remind them of the FCC requirements and ask to be kept up to date on their efforts to have SA resolve the problem.

Just started having same problem!!! Is it a box issue or a software issue??? My HDMI connection to my new Pio Kuro 60" Plasma worked fine for about a month and then boom this HDCP "message" shows up and no way to get HDMI to work!!! Will do component for now (not happy because I ran HDMI snakes through wall!!) but need more info!!!!

My HDMI connection worked for several months before it stopped, and I switched back to component. I would like to change back to HDM - not because I notice any better picture quality, but it frees up my last component input - , and am wondering if a different cable might fix the problem. The cable seems to be a bit loose at the back of the DVR, but I don't know if a new cable would be any better. Has anyone switched out cables and had better luck?

I just got an 8300HD from cox last night, and it's working well for me so far(I've had a few before this). I recorded journeyman last night, and when I watched it during high intensity scenes(the lightning storm for example) I would see uniform macroblocking across the picture. Is this most likely the cable source due to the additional compression they're applying, or does the box compress video more as it records it? If so is there any way to change the compression settings, or disable additional compression when recording?

I just got an 8300HD from cox last night, and it's working well for me so far(I've had a few before this). I recorded journeyman last night, and when I watched it during high intensity scenes(the lightning storm for example) I would see uniform macroblocking across the picture. Is this most likely the cable source due to the additional compression they're applying, or does the box compress video more as it records it? If so is there any way to change the compression settings, or disable additional compression when recording?The artifacts that you are seeing likely come somewhere between the network and the cable head-end. Cable generally does not apply additional compression to local stations (in fact the FCC prohibits material degradation on these stations).

The DVR records the digital signal as received by the QAM tuner - so there is no additional compression there (and no adjustments).

The artifacts that you are seeing likely come somewhere between the network and the cable head-end. Cable generally does not apply additional compression to local stations (in fact the FCC prohibits material degradation on these stations).

The DVR records the digital signal as received by the QAM tuner - so there is no additional compression there (and no adjustments).

Thanks. I haven't seen any macroblocking like that on the other channels, and it was only on a few short shots from that one show, so it hasn't been much of an issue. Good to know the box doesn't compress the video at all.

Hi Guys, I have the 2808 connected to an SA 8300 DVR (time warner NYC) and then connected to a Pioneer 5010 all via HDMI. My problem is that occasionally when I change the channel on the cable box it doesn't accept the signal on the receiver and the white hdmi light on the receiver starts flashing. This happens maybe once a day. The picture comes in and out and the HDMI light keeps flashing. When I change the channel again to a different one, sometimes it kicks in, but other times it just flashes and the signal comes in and out. Powering on and off on the reciever doesn't resolve it. I tried using another DVR box and changed all the cables, but the same thing is happening. The only thing I know to resolve this is to reboot the box. Anyone experiencing this or have a workaround for me? Thanks in advance.

Just started having same problem!!! Is it a box issue or a software issue??? My HDMI connection to my new Pio Kuro 60" Plasma worked fine for about a month and then boom this HDCP "message" shows up and no way to get HDMI to work!!! Will do component for now (not happy because I ran HDMI snakes through wall!!) but need more info!!!!

Pursued with Cablevision who acknowledged they are having a software problem with the SA 8300 (was this some kind of SW update recently that caused this "new" issue?????) and they "are working on it"; he even walked me through a reset and menu changes but it went back to the HDCP message!!! Stuck with component work around for now...:(

Had a problem recording with original cable box/dvr in that the audio would cut in and out only on the recordings. They came out today and replaced it with the all "Digital" box. My original hdtv/dvr box worked well except for the recordings. With the old one my SD was "good". With this new box my SD is pure C-R-A-P. I mean REALLY crap. I may have to insist they come back and put in an original box. I cant believe it is really bad versus my old box. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Samsung HP-S5053

I have COX here in Oklahoma City. I can get a digital signal from the box via optical cable. I can't get Dolby Digital on any of the HD channels. I've changed settings on Audio from Other to Dolby Digital and back. No help. My receiver gets a digital signal just fine on "Other", just no DD.

Thanks for the help.

