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.
Yes but why? Is this a 3416 issue, a monoprice issue, or is this the way it was designed and it is working to spec?

Would a hdmi switching receiver do it better, would a fancier switchbox do it better? For instance, this one: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4599 at 4x the price but it lists HDCP compliance as a selling point. But the monoprice also lists HDCP compliance as well...feh, again not on Scanpa but on "those" that forced HDMI on us over a perfectly fine 1394 standard.

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.

Yeah - but I'm not going to power cycle my projector just to get the handshake (a good way to prematurely kill my bulb). Plus, I NEVER get a handshake with the STB with the switch in the middle. This STB has had handshake issues with all sorts of other devices and receivers. Some work fine.

Seems hit and miss for people with this STB and Monoprice switch. It does work for some, not for others. I'm just trying to track down the real issue (Moto vs Monoprice switch).

Yes but why? Is this a 3416 issue, a monoprice issue, or is this the way it was designed and it is working to spec?

Would a hdmi switching receiver do it better, would a fancier switchbox do it better? For instance, this one: http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4599 at 4x the price but it lists HDCP compliance as a selling point. But the monoprice also lists HDCP compliance as well...feh, again not on Scanpa but on "those" that forced HDMI on us over a perfectly fine 1394 standard.

the low end switchers are all like this.

the very good ones will maintain the datalink even while switched to other inputs.

you can get the same in some rcvr. some have the good and some have cheap switchers.

it is also a firmware issue, that has been fixed in the STB for some models of switchers and rcvrs.

it doesn't work with my set up. I have to reboot the 3416 every time I go from the HD Dvd player back to the box. I'ts not a huge hassle as I'll usually switch over to the tivo to watch something while the box reboots and downloads the guide.

I've asked this before and didn't really get an answer, but does anyone else's 3416 make a beeping noise often? I've checked all of my other components out and the beeping is definitely coming from the Moto box. Currently, I have my 3416 hooked up to an HDMI switcher which then goes to my TV. I'm wondering if this is something to do with the beeping. There is no rhyme or reason for the beeping either. It does it when the TV is on and when it's off. It doesn't seem to be effecting the working of the DVR or anything though. Thanks in advance.

I've asked this before and didn't really get an answer, but does anyone else's 3416 make a beeping noise often? I've checked all of my other components out and the beeping is definitely coming from the Moto box. Currently, I have my 3416 hooked up to an HDMI switcher which then goes to my TV. I'm wondering if this is something to do with the beeping. There is no rhyme or reason for the beeping either. It does it when the TV is on and when it's off. It doesn't seem to be effecting the working of the DVR or anything though. Thanks in advance.

The only thing that can beep in that box is a spinning element. That leaves the fan or the hard drive. Get a new box.....

Certain older hard drives would beep when they were getting ready to croak... I don't know if modern day drives do this, I haven't had a drive die on me in many years.

One drive we could hear beep very clearly was a Maxtor, back when 8GB was bragging-rights territory, and Maxtor insisted their drives don't beep. We never figured it out, and it died about a month after the noise started. I speculated that perhaps it's a side effect of the voice coil style servo on it's last legs.

Where I live, the local Comcast shop will swap out a DVR no questions asked (but call ahead and make sure they have one of the same type).

Unfortunately I'm a charter subscriber and don't really know the number to call to the local offices. I will look into it though. Thanks for the advice!

Mine has been doing the same thing sporadically for the past month. It won't beep for days and then beep two or three times over the period of an hour. Box functions fine other than that. I guess I better watch all of my saved programs before it's too late if this is really a sign of it getting ready to crash.

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'm a new customer with the 3416 having just switched over from satellite. I have mine switched through a Monoprice HDX-501. It seems to work fine in most cases but I've seen the green screen when I change back and forth from 720p to 1080i (or vice versa) in the preferences. I have to restart the 3416 to get things back on track, even if I plug the HDMI straight into the box instead of the switcher, so I don't blame the switcher. It goes back and forth among my DVD player and an Apple TV just fine. (Although sometimes the DVD player requires me to go back and forth on an input before it shows the picture.)

I was wondering if the green screen was indicative of a hardware problem in the cable box.

Also, another question: With all those outputs (USB, firewire, eSATA, ehternet) has anyone figured out a way to use ANY of them for ANYTHING? Sure would be nice and it seems like a lot of expense to have all those and not use them for anything.

It's not having Ethernet activated that annoys the hell out of me. I have a Comcast-supplied cable modem sitting in the AV closet about four feet from my DCH-3416, but apparently once I'm allowed to buy the Tivo software, I'm going to have to run a frickin' phone line to the AV stack. Ridiculous.

Realistically though, getting support for all of that on a chipset is pretty dirt-cheap these days. In fact, every subcomponent in the box is pretty dirt-cheap these days.

... apparently once I'm allowed to buy the Tivo software, I'm going to have to run a frickin' phone line to the AV stack.
...


Why do you think you'll have to do that? The Motorola with TiVo s/w should work the same way it does now.

Ah, thanks. I thought I had read in the Comcast Tivo thread that it used the phone line. (Although it really still ought to use TCP/IP... I can't imagine the awful, slow download process via cable is actually faster or more efficient in any way.)

...but I've seen the green screen when I change back and forth from 720p to 1080i (or vice versa) in the preferences. I have to restart the 3416 to get things back on track, even if I plug the HDMI straight into the box instead of the switcher, so I don't blame the switcher....

But for me I NEVER get a green screen when going directly to my display regardless of the adjustments, power on order, etc. So, because the switch seems to work fine with other sources, I have concluded it is the Moto's fault it can't make the handshake (not the switch).

Has anyone been successful with requesting the most recent firmware?

Has anyone been successful with requesting the most recent firmware?

You mean the one that will reactivate the DCH red LED recording lights??? :(

I have Comcast DVR 3416 and OPPO 981HD plugged into this switch, which feeds in to my Westy 37w3. I am watching/listening to disk Two of Gilmour's Night to Remember. I can switch back and forth between the DVR and DVD video sources with no problems.

The HDMI switch lay unused for months while I had the OPPO plugged in to DVI #2 of the Westy, but I thought I would try the switch in case I make an impulse buy.

Has anyone seen this about Fancast allowing you to program your DVR from the Web? http://about.fancast.com/2007/12/manage_your_dvr.html

This is a Comcast website and it looke like it is talking about Comcast DVR's, but it is a little vague about which ones it will support. (So Vague it does not even mention anything)!

hopefully, that has to mean that the box will be on the network, which opens up all kinds of possibilities for whole house distribution, etc.

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.

Some receivers don't like getting the audio over the HDMI. I just ran into this problem because my video would blank out for several seconds sometimes when changing channels, etc. I read somewhere else on this forum to try hooking up a seperate audio cable (I use coax) instead of using the HDMI. Worked. Sucks tho because negates one of the main (few) advantages of HDMI.

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!!!

Just wanted to bump this comment again...has anyone tried this yet?? This problem of losing the output setup seems to be the main prob with the 3416. Wish there was a fix. If you know one you'l make a LOT of people happy!

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!!!

So I finally tried this. It didn't work. FYI, my 3416 runs HDMIT and coax audio to my OnkyoSR804 receiver to my Sony 46XBR4. Frustrated with comcast right now. This seems like a major flaw. Does anybody have any idea if this is fixed in some firmware update?

Ok, so tonight my 3412 isn't working right. At first anytime I would pause, I could not resume play (screen would go black). Switching channels would fix it.

I've now discovered that it is not holding the "queue" or whatever you would call it....as in if I'm watching a channel and press "play" there is no green bar telling me how much is queued up (the entire bar is just black).

Same thing with recorded programs. It says something is recorded (like The Simpsons tonight) but it won't play back.

Looks like the hard drive went bad and it isn't actually able to write anything to it. Does that sound like an accurate assumption?

I've had the same problem of not being able to play recordings or use the buffer on live programs twice in the past week. Unplugging the DVR and plugging it back in fixes it. As soon as I work through my recordings I think I'll replace the DVR (DCT3416).

I've had the same problem of not being able to play recordings or use the buffer on live programs twice in the past week. Unplugging the DVR and plugging it back in fixes it. As soon as I work through my recordings I think I'll replace the DVR (DCT3416).

Hmmm...wish I would've thought of doing a hard-reboot like that. I only cycled the power.

Anyways, I packed it up and am going to try to exchange it today. I only had 3 recordings on it (Simpsons, Family Guy, and American Dad) so it's not a huge deal.

These boxes are so quirky; the first and last thing you should always do is a hard reboot; I have to do this about 3 to 4 times every week. The box is underpowered, processor wise and will always be this way until they get rid of them and offer a better solution.

These boxes are so quirky; the first and last thing you should always do is a hard reboot; I have to do this about 3 to 4 times every week. The box is underpowered, processor wise and will always be this way until they get rid of them and offer a better solution.

Bingo!

If these boxes were in a true competitive electronics marketplace they would've been on CNET's worst electronics list three years ago.

The reason there's a shortage is that half these boxes are in the shop being fixed or having all the software/firmware reloaded - again & again & again...

After three years of updates, these boxes are JUST about acceptably poor performers.

Is there a thread where people have posted their firmware version and location?

...hard reboot; I have to do this about 3 to 4 times every week...

You sure you don't have a bad box? I haven't had to unplug mine (DCH 3416) in months.

I haven't had to unplug/boot my DCH3416 since I first got it in September,
but I'm still waiting for those red recording lights.......

I'm mostly rebooting from the hdmi handshake issue with my monoprice switcher. I might have been slightly overstating it. This is my third box of this series and it definitely needs work. You guys must be lucky.

My DCH3416 has been on 24/7 since December when I got it. No reboots. And it's on a circuit with battery backup, so it hasn't even had any unintended restarts. It's a piece of junk, but it hasn't required any restarts. :)

Hey folks, I've been trying to dig around to see if anyone else has experienced this, but I couldn't find anything. Here's the deal:

My 6412 box finally died, and when I brought it in they gave me a brand new 3416 box as a replacement. The box seems more responsive than the 6412 and has a larger hard drive, which is nice, BUT: My SD picture quality with the 3416 looks noticeably WORSE than what I was getting with the 6412.

I know some regions do analog/digital simulcast of SD channels (I'm in Ann Arbor, which I thought was all digital anyway), but I hadn't heard of people complaining of SD PQ getting WORSE when they switched to digital.

Anybody know what's up? I was watching Dexter on-demand last night (SD only, unfortunately), and it was so bad it was near unwatchable. I had watched the previous episode on my old box and didn't notice anything particularly bad beyond the normal dropoff from HD to SD.

Any thoughts???

If you have a 3416 then it's definitely digital, since it has no analog tuner. Your 6412 may have been getting the digital channels, too. The digital channels should be better than the analog ones.

...The digital channels should be better than the analog ones.
In my experience, this varies a lot by the quality of the analog cable signals.

Where I live, the analog cable is pretty bad, so the digital SD simulcasts look better than the analog.

I have seen, at other locations, pristine analog cable signals. IMHO, these look far better than the compressed digital SD simulcast channels.

Hey folks, I've been trying to dig around to see if anyone else has experienced this, but I couldn't find anything. Here's the deal:

My 6412 box finally died, and when I brought it in they gave me a brand new 3416 box as a replacement. The box seems more responsive than the 6412 and has a larger hard drive, which is nice, BUT: My SD picture quality with the 3416 looks noticeably WORSE than what I was getting with the 6412.

I know some regions do analog/digital simulcast of SD channels (I'm in Ann Arbor, which I thought was all digital anyway), but I hadn't heard of people complaining of SD PQ getting WORSE when they switched to digital.

Anybody know what's up? I was watching Dexter on-demand last night (SD only, unfortunately), and it was so bad it was near unwatchable. I had watched the previous episode on my old box and didn't notice anything particularly bad beyond the normal dropoff from HD to SD.

Any thoughts???

Have you checked your 4:3 OVERRIDE settings (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup#4:3_OVERRIDE)? It can make a big difference in SD picture quality.

I have mine set to 480I (native) and let my TV handle the rest. YMMV.

I'm mostly rebooting from the hdmi handshake issue with my monoprice switcher. I might have been slightly overstating it. This is my third box of this series and it definitely needs work. You guys must be lucky.

Do you have a link to your issue and solution? I have the most recent 4x1 switcher and am ready to send it back (already have an RMA). On any port and using any cable I lose the handshake after about 1-2 seconds of picture when going through the switcher.

Have you checked your 4:3 OVERRIDE settings (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup#4:3_OVERRIDE)? It can make a big difference in SD picture quality.

