It does look like they slightly rearranged the mini-menu. I normally have the default on the Favorites (heart) icon, but it had shifted yesterday to another icon.

The menus are dynamically created and can be updated 'on-line'. The mini and setup menu have a basic default, but if you ever reboot your box (or use the change language option), you will see them change at about the same time the full menus become active.
I don't know that you were contradicting me, but wouldn't this still be a change controlled by individual MSOs, even if a software update (new software version, configuration change, etc) was implemented by several MSOs?

My wife traded in our Comcast DVR today, both to get a newer one with HDMI ports, and because our old one had begun to malfunction (erasing recordings randomly, etc).

So today, we get a Motorola dct3416 I. At first, it didn't show HD channels, premiums, etc. One call fixed that.

Then my wife noticed that the OnDemand premiums (like HBO shows) didn't work as it showed we didn't have those subscriptions. Not a big deal, but she called anyway to get that fixed. They said it'd be up in an hour, after 3 it wasn't so she called back again.

This time, the girl at Comcast sent some sort of signal that did not fix the Ondemand issue, but it DID wipe out channels 2 through 94 on our menu guides. They're just gone.

Three people there couldn't figure out what this was or how to fix it (nor would they admit the signal sent did this, but c'mon...). I'm assuming it's a firmware thing, but, then again, I'm not very bright. Anyone know what this is & hw to fix it?

Is there someway that I can force my box to do an auto-update on the firmware or something? Or do I just wait until monday and get a new box? Voodoo maybe?

Thanks.

Go to wikipedia, and it will tell you how to wipe your box, and have it automatically reprogrammed.

Go to wikipedia, and it will tell you how to wipe your box, and have it automatically reprogrammed.

Thanks!
I just found the info on wiki a little while ago, it went thru the reset process fine, but those channels are still kaput.

Oh, well, it's what we get for swapping boxes on a saturday I guess.

Thanks for the help.

Well, on the bright side, you don't have a HDD full of stuff you would lose, when you swap for a functioning box... :D

I didn't say it explicitly, but I was speaking of the 5C DTCP encryption over the Firewire output, so it has everything to do with whether you can capture it. In my experience, the term for referring to encrypted content over QAM (or cable systems in general) is "scrambled".
I tend to hear "encrypted" more often than "scrambled," but nevertheless they do mean the same thing. Sorry for the confusion of terms.

5C DTCP is NOT encryption. (Well, that's not quite true - the technology does have allowances for content to be encrypted, but it's my understanding the encryption is not used in practice because of a technical flaw of some kind.) If something is flagged as anything other than Copy Freely, the DVR will not output anything on Firewire unless the connected device can be authorized. Once the authorization is successful, the video stream is sent in the clear - it is NOT encrypted.

I tend to hear "encrypted" more often than "scrambled," but nevertheless they do mean the same thing. Sorry for the confusion of terms.

5C DTCP is NOT encryption. (Well, that's not quite true - the technology does have allowances for content to be encrypted, but it's my understanding the encryption is not used in practice because of a technical flaw of some kind.) If something is flagged as anything other than Copy Freely, the DVR will not output anything on Firewire unless the connected device can be authorized. Once the authorization is successful, the video stream is sent in the clear - it is NOT encrypted.
I'm afraid that's not correct. Can you provide a reference to support it?

Here are some posts by the guy that developed the 5C DTCP implementation in JVC D-VHS decks, that demonstrate the stream is encrypted. One states, "5C is most definitely an encryption technology", and no design flaw is ever mentioned.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=4615081&&#post4615081
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6577472&&#post6577472
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7740955&&#post7740955
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8520228&&#post8520228
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9361464&&#post9361464

5C DTCP is an implementation of a copy protection policy that is enforced specifically by encryption and authentication, so to say it is "NOT encryption" simply isn't true. If there is some flaw in the spec, then I'd like to read more about it, but that doesn't mean a DTCP-protected stream won't be encrypted in the future when the flaw is fixed, in which case it isn't helpful to say the spec itself "is NOT encryption".

You can read my take on policy vs. implementation (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10581884&&#post10581884). From what I know, both encryption and authentication work properly. When my STB outputs 5C DTCP-encrypted content, I don't get a 0 byte file, I get crap data --- encrypted data.

The DTCP Specification Volume 1 Version 1.4 (Informational Version) (http://www.dtcp.com/data/info%2020050228%20dtcp%20vol%201%20%201p4.pdf) specifies that a source device outputs an encrypted stream first, which specifies the copy protection policy. Depending on the policy, authentication and key exchange for Restricted or Full Authentication will take place in order to properly decrypt the content:


1. The source device initiates the transmission of a stream of encrypted content marked with the appropriate copy protection status (e.g., “copy-one-generation,” “copy-never,” or “no-more-copies”) via the EMI bits.

2. Upon receiving the content stream, the sink device inspects the EMI bits to determine the copy protection status of the content. If the content is marked “copy-never,” the sink device requests that the source device initiate Full AKE. If the content is marked “copy-one-generation” or “no-more-copies” the sink device will request Full AKE, if supported, or Restricted AKE. If the sink device has already
performed the appropriate authentication, it can immediately proceed to Step 4.

3. When the source device receives the authentication request, it proceeds with the type of authentication requested by the sink device, unless Full AKE is requested but the source device can only support Restricted AKE, in which case Restricted AKE is performed.

4. Once the devices have completed the required AKE procedure, a content channel encryption key can be exchanged between them. This key is used to encrypt the content at the source device and decrypt the content at the sink.

The spec also states that authentication is initiated not by the source device, but by the sink device --- in our analogy, a PC. Because the PC is not cognizant of DTCP, it does not inspect the stream for the copy protection policy, and therefore does not request authentication of any kind. Yet there is still a stream being output by the source and received by the sink, it simply isn't in a format recognizable by the sink.



State A0: Unauthenticated. A device is in an unauthenticated state, waiting to receive a request to perform the Full or Restricted Authentication procedure.


During Full Authentication:

1. The sink device requests authentication by sending a random challenge and its device certificate. This can be the result of the sink device attempting to access a protected content stream (whose EMI is set to “Copy-never,” “No-more-copies,” or “Copy-one-generation”). The sink device may request authentication on a speculative basis, before attempting to access a content stream. If a sink device attempts speculative authentication, the request can be rejected by the source.

I think this topic came up before, but I can't find I'm not sure what keywords to search for.

Every so often, I get warning about encrypted HDMI signals, and the message to use component input. Then the box outputs a green screen while still playing audio.

A day or two later, the picture is back.

First, is there a reason for this, and a way to prevent it?

Also, just so I know, Is this an issue with the box, Time Warner, or my TV?

thanks.

Fred:
The green screen problem is mentioned here--
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#When_turning_the_box_on.2C_it_may_not_display_a_picture .2C_the_picture_may_be_solid_green.2C_a_blue_box_may_appear_ displaying_an_HDCP_error.2C_or_multiple_images_may_appear_on _HD_channels

My wife traded in our Comcast DVR today, both to get a newer one with HDMI ports, and because our old one had begun to malfunction (erasing recordings randomly, etc).

So today, we get a Motorola dct3416 I. At first, it didn't show HD channels, premiums, etc. One call fixed that.

This time, the girl at Comcast sent some sort of signal that did not fix the Ondemand issue, but it DID wipe out channels 2 through 94 on our menu guides. They're just gone.

Three people there couldn't figure out what this was or how to fix it (nor would they admit the signal sent did this, but c'mon...). I'm assuming it's a firmware thing, but, then again, I'm not very bright. Anyone know what this is & hw to fix it?

This happened to me a few times (the channels 2-99 were missing). This was solved by calling again, and the Comcast rep doing their "magic". A couple of Comcast reps recommended temporarily removing all splitters during the initial authorization of the box (only the initial authorization, not every reboot). I have no clue wheter this is really needed or not.

Unfortunately I don't know how else to fix this other than call Comcast again and hope a more knowledgeable representative picks up.

Good evening,
I was wondering if someone could translate some comcast repair technician speak for me. I have been having problems on my dvr with the HD picture..especially on HBO and the local sports network...NESN. HBO tiles a lot and is unwatchable..NESN has screwy lines going through it but is watchable. I explained to the tech who came out that sometimes the picture in HD is fine and other times I get the tiles and it seems more often than not it is when the weather is rainy or bad. He tested the signal strength into the dvr and said it was very high on all levels. When he went to the pole he noticed that things were not screwed in tight enough and the wind was probably jigling the line causing problems. That, I understand.
What he did say was that the levels there were off in a big way and that another truck had to come out within 48 hours and make the adjustment..I didn't have to be home. He said if things pointed one way the problem needs to be adjusted on my pole..if it pointed another it would have to be adjusted at the head end down the street. He wrote the following down:
Signal Levels

2* was 9
58 was 16
71 was 16
117 was 20

26 Value
4-Port
POR #21

None of that means anything to me..but could those levels be causing my tiling problem and would that adjustment make a difference? When I tired to watch HBO HD tonight I was having the same tile problems so whatever he screwed in tighter didn't help much.

Thanks in advance

Tom

Good evening,
I was wondering if someone could translate some comcast repair technician speak for me. I have been having problems on my dvr with the HD picture..especially on HBO and the local sports network...NESN. HBO tiles a lot and is unwatchable..NESN has screwy lines going through it but is watchable. I explained to the tech who came out that sometimes the picture in HD is fine and other times I get the tiles and it seems more often than not it is when the weather is rainy or bad. He tested the signal strength into the dvr and said it was very high on all levels. When he went to the pole he noticed that things were not screwed in tight enough and the wind was probably jigling the line causing problems. That, I understand.
What he did say was that the levels there were off in a big way and that another truck had to come out within 48 hours and make the adjustment..I didn't have to be home. He said if things pointed one way the problem needs to be adjusted on my pole..if it pointed another it would have to be adjusted at the head end down the street. He wrote the following down:
Signal Levels

2* was 9
58 was 16
71 was 16
117 was 20

26 Value
4-Port
POR #21

None of that means anything to me..but could those levels be causing my tiling problem and would that adjustment make a difference? When I tired to watch HBO HD tonight I was having the same tile problems so whatever he screwed in tighter didn't help much.

Thanks in advance

Tom

I'm assuming he wrote those #'s down from the tap at the pole & if so they're pretty much where they should be for that equipment (if they were taken at the dvr they're high). 2, 58, 71 & 117 are the analog channel #'s with the signal level in dBmv after them (commonly just known as signal strength). The 26 value is the tap value at the pole (tap is what your cable drop is plugged into at the pole, 26 is generally the highest, going down to usually 8 at the lowest in increments of 3), a 26 value should be right off of or the next pole down from an amplifier in the system (normally a bronze or aluminum colored, shoebox sized piece of equipment near the pole). 4 port is as it says, how many ports are on the tap, depending on how many houses it feeds, ideally every customer should have a port, they come in 2, 4 or 8 port varieties. POR#21 should be the pole #. On a 26 value tap channel 2 should be about 10 dBmv lower then 117, if you were at an 11 or 14 value tap the levels would be reversed with chan. 2 high & 117 low. If those levels were taken at the tap (and they should've been if he put a ticket in) & he put them in for maintenance to check out they wouldn't do anything with them because they're great. Unfortunately the levels do not look to be your problem, could be something else on the street though.

Thanks for taking the time to explain things...but I wonder, then, what the tech was trying to accomplish by saying the pole numbers were the cause of my hd issues and that rolling another truck to work on the poll would solve it? I have just had comcast for a couple of months so everything was a new setup. He checked my signal strengths at the dvrs and said they were very strong. If you don't think the numbers were out of whack..what else could be going on? The inside cable runs were the same ones I had for my direct tv tivo units and they never had these problems..so, the cables are good..the tech even said as much today.

Thanks

Tom

I have two 3416s connected via component outputting 1080i. Both of them will stutter on "some" HD material (not all). For example, on Planet Earth on Discovery, I'll see some stutter (about 1 skip per second) on higher motion scenes, same thing watching a concert on Mojo TV, but never see it watching ESPN HD or ESPN2HD.

Anyone else seen this?

JIMMMBO-

when i see this on my 3416, i usually have to do one of two things : unplugging the HDMI connection for about a minute and plaugging it back in, or if that doesn't work, going into the diagnostics menu (with the power off press "menu") and changing the HDMI settings off of hdmi....powering back on andthen off again, getting back into the service menu and switching the HDMI settings back to normal.

the second step can be kind of tricky if your display (like mine) can't see the rgb signal when the hdmi is set to OFF, but the front display of your box shows you what part of the service menu you're in. i have no idea why setting it to RGB then back to HDMI fixes this occasional stuttering problem but it seems to work for me....

i find that i have to do this every couple of weeks or so, and it effects the same channels as you (Discovery HD...and i would bet if you tried MTV-HD you'd see the same problem when it's happening).

I stumbled accross this fix for stuttering - works EVERY TIME for me when stuttering starts. Turn off box, go into service menu, change output from 1080i to 720p. Power box on. Turn off box, go into service menu. Return output to 1080i and check the stutter. This works every time for me. Stuttering only seems to come back if the unit is restarted (power cycle). It seems as though it does not like to be powered up with 1080i set, but these steps work for me to get back to clean 1080i.

oleus:
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I'm using component out, not HDMI. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

kmp14:
OK, I'll give that sequence a try when I get home tonight. I think I may have tried something similar before, but I'll do it in the exact order you're suggesting.

wow, i'm a little surprised the stuttering happens on component. it never happens with my 3416 that's used in a component setup, so i always figured it was some weird hdmi problem with the motorola...

