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.

Or you can put a thin piece of paper over the IR receiver on the box.

FYI the IR window on the DCH boxes is just above the channel up/down buttons on the box. If you take a flashlight to that area you'll see a difference in the plastic face there. The fix looks low-tech but works quite well.

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?
See these threads:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1105883
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1041947
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1082190

Thanks everyone for the links and the information about the IR issues. I did look into this briefly beforehand and I am not sure it is the cause of my problem. I will, however, give it another look and try to narrow it down between IR interference and one other possibility I am looking into.

I just pushed my DVR back further on the shelf under the television and WOW, the remote actually works 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.

Same thing happened to us last week with our tivo. It just froze like you described and you could rewind and then it would freeze again once you got back to the same point. We switched channels and tried to go back at the screen just turned gray and it was like that until 10:00. Fast forward to tonight and as soon as the show started the screen went grey. Comcast D.C. here.

Same thing happened to us last week with our tivo. It just froze like you described and you could rewind and then it would freeze again once you got back to the same point. We switched channels and tried to go back at the screen just turned gray and it was like that until 10:00. Fast forward to tonight and as soon as the show started the screen went grey. Comcast D.C. here.

I have had a very similar problem with my DCH3416 with Charter. Have only noticed it on CBS. Maybe coincidence? What network were the previous posters on?

I have had a very similar problem with my DCH3416 with Charter. Have only noticed it on CBS. Maybe coincidence? What network were the previous posters on?

I think SYTYCD is on Fox.

I just bought DCT 3412 from ebay with no hard drive. I have old sata 120gb hard drive so I put it inside but I don't know how to set it up or reformat it.Can anyone help me out?

I just bought DCT 3412 from ebay with no hard drive. I have old sata 120gb hard drive so I put it inside but I don't know how to set it up or reformat it.Can anyone help me out?I did not know individuals could purchase any Motorola DCT DVR units "without" a cable, Fios or Direct TV subscription?

I know that Comcast will not sell me the DCT I've been renting for nearly 3 years.

Be a good guy and post the serial number here for us to check and see if your eBay DCT is a non-returned item from one of the major providers of paid TV? :)

I did not know individuals could purchase any Motorola DCT DVR units "without" a cable, Fios or Direct TV?

Why not post the serial number here for us to check if it was a non-returned item from one of the major providers of paid TV? :)

they can't he just bought a doorstop. Comcast will not authorize it for digital cable.

they can't he just bought a doorstop. Comcast will not authorize it for digital cable.That's what I figured .... the poor guy got snookered off feaBay:)

I just pushed my DVR back further on the shelf under the television and WOW, the remote actually works again!

Thanks everyone for the links and the information about the IR issues. I did look into this briefly beforehand and I am not sure it is the cause of my problem. I will, however, give it another look and try to narrow it down between IR interference and one other possibility I am looking into.

Or you can put a thin piece of paper over the IR receiver on the box.

FYI the IR window on the DCH boxes is just above the channel up/down buttons on the box. If you take a flashlight to that area you'll see a difference in the plastic face there. The fix looks low-tech but works quite well.

See these threads:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1105883
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1041947
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1082190

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.

Ok, I have tried shielding the box from any IR interference with no luck. I really don't it is an IR issue. I think this may have something to do with the HDMI handshake with the TV. This only happens when the box is plugged in via HDMI, the box always works when plugged in via component. Does any one have any ideas.

....the box always works when plugged in via component. Does any one have any ideas.

Leave it on component. :D

But seriously, do you notice that much of a difference between component & hdmi that you don't want to leave it on component?

I picked up a DCH-3416 a couple weeks ago & experimented with it, trying all sorts of recording combinations & everything worked as expected.

Then I programmed about 12 programs before I went out of town for 9 days. I did check the scheduling preview screen and everything looked proper. Returned last Sunday evening & was curious how things turned out & turned on the DVR. The only thing that recorded were the 3 programs from the very first day. Nothing at all for the whole rest of the time. Wonderful.

The last scheduled recording was set for Sun night from 9pm to 10pm, which I happened to be home in time for. I noticed this just started recording when I turned on the DVR at about 9:21pm. I checked & it was scheduled to start at 9pm, but it did not. So I ended up with a recording of the last 39 minutes of the program. What the?

