Hmmm question...just got an hdtv i have the 3412...with the exception of agew glitches it has been running well...(i've had the 3412 for awhile to get sound just added the tv this week) Should I change it pout for a 3416 to get more record time?(btw how much more hd record time do you get?) Is there any other advantage? 'm just worried it's not as reliable...with my 3412 going through the hdmi and it works great so far..thanks for replies

The 3416 160 GB hard drive is 20 hours of HD recording, vs. 15 for the 120 GB. I replaced my DCT3416 with a DCH3416 a few months ago and have had no issues (even a bit less remote lag than before).

... except that the Tivo can jump in 15 minute increments.

Yup, but that doesn't help if you simply want to scan thru a program. Dunno why they don't have better FF capability. Dish Network had a smooth 300x many years ago...

Thanks for the reponses - was hoping for better news on the 3416 FF rate. I can beat the fastest FF by quickly punching the 30 second advance but I'm not going to wear out my thumbs doing it 120X to move up one hour! Anyway, that many signals would probably confuse the dvr into freezing and then executing a bunch of commands at once.

Maybe on a programmable remote you could use a macro to program repeated 30 sec skips?

Maybe on a programmable remote you could use a macro to program repeated 30 sec skips?

You can do this with the Comcast remote.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_a_Macro_Button

Yup, but that doesn't help if you simply want to scan thru a program. Dunno why they don't have better FF capability. Dish Network had a smooth 300x many years ago...I guess I don't understand what you mean by "scan thru a program". I have both a S1 & a S3. If I wish to scan forward, I Fast Forward twice until I reach the spot I want, I hit play and the Tivo automagically backs up a few seconds and begins to play. With enough practice one can become quite adept at commercial skipping, etc. During Fast Forward, you can hit Advance to invoke the 15 min. skip. (Tivo sets 15 minute nav marks automatically.) The Advance button can take you to the end or to the 15 min. nav marks in either direction. I never saw a need for a 15 sec skip except on my 2 DVDRs that do a 30 sec (or more) forward and can do 5 & 15 sec (or more) in reverse.

The only time I see commercials is when using the cableco box since its fast forward/reverse functioning is so d**n primitive when compared to Tivo.

YMMV

I guess I don't understand what you mean by "scan thru a program".

Actually scan the entire program. At Tivo's 60x, it takes a full 2 minutes to scan a 2-hour program. At Dish Network's 300x, it takes about 25 seconds.

There are several reasons to do this - checking to make sure the entire program recorded before watching it, quickly getting to a particular scene, etc....

You can do this with the Comcast remote.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_a_Macro_Button

Thanks for that tip on the macros! .... I programmed the PIP CH - button on my DCT3412 with ten 30 second skips and it works like a charm (5 minute skips)!

I just brought home a second DVR for the house (a new DCH3416) and I'm embarrassed to ask how to eliminate the need to press three keys for the lower channels 2-99?

I tricked out my older DCT3412 to eliminate that need over a year ago, but can't seem to find the thread or link that explained how to do that.

BTW, I'm tempted to swap out my old DCT3412 for a newer DCH3416 next week after I catch up on all my recorded programs. It seems to change channels faster and the SD station pictures look better ... at least to me.

I just brought home a second DVR for the house (a new DCH3416) and I'm embarrassed to ask how to eliminate the need to press three keys for the lower channels 2-99?

I tricked out my older DCT3412 to eliminate that need over a year ago, but can't seem to find the thread or link that explained how to do that.

I'm going from memory but I believe it's called "Auto Tuning" (either on or off) in the setup menu.

I'm going from memory but I believe it's called "Auto Tuning" (either on or off) in the setup menu.

Got it! ..... thanks!

In response to #4486 by Linux23, attempting to add hard drives might run into the 160 GB limit problem as described at:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

"A 300Gb HDD was used in one of the boxes. Once formatted, only 160Gb was allocated. So, it would seem that no larger HDD will work beyond that, and the S/W & F/W are not intuitive or adaptable to anything higher than 160Gb.
At the most current S/W and F/W versions (74.54-4003, 16.41), the SATA, and USB ports have still not been enabled. The HDD size is still limited to 160Gb."

Actually scan the entire program. At Tivo's 60x, it takes a full 2 minutes to scan a 2-hour program. At Dish Network's 300x, it takes about 25 seconds.

There are several reasons to do this - checking to make sure the entire program recorded before watching it, quickly getting to a particular scene, etc....I reckon that's why the 15-minute jump or quick jump to end suits me.

YMMV

Is there a way to make the channel up-down buttons only cycle through the channels that I subscribe to? I have the 3412 HD-DVR and Comcast. I know there is a "favorites" button, but it only surfs in one direction.

Is there a way to make the channel up-down buttons only cycle through the channels that I subscribe to? I have the 3412 HD-DVR and Comcast. I know there is a "favorites" button, but it only surfs in one direction.

AFAIK, cycling through your favorites (in one direction) is as close as you'll get.

Having some rebooting problems with the 3416, usually while scheduling recordings - going back and forth from menu to search to guide, all of a sudden it will reboot. Which gets pretty annoying, since of course the program guide has to be rebuilt, which makes it pretty difficult to schedule stuff...

I'm visiting my parents for Thanksgiving and am appreciating that they finally got digital cable and HDTV. However, they are clueless as to how to use the Motorola DCH3416 STB they received from TWC. The technician gave them a 30 minute tutorial when he came out to connect it, but they're in their 70s and forget stuff easily. I found the "user guide" on Motorola's site, but while it does a good job showing how to connect the thing, it says nothing about actually using it to record programs, review what you've set up to record, etc. I realize this is intuitive for lots of people, but not everyone. Does anyone know where an actual "user guide" can be found or has anyone compiled a document of operational tips or instructions?

Thanks in advance for any helpful information!
- Lisa

I'm visiting my parents for Thanksgiving and am appreciating that they finally got digital cable and HDTV. However, they are clueless as to how to use the Motorola DCH3416 STB they received from TWC. The technician gave them a 30 minute tutorial when he came out to connect it, but they're in their 70s and forget stuff easily. I found the "user guide" on Motorola's site, but while it does a good job showing how to connect the thing, it says nothing about actually using it to record programs, review what you've set up to record, etc. I realize this is intuitive for lots of people, but not everyone. Does anyone know where an actual "user guide" can be found or has anyone compiled a document of operational tips or instructions?

Thanks in advance for any helpful information!
- Lisa

See if this helps. Also check your cable companies web site for instructions. http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dct3400_settop.asp

Thank you, charlesrshell. That looks very helpful - same menu format, etc. The cable company were the ones who told us there was no manual!

I'm visiting my parents for Thanksgiving and am appreciating that they finally got digital cable and HDTV. However, they are clueless as to how to use the Motorola DCH3416 STB they received from TWC. The technician gave them a 30 minute tutorial when he came out to connect it, but they're in their 70s and forget stuff easily. I found the "user guide" on Motorola's site, but while it does a good job showing how to connect the thing, it says nothing about actually using it to record programs, review what you've set up to record, etc. I realize this is intuitive for lots of people, but not everyone. Does anyone know where an actual "user guide" can be found or has anyone compiled a document of operational tips or instructions?

Thanks in advance for any helpful information!
- Lisa

I also put a DCH3416 in my 86 year old father's hands ..... I had been using a HDTV DVR myself for over a year and a half now and admit that it takes a few months to fully get the hang of things, but a big part of the success rate is the ability to use computers and other electronic gadgets and the intuitive feel that comes with having used those kind of devices over the years.

Unfortunately, my father has always refused to even look at a computer and has no intuitive feel for the type of remotes these new DVRs use. Business and marketing being what it is today, I doubt the designers will make these units more user friendly in the future for the most senior of our senior citizens. However to Comcast's credit, they have a very good color pamphlet that guides one step-by-step in the recording processs and general use of the DVR (similiar to the earlier link posted by charlesrshell).

Bottom line is that I've had to spend several hours a day over the last two weeks slowly tutoring my father on the use of his new system, and he has made great strides in the last few days. He can now turn on and off the system properly and 50% of the time actually find a channel. The other 50% of the time he get's stuck in a menu screen .... can't get out ..... gets frustrated .... and then walks over to his old TV that is now located within the vacant guest house on his property :(

George-O, I can see you point very well. As it happens, my dad worked his entire 35 years in the computer industry and has used a home PC for many years. Still, any new technology takes getting used to, and even more so with an aging brain. I saw the handy color brochure on the site that charles pointed me to, but unfortunately, the tech had not even given my parents one of those. He told them, "It's all self-explanatory!" Anyway, they're set now. Thanks for your reply!

Stupid question. When the DCH3416's volume is adjusted to the notch 3 or 4 places from the right (almost all the way up), "stereo" appears above the volume bar. Does this mean this is optimum audio quality or is this just the highest the volume can go while still being in stereo??? Please help!

I think it means it's the ideal setting when using RF output, although I don't know if it actually outputs Stereo on the RF output. (I have a 6412P2, which has no RF out, and I know the ancient DCT-2000 series do not have stereo out on RF.)

Stupid question. When the DCH3416's volume is adjusted to the notch 3 or 4 places from the right (almost all the way up), "stereo" appears above the volume bar. Does this mean this is optimum audio quality or is this just the highest the volume can go while still being in stereo??? Please help!

It gives the most equal volume compared to other audio/video components. For example if you move it way down the scale you will have to turn up the volume on the tv or receiver, then when you go to change to say your DVD player you would get blasted out of your seat. As for stereo via RF it's not gonna happen in an ADS system. The Moto digital boxes will only give stereo via RF if it's an analog signal. For digital channels you have to use any other type of audio connection: red/white audio connections, coaxial audio (orange connection), optical audio or hdmi to get stereo (or better). The sound should still come out of both speakers using RF but will not have stereo separation.

It gives the most equal volume compared to other audio/video components. For example if you move it way down the scale you will have to turn up the volume on the tv or receiver, then when you go to change to say your DVD player you would get blasted out of your seat. As for stereo via RF it's not gonna happen in an ADS system. The Moto digital boxes will only give stereo via RF if it's an analog signal. For digital channels you have to use any other type of audio connection: red/white audio connections, coaxial audio (orange connection), optical audio or hdmi to get stereo (or better). The sound should still come out of both speakers using RF but will not have stereo separation.

Oh okay. That makes perfect sense now. I was asking because I was setting up my Harmony 550 remote, and now that I have it on the "Stereo" volume setting, the volume on all my components are more are less the same. Thanks for your help!

Second line caption issue

I'm having an issue with Closed Captions that I have failed to find any mention of either here or via several Google searches:

On certain channels (most often but not always HD) when there are two caption lines, the second line will not appear. If there are characters in the text of the second line that have descenders below the text baseline (such as gjpqy) I can see those descenders just above the first caption line. I have tried various caption settings in the STB menu but there is no affect. Some channels show this quite frequently (like our local PBS HD channel).

As my wife is hearing impaired we have the captions on all of the time so this is quite annoying.

Has anyone experienced this problem?

Thanks.

Second line caption issue
On certain channels (most often but not always HD) when there are two caption lines, the second line will not appear. If there are characters in the text of the second line that have descenders below the text baseline (such as gjpqy) I can see those descenders just above the first caption line. I have tried various caption settings in the STB menu but there is no affect. Some channels show this quite frequently (like our local PBS HD channel).
Thanks.

Are you saying there is no effect at all with any of your changes? If that's the case I believe you have to change a setting in the CC menu from 'auto' to 'user' for changes to take effect.

Thanks for the reply, but I have already mucked with the various setting on the menu and, while they have had the expected effects on appearance, there was no change in this particular behavior.

Is there a way to make the channel up-down buttons only cycle through the channels that I subscribe to? I have the 3412 HD-DVR and Comcast. I know there is a "favorites" button, but it only surfs in one direction.

I realize this is a little late, and not exactly what you were asking for (in terms of using the ch. up and down buttons), but you can just press "menu", select the heart icon, press "ok" (or "select", I don't use the comcast remote), and choose your favorites list. That way you have a "favorites guide". No chanels you don't want to see or don't subscribe to. It's the only guide I look at. Might be a nice workaround for what you're trying to do.

Hey guys, I'm a Charter subscriber in St. Louis and got a new 3416 a few weeks ago. Now this may seem like a weird question, but my 3416 makes this beep noise at random times. Is anyone else experiencing this? Sometimes it will beep every 10 seconds or so, sometimes just one beep then nothing for a long time. If I'm watching TV when it does this I notice nothing wrong with the picture or the guide at the time. Anyone else have this happen?

I've never heard anything about beeps coming from any of the Motorola boxes.

Hey guys, I'm a Charter subscriber in St. Louis and got a new 3416 a few weeks ago. Now this may seem like a weird question, but my 3416 makes this beep noise at random times. Is anyone else experiencing this? Sometimes it will beep every 10 seconds or so, sometimes just one beep then nothing for a long time. If I'm watching TV when it does this I notice nothing wrong with the picture or the guide at the time. Anyone else have this happen?

Nope never heard of this either, I'm pretty sure there's no type of speaker in the converter to even produce a beep. Not to be a wise ass but I think when you find the final answer to your beep you're going to find it's not really coming from the box but some other piece of electronic equipment nearby.

or perhaps the on board hard drive or fan, either having some spin friction.

I have a DCH3416 and just got a Samsung LN-T4066F. I wanted to set up a macro on a couple of the PIP buttons to switch directly to a certain input. The only way to switch directly to an input instead of cycling through them all is through the menu on my TV. The problem is when I use my 3416's remote to control my TV the menu opens fine when I push the menu button but when I push the down button to scroll through the menu the TV gives me an "action not available" message and exits the menu. The macro I want to make involves mutiple arrow buttons to navigate through the menu so the macros don't work. I have tried all of the Samsung codes from the remote manual, all have the same results. As far as I know its just the arrows that don't work right, all the other buttons control the TV just fine. Anyone ever heard of this happening with Samsung or any other TVs? Anyone know how to fix it?

I have a DCH3416 and just got a Samsung LN-T4066F. I wanted to set up a macro on a couple of the PIP buttons to switch directly to a certain input. The only way to switch directly to an input instead of cycling through them all is through the menu on my TV. The problem is when I use my 3416's remote to control my TV the menu opens fine when I push the menu button but when I push the down button to scroll through the menu the TV gives me an "action not available" message and exits the menu. The macro I want to make involves mutiple arrow buttons to navigate through the menu so the macros don't work. I have tried all of the Samsung codes from the remote manual, all have the same results. As far as I know its just the arrows that don't work right, all the other buttons control the TV just fine. Anyone ever heard of this happening with Samsung or any other TVs? Anyone know how to fix it?

Sounds to me like the code set isn't quite right for your TV.

Try and find the code that gets the most functions right then try the following.

Press the "TV" button at the top of the remote to put it into TV control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "TV" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "TV" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00197.
Press the up arrow key.

I didn't even think of trying that. I did that for the 30 second skip last night and I saw the chart with all the other codes on it but it didn't cross my mind to try this. Hopefully this works, I'll try it when I get off work tonight. Thanks.

I couldn't find it specifically in this thread already, but does anybody know if there is a way to set the DVR to go to Standby (off) after it finishes recording? I notice it's much quieter (important cos it's in the bedroom) when it's in standby.