I posted this on the Boston Comcast forum, but no one has the exact same issue:
I am on my second 34xx series DVR. I am having signal strength issues (on the line connecting the entire house to the pole outside), which will hopefully be resolved today by a technician. Some of the analog channels (mostly the lowest ones) are all snow, and the digital simulcasts break up constantly. My 3412 froze up completely around 11pm (the clock was stuck at the exact time!) and had to be rebooted. This happend a few times over the past month, mostly within this week.
On Wednesday, I got a new 3416 box when a technician came over. Sure enough, we went to use the DVR this morning, and it was completely frozen with the time displaying something after 11pm.
Has anyone experienced this type of freezing? Neither box was set to record anything at all in the past few days. Some people on the other forum said signal strength issues can cause a lot of other issues.

Anyone have their box connected through an HDMI receiver? Do you guys have any issues where the receiver will constantly lose synch with the cable box, causing your display to go blank for a few moments when fast forwarding/rewinding?

I have the 3412, with an Onkyo Receiver and this happens randomly when doing a fast forward/rewind operation on the Comcast box. I have software 16.35 on the cable box. Any advise would be appreciated.

Just noticed that if I hit FF again after FF4, it goes back to play. Not sure whether this is new behavior, or maybe I just never noticed it before...

Just noticed that if I hit FF again after FF4, it goes back to play. Not sure whether this is new behavior, or maybe I just never noticed it before...

This is normal, or at least has always been the case for me.

Anyone have their box connected through an HDMI receiver? Do you guys have any issues where the receiver will constantly lose synch with the cable box, causing your display to go blank for a few moments when fast forwarding/rewinding?

I have the 3412, with an Onkyo Receiver and this happens randomly when doing a fast forward/rewind operation on the Comcast box. I have software 16.35 on the cable box. Any advise would be appreciated.

Mine will sometimes go green for a second or two, when i'm watching and not doing anything. Haven't figured out why it does this. I use the HDMI through a Denon AVR2807. Doesn't happen often though, i've only seen it a couple times. Obviously something to do with the handshake, like it lost it for a second, or was re-establishing it.

wow, i'm a little surprised the stuttering happens on component. it never happens with my 3416 that's used in a component setup, so i always figured it was some weird hdmi problem with the motorola... My 3416 stutters sometimes during HD playback, and I use component output. Once it was really bad and I traced it to insufficient cooling (something was pressed up against the bottom cooling holes).

Just noticed that if I hit FF again after FF4, it goes back to play. Not sure whether this is new behavior, or maybe I just never noticed it before...

This has been the case with all three Comcast DVRs I have used. Same thing with fast-backwards.

I posted this on the Boston Comcast forum

Good evening,
There is a Boston Comcast forum? Could someone point me in the right direction on how to find it? Looked through the front page where the forums are listed and didn't see any mention other than HDTV locals.

Thanks

Tom

Good evening,
There is a Boston Comcast forum? Could someone point me in the right direction on how to find it? Looked through the front page where the forums are listed and didn't see any mention other than HDTV locals.

Thanks

Tom

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793008&page=1&pp=60

Thanks Bobby...I really appreciate you taking the time for finding and posting.


Tom

Hi all. I had a 6412 for years with no issues and just recently got it swapped out for a 3412. I've got an odd problem on my 3412 and I'm not sure if this is normal or if there is a fix. When the box is off, and I press menu to access that menu, I like to keep the settings at "1080i" and 480 overide "OFF". For some reason once a day or so, it switches the 480 override back to "480i". Is there any way to stop this? I called comcast and they replaced the box. Same thing happens. It's kind of annoying because it will then record my shows in a "stretched" picture that looks terrible. Thanks

I'd suggest replacing the box again -- I have had a 3412 in the past and now have a 3416 and neither have ever exhibited that.

I stumbled accross this fix for stuttering - works EVERY TIME for me when stuttering starts. Turn off box, go into service menu, change output from 1080i to 720p. Power box on. Turn off box, go into service menu. Return output to 1080i and check the stutter. This works every time for me. Stuttering only seems to come back if the unit is restarted (power cycle). It seems as though it does not like to be powered up with 1080i set, but these steps work for me to get back to clean 1080i.

This appears to have worked. Thanks! :)

Hi all. I had a 6412 for years with no issues and just recently got it swapped out for a 3412. I've got an odd problem on my 3412 and I'm not sure if this is normal or if there is a fix. When the box is off, and I press menu to access that menu, I like to keep the settings at "1080i" and 480 overide "OFF". For some reason once a day or so, it switches the 480 override back to "480i". Is there any way to stop this? I called comcast and they replaced the box. Same thing happens. It's kind of annoying because it will then record my shows in a "stretched" picture that looks terrible. Thanks

Also, if it matters, I am using a HDMI to DVI cable to connect to the TV

I just recently picked up a Comcast 3416 box so that I could get all of the HD channels offered by comcast. I have everything installed but no menus show up. I have all the channels including the hd ones which look perfect, but I can't go through any menus, they simply don't show up. Is this a problem with my box in particular or is this a known issue with all 3416's. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have the box connected through HDMI

I have a Vizio VX32L HDTV

i have 3 comcast dual tuner DVR's

2 of them are the newer 3416's, actually it says DCT3416 I

i don't know what the "I" is for

anyway, my 3rd DVR is an older one, it has no model number on it but it looks like this:

http://www.engadgethd.com/images/2005/10/motohddvr.jpg

i'm holding on to this one because it has much smoother forward and reverse motion, like 100 times smoother

but all 3 of them have that bull **** problem with that "your dvr is full" message that comes out of nowhere

I just recently picked up a Comcast 3416 box so that I could get all of the HD channels offered by comcast. I have everything installed but no menus show up. I have all the channels including the hd ones which look perfect, but I can't go through any menus, they simply don't show up. Is this a problem with my box in particular or is this a known issue with all 3416's. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have the box connected through HDMI

I have a Vizio VX32L HDTV

The default menus should show up within a few minutes of rebooting/installation. Then after a few more minutes it downloads the custom menus for your system. If not, then I assume there must be some kind of a problem.

Apart from HDMI, did you try connecting through any other outputs (S-video? RF? Component? RCA?).

Also did you try using the buttons on the front panel of the device to see if you can navigate the menus? If those work, they it could point to a problem with the remote, either hardware or not having the appropriate codes perhaps?

I was able to call Comcast and they simply send a signal to my tuner which turned the menus on. Problem solved, thanks for the help!

i have a question

does anyone know how to turn off that message that says "your recording has finished" ?

i can't tell you how many times that crap popped up when i was burning something to my DVD recorder, it really pisses me off

i always end up screaming "WHY THE F DO WE NEED TO KNOW THAT?!?!?!?!?!"

thanks :)

i have a question

does anyone know how to turn off that message that says "your recording has finished" ?

i can't tell you how many times that crap popped up when i was burning something to my DVD recorder, it really pisses me off

i always end up screaming "WHY THE F DO WE NEED TO KNOW THAT?!?!?!?!?!"

thanks :)

I don't think there is a way to prevent it from popping up, but you can just hit 'exit' on the remote and it goes away as soon as you hit that button. Annoying, yes.

I don't think there is a way to prevent it from popping up, but you can just hit 'exit' on the remote and it goes away as soon as you hit that button. Annoying, yes.

i found some really cool stuff at this link:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

i see something that says: "NOTE: To get rid of the warning screen that sometimes comes up regarding interruption of an ongoing program recording, append a "LIVE" key to the end of the macro. i.e. ON = MENU - POWER - POWER - LIVE and OFF = MENU - POWER - LIVE. "

but that's not the message i'm trying to get rid of

i did the "skip forward 30" thing to my lock button

i did the "Add A Dedicated STB Mute/Unmute" to my mute button

and made my "on demand" button a "swap tuner" button

i have a question

does anyone know how to turn off that message that says "your recording has finished" ?

i can't tell you how many times that crap popped up when i was burning something to my DVD recorder, it really pisses me off

i always end up screaming "WHY THE F DO WE NEED TO KNOW THAT?!?!?!?!?!"

thanks :)

As far as I know there's no way to get rid of that annoying message (along with the annoying flip bars), but there is a workaround: you can switch your tuners around if you are only using one to record, so the tuner who is recording is the background tuner.

but there is a workaround: you can switch your tuners around if you are only using one to record, so the tuner who is recording is the background tuner.

oh yeah, that was the first trick i learned but sometimes i'm recording on both tuners while transfering a stored program to dvd

i also learned another trick. you know how the menus are slugish when you're on a hi def channel? just pause the program and the menus work much smoother

I have an olevia 237v and a comcast 3416, since I got the TV I havent been able to get HDMI to work...there is just no signal at all, no green screen no HDCP warnings.

When I first got the setup I had firmware 16.20, now I have been updated to 16.35/74.53-3321 and it still doesnt work. I read in the wiki about the bug with the old firmware...actually had the Techs out here when I first got the TV and showed them that document...they were surprised to see that information and had no idea about the firmware bugs.

When I go into the user settings there is no "ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS >>>" menu item like it refers to in the wiki, when I go to the diagnostic page interface port status(D11) it says DVI/HDMI it says Enabled:no Active:no

I have done a bit of turning things on/off and unplugging/plugging to no result...I do see a brief flash when I unplung the HDMI cable at the tv and at the box...so somthing is happening

Should there be a menu item in user settings for HDMI? even if something was actually wrong with the TV itself? is the HDMI somehow disabled in the box( I would kinda expect it to say Enabled:yes Active no)

I'm thinking of buying a HDMI dvd player just to test if the HDMI port on the TV is hosed I dont really want to was wondering if anyone had any insight.

Thanks

I have an olevia 237v and a comcast 3416, since I got the TV I havent been able to get HDMI to work...there is just no signal at all, no green screen no HDCP warnings.

When I first got the setup I had firmware 16.20, now I have been updated to 16.35/74.53-3321 and it still doesnt work. I read in the wiki about the bug with the old firmware...actually had the Techs out here when I first got the TV and showed them that document...they were surprised to see that information and had no idea about the firmware bugs.

When I go into the user settings there is no "ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS >>>" menu item like it refers to in the wiki, when I go to the diagnostic page interface port status(D11) it says DVI/HDMI it says Enabled:no Active:no

I have done a bit of turning things on/off and unplugging/plugging to no result...I do see a brief flash when I unplung the HDMI cable at the tv and at the box...so somthing is happening

Should there be a menu item in user settings for HDMI? even if something was actually wrong with the TV itself? is the HDMI somehow disabled in the box( I would kinda expect it to say Enabled:yes Active no)

I'm thinking of buying a HDMI dvd player just to test if the HDMI port on the TV is hosed I dont really want to was wondering if anyone had any insight.

Thanks


What about the TV's setup? Have you selected the HDMI input for audio and video?

When I go into the user settings there is no "ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS >>>" menu item like it refers to in the wiki, when I go to the diagnostic page interface port status(D11) it says DVI/HDMI it says Enabled:no Active:no
You mention the d11 page from the Diagnostic Menu (Power off, OK). You did look for the "ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS" on the User Settings Menu (Power off, Menu), correct?

If you have a Comcast box with F/W 16.xx, I don't know how you could not have an ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS page.

Once you get that figured out, the first thing I would do is ensure the output is set to HDMI, and not DVI. If it's already set to HDMI, I would try switching to DVI, turning on the box, turning off the box, and switching it back to HDMI. You could also try changing the colorspace, or you may find it works to just leave the output set to DVI.

The way the TV works is that you select the source you want to view...so the answer is yes I am watching the HDMI input..which is a blue screen(the default color for no input coming in)

I've actually unhooked the component inputs thinking that the box would allow either hdmi or component but not both...but the LED on the box flashes YPbPr

Thanks

not[/i] have an ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS page.



This is exactly what I am wondering...I even redownloaded the firmware from the headend just to make sure.

I swear I could totaly see comcast like disableing the HDMI or somthing...

as far as the other part of your answer...I have no DVI on the TV or On the Cable box...only HDMI...my box is a DCT3416I.

Is there anything other to do after accessing the user settings? I have some pics of what I am seeing.

one time when i had to go to the comcast office to pick up a new box, the guy working there told me that with comcast boxes, component cables actually work better than hdmi

he didn't say why

This is exactly what I am wondering...I even redownloaded the firmware from the headend just to make sure.

I swear I could totaly see comcast like disableing the HDMI or somthing...

as far as the other part of your answer...I have no DVI on the TV or On the Cable box...only HDMI...my box is a DCT3416I.

Is there anything other to do after accessing the user settings? I have some pics of what I am seeing.
According to your userset.jpg, you have your tv hooked up with component cables (YPbPr output ). To see the HDMI additional settings you have to hook up your tv with HDMI cables and don't have both HDMI and component cables hooked up at the same time, it will definitely slow up channel changing and menu speed. I know I did that and the only way it went away was to only have one or the other hooked up. I also looked at your d11.jpg and it shows that the Dvi/HDMI Enabled as No and Active as No. This to me means you don't have the HDMI cable connected to your tv, it should read "Enabled as Yes and Active as Yes"

Laters,
Mikef5

According to your userset.jpg, you have your tv hooked up with component cables (YPbPr output ). To see the HDMI additional settings you have to hook up your tv with HDMI cables and don't have both HDMI and component cables hooked up at the same time, it will definitely slow up channel changing and menu speed. I know I did that and the only way it went away was to only have one or the other hooked up. I also looked at your d11.jpg and it shows that the Dvi/HDMI Enabled as No and Active as No. This to me means you don't have the HDMI cable connected to your tv, it should read "Enabled as Yes and Active as Yes"

Laters,
Mikef5

during that pic they were both pluged in

I just testedit without the component plugged in at all and it was the same...of course I just see the YPP flash on the LED of the cable box. I guess the only thing I can do is get another HDMI source in here to see if its the TV or the cable box(the original techs swapped boxes and that didnt do anything...so I guess I am suspecting the HDMI port on the TV is broken at this point.

Thanks

one time when i had to go to the comcast office to pick up a new box, the guy working there told me that with comcast boxes, component cables actually work better than hdmi

he didn't say why
Grain of salt. It's a guy in a local comcast office.

