You could encounter that problem with any provider using iGuide software on Motorola DCT- and DCH-series DVRs. However, know that other cable company-provided boxes also have their own sets of annoying and infuriating inconsistencies. As bad as the software that Motorola boxes typically run is, I find the software on Scientific Atlanta boxes even more disappointing. If really you want high quality and reliability, you need to get yourself out of the mass-market, where everything is strictly driven by the average consumers' maniacal focus on getting the lowest possible base price, without much regard for quality or reliability.

:confused: That's ridiculous to have to do keep doing that. What about when you're asleep?? Is that just with Comcast-supplied boxes or from any provider?

I don't necessarily HAVE to do it, i just usually do a quick check if I am sitting there when a new show starts. It doesn't happen all that often, but I like to check when I can just to make sure. I've had it happen about 3-4 times in 3+ years, and have caught it 3-4 times as well.

I don't necessarily HAVE to do it, i just usually do a quick check if I am sitting there when a new show starts. It doesn't happen all that often, but I like to check when I can just to make sure. I've had it happen about 3-4 times in 3+ years, and have caught it 3-4 times as well.
Well that's good to know. Thanks.

As bad as the software that Motorola boxes typically run is, I find the software on Scientific Atlanta boxes even more disappointing.

I have to disagree here. We had an SA box in Pennsylvania before we moved to the Chicago area. I thought it was an excellent box. I never had a problem with it. It had a good search function, and never thought to annoy me with endless popup messages about what it was doing in the background. I never had any problem with recordings. I've been very disappointed with the Moto box we have. I'm about ready to switch to a satellite service and just get a Tivo.

To be clear: The stand-alone HD-capable TiVos, the TiVo S3 and TiVo HD, are not supported by satellite services, and the only HD-capable/satellite-capable TiVo, the HR-10, is no longer available, was a DirecTV-only box, and would never work with MPEG-4 encoded channels.

So you're saying Tivo boxes only work with cable? I find that a little hard to believe. What do people with Sat do for a guide and DVR? There has to be something. I know there are people out there with that kind of setup.

The satellite services were exempted by the FCC from regulations that would have required that they provide for the ability for their subscribers to connect host devices to their networks, such as stand-alone TiVo's. The FCC basically let satellite services force you to use one of their approved devices. Hard to believe, perhaps, but the unfortunate reality. Each of the satellite services have STBs and DVRs that they offer, and DirecTV is working with TiVo to introduce an MPEG-4-compatible/HD-capable/satellite-capable HD TiVo, but it isn't out yet.

So you're saying Tivo boxes only work with cable? I find that a little hard to believe. What do people with Sat do for a guide and DVR? There has to be something. I know there are people out there with that kind of setup.

Its very true.

Also exempt as mentioned above are FIOS and other methods of getting TV that are not cable. So AT&T's Uverse, FIOS and others also dont play nice with TIVOs.

Ideally the FCC or whomever makes the decisions should revert that exemption, especially since they are gaining more and more percentage viewership.

I have Insight cable in Louisville, KY. and the only box you can get is the DCH-3416 DVR/HD STB. I really hate this box, but it's the only way I can have HD programing with Insight cable. I must pay an extra $15.00 a month for this thing. I had HD since 05/08 and I'm on my third 3416 box. The first one had the HDD burn out a month after I got it. Then the second box was bad from the start, the tech had to take it out and get another from his truck, after he couldn't get it to power up correctly.
I had a tech out just last week because when I FF or RV on my DVR, and the program recored is HD, the 3416 just freezes up. I have to go to FF2 or RV2, then it shoots by where I want it to stop. The tech was telling me that he goes out on calls all day long handling problems with this box. He said one of the biggest complaints is sound drop outs through the HDMI connection (which I also have).
I'm just surprised that Motorola would market a box this bad.
Ghpr13:(

So you're saying Tivo boxes only work with cable? I find that a little hard to believe. What do people with Sat do for a guide and DVR? There has to be something. I know there are people out there with that kind of setup.

Wow! That's almost unbelievable, considering, like someone else said, the numbers of people using satellite services now. I guess I'll have to wait. Dang!

The DCT/DCH architecture is well over six years old. It is pretty good for an "early 2000's" dual-tuner HD DVR. They've designed a new DVR architecture, and it should be making its way into homes over the next few years, especially once mass-market customers begin recognizing the value of having a better DVR.

Two weeks ago my recording of BSG had about a 15 minute gap with no video or audio, but at least I could fast forward past it. So last Friday, I recorded both the 10pm and midnight shows. Neither recording was playable. I got NADA and could not get the pointer to advance. Luckily the latest BSG shows are free ON Demand. Has anyone else had a problem?

The DCT/DCH architecture is well over six years old. It is pretty good for an "early 2000's" dual-tuner HD DVR. They've designed a new DVR architecture, and it should be making its way into homes over the next few years, especially once mass-market customers begin recognizing the value of having a better DVR.

True, but its inexcusable for Comcast to still use these. And have bugs on top of everything. One of my pet peeves is the line shift bug they just recently introduced with firmware. How that passed testing, I don't know.

Ideally, the whole truway movement will get some solid government support and we will see it mandated to all providers. So we can just stroll to Best Buy, and shop for whatever device we want according to our budgets, come home and plug it in.

The whole closed system for Comcast and each of the other providers is really damaging to the consumers.

True, but its inexcusable for Comcast to still use these.Not in the slightest. It is ridiculous for you to claim that. :rolleyes:

Ideally, the whole truway movement will get some solid government support and we will see it mandated to all providers.Will? I think you're engaging in a lot of wishful thinking.

The whole closed system for Comcast and each of the other providers is really damaging to the consumers.Let's get the government to start by forcing satellite service providers to provide at least the same amount of open access that terrestrial cable service providers are already required to provide.

[QUOTE=andydumi;16013743]True, but its inexcusable for Comcast to still use these. And have bugs on top of everything. One of my pet peeves is the line shift bug they just recently introduced with firmware. How that passed testing, I don't know. QUOTE]


Not really since that's all they have to offer until SA/Cisco and Motorola come out in mass production with new boxes since no other company wants to sell cable boxes to the MSO's

The Moto DCX series is now in the warehouse's of most Comcast areas, so are the Panny's in selected Comcast areas. However no one is allowed to unwrap them off the pallet for preprocessing and Inventory Control yet.

The Moto DCX series is now in the warehouse's of most Comcast areas, so are the Panny's in selected Comcast areas. However no one is allowed to unwrap them off the pallet for preprocessing and Inventory Control yet.

Do either offer any advantage over the DCH (other than perhaps being more reliable hardware)? Factor into that question what Comcast would actually enable on them. Even the DCT/DCH has ethernet, esata and usb that are not enabled.

Should the Tivo software ever make it out of Boston (and eventually Chicago) would it support a DCX or a Panny?

I'm sorry if I missed this but do we have a link to either box?
Thanks

hey guys, i have this 34xx hd dvr and i am not getting all the channels, when i go to certain premium channels, it says this channel will be available shortly, other premiums work with heave audio and video glitching and some premiums work with minor glitching only on video. Will the motorola signal booster help me with this issue? anybody else have any suggestions. Oh i have to say that i just signed up for cable and it was installed last friday, i am assuming there are giving me some kind of special or promotion for the premiums. thanks guys

Call your cable provider and have them check it out. That's about all you can do. They can determine if the signal is strong enough. It should not cost you anything since it is most likely a problem with their equipment.

ya but i dont want them to turn off my premium channels so i dont want to call them

The Moto DCX series is now in the warehouse's of most Comcast areas, so are the Panny's in selected Comcast areas. However no one is allowed to unwrap them off the pallet for preprocessing and Inventory Control yet.
Is that Panny the 250GB model?

Mickey

Not in the slightest. It is ridiculous for you to claim that. :rolleyes:

Will? I think you're engaging in a lot of wishful thinking.

Let's get the government to start by forcing satellite service providers to provide at least the same amount of open access that terrestrial cable service providers are already required to provide.

Heh.

They have shown off a new box at CES 2 years ago. And a new interface over 1 year ago.

And the boxes are sitting around. Let alone the boxes we currently have are terribly crippled by the software.

I am not saying it is all Comcast's fault, but I agree with you that the government should create blanket rules for TV providers. No exceptions, no privileges. Just like they forced wireless to allow phone number portability, and they are forcing them to allow handsets moving around from service to service, they need to do something similar with TV.

I have a question that may be 3416 related or Comcast.

What is the purpose of the Favorites in the menu? I was thinking I could select a group of channels that i watch and when I go to the option it would only use those channels while turning channels with the remote. Instead, it looks like it just uses those ones I set as favorites for a guide. So, it just pulls up the guide and scrolls through them.
Is there any way to do what I want?

Here's a link to the new Motorola box on their website.

http://www.motorola.com/business/US-EN/DCX3400_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=0ac33ead2d4c9110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD

Heh.

They have shown off a new box at CES 2 years ago. And a new interface over 1 year ago.

And the boxes are sitting around. Let alone the boxes we currently have are terribly crippled by the software.
That's been my sentiments as well.

Here's a link to the new Motorola box on their website.

http://www.motorola.com/business/US-EN/DCX3400_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=0ac33ead2d4c9110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD
Thanks for the link. ;)

I have a question that may be 3416 related or Comcast.

What is the purpose of the Favorites in the menu? I was thinking I could select a group of channels that i watch and when I go to the option it would only use those channels while turning channels with the remote. Instead, it looks like it just uses those ones I set as favorites for a guide. So, it just pulls up the guide and scrolls through them.
Is there any way to do what I want?
I don't know if it's the same with the non-DVR Motorola boxes from Cox, may be, what I did was just add channels to the "Skipped channels" area, essentially making all the remaining channels my "favorites".

Here's a link to the new Motorola box on their website.

http://www.motorola.com/business/US-EN/DCX3400_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=0ac33ead2d4c9110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD
According to the specs, the DCX3400 comes with 160GB drive as the standard, with a 250GB option (MSO option).

Mickey

According to the specs, the DCX3400 comes with 160GB drive as the standard, with a 250GB option (MSO option).

Mickey

Whoopee sh1t! Not any better than what they have now (160gb). Not acceptable when you can buy a 1tb HD for $100 now days. I also didn't see any mention of being able to connect an external HD. Hopefully they'll work better than what they have now.

BB

I really wonder if the 160G drives will still be in production by the time these boxes are deployed.

jtm

When I use a optcial audio cable from my home theater to the cable box I get no sound......Is there a setting on the cable box that I needs to be done.

When I go from my panny Tv to home theater I get Audio.

According to the specs, the DCX3400 comes with 160GB drive as the standard, with a 250GB option (MSO option).
That is absolutely pathetic and IMO, unacceptable for HD recording. Even the sat DVRs have 500GB and up. They are raising the DVR rental fee every year, and in return folks are getting nothing new.

You will not see a decent DVR from Comcast anytime soon, so you might want to look into the Tivo HD when you get enough of this crap.

I don't know if it's the same with the non-DVR Motorola boxes from Cox, may be, what I did was just add channels to the "Skipped channels" area, essentially making all the remaining channels my "favorites".

Hmmm, so you have a skipped channels option? I haven't seen that one but will look again this weekend.

Also, something a local tech told me I could do (but I can't find) is make a PIN # to where you won't order PPV movies. I have seen this option for just getting into On Demand but I want it just so my son doesn't accidently order PPV. I don't mind him watching the "free" On Demand stuff.

Hmmm, so you have a skipped channels option? I haven't seen that one but will look again this weekend.
It's in the Settings menu, the area has Sleep, Alarm, Favorites, Skipped Channels, etc. It's this way on a DCH3200, DCT6200, and an older box. So as I was saying, I would think it's probably on yours. The GUI & menus on these boxes are all identical. But FAIK this could be cable-provider-specific, I'm on Cox.


Also, something a local tech told me I could do (but I can't find) is make a PIN # to where you won't order PPV movies. I have seen this option for just getting into On Demand but I want it just so my son doesn't accidently order PPV. I don't mind him watching the "free" On Demand stuff.
Can't say about that, I never use any PPV nor PIN #'s.

I read somewhere in the manual for the DCX box that if MPEG4 is used, it only requires half the recording space that is required for MPEG2. So that would help space wise. But I agree, with the low price of large hard drives now, they should put in a bigger one.

It's in the Settings menu, the area has Sleep, Alarm, Favorites, Skipped Channels, etc. It's this way on a DCH3200, DCT6200, and an older box. So as I was saying, I would think it's probably on yours. The GUI & menus on these boxes are all identical. But FAIK this could be cable-provider-specific, I'm on Cox.



Can't say about that, I never use any PPV nor PIN #'s.

This is a comcast forum they use Iguide while we cox users use Passport DCT/Passport Echo.

I don't see any recent posts on this, but I, too, was having the "green line/bar on right, misalignment/missing vertical bar on the left" problem.