It correctly powers on from standby to record and then returns to standby when the recording is done, but often I'm watching something on one tuner and recording on the other. When I try to power down, I get the 3 options (stop recording, continue, change tuner) and end up just shutting the tv off. When the recording is done, the machine stays on when going to standby is preferred. Is there a setting to do this?

TIA

OK, So I tried what Evan suggested earlier with the up button and now that works. I thought the code he gave me for the up button was going to be the same as the one on the chart I found on Wikkipedia. When I tried to fix the down, left, and right buttons it didn't work with those codes. Then I realized the code that Evan gave me for the up button didn't match the one on the chart I was using. Basically I need the codes for down, left, and right that go with the 00197 code for up. Evan or anyone else have a full list or chart of these codes?

The codes don't match because they are codes specific to your TV not for the cable box. The process is assigning a key move with a specific button code which is a feature of these remotes. This allows you to reassign a button to a new location or even assign a button that isn't present at all like the 30 second skip.

The codes you are looking for are

right- 00199
left- 00200
down- 00201

If you want more info it came from http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/index.php which is a site dedicated to third party hacking of a particular type of remote (jp1). The silver comcast remotes happen to be this type of remote.

evan - any chance you can find the control codes for a toshiba HD-DVD A20 to use with the comcast remote ... I've had no luck

evan - any chance you can find the control codes for a toshiba HD-DVD A20 to use with the comcast remote ... I've had no luck

Sorry. Don't know of even a partially working setup code that would be needed as the base for anything. You can program it to control an A2 with a cable and the software from www.hifi-remote.com. I've done that with mine and it works well.

Upps, wrong forum.

I'm getting this horizontal white "static" on black backgrounds from my 3416, connected via HMDI to a Sony Receiver, then to the TV. The PS3 is also connected to the receiver and does not have this problem.

The static shows up as flat, horizontal lines a couple of inches long, scattered randomly across any very dark (almost black) background.

I figure its the 3416, since the PS3 doesn't do this (and if it were a receiver or TV issue it presumably would).

Receiver: Sony STR DG810
TV: Panasonic 9UK
HDMI switching via sony receiver, generic HDMI cables from Monoprice

I just checked my diagnostics and found the following:

OOB Status
SNR 12.6 dB Poor
AGC 13% Good

In-Band Status
SNR 36.2 dB Tuner 1
SNR 36.6 dB Tuner 2

Should I be concerned about the OOB SNR?

I just checked my diagnostics and found the following:

OOB Status
SNR 12.6 dB Poor
AGC 13% Good

In-Band Status
SNR 36.2 dB Tuner 1
SNR 36.6 dB Tuner 2

Should I be concerned about the OOB SNR?

With the OOB signal so bad, it could cause the STB to do some nasty things, like sporadicly rebooting, some features and channels might be lost or made unavailable.

Do you have any splitters on the coax? if so, make sure they are all bi-directional splitters, so your STB can talk back to the cable company headend.

Thanks Scanpa, there are splitters so I suppose I need to have a tech come by and check everything out. I haven't really noticed any issues other than one peculiar thing. In my area I have locals on two different channels, one SD and one HD. On my HD set, SD programming looks noticeably better on the HD channel. Why is that do you think.

My box is a 3416. Thanks

Thanks Scanpa, there are splitters so I suppose I need to have a tech come by and check everything out. I haven't really noticed any issues other than one peculiar thing. In my area I have locals on two different channels, one SD and one HD. On my HD set, SD programming looks noticeably better on the HD channel. Why is that do you think.

My box is a 3416. Thanks
If I'm reading your post correctly, that is how it should look. That is how mine looks. Local networks broadcast two different signals. One analog and one digital. The analog signal is always SD. The digital signal is always transmitted digitally, even if the programming being transmitted is SD. I would think that it should always be equal or better than the analog signal.

HD Rookie.. I receive all digital and no analog. What I have noticed is for example, when watching our local news, which is not HD, the picture is better on the HD version of that channel compared to the SD version of that channel. The program is SD on both but looks noticeably better on the HD channel. It's just weird to me.

HD Rookie.. I receive all digital and no analog. What I have noticed is for example, when watching our local news, which is not HD, the picture is better on the HD version of that channel compared to the SD version of that channel. The program is SD on both but looks noticeably better on the HD channel. It's just weird to me.

That's because there is no added compression on the HD channel but there is plenty of compression on the analog (SD) channel.

Thanks Bobby, that makes sense... So that really shows that SD CAN look very good on an HD TV!

... So that really shows that SD CAN look very good on an HD TV!

The complaints people have had regarding SD displayed on HD TVs have generally been about SD channels, especially analog, not HD channels with SD content.

Turned my set on tonight and all i get is "Weak or no signal" on one of my HDMI inputs. Checked out my HTPC input on the 2nd HDMI input and it works fine.
Tried swapping cable box over to HDMI #2 and still same problem.
Any chance Comcast has disabled the HDMI output on the 3412 STB?
Funny just had the tweeter tech here yesterday to replace the light engine on my Samsung DLP and it was working fine after he left. Coincidental?
Cant remember how to get into the 3412 to configure the output. It now works with the component cables hooked up, so im wondering if maybe somehow it got changed from HDMI to Component.
Found the wiki for the 3412 and got into the User settings.
TV Type is 16:9
HDMI/YPbPr Output is 1080i
4:3 override is Off
Additional HDMI settings:
HDMI/DVI Mode is HDMI
Color Space is YCC 4:4:4
Audio output is Auto

Could this be an HDCP issue and if so why would it start now?

Right after i posted that last edit, i turned the STB off and then on again and now the HDMI output is working.
Tried cycling power on the STB before and it didnt help. Evidently going into the User settings, somehow resolved the problem even though i didnt change anything.

...
Cant remember how to get into the 3412 to configure the output. It now works with the component cables hooked up, so im wondering if maybe somehow it got changed from HDMI to Component.

Here's the setup:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup#Setting_video_display_options
but both HDMI and component should be active at all times.

No way Comcast would've disabled HDMI, so the box may have gone bad.

HD Rookie.. I receive all digital and no analog. What I have noticed is for example, when watching our local news, which is not HD, the picture is better on the HD version of that channel compared to the SD version of that channel. The program is SD on both but looks noticeably better on the HD channel. It's just weird to me.
Exactly. Your cable box gives you all digital channels, but the original transmission from the local network was analog. Comcast takes the analog signal, converts it to digital and sends it to you. The HD version of the network channel started as a digital transmission (even though the programming is sd). In addition to it only being an analog signal to begin with, comcast compresses it, as bobby said. Last I heard, comcast does not compress local network HD channels.

Thanks HD Rookie, that clarifies it! One other question, my TV is 1080p native, Sony SXRD. Should I set my STB to 480p instead of 480i? Would that help PQ at all or make it worse?

Thanks!!

Thanks HD Rookie, that clarifies it! One other question, my TV is 1080p native, Sony SXRD. Should I set my STB to 480p instead of 480i? Would that help PQ at all or make it worse?
Thanks!!
You'll have to test it and see what works best on your tv. I prefer 480i with my setup.

I just got the DCH 3416, have a question, are you suppose to leave these things on all the time, cause when I put it in stand by mode while it was recording something it quit recording that program, I dont like leaving things on all the time, thanks for help

Not a requirement but if you leave it on all the time you'll have far less problems with your recordings. It doesn't hurt it one way or the other; in reality, the hard drive spins 24/7 anyway.

I couldn't find it specifically in this thread already, but does anybody know if there is a way to set the DVR to go to Standby (off) after it finishes recording? I notice it's much quieter (important cos it's in the bedroom) when it's in standby.

It correctly powers on from standby to record and then returns to standby when the recording is done, but often I'm watching something on one tuner and recording on the other. When I try to power down, I get the 3 options (stop recording, continue, change tuner) and end up just shutting the tv off. When the recording is done, the machine stays on when going to standby is preferred. Is there a setting to do this?

TIA
There are many Universal Remotes with a sleep timer function you might try buying one of them. Just set it for the amount of time until the show is over and have the remote pointing at the DVR.
This wouldn't work for me my DVR always gets louder the first time I turn it off(a loud buzzing noise) and if I turn it on and off the second time it is quieter...weird.

I just got the DCH 3416, have a question, are you suppose to leave these things on all the time, cause when I put it in stand by mode while it was recording something it quit recording that program, I dont like leaving things on all the time, thanks for help
You can't turn it off while it's in the middle of recording, as you found out. Otherwise, it makes little difference. When you turn it off, it just blanks the front panel display, audio and video, but it doesn't really save any power. Turning it off does stop the buffering, which may help the drive last longer and run cooler.

It will turn itself on to make a recording and turn back off when done. The audio will be muted, but hitting any key on the remote will unmute it and cancel the power off (older software didn't do either of those.)

I just got a 3416, and I can't find a way to search for shows by keyword. You can search by the first letters of the title, but I can't find a way to make it search for a particular word in titles and the info. I could do this on my Moxi, is this capability really missing from the 3416, or am I just missing something?

Thanks,
Guy

I just got a 3416, and I can't find a way to search for shows by keyword.
...

You can't search by keyword with iGuide. We used to be able to with the Microsoft guide in Washington state.

I just got a 3416, and I can't find a way to search for shows by keyword. You can search by the first letters of the title, but I can't find a way to make it search for a particular word in titles and the info. I could do this on my Moxi, is this capability really missing from the 3416, or am I just missing something?

Thanks,
Guy

Sorry that's pretty much all you can do with the current guide. The new Tivo guide will give more options (not available in your neck of the woods yet) and possibly the new regular guide coming for these boxes in the next couple months.

Sorry that's pretty much all you can do with the current guide. The new Tivo guide will give more options (not available in your neck of the woods yet) and possibly the new regular guide coming for these boxes in the next couple months.

The i-Guide for Motorola does not have "Keyword" Search and the next version of i-Guide will have "Keyword" Search but only for Cisco/SA systems.

Moxi and TiVo have had this from, oh I don't know, day one!

Luckily...

In 2034 I will be able to get the Comcast/TiVo.

Pathetic.

The program is SD on both but looks noticeably better on the HD channel. It's just weird to me.

There's a few simple reasons for this - the analog to digital converters at the cable company head end are significantly more powerful than the analog to digital converter in the 3416 (or older DVRs). Realtime MPEG encoding differences are very noticeable between slower and faster encoders.

Another reason could be that the original SD source is actually stored in a fairly clean digital format, and when sent on a digital channel (e.g. a HD channel) you're not picking up any degradation from two conversions - original digital SD source -> analog SD -> cable -> back to digital (in the 3416) -> TV. The fewer A/D conversions in the chain, the better.

The quality of the production / source can be just as important (or more important) than the "resolution" of the format. In other words, a poor 1080i broadcast may not look any better than a well produced, clean 480i or 480p production.

(Experts, please correct any bad assumptions / explanations on my part.)

Cliff

Oops - I was assuming Carillon was talking about analog channels, not SD content on (lower numbered) digital channels. I think a previous reply mentioned the additional compression on the lower numbered SD digital channels, which makes sense to me.

I've seen earlier related posts in this thread, but no definitive solutions or explanations that I could find in my searching.

My 3416 (pretty sure it's a DCH, but I'll check tonight to be sure) is losing it's setup (output resolution and 4:3 override passthrough) everytime I switch inputs on my (new) EXT-HD transcoder box. There's a multitude of other problems being worked on this (just released) transcoder, so I initially assumed all problems were related to the EXT box rather than the 3416.

But, having said that, I'm trying to understand why the 3416 is constantly losing it's setup, and if there's any way to prevent it, or if it's possibly a defective 3416. Is this an artifact of losing the DHCP handshake? If so, what is everyone else's experience if they're using an HDMI switch (e.g. a Monoprice), or an HDMI switching receiver? Why does the 3416 choose to "lose" all of it's resolution settings if the HDCP handshake is lost? A power outage, power surge, or unplugging of anyone's HDMI source or switch would cause everyone to have to redo their 3416 setup.

My configuration:

Moome EXT-HD transcoder (two HDMI inputs, one component input, full HDCP support), RGB output, which I'm running to a NEC 6PGXtra projector. My HDMI sources are the 3416 and a Toshiba D3 (A3 sold by Costco) HD DVD player.

I know that HDCP is supported in the EXT-HD, because I'm outputting 1080i through both the Tosh A3 and the 3416 to the projector (and I'm pretty sure the A3 will not output 1080i through the HDMI port if HDCP is not working).

Symptoms: Most times when I switch the EXT-HD from the HD DVD to the 3416, the 3416 has reverted to 480i (or sometimes 720p) output. I push the 3416 power button, then press setup (either on the remote or on the front panel). "16:9" flashes on the front panel, then quickly goes away (aspect ratio is the first entry on the setup menu). I usually have to press "setup" 15 or 20 times before the menu will finally "stay", allowing the projector to figure out the 480i (or 720p) output. I then re-configure the output resolution to 1080i, and 4:3 override to off (I always want 1080i output - the 3416 does a decent upconversion job, at least as displayed on my projector and 110" screen).

This is irritating, frustrating, and probably somewhat hard on the projector (as it is constantly having to look for and adjust to different resolution / synch settings). If I didn't have to press "setup" 15 or more times, I would be finger pointing the EXT-HD 100%. But it's suspicious that without doing anything to the EXT-HD, the 3416 "finally" decides to display the setup menu.

I wouldn't be surprised if this is a used 3416, as the Comcast rep pulled it from the middle of a big stack, when I picked it up a week ago (I traded in a couple of 6412s for the 3416, both for the additional storage and for the HDMI capabilities now available using the new EXT-HD transcoding).

Cliff

Looks like I have been posting in the wrong thread/forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=953386

I see scanlines at the top of the video that look like they are coming from the bottom of the video. You probably won't notice this unless you use 1:1 pixel mode in 1080i. This is NOT to be confused with the encoded closed captioning data at the top of some broadcasts. The weird line(s) I'm seeing at the top are DEFINITELY coming from what should be the bottom of the image.

I've seen earlier related posts in this thread, but no definitive solutions or explanations that I could find in my searching.

My 3416 (pretty sure it's a DCH, but I'll check tonight to be sure) is losing it's setup (output resolution and 4:3 override passthrough) everytime I switch inputs on my (new) EXT-HD transcoder box. There's a multitude of other problems being worked on this (just released) transcoder, so I initially assumed all problems were related to the EXT box rather than the 3416.

But, having said that, I'm trying to understand why the 3416 is constantly losing it's setup, and if there's any way to prevent it, or if it's possibly a defective 3416. Is this an artifact of losing the DHCP handshake? If so, what is everyone else's experience if they're using an HDMI switch (e.g. a Monoprice), or an HDMI switching receiver? Why does the 3416 choose to "lose" all of it's resolution settings if the HDCP handshake is lost? A power outage, power surge, or unplugging of anyone's HDMI source or switch would cause everyone to have to redo their 3416 setup.


Cliff

I have the monoprice switch and I cannot get it to work with this 3416 on my panasonic 58" plasma. It also resets the configuration. it cant understand the message - something about the resolution or something. the message comes up so fast i cant really read it. I used the switch on my IN72 projector before and it worked great...that was also using the 3416 box. but i moved and got another box so i am wondering if its the box itself. I will try hooking it up to my projector again. I know the switch works because it worked great when using it with my projector. Is there any updates for the box itself. Any ideas this is driving me nuts.

Any thoughts???

I've got a DCT3412 and last night I realized that none of the DVR features were working like rewind on live TV. When I tried to look at my DVR recordings I get the message "DVR Service Unavailable", call Comcast (nooooo!!! he screamed).