SF

Had a problem recording with original cable box/dvr in that the audio would cut in and out only on the recordings. They came out today and replaced it with the all "Digital" box. My original hdtv/dvr box worked well except for the recordings. With the old one my SD was "good". With this new box my SD is pure C-R-A-P. I mean REALLY crap. I may have to insist they come back and put in an original box. I cant believe it is really bad versus my old box. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Samsung HP-S5053
I'd keep pestering them until you have 'full' service with your STB(s) working normally. Recently someone in Orlando (Bright House cable) reported (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11998675#post11998675) measuring nearly 1920X1080 effective resolution with a 1080p display and HDNet's Saturday 6:30 am ET test patterns. That's better effective-resolution-wise than many report, and your 1366X768 plasma should show full display resolution if you're on that cable system.

Changes in STBs sometimes result in erroneous STB menu settings or even cabling errors. (A cable tech should also ensure with a meter that your getting adequate signal levels.) Suggest setting the STB setup menu for 1080i output only, letting it convert 480i SD to 1080i. Try both HDMI and YPbPr hookups, too. Also, suggest trying a 'passthrough' STB mode to determine if your plasma, fed 480i, does a better job of upconverting 480i to 1366X768p than handling only 1080i from the STB.

If SD looks that bad, perhaps the hookup or viewing somehow involves 480i analog NTSC, which could result from using the plasma's built-in NTSC tuner--about the worst viewing option if your cable system is simulcasting (duplicating) analog channels in a digital format, as many head ends do now. -- John

Hey guys, I have spent about a half hour reading this thread and I haven't found an answer to this issue... might have missed it...

Changing channels

When I go to change channels, the alloted time to get the 3 diget number in is so fast, I can hardly make it. I have to prepare, exhale, focus and FIRE.

Now my Harmony remote is set to the minimum time between keys and it's can't get 3 digets in quickly enough. grrr... favorite channels not working!

is there a way to set the box so it has a longer time allotment for the channel changing?

Hey guys, I have spent about a half hour reading this thread and I haven't found an answer to this issue... might have missed it...

Changing channels

When I go to change channels, the alloted time to get the 3 diget number in is so fast, I can hardly make it. I have to prepare, exhale, focus and FIRE.

Now my Harmony remote is set to the minimum time between keys and it's can't get 3 digets in quickly enough. grrr... favorite channels not working!

is there a way to set the box so it has a longer time allotment for the channel changing?Odd problem. I have no problem with my Harmony 880 and a SA8300HD (with SARA). I wonder if you have all of the Harmony delays at a minimum.

Hey guys, I have spent about a half hour reading this thread and I haven't found an answer to this issue... might have missed it...

Changing channels

When I go to change channels, the alloted time to get the 3 diget number in is so fast, I can hardly make it. I have to prepare, exhale, focus and FIRE.

Now my Harmony remote is set to the minimum time between keys and it's can't get 3 digets in quickly enough. grrr... favorite channels not working!

is there a way to set the box so it has a longer time allotment for the channel changing?

Not sure if that's on the SARA menu. Read the first post and let us know your location, Cableco, specify SARA/PASSPORT/NAVIGATOR along with the version number and someone can pick up the ball for you.

Question using 2 TV's

I have a panasonic plasma in my living room and my new Optoma hd70 projector in the basement. I've been told that I can connect both to the 8300HD and it will output to both displays (hdmi to my plasma and component to my projector). Is that correct?

also, will i be able to receive audio over the optical (to the hd70) if i also have the hdmi hooked up?

Question using 2 TV's

I have a panasonic plasma in my living room and my new Optoma hd70 projector in the basement. I've been told that I can connect both to the 8300HD and it will output to both displays (hdmi to my plasma and component to my projector). Is that correct?

also, will i be able to receive audio over the optical (to the hd70) if i also have the hdmi hooked up?

That both work simultaneously is in question. Please add your Cablco, and software name and version and someone will pick up as above.

That both work simultaneously is in question. Please add your Cablco, and software name and version and someone will pick up as above.