I can CONFIRM that switching from the DCT3416 to the DCH3416 fixed the problem. ALL SETTINGS are the same. HDMI 1080i output, YCC 4:4:4, 4:3 Override 480i. TV on dot-by-dot full scan mode. I was suspicious that some of the people who reported the newer box fixing the problem might have just been using RGB colorspace instead of YCC (which actually doesn't fix either problem but rather turns the green bar black).

However... we'll see what happens when the next firmware update comes through. I'm a little concerned that the firmware on the box I was given might not be the most recent, in which case the problem could return after Comcast forcibly updates my new box. We'll see...

On the downside, On Demand doesn't work at all on the new box. I don't know if it needs a stronger signal than the old box required or what, but this is a whole new problem I'll have to deal with now. Moral of that story: If it's just a little broke, and it's Comcast, think twice before requesting a fix.

We have a DCH3416 and before we got the latest firmware the issues were not there. After it got updated in Octoberish, the issues appeared. We moved to the DCH from a DCT because of that issue.
Comcast said to watch TV without 1:1 and that was their solution. In other words, up yours.

to fix the green line problem, set your tv to 16:9 mode. Do Not use Full scan/Just Scan Mode on the TV. It is over scanning the cable HDMI signal.

We have a DCH3416 and before we got the latest firmware the issues were not there. After it got updated in Octoberish, the issues appeared. We moved to the DCH from a DCT because of that issue.
Comcast said to watch TV without 1:1 and that was their solution. In other words, up yours.what do you mean by without 1:1??

what do you mean by without 1:1??
Many HDTV's have a mode where the input is mapped exactly 1:1, with no overscan. It may be named something like "Just Scan" (Samsung) or similar. The problem is, there is still often garbage at the extreme edges. Most TV's have a mode that has a normal 2-3% overscan, which hides this.

My Just Scan mode works much better now with straight HDMI on a DCH-3416. Back when I had a DCT-6412p2 with DVI to HDMI cable, there was more garbage at the edge of the screen.

Not to say there's no garbage now... when an HD channel runs content in 4:3, I see the closed captioning data at the top of the screen, but otherwise I don't see any of that as much anymore. No more green or yellow line on NBC's tonight show either.

to fix the green line problem, set your tv to 16:9 mode. Do Not use Full scan/Just Scan Mode on the TV. It is over scanning the cable HDMI signal.

So what your saying is to just simply let your tv not work the way it's intended to. It's really your tv's fault. It's not that comcast screwed up with their firmware or anything....

So what your saying is to just simply let your tv not work the way it's intended to. It's really your tv's fault. It's not that comcast screwed up with their firmware or anything....

Comcast doesn't screw it up, Motorola does, being they're the ones that write it. Comcast just OK's it, as do all the cable companies.

Comcast doesn't screw it up, Motorola does, being they're the ones that write it. Comcast just OK's it, as do all the cable companies.

Don't OK it if its broken?

You blame the Q&A and approval process for no catching an error, not the individual programmer that may have made the error. After all, that's what Comcast's role is, to test and approve.

Both Comcast and Motorola are to blame. Motorola for building a crappy DVR and then not addressing major bugs and deficiencies for YEARS. Comcast for accepting an inferior product and not demanding improvements for YEARS.

Macrovision purchased Gemstar-TV Guide in 2007.

Gemstar owned 41% of GuideWorks, which was/is a joint venture with majority stockholder COMCAST.

By the way, in 2007 Gemstar bought Aptiv Digital who created the passport software for MOTO boxes.

So yes, you CAN blame Comcast for the God-awful, never updated, any company should be embarrassed to be involved with - iguide software on Motorola STB's.

By the way, the box is provided by Comcast, the largest cable company in the world. So even if they were not directly involved in the STB fiasco, it's THEIR name on them.

Motorola, cable companies and subscribers are to blame. Motorola for the lack of robustness in the DVR. Cable companies for not asking for better. Subscribers for paying for the "crappy" DVR, year in an year out, year after year, and generally being unwilling to pay enough extra sufficient to provide the incentive necessary for cable companies to find something better to offer.

Blaming the customer for your cable companies embarrassing DVR?

Only people from an old quasi-monopoly think like that anymore.
Thank goodness that's finally just starting to change.
Hopefully cable companies eventually become just a pipe.

$16 a month (Up $6 in 3 years) is more than sufficient. I should have the best DVR in the industry instead of the worst.

A lot of people in my area are starting to switch to Tivo because it's actually cheaper AND better.
You can pay back a Tivo in about 3.2 years at current Comcast DVR rates.

Tivo HD ($199 refurb + $399 lifetime + $16 cablecard install) / $16 a month for Comcast DVR.
Cablecards don't have a monthly fee here or $2 for the second card, depending who you talk to at Comcast.

Don't OK it if its broken?

You blame the Q&A and approval process for no catching an error, not the individual programmer that may have made the error. After all, that's what Comcast's role is, to test and approve.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying Comcast is not without some fault, just not all of it. Also as I noted, all of the cable co's approve the firmware eventually so they're all at fault, Comcast is just the biggest one. I would assume that Moto has a QC dept also that should note & fix the bugs before it even gets to the cable co's, no? So Comcast may let an inferior product out, but Moto is the one making it & at primary fault as far as I'm concerned.

But then again I guess all the big companies are allowed to do this type of thing. How many version of MS Windows are bug free and the public still gobbles computers up with MS OS's. The 'elite' go with Macs & Linux, DVR elites go with Tivo & home built DVR's. There's (almost) always a choice, it just depends on what works for you & what you're willing to deal with/give up.

On "this who to blame" discussion, I usally agree that the consumer should take charge of the situation, but with cable companies I feel the consumer gets the shaft. When I bought my Samsung HDTV last May, I couldn't wait to upgrade my "basic & classic" subscription to "digital & HD". I was paying $55.00/month(Cable + Broadband). I knew the Samsung was "cable ready" and had both an ATSC & QAM tuners. Then I call Insight, my cable company in Louisville, and I find out that the only way to view all the HD channels that they advertise is by renting that Moto DCH-6416 DVR/HD STB for $15.00/month on top of the charge for digital. So overnight I go from paying $55/month to $127.00/month.
I looked into getting a TiVo HD, but with Insight I would still have to pay an extra $5/month for each cable card, and of course the TiVo fee. Directv & Dish are out because of trees blocking the satellites (no one's fault there, I'm a renter of a townhouse so no dishes on roof). The only alternative is OTA and I've come close to doing it, but the wife wants her cable channels. I would be perfectly fine without the DVR. Don't get me wrong, it's a great device when it works, but this 6416 box is a piece of junk. If cable companies feel that thet must have a STB for thier subscribers to get HD programs, then they should be made to offer an entry level box that just allows you to get the channels without paying a monthly rental fee. I hate on demand and PPV, and I shouldn't be forced to have those features just because I want HDTV.
When cable first started coming to the northwest suburbs of Chicago, it was an option for people who had a little better income then most. You got to upgrade to this new way of watching TV without commercials, unedited movies and special shows all for a price, which was fine because it was our choice. Now days cable is pretty much a way of life, the commercial free programs, unedited movies and special shows are still there, but now at an added cost refer to as premium, but the basics have changed and the cable companies try to fight technology and keep a strongarm hold around the neck of it's subscribers.
Ghpr13:)
Of course I could be wrong...

I was planning on coming out of my dch-3416 and going to the AVR(Denon 1909) via HDMI, and then going to the TV via HDMI. Is this wrong? I read most of this thread and it seems like people are going to the receiver with optical and to the TV with HDMI. Which way is better?

You can cut that cord anytime you want, Ghpr13, reducing your service down to the local broadcast channels, for $10-$20, and be done with cable, and cable boxes for that matter. If you stick with cable, beyond the local broadcast channels, it is because you have determined that it is worth it -- that what they're providing is "good".

I was planning on coming out of my dch-3416 and going to the AVR(Denon 1909) via HDMI, and then going to the TV via HDMI. Is this wrong? I read most of this thread and it seems like people are going to the receiver with optical and to the TV with HDMI. Which way is better?

Either way should work fine...I personally use the optical to receiver/HDMI to TV method so that the kids can watch their shows without turning the receiver on. As the cable doesn't need to be capable of carrying the new audio codecs, optical is still fine for TV viewing.

I was planning on coming out of my dch-3416 and going to the AVR(Denon 1909) via HDMI, and then going to the TV via HDMI. Is this wrong? I read most of this thread and it seems like people are going to the receiver with optical and to the TV with HDMI. Which way is better?

I have my 3416 going to my 1909 via hdmi and then hdmi out of the 1909 to a samsung lcd. No problems. I have read somewhere in a thread (maybe the 1909 thread) that some people had "handshake" issues when running a cable box through the 1909 so they used component and digital/optical sound.

I also have the HDMI control on feature enabled so you can watch tv via the cable box but not have the receiver on. IOW watch cable tv but use the tv volume.

I have my 3416 going to my 1909 via hdmi and then hdmi out of the 1909 to a samsung lcd. No problems. I have read somewhere in a thread (maybe the 1909 thread) that some people had "handshake" issues when running a cable box through the 1909 so they used component and digital/optical sound.

I also have the HDMI control on feature enabled so you can watch tv via the cable box but not have the receiver on. IOW watch cable tv but use the tv volume.

I go HDMI direct to the TV and optical to the AVR. This allows me to run the audio of the TV most of the time and the AVR when I am watching a 5.1 movie etc. and want full surround sound

It's OK Ghpr13 to voice your opinion, even if it is negative towards Comcast's horrible DVR. Do not let the cable industry intimidate you against voicing your opinion.

People who are objective or do not have a conflict of interest admit that cable DVR's are both inferior to everything else out there AND the monthly fees have become outrageous.

For the record, I would like to state that I have no association with any cable company, cable hardware producer, or any internet media company that has contractual agreements with cable companies to probe the web to limit, intimidate, or get posters kicked off forums for negatives comments toward any particular cable company.

I AM, however, a Comcast customer.

This may have been answered - but couldn't find it. Comcast has a habit of disabling various features on Moto poducts. Before upgrading to larger capacity deck - would like to know if I can run it thru my sound system via optical connection.

thanx.

mike

optical out works fine on my 3416. in fact i don't have any other audio outputs from my 3416 other than the hdmi embedded which goes to the tv. my yamaha receiver is the only destination for my optical audio output.

jtm

Can Comcast be used as a regular antenna for local FM radio. Back in college I split our regular cable feed into my 75 Ohm coax FM antenna feed on the receiver and was able to pick up radio over 100 miles away. Could I take a cable from the RF out o the DCH3416 to my new receiver and use the miles of Comcast cable around my town as a antenna?

Many years ago cable actually carried FM. It wasn't the wiring picking up the signal. I don't think that's the case anymore as they have the music choice channels now. Not positive about it though, never tried it.

I can't find a listing category for "Home Theater in a Box", setups for this remote.
The online list of codes is over two years old. I notice some of their remotes have an HTIB category but they are 4 digit codes. This remote requires 5 digit codes for a device.
Who makes this remote?

Our HTIB is a Panasonic in a condo. I found a code that will tun it on or off. None of the other buttons seem to do anything. It was a code for a DVD player. I tried a search for code - no luck. If I could find the function specific codes for play, volume, and pause. That would work, also.

...mike

Use this wiki:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Setting_a_Device_Code

And here are codes by each type of remote:
http://www.comcast.com/corporate/customers/customer_support/remotes.html

I would try some for Panasonic Receivers. Or call Panasonic and ask the type of device it is classified as. Our Samsung HTIB worked when I set it as Samsung receiver.

Well I just popped for a TIVO HD XL. It should be here in a week. My wife and daugher just got fed up with the 3416 and we decided to spend the bucks for a better experience. I've no doubt that it will cost me more but we watch TV to relax, not fight.

Along with the ability to offload stuff to the PC via the network we also get the ability to record shows off the air. I'm planning to put an antenna in the attic after taxes are done. It's also usable with FIOS which may be in our area this fall. I'll review that option as well when available.

I know it won't be perfect, nothing ever is. But I think this will be an improvement.

Once the TIVO gets here and I make sure it's working and updated we'll have a cable card installed and they can take away the 3416 at the same time.

jtm

Use this wiki:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Setting_a_Device_Code

And here are codes by each type of remote:
http://www.comcast.com/corporate/customers/customer_support/remotes.html

I would try some for Panasonic Receivers. Or call Panasonic and ask the type of device it is classified as. Our Samsung HTIB worked when I set it as Samsung receiver.

Thanks. I did try codes listed under "receiver'. One does do off.on and volume. No other buttons work.

...mike

Thanks. I did try codes listed under "receiver'. One does do off.on and volume. No other buttons work.