It will vary based on your display and your personal preferences, but generally, HDMI/DVI will maintain the digital signal from the broadcast/cablecast all the way to a digitally-addressable display, and give you the potential for the best PQ. Like I noted, based on your equipment and preferences, YMMV. To add confusion, component cables are also capable of carrying digital signals, but due to common analog-only devices, I don't believed it's used often.

On my display, the component inputs produce jagged edges on 1080i signals, so I prefer HDMI/DVI. Knowing a digital connection has the ability to provide the best quality can also trick me into thinking it's always the best, no matter what.

Also, I'm a guy on the Internet, so the guy behind the Comcast counter may have a leg up on me. But, of course, you can read all about it elsewhere.

during that pic they were both pluged in

I just testedit without the component plugged in at all and it was the same...of course I just see the YPP flash on the LED of the cable box. I guess the only thing I can do is get another HDMI source in here to see if its the TV or the cable box(the original techs swapped boxes and that didnt do anything...so I guess I am suspecting the HDMI port on the TV is broken at this point.

Thanks

Well, that is interesting. I would say it's likely pointing to a faulty display.

The display will flash Ypp/OUt when you are on the setting for the output resoluton. I don't think it's related to your issue.

Try unplugging the component cables and connecting the HDMI cable, so it's the only HD-capable connection. Then plug in a composite or s-video cable so you can see the settings as you change them. See if you can get the ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS to come up, and then try what I suggested before, changing the the HDMI setting to DVI mode (it doesn't matter that you're on HDMI, we're just trying to get it working for now) and changing the colorspace, and see if it will come up. If it starts working, then it doesn't matter if it's set to HDMI or DVI, as long as you don't get HDCP errors or audio issues. Use the other cables or memorize the keystrokes to change the setting back later if you do get errors.

If you can't even get into the ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS page, then it's likely a hardware problem. But if you can find out your HDMI port works on your TV, it can still be the box. Two boxes with the same problem wouldn't be a first.

I have both component and DVI running from my 6412PIII, with no problems. I usually use the component, because my Samsung DLP won't accept 480i over DVI. I find the PQ virtually indistinguishable between the two, on HD channels.

I have both Component and HDMI hooked up with 3416s on two TVs with no problems. Panasonic plasma and a Sony LCD 1080p. I switch between the two sometimes to see which one has the best quality.

I lost my component out on my 3416 after trying out the HDMI output. I have tried removing the HDMI cable and doing an unplug 'reset', but still no signal. Any suggestions?

i just noticed something

if i leave my DVR on the same channel as a show that's scheduled to be recorded, i always run into that "your disc is full" problem

for example, if i have a show set up to record on channel 2 and i leave the box on channel 2, i run into problems when the recording on channel 2 starts. i leave the box on any other channel and no problem

I don't know if this is a comcast problem or a 3412 problem, but when I watch HD movies on demand every 5 minutes or so the audio drops for a split second. There's no error in the video, but it happens pretty regularly. Has anyone else had this happen?

I don't know if this is a comcast problem or a 3412 problem, but when I watch HD movies on demand every 5 minutes or so the audio drops for a split second. There's no error in the video, but it happens pretty regularly. Has anyone else had this happen?

This used to happen when I lived in Nashua for about two weeks and the issue just stopped without any reason and never became a problem again. Since I moved to Derry, NH from Nashua, NH I never had this issue once. Sorry this doesn't really help solve your problem but I have a feeling its something on Comcast's end and not yours and its just waiting until they provide the fix or whatever they did to fix the problem. If the issue hangs around after a few weeks I guess I'd call Comcast and create a trouble ticket.

I have both Component and HDMI hooked up with 3416s on two TVs with no problems. Panasonic plasma and a Sony LCD 1080p. I switch between the two sometimes to see which one has the best quality.

i have had no problems with this setup either. i have one lcd, with both the component and hdmi hooked up to it. i have a receiver and speakers that correspond with the component input, and when my girlfriend is sleeping at night, i switch it over to hdmi so the audio plays out of the tv speakers, as to not wake her up.

charles- that is not a solid test, considering they are 2 different types of connectors. if you were doing a component split to each of these tvs, that is valid. but doing component to one tv, and hdmi to the other, and then saying 'oh this one looks better' is not good practice.

on a side note - any word when the comcast/tivo boxes are due out?

I lost my component out on my 3416 after trying out the HDMI output. I have tried removing the HDMI cable and doing an unplug 'reset', but still no signal. Any suggestions?

i would remove the hdmi cable first, then power cycle the box. if the problem still persists, i would check the 'white menu' for any discrepancies. power the box off, press menu, and go from there.

This is exactly what I am wondering...I even redownloaded the firmware from the headend just to make sure.

I swear I could totaly see comcast like disableing the HDMI or somthing...

as far as the other part of your answer...I have no DVI on the TV or On the Cable box...only HDMI...my box is a DCT3416I.

Is there anything other to do after accessing the user settings? I have some pics of what I am seeing.

Not sure if you found your answer yet, but I might be able to shed some light (you're not gonna like the answer). Last month I went and swapped out my 34XX for a 3416 in the bedroom. I requested a box with HDMI out. When I got it home, I noticed I could not see anything through the HDMI out. I called Comcast and was told to go into the menu settings to see if the HDMI was enabled. Sure enough, it was not! The sucky part is that it cannot be enabled from the head end. I need to bring the box back and swap it out again. From the screenshots you took, it looks as if your HDMI is NOT active. I'm thinking you need to swap that box out. Hopefully you haven't gone with component and started filling up the hard drive. Real PITA, I know. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

I just got a HDMI dvd player and confirmed that the HDMI for the TV is working. So I guess I am gonna have to go swap out the box...the question is how can I make sure I get a box with the HDMI enabled when I go pick one up?

I'm a little frustrated, as I have filled up the drive with a bit of stuff...but at the same time I'm pretty relieved that its not the TV thats broken

Thanks
zipsil

I have a quick question. I have a DCT 3416 HDMI box, once I turn my TV off and leave the cable box on, you will see channel numbers being entered on the cable box display. For example it will read the time for about 7 seconds, then you will see 05 being entered and then display the time again. About 7 seconds later you will see 06 being entered and then back to the time. It does this continuously, I thought once it cycled through all the channels it would stop but it doesn't (thought maybe it was the channel guide being updated or something). If the TV is on it does not do this. The problem is that when viewing on the slingbox, my tv is off so this weird channel entering happens and while I'm watching slingbox, the channel will turn, then 7 seconds later it will turn to the next consecutive channel and so on. I called comcast, they had me take my box into exchange it which sucks because I had some playoff games on there from last season but figured I wanted this to work and that was the problem. Guess what, get home, hook up the new box and still the same damn problem. I called them up to see if I could get my old box back and I'm told they have no way of knowing which one it was, I just dropped it off 30 minutes ago!!! So, now I have an appiontment for Saturday to have someome come out and look at this. Have any of you experienced this? The only work around I can think of is to plug my TV into the back of the cable box so when I hit the power button on the slingplayer remote it will turn the tv and cable box on and the channels won't get changed on me. This sucks though because I live in an apartment so I have make sure that before I leave my place the volume on the tv is set to a low level. I was under the impression that the TV didn't need to be on for this to work properly, anyone have any ideas? I know the comcast guy will come out here and be at a loss since their tech support has no clue. I talked to 3 comcast tech support reps and only one of them had even heard of a slingbox. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Today at 07:36 PM

I have a quick question. I have a DCT 3416 HDMI box, once I turn my TV off and leave the cable box on, you will see channel numbers being entered on the cable box display. For example it will read the time for about 7 seconds, then you will see 05 being entered and then display the time again. About 7 seconds later you will see 06 being entered and then back to the time. It does this continuously, I thought once it cycled through all the channels it would stop but it doesn't (thought maybe it was the channel guide being updated or something). If the TV is on it does not do this. The problem is that when viewing on the slingbox, my tv is off so this weird channel entering happens and while I'm watching slingbox, the channel will turn, then 7 seconds later it will turn to the next consecutive channel and so on. I called comcast, they had me take my box into exchange it which sucks because I had some playoff games on there from last season but figured I wanted this to work and that was the problem. Guess what, get home, hook up the new box and still the same damn problem. I called them up to see if I could get my old box back and I'm told they have no way of knowing which one it was, I just dropped it off 30 minutes ago!!! So, now I have an appiontment for Saturday to have someome come out and look at this. Have any of you experienced this? The only work around I can think of is to plug my TV into the back of the cable box so when I hit the power button on the slingplayer remote it will turn the tv and cable box on and the channels won't get changed on me. This sucks though because I live in an apartment so I have make sure that before I leave my place the volume on the tv is set to a low level. I was under the impression that the TV didn't need to be on for this to work properly, anyone have any ideas? I know the comcast guy will come out here and be at a loss since their tech support has no clue. I talked to 3 comcast tech support reps and only one of them had even heard of a slingbox. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Today at 07:36 PM

Are you certain it's not the Slingbox causing the channels to be changed?

Yes, it was doing it before I even got the slingbox. I have also tested it with the new cable box with the slingbox not connected.

Are you using the HDMI or DVI connection? If so, I wonder if there is some weird bug. Try disconnecting it and using component instead.

Does the remote light (LED in lower-right of display) blink during the changes? Try putting some cardboard in front of the display, to help block any errant remote signals. Make certain any remotes or remote repeaters are turned off or hidden away.

Have you tried changing the display to show the channel instead of the time?

Hey, not sure what you mean by the HDMI or DVI connection. All I have hooked up is the svideo, and audio cables running to my TV and DVD player. My old box that I exchanged had two rows of audio on the back of the unit, the new box only has one. My old cable box had this odd behavior as well. I used to do the channel entries while I watched TV but once comcast support sent a signal to my box and reset it, it would only do it when the TV is off and the cable box is on. Yes the remote light blinks on the box when this happens. The comcast tech rep. had me remove the batteries from the remotes (the comcast remote and a universal one I have) and it still did it. I just changed the setting for the time display, now you see the channel behavior but it reads the channel it was just changed to until the next consecutive channel numbers are entered. I can't imagine that I had two bad box's, something else has to be going on. I have an apointment for Saturday morning but something tells me we are going to be here for a while.

I'd just like to clarify that I'm an idot. As a test I unplugged eveything from the cable box (except power and cable to the wall) to weed out devices. It still did it and I was just thinking that is not possible (well it could be but something would seriously have to be messed up with comcast). So I'm looking at the box and I notice in front of it is the little IR device that goes to my TV and is plugged into the G-Link jack. So, I moved the little IR device to the back of the cable box and what do you know, no more changing channels! The thing that really sucks is on the box I swapped out I had two years worth of Seahawk's Playoff games and the Super Bowl they were robbed of.... sorry, I mean in. So, should some troubled soul stumble upon this thread with similar issues, look for the the IR device culprit. On the bright side, my slingbox works great now!

LOL, we all will learn from you. Glad you got it fixed

Charter got me a MOXI back today. I am now a happy camper. Still have two 3416s to deal with but I have the MOXI on my main TV. I sure hope Charter goes back to all MOXIs someday.

Charter got me a MOXI back today. I am now a happy camper. Still have two 3416s to deal with but I have the MOXI on my main TV. I sure hope Charter goes back to all MOXIs someday.

Diego is putting final touches on an OCAP version of MOXI. With them actively writing software hopefully some provider out there buys it! I have to say it looks pretty slick in pictures, but I've never been blessed with trying it out.

I'm gonna try out a Tivo S3, just for kicks. I'll hafta temporarily disconnect the cable from the 3416 to connect the S3. Will this have any detrimental effect on the 3416?

I'm gonna try out a Tivo S3, just for kicks. I'll hafta temporarily disconnect the cable from the 3416 to connect the S3. Will this have any detrimental effect on the 3416?

Other than not being able to use it? I am guessing no other effects because in cases where my box froze overnight it was essentially disconnected from the Borg Collective of the Cable company and nothing else happened. (but this is only a guess!)

I'm gonna try out a Tivo S3, just for kicks. I'll hafta temporarily disconnect the cable from the 3416 to connect the S3. Will this have any detrimental effect on the 3416?

How do you plan to hook the S3 up? You do know that it uses cable cards don't you?

ajwees41

How do you plan to hook the S3 up? You do know that it uses cable cards don't you?

Yep, I have the cable cards. But I assume it also needs to be connected to the incoming cable?

And the CableCards need to be configured as as to be properly paired to the device you're installing them into.

With HDTV, do I need to enable Closed Captioning thru the 3416 menu system? Is that the one where I need to turn off the box, then access the menu?

If this works, does it mean that every time I want to toggle on/off the CC, I need to go thru the same process again?

Yes on the cable hookup. Be advised I don't think the TIVO3 can communicate with your cable company. So I don't think you will be able to order VOD and PPV, etc. Plus, I think you will have to have the TIVO monthly service too. I am waiting on the new retail MOXI to come out. Hopefully it will be able to talk back to the cable company and maybe it will not require the monthly service.

Yes on the cable hookup. Be advised I don't think the TIVO3 can communicate with your cable company. So I don't think you will be able to order VOD and PPV, etc. Plus, I think you will have to have the TIVO monthly service too. I am waiting on the new retail MOXI to come out. Hopefully it will be able to talk back to the cable company and maybe it will not require the monthly service.

Unless Comcast and Moxi have to some agreement on CableCard 2.0, I'm guessing the retail MOXI will NOT be able to receive VOD or PPV. Also, there will be a monthly fee, I can't see how any company offering a DVR service would/could do it without a monthly fee associated....I mean Tivo is certainly not alone on that front.

Personally, I'm continuing to hold out for the tivo branded Moto 34xx through Comcast....though my patience is being tried!