I have mine set to 480I (native) and let my TV handle the rest. YMMV.


Thanks, that does seem to make a difference. I had it set to OFF, and by switching to 480I, there seem to be less digital artifacts. It's strange though, because I always kept it set to OFF with the old 6412 box (I have a Toshiba DLP HDTV that uses gray sidebars if it's converting native SD content itself) and I never experienced a PQ dropoff like that before.

It's really annoying to have to choose between horrible PQ with black sidebars or fair PQ with ugly, distracting gray sidebars. Though I admit that's mostly Toshiba's fault. Fortunately, Comcast seems to keep adding HD channels, so it's probably not a choice I'll have to make all that often. (Thank god for Battlestar Galactica in HD finally...)

Thanks, that does seem to make a difference. I had it set to OFF, and by switching to 480I, there seem to be less digital artifacts. It's strange though, because I always kept it set to OFF with the old 6412 box (I have a Toshiba DLP HDTV that uses gray sidebars if it's converting native SD content itself) and I never experienced a PQ dropoff like that before.

It's really annoying to have to choose between horrible PQ with black sidebars or fair PQ with ugly, distracting gray sidebars. Though I admit that's mostly Toshiba's fault. Fortunately, Comcast seems to keep adding HD channels, so it's probably not a choice I'll have to make all that often. (Thank god for Battlestar Galactica in HD finally...)

No problem. Not sure why the 6412 worked differently.

I hated the gray bars on my old Hitachi RPCRT, too. Does your Toshiba not have an option for side bar color?

Nope. (You can look through threads here on that issue too. One of the dumbest things Toshiba's done, prior to HD-DVD I guess.)

In my experience, this varies a lot by the quality of the analog cable signals.

Where I live, the analog cable is pretty bad, so the digital SD simulcasts look better than the analog.

I have seen, at other locations, pristine analog cable signals. IMHO, these look far better than the compressed digital SD simulcast channels.

I should modify my statement to say that the digital simulcast signals should look better than the digital signals which the DVR has converted from analog to digital. My analog signals fed directly to the TV analog tuner usually look better than the same channel after it has gone through the digitization process. (Another benefit of the digital simulcast is that the result takes up less recording space than the DVR-converted analog.)

I should modify my statement to say that the digital simulcast signals should look better than the digital signals which the DVR has converted from analog to digital. My analog signals fed directly to the TV analog tuner usually look better than the same channel after it has gone through the digitization process. (Another benefit of the digital simulcast is that the result takes up less recording space than the DVR-converted analog.)
I agree with everything you said here. Thanks for clarifying.

Any opinions out there between a Tivo 2 versus a Motorolla 3416/6416 dvr. I have a Tivo 2 now but am thinking about going with the Motorolla dvr throught Charter.

Any opinions out there between a Tivo 2 versus a Motorolla 3416/6416 dvr. I have a Tivo 2 now but am thinking about going with the Motorolla dvr throught Charter.

TiVo 2 isn't HD, so it really doesn't compare directly to the Motorola DVRs.

I switched from a DirecTV Tivo 2... essentially you already know what you need to know. The Tivo interface is dramatically better. The only benefit you'll get with the Motorola is HD. Since I run a 150" screen through a projector, this was pretty important to me, but if I had a regular HDTV down in the 50" or smaller range, frankly I'd have stuck with the Tivo.

With that question, you probably should slog through the Comcast Tivo thread then decide whether you want to wait for Comcast to decide The Rest of Us are allowed to buy it, or whether you just want to open your veins and spring for a Tivo HD.

Any opinions out there between a Tivo 2 versus a Motorolla 3416/6416 dvr. I have a Tivo 2 now but am thinking about going with the Motorolla dvr throught Charter.

Given any thought to a TiVo HD? It'll cost you some bills upfront, but you get to keep the interface you know and love along with features such as TTG, MRV and plug-n-play expansion.

Given any thought to a TiVo HD? It'll cost you some bills upfront, but you get to keep the interface you know and love along with features such as TTG, MRV and plug-n-play expansion.

Thanks for the help. I'm using a 27" Panasonic non-HD tv with the Tivo 2. We're familiar with the Tivo's interface but not sure what people thought about Motorola's 3416/6416 interface. The cost for Tivo is $12.95 per month but Charter has a deal for their dvr for $6.85 a month for 1 year and then it'll be $16.85 after that. I just want to see how people felt about the Motorola model with its interface before I decide to change from Tivo to Motorola.

Thanks for the help. I'm using a 27" Panasonic non-HD tv with the Tivo 2. We're familiar with the Tivo's interface but not sure what people thought about Motorola's 3416/6416 interface. The cost for Tivo is $12.95 per month but Charter has a deal for their dvr for $6.85 a month for 1 year and then it'll be $16.85 after that. I just want to see how people felt about the Motorola model with its interface before I decide to change from Tivo to Motorola.

iGuide (current DVR software) is simplistic, quick and does (mostly) what it's supposed to do - pause/rw live tv and record. Coming from TiVo, you'll most likely hate the interface and wonder why it isn't as "smart" as your old TiVo box. There are some advantages to leasing the box - you can always take it back and swap for a new one, no commitments, free VOD, etc.

$16.85/month seems high for an SD DVR, but I'm not a Charter customer, so I'm not familiar with their pricing structure.

Let me give you the perspective of a former Tivo owner: the iGuide software is slow, erratic, counter-intuitive, ugly, and performs it's various DVR functions poorly.

If you don't need HD, I'd say stick with Tivo. My only complaints about Tivo are that the costs seem a bit high, and tying the "lifetime" subscription to a specific box is pretty much a screw-job in my opinion. Other than that, I'd go with Tivo and never look back.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm just trying to do the homework here especially since the wife uses the Tivo now.

. Fortunately, Comcast seems to keep adding HD channels, so it's probably not a choice I'll have to make all that often. (Thank god for Battlestar Galactica in HD finally...)

haven't seen any SciFi channel HD here from Comcast ...

SciFi is listed as an HD channel here in FL, but I swear most of the shows look like they were shot through a piece of gauze swabbed in Vasoline. Is this maybe the "HD lite" I've seen people talk about?

It depends on the program. Keep in mind that some programs themselves are still SD.

Hey folks! I just got my Comcast DCT3412 installed today. It appears to be working as expected, with just one thing bugging me. During American Idol in HD all of a suddent my trusty, reliable Receiver would shut down with an "overload" message. This did not happen at all today during HD and non-HD program watching. But it did happen 3-4 times during AI. I then watched Lost in HD afterwards and the receiver was just fine.

Anyone else seen this happen? This never happened to my reciever before and I've always used a digital cable for sound. Only difference today is new box and cable service (used to be on D*).

Thanks!

It depends on the program. Keep in mind that some programs themselves are still SD.

Is there any way to tell in advance whether a particular program on an HD channel will actually be broadcast in 16:9 HD?

Not reliably, no.

Is there any way to tell in advance whether a particular program on an HD channel will actually be broadcast in 16:9 HD?

For me, the guide seems to be pretty good lately at putting HD in the description for things being broadcast in HD.

haven't seen any SciFi channel HD here from Comcast ...

Where are you? Here in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we've had it for a month or two. It was one of a bunch of new channels that showed up around the beginning of the year.

For me, the guide seems to be pretty good lately at putting HD in the description for things being broadcast in HD.

In my experience, I would say that less than half of the shows in HD show as being HD in the guide, except for premium movie channels, and then I'd say the guide is correct about 80% of the time. Probably National Geographic HD is the worst for listings. I'd say that way less than half of their HD is listed as HD. But, HD History channel pisses me off the most. Some things they list as HD are clearly stretched SD.

This must be region related as my box usually calls it right. It's one of the few things my box does right.

Apologize if this was covered already, but I didn't see it from the searches I did..

Anyone have an issues with not being able to set a series recording for some programs?

For example, I just tried to set a series recording for the new Knight Rider series and the series recording option was not available. I could go into other shows and set a series recording, but not for this particular show. Is there a reason for it, other than the Comcast software is terrible? Is it something set by the networks?

I have a 3412 on Comcast.

Thx

I wasn't able to set a 3416 series recording for Formula One on Speed last year. I don't recall any other cases.

Knight Rider was just a one time movie, it is not a series, at least not at this time.

Monoprice has released a few new switches supporting HDMI 1.3. Has anyone tried these yet with the 34xx series boxes, or can anyone else recommend any of their other switches that works well with the 34xx boxes (i.e. no handshake issues)?
I'm thinking of getting their 4 port or 5 port switch, but am a little hesitant. The last thing I want is HDCP issues.

But, HD History channel pisses me off the most. Some things they list as HD are clearly stretched SD.
I agree 1000%. History is one of my favorite channels, but the HD is a joke. What's worse is that some shows, such as The Universe are available in HD ON Demand, and I've seen them air repeats in HD!! When I need to record a show that airs at a time I can't check, I try to record both the SD and HD feeds, just in case.

Monoprice has released a few new switches supporting HDMI 1.3. Has anyone tried these yet with the 34xx series boxes, or can anyone else recommend any of their other switches that works well with the 34xx boxes (i.e. no handshake issues)?
I'm thinking of getting their 4 port or 5 port switch, but am a little hesitant. The last thing I want is HDCP issues.

Hit and miss at this point. Check out the Monprice switch thread in the HDMI forum...

I just purchased the HDMI switch but forgot to order an extra cable. I am waiting on that to arrive

HD5-201 Monoprice 2X1 hdmi switcher sucks. It's worked exactly once; every other time I have to do a hard reboot of the 3416 to get the tv to recognize it's hdmi. Not sure if this is an hdmi to dvi issue or not but I can tell you if I had it to do again, I would not.

I have used the basic 2x1 manual HDMI switch from monoprice for over a year; very reliable. And since I have to put the disc into the dvd player manually, it is no extra effort to push the button on the switch (that sits right on top of the dvd player) at the same time. For a simple set up--e.g., with HDMI from a cable box and a dvd player to the switch, and from there to the display--I highly recommend it.

I'm still not sure if it's a hdmi>dvi connection that is doing it but mine flat out doesn't work.

I've used a Gefen 2x1 switcher for the last couple years and have had no problems with it. I will say, make sure you're using the shortest cable possible. When I first got the switcher, I actually returned it because I thought it was broken. I was just an idiot and using too long a cable (12 ft.). Since I switched to all 6ft HDMI cables, I've had zero problems.

I've used a Gefen 2x1 switcher for the last couple years and have had no problems with it. I will say, make sure you're using the shortest cable possible. When I first got the switcher, I actually returned it because I thought it was broken. I was just an idiot and using too long a cable (12 ft.). Since I switched to all 6ft HDMI cables, I've had zero problems.

While I understand using shorter cables may have been the problem in your case...my DCT3416 to Projector connection works great over a 35ft HDMI cable. My Toshiba DVD player works fine with the Monoprice switch in between (6ft to switch + 35ft to PJ). But the STB won't work with the switch. So, cable length is one of MANY *possible* reasons the STB might be choking. Really it is the firmware.

Does the DCH-3416 allow you to change channels and/or other remote functions via the firewire connectioni? If so, what is needed in order to do so?

Hey folks! I just got my Comcast DCT3412 installed today. It appears to be working as expected, with just one thing bugging me. During American Idol in HD all of a suddent my trusty, reliable Receiver would shut down with an "overload" message...
I assume that this was a "download" (not "overload") since it was a new box. You were just getting the latest software. Has this happened since?

Mickey

Does the DCH-3416 allow you to change channels and/or other remote functions via the firewire connectioni? I don't believe so.

Hello All,

I exchanged my DCT-3416 for the DCH-3416. So far the "Smooth Jazz" channel 429 sound much better. I do miss the "red" dot to let you know a show is being recorded. Besides the 20% extra storage feature, is their anything else to get excited about? One other item, the black & silver box goes great with my Rotel RSP-1068 proccessor.

Recently, I noticed that the delay in executing commands had gotten FAR worse. I notice this when I am going through the guide, for 24 hours ahead, to program what I want. I virtually always have CNN on when I do this. Well, CNN went HD recently. Today they had a program I didn't want to see when I was checking the guide, so I switched to MSNBC, which is SD. I noticed that there was only a slight delay ONE TIME, when going through the guide for 20 minutes. So, I then switched back to CNN HD, and tried it. Lots of long delays! I'll try it a few more times to see if this was just coincidence, but it seems to me like tuning to a HD channel produces more and longer command execution delays. Opinions, anyone?