...mike

That is all you may get. It wont work as a DVD player and receiver at once through the remote. You may find a DVD code that does the DVD portion, and then the receiver code that does what a receiver does, on/off and volume, but unlikely to find a code that does both.

You can get a univeral remote that is programmable, but that defeats the purpose of using the Comcast remote.

I have my 3416 connected via HDMI into my Yamaha RX-V1800 receiver to a new Samsung plasma, and "once" a night I get these green or black blips. Is this generally a cable issue or just common in the DVR? I use blue jeans HDMI cables and don't see the same effect on my PS3.

it doesn't bother me too much but I never saw this connected through component.

I have my 3416 connected via HDMI into my Yamaha RX-V1800 receiver to a new Samsung plasma, and "once" a night I get these green or black blips. Is this generally a cable issue or just common in the DVR? I use blue jeans HDMI cables and don't see the same effect on my PS3.

it doesn't bother me too much but I never saw this connected through component.

That is the default Comcast "green screen" indicating that no HDMI handshake exists. Normally, I get that when switching between an SD and HD channel. "Working as designed"...:rolleyes: - damn HDCP!

I have read through several pages on here and learned quite a few interesting things about my Motorola DCH3416 comcast box but i need to know if anyone yet has figured out a way to pull the DVR Recorded programs because there are a couple things that I've recorded that I can't ever record again or buy somewhere on dvd. I have a usb to usb cable that I can hook to the front and to a laptop but I have no idea how to retrieve anything that way. is there some setting I have to turn on or some software that I can use to open things up and pull those programs?? any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jim

I have read through several pages on here and learned quite a few interesting things about my Motorola DCH3416 comcast box but i need to know if anyone yet has figured out a way to pull the DVR Recorded programs because there are a couple things that I've recorded that I can't ever record again or buy somewhere on dvd. I have a usb to usb cable that I can hook to the front and to a laptop but I have no idea how to retrieve anything that way. is there some setting I have to turn on or some software that I can use to open things up and pull those programs?? any help would be greatly appreciated.
There are 2 ways to save a recording:
1: Hook up a VCR, DVD recorder, or computer with analog video card and simply make a copy of the video. This will typically be limited to SD.

2: If you have a computer with firewire/IEEE1394, you may be able to make a digital copy (copy codes may prevent it.) This copy is only made at playback speed. See http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firewire

After the copy, play it back to make certain it is good before deleting from the DVR.

Hey everyone,
I looked through about over 70 pages on this thread alone. Also I've looked at other threads here as well as tons of stuff on the web before posting... I'm mainly interested in expanding the recording time using a Hard Drive connected somehow to my Comcast DVR.
(Note: When this thread came out, it was over 4 years ago, both these boxes were not even fully released yet, and alot of the info in this thread is outdated and old so I have to ask this stuff again in case there has been updates as of April 2009.)

I have (2) Comcast High Def DVR boxes at my house and I want to be able to expand the recording time of HD TV shows. The larger box has a 160GB capacity which equates to only 20 hours of programing.

Here are the 2 models I have:

Motorola DCT 3412I (The "12" at the end means 120 GB version)

Motorola DHC 3416 (The "16" means it is the 160 GB version)
Note: (I know the DCX versions are now at Comcast warehouses and will be distributed soon BUT it only comes with a 160GB HD!! There is some kind of MSO 250GB option but I don't know what MSO stands for or how to get it and neither did the 5 Comcast people I talked to.)

Here are some problems I've read about which may or may not be true:
1. According to all the stuff I've gone through, it looks like on Motorola products, the USB and eSATA ports are disabled? ...So you can't use an external hard drive!
2. If you swap out the internal hard drive for a larger one, the firmware just reformats the Hard Drive to the same size as the old one and no extra room is able to be used. (Most Hard Drives don't work at all apparently?)
3. The eSATA port could possibly be used but you need to change the firmware to activate it and I don't know how to do that? (Note: There are a few people I heard talking about that they CAN modify the firmware to do this but they won't talk about it?? WTF?)
4. The firewire port can be used, but only to transmit to a PC for direct recording using video capture. (I don't care about recording stuff like that, I just want to expand the Hard Drive space on my Comcast DVR. I have no desire to record shows to a DVD or something, or do Video Capture.)
5. Both Comcast and Motorola are no help at all if you call them or e-mail them.
6. There might be a way to use my computer, (which I have sitting right next to my Comcast box, and connected to my AV Receiver with a HDMI cord) to act as a DVR... That would be my last option because there would be complicated issues with anyone else in the house who wants to watch TV...(learning how to use the computer, how to use the software, how to switch over the AV receiver and inputs.)
7. Many Hard Drives even if connected just won't work with the box and there are only certain kinds that will work...if you can get past the other problems that is.

Any ideas anyone?

There is no way to get, say, 750GB or 1TB of storage for your Motorola DCT- or DCH-series DVR. I hope you find that answer sufficient for your needs, but from what you've written you've made clear that you want explanations of why and how -- answers that are not forthcoming. I suggest that your sanity and blood pressure would be well-served by modifying your expectations in this regard before getting too much further invested.

TiVo and Moxi both make DVRs that work with most cable systems. If you simply must have more storage, those are probably the most efficient means of achieving your aim.

Hi everyone,

Has anyone else had problems with copying shows recorded from their Comcast DCT 3412 DVR to Windows XP pc via the 1394 firewire connection? I've been able to record transport streams with video, but no audio. Anyone have ideas on what I might be doing wrong?

I've been using the method described by cmulder (see avsforum thread on How to record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire) to Windows XP, page 165) that essentially entails playing the recorded show, using CAPDVHS to capture the transport stream, and then using HDTV2MPEG2, MPEGREPAIR, and HDTVtoMPEG to clean up the video.

If it makes a difference, I'm trying to move an unencrypted HD recording and this problem is also described in another post on videohelp titled "Moto DVR DCT3416 from Comcast - can I get the recordings off the DVR?". I'm also in the San Francisco Bay Area in case this might be a regional issue.

Sorry about not posting the url's... this is my first post!

Thanks!

nth_79,

See this thread for a discussion of the problem you're facing.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1032148

I just noticed this morning, however, that I didn't need to use the...

1) press pause on DVR, 2) plug in firewire, 3) hit record, 4) press play on DVR

...method to transfer a recorded program. I'm not sure if something has changed or if I just did something wrong that happened to work.

I have an intermittant problem with my Comcast 3416. When I record a long (3 hours) sports program in HD and Fast Forward through the comercials it will sometimes skip to the end of the recording when in FF. This happens both when I'm playing as the program is still being recorded or later when the recording is complete. I've never seen it happen on a 30min or 1hr show.

I've tried to get some help from Comcast but was unsuccessful.

Anybody else have this problem? I'm wondering if it's just a problem with my box or a more universal problem that won't be solved with a replacement.

I have an intermittant problem with my Comcast 3416. When I record a long (3 hours) sports program in HD and Fast Forward through the comercials it will sometimes skip to the end of the recording when in FF. This happens both when I'm playing as the program is still being recorded or later when the recording is complete. I've never seen it happen on a 30min or 1hr show.

I've tried to get some help from Comcast but was unsuccessful.

Anybody else have this problem? I'm wondering if it's just a problem with my box or a more universal problem that won't be solved with a replacement.

It seems to be a bug introduced awhile ago. It appears to only affect some shows or channels. NBC seemed to be the most common. You can use PageUp/Down to get 5 minute skips. You can use the review button (curly arrow) to go back 15 seconds. You can program a key for a 30 second skip ahead:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

Im looking into a Comcast HD DVR for a friend who just got a new HDTV.
The two offerings at our local Comcast office are the DCT-3412 and the DCH-3416.
I have a DCT-3412 and for the last few years its worked relatively well, with the exception of a few livable issues with shows not recording at the right times, ending early and having to hit the stop button at the end of a recorded show in order to delete it. Used to come up with that menu automatically at one time.

Anyways if you had to get one or the other which would it be?

I did look into the TIVO HD deal at Sears/Best Buy a couple weeks ago. Between all the nightmares i heard regarding the use of 2 Cable cards and the cost associated with the Tivo purchase, lifetime activation and cable card rental. It would have cost me a lot of cash up front and the monthly costs if i didnt go lifetime would be more than what im paying Comcast now. Granted i would have a better DVR UI, upgradeable storage space, VOD all the rest, but it just didnt seem worth it.

Last question for those that have upgraded from the DCT-3412 to a DCH-3416 have you regretted it and did the newer box gain you anything other than 40GB of storage?

LOTL
I have often consdiered going the Tivo HD route (already have an S2) but you mention VOD in your post. Is that something tivo offers or is it comcasts On Demand? That's one of the major reasons mny wife doesn't want to switch is losing On Demand.

You can get it with any Tivo Series 2 or higher DVR i beleieve as long as you have it connected to the net via wireless or wired. If you already have a Tivo, i think you can get lifetime for $299 instead of $399
VOD offerings are from both Amazon and Netflix and a couple others.
See here for more info. (http://www.tivo.com/whatistivo/moviesandvideos/movies_videos.html)

Aside from losing your On Demand stuff from Comcast, you also loose PPV.
Neither of which i used often enough to care about.

Tough choice, but in the end i didnt feel the extras were worth the up front expense. Now if the cable card issues were not as prevalent, i think i would have jumped on it.

Is there anything out there that lets me connect my Brighthouse Cable DVR to a remote storage device so I can store more and watch it later? My brother-in-law's cable company hooked him up for a small fee but Brighthouse claims they can't do it and won't try until they have a reliable source.

flash3,

The new feature where during DVR playback, it jumps to the end or beginning of the show is a problem for me on all channels and doesn't vary with program length. I have had this problem for about 7 months. I've showed it to two Comcast techs. They both claim to have never seen it.

LOTL,

Having to press stop at the end of DVR playback to get the delete screen to appear was an important bugfix. The previous version of the software would jump to the end of the program if you FF too close to it. Once it got to the end, it would automatically pop up the delete screen. At this point, there was no way to rewind backwards. You had to start all over from the beginning of the show. Requiring the user to press stop at the end, to get the delete screen to show up, saved my DVRs life:) It was inches away from meeting the axe.

I just scheduled a service call for Monday to have them pickup my 3416 and install an M-card in my shiny new TivoHDXL.

Truck roll required in our area for the cablecard install.

jtm

Im looking into a Comcast HD DVR for a friend who just got a new HDTV.
The two offerings at our local Comcast office are the DCT-3412 and the DCH-3416.
There isn't much different between them, other than styling. The 3416 does have the slightly bigger drive, although there are also some DCT3416's out there.

The main issue is software/firmware. They do run different firmware, but the software is the same. Most bugs, such as scheduling, are software issues.

Once it got to the end, it would automatically pop up the delete screen. At this point, there was no way to rewind backwards. You had to start all over from the beginning of the show.

This was partially correct. There was no way to 'rewind' when the delete prompt came up, but if you just pressed the 15 sec back button it would pop it out of that & you could then rewind from there. Most people didn't realize this though.

There isn't much different between them, other than styling. The 3416 does have the slightly bigger drive, although there are also some DCT3416's out there.

The main issue is software/firmware. They do run different firmware, but the software is the same. Most bugs, such as scheduling, are software issues.
Andy,
Thanks for the reply. My main reason for posting was to see which of the two units would be less problematic. Like i said, my DCT-3412 has worked pretty well for 3+ years. Maybe i lucked out and got a good one. I was just hoping to get other peoples opinion on which one they would unleash upon a friend.

Andy,
Thanks for the reply. My main reason for posting was to see which of the two units would be less problematic. Like i said, my DCT-3412 has worked pretty well for 3+ years. Maybe i lucked out and got a good one. I was just hoping to get other peoples opinion on which one they would unleash upon a friend.

The DCH is the newer box, all digital I think, w/o any analog. But you should check Wiki to get the scoop on them.

The DCH is the newer box, all digital I think, w/o any analog. But you should check Wiki to get the scoop on them.

Actually both boxes mentioned are all digital, the entire 34xx series is (DCT and DCH). The 64xx series has both digital & analog tuners.

Actually both boxes mentioned are all digital, the entire 34xx series is (DCT and DCH). The 64xx series has both digital & analog tuners.

I'll take your word for it. I had thought that the only diff between the 34xx and 64xx was the memory size. And didn't the DCH boxes replace the DCT ones?

I'll take your word for it. I had thought that the only diff between the 34xx and 64xx was the memory size. And didn't the DCH boxes replace the DCT ones?

Yes the DCH's did take the place of the DCT's. The DCT's had built in security (inseparable). The DCH's were the first to come out with separable security/cable cards which were mandated by our friends at the FCC for most cable companies. Existing DCT's can still be used as long as they were active on an account before July of '07, so they'll still be around for a while, but you'll never see a new one. Any 'new' box needs to have separable security of some type now (currently cable cards, hopefully a different option isn't too far away).