Well, I am hearing the MOXI will have some kinda CableCard 2.0 and the latest I have head the answer is still not sure yet on the MOXI monthly service. I have had my gut of the 3416s. I hope Charter comes out with some kinda TIVO thing like Comcast is supose to do.

With HDTV, do I need to enable Closed Captioning thru the 3416 menu system? Is that the one where I need to turn off the box, then access the menu?To some extent, it depends on the type of connection. If you're using a digital connection, then the Closed Captioning decoding must take place in the STB, and is then passed along on the video stream (effectively as open captions from that point). If you're using a composite video or s-video connection, then the Closed Caption decoding should be done by your display device, not the STB.

If this works, does it mean that every time I want to toggle on/off the CC, I need to go thru the same process again?We just leave the Closed Captioning on. The extent of my wife's hearing impairment doesn't vary much.

Unless Comcast and Moxi have to some agreement on CableCard 2.0, I'm guessing the retail MOXI will NOT be able to receive VOD or PPV. Also, there will be a monthly fee, I can't see how any company offering a DVR service would/could do it without a monthly fee associated....I mean Tivo is certainly not alone on that front.

Personally, I'm continuing to hold out for the tivo branded Moto 34xx through Comcast....though my patience is being tried!


It's not the cable card that has to be 2way. The hardware S3 has to be. The cable card is the security device.

ajwees41

did anyone here know that you can buffer 19 hours of music on both tuners?

19 hours in each buffer, that's pretty amazing

and my DVR is almost filled at 97%

did anyone here know that you can buffer 19 hours of music on both tuners?

19 hours in each buffer, that's pretty amazing

and my DVR is almost filled at 97%
That's because they are just audio, with a little bit of static graphic imagery, and sometimes graphics looks like Flash animation. On my system, all 47 Music Choice channels are on one frequency, and using 64QAM, too. If they changed to 256QAM, they could probably fit in one or two SD channels. As far as I can tell, that is the only frequency left using 64QAM.

It's not the cable card that has to be 2way. The hardware S3 has to be. The cable card is the security device.
Both the S3 hardware and the CableCARD would have to support two-way communications. Currently, none of the CableCARDs nor CableCARD using hardware devices on the market do. Right now, if it has a CableCARD, it does not support interactivity such as VOD.

See the CableCARD wiki.

Both the S3 hardware and the CableCARD would have to support two-way communications. Currently, none of the CableCARDs nor CableCARD using hardware devices on the market do. Right now, if it has a CableCARD, it does not support interactivity such as VOD.

See the CableCARD wiki.


I read that and do understand it.

I found this though

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/06/15/there-is-no-cablecard-2-0/

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=355703

I have connected my 3416 to an Olevia 537 with an HDMI cable. The Olevia is connected to a Sony receiver by an optical cable. When I am watching a high def program using the Olevia's built-in tuner, the Sony receives a Dolby 5.1 surround signal. Watching the same channel on the cable box, I get stereo sound.

I have played tried the HDMI settings on the cable box - 'pass through' delivers no sound. The other settings just deliver stereo sound. I've set the user settings to advanced - matrix and low compression.

Has anyone had success in getting a surround sound signal out of the 3416?

Personally, I'm continuing to hold out for the tivo branded Moto 34xx through Comcast....though my patience is being tried!

Same here. Just figured I'd try out Tivo with the $200 rebate and easy return to Costco...

We just leave the Closed Captioning on. The extent of my wife's hearing impairment doesn't vary much.

Neither does mine, but some programs are easier to understand than others. And there are often situations where the CC covers up something important onscreen, so I back it up and watch again with the CC toggled off. Pretty hard to do that thru the STB each time...

I have connected my 3416 to an Olevia 537 with an HDMI cable. The Olevia is connected to a Sony receiver by an optical cable. When I am watching a high def program using the Olevia's built-in tuner, the Sony receives a Dolby 5.1 surround signal. Watching the same channel on the cable box, I get stereo sound.

I have played tried the HDMI settings on the cable box - 'pass through' delivers no sound. The other settings just deliver stereo sound. I've set the user settings to advanced - matrix and low compression.

Has anyone had success in getting a surround sound signal out of the 3416?

I think you need to connect your 3416 to the AVR via the optical cable, not the TV to the AVR. I.e., stb to the TV via HDMI (and mute the TV's internal speakers), stb to the AVR via the optical audio cable.

I think you need to connect your 3416 to the AVR via the optical cable, not the TV to the AVR. I.e., stb to the TV via HDMI (and mute the TV's internal speakers), stb to the AVR via the optical audio cable.

This is my set-up and it works.

Most TVs won't pass thru 5.1 that they receive to any output port.

If you want 5.1 from the 3416 add an optical cable from the 3416 direct to your amp.

jtm

Both the S3 hardware and the CableCARD would have to support two-way communications. Currently, none of the CableCARDs nor CableCARD using hardware devices on the market do. Right now, if it has a CableCARD, it does not support interactivity such as VOD.

See the CableCARD wiki.
That is not correct, ALL Cablecards are bi-directional, they always have been, it's the host hardware ( Tivo S3 ) that is not bi-directional. The new DCH Motorola cable boxes use M-cards ( Muliti-stream cards ) and will do VOD and PPV, these are due for release in July.
If the Wiki page says that cablecards are not bi-directional then it is wrong, I have talked with senior techs at Comcast and they have verified this as true.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5: FWIR, the DCH-series STBs are utilizing integrated means to support VOD and PPV, rather than having those specific features supported by the CableCards. Can you confirm/refute that?

Mikef5: FWIR, the DCH-series STBs are utilizing integrated means to support VOD and PPV, rather than having those specific features supported by the CableCards. Can you confirm/refute that?


That's the way as I understand it. If the S3 had the hardware to support 2way than any cablecard would work.


The only thing the cablecard is used for is the security of the s3.

ajwees41

Sure glad I didn't get a TIVO3. I am waiting on the retail MOXI to come out later this year.

Mikef5: FWIR, the DCH-series STBs are utilizing integrated means to support VOD and PPV, rather than having those specific features supported by the CableCards. Can you confirm/refute that?
What the new Motorola boxes ( DCH's ) do is put the security features on the cable card the rest of the box is basically the same as the old boxes ( with some newer features in them ). So, yes they act like the old boxes and can do VOD and PPV just like the old boxes. With the security features moved to the cable card it allows other vendors to make their own boxes and use these cards. These cards are like the ones that were used in the old Sat boxes. You could buy you own box, get the card for the Sat company and have it authorized for use and you were good to go.

What the other vendors have to do is make their hardware bi-directional, get it certified and sell me one. I want a Tivo S3 but it's got to be able to do VOD and SDV, til then I'll wait and suffer with the cable company's boxes.

One other thing, I'll have to check on the VOD as to whether it is hardware or software run. I know that you have to have hardware with bi-directional capabilities to signal the head end as to what program you want and you need software to do that. I would imagine that that if Tivo can write software to access regular cable channels right now they could write software to use VOD when they get their hardware bi-directional and certified by Cable Labs. I would find it hard to believe that VOD is integrated into the box but is software run. The box just needs to be able to talk to the head end and software does the rest. If you could give me a link to where you read that they use integrated VOD I'd appreciate it.

Laters,
Mikef5

What the new Motorola boxes ( DCH's ) do is put the security features on the cable card the rest of the box is basically the same as the old boxes ( with some newer features in them ). So, yes they act like the old boxes and can do VOD and PPV just like the old boxes. With the security features moved to the cable card it allows other vendors to make their own boxes and use these cards. These cards are like the ones that were used in the old Sat boxes. You could buy you own box, get the card for the Sat company and have it authorized for use and you were good to go.

What the other vendors have to do is make their hardware bi-directional, get it certified and sell me one. I want a Tivo S3 but it's got to be able to do VOD and SDV, til then I'll wait and suffer with the cable company's boxes.

One other thing, I'll have to check on the VOD as to whether it is hardware or software run. I know that you have to have hardware with bi-directional capabilities to signal the head end as to what program you want and you need software to do that. I would imagine that that if Tivo can write software to access regular cable channels right now they could write software to use VOD when they get their hardware bi-directional and certified by Cable Labs. I would find it hard to believe that VOD is integrated into the box but is software run. The box just needs to be able to talk to the head end and software does the rest. If you could give me a link to where you read that they use integrated VOD I'd appreciate it.

Laters,
Mikef5


that is correct

well put

ajwees41

If you could give me a link to where you read that they use integrated VOD I'd appreciate it. I'll try to remember. It may have been here.

I'll try to remember. It may have been here.
The reason I ask is, VOD is integrated into the cable company's system not into the box. The box is just a piece of equipment to access the system. The head end is modified to be able to give you VOD, your box/software combination gives you the ability to access that. So you might have confused where the integration actually is in the cable system.

Laters,
Mikef5

Most TVs won't pass thru 5.1 that they receive to any output port.

If you want 5.1 from the 3416 add an optical cable from the 3416 direct to your amp.

jtm

Or HDMI from the 3416 to the amp.

Neither does mine, but some programs are easier to understand than others. And there are often situations where the CC covers up something important onscreen, so I back it up and watch again with the CC toggled off. Pretty hard to do that thru the STB each time...

And then there are the programs where the CC lags the dialog by about a month, making it totally unwatchable. grrrrr

I'm wanting to know if there is a way I can play movies from my laptop through my DVR Comcast 3416?

No.

And then there are the programs where the CC lags the dialog by about a month, making it totally unwatchable. grrrrr
On the Chicago forum, a tech mentioned how CC travels through. For SD material, it has to be converted to the HD format and reinserted into the datastream. Despite attempts to delay the video, it can get out of sync.

Thanks for your responses. Because I had trouble getting 5.1 out of my previous box (a 6412 and assumed the problem would carry over to the 3416), I neglected to check the obvious direct connect solution.

Olevia's tech support confirms that the hdmi imput on the 537H does not pass 5.1 signals. (alas).

What the other vendors have to do is make their hardware bi-directional, get it certified and sell me one. I want a Tivo S3 but it's got to be able to do VOD and SDV, til then I'll wait and suffer with the cable company's boxes.
Firewire is still a dealbreaker for me with a TiVo. But the DCH3416 does look interesting, although I'm sure it would have its own host of problems, without any real feature benefit over a DCT box.

And, of course, it's still loaded with DRM, er, DCE (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6440876.html)!

http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp

Macrovision™, HDCP, 5C DTCP, and CGMS-A content protection schemes on the respective interfaces

Yippee! Macrovision and CGMS-A! Is the DCT series equipped with the analog protection schemes? I thought people were dumping like crazing to DVD recorders and VHS tapes.

Hey Guys, is their an issue with the 3416 and HD On-demand via component. I remember reading something about it awhile back but a search didn't turn up anything. I had to switch out my 6412 ph. II yesterday after it died and ran into this problem. All regular HD channels come through fine but HD-Ondemand comes out as 480p. Is their just a setting i'm missing. The 6412 didn't have this problem...

No problem with 3416 and HD OnDemand in the Seattle area with components.

Trying to get closed captioning on a Samsung T325 HDTV, unsuccessful so far, tried both HDMI and component. On the TV, the CC menu option is grayed out on both input options. This is discouraging, I thought at least component would not be a problem...

Samsung requires digital Closed Caption decoding to take place at the tuner (or playback device, for PVRs). That means you must configure the 34xx box to decode Closed Captions, rather that expecting to do that at the display device. (This is a good thing, actually -- we feel that the Closed Captions provided by the 34xx are superior to that offered by most other sources, including all Samsung televisions. The 34xx offers options that I haven't seen many other places, including a transparent background.)

Follow these instructions:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup#Closed_Caption

Just noticed that search for programs starting with "A" is again requiring the A. That had been fixed for a while, now it's back. Ugh. Still seems to work ok for programs starting with The.

Samsung requires digital Closed Caption decoding to take place at the tuner (or playback device, for PVRs). That means you must configure the 34xx box to decode Closed Captions, rather that expecting to do that at the display device. (This is a good thing, actually -- we feel that the Closed Captions provided by the 34xx are superior to that offered by most other sources, including all Samsung televisions. The 34xx offers options that I haven't seen many other places, including a transparent background.)

True, but it also eliminates the option of easily toggling CC on and off, an option that's pretty important to me. Some programs are almost unwatchable with CC on, because there's a long lag time or because it's covering up important screen real estate, etc. Plus, there are some programs where I don't need the CC, and I much prefer turning it off if not absolutely necessary. Having to turn off the DVR and fiddle with it to get the menu is just not very practical...

I take it from your response that other TV mfgs might allow for CC to be controlled by the TV remote? How would I determine this when looking at particular models? Thanks!

Steve

Anybody else get annoyed that when they set up a series recording they end up having the same episode record four or five different times? There are a lot of stations that will broadcast the same new episode numerous times during the week but we have no way of letting the DVR know to only record it once.

I live in Jamaica and there's a new cable company thats offering full digital cable. I recently got service from them and am using a dct3412 i purchased from ebay. I tried the firewire setup from the set top box and I get all the channels I pay for!! I have become very used to vista mce and would prefer to use mce rather than the settopbox.

My question is this, does having all my channels available from firewire mean they are not encrypted? How or where do I go to see if a channel has the 5c flag on?

True, but it also eliminates the option of easily toggling CC on and offPerhaps, but that's how it works. You indicated that you couldn't figure out how to successfully get Closed Captions with your configuration.

I take it from your response that other TV mfgs might allow for CC to be controlled by the TV remote?I have a Samsung. As far as I know that's the way it works, but I only have tried it with my set.

Anybody else get annoyed that when they set up a series recording they end up having the same episode record four or five different times? There are a lot of stations that will broadcast the same new episode numerous times during the week but we have no way of letting the DVR know to only record it once.
That is one of the reasons I got a MOXI back. The I-Guide in the 34xx series does not work very good.