A buddy that was over suggested just unplugging it for a while and since it was 1am I unplugged it, went to bed, and woke up this morning with the same issue. I called Comcast and they "reset" the box to no avail.

I went into the diagnostics menu and when I selected the DVR/HDD status it shows that there are no hard drives installed . . . Is it that the firmware is hacked to disallow overly curious customers like me from poking around, or is the HDD just kaput?

I really don't want to have to schedule a service visit - I'd prefer to just unhook the box and take it in for replacement since I'm off work today, which of course the rep discouraged (Why? Doesn't it cost more to send someone out than to allow the enterprising customer so solve their own problem? WTF?)

Thanks . . .

I've got a DCT3412 and last night I realized that none of the DVR features were working like rewind on live TV. When I tried to look at my DVR recordings I get the message "DVR Service Unavailable", call Comcast (nooooo!!! he screamed).

A buddy that was over suggested just unplugging it for a while and since it was 1am I unplugged it, went to bed, and woke up this morning with the same issue. I called Comcast and they "reset" the box to no avail.

I went into the diagnostics menu and when I selected the DVR/HDD status it shows that there are no hard drives installed . . . Is it that the firmware is hacked to disallow overly curious customers like me from poking around, or is the HDD just kaput?

I really don't want to have to schedule a service visit - I'd prefer to just unhook the box and take it in for replacement since I'm off work today, which of course the rep discouraged (Why? Doesn't it cost more to send someone out than to allow the enterprising customer so solve their own problem? WTF?)

Thanks . . .

That's not good, there definetly should be a slew of info listed on the "DVR/HDD status" page, hard drive model, s/n, id, and then the amount of data stored by DVR content, index, and how much free space, etc etc.
If it doesn't show any HDD, then it's definetly bit the dust and it's time to go swap the box. God I hope mine doesn't just die like that.

Just take the box to your local office, or wherever you would return equipment, and tell them the hard drive died(they'll probably only understand if you say "it doesn't work") and they should be able to give you another one, put the new box serial number in the computer on your account, and you should be good to go.

Hi,

I got comcast and a DCH3416 just recently and am still getting used to box/service.

-First annoyance that I have come across is the switching on/off of the closed captioning/subtitles. Is switching off the DVR and then entering the menu, the only way to turn it on/off? If I am want to turn it on/off when the other tuner is recording (or when I am watching a program being recorded), I can't turn the box off.
I have it hooked up to a westinghouse 42w2 (which is a 42 inch monitor and doesn't have closed captioning option). Is there any way around this problem?

- From reading the forums, I have gathered that the tv guide on this box is stuck in 4:3 mode. Am I correct in believing that I can't have the guide in 16:9 wide-screen format at all?

thanks for your expert opinions.
-cipher17

cipher17 --
You do have to turn the box off to switch the CC, and the guide info is in 4:3.

-First annoyance that I have come across is the switching on/off of the closed captioning/subtitles. Is switching off the DVR and then entering the menu, the only way to turn it on/off? If I am want to turn it on/off when the other tuner is recording (or when I am watching a program being recorded), I can't turn the box off.
I have it hooked up to a westinghouse 42w2 (which is a 42 inch monitor and doesn't have closed captioning option). Is there any way around this problem?


With the current guide and your setup yes this is the only way to do it. Depending on where you live & if you wanted to pay the extra $3 the new Tivo guide let's you change these settings without turning the box off. If you're in New England the guide should be available in the next month or so to the general public, other areas of the country some time next year.

That's not good, there definetly should be a slew of info listed on the "DVR/HDD status" page, hard drive model, s/n, id, and then the amount of data stored by DVR content, index, and how much free space, etc etc.
If it doesn't show any HDD, then it's definetly bit the dust and it's time to go swap the box. God I hope mine doesn't just die like that.

Just take the box to your local office, or wherever you would return equipment, and tell them the hard drive died(they'll probably only understand if you say "it doesn't work") and they should be able to give you another one, put the new box serial number in the computer on your account, and you should be good to go.

Thanks - that's what I figured. I took it over and they were out of HD-DVR boxes but said they get a shipment around 1pm tomorrow. I don't like having to go back over there but at least I get to solve the problem on my schedule and not theirs (i.e. a service call to have the guy switch out the box, which is what I'll do). Hopefully I'll get the newer 3416 with more disc space though I don't tend to fill it up.

With the current guide and your setup yes this is the only way to do it. Depending on where you live & if you wanted to pay the extra $3 the new Tivo guide let's you change these settings without turning the box off. If you're in New England the guide should be available in the next month or so to the general public, other areas of the country some time next year.

cipher17 --
You do have to turn the box off to switch the CC, and the guide info is in 4:3.

Thank you fellas.

I once had a job offer (as a firmware engg)from motorola to work on these STBs. I swear this CC thing would have been the first thing I would have changed on these boxes. This is simply unintuitive and whoever designed this first doesn't use these boxes for sure. On the positive side these new boxes are much better than the old Motorola HD-DVR (i had 6412 for about a week) at responding to the remote. They also sit prettier on the AV rack. They have also remained ON without crashing for over a week now (6412 would crash almost once every other day, mostly when i would press a button on the remote while the previous button press was still pending in action). With the tivo thing coming, this might be ready to take on the dish experience.

I had two 6412s until a couple of weeks ago, when I swapped them for a 3415. Both 6412s were pretty reliable (had them for at least 2 years) until the guide software changed from the MS supplied sw (I live near Seattle) to the iGuide sw. The reliability went way down, including one 6412 that would "hard freeze" (nothing would respond, including front panel keys) every day or two, and it finally reformatted the hard drive (it's irritating to lose all of your recorded shows and series settings). Coincidences are possible, of course (e.g. the HD could have been just about to die anyway, and the iGuide sw change just hastened it).

Other than my problems with the 3416 "losing setup" (still trying to work it - I may swap the box at my local Comcast office), the 3416 is better than the 6412 in almost all aspects. Remote response is finally decent, and the additional HD space is just now enough where it fits in our viewing patterns (my wife and I tend to watch not more than an hour on a weekday, and catch up on weekends).

Sorry that's pretty much all you can do with the current guide. The new Tivo guide will give more options (not available in your neck of the woods yet) and possibly the new regular guide coming for these boxes in the next couple months.

Thanks. I can't believe this thing doesn't have a keyword search. That seems like a pretty mandatory basic feature. Oh well, luckily I still have a Moxi so I can use its keyword search to find shows and then go record them on the 3416. I'll have to just do that until one of those updates comes that supports keyword search.

Guy

So.....
NOT having the DCH3416 red recording lights work doesn't bother you guys at all???

So.....
NOT having the DCH3416 red recording lights work doesn't bother you guys at all???

It would be nice to have it back but between the times where it says 'REC' on display & the fact that if you try to change channels it warns of the current recording & keeps you from inadvertently changing channels, it doesn't really do that much for me anyway. Definitely not any kind of deal breaker for me.

Looks like I have been posting in the wrong thread/forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=953386

I see scanlines at the top of the video that look like they are coming from the bottom of the video. You probably won't notice this unless you use 1:1 pixel mode in 1080i. This is NOT to be confused with the encoded closed captioning data at the top of some broadcasts. The weird line(s) I'm seeing at the top are DEFINITELY coming from what should be the bottom of the image.

Has no one else seen this? I got one response so far from another user who has seen this issue.

Has no one else seen this? I got one response so far from another user who has seen this issue.

I've been following this thread from the beginning and don't recall hearing about this. Is it possible that not many people have the ability to do 1:1 pixel mapping (or don't do it if they have the ability), and that this is some type of overscan issue, which you alluded two in one of your other posts?

The volume control button for our DCT3416 remote is programmed to control the volume on our A/V receiver. Lately though, it has to be pressed more than once to make any change in volume. Sometimes it has to be pressed 5 or more times, and then still doesn't do anything.

Does this sound like the remote is bad? I'm not sure how long we've had this remote but it's probably a few years. We've been through MANY stb's but probably still have the original remote.

I've been following this thread from the beginning and don't recall hearing about this. Is it possible that not many people have the ability to do 1:1 pixel mapping (or don't do it if they have the ability), and that this is some type of overscan issue, which you alluded two in one of your other posts?

I'll admit that the reason I can see this is not because I have 1:1 pixel mapping, but because I'm downconverting HD->480i letterboxed for display on a SDTV CRT. Because I have letterboxes, this allows me to see the whole picture from top to bottom without any cutoff. Therefore, whenever I tune to an HD channel that is broadcasting SD content, I'll see the closed captioning info at the top. When the "bug" kicks in, I see valid image data from the bottom (just a few lines) ABOVE the encoded closed captioning stuff. I'm currently using s-video, but I get the same problem on the coax output. It remains a possibility that this is only something that comes up when converting HD->480i letterboxed. However, if the problem is universal (all outputs and upconvert/downconvert modes), you should be able to see it on an HD set if you have a 1:1 pixel mode.

Just to reiterate, if your STB has this problem, and the problem is NOT limited to HD->480i downconverting, you will probably only see it with a 0% overscan mode. This is NOT closed captioning info, and it is not a problem "caused" by 0% overscan mode. It is definitely some kind of bug.

I just replaced my old 6412 with a 3416 and I seem to have a problem. First, even though it's been several days, the I-guide has a lot of TBDs, especially on the local channels. Second, and maybe related, when the guide lists a program, if I tune to that program and then press the info button, the display lists the correct info about that program. But if I then pause the program, the info displayed lists TBD. And if I then press the info button, that display also lists TBD. If I go back to live TV, the info button again lists the correct info. Is the Guide data not being downloaded correctly, or do I maybe have a faulty unit?

Beyond the delay before the program guide is fully populated, I've found that TBD often is a matter of lack of memory. If you have a lot of channels in your system, the available memory for the program guide is fully utilized, and so some later items in the program guide will appear as TBD, simply because there is no memory within which to store the information for that program. The specific programs that are TBD may even change: As the data comes in it replaces the data that's there, and back and forth.

That might not be related to what you're reporting, which I've never encountered, but it might.

I've found there seems to be 2 or 3 levels of the database:
Core - contains program start/length, new/repeat, category, HD flag, episode code.
Title - A title tied to the episode code
Description - The description tied to the episode code.

The title and description may even be split into week 1 and week 2.

For well over a year, I had issues where the second week would be filled with TBA's. They would fill in for a bit, but often after one of those pauses where it will not respond to anything, titles would disappear. So far, it seems to be working better with the 75.58 software/16.42 firmware.

Generally, the core has the highest priority, and is usually complete. All week 1 info seems to be the next priority. Week 2 titles are next, with week 2 descriptions being the lowest. It can take a few days for it to settle down as it can take a few passes of the data for it to fill everything in properly. I've found it can take 3-4 days to fully settle down.

Generally, the only descriptions for 2nd week programs you should see are either generic descriptions, or a program that also airs sometime in the first week.

Same problem with the info button, the last firmware upgrade a couple of months ago
seems to be the problem, also lost the red record light, very inconvienent.
I have the DCH 3416.

Audio not coming to my receiver.
1. I connect one HDMI from DVD to TV
2. Another HDMI from Cable box DCT 3416 to TV
I connect Digital output audio cable from my TV to my A/V reciever Digital audio input.
I put on the cable, no audio comes to the speakers.
however I try on the DVD and audio is perfectly fine.

Firmware version in the cable box is 18.21
Can anyone give me some input on what is wrong?

I just replaced my old 6412 with a 3416 and I seem to have a problem. First, even though it's been several days, the I-guide has a lot of TBDs, especially on the local channels. Second, and maybe related, when the guide lists a program, if I tune to that program and then press the info button, the display lists the correct info about that program. But if I then pause the program, the info displayed lists TBD. And if I then press the info button, that display also lists TBD. If I go back to live TV, the info button again lists the correct info. Is the Guide data not being downloaded correctly, or do I maybe have a faulty unit?

Did you get the DCT or DCH variety? I've had the DCT 3416 (picked it up from Nimbus) for quite a while with few issues.

DCT variety, any help greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure what is wrong, but I've had much better success connecting audio sources (cable box and DVD player) directly to the audio system.

Did you get the DCT or DCH variety? I've had the DCT 3416 (picked it up from Nimbus) for quite a while with few issues.

I got the older one (DCT variety, I think). They didn't have any of the newer ones yet. This was at the Milwaukie office.

I

Other than my problems with the 3416 "losing setup" (still trying to work it - I may swap the box at my local Comcast office), the 3416 is better than the 6412 in almost all aspects. Remote response is finally decent, and the additional HD space is just now enough where it fits in our viewing patterns (my wife and I tend to watch not more than an hour on a weekday, and catch up on weekends).

I just swapped for a 3416 (also in Seattle) and am having the same problems with the box losing the setup info on the 4:3 aspect and resolution settings. I generally like the box, but this problem is a killer, esp. for my wife who has no patience with these things. So is this a common problem with the 3416 model, or is it just a bad box?

Audio not coming to my receiver.
1. I connect one HDMI from DVD to TV
2. Another HDMI from Cable box DCT 3416 to TV
I connect Digital output audio cable from my TV to my A/V reciever Digital audio input.
I put on the cable, no audio comes to the speakers.
however I try on the DVD and audio is perfectly fine.

Firmware version in the cable box is 18.21
Can anyone give me some input on what is wrong?

Your optical cable connection should come out from the DCT3416 and into the receiver.

I'm completely new here, and really can't sift through 77 pages of thread but I have a question.

How do I download movies from my Motorola (Comcast) DCT 3412 I to my computer? I've got all necessary cables, but I don't want to just plug into it until I've got the right drivers, etc etc.

Thanks

Audio not coming to my receiver.
1. I connect one HDMI from DVD to TV
2. Another HDMI from Cable box DCT 3416 to TV
I connect Digital output audio cable from my TV to my A/V reciever Digital audio input.
I put on the cable, no audio comes to the speakers.
however I try on the DVD and audio is perfectly fine.

Firmware version in the cable box is 18.21
Can anyone give me some input on what is wrong?

Your HDMI cable from the 3416 is supplying the audio if you are using the 3416 for video source. The TV does not even have to be on as long as the 3416 and the receiver are on. I suggest you review your settings on the receiver and audio output on the 3416.

I'm completely new here, and really can't sift through 77 pages of thread but I have a question.

How do I download movies from my Motorola (Comcast) DCT 3412 I to my computer? I've got all necessary cables, but I don't want to just plug into it until I've got the right drivers, etc etc.

Thanks

Review the sticky thread at the top of the section on How to Record via Firewire under Windows XP

Your optical cable connection should come out from the DCT3416 and into the receiver.
Not necessarily. With his current setup he only needs one digital audio to his receiver for both his dvd player and cable box.

That being said, it would be a good test to run your digital audio directly to your receiver, just to make sure your cable box is working properly. My guess is that your tv is not passing the audio through, or is passing the signal in a format your receiver doesn't understand.

Also, try a variety of cable channels. On one of my tvs I run digital audio from my tv to my receiver as you do. Some of the analog channels don't pass sound to the receiver. I've never looked into the reason why as this tv is usually only used for local HD broadcasts.

Not necessarily. With his current setup he only needs one digital audio to his receiver for both his dvd player and cable box.

That being said, it would be a good test to run your digital audio directly to your receiver, just to make sure your cable box is working properly. My guess is that your tv is not passing the audio through, or is passing the signal in a format your receiver doesn't understand.