Any ideas why everything but the first day’s recordings were missed? Again, it worked OK when I played with it before leaving on a trip. Did I do something wrong or is the DVR defective?

did you set a series recording or just once ?

Any ideas why everything but the first day’s recordings were missed? Again, it worked OK when I played with it before leaving on a trip. Did I do something wrong or is the DVR defective?I've had the previous generation DCT-3412 for 3 years and this happened to me also for the first time ever last week. I noticed that Comcast pushed out a new firmware update in my area just before this happened. My guess is this may have accidentally cleared all my future scheduled recordings (which never happened before when updated FW was pushed out).

No issues for me since then, however you may want to keep testing your new DCH-3416 for a more few more days to see if your problem runs deeper.

I've had a 6412 (replaced with 3416 a couple of years ago) and have never had new firmware affect my series recordings.

I've had the previous generation DCT-3412 for 3 years and this happened to me also for the first time ever last week. I noticed that Comcast pushed out a new firmware update in my area just before this happened. My guess is this may have accidentally cleared all my future scheduled recordings (which never happened before when updated FW was pushed out).

No issues for me since then, however you may want to keep testing your new DCH-3416 for a more few more days to see if your problem runs deeper.
what exactly is this new firmware version #?

(see http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#DCH-3416 for how to check to see what version you have)

I did not do any series recordings, just one time scheduling. Sat 6-20 was recorded. Everything from Sun 6-21 through Sat 6-27 was not recorded. When I returned Sun 6-28, the one program I had scheduled for 6-28 was still listed in the schedule screen. However this is the one that only started recording after I turned on the DVR & I got only the last 39 minutes. I'm presuming if I did not turn on the DVR then none of it would have been recorded.

How do I tell which firmware version I have & when it was downloaded? If this was the cause I'm guessing that it did not delete my schedule since 6-28 was still there. But perhaps it somehow locked up the DVR until manually turned on.

Comcast is suppose to come out 7-1. I took a digital photo of the TV screen to show that the 6-28 recording was indeed scheduled, in case the tech thinks I did not program the DVR properly. And a photo showing only a partial recording. I requested a new DVR, not a "recycled" one. We'll see what happens.

All this talk about these numerous DVR issues and missing shows is scaring me off again from getting one. Does anyone know if Comcast uses their own proprietary firmware, and it would be different from Cox, or is it sort of universal firmware that Cox would also use?

All this talk about these numerous DVR issues and missing shows is scaring me off again from getting one. Keep in mind that folks generally don't post each day when the DVR recorded what they wanted recorded, and played back what they wanted to play back. People generally only post when they have problem. There are literally millions of these boxes out there.

the flip side of that is not very many of those millions look on avsforum. if even a few of *them* remark on a bug, that's a large statistical "signal" that shouldn't be dismissed. avsforum is often where we get the first reports of serious bugs "in the wild"..

I somehow missed the above link on how to check the firmware. I do have ver 18.43, and Tv Guide ver 75.57. I'm presuming these were downloaded into the DVR quite some time ago.

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.

This is been a complaint of mine about the old 6400 series and the "newer" 3416 we have. We have both a 6412p3 and a 3416. I would have thot the Feds would have mandated usable CC on these boxes they way they did on TV's years ago. I don't know what version of the 3416 we have.
The 3416 has an "optical out", which the 6412 doesn't have.

...mike

All this talk about these numerous DVR issues and missing shows is scaring me off again from getting one. Does anyone know if Comcast uses their own proprietary firmware, and it would be different from Cox, or is it sort of universal firmware that Cox would also use?

We watch everything via recording on the DVR. Over the years have maybe missed less than half a dozen programs - and some may have been user error. Have Comcast both in Bkly, Ca. and Miami. Use 6412 boxes in both places plus a 3416 in Miami.

...mike

All this talk about these numerous DVR issues and missing shows is scaring me off again from getting one. Does anyone know if Comcast uses their own proprietary firmware, and it would be different from Cox, or is it sort of universal firmware that Cox would also use?

I complain about a lot of issues with these boxes. We'd like them to be perfect. But I use mine every day and I record lots of series and lots of individual programs. Are there better DVRs out there? Definitely. But if my choice was Comcast and no DVR versus Comcast with a DVR, I would definitely get the DVR. If your choices are Comcast DVR vs. Comcast with Tivo vs. Dish with their DVR, then you've got more to think about.