Anybody else get annoyed that when they set up a series recording they end up having the same episode record four or five different times? There are a lot of stations that will broadcast the same new episode numerous times during the week but we have no way of letting the DVR know to only record it once.


Yes! I thought maybe there was some secret way to avoid this from happening since no one complains. This flaw sucks! In my area, they rerun old Tonight shows as new at 3AM and it records over the new if you set it to only save the latest show.

I had two MOXI boxes and swapped them out for the 3416. What a mistake. I have had nothing but headaches. I have no trust in it and have to check it several times a day to keep fixing the guide. When I am out of town I use my Slingbox to keep an I on it. Not only does it record repeat stuff when not wanted it will not let you cancel it if two things are scheduled at the same time. Also, the dvr full pop up window when it isn't has been fun to deal with too. Things have gotten better since the 16.35 upgrade was pushed out. I sure am glad I have at least one MOXI back and it is working like a dream. I think the I-Guide the 3416 uses is the problem, but no telling. Does Comcast use I-Guide for the 3416 like Charter Cable does?

Yes! I thought maybe there was some secret way to avoid this from happening since no one complains. This flaw sucks! In my area, they rerun old Tonight shows as new at 3AM and it records over the new if you set it to only save the latest show.
This is mostly due to poor Guide data. If a program does not have a New/Repeat flag, it is treated as New. Also, some repeats are still tagged as new. If you don't keep the existing recording, it will re-record it.

One way around some issues for programs that are on at a fixed time is to use manual recording. This lets you do VCR-style programming, with start and end time, channel, and how often to repeat.

Anybody else get annoyed that when they set up a series recording they end up having the same episode record four or five different times? There are a lot of stations that will broadcast the same new episode numerous times during the week but we have no way of letting the DVR know to only record it once.

From an earlier post on the ways to get around this annoyance:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10079514&&#post10079514

This is mostly due to poor Guide data. If a program does not have a New/Repeat flag, it is treated as New. Also, some repeats are still tagged as new. If you don't keep the existing recording, it will re-record it.

In addition, it's due to the fact that the DVR assumes the guide is always accurate and therefore doesn't provide adequate tools for users to manage around the inevitable guide flaws. The manual recording "feature" is like a big sledge hammer, and what we need is the scalpal that other DVRs provide.

True, but it also eliminates the option of easily toggling CC on and off, an option that's pretty important to me. Some programs are almost unwatchable with CC on, because there's a long lag time or because it's covering up important screen real estate, etc. Plus, there are some programs where I don't need the CC, and I much prefer turning it off if not absolutely necessary. Having to turn off the DVR and fiddle with it to get the menu is just not very practical...

I take it from your response that other TV mfgs might allow for CC to be controlled by the TV remote? How would I determine this when looking at particular models? Thanks!

Steve

I agree that it's annoying also. I have a Hitachi HDTV hooked up via component & with the override set to 480i in the Moto box (and CC off in the box), CC comes on the SD channels when I soft mute or full mute the tv. HD channels unfortunately don't work this way for me (have to have CC turned on in the Moto box). I do not know what feature this would be listed as when buying a tv though, sorry.

having just upgraded my receiver to HDMI, I was surprised to find that my 3416 was passing DD audio via HDMI. Is there any reason to use a toslink/optical or coaxial digital audio connection for digital audio from these boxes as opposed to HDMI?

thanks
oleus

I agree that it's annoying also. I have a Hitachi HDTV hooked up via component & with the override set to 480i in the Moto box (and CC off in the box), CC comes on the SD channels when I soft mute or full mute the tv. HD channels unfortunately don't work this way for me (have to have CC turned on in the Moto box). I do not know what feature this would be listed as when buying a tv though, sorry.

Not sure, but I think all TVs would work at 480i. But doesn't that setting eliminate much of the advantage of HDTV?

Well lo and behold -- I checked last night and the firmware has now been updated to 16.35 (straight from 12.31). So I'll have to test HDMI switching this weekend -- but should work now!

Sure would be nice if Comcast offered the option to ask first, before pushing software downloads. Even nicer would be an email from them giving a detailed explanation of what the new software does. I think I'll hold my breath...

So HDMI is better for a number of reasons. Not just picture quality.

I think there's some disagreement about the picture quality issue between component and HDMI...

Anybody else get annoyed that when they set up a series recording they end up having the same episode record four or five different times? There are a lot of stations that will broadcast the same new episode numerous times during the week but we have no way of letting the DVR know to only record it once.

Yup, that's why I never use series recording. Search is pretty tedious, of course. It's easier to use Scheduled > Other Showings. But if it's Bravo, you hafta plow thru lots of repeats to find the new program.

Sure would be nice if Comcast offered the option to ask first, before pushing software downloads. I suspect Comcast also does not want to have different versions of the software running, and I am not even sure if that is permissible within the same head-end.

As a rule, to save our customers money, we don't support more than one version of software at a time, either. (We're a little better, though: We let you stick with the old software if you want, but make you upgrade if you want something fixed. Given that we don't have an automatic way of distributing upgrades, and we don't serve the incredibly clueless J6P, the difference between our policy and Comcast's makes sense.)

Is Comcast distributing the DCH DVR boxes now?

Does Comcast use the I-Guide in the 34xx like Charter does?

Is Comcast distributing the DCH DVR boxes now?In a few places, where they've run out of DCTs or where the operations manager has misinterpreted the requirements.

Does Comcast use the I-Guide in the 34xx like Charter does?Yes, in most places. They'll start making an alternative available in a few places starting in August.

I suspect Comcast also does not want to have different versions of the software running, and I am not even sure if that is permissible within the same head-end.

As a rule, to save our customers money, we don't support more than one version of software at a time, either. (We're a little better, though: We let you stick with the old software if you want, but make you upgrade if you want something fixed. Given that we don't have an automatic way of distributing upgrades, and we don't serve the incredibly clueless J6P, the difference between our policy and Comcast's makes sense.)

Exactly, that is one of the trade-offs (pros/cons) of renting a box/service vs owning the box.

No, not really. I have software upgrades automatically applied to my TiVo, as well.

I just switched from DirecTV/TiVO to Comcast HD and they brought me the 3412. Boy, what a difference from the TiVO. This will take a bit of adjusting, especially after reading some of the postings here. The Season Pass (or whatever Comcast calls it) problem would seem to be particularly annoying, and I find it amazing they can't figure out a way for the unit to record new episodes only once. I suspect I"ll discover other differences. Oh- can you set a 30-second skip to this unit? I could do a search, but as long as I"m here....

I wonder if the issue with the Series Recordings is due to TiVo having a patent on their 30 day no-re-record feature.

30 second skip: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

hybucket, you just made the mistake of your life

I am not getting recordings I have scheduled with my 3412 , and tonight I even sat here and told it to record a show in progress by setting it as a series recording while it was being broadcast.. then I went out to dinner, then I get back and NOTHING.

Help anyone? I see a few bugs mentioned on here but which one is most likely the culprit guys?\

BTW, I agree I wish I had gone Direct TV, none of the channels even the local ones they rebroadcast are able to be recorded off the firewire port on the comcast stb so far when I try AND Comcasts famed customer service has gone down the tubes. I have been waiting OVER 2 months for a call back for a problem from LAST November they still have not fixed with our outside junction boxes.

I have told at least 6 service guys in the complex that I see visitng and they all have done absolutely nothing.

I have trees blocking my balcony or I would consider DirectTv.

did you ever notice when you click "View upcoming times for this title" and the grid comes up then you scroll down and it lists the upcoming times and channels both regular channels and HD channels, then when you hit the bottom of the grid and scroll back up, the HD channels are no longer listed

You think this grid thing is causing the issues?

Exactly, that is one of the trade-offs (pros/cons) of renting a box/service vs owning the box.

Dish Network managed this ok, on rented boxes...

This may sound silly, but I can't get dish or direct tv through tall trees can I? I know its off topic but since the name came up?

hybucket, you just made the mistake of your life

The move was made for a couple of reasons, the main one being that, where I made the change, it is a summer residence, I just got an HD TV, and there is no way I could run a second line from the dish into my condo (I was still running a Series 1 !!!), and it was already pre-wired for cable (with one line coming in), and the Motorola box splits the signal for the two tuners IN the box. The other reason is I have a problem with dish-aiming because of summer leaves and trees obscuring the satellite view, and some signals get lots of pixielation. That aside, I am also considering a change in my full-time location (Boston), and am being given the choice of Comcast or the new 5 LNB dish, which would come without the TiVO Brand DVR, so this gave me the chance to test out the Comcast HD service. So it's not all a "mistake."

I suspect Comcast also does not want to have different versions of the software running, and I am not even sure if that is permissible within the same head-end.

But they could at least put out an explanation of what's in the new software versions...

But they could at least put out an explanation of what's in the new software versions...
Check this out. It might help you some.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#Hidden_F.2FW_Feature

The move was made for a couple of reasons, the main one being that, where I made the change, it is a summer residence, I just got an HD TV, and there is no way I could run a second line from the dish into my condo (I was still running a Series 1 !!!), and it was already pre-wired for cable (with one line coming in), and the Motorola box splits the signal for the two tuners IN the box. The other reason is I have a problem with dish-aiming because of summer leaves and trees obscuring the satellite view, and some signals get lots of pixielation. That aside, I am also considering a change in my full-time location (Boston), and am being given the choice of Comcast or the new 5 LNB dish, which would come without the TiVO Brand DVR, so this gave me the chance to test out the Comcast HD service. So it's not all a "mistake."
Sorry hybucket. Understand your situation. I just have had so much trouble with the 34xx I just vented some steam.

I kave a question about the 3416 remote. I have seen the wiki page and programmed it to my liking except one minor niggle.

There is no way on the remote to power OFF my Onkyo AVR. I have an Onkyo 600 receiver and its remote has a separate On and Off button. I could easily program the Onkyo on my Comcast 3416 remote but it only controls the switching ON and Volume functions. Switching off is not supported. Has anyone found a way to fix that?

This may sound silly, but I can't get dish or direct tv through tall trees can I? I know its off topic but since the name came up?No, since the moisture content of the leaves will attenuate the signal before it could reach your dish. I got a survey in '95 hoping to go with a BUD but learned that only DBS could see the birds. Even at that, the installer had to place the dish on the slant of the roof pointing through a small hole between the trees. When I decided to take the HD plunge, I went to Comcast because I knew the neighbors' tall trees would be my undoing.

YMMV

Sorry hybucket. Understand your situation. I just have had so much trouble with the 34xx I just vented some steam.

No problem. We've all been thru it with one DVR or another. If/when I have trouble with MY 34xx, I'll be right there with ya.

Not sure, but I think all TVs would work at 480i. But doesn't that setting eliminate much of the advantage of HDTV?

If the main output setting was set to 480i yes this would defeat the purpose of an HD box but my main setting is 1080i, the 'override' setting is 480i. The override is for the standard def. channels, not the HD channels. The only settings there are 480i, 480p, stretch, or off. The reason I specified 480i is because I tried 480p & stretch & the CC doesn't work that way on my tv, only 480i. Does that make more sense?

If the main output setting was set to 480i yes this would defeat the purpose of an HD box but my main setting is 1080i, the 'override' setting is 480i. The override is for the standard def. channels, not the HD channels. The only settings there are 480i, 480p, stretch, or off. The reason I specified 480i is because I tried 480p & stretch & the CC doesn't work that way on my tv, only 480i. Does that make more sense?


Alot of high def tv's now take 480i input and scale it to the tv's native resolution just once making for the best possible image quality you can get from the cable signal.

This is especially true for Pioneer and other panels whose y resolution is non-standard or not exactly 1080i ( could be more or be less) like Pioneer for example which I believe is slightly more for most of their plasma panels.

Has anyone successfully used the IR jack on the back of the 34xx to control the unit? I have an IR emitter attached to one of mine in the bedroom where it is hidden; but I would like to do something similar to another in the living room, but since it is out in the open I don't want some little thing attached to a wire visible. (If you are wondering, it is visible but my big dog is often blocking the IR sensor.)

Thanks in advance

I'm new to HDTV, some questions -

...Should the HDMI output be set to 720p or 1080i?

...What does the 4:3 override do?

...TV type is set to 16:9. I thought all HD programming was in this format, but PBS HD comes thru in a small rectangle in the center of the screen. Does this seem right?

Thanks!

I am not getting complete guide listings. Every couple of hours, the guide reads TO BE ANNOUNCED for several stations...not all, but on all channels at various times. The CSR says it could either be the box (3412) or the line coming into the box. I unplugged it and replugged, and it's still the same. Anyone else have this problem?

I am not getting complete guide listings. Every couple of hours, the guide reads TO BE ANNOUNCED for several stations...not all, but on all channels at various times. The CSR says it could either be the box (3412) or the line coming into the box. I unplugged it and replugged, and it's still the same. Anyone else have this problem?Sounds like you have low signal levels. How many splits in the line between where the cable enters the house and the box? The fewer, the better. If you need to split, try using a single 2-way, 5-1000Mhz, -3.5dB with one leg dedicated to the box.

YMMV

I'm new to HDTV, some questions -

...Should the HDMI output be set to 720p or 1080i?

...What does the 4:3 override do?

...TV type is set to 16:9. I thought all HD programming was in this format, but PBS HD comes thru in a small rectangle in the center of the screen. Does this seem right?

Thanks!

1. Yes. Try both 720p and 1080i, and use whichever seems to work better for you and your TV.

2. It determines the format that SD channels will be seen in. Choosing "None" will cause the SD content to be displayed with bars on the sides.

3. It could be non-HD material that hasn't been upconverted, or you could be watching the channel in Seattle that isn't really HD (109) rather than the true HD one (108).