The tuner is definitely one difference between the 2 boxes, not sure on memory sizes.

The DCX STB series are in the Warehouse on pallets, and will be placed in service over the next few weeks.

I'll take your word for it. I had thought that the only diff between the 34xx and 64xx was the memory size. And didn't the DCH boxes replace the DCT ones?As others have mentioned, the DCH- series is the separable security version of the DCT- series boxes. While they are generally "newer" for obvious reasons, they are not a new series, really. They are the same basic equipment, with this one regulation complied with. The DCX- series is the first truly new Motorola DVR since the DCTs were designed about a decade ago.

The DCX STB series are in the Warehouse on pallets, and will be placed in service over the next few weeks.
Scanpa,

Do you know the size of the hard drive on the DCX that Comcast will be deploying?

Mickey

As others have mentioned, the DCH- series is the separable security version of the DCT- series boxes. While they are generally "newer" for obvious reasons, they are not a new series, really. They are the same basic equipment, with this one regulation complied with. The DCX- series is the first truly new Motorola DVR since the DCTs were designed about a decade ago.

Will the DCX's be 'better' in some way (and hopefully not worse)?

The DCX have 3 available size HDD. It's up to the MSO for the one they order.

DCX-xx16, xx25, xx32 or 160GB, 250GB, 320GB

From what I was told, they have ordered the xx16 & some xx25 models.

Once my warehouse is authorized to unseal the DCX pallets, I will let you know. End of April - Mid May, then after they are made ready, Deployment should be by June / July.

Who knows with Comcast, they were delivered in Mid March, and there Just Sitting.

Thanks much for the info, scanpa!

The DCX have 3 available size HDD. It's up to the MSO for the one they order.

DCX-xx16, xx25, xx32 or 160GB, 250GB, 320GB

From what I was told, they have ordered the xx16 & some xx25 models.

Once my warehouse is authorized to unseal the DCX pallets, I will let you know. End of April - Mid May, then after they are made ready, Deployment should be by June / July.

Who knows with Comcast, they were delivered in Mid March, and there Just Sitting.

I'm looking forward to my current box needing to be replaced as soon as they come out.

On Tuesday I had a truck roll because I went from cable+internet to the triple play. After four hours, the tech said he had to replace my DCT-3416i because it wasn't able to pull on demand anymore (never had a problem before the visit). Anyway, he gave me a brand new (used with scratches) DCH 3416. It tanked after about an hour - shutting itself down. I have at least 8" of clearance above it, and it sits on its own shelf. So, I powered it back up. Within a minute it shut down again. Tried again the next morning with the same result.

So yesterday I went to a local office to swap it out. They gave me a DCT 3416i again. Worked fine after activation. It seemed like the DCH changed HD channels faster than the DCT. I would like to see if the new DCX will be more responsive.

The DCX have 3 available size HDD. It's up to the MSO for the one they order.

DCX-xx16, xx25, xx32 or 160GB, 250GB, 320GB

From what I was told, they have ordered the xx16 & some xx25 models.

Once my warehouse is authorized to unseal the DCX pallets, I will let you know. End of April - Mid May, then after they are made ready, Deployment should be by June / July.

Who knows with Comcast, they were delivered in Mid March, and there Just Sitting.
Given the miserly capacities (compared to today's available external hard drives), what is the likelihood of Comcast enabling eSATA?

Mickey

Given the miserly capacities (compared to today's available external hard drives), what is the likelihood of Comcast enabling eSATA?

Mickey

that's one thing I just don't get. Why would they not enabled the eSata port? I would think when moto makes these boxes , most (if not, all) of the ports on the back are enabled. SO, comcast probably has to go through trouble of disabling them.
Comcast and other cable providers surely wouldn't lose business if they were enabled. They may possibly gain some business if they were enabled, wouldn't you think?

I picked up my 3416 in february and I asked the CSR if all the ports on the back worked. He said only the AV outputs worked and said he has heard they are supposed to have the network port enabled in the future. TBH he didn't seem like he really knew what he was talking about.

I think it is a pretty simple business decision for Comcast. The more ports, features, holes, whatever the box has on it, the more tech support requests, calls, etc Comcast is going to receive. They probably see a very minimal upside and a huge downside.

But if they enabled the ports, a lot of us wouldn't immediately trade in their old DRVs once a higher-capacity model came out. So it's not clear which is the worse problem for them.

I'm guessing it is more contractual with the content providers..."make sure they can't get it to their computer by just plugging something into the back". Sure you can go the firewire real time capture route, but most "normal" folks aren't going to bother with that. It is all in the name of DRM, and that's it.

I'm guessing it is more contractual with the content providers..."make sure they can't get it to their computer by just plugging something into the back". Sure you can go the firewire real time capture route, but most "normal" folks aren't going to bother with that. It is all in the name of DRM, and that's it.
It may be due to DRM, but isn't eSATA enabled on devices from other providers?

Mickey

It may be due to DRM, but isn't eSATA enabled on devices from other providers?

Mickey

Yes, when I visited friends in the DC area who had COX, their DVR was able to be updated with another hard disk. In the Portland, OR area, the Dish Networks DVR can be added to as well, but I think the connection is by USB or some other mechanism other than eSATA.

The DCH is the newer box, all digital I think, w/o any analog. But you should check Wiki to get the scoop on them.

I believe another difference is that the DCH's may let you change video resolution on-the-fly, without having to go through the POWER OFF/MENU sequence. I think there is even a remote code for it.

I believe another difference is that the DCH's may let you change video resolution on-the-fly, without having to go through the POWER OFF/MENU sequence. I think there is even a remote code for it.Code 00109 does that on the DCH3416.  I think it was PaulGo who found it and publicized it in another AVSForum thread.

I notice sometimes the 3 line mini guide and mini menu or info screens don't always come up on my DCH box. The remote command is accepted as seen by the flashing IR LED, but nothing is displayed on the screen. Additionally when this happens, caller ID information comes up like it would on an "on demand" program (box in center of screen), instead of the thin translucent bar near the bottom of the screen.

The workaround to bring up the mini guide/info or mini menu is to first go into the full screen guide, then exit, and then I have about 3 to 5 seconds of time from exiting the full guide where the info/mini-guide/mini-menu.

Also when the box is in this strange state, the ITV icon or "Interactive TV" menu does not come up. Selecting it simply does nothing. I believe this bug is somehow related and I'm curious if it's only on DCH boxes or if it also affects DCT boxes.

Additionally tonight I had an issue committing the current buffer to disk. Normally I remember this working if you pressed record at any time. Well read my thread over at bbr for more information on that issue: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22213244-Can-you-not-commit-live-buffer-to-disk-anymore

It seems to be a bug introduced awhile ago. It appears to only affect some shows or channels. NBC seemed to be the most common. You can use PageUp/Down to get 5 minute skips. You can use the review button (curly arrow) to go back 15 seconds. You can program a key for a 30 second skip ahead:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

I learned about the 30 sec. skip (the most useful button!) years ago here on AVS. Never knew about the 5 min. back (page down) and fwd. (page up) controls.

Thanks..

P.S. While we are talking about controls, is there a code to bring up closed captioning? I am surprised some group hasn't made a stink about the convoluted way to access cc that these boxes require.


...mike

I think it is a pretty simple business decision for Comcast. The more ports, features, holes, whatever the box has on it, the more tech support requests, calls, etc Comcast is going to receive. They probably see a very minimal upside and a huge downside.Very on-target insights. Motorola won't even deign to sell these boxes to the general public.

But if they enabled the ports, a lot of us wouldn't immediately trade in their old DRVs once a higher-capacity model came out. So it's not clear which is the worse problem for them.They actually have the ability to know; you and I could only guess and we're as likely to be wrong as we are to be correct.

You can use PageUp/Down to get 5 minute skips. [/url]

Thanks X2!

When I hit my "page down" button all I get is the 15 second rewind. "Page up" does work for the 5 minute forward but a 5 minute rewind would sure be nice considering the slow rewind speeds of these things compared to other DVRs I've used. Is there a code I'm not finding for the 5 minute rewind?

Any help appreciated.

BB

No code is needed for the 5 min. skip. It's mentioned in the instructions that came with the cable box. It should work by default.

No code is needed for the 5 min. skip. It's mentioned in the instructions that came with the cable box. It should work by default.

Thanks, I don't actually have Comcast but I believe they are a majority owner of my cable co. That may have something to do with it. I have been using the silver Comcast remotes I picked up on Ebay though so that I could program the options I wanted but I didn't have to program anything for the 5 minute forward skip. I read about it on here and realized it had it already programmed. No 5 minute rewind though when I press page down, it just rewinds 15 sec. instead.

I just noticed though that my cable co. has a newer remote than the one I got with my DHC6416 so I will pick up one of those and see if that has it pre-programmed. I did notice that the new remote has a 7 second rewind rather than the 15 sec. I've always though the 15 sec rewind was too far so that feature of the new one will be nice. There was no mention though of the 30 fwd skip so if the new remote doesn't have that, and I can't program it into it, I'll be back to using my Comcast remotes.

http://www.midcocomm.com/classlibrary/page/resourcecenter/files/25.pdf

BB

Scanpa, will the new DCX boxes use the same remote codes as the DCT boxes?

(In other words, non-addressable?)

When I hit my "page down" button all I get is the 15 second rewind. "Page up" does work for the 5 minute forward but a 5 minute rewind would sure be nice considering the slow rewind speeds of these things compared to other DVRs I've used. Is there a code I'm not finding for the 5 minute rewind?
In the program guide, does Page Down scroll down? I wonder if you or somebody reprogrammed the key as the 15-sec rewind.

To reset the key (or any key) to it's original code:
Press and Release Cable
Hold setup and cable light blinks
Type 994, cable light should blink twice
Hit the Page Down key twice (you map the key onto itself)
You should get two blinks if OK.

In the program guide, does Page Down scroll down? I wonder if you or somebody reprogrammed the key as the 15-sec rewind.

To reset the key (or any key) to it's original code:
Press and Release Cable
Hold setup and cable light blinks
Type 994, cable light should blink twice
Hit the Page Down key twice (you map the key onto itself)
You should get two blinks if OK.

Yes, it works properly in the guide, scrolling down 1 page. I'm bought the remotes off Ebay and they appeared to be new so I don't think they came programmed that way and I've never changed that button unless it was by accident. I have 3 of the silver remotes plus the one from my cable co. and they all work the same. At any rate, I tried the reprogram like you suggested and it's still the same.....15 sec rewind when pressing page down. We'll see what happens when I get my new style remote from my provider.

Thanks for the suggestion though.....Barry

Scanpa, will the new DCX boxes use the same remote codes as the DCT boxes?

Ours have yet to be unboxed / unwrapped from the pallet.

I would say more then likely, as Moto has always used the single set of remote codes. plus Comcast still does not think that some users have multiple DVR STB on the same TV.

As the subject asks, are there any Moxis (new style) being let out by Charter in the Saginaw, Midland, Mt Pleasant etc area?

wtf is a Moxis?

does comcast have a box out yet that lets you add external hard drives ?

wtf is a Moxis?http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Moxi+DVR

does comcast have a box out yet that lets you add external hard drives ?No.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=smartass+bicker1

No.

Thanks for your valuable time and insight...

Glad to be of help.

Wow, the Moxi actually sounds pretty cool. No interest financing makes it even more attractive.

My 2-1/2 year-old DCT-3412 is still going strong but was wondering if there is simultaneous HDTV output from the HDMI and Component ports? I tried the search function with no results, yet I can't believe I'm the first person to have asked this question. I already know that there is similtaneous SD output from the RF connector on the back of the DCT-3412 which I feed to an older SD CRT TV in the adjacent room.

I'm thinking about buying a new 28" widescreen computer monitor for my computer in that same next room. This new 28" computer monitor is 1080p capable and has HDMI (with HDCP), Component, DVI, VGA and audio inputs plus decent speakers (but no TV tuner).

I'm currently using the DCT-3412 with a 2-1/2 year-old Panny 32" TC-32LE60 LCD 720p. It only has one HDMI-HDCP input and I use that for my DVD player. I use the Panny's Componet input for HDTV from the DCT-3412. This arrangement has worked trouble free for 2-1/2 years, plus I could not notice any difference in PQ between the HDMI and Component output signal from the DCT-3412 to this particular 32" Panny (plus HDMI would occasionally hic-up).

Therefore, I have an HDMI output currently unused on the back of the DCT-3412.

Question:

If I connect the new computer monitor to the unused HDMI port on the back of the DCT-3412, will the DCT-3412 output HDTV simultaneously (from Component and HDMI outputs) to both screens?

Thanks! ;)

Yes, the Video is sent out over all Video outputs at the same time.

Yes, the Video is sent out over all Video outputs at the same time.Thank you very much for this good news!

Our 3416 doesn't always react to the first power on command from it's remote. It does the same thing with power off sometimes.