Recently, I noticed that the delay in executing commands had gotten FAR worse. I notice this when I am going through the guide, for 24 hours ahead, to program what I want. I virtually always have CNN on when I do this. Well, CNN went HD recently. Today they had a program I didn't want to see when I was checking the guide, so I switched to MSNBC, which is SD. I noticed that there was only a slight delay ONE TIME, when going through the guide for 20 minutes. So, I then switched back to CNN HD, and tried it. Lots of long delays! I'll try it a few more times to see if this was just coincidence, but it seems to me like tuning to a HD channel produces more and longer command execution delays. Opinions, anyone?
Generally normal. The CPU is working much harder when one or both tuners are receiving/buffering HD, and worst if both are HD, and you are watching an HD recording! Then add in more if the Guide is receiving updated data, and you get lots of delays.

My keypress delay has gotten much worse last few months.

I've counted to 15 seconds or more.

These machines are simply not up to the task they were designed to do.
If they haven't been able to fix the problems after more than 3 years
of different firmware/software "upgrades" they simply won't with this hardware.

We need new DVR's that do what they promised us over three years ago.

Tell your cable company that you want mediocre service and hardware.
(You're not asking for "good" just mediocre)
For the "superior" prices you pay, that's the least they can do.

My 3416 Comcast DVR cuts off or resets on its own once a week or so. Is this just a bug with this type of box or is it just my box?

Sometimes it deletes all my recordings :mad: is there any thing I can do to get my recordings back.

Generally normal. The CPU is working much harder when one or both tuners are receiving/buffering HD, and worst if both are HD, and you are watching an HD recording! Then add in more if the Guide is receiving updated data, and you get lots of delays.

Ah! Well, I'll be sure to have NEITHER tuner on HD when I check the guide in the future. Also, I have been having a problem where my DVR reboots, while I am checking my recordings list. I wonder if this might be related?


My keypress delay has gotten much worse last few months.

I've counted to 15 seconds or more.


15 seconds? I timed 8 minutes once a few days ago. And, they don't execute all at once any more. Say four commands are stacked up. One will execute. A few seconds later, two will execute. Then, a few seconds after that, the last one will execute.

Jaxson De Ville --
It sounds like a defective box. Swap it for a new one. There's no way to recover deleted recordings.

My 3416 Comcast DVR cuts off or resets on its own once a week or so. Is this just a bug with this type of box or is it just my box?

Sometimes it deletes all my recordings :mad: is there any thing I can do to get my recordings back.

No. Once gone...gone.

You can call CS for a "reset"/ "hit box" but it sounds pretty bad to me.
works
You may be best off just getting a new box. When they go bad, they tend to stay that way.

Remind them you pay a lot of money for this defective DVR. After they tell you how well "their" DVR works.
Tell them that you've been on the web and that's not the opinion out there. (That let's them know the "it's all in your head routine" won't work with you)

Ask when they are going to get their DVR act together. We are all on pins and needles.

My 3416 Comcast DVR cuts off or resets on its own once a week or so. Is this just a bug with this type of box or is it just my box?

I don't have any of those problems. Must be your specific box.

After they tell you how well "their" DVR works.
Tell them that you've been on the web and that's not the opinion out there. (That let's them know the "it's all in your head routine" won't work with you)


I barely finished editing my post.

And it just happened.:D:D

"My DVR works fine"
Smoothing over the last three negative posts about Comcast DVR's.

So funny!!!!
Bicker are you SURE you don't work for Comcast? Customer service maybe?
Before you starting here.

I barely finished editing my post. And it just happened.:D:D "My DVR works fine"It is essential for folks to be able to tell the difference between a problem with Motorola's design, and a problem with their own specific box. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Would you prefer that they not get their problem resolved effectively????

Bicker are you SURE you don't work for Comcast? Customer service maybe? Before you starting here.Absolutely sure. I simply disagree with some of your perspectives. Get over it.

People pay good money for these DVR's.

After three years of endless firmware and software upgrades it's time to admit they are not, or ever were, up to the task.

Blaming Motorola doesn't solve the problem.
The check says Comcast not Motorola.

It's their service and their responsibility.
They picked Motorola boxes. Comcast may even been involved in the spec's for design, who knows.

It's not like these DVR's came out last month --- it's been over THREE YEARS.

Time for an apology and a promise of a better DVR. Panasonic maybe?

People pay good money for these DVR's.

After three years of endless firmware and software upgrades it's time to admit they are not, or ever were, up to the task.

Blaming Motorola doesn't solve the problem.
The check says Comcast not Motorola.

It's their service and their responsibility.
They picked Motorola boxes. Comcast may even been involved in the spec's for design, who knows.

It's not like these DVR's came out last month --- it's been over THREE YEARS.

Time for an apology and a promise of a better DVR. Panasonic maybe?

The FCC actually did something good for the consumer, in that they are allowing manufacturers to produce set-top boxes. Comcast tried, unsuccessfully, to block it so that they can continue their monopoly and gouging of their cutomers by forcing them to use these outdated, second-rate Motorola boxes.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/fcc-rejects-comcasts-appeal-cable/story.aspx?guid=%7BF43ADE20-A23E-4580-B5A0-F01F93BB46D2%7D


The day I can send Comcast's Motorola box back to them and choose my own box will be a great one indeed.

The problem with that logic is that the Motorola boxes work fine for so many people. If people were switching to satellite in large numbers because the Motorola boxes were not "up to the task" then you can bet that the cable companies that issue them would do something about it.

I think it's more a case of momentum and avoiding inconvenience. Everybody I know hates the damned things, but for most people it just isn't important enough to do anything about it. Also, a lot of people either don't realize better alternatives are available, or they aren't sure whether the alternatives are actually any better -- the "devil you know" mindset.

I suppose you might characterize tis as "working fine" but it doesn't quite support a conclusion that there still aren't problems that really ought to received more attention by now.

Also, a lot of people either don't realize better alternatives are availableI think that's actually off-target. Everything has problems. I have a TiVo Series 3, along with the DCT-3416, and I cannot tell you that one is significantly worse than the other: It is all a matter of what you're using. You're going to find fault with it, no matter what. "The grass is always greener..."

I suppose you might characterize tis as "working fine" but it doesn't quite support a conclusion that there still aren't problems that really ought to received more attention by now.Your assertion falls apart with the word "ought". Who dictates what "ought" to happen? Each side in a transaction will have its own perspectives on that, but all that really matters is which "ought's" the two sides AGREE on -- a contract is a meeting of the minds. Reality is dictated not by an individual for themselves, but rather for society for all of its members. Very philosophical, I know, but it explains why folks shouldn't expect to see anything change, and explains why folks shouldn't take the situation as a personal affront (as many seem to).

I think this philosophizing is ridiculous. The hardware is substandard, and the only reason it hasn't been addressed is because there isn't enough competition in the market to force Comcast to address it.

In the current system we've got, to even try out another type of hardware for interacting with your TV service, you have to sign a two-year contract with Dish or DirecTV. The cost in terms of time and effort and risk involved in making a switch is very high for consumers. And that means Comcast can give its customers crap for hardware, and most of them will just deal with it because there are few other options. The fact that Comcast has gotten away with using poor equipment with known issues and low customer satisfaction for so long is simply a function of customers having few good options and little ability to make a real comparison.

Look at every other piece of technology you use in your life--your cell phone, your MP3 player, your TV, your stereo. You can't seriously tell me that you would accept the kind of poor functionality from those technologies that you're so blase about with regard to your DVR. You just wouldn't. Nobody who posts here would. If any of those devices gave you the level of overall quality of experience you get from your Comcast DVR, you'd dump them in a second in favor of somebody else's technology. And you'd likely pay a lot less for it, because there would be dozens of companies trying to give you the best experience possible for the lowest cost. Hell, even if Comcast just allowed two or three different companies to offer STBs and compete for their customers, the vast majority of these issues would have been resolved years ago, and we'd have much, much better hardware.

Very well stated slightlyjaded.

I think this philosophizing is ridiculous. The hardware is substandard, and the only reason it hasn't been addressed is because there isn't enough competition in the market to force Comcast to address it.

In the current system we've got, to even try out another type of hardware for interacting with your TV service, you have to sign a two-year contract with Dish or DirecTV. The cost in terms of time and effort and risk involved in making a switch is very high for consumers. And that means Comcast can give its customers crap for hardware, and most of them will just deal with it because there are few other options. The fact that Comcast has gotten away with using poor equipment with known issues and low customer satisfaction for so long is simply a function of customers having few good options and little ability to make a real comparison.

Look at every other piece of technology you use in your life--your cell phone, your MP3 player, your TV, your stereo. You can't seriously tell me that you would accept the kind of poor functionality from those technologies that you're so blase about with regard to your DVR. You just wouldn't. Nobody who posts here would. If any of those devices gave you the level of overall quality of experience you get from your Comcast DVR, you'd dump them in a second in favor of somebody else's technology. And you'd likely pay a lot less for it, because there would be dozens of companies trying to give you the best experience possible for the lowest cost. Hell, even if Comcast just allowed two or three different companies to offer STBs and compete for their customers, the vast majority of these issues would have been resolved years ago, and we'd have much, much better hardware.

I never post. But I have read everything on this thread, for YEARS.

I have had and still have and have paid for, also for years, more than 10 (ten) different DCH's, and DCT's, suffered through the stupidity of no 5.1 on the DCH. The random lost in space stacking of commands on *both*, the totally dead box on *both*, the "let me send you a hit" countless times on *both*, the "your signal level is low", and countless other voodoo as excuses for a *barely* acceptable piece of equipment.

*If* there was a better alternative I would try it in a heart beat. And I don't need any we suck less than Dish/DirecTV comparisons...nor any Tivo is better comparisons. Sucking less is not what I want to pay for, any company that uses that as their selling point either has not enough competition and/or arrogantly assumes their customer base is stupid.

What slightlyjaded wrote is 100% spot on. End of story.

...What slightlyjaded wrote is 100% spot on. End of story.

+100

Very well stated slightlyjaded.

I have to agree. Cable boxes generally suck and the only reason we're still stuck with them is because there's no real competition either with the cable boxes directly or even in general between tv providers.

The only thing I disagree with slightly is that you do see some of the same thing with cell phones and the vendor lock ins, contracts and disabled features but it's not nearly as bad.

*If* there was a better alternative I would try it in a heart beat.And then complain about that. Negativity is a national pastime. If the box was as bad as folks are trying to suggest here, they would do without it. :rolleyes:

And then complain about that. Negativity is a national pastime. If the box was as bad as folks are trying to suggest here, they would do without it. :rolleyes:

Now that is bullsh*t, show me where I have complained, ANYWHERE, in this thread except for todays post after my 10+ COMCAST boxes?

I'll wait....

If you think that what you posted isn't a complaint, then we have no common language with which to have a discussion.

If you think that what you posted isn't a complaint, then we have no common language with which to have a discussion.

Now that is bullsh*t, show me where I have complained, ANYWHERE, in this thread except for todays post after my 10+ COMCAST boxes?

I'll wait....

I am pretty sure I said that today's post, my ONLY post in this forum *was* a complaint. What part about "except for todays post" do you not understand?

Are you being obtuse or conveniently dense? :)

Like I mentioned in a previous post. AVS Forums has a good deal of influence now. It's a good idea to send someone in here to "smooth" out all those bad posts.

Endg*get (and others) has been known to quote/highlight this forum. If they got the vibe of really unhappy Moto/Comcast DVR customers it may get more press. That's the last thing C* needs right now.

They are loosing customers at a somewhat alarming rate. Plus, stock is way down. Most press is bad. Had to raise rates to maintain profit margins. etc.

If Comcast finally comes out with a decent DVR I'll give them credit. The problem is, it should have happened a couple years ago.

P.S. I have no association with anything involved with TV, electronics, press, public relations, etc. Just a Comcast customer who wants a mediocre product for a high price.

Had to raise rates to maintain profit margins. etc.


When have you known them not to raise rates annually?

I can not recall one year without a rate increase over the last 10 years regarding my account. IMO, the controlling shareholders are very clever people with a knack for making money with their baby, but not necessarily for their non-controlling shareholders ;)

I deal with Comcast cable boxes/DVRs every day at work and they really are terrible. The hardware is poor and the software is even worse. I have never dealt with a more buggy and unresponsive DVR. They freeze, they lag, they downright quit working at random times. They are painfully slow to respond to remote commands. Pause, for example, exhibits at least a 4 second delay before the screen jerks and it finally pauses. That is a symptom of very poor optimization and coding.