See the wiki for more details:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

I am not getting complete guide listings. Every couple of hours, the guide reads TO BE ANNOUNCED for several stations...not all, but on all channels at various times. The CSR says it could either be the box (3412) or the line coming into the box. I unplugged it and replugged, and it's still the same. Anyone else have this problem?
Is this for current programs, or for those more than a week out? There seems to be a growing issue with program information disappearing for the second week. This seems to be related to a lack of available memory. It starts to fill in, but then memory is reallocated for something else, and it disappears.

I'm new to HDTV, some questions -

...Should the HDMI output be set to 720p or 1080i?

...What does the 4:3 override do?

...TV type is set to 16:9. I thought all HD programming was in this format, but PBS HD comes thru in a small rectangle in the center of the screen. Does this seem right?
The 'correct' HDMI output depends on your TV and what looks best to you. For many other settings, check the information in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

Also, make certain your TV is set to the HDMI, DVI or component connection input. Seeing HD as a small rectangle on a widescreen typically means the TV is seeing an SD signal. There have also been cases where the box defaults to 480i or 480p if there are any HDMI signal or handshaking problems.

Is this for current programs, or for those more than a week out? There seems to be a growing issue with program information disappearing for the second week. This seems to be related to a lack of available memory. It starts to fill in, but then memory is reallocated for something else, and it disappears.

The Cable was in a four way splitter before coming into the 3412 - I changed that to a two-way and it filled in, then, a couple of hours later it was gone. Hmmmm.
Is there any thread here for remote "shortcuts," like, for example, a way to get to the guide of your "favorite channels" without having to hit "menu," then "favorites," then "list?"

The Cable was in a four way splitter before coming into the 3412 - I changed that to a two-way and it now appears to be working fine. Thanks for your help.
Is there any thread here for remote "shortcuts," like, for example, a way to get to the guide of your "favorite channels" without having to hit "menu," then "favorites," then "list?"

The Wiki thread mentioned above has a number of remote control shortcuts and also the ability to create macros.

Hey there - I may need to move this thread to a different forum, but thought I would start here as I'm using the DCT3412.

I've got the 3412 in my living room connected to a Samsung DLP via HDMI. I'm considering adding an HD LCD TV on my deck, which would require ~ 75ft cable run from the 3412. I'd like to split the signal from the 3412 to have the same audio/video on each monitor. I'm planning on routing audio to the speakers on the LCD, so stereo sound is sufficient.

The options I'm considering include:

1) Use an HD splitter, high quality HD cable, and possibly a signal boosting device to split the signal from the HD-DVR box and send to each monitor separately. This looks like it will run at least $200-300.

2) Continue using the HDMI out for the DLP, but use the component out with a set of RCA cables for the LCD display. A set of component & RCA cables looks to run from $30-75.

Option #2 is less than half the cost, but will the signal look good? It doesn't need to be perfect, but better than S-Video would be nice :). Is signal degradation significant with component cables? Are the "premium" component cables worth it? Also, I don't know if both outputs (HDMI & Component) are simultaneously active on the 3412 - anyone have experience using multiple outs at once?

Would appreciate any thoughts, advice, alternative configurations for such a setup.

Thanks!
Mike

The multiple outs are all active at the same time. 75' is a long way, you might try it by just getting 75' of component cable and hooking it up to the component on your current TV and see how it looks.

Most people find little or no difference between a component cable picture, and an HDMI picture. I have a 56" Samsung DLP, with both HDMI and Component coming from my Moto 6412. The difference is all but undetectable. I almost always use the component. If I am seeing a HD picture from an unusually good source, like some of the IMAX transfers, and I switch to HDMI, I think the picture might be just a tiny bit brighter. Others I have asked can't see a difference.

I would run the HDMI to the LCD, because the digtital signal won't degrade with the distance, you will need only one cable, and it will be way cheaper. You can get a cheap HDMI cable from Monoprice.

I like to use good quality cables for analog, so I would get component cables from Blue Jeans Cable to run to the Sammy DLP. They won't be cheap, but will be reasonable, and all the more so because it is the shorter run.

Thanks kjbawc, but lemme play devil's advocate...

From what I've read so far, getting a good picture with a 75 ft run using Component cables is easier (and cheaper) than getting it done with HDMI cables of that length (potential for sparkles, complete signal drop out). It certainly sounds possible, but with some pretty pricey cables and maybe a signal booser. In addition, for my setup, I would need an HDMI splitter to go with the HDMI option. All in all, that's gonna be at least $200. Couldn't I get a decent 75' set of component video + RCA audio for under $100?

Thanks for the help.
Mike

Thanks kjbawc, but lemme play devil's advocate...

From what I've read so far, getting a good picture with a 75 ft run using Component cables is easier (and cheaper) than getting it done with HDMI cables of that length (potential for sparkles, complete signal drop out). It certainly sounds possible, but with some pretty pricey cables and maybe a signal booser. In addition, for my setup, I would need an HDMI splitter to go with the HDMI option. All in all, that's gonna be at least $200. Couldn't I get a decent 75' set of component video + RCA audio for under $100?

Thanks for the help.
Mike

Easily......

http://www.riteav.com/index.php?cPath=149_151&osCsid=a3489ca1f9c0c67ad58fbb51524ca4f9

Easily......

http://www.riteav.com/index.php?cPath=149_151&osCsid=a3489ca1f9c0c67ad58fbb51524ca4f9

Those prices are unbelieveable!! Have you dealt with them? Are they...er, OK?

Thanks kjbawc, but lemme play devil's advocate...

From what I've read so far, getting a good picture with a 75 ft run using Component cables is easier (and cheaper) than getting it done with HDMI cables of that length (potential for sparkles, complete signal drop out). It certainly sounds possible, but with some pretty pricey cables and maybe a signal booser. In addition, for my setup, I would need an HDMI splitter to go with the HDMI option. All in all, that's gonna be at least $200. Couldn't I get a decent 75' set of component video + RCA audio for under $100?

Thanks for the help.
Mike


Well, I'll admit that I never ran a 75' cable of either type, but from what I've read, the HDMI is more likely to deliver a good picture over a cable that long, and I know you can get a HDMI cable that long very cheap at Monoprice.com. As I said in my first post, I think you need top quality cable for sending analog that long, which would make the 5 analog cables total more than the one HDMI one. Also, I don't know why you would need an HDMI splitter just to send HDMI to one TV, and component to the DLP.

I have bought belden audio cable from RiteAV, and it is the best, at a good price. Frankly, I would not trust component cables that cheap to do a good job at that length. That is why I recommended Blue Jeans Cable for component and R/L audio. A 75' HDMI at monoprice is $77.93, which is less than good component cables of that length would cost at Blue Jeans Cable. Monoprice has a "premium" component cable, w/R/L audio, for $70.11, or standard grade 100', with audio, which the RiteAV doesn't have, for $39.11. So, get what you want, but I stand by my recommendation.

I have used HDMI cables, although they are more standard lengths, from RiteAV and they work just fine. I'm going to defer to kjbawc's wisdom here though. I think he's on the right track.

I'm new to HDTV, some questions -

...Should the HDMI output be set to 720p or 1080i?

I find that toggling it back and forth based on the source programming provides the best picture. If it's a show on ABC-HD, Fox-HD, ESPNHD or ESPN2HD, set it to 720p. If it's on on some other HD channel, set it to 1080i. If it's an SD channel, set it to the native resolution of your TV (use 1080i for 1080p TVs) (but see 4:3 override, below).

...What does the 4:3 override do?

Tells the box what resolution to use when sending 480i channels. "Off" (or is it "none"?) means it sends them in the same resolution as it is set to send HD programming. I find this works best, but people with better TVs may prefer to send it in its native 480i and let the TV convert it.

...TV type is set to 16:9. I thought all HD programming was in this format, but PBS HD comes thru in a small rectangle in the center of the screen. Does this seem right?

Thanks!

If it's a 4:3 box, it's there because some programming was originally shot in 4:3 and is therefore televised in 4:3 even on an HD channel. If it's a 16:9 box inside of the 4:3 box, then the channel isn't transmitting the show in HD for whatever reason (it's not an HD channel, the channel doesn't have an HD feed of the show, the channel is screwing up the transmission, etc.).

Here in Philly, "PBD-HD" is only in HD during prime time and some other periods of time (maybe weekends). Other times, it's in SD, making room for other multicast channels. I think PBS stations do that in a lot of markets.

I find that toggling it back and forth based on the source programming provides the best picture. If it's a show on ABC-HD, Fox-HD, ESPNHD or ESPN2HD, set it to 720p. If it's on on some other HD channel, set it to 1080i. If it's an SD channel, set it to the native resolution of your TV (use 1080i for 1080p TVs) (but see 4:3 override, below).

why do you think 720p is better for these channels?

I have only been using 1080i for everything, and ESPN looks pretty good, i am wondering, though, if i am missing out on better resolution for the baseball i watch on ESPN, and the local FSN

how can you tell which one is better for which channel/show? aside from just trying it, and looking at it

Geoff

After spending about an hour reading threads I am not getting anywhere quick so if someone can give me a quick summation and maybe point me in the right direction too that would be great...

1. I have a 3412 box. I found that the setup menu was off-menu-ok/select. I did not see a sata option to figure out if it was enabled/disabled. Can I record to external Sata drive for more recording space?

2. What options do we have for recording for playback on other devices (i.e. computer)? Does/can this be streamed from the firewire port? Can the internal hd of the box be accessed directly and have shows copied off?

3. Any links to instructions on how to do #2. I assume it is rather involved but really don't want to read 200 pages on a thread and have to piece it all together. I really hope someone made something more succinct.

Thanks in advance!

After spending about an hour reading threads I am not getting anywhere quick so if someone can give me a quick summation and maybe point me in the right direction too that would be great...

Read this:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

It's under 200 pages.

why do you think 720p is better for these channels?

I have only been using 1080i for everything, and ESPN looks pretty good, i am wondering, though, if i am missing out on better resolution for the baseball i watch on ESPN, and the local FSN

how can you tell which one is better for which channel/show? aside from just trying it, and looking at it

Geoff

The native resolution of those four channels is 720p, and the native resolution of nearly every other HD channel is 1080i (though, I have no idea what the native resolutions are for the various regional sports networks - I know mine in Philadelphia is 1080i). My TV, at least, does better when it's fed the native resolution (if the native resolution is in HD, that is - with SD it does better when something else upconverts).

Read this:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

It's under 200 pages.

yeah but it links to the 200 page thread here...lol. That's quite a compliment for the forum I guess. There's a few other good links there too so I'll check them out.

I find that toggling it back and forth based on the source programming provides the best picture. If it's a show on ABC-HD, Fox-HD, ESPNHD or ESPN2HD, set it to 720p. If it's on on some other HD channel, set it to 1080i. If it's an SD channel, set it to the native resolution of your TV (use 1080i for 1080p TVs)

Ugh, with Comcast's DVR you hafta power off the box to change the resolution.

Ugh, with Comcast's DVR you hafta power off the box to change the resolution.

Sorry, got my forums mixed up, obviously everyone here knows this...

Sorry, got my forums mixed up, obviously everyone here knows this...
Not everyone. Isn't that just the silliest thing?
I've only had my 3412 a week or so, and I can't believe how difficult it is - I had a TiVO, which was simple to operate. Sure, I can figure it all out eventually, but...I can just imagine some elderly person in Iowa trying to figure it all out. Plus, the guide situation alone....I'm already thinking of getting a Series 3 from TiVO...probably worth the extra $, since I don't care about On Demand.

I do have a question on the audio output with the 3416 boxes.

I have the box hooked up via HDMI to my TV right now, and then optical from my TV to my receiver. What type of sound does the box pass thru HDMI that is then passed to the receiver? I could easily switch and have the optical go from the 3416 to the receiver, but will I also get sound via HDMI at the same time? I only use the receiver sometimes (movies, sports sometimes) but normal TV shows and news and whatnot I play through the TV speakers.

Thanks

We run the optical audio cable from the 3416 direct to our receiver. I have my television muted.

Why is it neccessary to mute TV? I just keep my volume turned all the way down

Ugh, with Comcast's DVR you hafta power off the box to change the resolution.

Yes, it's a PITA, but I do it anyway. It's bad enough that the box doesn't have a "send in native resolution" setting, but even worse that it makes you power down to change the output resolution. It annoys me when I want to change the resolution but I can't because something is recording.

Why is it neccessary to mute TV? I just keep my volume turned all the way downMy television has a special invisible mute mode intended just for configurations like this.

The National Geographic HD Channel is also 720p.

The National Geographic HD Channel is also 720p.

That's good to know if and when my Comcast system adds it.

Anyone know of a comprehensive and reliable list of which channels are in each resolution?

how did you find
out that ESPN was in 720p?

geoff

how did you find
out that ESPN was in 720p?

geoff

I honestly don't remember where I found out. But here's a link that says so:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/espnhd/espnHDStory?id=1614556

I'm trying out the Tivo S3. In the process, I've had to call Comcast and Tivo several times, and I gotta say, Comcast's service was WAY better than Tivo's. They answered the phone much faster and knew more about the Tivo setup than Tivo's own techs. Not to mention that if I have to again listen to Tivo's blasting on-hold music, repeated over and over endlessly, I'm gonna scream...

I'm trying out the Tivo S3. In the process, I've had to call Comcast and Tivo several times, and I gotta say, Comcast's service was WAY better than Tivo's. They answered the phone much faster and knew more about the Tivo setup than Tivo's own techs. Not to mention that if I have to again listen to Tivo's blasting on-hold music, repeated over and over endlessly, I'm gonna scream...
With the problems I"m having with the 3412, I was thinking of switching to the S3. Maybe I'll re-think....

Anyone know of a comprehensive and reliable list of which channels are in each resolution?

You don't need a list. The only 720p sources are ABC, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD (ESPN is owned and operated by ABC), FOX, and National Geographic HD (Uses FOX's distribution system). Everything else is 1080i.