Time Warner
SA8300HD
SARA Version 1.10

That both work simultaneously is in question. Please add your Cablco, and software name and version and someone will pick up as above.I'll go a step further - it is UNLIKELY that both will work simultaneously. Some earlier versions of the operating software did, but the later updates seemed to have taken that ability away.

With both hooked up to differnt outputs will one tv work if the other is off? i only need it on one tv at a time - projector for my fav. hd shows and sports and plasma for everyday

With both hooked up to differnt outputs will one tv work if the other is off? i only need it on one tv at a time - projector for my fav. hd shows and sports and plasma for everydayYes, it is reported that component is active when the HDMI set is off. However, there may be variations on this, depending on the software - but at least your chances are reasonable.

can someone help me out?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=936847

can someone help me out?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=936847

From looking at your post there - you don't provide a lot of information to go on, but let me take a stab at it.

First, as I understand it, you want to distort SD 4:3 images to fill your 16:9 screen. Most Sony sets (I don't know for sure about yours as you did not provide a complete model number) have a setting on how to treat SD (480i) images. Not sure on the labels for your set - but usually under "Screen" in the user menus.

Then have your cable box set to AutoDVIHDMI. It will then send the native scan rate to the TV and, with the above settings, the TV will automatically display 720p and 1080i in Full Screen and 480i in Wide Zoom (or whatever you select).

I'm pretty sure the answer to your issue lies with the TV (and how it handles the various scan rates) and not your cable box.

From looking at your post there - you don't provide a lot of information to go on, but let me take a stab at it.

First, as I understand it, you want to distort SD 4:3 images to fill your 16:9 screen. Most Sony sets (I don't know for sure about yours as you did not provide a complete model number) have a setting on how to treat SD (480i) images. Not sure on the labels for your set - but usually under "Screen" in the user menus.

Then have your cable box set to AutoDVIHDMI. It will then send the native scan rate to the TV and, with the above settings, the TV will automatically display 720p and 1080i in Full Screen and 480i in Wide Zoom (or whatever you select).

I'm pretty sure the answer to your issue lies with the TV (and how it handles the various scan rates) and not your cable box.

i didnt mess with my tvs settings because I had comcast hd dvr hooked up on the same video input before, I just switched to WOW Cable, i tried all the TV settings but it is not the TV because the SA 8300 wont show regular channels in 480i and HD in 1080i, it shows both SD and HD at 1080i

before with comcast we had a Motorola DVR and it would automatically upscale and downscale when I switched from SD to HD channels

i didnt mess with my tvs settings because I had comcast hd dvr hooked up on the same video input before, I just switched to WOW Cable, i tried all the TV settings but it is not the TV because the SA 8300 wont show regular channels in 480i and HD in 1080i, it shows both SD and HD at 1080iAs I said before: if you have the cable box set to pass through the native scan rate (AutoDVIHDMI) there are TV settings to manage the problem. The Moto box couldn't do that. It is a different box.

If you want more help please include the model of your set (Sony has made different XBR2s).

As I said before: if you have the cable box set to pass through the native scan rate (AutoDVIHDMI) there are TV settings to manage the problem. The Moto box couldn't do that. It is a different box.

If you want more help please include the model of your set (Sony has made different XBR2s).

okay it is set to AutoDVIHDMI, and my tv is a KDL 46XBR2

is there anything I need to do in the menu where you turn off the 8300 and hold those 2 buttons on the receiver?

I continue to have a syncing problem with my SA8300 and my Sony KDS-50A2000. Whenever it swtiches resolutions from 480p to 720p or to 1080i, the box seems to lose sync with the TV and all I get is white snow on the screen. I have to flip to a different input on the TV to force it to re-sync.

I have WOW in Columbus, OH. I've called their tech support like 321 times and they have no solution for me and really seem to care less. They suggest using component cables instead, or setting the box to Upconvert1, so everything HD is output in 1080i.

Upconvert1 does fix the syncing issue, but I'd rather it just ran in the AUTO setting.

Any suggestions?

okay it is set to AutoDVIHDMI, and my tv is a KDL 46XBR2

On your Sony TV, there should be an option in the settings to have the TV detect the resolution. I forget exactly what it is called, but it is in there. I have it on my TV (KDS-50A2000) and it works fine.