I have experience with Comcast, DirecTV, Tivo, and Dish. The Dish VIP722 HD DVR is definitely my choice as the best DVR. It is based on excellent hardware with excellent software to boot. Mine has NEVER froze, rebooted, or hiccuped in any way. The user interface is excellent and the unit responds to commands instantly with no lag what-so-ever. Comcast could REALLY learn a few things (everything) from the VIP722.

Shouldn't it be a given that the Moto boxes are pieces of ****? Can anyone defend them honestly? Why would anyone suggest we shouldn't complain about them? Audio drop outs constantly? Reboots? Sluggish. Delay in the communication between remote and box, on and on. Yes, we complain, in hopes that someone is listening and at some point we get one that works.

And then complain about that. Negativity is a national pastime. If the box was as bad as folks are trying to suggest here, they would do without it. :rolleyes:

To dismiss complaints about a substandard product with known issues as merely a character flaw of the user is both insulting and intellectually dishonest.

I consider myself a fairly informed consumer. Anybody who's posting here is likely in that category. As an informed consumer living in a golden age of a/v technology, I actually tend to get pretty good value for my technology dollars the vast majority of the time. I expect most people here have the same experience.

I don't come here to complain about my TVs (Toshiba and Sony), my stereo (Denon), or my MP3 player (iRiver) because all of them do a generally excellent job and provide excellent value. (In fact, I am happy to evangelize these products to anybody who's interested in hearing about them.)

I complain about my Motorola DVR because I've had an extremely poor experience using it. The hundreds of people in this thread and others who have complained about this product are complaining because they've had an extremely poor experience using it. There is no deep Freudian issue at work here. It's a poor product, and the only reason many of us use it is because we have few other viable choices. Save the psycho analysis.

Adding to that thought; I don't know of a single person who uses this box (3416)that doesn't absolutely hate it when it "acts" up which is frequently. Seriously, bicker1 must have loved the Corvair.

The boxes don't "act up" as much as critics in this thread are trying to assert. The boxes are not perfect, but they do the job, well enough that millions of customers continue to use them. I see no problem with people complaining; I just keep those complaints in context: You "don't like" these boxes. You find them frustrating. However, most of you still use them. That speaks far more convincingly that your attempts to disparage the boxes. In a nutshell, I find the dichotomy of using the boxes and still refusing to acknowledge that they're good enough for their purpose to be self-deceptive.

We don't have a choice. How could you not see that. In my case, I've been with *D* and preferred *C*. *C* doesn't offer a choice if you want to record hi-def. The TivoHD or Series 3 are 1 way only and the wife likes "on demand". It's not like we choose this box over a dozen other choices. I think you want to argue for arguments sake.

You do have a choice. As a matter of fact, you have made choices, choices that basically reflect your perspective that boxes are the best option for you.

Since VOD is so important.:rolleyes:
How can anyone who represents Comcast say you can use another DVR?:eek:

Can't use VOD on "other" DVR's. That's not a choice. Especially, since Comcast claims how great VOD service is.:rolleyes:

Game:set:match:cool:

On the choice issue anyway

...Seriously, bicker1 must have loved the Corvair.

The Corvair got a bum rap. Nader is the one who is "unsafe at any speed".

Since VOD is so important.:rolleyes:VOD and PPV are critical aspects of MSO strategy.

How can anyone who represents Comcast say you can use another DVR?:eek:As far as I know, no one who has posted in this thread recently represents, or even has anything to do with, Comcast. You must be thinking of another thread. There is a Comcast Rep that does post, but again, not in this thread, at least not in the last bunch of pages.

Can't use VOD on "other" DVR's. That's not a choice.Comcast typically provides a non-DVR box for folks who want to take advantage of VOD and PPV. I seem to remember folks mentioning that they've gotten it gratis, as part of their fee for CableCards.

On the choice issue anywayYou have made your choices. Now you're complaining about them. And that's "okay". However, they are still your choices.

The Corvair got a bum rap. Nader is the one who is "unsafe at any speed".

Yugo, I meant Yugo.

The problem with that logic is that the Motorola boxes work fine for so many people. If people were switching to satellite in large numbers because the Motorola boxes were not "up to the task" then you can bet that the cable companies that issue them would do something about it.


So where is the problem with that logic? The FCC wants to open the market up, so that consumers have a choice on what STB they use rather than be stuck with Comcast's horrible hardware.

Comcast's Motorola boxes are not "up to the task". They are outdated, underperforming, and poorly programed units. Comcast has no interest in how well these units perform, their only interest is in maximizing their profits from them. I'm not criticizing Comcast for this, it's their job to make profits. What I am criticizing them for is trying to block the FCC from allowing other companies to make a better alternative. They want a stranglehold on the STB's in their market, and this benefits no-one but Comcast. There are many people that would buy a STB from another company rather than pay for the outdated Comcast box (although "outdated" is not really the best term to use: these units were never very good even when they were first released).

I was walking through the mall the other day, and there was a Comcast kiosk set up. In their display there was a newer version of their box, I'm not sure the exact make or model. I asked the Comcast rep and before I could even finish my sentence he stated "..this box is basically the same as the Motorola you have now: it doesn't fix the lag/performance/dropout issues of the current STB...". Comcast knows their equipment is crap, and they only want to keep it in service as long as they possibly can.

Comcast knows their equipment is crap, and they only want to keep it in service as long as they possibly can.

Business School 101 ..... that's the American (Globalization) way :)

I was walking through the mall the other day, and there was a Comcast kiosk set up. In their display there was a newer version of their box, I'm not sure the exact make or model. I asked the Comcast rep and before I could even finish my sentence he stated "..this box is basically the same as the Motorola you have now: it doesn't fix the lag/performance/dropout issues of the current STB...". Comcast knows their equipment is crap, and they only want to keep it in service as long as they possibly can.

LOL funny.

Must be just a few folks having problems:D

It's the same basic thing I get from CSR's. Most Comcast people will all but "verbally" directly admit it.

Hopefully the new boxes are more "on the way" than "next year".

I'm hoping those PANNY boxes with myTV might be the answer.

P.S. "choices" are no excuse for bad hardware.

So where is the problem with that logic? The FCC wants to open the market up, so that consumers have a choice on what STB they useI disagree. I believe, by the actual words and the actual actions of the FCC, that the FCC wanted to open the market up so other CE manufacturers had the ability to sell STBs. Beyond that, the FCC, by its actions, has effectively abrogated their intentions in this regard, so much so that whatever their intentions were simply no longer matter -- they are not doing what you want them to, and they won't.

Comcast's Motorola boxes are not "up to the task".Yes they are.

P.S. "choices" are no excuse for bad hardware.Customer acceptance is all that is necessary. And that's what they got, by the millions.

Yes they are.

Well, they CERTAINLY aren't up to the task of letting you use the guide while both tuners are tuned to HD channels. Try it some time. Most of your commands will be delayed. And, they won't catch up and execute as a group, they will dribble out over a few minutes' time. This happens every time the STB is used in this way. My record is 8 minutes to execute commands. Once in a while, they will freeze your box, and you will have to reboot it to get it to work again. Face it. NO ONE would use these boxes if Comcast offered an alternative.

Comcast is the lowest of low life's and has no interest in any thing but their way and $$$$

http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/13064.cfm

Glad I went to Dish. Their equipment is 100 times better and most important, IT WORKS! The only drawback I have found with dish is not being able to record external of the DVR. Comcast ( and broadcast flags) is limiting the ability to do that so much now it's really not a big deal.

Well, they CERTAINLY aren't up to the task of letting you use the guide while both tuners are tuned to HD channels. Try it some time.I do it all the time. My current DCT-3416 works fine. I'm sorry that you're having trouble with yours.

NO ONE would use these boxes if Comcast offered an alternative.Two things: First, there are a lot of alternatives that have just as many issues as the Motorola DVRs. Second, the ones that don't has as many issues would be worth more, and so if Comcast offered a choice between the two, they'd better charge significantly more for the better boxes. In turn, the vast majority of consumers would therefore choose the lower priced Motorola DVR box because it is less expensive but still is up to the task, just like they choose the Motorola DVR over buying their own TiVo HD DVR, because it is a more convenient choice for them.

I do it all the time. My current DCT-3416 works fine. I'm sorry that you're having trouble with yours.

Two things: First, there are a lot of alternatives that have just as many issues as the Motorola DVRs. Second, the ones that don't has as many issues would be worth more, and so if Comcast offered a choice between the two, they'd better charge significantly more for the better boxes. In turn, the vast majority of consumers would therefore choose the lower priced Motorola DVR box because it is less expensive but still is up to the task, just like they choose the Motorola DVR over buying their own TiVo HD DVR, because it is a more convenient choice for them.

If you're happy with your box, good for you. There are many, many people who would like a better box than the one Comcast offers. I know this because Comcast employees, both on the phone and in person, have openly told me that the box performs poorly and people complain all the time.

I don't really understand why you are here on a soapbox stating how we should all be happy with these boxes just because you like yours. The FACT is that there are major problems with these boxes, and many people don't like them. Many of the people who do like them simply don't know any better, and are new to HDTV and don't even realize that a STB doesn't have to perform so poorly. Hopefully Comcast loses their appeal to the FCC ruling, and we can go get our own STB and not the crap offered by Comcast.

Well, they CERTAINLY aren't up to the task of letting you use the guide while both tuners are tuned to HD channels. Try it some time.

I do it all the time. My current DCT-3416 works fine. I'm sorry that you're having trouble with yours.
.

Frankly, I don't believe you. Since I realized that the command execution problem was exacerbated by having one or two HD channels tuned, I have relayed that info to my friends. They have tried it, and gotten exactly the same effect of greatly increased delays. It is hardly just my box.

Well, they CERTAINLY aren't up to the task of letting you use the guide while both tuners are tuned to HD channels. Try it some time. Most of your commands will be delayed. And, they won't catch up and execute as a group, they will dribble out over a few minutes' time. This happens every time the STB is used in this way. My record is 8 minutes to execute commands. Once in a while, they will freeze your box, and you will have to reboot it to get it to work again. Face it. NO ONE would use these boxes if Comcast offered an alternative.

My nearly 2 year old DCT3412 in my home office ocassionally gets hung up and commands are delayed (about 2 times a week). It gets used pretty hard with lots of dual recording and is on about 12 hours every day while I work from my home office. Never really knew what caused it to hang until I saw your suggestion about being tuned to two HD channels ... Thanks!

I've had it simulaneously tuned to two different HD channels for several hours now trying to get it to hang, but it has not happened yet .... all guide and menu and play commands work nearly instantly.

Similar story on my DCH3416 in another room that gets much less daily use (maybe 2 or 3 hours a day).

I wonder what I've been doing wrong to have them both working pretty good ever since I've had them?

Okay, Bicker, I take it back, I guess I accept what you said. George-O, I am at a loss to explain why terrible performance is easily repeatable where I live, and you have few problems under the same conditions.

Here in Ann Arbor, I hadn't had the command problem with any great frequency up until a little over a year ago. It only became almost constant for me when CNN went HD, and I had it tuned most of the time when using the guide. When I tune to two SD channels, I almost never have command execution issues. I think we are still on 16.35, if that could make a difference. But, I have three other friends in the same area, one on the far side of town, who are able to reproduce the same effect. That seemed pretty conclusive to me that it isn't just my box, and, locally at least, seems system wide. But of course, 4 boxes is a small sample.

It only became almost constant for me when CNN went HD, ..........

We don't merit CNN HD yet in Oregon ..... that could be the difference.

If you're happy with your box, good for you. There are many, many people who would like a better box than the one Comcast offers.I have one of those, too. Regardless, what people "would like" almost never matters in business. I'd like my boss to double my salary; there are "many, many people" who would like their boss to double their salary. And "many, many people" who would like airfares to be cut in half. And "many, many people" who would like Scion to make their inexpensive cars bigger and better than Honda's and Toyota's. That's just not going to happen, though.

I don't really understand why you are here on a soapbox stating how we should all be happy with these boxes just because you like yours.First, I haven't said WORD ONE about people being "happy". If you're going to argue with me, at least have the decency of arguing with what I actually did say, instead of what is easier to argue against.

Second, my contributions are intended to provide balance, and comments like mine are intended to ensure that this nationally-renown website doesn't get a reputation for being blindly consumerist. No perspective deserves an un-rebutted soap-box, and readers are poorly served by getting the impression that this pie-in-the-sky perspective I'm arguing against is a reasonable basis for their own expectations. People should set their expectations based on what we know to be the real and actual equipment performance and service quality levels, not what we would "like" or want the equipment performance and service quality levels to be. The alternative just serves to set readers up for more and deeper disappointment and dissatisfaction. Without balance, online discussions tend to travel a helix of self-fulfilling perceived degradation.