Also, try a variety of cable channels. On one of my tvs I run digital audio from my tv to my receiver as you do. Some of the analog channels don't pass sound to the receiver. I've never looked into the reason why as this tv is usually only used for local HD broadcasts.

I would be willing to bet his TV wont pass 5.1 to his receiver. Mine wont, even with using a HDMI cable from the 3416 to the TV and from the reciver to the TV.

Most, if not all TV's will only pass 5.1 Dolby from their own tuner, not from any input, that will only pass pcm stereo.

I would be willing to bet his TV wont pass 5.1 to his receiver. Mine wont, even with using a HDMI cable from the 3416 to the TV and from the reciver to the TV.

The 3416 is the video and sound source. The HDMI cable passes the video and sound to the receiver. The receiver routes the video to the TV and the receiver routes the sound to the speakers attached to the receiver.

Your HDMI cable from the 3416 is supplying the audio if you are using the 3416 for video source. The TV does not even have to be on as long as the 3416 and the receiver are on. I suggest you review your settings on the receiver and audio output on the 3416.

Sorry, I reread your post and thought you had a receiver that was routing audio and video. The way you have audio and video going to the TV from the 3416 and the audio back to the receiver I would assume there is some setting in your TV that tells the TV to send the audio signal being received via the HDMI cable out to the receiver on the optical cable. If not, try running a optical cable from the 3416 direct to the receiver. What happens if you tell the TV to use the TV's speakers and not output to the receiver?

I just swapped for a 3416 (also in Seattle) and am having the same problems with the box losing the setup info on the 4:3 aspect and resolution settings ... is this a common problem with the 3416 model, or is it just a bad box?

Refreshing this subject - I'm still interested in finding out if other people are losing setup similar to me and robsalk. As mentioned previously, I'm also dealing with issues on a new transcoder / switching box (Moome EXT-HD), so it would be good to know which is the culprit.

To not loose settings, it's helpful never to turn the dvr 'off'. (Even if you do, it's still 'on' anyway!)

Refreshing this subject - I'm still interested in finding out if other people are losing setup similar to me and robsalk. As mentioned previously, I'm also dealing with issues on a new transcoder / switching box (Moome EXT-HD), so it would be good to know which is the culprit.

Yes I am having the same issue. I think it might be a communication issue with the TV via HDMI.

Try leaving the tv on then turning the DVR off/on, I did this and the settings were not lost. I turned both off and the settings were gone. If I leave the DVR on and turn the TV off/on then the settings get lost. I am running things through a Yamaha Z11.

Next I moved my HDMI directly to the TV (sony 52XBR5 LCD). I can shut the tv off/on and the settings stay, I shut both off/on and the settings stay. So for me it looks like it is something to do with running the signals through a receiver.

If your running the HDMI signal through a Receiver what brand are you using.

After months of fairly problem free use, my 3416 is starting to encounter the remote response problem that plagued my old 6412. Even my programmed 30 sec skip is unresponsive at times with the usual catch up later. Has anyone else noticed this problem? Has there been any new firmware changes that might have messed things up? I have tried unplugging the box to no avail and I do leave it on all the time.

Yes I am having the same issue. I think it might be a communication issue with the TV via HDMI. ... If your running the HDMI signal through a Receiver what brand are you using.

Yes, it seems like the HDMI (or HDCP) handshaking is somehow involved.

My "TV" is a CRT projector with RGB input (only), so I don't have a choice but to have a transcoder in the mix. It's a (brand new, first generation) box named "EXT-HD" from Moome (this is a niche market - we're probably talking a few thousand units at most - Moome is a well respected guy in Taiwan that has made multiple products in this arena, although this particular new product is having some "first run" problems). The EXT-HD takes 3 inputs - 2 HDMI, one component, transcodes them to an RGB output, applying gamma correction along the way (which improves black levels for CRT projectors). My sources are the 3416, a Toshiba D3 (Costco branded Toshiba A3 HD DVD player), and a Nintendo Wii (which doesn't have HDMI output, only component). The EXT-HD has an optical digital audio output, so the HDMI audio can be switched (I don't really need the audio switching, just the HDMI input switching and transcoding).

The EXT-HD fully supports HDCP, hence my wondering if there's some kind of protocol issues causing the 3416 to lose setup (either with the HDMI or the HDCP handshaking).

Anyway, I haven't tried the controlled combinations you have (I've been mostly messing with the EXT-HD), but I'll give it a try next week - powering up and down the 3416 and the EXT-HD in all three combinations (and without switching the EXT-HD inputs), and I'll see if I get the same results you do.

Cliff

After months of fairly problem free use, my 3416 is starting to encounter the remote response problem that plagued my old 6412. Even my programmed 30 sec skip is unresponsive at times with the usual catch up later. Has anyone else noticed this problem? Has there been any new firmware changes that might have messed things up? I have tried unplugging the box to no avail and I do leave it on all the time.
This is a known issue. A report mentioned someplace said that they had figured out where it was happening, and there might be an update sometime in February.

It basically had to do with the timebar that keeps track of how far into a program you are. Even when off-screen, it tended to suck up alot of CPU.

This is a known issue. A report mentioned someplace said that they had figured out where it was happening, and there might be an update sometime in February.

It basically had to do with the timebar that keeps track of how far into a program you are. Even when off-screen, it tended to suck up alot of CPU.

Yes, even my new 3416, which I got last week, experiences the remote response problem occasionally, although it doesn't seem quite as bad as with my old 6412.

Yes, it seems like the HDMI (or HDCP) handshaking is somehow involved.

The EXT-HD fully supports HDCP, hence my wondering if there's some kind of protocol issues causing the 3416 to lose setup (either with the HDMI or the HDCP handshaking).

Cliff

I have been talking about this on the Yamaha Z11 thread and here is a response I got back. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

Vintagebronco75,

Had the exact same problem with the Comcast Box NOT holding the settings. Ready for this??? If your component outputs are still available on the back of the Comcast box and a component input is still available on the back of your TV (or to the Z11 if you wish), make that connection!!! The settings hold if the component cables are connected also. THEN, go back into the cable box ard reset to the HDMI/YpB... and once again change the resolution to the 1080i setting and keep the 480i underneath it. It will hold!!! For some strange reason the cable box must have to recognize the component cables as well as the HDMI. I still have the cable box running the HDMI cable directly to the Z11 and the HDMI running directly back to the Panasonic plasma. After I had to reset the box several times, I realized that it was never a problem in the past when I had my HDMI and component cables both being output from the cable box. Before the Z11 and its new HDMI inputs, I had the cable box HDMI running directly into the TV and the component running over to my Z9. The setting was 1080i and never changed. So, I figured, go for it with both outputs from the cable box again and IT HOLDS!!!

I got the 6412 from Comcast about 18 months ago. As mentioned elsewhere it is sluggish, particularly when going into the "Recorded Programs" and selecting/deleting individual programs.

However, in the past month, two things have occurred:

1) when in the Recorded Programs area clicking on a choice sometimes results in the system hanging for 2-3 minutes; at other times when clicking on a recorded program to get the description, you can watch as individual alphanumeric characters slowly print on the screen

2) When recording programs, the box has shutdown and recycled repeatedly (last night it shutdown 4 times during a single 60 minute recording cycle). This also wipes out the Program Guide listing until it repopulates (and until it's repopulated you cannot select a channel/time/program for recording)

QUESTIONS:
1) Are the above problems the result of the Motorola or Comcast?

2) Does the DCH3412 perform any better than the older DCT6412?

[I'm sure these issues may have been adressed somewhere already, but my search skills are such that I couldn't find the answers]

I'm getting ready to swap the 6412 for the 3416 - so shout "don't do it" quickly if you know of any reason why these two....

Thanks,

It sounds like a hard drive starting to fail.

The 34series are generally faster than 6412s and the DCHs are on par with the DCT34s. So go for a DCT or DCH 3416 and you will have the latest and greatest from Comcast. Until we see some Panasonic boxes next year, maybe...

I would swap it out if it has that many problems that frequently. Once in a few months maybe, but multiple issues in an hour is extreme.

It sounds like a hard drive starting to fail.

The 34series are generally faster than 6412s and the DCHs are on par with the DCT34s. So go for a DCT or DCH 3416 and you will have the latest and greatest from Comcast. Until we see some Panasonic boxes next year, maybe...

I would swap it out if it has that many problems that frequently. Once in a few months maybe, but multiple issues in an hour is extreme.

Yes, I think it's a bad box. I just swapped out my 6412 and it was slow. But it never had those kinds of problems.

I know this topic has been beaten to death. But... I plugged in a USB drive to my 3412 tonight while looking at the Diagnostic page it did recognize the drive. I still could not use it but thoght it was interesting that it found it.
Has anyone else seen this?

Mark

Somebody added some interesting information to the Wikibook.

On the Setup/Cable Box Setup/Configuration screen, press the FAV key. This gives diagnostics and other info for iGuide. Keep hitting FAV to move from screen to screen. The first screen has a nice uptime clock. One screen has something about logging. I accidentally hit OK/Select on one, and it turned red (hitting it again turned it back green). It also has more information down and to the right.

So.....
NOT having the DCH3416 red recording lights work doesn't bother you guys at all???

I just got a DCH3416 to add HD recording capability that my ReplayTV can't handle, and have been bemoaning many missing features. Now that I've discovered that a 30-second skip can be programmed into the remote, a missing "recording in progress" indication was second on my list. Apparently this previously existed but was disabled in a recent firmware release? It would be VERY nice to have back.

My understanding (from what I've read) is that what happens is exactly what you said: It was "disabled in a recent firmware release", not removed from the release. So what is necessary is a manual re-enabling by the cable company. Good luck trying to get in touch with the right person to make that change; it is surely not something that we can expect to be handled by the regular CSRs.

Warning: This is from memory... I'm not sure I've got the details right.

I just got a DCH3416 to add HD recording capability that my ReplayTV can't handle, and have been bemoaning many missing features. Now that I've discovered that a 30-second skip can be programmed into the remote, a missing "recording in progress" indication was second on my list. Apparently this previously existed but was disabled in a recent firmware release? It would be VERY nice to have back.

Same here folks ..... I have both an older DCT3412 and a new DCH3416 at the house in different rooms. Although the DCH3416 looks nicer, the lack of that red recording button is definately a downgrade as I often use that light as an indication that the unit has successfully started a recording without having to fire-up the LCD flat screens (i.e. it tells me that the DVR has not gotten hung up on the infamous "DVR is prematurely full error" that occasionally plagues all these Moto units).

I have a Comcast DCH3416 and the red record light works on my box. After reading on here that other people were missing that function I thought for sure that mine did work. Got home from work turned it on pushed record and the red light came on...

I have a Comcast DCH3416 and the red record light works on my box. After reading on here that other people were missing that function I thought for sure that mine did work. Got home from work turned it on pushed record and the red light came on...

What firmware version is on the box?

What firmware version is on the box?

I'll check when I get home from work and post it either tonight or tomorrow morning when I get back to work.

I'll check when I get home from work and post it either tonight or tomorrow morning when I get back to work. Also, is Comcast your service provider?

Audio not coming to my receiver.
1. I connect one HDMI from DVD to TV
2. Another HDMI from Cable box DCT 3416 to TV
I connect Digital output audio cable from my TV to my A/V reciever Digital audio input.
I put on the cable, no audio comes to the speakers.
however I try on the DVD and audio is perfectly fine.

Firmware version in the cable box is 18.21
Can anyone give me some input on what is wrong?

I am having a similar problem.

My set up is different, and was working for years. My 3416 audio goes right into my denon reciever via an optical cable.

Sometimes while watching a recorded show, audio would go away when I hit 30 second skip. I attributed this to the serial data being interrupted by the "skip" and the reciever losing it's Dolby Digital "link".

To get audio back, I found all I had to do was hit "mute" twice on the 3416 remote.

Now my audio is gone completely and I can't get it back.

I checked the denon to see if the "digital input" was still correctly configured, I tried a different optical cable, still no sound, and the Denon display says "Pro Logic" when it should be getting a dolby digital signal from the cable box.

I tried cycling power, no change.

I have a bunch of unwatched shows on it, so I'd hate to swap out the box. Any idea what I an try? Is there any config screens on the moto to turn the optical digital on and off?

Any thoughts appreciated,

JT

,

I recently upgraded my HD box to the 3416 after my PC's tuner died and I was no longer able to use it as a DVR. However, I am unable to receive many of my HD channels including ESPN and HBO. I am able to receive ABC, NBC, and CBS in HD. I live in Central PA, and have Comcast service. Is this something that a reset would fix? I'd rather fix this myself without having to wait on the tech to come out tomorrow so I can watch the bowl games tonight. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I recently upgraded my HD box to the 3416 after my PC's tuner died and I was no longer able to use it as a DVR. However, I am unable to receive many of my HD channels including ESPN and HBO. I am able to receive ABC, NBC, and CBS in HD. I live in Central PA, and have Comcast service. Is this something that a reset would fix? I'd rather fix this myself without having to wait on the tech to come out tomorrow so I can watch the bowl games tonight. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Call Comcast and have them hit your box. When you brought your new box home and you plugged it in it was not fully authorized for your level of service. It is a quick fix that the CSR can have done in just a moment or two.

Call Comcast and have them hit your box. When you brought your new box home and you plugged it in it was not fully authorized for your level of service. It is a quick fix that the CSR can have done in just a moment or two.

They tried that twice, but it still wouldn't work. Perhaps they were doing it wrong?

I doubt that it is your Denon. I have a similar setup, with no problems. First, I would try plugging an optical input from another source into the same input on the Denon you are now using for the 3416, and seeing if the Denon gets that signal. Assuming it does, I would say that your two options are to get a new box, or switch to digital coax output from the 3416 to the Denon.

I am having a similar problem.

My set up is different, and was working for years. My 3416 audio goes right into my denon reciever via an optical cable.

Sometimes while watching a recorded show, audio would go away when I hit 30 second skip. I attributed this to the serial data being interrupted by the "skip" and the reciever losing it's Dolby Digital "link".

To get audio back, I found all I had to do was hit "mute" twice on the 3416 remote.

Now my audio is gone completely and I can't get it back.

I checked the denon to see if the "digital input" was still correctly configured, I tried a different optical cable, still no sound, and the Denon display says "Pro Logic" when it should be getting a dolby digital signal from the cable box.

I tried cycling power, no change.

I have a bunch of unwatched shows on it, so I'd hate to swap out the box. Any idea what I an try? Is there any config screens on the moto to turn the optical digital on and off?

Any thoughts appreciated,

JT

,

I am having a similar problem.

My set up is different, and was working for years. My 3416 audio goes right into my denon reciever via an optical cable.

Sometimes while watching a recorded show, audio would go away when I hit 30 second skip. I attributed this to the serial data being interrupted by the "skip" and the reciever losing it's Dolby Digital "link".

To get audio back, I found all I had to do was hit "mute" twice on the 3416 remote.

Now my audio is gone completely and I can't get it back.

I checked the denon to see if the "digital input" was still correctly configured, I tried a different optical cable, still no sound, and the Denon display says "Pro Logic" when it should be getting a dolby digital signal from the cable box.

I tried cycling power, no change.

I have a bunch of unwatched shows on it, so I'd hate to swap out the box. Any idea what I an try? Is there any config screens on the moto to turn the optical digital on and off?