I continue to have a syncing problem with my SA8300 and my Sony KDS-50A2000. Whenever it swtiches resolutions from 480p to 720p or to 1080i, the box seems to lose sync with the TV and all I get is white snow on the screen. I have to flip to a different input on the TV to force it to re-sync.

I have WOW in Columbus, OH. I've called their tech support like 321 times and they have no solution for me and really seem to care less. They suggest using component cables instead, or setting the box to Upconvert1, so everything HD is output in 1080i.

Upconvert1 does fix the syncing issue, but I'd rather it just ran in the AUTO setting.

Any suggestions?

I have the 8300HD DVR and your same tv. I had the same problem and tech support had no clue, and I mean no clue, what I was talking about. I set it to 1080i and it doesn't happen. Also had similar problems with the handshake issue with respect to audio. So, I run digital audio from the DVR to my receiver (bypassing the tv) and use HDMI with the DVR set to 1080i--no problems since.

I have the 8300HD DVR and your same tv. I had the same problem and tech support had no clue, and I mean no clue, what I was talking about. I set it to 1080i and it doesn't happen. Also had similar problems with the handshake issue with respect to audio. So, I run digital audio from the DVR to my receiver (bypassing the tv) and use HDMI with the DVR set to 1080i--no problems since.

Yes, tech support is less than clueless when it comes to this issue. They really have no idea what I'm talking about and once the tech guy gets here, he is usually stumped as well.

I haven't had the sound issue that you do. My picture is the only thing that gets out of sync, but I've been running my sound through a digital audio jack the entire time. I would probably have the same problem if I didn't.

I do have the DVR set to Upconvert1, which puts all the HD channels in 1080i now, which has been a stopgap for the problem, but I would still prefer an actual fix to the issue.

is there anything I need to do in the menu where you turn off the 8300 and hold those 2 buttons on the receiver?OK, go through the HD set-up routine and enable AT LEAST the 480 standard screen, 720p and 1080i resolutions (others would be OK, but there is no point).

On TV on User Menu go to Screen settings:
Set AutoWide to ON
Set 4:3 Default to Wide Zoom or Full (or Zoom), whichever you prefer.

If your set is like my Sony, the settings will apply the next time you change channels.

BTW, I really don't know why you want to distort the picture. This is an LCD set, and is not impacted by Image Retention (or burn-in), so showing 4:3 images in 4:3 does not damage the TV (as it supposedly does with Plasmas and CRT Rear Projection sets). But, if that's your preference.....(my son-in-law does that too).

OK, go through the HD set-up routine and enable AT LEAST the 480 standard screen, 720p and 1080i resolutions (others would be OK, but there is no point).

On TV on User Menu go to Screen settings:
Set AutoWide to ON
Set 4:3 Default to Wide Zoom or Full (or Zoom), whichever you prefer.

If your set is like my Sony, the settings will apply the next time you change channels.

BTW, I really don't know why you want to distort the picture. This is an LCD set, and is not impacted by Image Retention (or burn-in), so showing 4:3 images in 4:3 does not damage the TV (as it supposedly does with Plasmas and CRT Rear Projection sets). But, if that's your preference.....(my son-in-law does that too).

thank you so much I finally got it
this SA is a lot different than my Motorola DVR,
and I dont like when SD isnt full screen, im just use to it distorted full screen

thanks again

Yes, it is reported that component is active when the HDMI set is off. However, there may be variations on this, depending on the software - but at least your chances are reasonable.

Thanks - I hope it works. i'm ordering the cables tomorrow. any word on the audio outputs? how do i set hdmi to off?

For some reason I can't change recording times. A few of my shows get cut off a little early and would like the recording to end a little later. After editing the time I hit select to save, and it goes back to the recorded show list, however the new time did not save? No matter what I do it will not save the changed settings. Any ideas?

For some reason I can't change recording times. A few of my shows get cut off a little early and would like the recording to end a little later. After editing the time I hit select to save, and it goes back to the recorded show list, however the new time did not save? No matter what I do it will not save the changed settings. Any ideas?

Hi Mike,

Kindly add your location, cableco, software name, and software version so the right person can pick this up.