While there are sometimes delays with other commands the power on/off commands seem to be the only ones that get missed all together.

I get the same reaction with a Harmony remote.

Any suggestions are appriciated.

Has anyone gotten their DCT3416 (Comcast) to work with their TV's remote? I just bought a new Samsung LN46A860 and it has a prettier remote than the Comcast version and want my Samsung Remote to replace it. I used all of the "set top box/cable box" codes in my Samsung TV manual, but none of them work on the DCT3416.

Is trying to operate the Motorola box with the Samsung remote a hopeless cause? Should I just break down and buy a Logitech Harmony Remote?

I have my 3 year old Samsung remote programmed to operate my Comcast Moto. But, unless your Samsung remote has lots better programming/learning abilities than mine, you won't get a lot of the functions that are on your DVR remote, like skip ahead and back, and access to what's recorded on your HDD. Probably you will need the Harmony.

Has anyone gotten their DCT3416 (Comcast) to work with their TV's remote? I just bought a new Samsung LN46A860 and it has a prettier remote than the Comcast version and want my Samsung Remote to replace it. I used all of the "set top box/cable box" codes in my Samsung TV manual, but none of them work on the DCT3416.

Is trying to operate the Motorola box with the Samsung remote a hopeless cause? Should I just break down and buy a Logitech Harmony Remote?

Try the General Instruments remote code. this is the same code set used on every DCT and DCH series STB.

Only the DCX series uses a new code set.

I have a DCH-3416 with Comcast. This morning the picture stopped working. I have confirmed that the problem is with the video of the box (I connected the cable inputs to a different video component and got a picture and connected a different cable input to the box and didn't get a picture). The box is giving sound and changing channels fine, just no picture.

Before I take it back (and lose everything on the DVR), does anybody know anything I could try first? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. As a quick follow-up, when I switch the resolution (from 720p to 480i and 480p and back to 720p), I get a split second of either a good picture or a garbled picture before it goes back to black.

I have a DCH-3416 with Comcast. This morning the picture stopped working. I have confirmed that the problem is with the video of the box (I connected the cable inputs to a different video component and got a picture and connected a different cable input to the box and didn't get a picture). The box is giving sound and changing channels fine, just no picture.

Before I take it back (and lose everything on the DVR), does anybody know anything I could try first? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. As a quick follow-up, when I switch the resolution (from 720p to 480i and 480p and back to 720p), I get a split second of either a good picture or a garbled picture before it goes back to black.

Do you see any menus? Have you tried unplugging the unit and then plugging it back in? Have you tried a different television set connected to the DVR?

I am on my second 3416 box from Comcast. Both boxes have been 'very used' judging by the outward looks, but this what they give you!

The first box (and now the brand new (to me) second box) have the annoying habit of skipping to end or beginning of a recording when I am fast forwarding.

Last night I was on 2-arrows fast forward, touching no buttons, and then it just jumps to the end where it went 'live'.

Did the same going backwards.

Doesn't seem to do this as much using the 3-arrow speed, but that's harder to use and control, too.

I hate being on edge..as if it will jump if you leave it in FF too long!!

Anyone know if this is simply another bad box..or am I doing something wrong.

The first box semed very stable for 6 months, then went crazy!

I did try power on-off with the first box, got a little better, but then went crazy again.

Help...!!!

Help...!!!I've had the same problem. It was fixed by getting a new box. Instead of just taking the box back for an exchange, call Comcast support and get it on record, then exchange it.

I have a DCH-3416 with Comcast. This morning the picture stopped working. I have confirmed that the problem is with the video of the box (I connected the cable inputs to a different video component and got a picture and connected a different cable input to the box and didn't get a picture). The box is giving sound and changing channels fine, just no picture.

Before I take it back (and lose everything on the DVR), does anybody know anything I could try first? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. As a quick follow-up, when I switch the resolution (from 720p to 480i and 480p and back to 720p), I get a split second of either a good picture or a garbled picture before it goes back to black.

I had a similar problem with my DCH-3416 from Insight last night. I went to turn on my TV and I had no picture just sound. The DCH-3416 wouldn't respond to any of the remotes comands. I switched out the HDMI cables and still had the problem. I was getting DVD via HDMI and TiVo via S-Video, so it wasn't my TV. My DCH-3416 was still recording "24" so I couldn't unplug it. I waited till it stopped recording, then unplugged it and let it set for about 15 minutes. When I plugged it back in everything work fine (well, fine for a DCH-3416).
It's gets me. I got my TiVo free from a At&t promotion, and I've had it 2.5 years and Never had a problem with it. It's so user friendly. It's just a series 2, but still, it shows you what could be if Motorola really cared about these STBs.
Ghpr13:)

I learned about the 30 sec. skip (the most useful button!) years ago here on AVS. Never knew about the 5 min. back (page down) and fwd. (page up) controls.

Thanks..

P.S. While we are talking about controls, is there a code to bring up closed captioning? I am surprised some group hasn't made a stink about the convoluted way to access cc that these boxes require.


...mike

Does anyone know why my 'Page Up' is now 30 sec skip? IT used to be 5min but it changed somehow. Also, my 'Page Down' was also always 15sec back and not 5min back. Thanks a lot.

Do you see any menus? Have you tried unplugging the unit and then plugging it back in? Have you tried a different television set connected to the DVR?

That fixed it. Can't believe I didn't think to do a power cycle. Thanks.

Help/advice needed........

My comcast motorola dvr keeps reseting to the default settings/hdmi settings. It actually happens every time i turn the tv itself off?? the settings stay when 1) i use the dvr, 2)shut off just the cable box, and 3)turn the avr on and off. However if i turn the tv off even leaving the cable box on the settings all reset to the defaults. i see some flickering in the clock area and when the picture shows up the settings have all been reset, very weird, any thoughts? I want it to stay on 4:3 overide= stretch and under additional hdmi settings i want it to stay on RGB. They both get reset to 480i and something like yyy my resolution stays on 1080i luckily but if i want it to be on 720p it goes back to 1080i. I simply power off the dvr, press menu, change my settings then press menu again. The screen goes black and the clock disappears. I finally turn the dvr back on the settings are working. If I turn my tv off however it resets?? I have tried unplugging both the dvr and tv and letting them reset already.
my equipment all connected by hdmi:
1)Pioneer 42 PDP-42A3HD Plasma
2)Yahmaha RX-V465
3)motorola 34xx dvr

I have always been able to watch any ON DEMAND show and tape a show at the same time with my Dual Tuner HD DVR - model DCT3416. Now after this weekend I have started to experience problems.

Don't know if it is related but over the holiday weekend many of us in Atlanta experienced ON DEMAND outages. Everything is back up and running now, but when I try and watch a show ON DEMAND and tape a second show it will not work. Once the ON DEMAND content starts playing the DVR recording the other show freezes and will stop recording the show. However the ON DEMAND content will play just fine.

Now the crazy thing is that (forget about ON DEMAND for the moment) I can still record two HD shows at the same time while watching a show that is on the DVR...

Again, it is just that when I throw ON DEMAND into the mix now, that one particular scenario doesn't work anymore. After talking with Comcast support they did not offer any suggestions (i.e. doing a reset etc....) they said the box is done and to swap it for another unit at the local office.

And as many of you may know, my problem with doing a swap is that I feel like Forrest Gump walking in there - "you just never know what you're gonna get"! I don't want to end up walking out with something older than what I went in there with... Aside from this problem, the unit has been performing great ever since I first got it - probably around two years ago.

Any ideas, or suggestions on what to try before returning it for another unit?

I have always been able to watch any ON DEMAND show and tape a show at the same time with my Dual Tuner HD DVR - model DCT3416. Now after this weekend I have started to experience problems.

Any ideas, or suggestions on what to try before returning it for another unit?

Out of curiosity does it matter which tuner you have doing what? Tuner 1 recording show & tuner 2 'trying' to watch OnDemand or vice-versa?
Also have you tried doing any resets?

Hello AVS gurus,

I have been having trouble with my DCH 3416 on Comcast lately. At some times during the early morning or even during the middle of the day it randomly reboots and takes my recorded shows with it. It flashes 8888 a few times then reboots and takes a few hours to redownload all of the TV Guide information. Is this a known issue and are there any fixes for it? If you have any questions regarding my issue, please ask!

Thanks.

Hello AVS gurus,

I have been having trouble with my DCH 3416 on Comcast lately. At some times during the early morning or even during the middle of the day it randomly reboots and takes my recorded shows with it. It flashes 8888 a few times then reboots and takes a few hours to redownload all of the TV Guide information. Is this a known issue and are there any fixes for it? If you have any questions regarding my issue, please ask!

Thanks.I would contact Comcast and get the DCH3416 replaced.

I would contact Comcast and get the DCH3416 replaced.

Thanks.

Actually now that you mention it I never tried to track it that way... I'll check in the morning and see if it makes a difference. After that I think (based on another members recommendation) I will have them send the box the latest firmware and do a reset and see if that corrects the problem. If not, I'll roll the dice and see what they have at the local office to replace it with. Any particular dual tuner HD DVR model I should shoot for trying to get?

Thanks - Jeff

Oops sorry on that last post (forgot to reference the quote / response from jonwww).

anyone having trouble with the S video output on HD channels ?

at the very top of the screen, there's a horizontal line of distortion that goes across the whole top of the screen. it's not very big but it is annoying

i watch the HD channels using component cables and that's fine (no distortion on the top) but i have to use S video for my dvd recorder

i have 2 DVR's and it happens with both of them. it's been happening for years. it went away for a while but came back again a few months ago on both DVR's so i'm guessing it's a firmware thing?

anyone having trouble with the S video output on HD channels ?

at the very top of the screen, there's a horizontal line of distortion that goes across the whole top of the screen. it's not very big but it is annoying

i watch the HD channels using component cables and that's fine (no distortion on the top) but i have to use S video for my dvd recorder

i have 2 DVR's and it happens with both of them. it's been happening for years. it went away for a while but came back again a few months ago on both DVR's so i'm guessing it's a firmware thing?

Yes, it started happening on my DCT-3412 several firmware updates ago.

If I unplug the power to the DVR for 30 seconds, the problem goes away for a few hours, but always returns later (my S-Video routes to my computer's TV Tuner/Recorder card).

I doubt that is any form of distortion that you are seeing. It is probably the digital data that is encoded into the first scan line at the top of all video images. This data includes things such as closed caption text. You should be able to adjust your TV to have a little bit of overscan, this way it will not show the first couple or last couple of scan lines in the image.

anyone having trouble with the S video output on HD channels ?

at the very top of the screen, there's a horizontal line of distortion that goes across the whole top of the screen. it's not very big but it is annoying

It's also visible on HD channels via RF/coax or Composite (yellow connection).

I doubt that is any form of distortion that you are seeing. It is probably the digital data that is encoded into the first scan line at the top of all video images. This data includes things such as closed caption text. You should be able to adjust your TV to have a little bit of overscan, this way it will not show the first couple or last couple of scan lines in the image.

that's what i thought

it's weird because when there's something bright on the bottom, that's what reflects up into those top couple of lines

It's also visible on HD channels via RF/coax or Composite (yellow connection).

yeah i saw that

i don't mind recording from the SD channels but then i get full-screen instead of the widescreen image

and even thought my dvd recorder is SD, the picture quality is much better when recording from a HD channel than the SD channel

When I hit my "page down" button all I get is the 15 second rewind. "Page up" does work for the 5 minute forward but a 5 minute rewind would sure be nice considering the slow rewind speeds of these things compared to other DVRs I've used. Is there a code I'm not finding for the 5 minute rewind?

Any help appreciated.

BB

My Comcast DVR remote did the '15 sec rewind' -
until last night...
Now 5 min rewind...???
Odd.
Any one else see any change?
- Ray
Confused and mildly annoyed...

about the weird scan lines at the top of the screen with S video/composite video on HD channels, i've been watching closely and it looks like it's taking the bottom 3 lines of the frame and putting them on the top of the screen

this is something comcast should look into because this problem comes and goes with firmware updates. one time i had it on one DVR and not the other for several months, very odd

anyway, i tried the trick of unplugging the cable box and plugging it back in again and it does fix it temporarily. i'm probably picky enough to go through the trouble when recording to dvd :)

about the weird scan lines at the top of the screen with S video/composite video on HD channels, ... i'm probably picky enough to go through the trouble when recording to dvd :)If you are picky why are you using S-Video/composite (480i) instead of Component or HDMI which can both transmite HDTV at either 720p or 1080i? If your TV isn't HD, why pay extra for HD service? :confused:

If you are picky why are you using S-Video/composite (480i) instead of Component or HDMI which can both transmite HDTV at either 720p or 1080i? If your TV isn't HD, why pay extra for HD service? :confused:

i think you're late to the party. read back a bit

i think you're late to the party. read back a bitOK. You seem to own two SD DVRs.