Any thoughts appreciated,

JT

,
I recently swapped my 6412 for a 3416 and I see something similar. With the 6412, when I used 30-second skip, the audio would kick in immediately after the skip. But with the 3416, there's about a 1-second delay. If I do too many skips in a row, bang, bang, bang, without waiting for the audio to kick in, I can get in a situation where the box no longer outputs audio. In some cases, switching to a different live channel fixed the problem. Or possibly switching to another channel with a different type of audio output (Dolby digital vs. non). In one case, I had to turn off the DVR (not pulling the plug, just pushing the off button) and turned it back on, and the audio was restored. I don't know if I've got a bad unit, or whether this is a problem with all of them.

I found the problem, My receiver was no longer set to "auto" for the digital stream, the denon sounds good, but it is very confusing to use, lol.

I found the problem, My receiver was no longer set to "auto" for the digital stream, the denon sounds good, but it is very confusing to use, lol.

I've had mine for two years, and I'm sure it will do a zillion things I don't know how to make it do... :D

I found the problem, My receiver was no longer set to "auto" for the digital stream, the denon sounds good, but it is very confusing to use, lol.

Yes, it's flexible, but once you get it set up right for your configeration, everything should be completely automatic. Mine is for DVD's, redbook CD's, SACD's, DVD-A's, etc. and combined with a Harmony remote I couldn't be happier.

Truly a novice here. I have the 3416, sony str de 997, 2 XP-running laptops, 2 Macs running 10.4.11 and a 2 TB raid setup. I would like to begin pulling HD shows off of my DVR and saving them onto my drive.

Considering what I have to work with which configuration do you guys seeing as being the best? I'm open to dedicating a mac or pc to this setup? Any direction on this will be most appreciated.

We had a power outage here (on the Lower Cape Cod) last night around 3AM. IT is now almost 12 hours later, and the Guide on my 3412 STILL has not filled in for more than 5 hours in advance. Maybe it's me, but I consider that unacceptable. Not that I can do anything about it, except get a TiVO 3 or HD. The TiVO download update seems to have a lot of "kinks." I can't believe that, after all this time, they can't get the guide to populate faster than this.

The way the service is spec'ed and given the way head-ends are typically configured, you'll receive a few hours worth of program guide information within an hour or two of a power cycle, a few days worth of program guide data within a day of a power cycle, and then the full two weeks within four days of a power cycle. That's the way the service is designed. It is deliberate, and the intention is to keep load on the device and on the network low, to support better performance overall.

I have a Comcast DCH3416 and the red record light works on my box. After reading on here that other people were missing that function I thought for sure that mine did work. Got home from work turned it on pushed record and the red light came on...

The record light on my 3416 works too. Firmware version 16.35. And yes, comcast.

The record light on my 3416 works too. Firmware version 16.35. And yes, comcast.

The FW version on my DCH3416 is 18.34, on which the record light is not functioning. For whatever reason you've still got the older version with the working record light, I suppose it could disappear at any time when Comcast pushes the new version to your box.

The record light on my 3416 works too. Firmware version 16.35. And yes, comcast.

Actually if you have v16.35 this could be the answer to why some people are reporting their DCH's still have a working record light... because it's not a DCH?! DCH's have v18.xx firmware & 'DCT's' have v16.xx at this time (unless they snuck some other versions out). So unfortunately I think there is just some confusion to the differences between DCH & DCT series. The DCT series is known to still have working record light, just the DCH's are effected with this bug. For anyone not sure which model you have you can just check out the wiki, DCH pic is all the way at the bottom of the page. Hope this clears up some confusion.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

Actually if you have v16.35 this could be the answer to why some people are reporting their DCH's still have a working record light... because it's not a DCH?! DCH's have v18.xx firmware & 'DCT's' have v16.xx at this time (unless they snuck some other versions out). So unfortunately I think there is just some confusion to the differences between DCH & DCT series. The DCT series is known to still have working record light, just the DCH's are effected with this bug. For anyone not sure which model you have you can just check out the wiki, DCH pic is all the way at the bottom of the page. Hope this clears up some confusion.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

You're right. Mine's a DCT. Sorry about that. For some reason, I didn't notice that in the complaint posts.

I'm runnin a DCT-3416 and noticed I'm at firmware 16.35. Have you guys checked out http://www.comcast.com/newguide/ I'm very interested in the gap protection which would be a very nice feature to have. Does anyone see the new features yet and if so what version are you running? You can check firmware version in the setup menu.

I'm runnin a DCT-3416 and noticed I'm at firmware 16.35. Have you guys checked out http://www.comcast.com/newguide/ I'm very interested in the gap protection which would be a very nice feature to have. Does anyone see the new features yet and if so what version are you running? You can check firmware version in the setup menu.
Don't confuse firmware and software, although both are often updated at the same time. The features you are looking at are SOFTWARE.

You can see more information here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

Does anyone know if a firmware upgrade is planned so that the box will automatically output the native format of the station you are watching? I know you can go in the settings menu and manually switch between 1080i and 720p...but I want the box to output the correct format based on which station I am watching (for example ABC (720p) vs CBS(1080i)). Does Comcast offer another box that does this. My old time warner SA box did this correctly? Also...is PIP supposed to work?

Does anyone know if a firmware upgrade is planned so that the box will automatically output the native format of the station you are watching? I know you can go in the settings menu and manually switch between 1080i and 720p...but I want the box to output the correct format based on which station I am watching (for example ABC (720p) vs CBS(1080i)). Does Comcast offer another box that does this. My old time warner SA box did this correctly? Also...is PIP supposed to work?

Not aware of any upgrades to allow for what you're looking for (would be nice though). As of now depending on the area you either have Moto or SA boxes, not both & none of the Moto boxes can do this at this time. Sorry that's a no-go on the PIP, the buttons on the remote are misleading in this respect.

Not aware of any upgrades to allow for what you're looking for (would be nice though). As of now depending on the area you either have Moto or SA boxes, not both & none of the Moto boxes can do this at this time. Sorry that's a no-go on the PIP, the buttons on the remote are misleading in this respect.
Thanks for the update. Never thought Time Warner was going to be something to brag about. In SoCal, I had an SA DVR that allowed you to select multiple HD formats and actually had functioning PIP. Here in Denver, the Motorola boxes are second class.

LOL, I guess one day someone will share a little info with the southerner.

LOL, I guess one day someone will share a little info with the southerner.

I feel your pain. Try this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

Altho it's XP focused I believe you can search for Mac tips within. Good luck.

AFAIK, you have to record via the firewire port as you are watching and recording to the DVR. You can't record from data already on the drive. I think.:o Good luck!

Or go directly to the Mac-oriented version:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=386740

I have recently tried to connect a Comcast Motorola DCH 3416 DVR to my Onkyo HT-SR800 Home Theater and then to a Panasonic TH-42PZ700U HDTV. The Comcast DVR is connected to the Onkyo with a HDMI cable and the HDMI out from the Onkyo goes to the Panasonic TV HDMI input. Audio connections are with a Optical digital cable connecting the DVR to the Onkyo.

Everything works fine till I shut off all the components. I then get a error code on the Comcast DVR which looks like a flashing dVI or dU1 code. After a while the Comcast DVR freezes and will not work till the box has been unplugged and the power is off for a minute and then repower the system. This problem keeps repeating itself.

I have tried various HDMI cables and changed the power cord, the power strip, the wall to Comcast coaxial cable. The DVR boxes have been changed three time and am on my 4th DVR. The Comcast tech support has worked for several hours with no avail.

Where is the problem? I was told that this may be an HDCP error between the Motorola and the ONKYO. Can anyone share some light or does anyone have a similar problem? Would appreciate any experts comment and advise.

I'm getting those "firecracker" sounds (loud crackling-popping noise), really annoying. It never happens during normal Play, only after using REW or SkipBack. Is there any way to fix this? The poor dog hits the ceiling every time it happens...

I have recently tried to connect a Comcast Motorola DCH 3416 DVR to my Onkyo HT-SR800 Home Theater and then to a Panasonic TH-42PZ700U HDTV. The Comcast DVR is connected to the Onkyo with a HDMI cable and the HDMI out from the Onkyo goes to the Panasonic TV HDMI input. Audio connections are with a Optical digital cable connecting the DVR to the Onkyo.

Everything works fine till I shut off all the components. I then get a error code on the Comcast DVR which looks like a flashing dVI or dU1 code. After a while the Comcast DVR freezes and will not work till the box has been unplugged and the power is off for a minute and then repower the system. This problem keeps repeating itself.

I have tried various HDMI cables and changed the power cord, the power strip, the wall to Comcast coaxial cable. The DVR boxes have been changed three time and am on my 4th DVR. The Comcast tech support has worked for several hours with no avail.

Where is the problem? I was told that this may be an HDCP error between the Motorola and the ONKYO. Can anyone share some light or does anyone have a similar problem? Would appreciate any experts comment and advise.

Why do you have a optical cable from the DVR to the receiver when they are already connected by HDMI? The HDMI should carry the audio as well as the video. Do you leave the DVR on when you turn the components off? I leave mine on as I believe most do. When my receiver is turned on the sound immediately comes on from the station the DVR was tuned when the receiver and TV were turned off. You could check if the receiver is the problem by running the HDMI direct to the TV.

A relative of mine has a 3412, and while ago one tuner started showing 'To Be Announced' just on one tuner.
It is annoying pressing info., 1/2 time there is TBA. When TBA, then one has to press Guide, and then Info. again.

I remember unplugging the DVR, and re-initializing the DVR twice for them; after one or both re-init. the one tuner was supplying info, but only for about a day, then back to TBA.
Would re-formating, then re-init. have a good chance of solving it? Or do they need a new DVR?

While they want to fix this, they really don't want to lose all saved programs for nothing.
Also, replacing the DVR would be problematic, as the relative is quite ill, and relies on the DVR to watch TV.

Front USB port is "live", in diagnostic's settings it shows USB both as YES and in DVR settings pg 4 it shows my external usb HD.

Why do you have a optical cable from the DVR to the receiver when they are already connected by HDMI? The HDMI should carry the audio as well as the video. Do you leave the DVR on when you turn the components off? I leave mine on as I believe most do. When my receiver is turned on the sound immediately comes on from the station the DVR was tuned when the receiver and TV were turned off. You could check if the receiver is the problem by running the HDMI direct to the TV.
The Onkyo company suggests the set-up with Optical audio cables, in spite of the HDMI -- I believe this model requires it. I do not leave the DVR on when I switch off the components --Should I ?
When I connect the DVR directly to the TV with the HDMI the error does not appear, but this means running several cables to the TV, as I also have a Blu ray DVD besides the DVR to be connected to the Onkyo.I appreciate your input.
Errol

Front USB port is "live", in advanced settings it shows USB both as YES and in DVR settings pg 4 it shows my external usb HD.

Are you saying you can attach an external USB HD to your DVR and record on it? Which model exactly do you have?

The Onkyo company suggests the set-up with Optical audio cables, in spite of the HDMI -- I believe this model requires it. I do not leave the DVR on when I switch off the components --Should I ?
When I connect the DVR directly to the TV with the HDMI the error does not appear, but this means running several cables to the TV, as I also have a Blu ray DVD besides the DVR to be connected to the Onkyo.I appreciate your input.
Errol

I have a Yamaha 2700 which does not mention using opticals with the HDMI and the audio is great. Have never had a problem. Only use one HDMI cable from the DVD player and one from the 3416, but the Replay only has a S video connection. As for turning off the 3416, it never really goes off even when you push the off button. The hard drive continues to spin off or on and if it is in the process of recording, it won't go off. From reading the post on this forum, most have come to the same conclusion. Why bother? I only wondered about the results of a direct connection, not a permanent solution. I purchased my receiver so that I could have all the components in a cabinet 32' from the TV with one HDMI cable from the receiver.

It doesn't make since that turning off the components would give the DVR a problem but I would try it without the optical and not turning of the DVR. if that doesn't work, try switching the input to a unused input before turning off the receiver.

Are you saying you can attach an external USB HD to your DVR and record on it? Which model exactly do you have?

Have a DCH3416, the new box, not the DCT3416, well it's been around for months, not for us thou.

Have a DCH3416, the new box, not the DCT3416, well it's been around for months, not for us thou.

So it shows active in both places but can you do anything with it? Is the hard drive space now bigger in the DVR recording section (% full)? If the answer to these questions is yes then what model USB hard drive do you have?

A relative of mine has a 3412, and while ago one tuner started showing 'To Be Announced' just on one tuner.
It is annoying pressing info., 1/2 time there is TBA. When TBA, then one has to press Guide, and then Info. again.

I remember unplugging the DVR, and re-initializing the DVR twice for them; after one or both re-init. the one tuner was supplying info, but only for about a day, then back to TBA.
Would re-formating, then re-init. have a good chance of solving it? Or do they need a new DVR?

While they want to fix this, they really don't want to lose all saved programs for nothing.
Also, replacing the DVR would be problematic, as the relative is quite ill, and relies on the DVR to watch TV.

Which initialization did you do? I would try the one described in this link & if that doesn't do it then think about (unfortunately) replacing the box. Note there are 2 different initializations on the following page, be careful which one you use.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets#DVR_Authorization_and_Factory_Full_Reset

The Motorola STB DCH & DCT are not capable of using external USB HDD, they can only read from USB Flash sticks, for Pictures and MP3 playback.

These STB must use the eSata port for external HDD usage.

The Motorola STB DCH & DCT are not capable of using external USB HDD, they can only read from USB Flash sticks, for Pictures and MP3 playback.

Does any version of Comcast software/firmware support pictures or MP3 playback from USB flash?

Which initialization did you do? I would try the one described in this link & if that doesn't do it then think about (unfortunately) replacing the box. Note there are 2 different initializations on the following page, be careful which one you use.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets#DVR_Authorization_and_Factory_Full_Reset
The DVR wasn't working twice, so each time we did the DVR Auth. and Full Reset (or Re-initilization, as I called it). It worked each time, so no need to do the DVR HDD Reset (or Re-format/Re-init., as I called it.)

On another occasion, they lost all of their recordings and series recs., we could have done the DVR HDD Reset, just to try to fix the no info. tuner, but I forgot, as I don't live there; I simply re-set all of the series recs.

Is the no info. on second tuner something the DVR HDD Reset would fix?
Has anyone doing the DVR HDD Reset disabled the DVR?

I have a Yamaha 2700 which does not mention using opticals with the HDMI and the audio is great. Have never had a problem. Only use one HDMI cable from the DVD player and one from the 3416, but the Replay only has a S video connection. As for turning off the 3416, it never really goes off even when you push the off button. The hard drive continues to spin off or on and if it is in the process of recording, it won't go off. From reading the post on this forum, most have come to the same conclusion. Why bother? I only wondered about the results of a direct connection, not a permanent solution. I purchased my receiver so that I could have all the components in a cabinet 32' from the TV with one HDMI cable from the receiver.