Beyond that, the reality is that there is no benefit to the companies we're talking about to come here and give credence to your arguments by defending their positions. Acknowledge at least that by presenting what is likely their arguments to you I'm showing you respect that they are refusing to show you. You're welcome.

The FACT is that there are major problems with these boxesI never said that there were no problems with some of these boxes. However, you're wrong about what you've said here in the absolute. I have one of these boxes. It does not have major problems. Therefore "these boxes" don't have major problems. Some of these boxes have major problems. BIG difference, and really part of my point. And keep in mind, here I'm arguing with what you actually did say, taking issue with how your bias has prompted you to assert something which is misleading.

and many people don't like them.You're again arguing against something I didn't say -- something that no one has said. Indeed, *I* have even made the point about people not "liking" them. That's part of my argument -- it is a big disingenuous of you to try to make it sound like I haven't acknowledged that when I have actually asserted it.

Many of the people who do like them simply don't know any better, and are new to HDTV and don't even realize that a STB doesn't have to perform so poorly.Your overt disrespect for others is noted. I'll let it stand on its own.

Hopefully Comcast loses their appeal to the FCC ruling, and we can go get our own STB and not the crap offered by Comcast.I don't think you know what you're talking about. I already have my own STB, apart from the one that Comcast provides me.

Frankly, I don't believe you. Since I realized that the command execution problem was exacerbated by having one or two HD channels tuned, I have relayed that info to my friends. They have tried it, and gotten exactly the same effect of greatly increased delays. It is hardly just my box.It is your prerogative what to believe and not believe. Understand that different boxes, even within the same model, have radically different performance profiles. My DCT-3412 performed radically-differently from how my DCT-3416 performs... given that the only obvious difference was the hard drive size, how do you account for that?

The reality, based on more than just two people, is that if you swap out your box a few times, you end up getting one that works great. If you're unwilling to do that for yourself, that's your prerogative.

As I read through the variety of Comcast customer experiences with these DVR/STBs, I think we should remember that we are receiving SERVICES from Comcast. The hardware installed in our homes is necessary to make those Comcast services work. Other necessary components include the head end equipment, the transport facilities and more.

Perhaps one reason the customer experiences and satisfaction vary so much is because the combinations and performance quality of these components can vary between Comcast service areas. The STB can be a physical constant that is easily visible to us, but it cannot function without the other components of the Comcast service delivery system.

So, assuming the DVR/STBs for the most part are constants (given the same firmware levels), perhaps the variables affecting service performance occur elsewhere in the overall system, such as head end equipment that hosts these DVR/STB boxes.

We tend to express our frustrations with the services not working up to expectations by indicating that the DVR/STB is not working right, in part because that is the system component we can see.

The fact that, in some communities, the system provides acceptable and consistent service quality indicates to me that the engineering and design is adequate and can be successful. The fact that the service quality is not so good in other communities tells me that the system and its components vary and that the execution of installing, configuring and operating the system is not consistent across Comcast service areas.

Just my humble opinion, based in part on being a Comcast (and its predecessors in our area, including TCI and AT&T) subscriber for over 20 years in the same location with varying levels of quality of service over that time. It became so bad in the late 90's that I switched my primary service to DirecTV and only keep Comcast cable TV as a discounted $3 backup in conjunction with my cable modem broadband service.

As I read through the variety of Comcast customer experiences with these DVR/STBs, I think we should remember that we are receiving SERVICES from Comcast. The hardware installed in our homes is necessary to make those Comcast services work. Other necessary components include the head end equipment, the transport facilities and more.

Perhaps one reason the customer experiences and satisfaction vary so much is because the combinations and performance quality of these components can vary between Comcast service areas. The STB can be a physical constant that is easily visible to us, but it cannot function without the other components of the Comcast service delivery system.

So, assuming the DVR/STBs for the most part are constants (given the same firmware levels), perhaps the variables affecting service performance occur elsewhere in the overall system, such as head end equipment that hosts these DVR/STB boxes.

We tend to express our frustrations with the services not working up to expectations by indicating that the DVR/STB is not working right, in part because that is the system component we can see.

The fact that, in some communities, the system provides acceptable and consistent service quality indicates to me that the engineering and design is adequate and can be successful. The fact that the service quality is not so good in other communities tells me that the system and its components vary and that the execution of installing, configuring and operating the system is not consistent across Comcast service areas.

Just my humble opinion, based in part on being a Comcast (and its predecessors in our area, including TCI and AT&T) subscriber for over 20 years in the same location with varying levels of quality of service over that time. It became so bad in the late 90's that I switched my primary service to DirecTV and only keep Comcast cable TV as a discounted $3 backup in conjunction with my cable modem broadband service.

I'd say to a small extent yes, but for the most part the problems on these threads the boxes really are the main problem.

Perhaps one reason the customer experiences and satisfaction vary so much is because the combinations and performance quality of these components can vary between Comcast service areas. The STB can be a physical constant that is easily visible to us, but it cannot function without the other components of the Comcast service delivery system.

So, assuming the DVR/STBs for the most part are constants (given the same firmware levels), perhaps the variables affecting service performance occur elsewhere in the overall system, such as head end equipment that hosts these DVR/STB boxes.Good points, but I think that still assumes that every instance of a certain model of electronics equipment is the same, and that's simply not the case. Some pieces of electronics are simply more prone to significant differences in performance between ostensibly "identical" boxes even within the same (external) environmental parameters. My experience in particular: Some instances of Motorola DCT-series DVR had problems; some didn't; and the difference was not attributable to any of the obvious differences between the actual boxes. The differences between these boxes are like the differences between my brother, who suffers from McArdle's disease, and myself. "Stuff" happens, and things that should work the same simply don't, sometimes.

We tend to express our frustrations with the services not working up to expectations by indicating that the DVR/STB is not working right, in part because that is the system component we can see.And to be clear, I want the folks who were objecting to what I was saying before, and who are now going to be objecting to what you're saying here, to know that I don't agree with this. I think the issue is with the boxes we can see, much more so than the system components we cannot see -- that the most likely reason why most of the millions of people pay for the use of these boxes each month is that they have good ones.

And this is consistent with the rest of the industry. I've had two TiVo Series 3 DVRs. The first one did not work with digital cable not matter how much work both myself and my cable company put into trying to get it to work. The second one worked immediately, and has never exhibited any trouble (with regard to the kind of issues we're discussing in this thread). Two boxes, ostensibly identical in every way, exhibited completely different performance characteristics. "Stuff" happens.

I have one of those, too. Regardless, what people "would like" almost never matters in business. I'd like my boss to double my salary; there are "many, many people" who would like their boss to double their salary. And "many, many people" who would like airfares to be cut in half. And "many, many people" who would like Scion to make their inexpensive cars bigger and better than Honda's and Toyota's. That's just not going to happen, though.

If you don't like your job, you can go get a new one. If you think your airfare is too high, fly another airline. That's called competition. Comcast has no competition for the STB's they offer, therefore they keep this outdated hardware in service. Oh, and Scions are made by Toyota.

First, I haven't said WORD ONE about people being "happy". If you're going to argue with me, at least have the decency of arguing with what I actually did say, instead of what is easier to argue against.

Second, my contributions are intended to provide balance, and comments like mine are intended to ensure that this nationally-renown website doesn't get a reputation for being blindly consumerist. No perspective deserves an un-rebutted soap-box, and readers are poorly served by getting the impression that this pie-in-the-sky perspective I'm arguing against is a reasonable basis for their own expectations. People should set their expectations based on what we know to be the real and actual equipment performance and service quality levels, not what we would "like" or want the equipment performance and service quality levels to be. The alternative just serves to set readers up for more and deeper disappointment and dissatisfaction. Without balance, online discussions tend to travel a helix of self-fulfilling perceived degradation.

Beyond that, the reality is that there is no benefit to the companies we're talking about to come here and give credence to your arguments by defending their positions. Acknowledge at least that by presenting what is likely their arguments to you I'm showing you respect that they are refusing to show you. You're welcome.

Sometimes the truth hurts. You can pander to Comcast all you want, but I believe people deserve better, and have the right to expect better performance. I see no "balance" in the sugar-coated spin you're taking with these units. Bottom line: these units underperform, and the only way Comcast will offer anything better is if enough people complain.

I never said that there were no problems with some of these boxes. However, you're wrong about what you've said here in the absolute. I have one of these boxes. It does not have major problems. Therefore "these boxes" don't have major problems. Some of these boxes have major problems. BIG difference, and really part of my point. And keep in mind, here I'm arguing with what you actually did say, taking issue with how your bias has prompted you to assert something which is misleading.

I disagree. These boxes perform poorly. A GUI that looks like it was designed by a third-grader, pathetically small hard-drive, slow response times..... I could go on and on here, but the fact is many people are not satisfied with their performance. 'Nuff said.

You're again arguing against something I didn't say -- something that no one has said. Indeed, *I* have even made the point about people not "liking" them. That's part of my argument -- it is a big disingenuous of you to try to make it sound like I haven't acknowledged that when I have actually asserted it.

Your overt disrespect for others is noted. I'll let it stand on its own.

I don't think you know what you're talking about. I already have my own STB, apart from the one that Comcast provides me.

There was no disrespect to anyone. Some people simply do not know any better because they are new to the world of HDTV, DVR's, etc. The bottom line is I agree with the FCC: third-party manufacturers should have the opportunity to offer the consumer a STB. If the 3416 were a good product in the first place, Comcast wouldn't have to go to the expense of fighting the FCC on the issue, but the fact is they know it is a second-rate product that many consumers would replace at their first opportunity. A little competition never hurt anyone......

what people "would like" almost never matters in business.

WoW! I'm sorry.

I still don't understand why expecting mediocre service OR half of what's promised is too much to expect.

I'm afraid what customers want is why Comcast is jamming all those HD channels in their system.
What customers want is why Comcast came out with these boxes.

These are things than Comcast had NO INTEREST in doing. But they HAVE to; because that's what CUSTOMERS have shown they want by switching to other services.

So businesses, EVEN CABLE:D, DO do what people want.
Cable just takes longer than most that's all. That's where all this complaining comes in. We are helping Comcast become a better business;)

I don't make excuses, I create expectations. And in the end isn't better service going to help them do better??
So drop the excuses and help us help Comcast!! Before they keep loosing more customers to better services.
Fix the boxes and we can all have a better world, together:)

I have a dream:p A dream where Stargate Atlantis id recorded without pixelization!!!:)

I have a dream:p A dream where I don't have to delete Celebrity Rehab 20 times each week.

I have a dream:p A dream where when I press a button on the remote, it happens............1...2....3....4....20....21....almost immediately.
:D

I have a................................Dream (darn that remote):)

If you don't like your job, you can go get a new one. If you think your airfare is too high, fly another airline. That's called competition. Comcast has no competition for the STB's they offerSure they do. As I said, I have one of those too.

Sometimes the truth hurts.Perhaps that's why so many of you have problems with my postings. :)

You can pander to Comcast all you wantI couldn't give a rat's ear about Comcast. What I care about is capitalism, and people holding reasonable expectations based on explicit promises, not hopes and dreams

but I believe people deserve better and have the right to expect better performance.Yet you have not deigned to provide any substantiation for such an absolute, moralistic assertion of what people deserve. It's a bit like telling me that I should believe in your religion. :shrug: Sorry, but there is a right to religious freedom in this country, and my religion "honors reality" -- explicitly.

I see no "balance" in the sugar-coated spin you're taking with these units.There is no sugar-coating. I'm presenting the actual truth, unfiltered by any consumerist bias. The reality, based on my belief about how millions of people receive these boxes, not just a vocal few. Not because the vocal few are less important than the rest, but because what people can expect is going to be driven by what the vast majority do. And that's true no matter whether or not any of us like it.

There was no disrespect to anyone. Some people simply do not know any better because they are new to the world of HDTV, DVR's, etc.I find it interesting that you repeated your disparaging generalization in your defense against the accusation that you were disrespectful. I'll try to clarify it for you: People can actually disagree with you, without there being any lack of understanding or knowledge, and without any flaw in their character. Reasonable people can disagree, and we're talking millions of people here paying the rental fee on these boxes every month.

The bottom line is I agree with the FCC: third-party manufacturers should have the opportunity to offer the consumer a STB.So do I. And they do have that opportunity. The fact that only one cares to offer a product, and at that only offer a DVR, indicates just how little people in generally care about having such a product available to them.