Bob

SA8300HD Comcast SARA 1.88.25.1

E8300HD - How can I make the HDMI and Composite video ports work at the same time? I would like to set up the HDMI to use the speakers in the TV but send the composite video output to the TV and the audio to my surround sound. So fo normal viewing like football etc. I'll use the TV's speakers but for movies I can use the surround sound by switching the imputs.

-Jim

For some reason I can't change recording times. A few of my shows get cut off a little early and would like the recording to end a little later. After editing the time I hit select to save, and it goes back to the recorded show list, however the new time did not save? No matter what I do it will not save the changed settings. Any ideas?Sound like a known SARA quirk, you might check the thread here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859). You might just delete the current scheduled recording and recreate it with the desired padding on both ends...

v/r,
C-F

I'd keep pestering them until you have 'full' service with your STB(s) working normally. Recently someone in Orlando (Bright House cable) reported (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11998675#post11998675) measuring nearly 1920X1080 effective resolution with a 1080p display and HDNet's Saturday 6:30 am ET test patterns. That's better effective-resolution-wise than many report, and your 1366X768 plasma should show full display resolution if you're on that cable system.

Changes in STBs sometimes result in erroneous STB menu settings or even cabling errors. (A cable tech should also ensure with a meter that your getting adequate signal levels.) Suggest setting the STB setup menu for 1080i output only, letting it convert 480i SD to 1080i. Try both HDMI and YPbPr hookups, too. Also, suggest trying a 'passthrough' STB mode to determine if your plasma, fed 480i, does a better job of upconverting 480i to 1366X768p than handling only 1080i from the STB.

If SD looks that bad, perhaps the hookup or viewing somehow involves 480i analog NTSC, which could result from using the plasma's built-in NTSC tuner--about the worst viewing option if your cable system is simulcasting (duplicating) analog channels in a digital format, as many head ends do now. -- John
Thanks for the info John.

is there a way to force my SA 8300 tw cable hd box to output 720p through hdmi? i cannot change the output once the hdmi is connected.

Could be a cable company setting or it could be the HDMI handshake.

You might have better luck if you include your location, software (see below), version, and since this appears to be HDMI related, your TV model and/or firmware version.

Here are some more specific threads that probably receive more [traffic].

SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859)
Passport (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804)
Navigator (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830)

Master (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=581843)

v/r,
C-F

Could be a cable company setting or it could be the HDMI handshake.

You might have better luck if you include your location, software (see below), version, and since this appears to be HDMI related, your TV model and/or firmware version.

Here are some more specific threads that probably receive more [traffic].

SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859)
Passport (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453804)
Navigator (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830)

Master (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=581843)

v/r,
C-F


Thank you for the reply. I am currently at work so all I can provide is

Samsung HPT 4245
Queens, NY

I am not sure about which software or version. I will check once I get home. When I do connect to HDMI and I go to the output option it says that you cannot change the output when using HDMI/DVI.

I am not sure how to find out the software?
my box is a 8300HDC

Queens NY and SA8300HDC sounds a lot like Time Warner Cable with NAVIGATOR or mystro.

If so, here is your local thread where you will find folks with experience with your software and your local cable quirks/policies (they vary from place to place): New York, NY - TWC (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=297592).

There are some pictures to compare in the SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859) thread mentioned earlier, but the easiest way is to reboot the box and check if you see "Aptiv" or "Passport Echo" when you turn the box or if you see "mystro" or NAVIGATOR (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830).

Sorry I cannot help you directly, I had an older version of PASSPORT in KS, and a recent version of SARA in TX, but I have no personal experience with NAVIGATOR.

The NAVIGATOR (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830) thread contains a lot of discussion, and there does not seem to be a tips and tricks collection yet, so I looked for some relevant posts: you may want to start at #2015 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11823056#post11823056) and the responses to it.

This was only a simple search for "720p", you might try searching on "output" "aspect ratio" "1080i" etc. I am not sure how the new forum search works, but the old one was inconsistent with multiple terms... ("Search this Thread" is located at the top right, underneath the page numbers and is probably better than a global search...) Some other relevant posts may be #1757 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11682490&postcount=1757) #1424 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11391032&postcount=1424) #1232 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11108998&postcount=1232) ...