It doesn't make since that turning off the components would give the DVR a problem but I would try it without the optical and not turning of the DVR. if that doesn't work, try switching the input to a unused input before turning off the receiver.
Thanks for all your comments, Ron --I really appreciate it.
The Onkyo HDMI input for this model is only a pass through for the video. The audio does require optical cables for the sound to play through the receiver to give full HD dolby. So I have one optical from the DVR and one from the Blu Ray, going to the Onkyo.
I totally agree with you --The whole idea was to connect the HDTV with only one HDMI cable from the cabinet which houses all the components.
I tried what you suggested with the connection -- removing the optical from the DVR does not work. Not switching off the DVR may work for a while, I will try this.
Finally, I got the error message and the DVR freeze to go away by directly running the HDMI from the DVR to the HDTV. The DVR has some conflict with the Onkyo.This is rather vexing as now the 2 HDMI connections at the Back of the Panasonic TV are used and it does clutter the setup.
I guess till Motorola has a patch for the DCH 3416 I will have to use this set up.
Have tried to ask Onkyo for help but have been on hold for over 35 minutes on three different occasions and then they hang up the phone. Their online site has been down for 2 days. Really poor service from Onkyo.
Will let you all know if any solution comes up.
Errol

Is there a setting to set the comcast guide to 16:9? When I hit the guide button now, it is viewed as 4:3.

Is there a setting to set the comcast guide to 16:9? When I hit the guide button now, it is viewed as 4:3.
... forgot to mention it is the dct 3416

Is there a setting to set the comcast guide to 16:9? When I hit the guide button now, it is viewed as 4:3.

No.

Thanks for all your comments, Ron --I really appreciate it.
The Onkyo HDMI input for this model is only a pass through for the video. The audio does require optical cables for the sound to play through the receiver to give full HD dolby. So I have one optical from the DVR and one from the Blu Ray, going to the Onkyo.
I totally agree with you --The whole idea was to connect the HDTV with only one HDMI cable from the cabinet which houses all the components.
I tried what you suggested with the connection -- removing the optical from the DVR does not work. Not switching off the DVR may work for a while, I will try this.
Finally, I got the error message and the DVR freeze to go away by directly running the HDMI from the DVR to the HDTV. The DVR has some conflict with the Onkyo.This is rather vexing as now the 2 HDMI connections at the Back of the Panasonic TV are used and it does clutter the setup.
I guess till Motorola has a patch for the DCH 3416 I will have to use this set up.
Have tried to ask Onkyo for help but have been on hold for over 35 minutes on three different occasions and then they hang up the phone. Their online site has been down for 2 days. Really poor service from Onkyo.
Will let you all know if ant solution comes up.
Errol

I wasn't aware that any receivers with HDMI were just for passing through. You definitely need the audio cable. Seems like the problem is the receiver and not the DVR. Maybe you could get a refund or an upgrade to a better receiver. I wouldn't want to hold my breath for any kind of a solution from Onkyo or Motorola. If that doesn't work you might want to buy a HDMI switch instead of using the Onkyo for a switch. my son just bought one for about $60 from Radio Shack to use with his Direct TV DVR and okay so far.

I have the DCH3416 (silver with blue screen) and Comcast. The unit has both HDMI and Component video connections. My question is if video is output by both connections simultaneously? I'd like to know if I can just run a cable to a second TV in another room.

If not, do you have a recommendation on how to show the video from the STB on two different TV's?

I have the DCH3416 (silver with blue screen) and Comcast. The unit has both HDMI and Component video connections. My question is if video is output by both connections simultaneously? I'd like to know if I can just run a cable to a second TV in another room.

If not, do you have a recommendation on how to show the video from the STB on two different TV's?

Yes Component, HDMI (or DVI), Composite, S-video, RF should all be active & all should be able to be used simultaneously. Audio connections of Optical & Coaxial and Analog (red & white) the same.

A problem I seem to be running into with my 3416 box.

When I schedule recordings, I set it up as "first run only" but the DVR records EVERY showing that's on

Like The Daily Show, or Inside The NFL. Everytime those shows are on, anytime of the day it records them. So I get 4-5 copies of the same episode :lol:

I've tried changing the settings for the series recordings, and it doesn't change anything.

Is it a problem with my box? Or on Comcast's end?

It's a problem with the guide. If the guide says "New" or nothing at all for the episode, the box will record each time. If the guide says "repeat" it will record just once or not at all if it hasn't recorded the program yet. A fix, I'm told, is to leave the first recoding of an episode on the DVR, after viewing, until all of the repeats have aired.

It's a problem with the guide. If the guide says "New" or nothing at all for the episode, the box will record each time. If the guide says "repeat" it will record just once or not at all if it hasn't recorded the program yet. A fix, I'm told, is to leave the first recoding of an episode on the DVR, after viewing, until all of the repeats have aired.

That's really annoying :(

Had a DCT 6412 which was suffering from "select a menu item, wait for 2 minutes while the 6412 is frozen".

Got the DCH-3416. Cable company is Comcast. TV is Pioneer 6010FD plasma. HD looks glorious!!! Problem is: SD looks much worse than it was with the 6412 and a Sammy DLP just 2 weeks ago.

I've tried SD with the 4:3 override set both to 480 and off. In 'off' I've set the 3416 both to 480 and 1080. In all variations the "low" channels (i.e. 4-70) and even the 500-series channels (which for us display lots of movie and non HD premium services like HBO and Showtime) look anywhere from abysmal to mediocre. even the 150-400 channels (BBC America, Discovery, History channel) suffer from rather grainy, blocky images with lots of aliasing on image boundary lines (like contrast or color changes between the edge of a person and the background -- hope I made that moderately understandable).

I checked the Comcast box and SNR was about 35 which is "good".

Any thoughts whether this is a Comcast or a Motorola issue?

Hi all,

Just recently, the 3412 that I've had for quite some time, is getting set to 4:3 and 480 output seemingly on its own. The unit is always powered on and was previously set to 16:9 and either 720p or 1080i output, I don't recall which I was using.

Now, on what seems like a daily basis, when I turn my TV on, the STB has reverted to 4:3 and 480 output. Each time this happens, I go into the STB firmware menu and change the settings back to 16:9, 1080i, HDMI/Auto, etc.

Any ideas as to what is causing this? I don't think that 4:3 and 480 are the factory defaults, so I doubt it's somehow being reset to factory defaults.

The only thing that I've changed in my system was the addition of an Octava 4x1 HDMI switch. That being said, this business with the STB settings didn't start until recently and I've had the HDMI switch in place for a month.

Thanks,

Aron

Yes I am having the same issue. I think it might be a communication issue with the TV via HDMI.

Try leaving the tv on then turning the DVR off/on, I did this and the settings were not lost. I turned both off and the settings were gone. If I leave the DVR on and turn the TV off/on then the settings get lost. I am running things through a Yamaha Z11.

Next I moved my HDMI directly to the TV (sony 52XBR5 LCD). I can shut the tv off/on and the settings stay, I shut both off/on and the settings stay. So for me it looks like it is something to do with running the signals through a receiver.

If your running the HDMI signal through a Receiver what brand are you using.

I'm having the same problem. I have an Octava HDMI switch (the 4x1+TOSLINK unit) between my Samsung DLP and DCT-3412. As of last week, I've been getting HDCP blue screens on occasion and the STB is losing it's output settings. I wonder if the timing between the power on of the TV and HDMI switch would matter? I may try leaving the HDMI switch on all the time to see if that helps.

Aron

Actually if you have v16.35 this could be the answer to why some people are reporting their DCH's still have a working record light... because it's not a DCH?! DCH's have v18.xx firmware & 'DCT's' have v16.xx at this time (unless they snuck some other versions out). So unfortunately I think there is just some confusion to the differences between DCH & DCT series. The DCT series is known to still have working record light, just the DCH's are effected with this bug. For anyone not sure which model you have you can just check out the wiki, DCH pic is all the way at the bottom of the page. Hope this clears up some confusion.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

I know this is late, but...here in Colorado Springs, Comcast ran 16.35 on the DCHs for a few months when they first became available. I had a bad "green screen" problem that all but disappeared when they pushed 18.34 in late November. I lost my red light the day of the update.

I have an Octava HDMI switch (the 4x1+TOSLINK unit) between my Samsung DLP and DCT-3412. As of last week, I've been getting HDCP blue screens on occasion and the STB is losing it's output settings. I wonder if the timing between the power on of the TV and HDMI switch would matter? I may try leaving the HDMI switch on all the time to see if that helps.
Aron

As you've noticed, this seems to be a common and consistent problem for many of us using an HDMI switch or switching receiver between the 3416 and the TV / display. I've made previous posts and replies on this issue in this thread over the last month.

Although it's a brief flash, the same "HDCP problem screen" pops up for me, and I'm assuming this is causing the setup configuration to change / be lost. I'm wondering if the logic in the 3416 is "since HDCP errors are happening, you may be trying to illegally copy or display HD content, therefore I'm going to change my settings down to a SD configuration, even though you most likely are not doing anything illegal, immoral, or fattening, but I'm really afraid of getting sued by Hollywood lawyers, and maybe this way I can Cover My Bottom".

:mad:

So why is this common with HDMI switches and receivers? I'm using a new unit (transcoder and switch combo) that fully supports HDCP. Has anyone hooked up the equivalent of a "protocol / bus analyzer" to measure what is going on at the cable level? I'm curious to know if the 3416 is not honoring a valid HDMI / HDCP protocol, or the switches are somehow not fully supporting the protocols. I've done a moderate amount of web searching on this issue with the 3416, but have not found any good explanations.

Cliff

Had the exact same problem with the Comcast Box NOT holding the settings. Ready for this??? If your component outputs are still available on the back of the Comcast box and a component input is still available on the back of your TV (or to the Z11 if you wish), make that connection!!! The settings hold if the component cables are connected also. THEN, go back into the cable box ard reset to the HDMI... and once again change the resolution to the 1080i setting and keep the 480i underneath it. It will hold!!! For some strange reason the cable box must have to recognize the component cables as well as the HDMI.

Vintagebronco, have you (or anyone else) tried this yet? I can try a short-term test by unplugging my Wii from the component input on my switch / transcoder and switch around through various uses. It won't work as a permanent work-around, obviously, and even if it did, it's not a "fix", but a defect work-around. (A design that requires the component output to be hooked up for proper HDCP handshaking on the HDMI output is broken.)

If this does work, how does the 3416 detect that something is on the other end of the component output? Is it just some kind of "line level" voltage or impedance measurement? If so, maybe a longer term work-around would be to hook some kind of terminators on the component output connectors. (I'm assuming the component video protocol is one-way only, so please let me know if I'm mistaken.)

Cliff

I know this is late, but...here in Colorado Springs, Comcast ran 16.35 on the DCHs for a few months when they first became available. I had a bad "green screen" problem that all but disappeared when they pushed 18.34 in late November. I lost my red light the day of the update.

Dear Comcast,

Thank you for recently lowering my overall triple play monthly rate for another year, throwing in all the premium channels, and providing generally overall good service, but please, please .... want my red recording light back on the DCH .... just like my old but trusty DCT in another other room of the house.

Thanks again :cool:

Dear Comcast,
....... but please, please .... want my red recording light back on the DCH .... just like my old but trusty DCT in another other room of the house.


This is a major issue for me too!
I was told that Comcast management was aware of this and that they had techs who were addressing this issue back in September.
So much for that...:(

I have a DCH3416 which is outputting composite and component video to distribution amps, and my two component HD output devices are an Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 400 FPJ and a Samsung HL-S4666W DLP RPTV. I just switched to the god-awful Comcast DVR from a lifetime of Tivo usage, and I'm having an odd problem with playback.

Any time I select a recorded program and hit Play, the display goes blank. The audio works. I have to go back to MyDVR (and the video is playing in the top corner at this point), then Exit, and then it works right.

I'm not sure, but I'm guessing maybe it's switching modes and somehow confusing the projector. But on the other hand, I don't have any problem jumping between standard-def and hi-def channels in the program guide.

I did a search and didn't find anything, but it's kind of a difficult set of keywords to look for (questions about blank screens come up everywhere...).

Is this a known issue? I figured I'd check here before spending the weekend on hold waiting for Comcast support...

Hi Everyone.
I have a couple Motorola DCT3416 DVR's.
The firmware is 16.35
Starting today the guide has added a quick tip underneath the regular channel grid. It has taken the place of 1 of the channels in the guide. When I press the guide button now, it shows 4 channels and the quick tip.
All day there have been the same 3 useless quick tips.
Does anyone know if I can turn this off?
I have looked in the setup but dont see an option to turn this extremely annoying feature off.
I have had the 16.35 fw for a long time and thought for sure that the fw changed when Comcast added the quick tips, but it didnt.

I don't believe you can turn the tips off. However, you can go into Setup and add back the fifth line of channels.

Thank you for recently lowering my overall triple play monthly rate for another year

How'd you score that?

This is a major issue for me too!
I was told that Comcast management was aware of this and that they had techs who were addressing this issue back in September.
So much for that...:(

It doesn't really bother me too much. It's annoying, but not near as bad as when shows don't record because the description changes :mad:

It depends on how you use it, I guess. I've aborted recordings by accident because I've turned the DVR/TV off while it was recording. A simple red record light would have warned me of that. This unit is meant to operate with active red recording lights.

It depends on how you use it, I guess. I've aborted recordings by accident because I've turned the DVR/TV off while it was recording. A simple red record light would have warned me of that. This unit is meant to operate with active red recording lights.
Doesn't it pop up a warning if you try to power off while recording?

I have done some searching on the web and in this forum but have not combed the entire thread, so I hope I'm not covering old ground.

I have a 3412. My apartment is kind of a mess for cable and internet, with the incoming cable being split - one path goes to the cable modem and the other path goes to a 4-way splitter, where it splits the signal into cable boxes in 4 different rooms (3 bedrooms + living room). This is not how Comcast originally installed it, I had to reconfigure because of constant drops by the cable modem (new configuration fixes it). Having typed that, I think I can now pinpoint when my cable problems started, but I digress.

My problem is this: my SD channels come in like absolute garbage. Sometimes they come in but probably 95% of the time, they don't. Both live and in DVR playback, garbage. The channels are essentially unwatchable. The DVR light will come on during a timeslot I'm recording but won't actually record anything, and if it does, the playback is garbled and useless. HD channels are perfectly fine.

From my internet detective work, my theory is that there is a signal loss happening before it gets to my box. My box is the one that is farthest from the splitter, I am guessing about 75-100 feet, somewhere in there. I've compared the signal levels in the diagnostic screens to the acceptable standards, and they're within range. Regardless, the capricious nature of the problem leads me to believe it's due to the signal. The other 3 boxes in the apartment do not have this problem, and are all much nearer to the split.

Calling Comcast is equivalent to a colonoscopy so I'm hoping I can solve the problem here first, if anyone has any suggestions. I'm thinking about buying a signal amplifier to see if it solves the problem. I'd rather do that than call Comcast.

The Motorola STB DCH & DCT are not capable of using external USB HDD, they can only read from USB Flash sticks, for Pictures and MP3 playback.

How do you get MP3 playback to work from a USB drive? My whole AV closet is screwed up at the moment, and only the Comcast box is hooked up to the audio distro system...

Doesn't it pop up a warning if you try to power off while recording?

Only on the TV screen if it is on, which mine typically isn't when I shut down.
That's why I think it depends on how you use your components.

I have done some searching on the web and in this forum but have not combed the entire thread, so I hope I'm not covering old ground.

I have a 3412. My apartment is kind of a mess for cable and internet, with the incoming cable being split - one path goes to the cable modem and the other path goes to a 4-way splitter, where it splits the signal into cable boxes in 4 different rooms (3 bedrooms + living room). This is not how Comcast originally installed it, I had to reconfigure because of constant drops by the cable modem (new configuration fixes it). Having typed that, I think I can now pinpoint when my cable problems started, but I digress.