I'm trying out the Tivo S3. In the process, I've had to call Comcast and Tivo several times, and I gotta say, Comcast's service was WAY better than Tivo's. They answered the phone much faster and knew more about the Tivo setup than Tivo's own techs. Not to mention that if I have to again listen to Tivo's blasting on-hold music, repeated over and over endlessly, I'm gonna scream...What problem(s) did you have? My S3 has been up and running for about 3 weeks. I finally connected wirelessly and am now ready to call Comcast to get the cablecards installed. I plan to place my 3412 in the main BR and to put the S3 in the LR.

Not everyone. Isn't that just the silliest thing?

Hard to imagine who woulda thought up the brilliant idea of having to power off the box to get to the menu...

What problem(s) did you have? My S3 has been up and running for about 3 weeks.

Mostly cablecard issues. Tivo was incredibly annoying to deal with by phone, Comcast was a pleasure in comparison...

Used to have Dish Network, now have the Comcast DVR, trying out the Tivo S3. Obviously, far more thought has gone into the Tivo interface, but there are some possible drawbacks -

The Tivo search function is much slower than Comcast. There's a delay after each selected letter, and more delays for each Page Down. Comcast's DVR has no such delays.

The CC function is buried way too deep in the menu structure. Comcast is even worse, but I'd hoped Tivo would have this down by now.

Tivo's maximum FF speed seems awfully slow compared to both Comcast and Dish. Dish's FF was by far the best, with smooth FF at 4x, 15x, 60x and 300x. Comcast's FF4 appears to be much faster than Tivo's maximum. With the Tivo, looks like it would be very time consuming to skim thru a recording to make sure the entire program was actually recorded, or FF to a particular spot. Not sure what the Tivo's actual speeds are for its 3 FF options...

You don't need a list. The only 720p sources are ABC, ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD (ESPN is owned and operated by ABC), FOX, and National Geographic HD (Uses FOX's distribution system). Everything else is 1080i.
This can vary by locality for PBS HDTV stations. Here in Seattle the HD subchannel for PBS is broadcast at 720p, even though they receive PBS network programming in 1080i. I believe they switched from their earlier 1080i to the current 720p broadcasts to improve their picture quality on the HD subchannel and the 2 simultaneous SD subchannels.

Used to have Dish Network, now have the Comcast DVR, trying out the Tivo S3. Obviously, far more thought has gone into the Tivo interface, but there are some possible drawbacks

So far, for me at least, Tivo's one huge advantage is the HD size and the ability to add another HD. Comcast's 160G is way too small for high def...

The Tivo search function is much slower than Comcast. There's a delay after each selected letter, and more delays for each Page Down. Comcast's DVR has no such delays.That was a regression introduced in version 8.1 which was fixed in version 8.3. Once you're automatically updated to 8.3, you'll note that the direct search in the TiVo is substantially faster than that in the Comcast Motorola DVR.

The CC function is buried way too deep in the menu structure. Comcast is even worse, but I'd hoped Tivo would have this down by now.Despite claims to the contrary, Closed Captioning is still provided by CE manufacturers primarily for the hearing-impaired, folks who are so impaired 24/7/365, so they generally only need to switch it on, once, and then just leave it.

Tivo's maximum FF speed seems awfully slow compared to both Comcast and Dish.I've found the opposite to be the case. In addition, TiVo has the advance to next quarter-hour mark feature.

I've found the opposite to be the case. In addition, TiVo has the advance to next quarter-hour mark feature.

Wish I could figure out how to quote with the original text, and how to do separate quotes like you did with mine. Sigh.

Anyway, FF speed should be a pretty objective measure. I'm told Tivo's maximum FF is 60x.

Despite claims to the contrary, Closed Captioning is still provided by CE manufacturers primarily for the hearing-impaired, folks who are so impaired 24/7/365, so they generally only need to switch it on, once, and then just leave it.


Sure wish you'd get off your high horse on CC, how the heck do you know how hearing impaired folks "generally" use it...

What problem(s) did you have? My S3 has been up and running for about 3 weeks. I finally connected wirelessly and am now ready to call Comcast to get the cablecards installed.

Been running for 3 weeks without cablecards? :)

If you're planning to pick up cablecards at a local Comcast, I suggest grabbing a fistful. I've been thru 6 so far, only one worked.

Been running for 3 weeks without cablecards? :)

If you're planning to pick up cablecards at a local Comcast, I suggest grabbing a fistful. I've been thru 6 so far, only one worked.Yep, I've been reading the horror stories both here and on Tivocommunity. I wanted to wait to make sure the wireless adapter was working since a coax run from the cable modem would be rather long and unsightly all the way to the living room. Now, I just need to begin the "take time off from work and wait for Comcast to screw me over a couple of times before it works" part. :D

Sure wish you'd get off your high horse on CC, how the heck do you know how hearing impaired folks "generally" use it...
He has reported previously in this forum that he has a family member who is dependent on CC, so he is apparently well aware of the capabilities of several devices and the pro's and con's from the perspective of the use within his family.

Sure wish you'd get off your high horse on CC, how the heck do you know how hearing impaired folks "generally" use it...Because I participate in several hearing-impaired mailing lists, and have contacts in the community which I can actually trust for objective evaluations of how pervasive sentiments are.

He has reported previously in this forum that he has a family member who is dependent on CC, so he is apparently well aware of the capabilitieis of several devices and the pro's and con's from the perspective of the use within his family.Oh yeah... I almost forgot my wife. :D

Seriously, my wife is just one person, and she lives with someone who is not hearing-impaired, so she surely doesn't reflect the whole community, but just a part of it.

Looks like we probably shouldn't expect much from Motorola anytime soon -

(Morningstar)---For the third time in as many quarters, Motorola warned that it will miss forecasts because of continued weakness in its handset business. The company's inability to stem the deterioration in its handset business leads us to believe that a chance for a turnaround at the firm before year-end is looking increasingly remote. We see no quick fixes for Motorola...

Sure wish you'd get off your high horse on CC, how the heck do you know how hearing impaired folks "generally" use it.

Because I participate in several hearing-impaired mailing lists, and have contacts in the community which I can actually trust for objective evaluations of how pervasive sentiments are.

Yeah, and 12 years ago I created the Usenet group alt.support.hearing-loss. Yet somehow, after thousands of posted discussions, I still wouldn't presume to speak for most hearing impaired persons.

And besides, what's your point? Even granting your assertion about most people, that still leaves plenty of folks who would like be able to easily toggle CC. It should not be buried deep in the menu structure, and certainly no menu item should require powering off the box. If you wanna be a corporate apologist for poor usability, perhaps this isn't the right forum...

...
Even granting your assertion about most people, that still leaves plenty of folks who would like be able to easily toggle CC. It should not be buried deep in the menu structure, and certainly no menu item should require powering off the box.
...

How true. There was a blurb on BBC America this week suggesting using CC, since even the British can't understand what they're saying. That's what I'd like to use it for, if I could easily turn it on and off.

How true. There was a blurb on BBC America this week suggesting using CC, since even the British can't understand what they're saying. That's what I'd like to use it for, if I could easily turn it on and off.
Yup. I know people who use the captioning feature of DVDs all the time for that very reason.

Yeah, and 12 years ago I created the Usenet group alt.support.hearing-loss. Yet somehow, after thousands of posted discussions, I still wouldn't presume to speak for most hearing impaired persons.And I didn't. I wrote, "... folks who are so impaired 24/7/365, so they generally only need to switch it on, once, and then just leave it." That's an observation, son. Read more carefully, and you won't look so clueless, or predatory.

And besides, what's your point?My point was that expectations should be commensurate with what the typical user needs, not what you want.

If you wanna be a corporate apologist for poor usability, perhaps this isn't the right forum...Get over yourself, son. You personally are not important enough to warrant special consideration by CE manufacturers.

I just got a new box from comcast the DCT 3416 I...I like all the options but my concern is its lack of a dvi out. My last box had one and i used it for my projector. Does anyone know if this is going to be a big issue? I can easily get a HDMI to DVI connector, but should i or just swap the box for a 6412? The only reason i'm considering keeping it is because I believe it is newer (perhaps faster??) and it has a few more connections back there like sata and usb. I plan to try to connect my comp to the box so its a consideration. So is there any real reason to switch to the 6412? I think the 6412 has a firewire connection (I'll read into it) that people have used to connect to their computer...as well.

ok got off my lazz a@@ and did some checking the 3416 should be fairly simple (simple by no means) to connect to a computer. So that is out as a consideration to switch...i think i'll just try the hdmi - DVI cable if no one can chime in with a good reason to switch back.

...
it has a few more connections back there like sata and usb. I plan to try to connect my comp to the box so its a consideration.
...


The SATA and USB ports aren't active, except for USB power. The 3416 also has firewire. See the wiki for suggestions in using firewire:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firewire

(You neglected to mention that the 3416 has one-third more disk space than the 6412.)

The SATA and USB ports aren't active, except for USB power. The 3416 also has firewire. See the wiki for suggestions in using firewire:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firewire

(You neglected to mention that the 3416 has one-third more disk space than the 6412.)

Good point that probably sealed the deal...along with knowing i can hook up via the firewire port later on. I'll give the hdmi-dvi cord a try.

A bit off topic, but I just had Comcast out to fix a cablecard issue with Tivo. After repeating the ID numbers 4 times, they still managed to write them down wrong, which was why the card wouldn't work. And in the process, they managed to wipe out the registration data on my cable modem and kill my internet connection. Sigh...

A bit off topic, but I just had Comcast out to fix a cablecard issue with Tivo. After repeating the ID numbers 4 times, they still managed to write them down wrong, which was why the card wouldn't work. And in the process, they managed to wipe out the registration data on my cable modem and kill my internet connection. Sigh...
As long as you had a good time....

aren't those EAS tests F-ing annoying

Hey gang. Stumbled upon this website in my search to learn how to access the inner control panel of the DCT3416 in order to turn the 4:3 override to stretch (allowing me to scale it to 4:3 if so desired with the ease of my TV remote). My friend (who is a techie) mistakenly thought you needed some sort of key sequence command to get into it, but of course I learned pretty quickly on here that all you need to do is power down the box and hit menu heh.

So now that I have that taken care of I just have one simple question. While in the STB's control panel I turned the HDMI output to 1080i. My question is: Are there any negative effects or drawbacks when watching an HD channel broadcast in 720p with the HDMI signal set to 1080i? And also, does this in any way effect standard 480i broadcasts? So far everything looks fine, but I thought it was worth asking the experts.

Hey gang. Stumbled upon this website in my search to learn how to access the inner control panel of the DCT3416 in order to turn the 4:3 override to stretch (allowing me to scale it to 4:3 if so desired with the ease of my TV remote). My friend (who is a techie) mistakenly thought you needed some sort of key sequence command to get into it, but of course I learned pretty quickly on here that all you need to do is power down the box and hit menu heh.

So now that I have that taken care of I just have one simple question. While in the STB's control panel I turned the HDMI output to 1080i. My question is: Are there any negative effects or drawbacks when watching an HD channel broadcast in 720p with the HDMI signal set to 1080i? And also, does this in any way effect standard 480i broadcasts? So far everything looks fine, but I thought it was worth asking the experts.


Read this:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

how did you find
out that ESPN was in 720p?

geoff

I don't recall the diagnostic menu detailed pages, but I think you should be able to find out by using the Tuner diagnostic pages. They usually give you stats based on the current channel. in each tuner. Or something along those lines...

I just got a new box from comcast the DCT 3416 I...I like all the options but my concern is its lack of a dvi out. My last box had one and i used it for my projector. Does anyone know if this is going to be a big issue? I can easily get a HDMI to DVI connector, but should i or just swap the box for a 6412? The only reason i'm considering keeping it is because I believe it is newer (perhaps faster??) and it has a few more connections back there like sata and usb. I plan to try to connect my comp to the box so its a consideration. So is there any real reason to switch to the 6412? I think the 6412 has a firewire connection (I'll read into it) that people have used to connect to their computer...as well.

ok got off my lazz a@@ and did some checking the 3416 should be fairly simple (simple by no means) to connect to a computer. So that is out as a consideration to switch...i think i'll just try the hdmi - DVI cable if no one can chime in with a good reason to switch back.

Aside from the differences you mentioned above, if the 6412 in your area does not support ADS, you can record about 35%-50% more from analog channels (2-99) on the 341x series than the non-ADS 64xx series. On the non-ADS 6412 one hour of 2-99 channels is 3% of total space (with 6412). On 3412 it is about 1.5%-2% depending on the channel/program.

Aside from the differences you mentioned above, if the 6412 in your area does not support ADS, you can record about 35%-50% more from analog channels (2-99) on the 341x series than the non-ADS 64xx series. On the non-ADS 6412 one hour of 2-99 channels is 3% of total space (with 6412). On 3412 it is about 1.5%-2% depending on the channel/program.
In an ADS area, ALL digital boxes should use ADS, even the 64xx's. While ADS is being set up, they may test it by only having new subscribers programmed to use it (that is what they did by me.) After awhile, they will then reprogram all the digital boxes to use ADS.

I have a 6412, and all of the 'analog' channels use ADS. That said, there are two extra channels that are just the analog versions of two ADS channels. One is the PBS channel, presumably for CableCard TV's to get time and other signals. The other is the local village public access channel.

The key to remember is that channel numbers on cable boxes are fully under the control of the cable company. They can be reprogrammed to any frequency/subchannel they want. In my case, '11' goes to the ADS version of WTTW, and 94 goes to the analog version. On a 34xx (and the SD-only 3080), I would assume 94 would not even exist.

There are also other oddities. By me, Comcast's public access is both 3 and 100. They seem to be pushing the 100, as they are now calling it CN100. We also have two copies (both digital) of Current, G4 (a leftover of the merger between G4 and TechTV), and Playboy.