You might want to search for "diagnostics" or "version" if you want to get into those pages...

Good luck.


v/r,
C-F

Queens NY and SA8300HDC sounds a lot like Time Warner Cable with NAVIGATOR or mystro.

If so, here is your local thread where you will find folks with experience with your software and your local cable quirks/policies (they vary from place to place): New York, NY - TWC (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=297592).

There are some pictures to compare in the SARA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=471859) thread mentioned earlier, but the easiest way is to reboot the box and check if you see "Aptiv" or "Passport Echo" when you turn the box or if you see "mystro" or NAVIGATOR (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830).

Sorry I cannot help you directly, I had an older version of PASSPORT in KS, and a recent version of SARA in TX, but I have no personal experience with NAVIGATOR.

The NAVIGATOR (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830) thread contains a lot of discussion, and there does not seem to be a tips and tricks collection yet, so I looked for some relevant posts: you may want to start at #2015 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11823056#post11823056) and the responses to it.

This was only a simple search for "720p", you might try searching on "output" "aspect ratio" "1080i" etc. I am not sure how the new forum search works, but the old one was inconsistent with multiple terms... ("Search this Thread" is located at the top right, underneath the page numbers and is probably better than a global search...) Some other relevant posts may be #1757 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11682490&postcount=1757) #1424 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11391032&postcount=1424) #1232 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11108998&postcount=1232) ...

You might want to search for "diagnostics" or "version" if you want to get into those pages...

Good luck.


v/r,
C-F

Thank you so much!

I have the 8300HD DVR and your same tv. I had the same problem and tech support had no clue, and I mean no clue, what I was talking about. I set it to 1080i and it doesn't happen. Also had similar problems with the handshake issue with respect to audio. So, I run digital audio from the DVR to my receiver (bypassing the tv) and use HDMI with the DVR set to 1080i--no problems since.

Just jumping in here, but my Sharp LC32GA5U does the same thing when I'm hooked up via component cables. My HDMI port (which *didn't* have the problem) got fried somehow a few months (tried other sources...it's dead with no warranty) ago so I had to go back to component.

My solution was to limit my resolutions to 480p and 720p on the 8300HD itself. Otherwise I had to go from a 480p (SD) channel to a 720p and then to a 1080i which I tired of real quick.

Another thing that also would work was to re-enable 480i on the 8300HD (480i->720p and 480i->1080i worked), but regular TV, to me, looks much better in 480p.

-Rick

Hello all I am sure this info is already listed but Can I get an External HD for my 8300HD DVR
I am on cablevision Long Island system
Thanks
MY DVR is almost full

Hello all I am sure this info is already listed but Can I get an External HD for my 8300HD DVR
I am on cablevision Long Island system
Thanks
MY DVR is almost fullYes (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559 )

:):)

Yes (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559 )

:):)


OK Yes can ya point me to what I would need ?

OK Yes can ya point me to what I would need ?Click on the "Yes": it is a link to a thread devoted to the subject.

Thanks

First I apologize if this has been covered but searching for "hdmi audio" turned up just about every post. Here's my setup:

TV: Philips 47PFL7422D/37
HDMI 1: PS3
HDMI 2: XBOX 360
HDMI 3: Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD Cable Box (TWCNYC)
AV 3: Nintendo Wii

* All 3 HDMI devices are using HDMI cables only, no optical/coax audio cables.
* TV has latest firmware 64.whatever from around Nov 14 date.

PROBLEM:
In this configuration I get picture and sound from all devices EXCEPT the cable box which gets picture only.

* If I unplug the HDMI cable from XBOX 360 either at the XBOX or TV end the audio INSTANTLY comes on for the TV.
* I can then plug the XBOX HDMI cable back in and still have cable TV audio but when I switch to another HDMI device and then back the audio is gone again.

One other REALLY WEIRD THING:

If all three HDMI cables are plugged into the TV, then if I go to the cable box's settings and choose output formats (1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i) I cannot make changes. As soon as I unplug one of the other HDMI cables I can make changes and they will be applied.
*This was discovered by accident when I wanted to change the sidebars for 4:3 programs.