Just to toss another 2 cents into the discussion - I now have a Tivo HD, purely because of the ability to upgrade the hard drive. Tivo has the worst implementation of FF speeds of any DVR I've seen. Good luck if you wanna skim thru a program to find a particular scene.

And don't get me started on Tivo's vaunted UI...

I still don't understand why expecting mediocre service OR half of what's promised is too much to expect.I can understand having such a confusion if you have a warped sense of what was promised. However, if you base your expectations on what is explicitly promised, including all the terms and conditions, then you'd realize that mediocre service is actually ALL of what's promised. Past history clearly demonstrates that expecting what you're expecting, i.e., more than what's promised, is not reasonable.

I'm afraid what customers want is why Comcast is jamming all those HD channels in their system.Close but not quite. Rather, Comcast is jamming all the HD channels into their systems because DirecTV's extremely effective PR campaign made the number of HD channels an important criteria for customers selecting and/or switching service providers. Again, it has nothing to do with what anyone "likes" -- it has to do with money.

I don't make excuses, I create expectations.You create false expectations, fostering dissatisfaction. I don't think that helps the casual reader coming to these forums for help in understanding what they can expect to get from their service providers.

So drop the excuses and help us help Comcast!! I'm not trafficking in excuses. I'm trafficking in reality. I'm here to help consumers who want to be satisfied with their subscription television service. I'm not here to help Comcast, or to help consumers who want to be dissatisfied with their subscription television service.

Well it's good to know we've reached the sentence-by-sentence quote-fest stage again.

That at least usually means the arguing will stop within a page or two.

I'm not sure how folks prefer it; or perhaps different folks prefer it different ways. When I respond to the points without the quotes, I often get complaints about being selective about what I'm replying to, typically because folks don't realized which response pertains to which point made. Regardless, I'd be happy to just post my replies in their own context, without quoting, if you'd be willing to take responsibility if I get any static from anyone that is related to what I respond to and what I don't respond to. :)

Bicker you take this all WAAAY too seriously.:(

Gotta have a sense of humor.:D

Also gotta let things go.:p

Can't argue with everyone else forever.:confused:
Or change the minds of people who really hate these DVR's

Can you?:o

Try me. :)

Attempts at humor or deflation never work. Most people would be friendly and respond with like. It's kind of a good test. Take things VERY seriously. A little arrogance, when prompted.

To do this right though you should post in more than one general area. That's what I noticed first. If you are always in the same place it becomes more obvious. Lack of humor. You don't seem like a regular poster them. Maybe inexperience.

My experience is that it will go on forever until the others get tired or bored. You drown out the majority through endless circular arguments and deflection and "if you don't like it". Sometimes the moderators will shut down or throw water on things; that's a victory. Don't get personal or call names; that'll get you warnings. If the thread gets deleted that's another victory.

Eventually, they become the majority posters; which is happening already. This knocks out the more timid people.

Almost every negative post will be responded to. Little to no ground will be given. Another hope is that people will take "the other side" with them (there's usually someone) or fight the majority because they just want an end to the back and forth. Watch out for low post count posters.

Of course, with these DVR's there are not many defenders. I'm sure that's been a little disappointing.

Maybe if you just focused on discussing DVRs instead of discussing posters, this thread would make a lot more sense to you.

I couldn't give a rat's ear about Comcast. What I care about is capitalism, and people holding reasonable expectations based on explicit promises, not hopes and dreams

Glad to hear that you care about capitalism! And so it seems that everyone here would agree...capitalism is what provides the opportunity for competition in this "TV" marketplace.

We need to be careful when we expect that competition to be present, versus recognizing the opportunity is there. Some endeavors are extraordinarily difficult and complex to pull off with any degree of success.

I can see your points bicker, and am sympathetic to them. But due to my experience with about 9 different moto boxes over the last couple years, my faith in the Motorola platform has disappeared.

Yes, I said faith. See, in scientific research you can't base a lack of response or "non reports" with regards to SOLICITED feedback as "satisfactory". So just because millions of people tacitly pay Comcast every month doesn't necessarily mean that they are satisfied to the level you assert - rather, it is more likely an indication that they aren't dissatisfied enough to cancel/switch.

I think it is fair to say on balance the boxes deliver the promised services to a somewhat acceptable extent. I think that is what you - bicker - are trying to make clear for good reason. Most of the folks here are enthusiasts, and therefore expect much more than the average "Joe".

It is also fair to say that from a quality control perspective the track record with these boxes is abysmal. Luckily, we have the ability to go get any number of Tivo boxes, can switch to a satellite provider (some can), can choose OTA options, etc. There still are problems, but for me I'm going to remain "not quite dissatisfied enough" to switch.

Sure the commands piling up frustrates my entire family - with ALL the box swaps we've done. And yes, I can't get HDCP handshakes when an AV switch is in the mix. But, in the end the box behaves 95% of the time.

:confused::rolleyes:;):D:mad:

I can understand having such a confusion if you have a warped sense of what was promised. However, if you base your expectations on what is explicitly promised, including all the terms and conditions, then you'd realize that mediocre service is actually ALL of what's promised. Past history clearly demonstrates that expecting what you're expecting, i.e., more than what's promised, is not reasonable.

This is total BS. Mediocre service is not what is promised.

Quoting from the booklet titled "Using Your Built-in Digital Video Recorder" published by Comcast that I was given with my DVR (with my emphasis added):

Pg 7: Under Pause a Live Recording - "Use Pause to instantly freeze the action"

Pg 7: Under View an Instant Replay - "Immediately repeat the last 15 seconds of a live program or a recording."

Pg 10: Under Series Recording - "You can even skip reruns."

There are a lot of Comcast DVRs out there that cannot do this reliably, including mine. And it is a crapshoot to get one that performs as promised.

Maybe if you just focused on discussing DVRs instead of discussing posters, this thread would make a lot more sense to you.

It must be our warped sense of expectations and our national pastime of negativity that leads us to discuss posters instead of DVRs.

Regardless, what people "would like" almost never matters in business.... ...And "many, many people" who would like Scion to make their inexpensive cars bigger and better than Honda's and Toyota's. That's just not going to happen, though.


Any business that doesn't pay attention to what their customers want won't be in business very long, if they have competition. If what you say were true, all Fords would still be black.

If you want to compare cars to Moto boxes, a better comparison would be a car that won't start braking until a few seconds after you hit the pedal, say 10-20% of the time, because it's computer module is too busy to handle it immediately.

Your basic argument is the Moto boxes don't always work very well, so we shouldn't have 'unrealistic' expectations that they will work well. I have a stack of consumer electronics over 6' tall, not including the display, the main amp, speakers, or turntable. My expectations for the Moto box are based on what my experience of other consumer electronics has been. Sure, there are crap consumer electronics that work worse than Motos. But most of my stuff is average consumer electronics, only a little high-end stuff. And it all works way better than my Moto, and way more reliable. MY DVDR does many of the same functions, and never screws up.

Come on guys, let's call it a draw and go watch some TV, VOD or DVDs this evening.

Okay?

MY DVDR does many of the same functions, and never screws up.

To be fair, your DVD-R doesn't manage program databases, perform conflict resolution, engage in two-way communications, all while simultaneously receiving and recording two broadcast streams, and decoding a third stream in which the video and audio is simultaneously output to multiple ports in different formats.

Our expectations of the end-user experience is certainly shaped by the flawless performance of all our other AV equipment, but the fact is that the only valid comparison is another DVR with similar capabilities. I believe the Comcast offering fails miserably in this regard, as well, but it isn't really fair to truck out any random piece of AV equipment as a comparison.

Any DVR is the most complex piece of AV equipment any of us owns, hands down.

This doesn't excuse the junk Comcast foists upon us (or bicker's bizarre defense of what is clearly a substandard product), but I guess I'm trying to just keep things fair and in perspective...

So just because millions of people tacitly pay Comcast every month doesn't necessarily mean that they are satisfied to the level you assert - rather, it is more likely an indication that they aren't dissatisfied enough to cancel/switch.The only "level I asserted" is is the condition where the customer is paying for the service. That number isn't a matter of "faith" -- it is objective. Businesses don't worry about "faith"... businesses read the market and provide products and services that maximize return to the businesses' owners. That's a science, and a bit of an art, but not a matter of faith.

I think it is fair to say on balance the boxes deliver the promised services to a somewhat acceptable extent.Let's say, to a maximally-profitable extent. At least, that's the objective and probably pretty close to the reality.

I think that is what you - bicker - are trying to make clear for good reason. Most of the folks here are enthusiasts, and therefore expect much more than the average "Joe".There are two groups of enthusiasts here: The advocates and the readers. The latter group seek out this website to gain factual information about the services offered and so this website helps foster their expectations; my goal, as you've indicated, is to help ensure that those expectations are based on reality, not faith.

It is also fair to say that from a quality control perspective the track record with these boxes is abysmal. Luckily, we have the ability to go get any number of Tivo boxes, can switch to a satellite provider (some can), can choose OTA options, etc. There still are problems, but for me I'm going to remain "not quite dissatisfied enough" to switch. This is really a critical point: I have one of those options, having TiVo as well as these Motorola boxes. I paid quite a lot for the privilege, and objectively speaking, given the problems with the TiVo boxes, the Motorola boxes provide service almost as well, and don't require any up-front payment. It's rather disappointing to realize that after-the-fact that, as you say, all these options have their own problems, and therefore they're all roughly comparable to each other; competition and consumer-low-price-fixation has driven the whole industry to the level of quality we experience.

This is really a critical point: I have one of those options, having TiVo as well as these Motorola boxes. I paid quite a lot for the privilege, and objectively speaking, given the problems with the TiVo boxes, the Motorola boxes provide service almost as well, and don't require any up-front payment.

Wanna elaborate a bit on the Tivo problems?

Gary Tait!

Wanna elaborate a bit on the Tivo problems?

The TivoHD and Series 3 have some bugs that have been worked out and will continue to be worked out. That's the big difference between TiVo and the *C* boxes that bicker shills for. The Comcast box will never get better than it is; Tivo will get to the point where it's the perfect HD dvr.

I'm hoping Tivo's dedication to their software on the Comcast Motorola platform is equally aggressive -- and that Comcast's agreement with them doesn't somehow put a damper on that.

that's another matter; remember, the biggest fault of the 3416 is the processor and tivo software won't do much for that. I'm waiting for 2 way TivoHd capability before I make the switch.

Wanna elaborate a bit on the Tivo problems?Not in this thread.

...the fact is that the only valid comparison is another DVR with similar capabilities. I believe the Comcast offering fails miserably in this regard, as well, but it isn't really fair to truck out any random piece of AV equipment as a comparison.


True, but my choice of a DVDR (with a HDD in my case) was hardly random. I chose it because it is the closest to a DVR in function of anything that isn't a DVR. My Pio 640 will play a program from the HDD, or record a program to the HDD, while doing a "disc backup" function. I can edit one thing while recording another. It has many ways of doing multiple functions at once, similar to a DVR. But, your point is well-taken.

The TivoHD and Series 3 have some bugs that have been worked out and will continue to be worked out. That's the big difference between TiVo and the *C* boxes that bicker shills for. The Comcast box will never get better than it is; Tivo will get to the point where it's the perfect HD dvr.

Well, maybe, but it sure has a ways to go...

Hey Bicker, here's another example of how badly this thing sucks... I forgot about this one, but ran across it in my subscriptions list when I was looking for a link to this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=980931

Screw it, I'm going back to Tivo. Somebody posted a cheap-ish Tivo HD woot.com sale yesterday over in the Comcast Tivo thread, and the fantastic suck-factor of the Comcast experience apparently is worth setting $200 on fire just to never have to see iGuide again. Ever. Nice chatting with everyone.

My local Comcast guy claims the first CableCard will cost me $13/month "the same as renting a box", but the second one is $1.50... he wasn't a very bright young fellow, and I suspect he may believe I want a basic cable box so I can get all the crappy PPV and VOD offerings, which I don't want, so I'm hoping I can get the first CableCard more cheaply. Just wondering if anybody has any better info on that, or if it's something that varies widely by market, or what...?

For many people, TiVo is worth the extra up-front cost. Just be aware, as I am, that as things are now, SDV would severely undercut the utility of your TiVo HD.

You'll only need one CableCard for the TiVo HD, as long as it is an M-card. In some areas, they only have S-cards, available, and so you may have to go that way.

Comcast has recently changed their fee structure, reducing or eliminating the CableCard fees (which is heavily regulated) in favor of charging fees for each digital outlet (which is not heavily regulated). That could account for that $13/month number.