...
>>>The LCD is a high end with 5 inputs (Dell 2405FPW), including DVI and Component, and while it doesn't seem to have HDCP capability, since HDCP is showing OFF in the DCT diag menu, hopefully that isn't an issue.
...
>>>Again, it's a high end LCD and it accepts 1080i just fine over the Component connection.

>>>The issue I'm having is that even with HDCP showing OFF in the DCT menus, I'm only seeing a screen for a second or two then it blanks. Signal is just fine over the component connection. Problem seems to be same as a couple of others on this forum.

Digging up an old issue in this thread to see if anyone has found a solution to this problem? I have the exact same dell monitor. Once plugged in via DVI-HDMI cable, I see a picture for a few seconds and the screen goes blank. Before it blanks out, the monitor correctly recognizes the signal as 1080i. I've played with the DVI/HDMI settings to no avail.

My apologies if this has been dealt with elsewhere, I can't find a thing in the search. I suppose I may be SOL.

I'd really like to use the HDMI cable vs. component, as it would make my life easier when hiding the cable in a custom install...

Sorry if this has been covered, but I couldn't find it...
Is there a way to set the stop time for, for example, five minutes more than the scheduled program? Last night's 4400 ended about two minutes late, and I missed the end, and would like to prevent it again. It could be done on the TiVO...can it be done on the 3412?

Sorry if this has been covered, but I couldn't find it...
Is there a way to set the stop time for, for example, five minutes more than the scheduled program? Last night's 4400 ended about two minutes late, and I missed the end, and would like to prevent it again. It could be done on the TiVO...can it be done on the 3412?

To pad time before or after a show do the following the next time you schedule a recording.

Highlight the show you want to record and press the "red" record button on the remote twice. This will bring up a list of options. Select the option Modify recording settings for this program. This should be the third option right above the option to delete the recording.

Once you select the Modify recording option just highlight stop recording and/or start recording and use your left and right arrow keys to select how many minutes you want padded.

This can also be done in a similiar way for a series recording.

To pad time before or after a show do the following the next time you schedule a recording.

Highlight the show you want to record and press the "red" record button on the remote twice. This will bring up a list of options. Select the option Modify recording settings for this program. This should be the third option right above the option to delete the recording.

Once you select the Modify recording option just highlight stop recording and/or start recording and use your left and right arrow keys to select how many minutes you want padded.

This can also be done in a similiar way for a series recording.

Thanks - should have been able to figure that out myself.

i have dual 3416's

is there any way to run these in the same room without having the remote, control both at the same time?

The only way is to put a block, like a piece of cardboard, in front of the one that you are not using at that moment.

Only with use of an IR impermeable enclosure and a device with an IR blaster used to communicate remote commands to the enclosed 3416.

I've used that arrangement successfully in the past, though one of the boxes was not a 3416, but rather the non-DVR version STB (but still used the same remote control, and therefore exhibited the same problem).

I'm noticing green flashes (a block or box of green) every 30 seconds or so with my 3416 -- hooked up to a Comcast 3416.

Is this the 3416 or my plasma?

I just noticed this last night -- this setup has been running for a few months.

Bothe the plasma and the 3416 are new (3 months old).

I'm noticing green flashes (a block or box of green) every 30 seconds or so with my 3416 -- hooked up to a Comcast 3416.

Is this the 3416 or my plasma?

I just noticed this last night -- this setup has been running for a few months.

Bothe the plasma and the 3416 are new (3 months old).



I've never seen that, but this could be worth checking:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#Brief_flashes_of_green_every_few_seconds_or_minutes

If not, take a look at the other bugs listed.

I've never seen that, but this could be worth checking:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#Brief_flashes_of_green_every_few_seconds_or_minutes

If not, take a look at the other bugs listed.


Hey thanks:

Brief flashes of green every few seconds or minutes
Cause: Both tuners are on analog channels.
Remedy: Change one of the tuners to a digital channel.


I'll try changing one of the tuners tonight.

Hey thanks:

Brief flashes of green every few seconds or minutes
Cause: Both tuners are on analog channels.
Remedy: Change one of the tuners to a digital channel.


I'll try changing one of the tuners tonight.
The 34xx series do not have analog tuners. Also, the bug was fixed in a firmware update a long time ago.
How are you connected to your plasma? If you are using HDMI or DVI, it could be brief HDCP confusion. Green screens can occur when HDCP handshaking fails. Maybe you have short-term failures?

Still trying out the Tivo S3. It certainly does many of the little things better than the 3416, but whether it's worth the extra money is another matter. Much of that decision comes down to how you use a DVR. If you're doing lots of series recording, you'll appreciate the advantages of Tivo's season pass. If you're saving lots of HD programming, you'll appreciate the ability to add an external hard drive. On the other hand, if most of your recording is movies and specials, and if you don't save much HD content, the advantages are less clear. Comcast's FF4 is 2-3x as fast as Tivo's maximum FF. And of course, it's much easier to exchange a 3416 than to fix a Tivo if something bad happens.

Comcast's FF4 is 2-3x as fast as Tivo's maximum FF. And of course, it's much easier to exchange a 3416 than to fix a Tivo if something bad happens.

How so? The comcrap box doesn't have "skip to tick" which is a HUGE advantage for the Tivo. To be able to skip through significant segments of a program with two strokes is far greater than a slight increase in ff speed. Also, there's a clunkiness about the entire transport system on the comcrap box while the S3 (and all other Tivo's) has a precision about their drive system.

My main gripe about the Tivo vs. the 3416 is that in the 3416 you can schedule programming while still watching your recording and on the TiVo you have to leave your recorded program to go into listing mode.

Try to take the TIVO back and wait on the MOXI coming out this fall. I bet it will beat everything out there.

Try to take the TIVO back and wait on the MOXI coming out this fall. I bet it will beat everything out there.

Link?? All I've heard is rumor.

http://forums.moxi.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=72&whichpage=1

The 34xx series do not have analog tuners. Also, the bug was fixed in a firmware update a long time ago.
How are you connected to your plasma? If you are using HDMI or DVI, it could be brief HDCP confusion. Green screens can occur when HDCP handshaking fails. Maybe you have short-term failures?


I switched HDMI inputs on the back of the plasma and the green flashes are gone.

Could be an issue with the first HDMI port on the back of the set (although I havne't re-tried that port yet).

Apparently not a comcast box issue.

How so? The comcrap box doesn't have "skip to tick" which is a HUGE advantage for the Tivo. To be able to skip through significant segments of a program with two strokes is far greater than a slight increase in ff speed. Also, there's a clunkiness about the entire transport system on the comcrap box while the S3 (and all other Tivo's) has a precision about their drive system.

Certainly agree about the clunkiness of Comcast. Tivo's "skip" function doesn't help if you wanna scan thru a recording to make sure it's all there, with none of Comcast's "required weekly test" messages, before watching or recording to DVD. But it's a lot more efficient if you just wanna skip to the end of the program.

Tivo takes 2 full minutes to scan a 2 hour show, which is kinda painful. Surprising that they don't offer anything faster than 60x. Dish Network had a smooth 300x many years ago. Comcast is about 150-180x.

Try to take the TIVO back and wait on the MOXI coming out this fall. I bet it will beat everything out there.

Thanks. I'm not familiar with Moxi, what are its advantages over Tivo?

(Bought the Tivo at Costco, no problem taking it back)

The Moxi will NOT beat "everything" out there. Once the Series 3 has full functionality (soon, many hope) it will still have an edge when it comes to season passes and "wish lists" for those that want them. I still haven't made the jump to the Series 3 because I can't justify it as the box is now. I'm running the 3416 for hi-def and TiVo and the Panny E85 for analog.

I can't wait to see the Moxi, however.

I am not sure of all the MOXI details yet either. I am going to look at one when they come to St. Louis next month to have a showing. My understanding is though the MOXI will be able to have two way communications with the cable company for pay per view, on demand, etc thru the cable card. Does TIVO3 have that yet? Also there is a chance you will not have to have the monthly service like the TIVO3 needs. Here are some more sites to check out. I have a MOXI from Charter now and I have some experience with Direct TV TIVO and I like the MOXI better.

http://forums.moxi.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=285

http://moxi.com/

I am not sure of all the MOXI details yet either. I am going to look at one when they come to St. Louis next month to have a showing. My understanding is though the MOXI will be able to have two way communications with the cable company for pay per view, on demand, etc thru the cable card. Does TIVO3 have that yet? Also there is a chance you will not have to have the monthly service like the TIVO3 needs. Here are some more sites to check out. I have a MOXI from Charter now and I have some experience with Direct TV TIVO and I like the MOXI better.

http://forums.moxi.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=285

http://moxi.com/

No 2 way on the Tivo, yet. It's coming though. You will always have the monthly on the Tivo unless you got in on a lifetime, as I did and will pray they will offer another transfer period if and when I get the Series 3.

I hope the MOXI doesn't have the monthly service stuff when it comes out. But, I may be switching to Dish TV anyway. I understand that their DVR called a VIP 622 is better than TIVO and MOXI. But, who knows for sure. I know the new DVR from Direct TV is not so hot. They have switched from TIVO to their own version HD DVR. I have heard not so good on that deal. I have two friends with Direct TV in another state and they both say the Direct TV TIVO was much better than the new DVR.

I hope the MOXI doesn't have the monthly service stuff when it comes out. But, I may be switching to Dish TV anyway. I understand that their DVR called a VIP 622 is better than TIVO and MOXI. But, who knows for sure. I know the new DVR from Direct TV is not so hot. They have switched from TIVO to their own version HD DVR. I have heard not so good on that deal. I have two friends with Direct TV in another state and they both say the Direct TV TIVO was much better than the new DVR.

Just curious, but is there anyone out there who thinks that the Motorola 34xx or 64xx is actually better than a TiVO? I've been working with the 3412 now for a couple of weeks, and it does seem to have SOME advantages over the TiVO. Like the ability to watch a program while setting recordings, for instance. The guide problem, tho (only a week's worth) is a big issue with me.

Do a search in this forum and discover all the headaches with the 34xx. Tivo is much better. But wait till the retail MOXI comes out before you decide.

Just curious, but is there anyone out there who thinks that the Motorola 34xx or 64xx is actually better than a TiVOIt depends on what you mean by "better". It's cheaper, at least, and for all-too-many people, that's enough to make it better in their book.

We have both, because two HD TiVos would be too expensive, and we'd lose On Demand, and we'd lose SD closed captioning for my wife for about half of the shows we watch, due to a big in the TiVo. Someone pointed out to me last week that the FF on the 3416 is much faster than with the TiVo. I didn't believe it but actually it's true. Surprised me, actually. Also, besides the fact that the TiVo has that SD closed captioning bug, the 3416 supports a choice of backgrounds, including a transparent background, for closed captions, which is far superior to TiVo which only offers an opaque background. So there are some things that the 3416 does better. Overall, though, if money were no object, the TiVo is clearly "better" in our minds.

i noticed another weird "glitch"

if i have a series recording programmed and i want to cancel 2 shows that are scheduled to record back to back (for example, 3am and 3:30am), it will only let me cancel one of them

when i go to cancel the 2nd scheduled recording, it turns the other one back on to record and back and forth

very weird

i noticed another weird "glitch"
...


Perhaps it's a variation on the "whack-a-mole" bug (possibly because of overlapping):
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#Simultaneous_series_recording_cancellation_problem.2C_a ka_whack-a-mole

In an ADS area, ALL digital boxes should use ADS, even the 64xx's. While ADS is being set up, they may test it by only having new subscribers programmed to use it (that is what they did by me.) After awhile, they will then reprogram all the digital boxes to use ADS.

I have a 6412, and all of the 'analog' channels use ADS. That said, there are two extra channels that are just the analog versions of two ADS channels. One is the PBS channel, presumably for CableCard TV's to get time and other signals. The other is the local village public access channel.

The key to remember is that channel numbers on cable boxes are fully under the control of the cable company. They can be reprogrammed to any frequency/subchannel they want. In my case, '11' goes to the ADS version of WTTW, and 94 goes to the analog version. On a 34xx (and the SD-only 3080), I would assume 94 would not even exist.

There are also other oddities. By me, Comcast's public access is both 3 and 100. They seem to be pushing the 100, as they are now calling it CN100. We also have two copies (both digital) of Current, G4 (a leftover of the merger between G4 and TechTV), and Playboy.

The 6412 I had was using analog. They told me I had to get a 3412 to get ADS. I have no way of knowning if they could have simply upgraded the 6412 and I wouldn't even have to changes boxes. But it turned out okay, the 341x seemed to be the most reliable (less unreliable) among the comcast DVRs.

I also noticed duplicates of multiple channels. They claim there are reasons for it, but I am not sure. After all they could be using that bandwidth for something else :)

...
I also noticed duplicates of multiple channels. They claim there are reasons for it, but I am not sure. After all they could be using that bandwidth for something else :)

Duplicate channels are probably the result of mapping one input to multiple channel numbers, usually because of the content being included in different packages, and thus do not waste bandwidth.

Duplicate channels are probably the result of mapping one input to multiple channel numbers, usually because of the content being included in different packages, and thus do not waste bandwidth.

That's good for the bandwidth then :) But why do they do this in the first place? A package can have channels all over the place.

That's good for the bandwidth then :) But why do they do this in the first place? A package can have channels all over the place.

It's Comcastic -- that's probably the only reason.

Just curious, but is there anyone out there who thinks that the Motorola 34xx or 64xx is actually better than a TiVO? I've been working with the 3412 now for a couple of weeks, and it does seem to have SOME advantages over the TiVO. Like the ability to watch a program while setting recordings, for instance. The guide problem, tho (only a week's worth) is a big issue with me.

The hard drive capacity is a huge issue for HD programming. Other than that, the superiority of Tivo is not nearly as clear as the cultists would have you believe...