My problem is this: my SD channels come in like absolute garbage. Sometimes they come in but probably 95% of the time, they don't. Both live and in DVR playback, garbage. The channels are essentially unwatchable. The DVR light will come on during a timeslot I'm recording but won't actually record anything, and if it does, the playback is garbled and useless. HD channels are perfectly fine.

From my internet detective work, my theory is that there is a signal loss happening before it gets to my box. My box is the one that is farthest from the splitter, I am guessing about 75-100 feet, somewhere in there. I've compared the signal levels in the diagnostic screens to the acceptable standards, and they're within range. Regardless, the capricious nature of the problem leads me to believe it's due to the signal. The other 3 boxes in the apartment do not have this problem, and are all much nearer to the split.

Calling Comcast is equivalent to a colonoscopy so I'm hoping I can solve the problem here first, if anyone has any suggestions. I'm thinking about buying a signal amplifier to see if it solves the problem. I'd rather do that than call Comcast.

I don't know if this helps - but I have 2 comcast DCT3416 boxes ... the first one I had for several months hooked to an HD monitor - a computer monitor capable of 1080p ... HD was fantastic, SD crap (still is) ... and I read about how these boxes are crappy with SD ...

Meanwhile, I had plans to buy a new Sharp 46" LCD ... I was reluctant because of the poor SD ... finally did it and took the same cable box out of my office and hooked it to the SHARP (82U) - the SD channels were WONDERFUL !!! of course the HD was fantastic - but I was shocked at the difference in how the cheaper monitors were handling the comcast SD vs the more elaborate and expensive SHARP ... also, I had pixelation on the computer monitors but not the sharp ...

I have a 3412. My apartment is kind of a mess for cable and internet, with the incoming cable being split - one path goes to the cable modem and the other path goes to a 4-way splitter, where it splits the signal into cable boxes in 4 different rooms (3 bedrooms + living room). This is not how Comcast originally installed it, I had to reconfigure because of constant drops by the cable modem (new configuration fixes it). Having typed that, I think I can now pinpoint when my cable problems started, but I digress.

My problem is this: my SD channels come in like absolute garbage. Sometimes they come in but probably 95% of the time, they don't. Both live and in DVR playback, garbage. The channels are essentially unwatchable. The DVR light will come on during a timeslot I'm recording but won't actually record anything, and if it does, the playback is garbled and useless. HD channels are perfectly fine.

Just for troubleshooting purposes try disconnecting the line feeding your modem from the 2way splitter & try hooking up the line that feeds the DVR to that now open leg. If there is little or no difference I'd try swapping out the box. If it fixes it you may want to reconfigure your splitters.

Thanks for the help, but I am happy to report I have gotten down to the bottom of it.

Pilot error!

I had forgotten I had my cable running through my power conditioner (for no real reason ... I just figured it was a good idea). So I just ran the cable straight into the box and voila, now I can watch Orangutan Island.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the help, but I am happy to report I have gotten down to the bottom of it.

Pilot error!

I had forgotten I had my cable running through my power conditioner (for no real reason ... I just figured it was a good idea). So I just ran the cable straight into the box and voila, now I can watch Orangutan Island.

Thanks again.

Congratulations on finding the error and for sticking with it.

It depends on how you use it, I guess. I've aborted recordings by accident because I've turned the DVR/TV off while it was recording. A simple red record light would have warned me of that. This unit is meant to operate with active red recording lights.

Why turn it off? It doesn't actually turn off anyway, you're just killing power to the display. Of course, all my junk is tucked away in an AV closet, I never see the front panel at all ... but if we're talking about how the unit is meant to operate, it's meant to run 24/7. :)

Thanks for the help, but I am happy to report I have gotten down to the bottom of it.

Pilot error!

I had forgotten I had my cable running through my power conditioner (for no real reason ... I just figured it was a good idea). So I just ran the cable straight into the box and voila, now I can watch Orangutan Island.

Thanks again.

So is it generally not recommended to run your cable through a power conditioner? I just got an APC UPS/Power Conditioner/Surge Surpressor that has phone and coax cable connectors. I haven't hooked cable up to it yet. Should I go through the APC? I want it to protect my equipment from a power surge.

Guy

Why turn it off? It doesn't actually turn off anyway, you're just killing power to the display. Of course, all my junk is tucked away in an AV closet, I never see the front panel at all ... but if we're talking about how the unit is meant to operate, it's meant to run 24/7. :)

Yeah, I know. It's just my personal preference.
And the record lights are meant to work ;)

I am going to be returning to Comcast. Could someone tell me what the latest and greatest DVR is? The one with the most HD space. I want to make sure I request the right one and know that I got the right one on the install. Thanks!

Currently I believe it's the DCH3416.

But the DCT-3416 is just as good, as far as I've read.

Wow, so the 3416's is still the latest and greatest cable boxes Comcast has to offer?

Wow, so the 3416's is still the latest and greatest cable boxes Comcast has to offer?

The DCH (single M-card) is the newest series available today, but the DCX (http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=9066_8995_23) is coming.

Thanks! So what is the difference between the DCH and DCT versions?

The DCH looks a little different and has a cable card hiding in the back. Otherwise they are pretty much identical as far as any functionality seen by the end users.

Except that with the Tivo software (if you can get it in your area), there's a bug with the DCH units in that Dolby Digital 5.1 audio does not work. 5.1 works fine with the DCH units with the comcast software.

Also, the DCH doesn't always turn on the RECORD light.

Wow, so the 3416's is still the latest and greatest cable boxes Comcast has to offer?It is the best that Motorola currently has to offer.

The DCH (single M-card) is the newest series available today, but the DCX (http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=9066_8995_23) is coming.

Any guess as to when COMCAST would have the DCX's? Also, how would you expect it to be an improvement on the DCH?

I think we would need to wait until they're actually in production before we get any reliable insights into when they might start being deployed by any specific provider, in any specific area.

DCX Moto website says third qtr 08; that probably means turn of the year for us.

I can see DCX with the new "My guide" software available right about the same time.

Could be a VERY good thing:D

Also, the DCH doesn't always turn on the RECORD light.

Does it ever turn it on? Mine doesnt, picked up from comcast today.

A couple questions on my new box (DHC3416), I think I found the answers here, but just want to make sure as some of the info was pretty old. . .

1. There is no way to hide channels you dont get from the main guide? I understand the use of favorites for this but that is sort of silly.
2. There is no way to use eSATA or USB HD for extra space?
3. Are USB ports and network adapter another 'for future use' thing? (i.e. no use right now)

Thanks in advance folks,
Brian

Long time lurker - sort of new poster

Does it ever turn it on? Mine doesnt, picked up from comcast today.

A couple questions on my new box (DHC3416), I think I found the answers here, but just want to make sure as some of the info was pretty old. . .

1. There is no way to hide channels you dont get from the main guide? I understand the use of favorites for this but that is sort of silly.
2. There is no way to use eSATA or USB HD for extra space?
3. Are USB ports and network adapter another 'for future use' thing? (i.e. no use right now)

Thanks in advance folks,
Brian

Long time lurker - sort of new poster
No hiding
Yes, no external drives
Yes, a "future" thing. Usb does have power that some use to power cooling fans.

I have the DCH3416 and i have a plasma and a projector hooked up. I hook the projector up thru a HDMI switch and every time i do that the settings go back to default. why is that?

Also I can have my plasma hooked up via component and projector hooked up HDMI. since its a dual tuner, can I watch 2 different channels at the same time? I think my friends sat. box can do that.

I have the DCH3416 and i have a plasma and a projector hooked up. I hook the projector up thru a HDMI switch and every time i do that the settings go back to default. why is that?

Also I can have my plasma hooked up via component and projector hooked up HDMI. since its a dual tuner, can I watch 2 different channels at the same time? I think my friends sat. box can do that.

Go back a few pages to some similar comments: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12741673#post12741673

Hi all,

New problem, It started yesterday only. Please help. I have a comcast HD DVR that has HDMI output which directly goes into sharp 42D64 TV. I normally keep the DVR on at all times and just turn the TV in and off.
Till yesterday, when I would turn the TV on, it would come on (both voice and picture) after a few seconds (20 seconds or so). Since yesterday, the picture comes on, but there is no sound. I have to turn the DVR off and then on to get both sound and video back. Please let me know what could be causing this. I am using input 4.

Thanks

I have the DCH3416 ... a HDMI switch and every time i do that the settings go back to default. why is that?

As HDRookie has already mentioned, this is a known (and seems to be fairly common) problem. I have yet to find a repeatable workaround, or a confirmation that it is a DCH3416 problem (it doesn't seem likely that all of the switches / receivers / repeaters / etc are all at fault rather than the 3416). I wish Motorola would mention something, even if it's "we'll fix this in the DCX series" or "damn then HDCP designers to Hades! We'll never get this HDCP repeater logic correct!".

You might want to google the web in addition to various AVSforum posts.

In that vein, I'm considering buying a new pre-amp which will switch HDMI (and I will send the HDMI output from the pre-amp to the Moome EXT-HD box that I'm using for transcoding to RGB). It is a Denon Pro DN-A7100. Is anyone using this with the DCH 3416, and if so, are you having similar "losing setup" issues when switching HDMI?

(This purchase has very little to do with the 3416 HDCP issue, it's more an upgrade for newer audio processing, and simplifying my current "unbalanced to balanced" cabling mess I have. But if it also solves the 3416 issue, that would be a nice side benefit.)

Cliff

For the DCH3416, are there discrete codes to jump to the HD menu or to the Favorites list? The default "kitchen sink" guide sucks, and I'm trying to get this stuff into a Pronto so I can ditch the Motorola remote.

Or barring that, is there maybe a way to always jump to the first item in the Menu (in which case I could string together a macro as long as I was starting from a known point).

For the DCH3416, are there discrete codes to jump to the HD menu or to the Favorites list? The default "kitchen sink" guide sucks, and I'm trying to get this stuff into a Pronto so I can ditch the Motorola remote.

Or barring that, is there maybe a way to always jump to the first item in the Menu (in which case I could string together a macro as long as I was starting from a known point).

No discrete codes to do what you want that I know of but you could probably make it work through macros. The main menu is 2 columns wide & 6 high (I think). If the section you wanted selected in the menu was say the second spot down on the left you could try something like: menu, menu, arrow left, arrow up, arrow up, arrow up, arrow up, arrow up (or something along these lines to bring you to a common 'home' point), then arrow down. This should bring you to the same position every time as long as all the key presses are actually picked up.

Good luck with that. This box is far too unreliable to process that many key strokes. I have a MX500 with favorite channels and it works about 75-80% of the time. The processor is too slow, too buggy.

I don't think you're describing the same thing I'm talking about, but I'll go through those keystrokes later and see. I'm talking about what comes up if you just hit "menu" while watching a show... then you get that little one-liner menu at the bottom that has six or seven buttons. It seems to "remember" which button was highlighted last, which appears to make it impossible to control via a macro sequence.

Getting them into the box is no problem even if they have to be slowed down, my household-wide IR distribution system goes directly to certain AV closet equipment, but is also picked up by a dedicated PC so I can just put a random "trigger" IR signal into the Pronto and let the PC dole out the actual commands slowly for "special-ed" devices like the DCH3416.

I don't think you're describing the same thing I'm talking about, but I'll go through those keystrokes later and see. I'm talking about what comes up if you just hit "menu" while watching a show... then you get that little one-liner menu at the bottom that has six or seven buttons. It seems to "remember" which button was highlighted last, which appears to make it impossible to control via a macro sequence.

Getting them into the box is no problem even if they have to be slowed down, my household-wide IR distribution system goes directly to certain AV closet equipment, but is also picked up by a dedicated PC so I can just put a random "trigger" IR signal into the Pronto and let the PC dole out the actual commands slowly for "special-ed" devices like the DCH3416.

The sequence I was describing was for the main menu, if you're just using the quick menu it's going to be harder as this one doesn't have stops on the ends (if you cursor left or right it wraps around instead of stopping at the ends). However the main menu doesn't have the HD section listings you're looking for so unfortunately I don't think this trick is going to work for you, sorry 'bout that. There may be some other codes in these boxes that do some shortcuts like this (might be time for someone to check all the codes again one of these days). Just like the old 'enter' button, that's not even on the newer remotes, used to bring you directly to the music section.

I see -- sorry, I just got this POS and haven't learned the names of the thousand and one menus. (The UI is awful... it's like they put extra effort into making every aspect of it suck...)

Hmm... your advice will work fine, though. I can just create a Favorites for HD channels. Sweet. Thanks.

For the DCH3416, are there discrete codes to jump to the HD menu or to the Favorites list? The default "kitchen sink" guide sucks, and I'm trying to get this stuff into a Pronto so I can ditch the Motorola remote.

Or barring that, is there maybe a way to always jump to the first item in the Menu (in which case I could string together a macro as long as I was starting from a known point).
For the favorites guide, just use GUIDE/FAV. For a macro, you should put an EXIT in front.

The HD menu can be tricky. It can move around as they change icons (on the mini-menu), or menu locations on the main menu.

I have a DCH3416 STB. My software is 74.53 3321. I found that the newest version is 75.58-rel-9078. If I follow the DVR Authorization and Factory Full Reset found at this link-

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets#DVR_Authorization_and_Factory_Full_Reset

will that download the new software? Is there an easier way to get the updated software?

I have a DCH3416 STB. My software is 74.53 3321. I found that the newest version is 75.58-rel-9078. If I follow the DVR Authorization and Factory Full Reset found at this link-

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets#DVR_Authorization_and_Factory_Full_Reset

will that download the new software? Is there an easier way to get the updated software?

short answer no Comcast will push it when they fell the software is stable

short answer no Comcast will push it when they fell the software is stableSo the reset procedure will do nothing for my software version, and will only keep me from watching TV today?

So the reset procedure will do nothing for my software version, and will only keep me from watching TV today?

Correct. Most cable companies just have one version of software/firmware out there for each model of cable box & the box downloads it as needed. You cannot pick which version you have. If a newer version is out somewhere else it will most likely be appearing on your box soon. They don't upgrade the whole company/country at once, they generally do it by region & even that's usually staggered by a week or two.

I am using the pioneer remote from my VSX-1017 and I want to control my DCT-3412 with it, but there are no motorola control codes built it. It isn't a learning remote either. Any ideas?

I am using the pioneer remote from my VSX-1017 and I want to control my DCT-3412 with it, but there are no motorola control codes built it. It isn't a learning remote either. Any ideas?

Use a different remote.

The only alternative I can think of is probably a lot of hassle unless you happen to have wired your house for IR distribution and have a PC in a dedicated AV closet... in which case you could pick up a USB-UIRT, install IOX, grab the Pioneer's codes, and shoot translated commands out at the DCT-3412 with a flasher.

But that involves a minimum of several hundred dollars worth of equipment -- which you could also just spend on a good programmable remote. :)

I checked with a software engineer at Motorola regarding the HDMI switching issues (losing output configuration) and audio drop-outs. It seems that these issues may be fixed in later firmware releases. I am running 16.20, which is almost two years old. I had Comcast hit my box and I still had 16.20 so I tried a manual authorization and factory reset and still got 16.20.

I am in Chicago. Is there anybody in the Chicago area that has something later than 16.20 on their box? Does anybody have a phone number or email address for somebody at Comcast, other than the normal tech support, who may actually care about this?