Thanks. According to the guy I talked to, M-Card is not available in this area. I'll ask again though. From what I've read, Tivo has SDV support on the way.

Well, that's not clear. First, my understanding is that SDV support for TiVos isn't coming from TiVo... it necessarily needs to come from your cable company. Comcast has indicated that they're willing to provide the "tuning resolver", and they're aiming for 2Q08, but who knows when it will really land, how well it will really work, and how much extra it will cost?

Is it possible to tell the DCH3416 to record a program via the firewire connection. I DON't want to record it on my computer, rather on the STB itself, but schedule it via firewire. If I could do this then my HTPC could control all program recording. Much nicer interface.

Sorry if it's been covered it's just hard to search for as the keywords are very similar to the common topic of recording ONTO the computer.

Sorry to respond to my own post, but I wanted to point out that I am aware of this application by timmmoore. I can't post a link because I'm a new user, but google turns it up with "stb timmmoore"

which does allow channel changing, but I can't get it to schedule a recording on the STB via firewire. Any ideas?

you can change channels and record info over firewire but no way I know of the schedule recordings over the firewire.

Have been reading this thread it's very entertaining. We've experienced several of the problems discussed here, but about 3 or 4 months ago things got better!

We're in the Seattle area and the Comcast/Motorola DCT 3412 DVRs around here all use Microsoft's programming guide software. It worked great when we first got the DVR about two and a half years ago, but then about a year ago Comcast uploaded a firmware update to our DVR and that's when the trouble began. It was sooooo slow we could hardly believe it. Almost every button press resulted in significant lag or delayed action, and this only got worse during the course of the evening. The most aggravating trait was when we tried to fast forward or fast rewind through a recorded scene then press Play. The DVR would simply keep going at high speed through several more minutes of the recorded program. Multiple button presses confused the the DVR even more, resulting in very unpredictable behavior. And if two programs were recording we didn't dare try to play back an already recorded show.

On/off cycles and pulling the power cord out from the back of the DVR then re-booting only helped for a little while before the horribly slow response happened again. Comcast tech support tried various options, too, including reverting to previous firmware versions but, sadly, nothing they did could resolve the problems. They even exchanged the DVR for a different one TWICE to no avail. The tech who came to our house said he believed the problems were widespread but that many customers typically only recorded one program at a time and that during playback most people just let the commercials run at normal speed and maybe they would use the mute button. So, many customers complained as we did, but many more did not!

Finally, Comcast changed the DVR software to something other than Microsoft and - vavoom! - most of the problems were solved overnight. There are occasional slow responses to a button press but not often and, as we learned earlier, pressing the buttons firmly rather than hurriedly makes a positive difference, too! Pausing a live program takes a second or two because the software has to initiate a 15-second buffer-recording action first. But, hey, it's only a second or two delay for this nice feature. And I love the slow motion quality especially on sports.

The big disappointment in all this is that the revised program guide records "encore" showings of a scheduled series recording and it also records lots of re-runs that the program guide fails to recognize as re-runs! So, either we delete the excess stuff before it fills up the DVR or we schedule only single-episode recordings. I say Arrrrgh! to Comcast for that stupid shortcoming.

One more thing. The second time a tech guy brought us a different DVR it was a DCT 3416 so we can now record several more hours of programs than before.

Many people have had the same experience you have. Hopefully, the next (a25) i-guide software "may" help. Was supposed to start rolling out "next several weeks" that was on Comcast's website 3 months ago.
I'm sorry you have had to deal with this bad equipment. Luckily, you have not had to deal with the more than three years of these DVR's. They were MUCH worse at one time.

In the end, new hardware is the answer.


I choose to ignore B**cker1 for his ENDLESS bickering:mad:; I recommend others do as well.:p

...
Pausing a live program takes a second or two because the software has to initiate a 15-second buffer-recording action first.
...


That isn't true. The buffer is continuously being recorded, for far more than that length of time, so there is no such delay.

The last version of the Microsoft guide caused my 3416 to spontaneously reboot when trying to FF or rewind -- cured by reverting to the previous version. I prefer the iGuide, primarily because I can use the 30-second skip, although some things aren't quite as good.

Are there any plans for activating the ethernet port so we could record a program when we are out of the house? This feature would be very beneficial.

Are there any plans for activating the ethernet port so we could record a program when we are out of the house? This feature would be very beneficial.

No. Probably not.
If they haven't in three years....

New boxes "may" be rolling out at the end of the year.
Cable is not know for doing things on time.

The only remote chance would be for TIVO.

Are there any plans for activating the ethernet port so we could record a program when we are out of the house? This feature would be very beneficial.

I've heard of plans...rumors of web-based scheduling.

Hi all i am new so please bare with me.

I have a comcast dch3416 box and am wondering is it possible to hook up with comcast box and pc via eathernet port and be able to play movies from my pc to the tv ?

Hi all i am new so please bare with me.

I have a comcast dch3416 box and am wondering is it possible to hook up with comcast box and pc via eathernet port and be able to play movies from my pc to the tv ?

Nope.

Nope.

I R so sad :(




All i want is to play movies from my stupid pc to my new tv easily. I am losing hair over this

Nope.



I will expand on that the ethernet port is for the internal cable modem.

I will expand on that the ethernet port is for the internal cable modem.

Can any of the ports be use to network this box to the PC ? to play movies from pc ?

I read this about the box from moto site

". When configured with the MoCA™ home-networking option, DCH set-tops can also serve as multimedia hubs or clients."

Can any of the ports be use to network this box to the PC ? to play movies from pc ?

I read this about the box from moto site

". When configured with the MoCA™ home-networking option, DCH set-tops can also serve as multimedia hubs or clients."

comcast needs to offer moca it's not something the customer can get on there own.

Hi all i am new so please bare with me.

I have a comcast dch3416 box and am wondering is it possible to hook up with comcast box and pc via eathernet port and be able to play movies from my pc to the tv ?

Short answer is no. But there are many ways to hook you TV to your PC which I am guessing is in another room.

My 3416 has the HDMI port disabled. Is there any way to enable it? Comcast says I have to turn it in for a different one because they cannot enable it. I have read about the problem where you must turn on the TV first or replug the HDMI cable, that didnt help me.

Mine just worked straight-away. Sounds like you have a bad box.

My 3416 has the HDMI port disabled. Is there any way to enable it? Comcast says I have to turn it in for a different one because they cannot enable it. I have read about the problem where you must turn on the TV first or replug the HDMI cable, that didnt help me.

Just went through this. Got a replacement for my defective box and the replacement had a bad HDMI port. Fortunatley the replacement for my replacement worked.

And they just gave your previous ones to someone else.

And they just gave your previous ones to someone else.

I asked the customer service rep., is that name a joke, don't you even want to know what's wrong with it. Nope we just send them all back to the center.

I am seriously considering switching to Wide Open West but don't know if I will just find another set of issues with their DVR/cable tv/internet.

Question about the hours remaining on the hard drive. It used to show up as hours. Now in the "view info" menu it shows up as a percentage.

Anyone know how to get it back to showing hours. Thanks.

Question about the hours remaining on the hard drive. It used to show up as hours. Now in the "view info" menu it shows up as a percentage.

Anyone know how to get it back to showing hours. Thanks.

Huh? Mine has always shown as a percentage.

Mine has always shown percentage, and it is always used, not remaining.

Saved until manually erased..........62%

Automatically erased as needed.....26%

Estimated free space...................12%


Shows all as percentages, where before today it showed it in hours. I liked the hours better.

It doesn't make sense to show it in hours, since that would be vastly different between HD and SD.

I have a weird problem with my DCH-3416. I can record HD content and its fine but when I record anything from a SD channel the result is a black screen for the video. The audio plays fine but no video at all. When I do stop the recording from playing, it kind of shows the video as it stutters before going back to the My Recordings page. This tells me that it is recording the video to the hard drive but for whatever reason it plays back as black. Anyone heard of this and know a fix? I have tried both a hard and soft reset with no resuts.

Saved until manually erased..........62%

Automatically erased as needed.....26%

Estimated free space...................12%


Shows all as percentages, where before today it showed it in hours. I liked the hours better.

What software & firmware versions are you running? (click here (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#How_To_Check_Your_Firmware_and_Softwar e_Versions_.28i-Guide.29)for instructions on how to check).

I have a weird problem with my DCH-3416. I can record HD content and its fine but when I record anything from a SD channel the result is a black screen for the video. The audio plays fine but no video at all. When I do stop the recording from playing, it kind of shows the video as it stutters before going back to the My Recordings page. This tells me that it is recording the video to the hard drive but for whatever reason it plays back as black. Anyone heard of this and know a fix? I have tried both a hard and soft reset with no resuts.

Just for the heck of it try pressing the 'format' button on the front of the box. This should toggle between 480i & 480p for SD content, some tv's can't handle one or the other.

I just got a Comcast 3416 DVR. On my last DVR (a Tivo) I was able to set up season passes (like a series recording) to record all broadcasted hockey, basketball and baseball games for the local team. I did this using keywords such as "NHL and Sharks" or "NBA and Warriors". I can't seem to do this on the Comcast 3416 DVR. Other people must have experienced this as well.

I'm hoping someone has a solution to this aggravating problem.

Thanks in advance.

Keyword Wish Lists are a TiVo feature. This is not a feature offered by iGuide on Motorola DVRs.

I just got a Comcast 3416 DVR. On my last DVR (a Tivo) I was able to set up season passes (like a series recording) to record all broadcasted hockey, basketball and baseball games for the local team. I did this using keywords such as "NHL and Sharks" or "NBA and Warriors". I can't seem to do this on the Comcast 3416 DVR. Other people must have experienced this as well.

I'm hoping someone has a solution to this aggravating problem.

Thanks in advance.

Unless you get the Tivo software for your Comcast DVR, you can't do it. The Comcast software doesn't have the option for season passes or the like. You can search for sporting events and set up the recordings you want manually, but that's about it.

You can set up series recordings, and you may or may not be able to record your events using a set of those. I used to be able to record all Formula One events this way when we had the Microsoft guide s/w, but I can't do it using iGuide.

Hi Guys,
Sorry if this has been discussed already but I cannot find it. I just bought the DCH 3416 off of ebay. Do the DCH 3416's come with the m-card pre-installed or does my cable company have to put one in. They support third party boxes but I am not sure of how the third party hookup is done.

Sorry I am a newbie to the whole DVR thing.

I've never heard of any U.S. cable customers being able to use eBay Motorola DVRs, but perhaps with the advent of cablecards they will. It seems like that would've been something worth exploring before the purchase. Are you sure of the history of this box (i.e., do you have clear title)?

The title is pretty clear. And my cable company says that it supports third party boxes of this model. I do not live in the US though.

Oh by the way the title said new in box. I just didnt know about the m-card until after the purchase when someone told me about it so naturally I am worried about it now.

It helps to include your location. Since this is a Comcast thread, the assumption is that posts come from Comcast customers.

I have two 3416s. Comcast South Eastern PA. Both send HD over firewire to HD VCRs. One set up is a older HD VCR. Both are from JVC. The live feed to the VCR is fine. The recording is fine. If I play back a DVR recorded HD program into either VCR, the lip sync is wrong. It is at least 1-1.5 seconds late sound after the video.
Any experiences or ideas?

I have two 3416s. Comcast South Eastern PA. Both send HD over firewire to HD VCRs. One set up is a older HD VCR. Both are from JVC. The live feed to the VCR is fine. The recording is fine. If I play back a DVR recorded HD program into either VCR, the lip sync is wrong. It is at least 1-1.5 seconds late sound after the video.
Any experiences or ideas?

I had the same problem of delayed audio with an older Motorola (6412 I think) and it might have even occurred with my new 3416s. The only solution I found that worked for me was to do a hard reset (power off) and re-establish the 1394 connection prior to making a transfer to the DVHS. It was a PITA but it did work for me.

I vaguely remember having problems getting any firewire link with my old JVC 30K to the Motorola boxes. IIRC, my solution was to use the JVC DVHS with a Samsung SIR-T165 firewire box for playback and use a Mitsubishi DVHS for recording from the Motorola. I had 3 JVC boxes but sold 2 of them and am not using the 3rd now. Instead, I got 3 cheap Motorola DVHS recorders which have been much less finicky for me.

Good luck!

I really got a good taste of that delay and/or ignored key-presses, tonight.

WOW!

I lost compete control for about 5 minutes.

In the end I got stuck going backwards.

strange. Must be time to reboot.