As has been posted, increasing overscan will correct your problem if your display has the right "size" control.

i own 2 HD dual tuner DVR's that are hooked up to 2 separate HDTV's and i use component cables but that has nothing to do with the problem

the problem is when i record HD channels to my DVD recorder which only accepts S video or composite, that's where the problem comes in

i own 2 HD dual tuner DVR's that are hooked up to 2 separate HDTV's and i use component cables but that has nothing to do with the problem.

The problem is when I record HD channels to my DVD recorder which only accepts S video or composite, that's where the problem comes inTo add to otk's response:

The lines are not visible on any device screen being monitored during the recording process (to his SD DVD recorder or my computer's SD TV tuner's window) .... the shifted lines only show up on the recorded material during playback. A power reset on the Comcast Motorola DCT or DCH units temporarily solves the issue for a few recordings but then always returns.

The issue was not present several Comcast DVR firmware updates ago. I've been using the same DCT-3412 unit for 3 years and seen the good, bad, and ugly resulting from Comcast DVR updates over the years. I also temporarily had a DCH-3416 in the house about 6 months ago, and it too had the same issue. The issue occurs on both S-Video and Composite outputs from the DCT and DCH DVR series units to external SD recording devices.

As I stated earlier, it started happening a few DVR firmware updates ago.

I have 3 Moto DVRs at my house...2 x 3416 and 1 x 3412.

Lately, the OOB numbers have been all over the place, and they're almost always the same on all 3 boxes, so I don't think it's a DVR issue. For a while, the SNR was around 21 with AGC usually between 14% and 17%. Both in the good range. I recently had an 8 way subscriber drop amp added by Comcast when I added the EMTA for HSI and voice. I have 6 TVs connected to the amp.

One night last week, we lost on demand on all 3 DVRs and after reseting one of the boxes, I discovered that it wasn't getting time sync or the guide. When I looked at the OOB in the diag menu, the SNR and AGC showed up as INVALID. Next day they were back in the GOOD range.

Starting yesterday, the OOB signal has been 21.7 SNR and 7% AGC which is in the FAIR range. All 3 DVRs have the same signal stats. Anyone know what could be going on? Head end issue? Wiring issue?

I have 3 Moto DVRs at my house...2 x 3416 and 1 x 3412.

Lately, the OOB numbers have been all over the place, and they're almost always the same on all 3 boxes, so I don't think it's a DVR issue. For a while, the SNR was around 21 with AGC usually between 14% and 17%. Both in the good range. I recently had an 8 way subscriber drop amp added by Comcast when I added the EMTA for HSI and voice. I have 6 TVs connected to the amp.

One night last week, we lost on demand on all 3 DVRs and after reseting one of the boxes, I discovered that it wasn't getting time sync or the guide. When I looked at the OOB in the diag menu, the SNR and AGC showed up as INVALID. Next day they were back in the GOOD range.

Starting yesterday, the OOB signal has been 21.7 SNR and 7% AGC which is in the FAIR range. All 3 DVRs have the same signal stats. Anyone know what could be going on? Head end issue? Wiring issue?

Bump....anyone have anything to offer?

Sounds like wiring to me. I added phone to my TV+HSI last month and the first guy had to replace two lines coming from the new amp he installed. Then, I needed a return trip to correct one of his mistakes. Just my experience...

Greetings-

Not sure if this is the right place- I have a 3412 on which some HD channels have a lot of signal problems: horizontal pixelation, things like that. It's not consistent throughout all the channels. All the local HDs come in fine, but TNTHD and ESPNHD were not good.

Any ideas? Or should I try asking in the Reception area of the forum?

Running HDMI from 3412 through Marantz receiver to Pioneer Elite.

Thanks!

Look for the thread about HDTV in your area, and ask there. If anyone else near you is having similar problems, you'll find out.

I don't know if I've posted this before but on both of my 3412 and 3416, I get this weird picture shift situation that requires a hard reboot of the box.

The picture literally shifts down an inch and the bottom appears at the top. It'll happen if I change off of HD pictures to a SD feed and then back to HD.

Anyone else have this problem. It's odd that it happens on both boxes.

I don't know if I've posted this before but on both of my 3412 and 3416, I get this weird picture shift situation that requires a hard reboot of the box.

The picture literally shifts down an inch and the bottom appears at the top. It'll happen if I change off of HD pictures to a SD feed and then back to HD.

Anyone else have this problem. It's odd that it happens on both boxes.

something similar was happening to my boxes with the S video and composite video outputs. i posted about that a few days ago in this thread. i'm glad i did because rebooting fixes the problem

i don't have the issue with component outputs but it was messing up my dvd recordings with the s video output

oh also it wasn't an inch, more like 2 or 3 lines

something similar was happening to my boxes with the S video and composite video outputs. i posted about that a few days ago in this thread. i'm glad i did because rebooting fixes the problem

i don't have the issue with component outputs but it was messing up my dvd recordings with the s video output

oh also it wasn't an inch, more like 2 or 3 lines

Yeah, you are right. It isn't an inch. It is closer to 2 or 3 lines.

And again, correct about it only being component outputs. When I do recordings using the firewire, the picture comes out normal.

i don't get the problem with component cables, just with composite (the yellow RCA) and S-video cables and only on the HD channels

I had a problem, over component, only with HD, where the picture was split vertically, and a bit skewed. I just hit "Menu," then "exit," and the picture had righted. That might be worth a try, instead of rebooting.

I was thinking about getting a Comcast DVR. How well do they hold their programming memory in case of a power failure? Will it retain the data for even a brief power interruption?

I was thinking about getting a Comcast DVR. How well do they hold their programming memory in case of a power failure? Will it retain the data for even a brief power interruption?

the box will re-boot but memory will be saved

best to keep DVR on a power failure device

I was thinking about getting a Comcast DVR. How well do they hold their programming memory in case of a power failure? Will it retain the data for even a brief power interruption?

In even a brief power outage, the guide will be lost. It may take up to two days before the entire two-week guide is restored. (Unless, of course, something has changed since I got a UPS hooked up to mine. That's what I had to resort to.)

In even a brief power outage, the guide will be lost. It may take up to two days before the entire two-week guide is restored. (Unless, of course, something has changed since I got a UPS hooked up to mine. That's what I had to resort to.)
So then you're saying that essentially the memory will be lost, since it can't record without a program guide, right?

Two days????? That's inexcusable. My non-DVR Moto STB's have the guide back in minutes.

No, you aren't without recording for two days.  It takes two days for guide data from the next two weeks to fill in, but guide data from the next couple of hours comes in shortly after the reboot, and while the full two weeks are filling in, you'll always have it for at least a couple of hours ahead.

My problem with the DCH3416 after reboots is this: if I have a series recording, and I want the extra number of early-start minutes or late-end minutes for a particular broadcast of the show to differ from the defaults for the series recording, all that is also lost and must be reentered.

No, you aren't without recording for two days.* It takes two days for guide data from the next two weeks to fill in, but guide data from the next couple of hours comes in shortly after the reboot, and while the full two weeks are filling in, you'll always have it for at least a couple of hours ahead.
Ok thanks. So what if you have recordings scheduled during the next 12 hours, with one or more 12 hrs away, will those still record?

Ok thanks. So what if you have recordings scheduled during the next 12 hours, with one or more 12 hrs away, will those still record?Almost always, yes, but it doesn't hurt to look at the schedule after you've rebooted and make sure things haven't been set not to record and haven' disappeared from the schedule.

Thanks for all the replies. My concern is what happens if there is power failure right after I left on vacation. I'd hate to come back home after a week with nothing recorded. My power must have gone out briefly last night because some digital clocks were flashing when I got home. But my stand alone DVD recorder was OK & did proceed to record on schedule. However I don't know how long it can survive without power.

I also have a Comcast Motorola DCH3200 STB and if unplugged for a few seconds the EPG gets deleted and does take a day or two to fully fill up again. So it made me wonder what would happen if I had a Motorola DVR instead, which I happened to call Comcast about yesterday to confirm fees.

crossbeaux,

Which UPS did you get?

Almost always, yes, but it doesn't hurt to look at the schedule after you've rebooted and make sure things haven't been set not to record and haven' disappeared from the schedule.
Sounds like a UPS is the only way to go with these things. Thanks for the info.

Mike I recently got a 450 watt UPS for my Dad's PC for about $68 shipped. So one for a STB could be a good bit less.

Don't they still execute scheduled recordings that were scheduled before the power outage, even if the program guide data has not yet been reloaded? I thought that only affects your ability to schedule more recordings.

Don't they still execute scheduled recordings that were scheduled before the power outage, even if the program guide data has not yet been reloaded? I thought that only affects your ability to schedule more recordings.


That would be nice if it could still proceed with what was programmed before an outage.

I just looked at my DCH3200's EPG and noticed there were quite a few "to be announced" entries, but not as many as when the unit gets unplugged. Either the guide did not get completely wiped out with the power glitch or it's filling up faster than normal.

Doing some searching it looks like the current models are the DCH3416, DCH6416 and DCX3400. From the Motorola web site it looks like the DCH3416 only has digital tuners. Yet from the forum this appears to be a widely used model. If it has no analog tuner, how does it tune in analog channels, such as the Travel Channel which is channel 61 by me?

As far as the loss of power, at least for me, mine works better if it gets rebooted once every week or two. I'll sure be glad when/if the DCX ever gets released.

Doing some searching it looks like the current models are the DCH3416, DCH6416 and DCX3400. From the Motorola web site it looks like the DCH3416 only has digital tuners. Yet from the forum this appears to be a widely used model. If it has no analog tuner, how does it tune in analog channels, such as the Travel Channel which is channel 61 by me?Your service provider is broadcasting a digital simulcast of the analog channel.

Don't they still execute scheduled recordings that were scheduled before the power outage, even if the program guide data has not yet been reloaded?Usually, yes.

That would be nice if it could still proceed with what was programmed before an outage.

I just looked at my DCH3200's EPG and noticed there were quite a few "to be announced" entries, but not as many as when the unit gets unplugged. Either the guide did not get completely wiped out with the power glitch or it's filling up faster than normal.

Programs that you scheduled to record (before a power outage) almost always get recorded when the power returns, because the DVR reloads the guide in time order, i.e. first things first. And since a two-week guide "only" takes a couple of days to reload, by the time it's ready to record a show, the guide data for that show should be available. I'm not sure what happens at the extreme (program set to record during the outage), but I think the unit starts to record (or resumes recording) when enough of the guide reloads so that it remembers that it should be recording something (usually only a few minutes after the power comes back). I know I've had movies recorded in the middle of the night broken into two separate recordings with warnings about lost data. But I think that's usually because of the Emergency Response testing on a TV station that also screws things up.

Yup, I thought I remembered that they did. So the fact that the program guide hasn't repopulated won't be as bad.

Yup, I thought I remembered that they did. So the fact that the program guide hasn't repopulated won't be as bad.

Yep, you guys are right on. I've had to unplug mine during a recording to unfreeze the box. I starts recording again as soon as the box finishes rebooting. The guide isn't needed. I'm also pretty certain that recordings that are already scheduled will record properly even if the guide has not reloaded. The recorded program might not have the correct title if the guide hasn't loaded, but it will record.

Yep, you guys are right on. I've had to unplug mine during a recording to unfreeze the box. I starts recording again as soon as the box finishes rebooting. The guide isn't needed. I'm also pretty certain that recordings that are already scheduled will record properly even if the guide has not reloaded. The recorded program might not have the correct title if the guide hasn't loaded, but it will record.

this is true. the recording will be called "to be announced" until the guide is restored

So the lengthy reload of the guide isn't fatal, it's just (to me, at least) annoying as heck, because you can't set up something to record until the guide lists it (with my memory, it's better I do that sooner rather than later), and you can't see everything that's going to be on later (like, which baseball game will be on tomorrow). Again, not earth-shattering, even at the low importance level of a DVR in the grand scheme of things, just annoying.

So the lengthy reload of the guide isn't fatal, it's just (to me, at least) annoying as heck, because you can't set up something to record until the guide lists it (with my memory, it's better I do that sooner rather than later), and you can't see everything that's going to be on later (like, which baseball game will be on tomorrow). Again, not earth-shattering, even at the low importance level of a DVR in the grand scheme of things, just annoying.

how often does your electric go out ?

i don't get the problem with component cables, just with composite (the yellow RCA) and S-video cables and only on the HD channelsSame here .... I'll just reboot and live with it until the newer comcast DVRs come out next year (with hopefully better firmware that fixes this issue).

My concern is what happens if there is power failure right after I left on vacation. I'd hate to come back home after a week with nothing recorded.

You come home to a DVR with the clock flashing "12:00".

:D Sorry couldn't resist the old VCR reference. As the others have said all will be fine, guide goes out for a while but saved recordings should all be intact.