My workaround for the HDMI issue is that I've programmed my Harmony remote to make sure that the HDMI switch is always powered on before my TV. This seems to have fixed the issue of losing my HDMI output settings. In my case, my STB is always powered on, so the order goes: STB, followed by HDMI switch, followed by TV. I haven't lost my settings since doing this.

Unfortunately, I still have massive audio sync and drop-out issues on both live HD channels (mostly NBC and UniversalHD, but also on some other HD channels) as well as when watching some recorded shows. If I connect my STB directly to my AV receiver, I have fewer issues, but they are not entirely eliminated.

I am annoyed.

Ya, I was afraid of that. The first solution is overkill for my simple setup, but I am considering the second. Can you suggest a good learning/universal for under $200?

Thanks a bunch.

Ya, I was afraid of that. The first solution is overkill for my simple setup, but I am considering the second. Can you suggest a good learning/universal for under $200?

Thanks a bunch.

I can't -- I've always used Philips Prontos which are pretty expensive -- but you're in the right place to get a good answer. :)

Ya, I was afraid of that. The first solution is overkill for my simple setup, but I am considering the second. Can you suggest a good learning/universal for under $200?

Thanks a bunch.

There are a lot of options depending on what you are looking for. Various harmonies can be had for 100$ or less if you find a deal. They seem to be fairly easy to do some pretty nice programing and the activities way of dealing with things seems to have a very high WAF.

If your interested in tinkering with remotes the JP1 remotes are pretty inexpensive and can be pretty impressive with the features that have been implemented them. I went that route and have been pretty happy. Picked up a variety of different remotes for 10-20 bucks and have been able to program them fairly well. You can find more info about them at http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/ .

That's interesting about the JP1. I've been wanting to set up an "One For All" cheapo for the garage and patio and other areas I don't want to use the expensive Pronto, but I was kind of dreading the setup since my system is a bit complicated. Thanks for the link.

Hmm... doesn't the silver Comcast "Big Ugly" remote have one of those JP1-style connectors in the battery compartment???

I am using the pioneer remote from my VSX-1017 and I want to control my DCT-3412 with it, but there are no motorola control codes built it. It isn't a learning remote either. Any ideas?

Did you try the codes for General Instruments or Jerrold? Those are the codes that usually control these boxes, not the Moto codes. Motorola bought out GI, which I believe a few years earlier bought out Jerrold.

If your interested in tinkering with remotes the JP1 remotes are pretty inexpensive and can be pretty impressive with the features that have been implemented them. I went that route and have been pretty happy. Picked up a variety of different remotes for 10-20 bucks and have been able to program them fairly well. You can find more info about them at http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/ .

The JP1 remotes are excellent as far as I'm concerned, I have a 8910 which I programmed to the hilt. One word of caution though if you're planning on programming via the JP1 you can do pretty much anything with the remote, but it's got a little learning curve. I almost threw mine out the window a couple of times while trying to get some advanced features working correctly. :D But I'm glad I stuck in there. The forums on the hifi-remote site are great though & have some really helpful people on there.

That's interesting about the JP1. I've been wanting to set up an "One For All" cheapo for the garage and patio and other areas I don't want to use the expensive Pronto, but I was kind of dreading the setup since my system is a bit complicated. Thanks for the link.

Hmm... doesn't the silver Comcast "Big Ugly" remote have one of those JP1-style connectors in the battery compartment???

The Comcast silver remotes are actually JP1.2, programmed with the same software as JP1 but the cable layout has a slightly different pin layout. You unfortunately cannot use the same cable for programming a JP1 and a JP1.2 remote. The hifi-remote site tells you which ones are which.

I posted this in the Comcast 3412/3416 thread but it's not clear that was the best place, so I'm posting it again here (please excuse the duplication):

I finally had Comcast replace my misbehaving first-generation DCT6412 which, three or four times, had spontaneously reset itself and cleared all recordings and all metadata, exactly as if I had performed a Master Reset (which I had not).

When I put in the request I told the CSR that I wanted a box with an HDMI output but I also asked them to note specifically that I wanted a box with a 160GB hard drive (not knowing whether Comcast was even deploying them yet in my area).

To my surprise, the tech showed up with a DCT3416.

So far, so good, though it's certainly too early to tell. It's only been a few hours.

The problem I'm having now is that I can't capture data from the 3416 on the XP system that I had been using for captures from the 6412. I re-downloaded the drivers from http://http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/ and installed them as described on that page (though the installation messages differed a little from what's described there).

CapDVHS sees the device ("Digital A/V Tuner Device") but the captures aren't usable--it never detects the resolution of the data and populates the data info. The streams I tried to capture were network broadcasts, which aren't encrypted, so there should be no issue there.

Is there another set of drivers I should be using rather than the ones I downloaded from the above-mentioned page, something that's known to work better with the 3416? Or are there some additional tweaks I need to apply, or something obvious that I might have overlooked? (I think I still have the original drivers that I used with the 6412 available, though what I just downloaded is supposed to be newer.)

Thanks.

Does anyone have an answer for rrg post? I know it was over a year ago, but the search feature doesn’t show an answer.

I just realized this today. I bought a Quad core PC and Nero8 with HD plug-in to do some transcoding of my DVHS tapes to HD DVD (all my friends and family have HD DVD, so no why no Blu-Ray questions). I was able to burn a HD-DVD (after using CapDVHS) of an old tape of “Two and a Half Men” with Megan Fox because I wanted to show my Brother-in-Law this episode again before he watches Transformers (she looked better in that episode). This was record years ago with a dct-6412. I then tried to record my Pushing Daisies tape and I could not do it. I had replaced my DCT-6412 months ago because it died and I got a DCT3416.

I realized that it has to be some kind of 5C rights (tried Star Wars that was record with my dct-6412 +5c same result). I also tested DVHS (DH5U) to DVHS (30k) and it would not record my Pushing Daisies tape or anything OTA broadcast when I was testing. I looked on my DCT3416 box and it says copy free on broadcast channels and 5c no. What is going on? Any news from Comcast? Are there new boxes that don’t do that? I’m so angry because I wanted to just burn HDDVD instead of having to loan out my DVHSes. Plus I won't be able to dump Pushing Daisies unless they re-run it.

Ya, I was afraid of that. The first solution is overkill for my simple setup, but I am considering the second. Can you suggest a good learning/universal for under $200?

Thanks a bunch.

I had/have a few JP1 remotes (including the 8910 mentioned above) that I used in the past. However once I got myself a Harmony 880, all my other remotes have been banished.

When I upgraded my TV in the bedroom, I pulled out the JP1 remote to try to get it to work with everything. I did, but it was a real pain. If you have lived through the simplicity of the Harmony 'activities' trying to remember, or teach your significant other what the "M1, M2, & M3" buttons do is an exercise in futility. Then trying to remember the various 'shift' buttons. I gave up, and went out and bought a second 880 for the room.
Yes you can get the JP1s to control most things - ask yourself - do you want to learn 2 new programs to setup the JP1, learn what several keys mean (including the Macro and Shift keys), find and buy a JP1 cable, search around the net to try to find setups. Live is too short. I'd strongly recommend that you get a 880.
Have a look over in the 880 official thread here for more background information.

Does anyone have an answer for rrg post? I know it was over a year ago, but the search feature doesn’t show an answer.

I just realized this today. I bought a Quad core PC and Nero8 with HD plug-in to do some transcoding of my DVHS tapes to HD DVD (all my friends and family have HD DVD, so no why no Blu-Ray questions). I was able to burn a HD-DVD (after using CapDVHS) of an old tape of “Two and a Half Men” with Megan Fox because I wanted to show my Brother-in-Law this episode again before he watches Transformers (she looked better in that episode). This was record years ago with a dct-6412. I then tried to record my Pushing Daisies tape and I could not do it. I had replaced my DCT-6412 months ago because it died and I got a DCT3416.

I realized that it has to be some kind of 5C rights (tried Star Wars that was record with my dct-6412 +5c same result). I also tested DVHS (DH5U) to DVHS (30k) and it would not record my Pushing Daisies tape or anything OTA broadcast when I was testing. I looked on my DCT3416 box and it says copy free on broadcast channels and 5c no. What is going on? Any news from Comcast? Are there new boxes that don’t do that? I’m so angry because I wanted to just burn HDDVD instead of having to loan out my DVHSes. Plus I won't be able to dump Pushing Daisies unless they re-run it.

Update on my status. I tried with my XP system (that did the original 2 1/2 Men pull down with) directly to my DCT3416 and I could not capture anything with CapDVHS. Is this normal (like I said my real DVHS works with it)? Is this more 5C interference? Is this at the cableco end or is it the box? Thanks in advance.

I had/have a few JP1 remotes (including the 8910 mentioned above) that I used in the past. However once I got myself a Harmony 880, all my other remotes have been banished.

When I upgraded my TV in the bedroom, I pulled out the JP1 remote to try to get it to work with everything. I did, but it was a real pain. If you have lived through the simplicity of the Harmony 'activities' trying to remember, or teach your significant other what the "M1, M2, & M3" buttons do is an exercise in futility. Then trying to remember the various 'shift' buttons. I gave up, and went out and bought a second 880 for the room.
Yes you can get the JP1s to control most things - ask yourself - do you want to learn 2 new programs to setup the JP1, learn what several keys mean (including the Macro and Shift keys), find and buy a JP1 cable, search around the net to try to find setups. Live is too short. I'd strongly recommend that you get a 880.
Have a look over in the 880 official thread here for more background information.

Jp1 does require a bit steeper of a learning curve than I assume a harmony does but if you get far enough along you can get a pretty simple to use setup on the remote. The key to making the remote simple to use is getting into the extenders IMO. Personally I hated using the Shifted keys too and don't have any setup that I use with any regularity but double press or press and hold are easily understood by everyone I've explained it to. Press cable button to have the remote control the cable box. Press and hold the cable button to have it automatically setup the input on the tv and turn the receiver on to the right input. Same thing for DVD. Press to control the dvd player. Press and hold the dvd button to automatically switch the tv and receiver input and power on the dvd player and open the tray.

I've setup a number of similar things for fast forward/ next chapter and a number of other keys on my remotes.

I will say one thing after having a computer programable remote I wouldn't ever go back to programming a remote via key combinations on the remote.

It's a problem with the guide. If the guide says "New" or nothing at all for the episode, the box will record each time. If the guide says "repeat" it will record just once or not at all if it hasn't recorded the program yet. A fix, I'm told, is to leave the first recoding of an episode on the DVR, after viewing, until all of the repeats have aired.

sorry for getting in on this topic late, but I am ticked. Generally I have my 3416 record 5 episodes of Colbert for the week, and generally watch them en masse, but now whenever I check I have 5 of the same episodes. Its the same way with Daily Show and Three Sheets. This absolutely defeats the purpose. One would think the box could recognize the same D@MN show! Where does comcast get the guide info from?

You could set up manual timed recordings of these programs at the same time every day, or manually select a week or so of them at a time (avoiding series recording). A pain, but maybe the only solution.

To be honest I thought about that. Then I discovered that I couldnt record except by date. I can't input just record on Mon-Thurs at 10:30 CST, but rather must input the exact day, ie Thursday 1/24. If I could figure out how to set the DVR to record every Monday, I would be satisfied, but as far as I can tell I can't do that. I suppose I could specify to allow up to 25 episodes or so :)

Record only new used to work. Only in the last few weeks did it stop. (Of course I havent watched for the last few months to be honest)

To be honest I thought about that. Then I discovered that I couldnt record except by date. I can't input just record on Mon-Thurs at 10:30 CST, but rather must input the exact day, ie Thursday 1/24. If I could figure out how to set the DVR to record every Monday, I would be satisfied, but as far as I can tell I can't do that. I suppose I could specify to allow up to 25 episodes or so :)

Record only new used to work. Only in the last few weeks did it stop. (Of course I havent watched for the last few months to be honest)

That feature disappeared a while ago.
I used to record Conan m-f at set time. But they took that feature away.
Now i have to delete the 3:05 recording everyday.

I think the easiest way to record things on the Comedy Channel is to go in once a week or two and set them to record individually each day at the same time. It's pretty fast, since you can jump a day at a time in the guide listings.

To be honest I thought about that. Then I discovered that I couldnt record except by date. I can't input just record on Mon-Thurs at 10:30 CST, but rather must input the exact day, ie Thursday 1/24. If I could figure out how to set the DVR to record every Monday, I would be satisfied, but as far as I can tell I can't do that. I suppose I could specify to allow up to 25 episodes or so :)

Record only new used to work. Only in the last few weeks did it stop. (Of course I havent watched for the last few months to be honest)
With the writers strike, many programs have messed up new/repeat flags.

You can set manual recordings to record everyday, once a week, M-F.
Set a Recording
Create a Manual Recording
Select start and end times
Select FIRST day
Select channel
Select View recording settings
Use left/right to change Record options (Once, Everyday, Once a week, Mon-Fri.)

wow! they really hid where you choose mon - fri recordings! i thought it was gone for good & have been doing the select the shows every night from the guide! thanks!

wow! they really hid where you choose mon - fri recordings! i thought it was gone for good & have been doing the select the shows every night from the guide! thanks!
Even after you've already created a recording, you can go to it in Scheduled recordings, get the details, then go to the wrench icon to make changes.

I've searched through this thread (and other places) and can't seem to find a definitive answer to my problem.

Moto ===HDMI==> PJ works great
DVD ===HDMI==> Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch ===HDMI==> PJ works great
Moto ===HDMI==> Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch ===HDMI==> PJ doesn't work

I get a picture for about 2 seconds, then green screen.

I've tried changing the cable between the Moto and the switch, different ports on the switch, etc. I always get the same result. So I was planning on getting a different switch. But after searching this thread I'm wondering if a new switch will actually work. Is this really a firmware issue with my Moto? Is there really not a way to get the 16.35 release (or whatever other version is appropriate)? Are there any known switches that work with my box and firmware version? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I've searched through this thread (and other places) and can't seem to find a definitive answer to my problem.

Moto ===HDMI==> PJ works great
DVD ===HDMI==> Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch ===HDMI==> PJ works great
Moto ===HDMI==> Monoprice 4x1 HDMI switch ===HDMI==> PJ doesn't work

I get a picture for about 2 seconds, then green screen.

I've tried changing the cable between the Moto and the switch, different ports on the switch, etc. I always get the same result. So I was planning on getting a different switch. But after searching this thread I'm wondering if a new switch will actually work. Is this really a firmware issue with my Moto? Is there really not a way to get the 16.35 release (or whatever other version is appropriate)? Are there any known switches that work with my box and firmware version? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Audixium,

I don't have an answer but what version and which exact monoprice switcher (product id?) are you using? The customer reviews at monoprice show many people with problems. As you have noted it might not be the switcher so we can't blame monoprice for the issue.

You know that things suck when seemingly simple devices like switchboxes have multiple update versions...feh.

Bob - yeah, it is the most recent version:

4X1 Enhanced 1.3b Certified HDMI Switch with built-in Equalizer and Remote (REV.3.0) (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=4088&seq=1&format=2). Gotta love HDCP...

The problem is a habdshake issue.

it breaks the connection between the STB and the tv,

if using a switch like the one above that does not maintain the data link while switched to another input, you will need to restart the handshake between the stb and the tv. by turning both off and then on in the proper order to establish the link.