Posted by jonwww on another AVS thread......

"Not that it helps in other parts of the country, but Comcast is starting to release at least updated firmware in the Boston area for some boxes. REC light is coming back to the DCH series!"

I can't take all the credit, it was really from:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=389485

Will be interesting to see if they continue to roll it out considering some of the issues some are having with it. Maybe just those running the Tivo software having issues though.

I didn't know that this pertained only to the Tivo units so far.

For NON-Tivo, I've been fighting with Comcast to get those rec lights back on since September!
I'm actually inbetween conversations right now with Comcast executive customer service
and the local media regarding this issue. Perhaps we're near a solution.......???

Hi,

I'm BRAND NEW ... a NOOB (for those who are so inclined)

I just want to transfer my DVRed programs to my computer. I have a 3416 I

Is this possible? Is it fairly straight forward? Please direct me to the proper page in this 166 pg discussion. Thank you

...
I just want to transfer my DVRed programs to my computer.
...

Try this: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firewire

I'm not sure if I got a new firmware update for my 3416, but I just got a new message; When I set to record a sports event, it asked me if I wanted to end the recording 30min later because the program might run over it's scheduled end time. This is a nice new feature because almost every sports event does and sometimes I forget to extend the recording.

I didn't get a chance to check the FW vesion (I'm at work now). Does anyone know of any other changes that might have happened besides the extend time prompt?

Is there a way to modify the HD channel list on the box that shows up when you click the HD button in the menu guide? That pre-set list of HD channels is missing 2-3 channels and I want to add them to that set HD list, rather than creating a new favorite list.
Thanks!

Is there a way to modify the HD channel list on the box that shows up when you click the HD button in the menu guide?
...

Not that I know of, but if you complain to your local Comcast they may eventually fix it. We were missing ESPN2-HD from the HD listings in Seattle for months because they had the name set the same for both SD & HD, but they eventually changed that and it then appeared in the HD listings.

I'm not sure if I got a new firmware update for my 3416, but I just got a new message; When I set to record a sports event, it asked me if I wanted to end the recording 30min later because the program might run over it's scheduled end time. This is a nice new feature because almost every sports event does and sometimes I forget to extend the recording.

I didn't get a chance to check the FW vesion (I'm at work now). Does anyone know of any other changes that might have happened besides the extend time prompt?

You got the latest and greatest i-Guide update. You probably got a Firmware update as well.

What state do you live in?

Nashua, NH

Do you know what else they did with this FW update?

I'm not sure if I got a new firmware update for my 3416, but I just got a new message; When I set to record a sports event, it asked me if I wanted to end the recording 30min later because the program might run over it's scheduled end time. This is a nice new feature because almost every sports event does and sometimes I forget to extend the recording.

I didn't get a chance to check the FW vesion (I'm at work now). Does anyone know of any other changes that might have happened besides the extend time prompt?

You might be everyone's newest bestest friend if you have the mythical A25 upgrade :)

You have a DCH 3416 or a DCT 3416?

I've had the box for about a year, so I assume it's a DCT.

http://www.comcast.com/newguide/

This looks like the upgrade I got. The live-show extender is the only feature that intrests me.

http://www.comcast.com/newguide/

This looks like the upgrade I got. The live-show extender is the only feature that intrests me.

I'll definitely enjoy keyword search and clipping. Wonder if the rumored memory improvements are in this roll out - suppose to eliminate the key buffer issue (along with other problems).

I have a DCT-3416, and got a notation in my scheduled recordings that one was going to be "(Clipped)"... I think that's a new feature, no?

I have a DCT 3416 and also was upgraded to the latest firmware and iGuide last week. All positives so far, though nothing to write home about. Please be aware, this update DOES NOT ADD A KEYWORD SEARCH. Rather, it simply improves on the existing title search (i.e., it still only finds things based on the first word of the program title) by giving you a keyboard, more spaces to work with, and the ability to save searches. But still relatively useless.

But the live extender is helpful, and the overlap clipping sounds VERY useful, though I haven't seen it action yet. Maybe it's working behind the scenes on my season pass shows. And it seems very stable. Also like the little "LIVE" that pops up on the time bar when you catch up with live TV. Pointless, but cool.

Just watched the video on the site above. Yup, it covers all the improvements.

On an unrelated note, it bugs me that they show the iGuide filling a 16:9 screen (without stretch) when we all know it doesn't currently do that.

I have a DCT 3416 and also was upgraded to the latest firmware and iGuide last week. All positives so far, though nothing to write home about. Please be aware, this update DOES NOT ADD A KEYWORD SEARCH. Rather, it simply improves on the existing title search (i.e., it still only finds things based on the first word of the program title) by giving you a keyboard, more spaces to work with, and the ability to save searches. But still relatively useless.

But the live extender is helpful, and the overlap clipping sounds VERY useful, though I haven't seen it action yet. Maybe it's working behind the scenes on my season pass shows. And it seems very stable. Also like the little "LIVE" that pops up on the time bar when you catch up with live TV. Pointless, but cool.

Just watched the video on the site above. Yup, it covers all the improvements.

On an unrelated note, it bugs me that they show the iGuide filling a 16:9 screen (without stretch) when we all know it doesn't currently do that.

Thanks. I know I saw a mention of keyword searching long ago, but I guess it didn't make the cut :(

I have a DCT-3416, and got a notation in my scheduled recordings that one was going to be "(Clipped)"... I think that's a new feature, no?

Looks to be that way. Good to see it on the Moto, especially lately - seems as if most network shows run over by a minute or two.

Thanks. I know I saw a mention of keyword searching long ago, but I guess it didn't make the cut :(

The cynical part of me says that they'll NEVER add it, so as to more easily differentiate between the iGuide and Comcast Tivo. But the iGuide has gotten to a point where I'm relatively happy with it, especially in light of all the trouble people are apparently having with the Tivo "upgrade."

The cynical part of me says that they'll NEVER add it, so as to more easily differentiate between the iGuide and Comcast Tivo..."

That makes sense. Value added FTW!

any version number info?

tnx
jtm

This latest update to iGuide (with Live extension and clipping support) first came out in the Chicago area around November. This is the first I've heard of it showing up elsewhere.

The iGuide version of this is 75.58-rel-9078
The firmware usually paired with it is 16.42 for DCT's, and 18.34 for DCH's.

More details in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

This latest update to iGuide (with Live extension and clipping support) first came out in the Chicago area around November. This is the first I've heard of it showing up elsewhere.

The iGuide version of this is 75.58-rel-9078
The firmware usually paired with it is 16.42 for DCT's, and 18.34 for DCH's.

More details in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

Manchester, NH also has the new iGuide as of last week.

Actually on my DCT-3412, the version is 75.59 - a25p2-2.S1.r-8.

We got the same firmware/Iguide upgrade recently in Atlanta.

What ever happened to the Mosaic Iguide?

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6434896.html

This upgrade doesn't seem to be it.

I was wondering why my recordings were interrupted the other night. Looks like they dumped the update on my DCH 3416

SW Ver4 75.59 a25p2-2.S1.r-8
Firmware 18.43
Says my model is DCT but it's a DCH.

http://www.petelanglois.net

I've noticed that when I hit play after FF it will do a little bit of a rewind like the TiVO did when I had that PoS software upgrade.

As some of you guys are already noticing......
I've just received an update from my Comcast management source that they are in the process of pushing out the new codes for these units now. This involves the new Guide/A25 and both software & firmware updates, including the fix for the red recording lights.

Presumably, this 75.59 release may have the timebar fix, which was the major cause of the remote lag issue.

My firmware is 16.53 .

75.59 a25p2-2.S1.r-8

appears to be the full release version of a25.

It includes the final/updated SDV module.
Here in the Twin CIties we are supposed to be an early test for SDV.

Can't wait.

75.59 a25p2-2.S1.r-8

appears to be the full release version of a25.

It includes the final/updated SDV module.
Here in the Twin CIties we are supposed to be an early test for SDV.

Can't wait.

Umm...Care to try that again in English to help the rest of us understand why we should be excited? ;)

Umm...Care to try that again in English to help the rest of us understand why we should be excited? ;)

a25 is new software for the DVR and is supposed to fix most (if not all) of the major bugs.

a25 is new software for the DVR and is supposed to fix most (if not all) of the major bugs.All I know is that I've got my red recording light back!!!

All I know is that I've got my red recording light back!!!

Excellent. What firmware version?

Recording light is working again on this current firmware.

SW Ver 75.59 a25p2-2.S1.r-8
Firmware 18.43

http://www.petelanglois.net

petelang (or others):

What are you considering to be your "current" firmware (old or new?)

The older problematic rev (no rec lights, etc.) was 18.34
You're saying you have rev 18.43, which would be an unusual
rev sequence for an update.

Could you please confirm?

petelang (or others):

What are you considering to be your "current" firmware (old or new?)

The older problematic rev (no rec lights, etc.) was 18.34
You're saying you have rev 18.43, which would be an unusual
rev sequence for an update.

Could you please confirm?

I now have 18.43 and a red recording light.

Thanks for the confirmation!
Us left coasters will just have to wait until it migrates to us!

Thanks. I know I saw a mention of keyword searching long ago, but I guess it didn't make the cut :(

Not for the Moto boxes. The Cisco (SA) boxes have Key Word Search.

We had key word search on the Motorolas in Seattle with the Microsoft guide s/w.

This morning the "My DVR" button pulled up a blank screen. A call to Comcast confirmed that this is a national problem that they're trying to fix now. Until it's fixed, you'll need to access the DVR menu from the main menu. That is, menu, menu, dvr. No need to reboot.

This morning the "My DVR" button pulled up a blank screen. A call to Comcast confirmed that this is a national problem that they're trying to fix now. Until it's fixed, you'll need to access the DVR menu from the main menu. That is, menu, menu, dvr. No need to reboot.

This happened once before (around Feb/Mar 2007 IIRC). In most cases, pressing OK at the blank screen will take you to My Recordings. (Depending on what you've done recently on the box, pressing OK might take you to a different menu, but if you only accessed the DVR menu recently, that's where you'll go when pressing OK.)

Just hope that when they fix it they don't screw up. As I recall, when this happened before, in one or two areas of the country they did something wrong while applying the fix and caused a bunch of boxes to blow up.

No problems here, but we have the 75.58 software. Maybe it's only affecting the 74.x.

In most cases, pressing OK at the blank screen will take you to My Recordings. (Depending on what you've done recently on the box, pressing OK might take you to a different menu, but if you only accessed the DVR menu recently, that's where you'll go when pressing OK.)

Indeed. The same happened here last night. If you pressed left or right, it would show you the first line of whatever Menu item you had used last. If it was DVR, then pressing OK would go to My Recordings since that is the first selection. Pulling the power made no difference.

Alas, the fun is already over. :D Fixed now.

DCT3416 I, SW 74.53 - 3321, FW 16.20

Still broken for me here in NJ.

Still broken for me here in NJ.

Ditto in the Chi.

Well... Supposedly the code fix is in all the Headends. If you pull power and reboot, it should get the update. Also heard the box will reboot tonight at 3 am.

This morning the "My DVR" button pulled up a blank screen. A call to Comcast confirmed that this is a national problem that they're trying to fix now. Until it's fixed, you'll need to access the DVR menu from the main menu. That is, menu, menu, dvr. No need to reboot.

Wish I'd been on here a lot sooner and read Crossbeaux's post then, because I rebooted and may have missed a recording Friday evening because guide information wasn't filled back in (fortunately, the episode is scheduled to be rerun Tuesday).  FWIW, it powered up fixed, but maybe that was a coincidence of timing.

This is with the 74.53-3221 software and the 18.34 firmware.

Yup.
My menu system has been getting weird.

Couple days ago, I lost all the "color" from the menu's.
They were "see through" but not in a good way, barely readable.
Reboot fixed it.

Today "My DVR" is a little weird.
Menu screen comes up but doesn't finish "printing it".

So to see the two buttons (My recordings & schedules recordings)
I have to "right button" for the system to finish printing the screen.

Time for a update. These DVR's were never meant to run on one firmware version for more than 6 months.:D:D

I almost wonder if this has something to do with the DST change. There is a master DST setting you can see in the diagnostics, but there could be some buggy code in the DVR scheduler trying to use the old rules. I think the guide data is now filling data from when the old DST rules would occur.

I wonder if this could also be related to those who complained about reboots when trying to set up series recordings...

I had no problems (75.58 software, 16.42 firmware), and the hidden iGuide diagnostics screen (not the Motorola diagnostics) shows 128 days uptime.