Same here .... I'll just reboot and live with it until the newer comcast DVRs come out next year (with hopefully better firmware that fixes this issue).

last night re-booting didn't even fix the problem on one of my DVRs. i had to switch DVRs around to record to dvd

Your service provider is broadcasting a digital simulcast of the analog channel.


Thanks for the reply.

I understand what you are saying, but I could not find some of the digital simulcast channels on my HDTV which is pretty good at finding these. For example, ABC analog is 7 (NTSC), ABC digital simulcast is 81.4 (480i) and ABC HD is 79.1 (720p). I wondered if the digital version of the Travel Channel (61 NTSC) could be encrypted, which means the HDTV would not get it. I have no idea why they would encrypt it, but who knows.

Using the Comcast STB diagnostic menu, channel 61 is 585MHz, which is real cable channel number 84. Going back to the HDTV, it does find 84.204 but is “Not Authorized”. So I’m presuming that is the digital simulcast of Travel Channel. I found a similar situation with Comedy Central (42 NTSC).

For the heck of it I checked Comcast STB channel 7. It turns out this is 567MHz, which is real cable channel number 81. And this matches up with the digital simulcast at 81.4 (480i).

So even though analog channels are still on my cable system, it appears Comcast is mapping their digital equivalents to these lower numbers on their STB just as you mentioned. I just presumed that as long as an analog channel existed they would just use it. They must be getting ready to go all digital. I’m not against that, but I am against encrypting channels such Travel and Comedy. If that practice keeps up a QAM tuner will be pretty much useless.

Thanks again.

So even though analog channels are still on my cable system, it appears Comcast is mapping their digital equivalents to these lower numbers on their STB just as you mentioned. I just presumed that as long as an analog channel existed they would just use it. They must be getting ready to go all digital. I’m not against that, but I am against encrypting channels such Travel and Comedy. If that practice keeps up a QAM tuner will be pretty much useless.


Some of the benefits of digital simulcast are that someone capable of receiving the digital feed (via TV QAM tuner or STB) will get a better picture than just having the analog feed and it also allows the cable co to purchase cheaper STB's that don't have analog tuners. Not many cable co's will be going 'all digital' for a few years. Unless something has changed, the FCC mandated that they need to continue to carry basic/must carry channels for 3 years after 6-12-09.

how often does your electric go out ?

For me, it's not that the power goes out, but that the circuit breaker blows. I don't even want to think of what it would cost me to upgrade the electrical. The UPS gives me time to reset.

Some of the benefits of digital simulcast are that someone capable of receiving the digital feed (via TV QAM tuner or STB) will get a better picture than just having the analog feed and it also allows the cable co to purchase cheaper STB's that don't have analog tuners. Not many cable co's will be going 'all digital' for a few years. Unless something has changed, the FCC mandated that they need to continue to carry basic/must carry channels for 3 years after 6-12-09.


The digital simulcast is OK, if it can be received via a QAM tuner as you mentioned. But neither my TV nor DVDR can get the digital versions of the 2 channels I mentioned. There may be more, but these are the only ones I checked. The Travel Channel (61) does look better coming from my STB than from the DVDR's QAM tuner. It's too bad the simulcast appears to be encrypted. If it's part of basic or must carry, why bother to encrypt it? They don't encrypt ABC simulcast or clear QAM HD.

I thought Chicago & one other city were suppose to go all digital sometime last year. But I recall there was some confusion what "all" meant. Did it exclude just the broadcast channels or all channels below 99? Or was Comcast giving out free STBs that only converted the basic channels to analog?

Here, the digital simulcast channels are encrypted, so your QAM tuner would not find them. It has been that way, here, for many years.

If they go "all-digital", as they have in the cities you mentioned, they have to make a choice whether to keep them encrypted, and issue lots of STBs (which have CableCARDs and therefore support decryption) or issue lots of DTAs, which are not allowed to support decryption, at this time. If they go with DTAs, they will have to unencrypt the digital standard definition cable channels. (At that point, I have to drop the word "simulcast" because they're the only standard definition versions of the channels left.) Their choice.

Remember, there is nothing in your agreement with any service provider that says that they have to provide you signal that you can split and feed into a number of outlets. Service is focused on the outlets you pay for. If you can make use of the signal they provide on more than one outlet, more power to you, but making that happen is all on you -- they aren't obligated in the slightest to help that along, or maintain things so that whatever you do set up continues to work forever. If you want them to support multiple outlets, you have to pay for them.

So far, Comcast has not removed analog broadcast (must-carry) channels, anywhere. So "all-digital" means, for now, cable channels only.

bicker1,

I hear what you're saying, it's just a little puzzling to me why they would encrypt some of the "basic" digital simulcasts but not all of them, such as ABC 480i. Obviously they'll encrypt HBO, but what the heck is so special about the Travel Channel? My TV's QAM tuner will pickup someone else's OnDemand/PPV programing which is not encrypted. If it's coming down the coax in my area there is nothing to stop it coming into my house. The channels do come & go, and sometimes there's adult content showing T&A and they don't encrypt that. Not that I'm complaining, it's just wacky, in my opinion, what they choose to encrypt.

Whenever you ask "why" you also need to ask "why not". Given that no one without a cable company STB or CableCARD actually purchased service provided by the ADS channels, there was no reason not to secure them. If nothing else, it proves in the technology and helps discourage cable theft, by making the raw signal less valuable to miscreants.

You'll find that increasingly across the country they are now encrypting PPV, but you're right that that wasn't generally the case in the past.

I just noticed I now have the 5 minute skip forward again after losing it a month ago or so AND I have the 5 minute skip back that I was trying to get to work a while back. :D


My Comcast DVR remote did the '15 sec rewind' -
until last night...
Now 5 min rewind...???
Odd.
Any one else see any change?
- Ray
Confused and mildly annoyed...

When I hit my "page down" button all I get is the 15 second rewind. "Page up" does work for the 5 minute forward but a 5 minute rewind would sure be nice considering the slow rewind speeds of these things compared to other DVRs I've used. Is there a code I'm not finding for the 5 minute rewind?

Any help appreciated.

BB

How does this DVR handle a series recording if you initiate the programing during a rerun season? IOW a series may be in rerun status during the summer season, but is new for me. Does the DVR see that the program is a rerun & therefore not record it? Or does it recognize that it has never been recorded on my DVR & therefore proceed to record whatever rerun episodes are coming up in the near future?

If you set the recording to just record new episodes, then it will indeed skip reruns during reruns season, even if you personally have never seen the episode.

Not quite correct.
It will also record reruns that are marked with generic descriptions and not the actual episode info. Monk is notoriously bad for this. They just have a generic "detective solves mysteries" description in the off season so we always have to remove that season pass in the off season.
There are a couple of other shows that do the same thing, I forget off the bat.

It appears then that there is an option to record all of a series or just new episodes, correct? I was thinking about swapping my HD STB for one of these HD DVR units, therefore any episodes I record now would be new to me.

Thanks for the information.

@andydumi Yes, of course, if program guide data is incorrect, then you will get recordings that you wouldn't get if the program guide data was correct.

@Mike99 Since you missed the series during its first run, you would indeed use the option to record all episodes to catch the ones you missed.

Actually, whether the DVR records a rerun or not, depends on how it is flagged. Some series may treat summer reruns as first showings, but some will not. Some shows, like The Daily Show will have each showing of the same ep flagged as new, when it is in a different time slot, even though it has been shown before. But, for series you set to record first showing only during the first run, and that really does have reruns flagged as reruns, your programed slot will disappear from the programmed listings for the summer, but magically return in the fall, even if you've forgotten about it... :D

I hate the way my 3416 buries the closed caption option deep in the *setup* menus. I have to switch off the box to be able to turn on the CC. I like TVs that have a CC button on the remote to turn it off or on. Does anyone know if the newer version of these Motorola boxes address this situation? If so, I would call Comcast and have them switch out my box.
Thanks in advance.

My understanding is that the CC is the way it is with the DCT- and DCH- boxes because of how old the kernal of their operating software is. However, it is possible that the new DCX- boxes will be different. Does anyone know if CC is handled differently with the DCX- boxes?

As far as I know, the DCX- boxes haven't reached our local area yet. All they have available for us are the DCT- and DCH- boxes. Your best bet is to keep an eye on our local thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=793008

As soon as the folks in your part of our local area start getting DCX boxes, you probably can go into the Comcast office with your current box and swap.

I went to get DVR from Comcast today, but was told they were out of the units with HDMI output. They could give me the DVI model along with an adapter. I declined. They said they get the newer units in every morning about 9am when they open, but they go out real fast and they cannot hold one for me. So I'll be waiting at their door before they open tomorrow morning.

Your best bet is to keep an eye on our local thread

Thanks bicker. I am subscribed to that thread as well.

anyone get those annoying EAS alerts ?

they mess up recordings and wipe out buffers

And are required by law.

And are required by law.

they should do them like 4 in the morning, not while late night shows are still on and they shouldn't dump the buffers

I hate the way my 3416 buries the closed caption option deep in the *setup* menus. I have to switch off the box to be able to turn on the CC. I like TVs that have a CC button on the remote to turn it off or on. Does anyone know if the newer version of these Motorola boxes address this situation? If so, I would call Comcast and have them switch out my box.
Thanks in advance.

The DCX3400 operates the same. It may have more options once in the menu, but you still have to turn off the box to get to them or to enable/disable.

they should do them like 4 in the morning, not while late night shows are still on and they shouldn't dump the buffers

They are driving me crazy, too.

As far as the loss of power, at least for me, mine works better if it gets rebooted once every week or two. I'll sure be glad when/if the DCX ever gets released.

I have a DCX in Denver (long story about how/why I have one) and am told that they are not releasing them here until they get a firmware update. It has its own set of issues, particularly with the HDMI handshake. I have to re-boot frequently due to that issue and it sometimes freezes when it is "detecting" different formats for different channels. It is almost like the processor is "too fast," for lack of a better illustration.

I picked up a DCH3416 DVR today. When recording episodes, what’s the difference between “New and repeats” and “All with duplicates”?

And under Save, you can save “All episodes”, or “Only 1 episode”, “Only 2 episodes”, etc. Why would you record a series and save only a few episodes? Why not just record the episodes that you want? What am I missing here?

What are some real or practical recording time capacities for HD and SD? I thought the spec was about 20 hours for HD, but I searched & seems like some people are getting a lot less. I then searched & found a Motorola manual & it states 14 to 21 hrs, depending on bit rate, etc. I realize there can be some differences, but that’s quite a range. If you record 2 hours/evening and go on vacation for two weeks you come up really short. What can realistically be expected?

I picked up a DCH3416 DVR today. When recording episodes, what’s the difference between “New and repeats” and “All with duplicates”?

And under Save, you can save “All episodes”, or “Only 1 episode”, “Only 2 episodes”, etc. Why would you record a series and save only a few episodes? Why not just record the episodes that you want? What am I missing here?

What are some real or practical recording time capacities for HD and SD? I thought the spec was about 20 hours for HD, but I searched & seems like some people are getting a lot less. I then searched & found a Motorola manual & it states 14 to 21 hrs, depending on bit rate, etc. I realize there can be some differences, but that’s quite a range. If you record 2 hours/evening and go on vacation for two weeks you come up really short. What can realistically be expected?

With a 160G drive, if you go on vacation, you can expect to come up short. HD programs do vary in size depending on bit rate, but I plan on around 10G per hour of HD. I use the 1 ep or 2 ep option for programs such as Letterman, which would eat up all my drive space if I skip a few days. So shows like that, which are on often, but I don't want overwriting other shows, I limit the numbers of eps. Also, on vacation, I prioritize series I really want to see all of by setting them to keep until I delete. The others I leave as keep until space needed.

for me, 1 hour of HD eats up about 6% and 1 hour of SD eats up 1-2%

they should do them like 4 in the morning, not while late night shows are still on and they shouldn't dump the buffersYou should ask the television station to make that change for you. See what they say.

You should ask the television station to make that change for you. See what they say.

So can you explain why they need to do an EAS test on a Sunday night during the Evening News? It's happened more than once to me.

Why would I try to, when you can ask the people who actually did it and give them your grief? :)

I picked up a DCH3416 DVR today. When recording episodes, what’s the difference between “New and repeats” and “All with duplicates”?

And under Save, you can save “All episodes”, or “Only 1 episode”, “Only 2 episodes”, etc. Why would you record a series and save only a few episodes? Why not just record the episodes that you want? What am I missing here?

What are some real or practical recording time capacities for HD and SD? I thought the spec was about 20 hours for HD, but I searched & seems like some people are getting a lot less. I then searched & found a Motorola manual & it states 14 to 21 hrs, depending on bit rate, etc. I realize there can be some differences, but that’s quite a range. If you record 2 hours/evening and go on vacation for two weeks you come up really short. What can realistically be expected?