* Audio Out on the cable box is set to HDMI and not digital output.

* I have tried swapping the HDMI cables around and it still happens.

Any clues? I don't know where to begin. Any thoughts are GREATLY appreciated.

if i connect the 8300HD DVR box to my AV Receiver with HDMI, will the box pass thru a digital 5.1 sound signal to my AV receiver?

if i connect the 8300HD DVR box to my AV Receiver with HDMI, will the box pass thru a digital 5.1 sound signal to my AV receiver?Usually.

Need some help.

I have a vizio 42 inch from costco , just got it.
I have this box hooked up via hdmi and it has problems picking up any channel , they come in choppy or distorted and normaly the channel goes to black.

I'm with cablevision in new jersey

Need some help.

I have a vizio 42 inch from costco , just got it.
I have this box hooked up via hdmi and it has problems picking up any channel , they come in choppy or distorted and normaly the channel goes to black.

I'm with cablevision in new jerseySounds like low signal level. Did a Comcrap tech install it?

they installed the box yes , it was on a diffrent tv though , an sd tv was there at the time.

Also its cablevision not comcast

they installed the box yes , it was on a diffrent tv though , an sd tv was there at the time.

Also its cablevision not comcastMy apologies to Cablevision (I should have picked that up). When you say it is a different TV, I assume that the 8300 is in the same room as before - just a different TV. Is this problem happening on just some (in particular the HD) channels?

I'd suggest that you have Cablevision look at it. There are lots of different things that can happen and the techs will usually make sure that everything is "up to snuff".

My apologies to Cablevision (I should have picked that up). When you say it is a different TV, I assume that the 8300 is in the same room as before - just a different TV. Is this problem happening on just some (in particular the HD) channels?

I'd suggest that you have Cablevision look at it. There are lots of different things that can happen and the techs will usually make sure that everything is "up to snuff".


Yea , it happens on some hd and some sd channels. I'm going to call them up and have them come out , mabye even jump up to another dvr. Are there newer and better dvrs ? Or a multiroom dvr.

See I was orignaly going to get fios but as verzion felt they didn't need to show up or call on the day they were schedualed to come out , I'm giving up on that

Yea , it happens on some hd and some sd channels. I'm going to call them up and have them come out , mabye even jump up to another dvr. Are there newer and better dvrs ? Or a multiroom dvr.Multi-Room DVRs have been deployed only in a very few markets. If you got a new DVR is would likely be a SA8300HDC (the "C" for CableCARD). As several markets have had problems with those, I would suggest NOT getting a new box (unless the tech finds that the cause of your problems REALLY is the box - which I doubt).

I'm kind of new to the HD scene. I just got a Sharp LC52D64U and am connecting to a SA 8300HD via Time Warner. I noticed that when I connect with an HDMI cable, the analag and digital channels run in 480i, but the HD channels will pick up in 1080i or 720p (depending upon the channel). When I connect with the regular 5 color-coded plugs, each channel is upconverted to 1080i. There was a technician checking out my equipment because I thought there was a problem (I had also been seeing the box freeze, lip syncing, blips of no sound, fuzzy pictures on analog channels, etc), and he said the software on the box sucks. Basically, it won't allow upconversions via HDMI cables.

My question is it better to have the channels come in at the varying formats or have everything converted to 1080i? Also, with the other problems I listed, are those a result of the receiver or a weak signal (those problems tend to be random, and the guy checked my signal and said it was strong)?

Thanks for any help!

Well, my SA8300 up-converts over HDMI - I have it set to output everything @1080i

DOn

Well, my SA8300 up-converts over HDMI - I have it set to output everything @1080i

DOnThat all depends on what you have the box set to do. See my direct reply (next).

I'm kind of new to the HD scene. I just got a Sharp LC52D64U and am connecting to a SA 8300HD via Time Warner. I noticed that when I connect with an HDMI cable, the analag and digital channels run in 480i, but the HD channels will pick up in 1080i or 720p (depending upon the channel). When I connect with the regular 5 color-coded plugs, each channel is upconverted to 1080i. There was a technician checking out my equipment because I thought there was a problem (I had also been seeing the box freeze, lip syncing, blips of no sound, fuzzy pictures on analog channels, etc), and he said the software on the box sucks. Basically, it won't allow upconversions via HDMI cables.