“New and repeats” should record a show if it's flagged as new or a repeat but only record it once as long as it sees a copy of it on the hard drive, the "duplicates" option should record the show every time it's on regardless of if it's already recorded.

The DCH3416 should give you pretty close to 20 hrs HD (give or take an hour) or ~80 hrs SD. If you're getting substantially less than that there may be something else taking up space you can see, you could try the reset that clears the hard drive to see if that helps, it's in the wiki. Or you could possibly have a faulty hard drive.

When I go away for a while I take some shows that HD doesn't make that big of a difference on & record them in SD instead.

for me, 1 hour of HD eats up about 6% and 1 hour of SD eats up 1-2%



Here, HD on channels like USA HD take up 4-5% per hour while locals take up about 3-4% per hour. I can record a 3 hour baseball game on the extra innings package in 3-4%, while recording one on SD Fox would take 6%.

Go figure.

they should do them like 4 in the morning, not while late night shows are still on and they shouldn't dump the buffers

EXACTLY!!!!

I've lost the clinching final minutes of numerous shows due to this test happening at about 12:55am PDT. Totally frustrating! :mad:

When the tests are run seems like a station issue. Dumping the buffers seems like an issue with these units.

I’m still experimenting with my newly acquired DVR. If you program 3 consecutive programs on the same channel, such as 7-8pm, 8-9pm and 9-10pm, will there be any dropouts between channels at the time changes between the programs? Or is better to manually setup one continuous 7-10pm program?

If there is one continuous 3 hour program & you watch 2 hours of it, can you split it & delete just the portion that you watched? Or is it an all or nothing situation?

What happens if there is a last minute schedule change? Will the guide automatically compensate for the changes, such as a sporting event that runs overtime?

I have found a User Guide & an Installation Manual online, but neither one explains the DVR functions. A lot of it is obvious & I’ve already recorded 2 programs, time shifted, etc. But it would be nice to have a reference manual explaining all the details. Comcast is supposedly mailing me a user manual of some sort, but in the meantime is there one available online?

Why are the Motorola boxes incapable of continuing to record on the 2nd tuner while showing the EAS on the main channel? I appreciate the need for the Emergency Alert System but for a storm that is 40 miles past me and not coming back, why can't my box record what I'm watching on 1 tuner and give me the robotic message on the other? Instead, it practically shuts down the box for 5 minutes.

I know, that's is so frustrating!!!

I guess they tried to make the programming simple to guarantee that it works. It gets the EAS signal and force tunes both tuners because they never know what tuner you could be on (Tuner 1 or Tuner 2).

I guess theres complexity added to write routines to check if your recording something (or maybe even recording 2 things at once) and deciding what tuner to seize and what tuner to swap you to (if the tuner it's seizing is not currently being watched). Maybe the added code also would perform very poorly and it wouldn't key up on time?

I think sometimes they follow the principle of KISS (Keep it simple stupid). Sometimes that's ok, but other times that's just barebones no frills and not ok!

I’m still experimenting with my newly acquired DVR. If you program 3 consecutive programs on the same channel, such as 7-8pm, 8-9pm and 9-10pm, will there be any dropouts between channels at the time changes between the programs? Or is better to manually setup one continuous 7-10pm program?

If there is one continuous 3 hour program & you watch 2 hours of it, can you split it & delete just the portion that you watched? Or is it an all or nothing situation?

What happens if there is a last minute schedule change? Will the guide automatically compensate for the changes, such as a sporting event that runs overtime?

I have found a User Guide & an Installation Manual online, but neither one explains the DVR functions. A lot of it is obvious & I’ve already recorded 2 programs, time shifted, etc. But it would be nice to have a reference manual explaining all the details. Comcast is supposedly mailing me a user manual of some sort, but in the meantime is there one available online?

In my experience, there's very little dropout by recording three separate show.

There's no way I know to split and delete part of a watched program. It is there until you delete the entire thing.

As for last-minute changes, it's all a matter of whether the iGuide changes before the recording starts. Mostly yes, sometimes no.

There should be a DVR manual online. It's too late, or I'm too lazy right now, to search. Sorry. There's also the Wikibook entry for the unit. Search for it too.

they could still do it like 4am

In my experience, there's very little dropout by recording three separate show.

There's no way I know to split and delete part of a watched program. It is there until you delete the entire thing.

As for last-minute changes, it's all a matter of whether the iGuide changes before the recording starts. Mostly yes, sometimes no.

There should be a DVR manual online. It's too late, or I'm too lazy right now, to search. Sorry. There's also the Wikibook entry for the unit. Search for it too.


I did 3 separate consecutive recordings on the same channel last night & the earlier programs stopped a few seconds before the end of the hour. And the following program started with the end of the previous one. Of course it could just be that particular channel, but there was a stop. I didn't know if one program would continue playing into the next like my DVDR, but they don't. Not a big deal unless I wanted to record a complete program to my DVDR & not miss the very beginning or end.

I did look at Wikibook and its related links. But could not find anything about actually using the DVR. It was all about connections, programming the remote, configuring the unit for your TV, etc. Everything but recording/playback. Again, most of it is intuitive. But maybe there is something that would be helpful to know. I'll see what Comcast sends me.

I appreciate the need for the Emergency Alert System but for a storm that is 40 miles past me and not coming back, why can't my box record what I'm watching on 1 tuner and give me the robotic message on the other? Instead, it practically shuts down the box for 5 minutes.For real alerts, there really is nothing to be done. The law is a good one, and following it in the most comprehensive manner is in the public interest. Even if you don't agree with that, it is unreasonable to assert that a public company shouldn't hold to that perspective, given that they are subject to public opinion, which is far more concerned about respecting laws concerning emergency response than concerned about some teevee viewers recording programming on their DVRs.

Beyond that, regarding the time for tests of EAS, has any of the complainers talked to the folks who decide when the tests are run? If you're just complaining here but not investing the time and energy to raise those concerns and gaining answers to your inquiries from broadcasters, then it would be unreasonable to expect anything to ever change for you.

If there is one continuous 3 hour program & you watch 2 hours of it, can you split it & delete just the portion that you watched? Or is it an all or nothing situation?Even on the most premium DVRs, like my TiVo, there is no way to split a recording from within the device.

What happens if there is a last minute schedule change?It depends on how timely the broadcaster is in updating the information they provided to the program guide supplier. There is a process where such schedule changes get transferred to the service that provides them to your DVR, and then from there get transferred to your device. It is not an instantaneous process for any of the DVRs out there. They each have their own schedules and means of updating. For the Motorola boxes you're referring to, in my experience, the broadcaster would have to publish the change a day or two ahead of time, at least. If they don't then there is no way your DVR could know about the change.

Will the guide automatically compensate for the changes, such as a sporting event that runs overtime?Again, not even the most premium DVRs account for programs not complying with their published schedule. TiVos handle this by prompting you, when you schedule the recording in the first place, to pad the ending if you wish. You may see that feature make it to iGuide some day.

But it would be nice to have a reference manual explaining all the details. Comcast is supposedly mailing me a user manual of some sort, but in the meantime is there one available online?The Wikibook mentioned above is the best and really only substantial resource. Comcast is probably sending you what Motorola provides, and it is no where near as detailed as what we provide for you online.

Thanks for all the replies.

I found a Comcast manual from several years ago when I had an SD STB. I recall questioning why they gave this to me when I did not have a DVR. It's titled "Using Your Built-In Digital Video Recorder". Anyway, this is the type of manual I'm looking for. It does help clarify recording conflicts & priorities and a buffer which I did not know existed. I tried that Instant Replay button but it did not seem to do anything, but I'll play with it again.

What happens if there is a last minute schedule change? Will the guide automatically compensate for the changes, such as a sporting event that runs overtime?


When you set up to record a live sporting event, the DVR usually recognizes that it is such and could run overtime, and asks you if you'd like to pad the end by an amount of time you choose. That still doesn't guarantee you'll get it all, but you can set up to record an hour or two more, just in case.

Thanks for all the replies.

I found a Comcast manual from several years ago when I had an SD STB. I recall questioning why they gave this to me when I did not have a DVR. It's titled "Using Your Built-In Digital Video Recorder". Anyway, this is the type of manual I'm looking for. It does help clarify recording conflicts & priorities and a buffer which I did not know existed. I tried that Instant Replay button but it did not seem to do anything, but I'll play with it again.

Did you try here?
http://www.comcast.com/corporate/customers/customer_support/digital_cable_with_od.html?lid=cablehelp&pos=helpcontent

You have to put in your address and zip to get the info for devices in your area.

Did you try here?
http://www.comcast.com/corporate/customers/customer_support/digital_cable_with_od.html?lid=cablehelp&pos=helpcontent

You have to put in your address and zip to get the info for devices in your area.


Thanks!!

That looks like a slightly updated version of the old booklet I found. I searched the Internet every which way I could & did not come up with this. I guess I just kept using the wrong search variables. And I did look at Comcast's web site also, but obviously did not go down the correct path.

Thanks again

My wife recorded So You Think You Can Dance and was watching it last night. At the 1:34 mark it just froze the video. She could hear the audio continue and couldn't fast forward or rewind. Has anyone ever seen something like this before?

Thanks.

I have a DCH 3416 from Comcast and I am having an interesting problem using the Comcast remote control with the box.

For the most part the DCH is never turned off, I just turn on and off the TV. If I have not used the box for a few hours and turn on the TV the remote control will not operate the box. The buttons on the front panel of the box work fine. If I use the font panel buttons to change the channel or play something from the DVR, the remote control will start to operate the box after about 10 minutes.

Any ideas what might be causing this?

Thanks!!

That looks like a slightly updated version of the old booklet I found. I searched the Internet every which way I could & did not come up with this. I guess I just kept using the wrong search variables. And I did look at Comcast's web site also, but obviously did not go down the correct path.

Thanks again

You could also try looking at OnDemand under the 'help & services' category.

I have a DCH 3416 from Comcast and I am having an interesting problem using the Comcast remote control with the box.

For the most part the DCH is never turned off, I just turn on and off the TV. If I have not used the box for a few hours and turn on the TV the remote control will not operate the box. The buttons on the front panel of the box work fine. If I use the font panel buttons to change the channel or play something from the DVR, the remote control will start to operate the box after about 10 minutes.

Any ideas what might be causing this?

Not to be insulting, but have you tried changing the batteries in the remote? The symptoms of bad batteries can manifest in ways that do not "make sense." Just a thought.

Again, not even the most premium DVRs account for programs not complying with their published schedule. TiVos handle this by prompting you, when you schedule the recording in the first place, to pad the ending if you wish. You may see that feature make it to iGuide some day.

My 3412s do not "offer" the option, but allow the padding to be done. My new DCX3400 makes the "offer."

Not to be insulting, but have you tried changing the batteries in the remote? The symptoms of bad batteries can manifest in ways that do not "make sense." Just a thought.

Yes, the batteries are fine. I have 3 Comcast remotes and they all do the same thing. The remote also controls the TV perfectly fine at all times, that is why I think it is a box issue.

My wife recorded So You Think You Can Dance and was watching it last night. At the 1:34 mark it just froze the video. She could hear the audio continue and couldn't fast forward or rewind. Has anyone ever seen something like this before?

Thanks.
I have a box that does something similar on occasion. My box is in an enclosed cabinet and runs hot. So poor ventilation may be the cause, or an over-heating box. Check the top of that box to see how hot it gets. And if it keeps freezing, exchange the box.

Mickey

I have a box that does something similar on occasion. My box is in an enclosed cabinet and runs hot. So poor ventilation may be the cause, or an over-heating box. Check the top of that box to see how hot it gets. And if it keeps freezing, exchange the box.

Mickey

She is able to restart playback and have it freeze at the exact same moment. Apparently some of her friends had the same issue and think it was the show's problem and not the DVR. It happened again with last night's recording.

I have a DCH 3416 from Comcast and I am having an interesting problem using the Comcast remote control with the box.

For the most part the DCH is never turned off, I just turn on and off the TV. If I have not used the box for a few hours and turn on the TV the remote control will not operate the box. The buttons on the front panel of the box work fine. If I use the font panel buttons to change the channel or play something from the DVR, the remote control will start to operate the box after about 10 minutes.

Any ideas what might be causing this?

I have the exact same issue with mine. I bet you have an LCD TV (possibly an LG) and I bet your cable box is directly below the TV. Apparently when many LCD TVs are turned on they emit an intense amount of infrared light until the picture gets stabilized (usually takes 30-60 seconds). During that time this infrared light floods the room and 'blinds' the box from the seeing the same type of signals being sent to the remote. You can create a little 'fort' around the IR window on the box (like the hoods you see on traffic lights to keep the sun from washing out the light) to help stop this from happening.

My TV remote also works fine all the time as well. This is definitely a problem with these boxes and Motorola is supposedly aware of the issue but no fix has been implemented that I know of.