My question is it better to have the channels come in at the varying formats or have everything converted to 1080i? Also, with the other problems I listed, are those a result of the receiver or a weak signal (those problems tend to be random, and the guy checked my signal and said it was strong)?

Thanks for any help!You didn't say what software that TW uses there. I have SARA (you might have Passport) and can give you answers based on that.

First, Generally it is best to have the 8300 output the resolution that the original signal is in. The scaler in the display is tailored to the characteristics of the display so it is likely to give you better results than the one in the SA8300HD.

An exception is where the display is slow at syncing to a new scan rate and changing channels (from say 720p to 1080i) really bugs you, then a fixed rate (1080i in this case) might be better.

You may well be seeing the differences between component and HDMI simply because of settings in the box. Again, I'm assuming you have SARA here, and these instructions might not apply to Passport.

When you hit the SETTINGS button on the remote it will bring up a QUICK SETTINGS screen. Hit the SETTINGS button again and you will get a GENERAL SETTINGS screen. Scroll up on that screen and you sill find a Set: Picture Format setting. When you have HDMI, one of the choices there will be AUTO DVI/HDMI, when you have component then that choice will be PASSTHROUGH. Other choices (with either) are FIXED, UPCONVERT 1, and UPCONVERT 2. If you select FIXED, then a setting will appear on the QUICK SETTINGS screen labeled PICTURE FORMAT. You can select the scan rate that everything will be at. Upconvert 1 sends 480i as 480i but 720p and 1080i as 1080i. Upconvert 2 is similar except it sends 1080i as 720p.

Hope this helps.

Dave, I was only referring to the Techs statement that the SA8300 will not scale over HDMI, which it will.

Don

You didn't say what software that TW uses there. I have SARA (you might have Passport) and can give you answers based on that.

First, Generally it is best to have the 8300 output the resolution that the original signal is in. The scaler in the display is tailored to the characteristics of the display so it is likely to give you better results than the one in the SA8300HD.

An exception is where the display is slow at syncing to a new scan rate and changing channels (from say 720p to 1080i) really bugs you, then a fixed rate (1080i in this case) might be better.

You may well be seeing the differences between component and HDMI simply because of settings in the box. Again, I'm assuming you have SARA here, and these instructions might not apply to Passport.

When you hit the SETTINGS button on the remote it will bring up a QUICK SETTINGS screen. Hit the SETTINGS button again and you will get a GENERAL SETTINGS screen. Scroll up on that screen and you sill find a Set: Picture Format setting. When you have HDMI, one of the choices there will be AUTO DVI/HDMI, when you have component then that choice will be PASSTHROUGH. Other choices (with either) are FIXED, UPCONVERT 1, and UPCONVERT 2. If you select FIXED, then a setting will appear on the QUICK SETTINGS screen labeled PICTURE FORMAT. You can select the scan rate that everything will be at. Upconvert 1 sends 480i as 480i but 720p and 1080i as 1080i. Upconvert 2 is similar except it sends 1080i as 720p.

Hope this helps.

I guess I have the Passport software. When I go to Settings, it does default to Quick Setting, but hitting settings again just goes back to the TV show. You can scroll around on the bottom to get to a DISPLAY tab, within which there are selections such as OUTPUT RESOLUTION, ASPECT RATIO, etc. When I go to OUTPUT RESOLUTION, while I'm on A&E HD for example, it says the following:

"STATUS: 720p
This setting CANNOT be modified when using a DVI or HDMI connection"

It will do the same thing on all channels, whether it is 480i, 1080i, or whatever.

Any thoughts?

You sure you don't have a CableCARD equipped SA8300HDC running NAVIGATOR:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=723830
Yes, the new S/W has lots of problems....including resolution setting issues.

SOMEONE HELP!!!!!
I even know what to call this problem.
I have a TWC 8300HDC here in Maspeth, NY
I woke this morning to the box saying, h### scrolling up & down. numbers changing...