I complain about a lot of issues with these boxes. We'd like them to be perfect. But I use mine every day and I record lots of series and lots of individual programs. Are there better DVRs out there? Definitely. But if my choice was Comcast and no DVR versus Comcast with a DVR, I would definitely get the DVR. If your choices are Comcast DVR vs. Comcast with Tivo vs. Dish with their DVR, then you've got more to think about.
Ok, but what about what I asked regarding Cox and firmware? ;) It's Cox in this area.

Comcast came out & swapped DVRs. I explained what happened & showed him the photos which supported the unit was not turning on to record. He had no explanation other than the DVR was defective. He said there have been no firmware updates lately & IIRC he said the last one was sometime late in 2008.

I asked him how do the DVRs get “recycled” since I did not get a new one when I picked it up. He said they go back to Motorola for cleaning & inspection, etc. I said mine was not cleaned. I had to wipe off some grungy fingerprints & the fan had a lot of dust on the blades that I vacuumed off. He said it sounds like my original one did not go through the proper process. He showed me the replacement had a clean fan. My friend got a used one & said it still had the previous customers programs still on it. While it appears there is right way for these things to get “recycled”, it seems not all units get properly serviced.

Anyway we’ll have to see how the replacement works out.

While it appears there is right way for these things to get “recycled”, it seems not all units get properly serviced.

Unfortunately you are correct there!

My parents have the 6412 III box from Comcast and recently 'Interactive TV' became available and supposedly their DVR can display Caller ID info on their display. This feature works at my sister's house (a few doors down) but not at my parents. I have set it up in the i-guide menu, but nothing happens when people call. Any ideas?

They do have phone service through Comcast.

My parents have the 6412 III box from Comcast and recently 'Interactive TV' became available and supposedly their DVR can display Caller ID info on their display. This feature works at my sister's house (a few doors down) but not at my parents. I have set it up in the i-guide menu, but nothing happens when people call. Any ideas?

They do have phone service through Comcast.

do they have caller id on the phone?

Looks like the replacement DCH3416 is not working properly. On one program I FF through a commercial at about the 18 minute & it jumped all the way to the end of the 1 hour recording. And it is repeatable about 80% of the time. It does not seem to matter which FF speed is used. It also happens at a couple other points during the recording. If left alone the program plays just fine.

While experimenting & using FF to get to the problem point I would use FF3. But as it got close to the 18 minute point the FF seemed to slow down to what appeared to be FF1 speed. And sometime when hitting the FF button several times it took a while for the FF to kick in. The front panel continued to display PLAY for a second or two instead of going into a FF mode. I know it might not be instantaneous, but the change in modes seemed to take a lot longer than usual. I have not noticed this with other programs.

Would these scenarios be symptomatic of a firmware bug/glitch or possibly bad sectors on the hard drive?

Has Comcast enabled the red recording light on the front panel of the DCH units yet?

yes.

Would these scenarios be symptomatic of a firmware bug/glitch or possibly bad sectors on the hard drive?

Firmware bug, this has been seen sporadically with these DVR's. Some have no problems with it, others are bad about it, some say it only happens on certain channels in their system. Personally this is one bug that rarely affects me because I use the 30sec & 5min skips 99% of the time.

Keep in mind that folks generally don't post each day when the DVR recorded what they wanted recorded, and played back what they wanted to play back. People generally only post when they have problem. There are literally millions of these boxes out there.

For once, I have to agree with Bicker. I have had my Comcast 6412 P3 since the summer of 2006, and it has only screwed up maybe half a dozen times. I find that most recording problems can be traced to improperly flagged/titled shows, which are changed, wrongly, after programming a recording, and timer recordings during outages, or intense digital glitches, occurring in the original signal, either on single or multiple channels.

The only other oddity I can think of is that when a recording is interrupted, due to a reboot, power outage, surge suppressor activation or hitting the stop button during a manual recording, then restarting, and you go to delete one segment of it, sometimes both parts will delete. But, that hasn't happened in a long time, so maybe it was a firmware glitch that got fixed.

What is the best way to set up a DVR recording for the HD channel instead of a regular channel? If I go into the DVR section and search for upcoming shows b title and select them, it always shows the standard channel instead of the HD channel. The only way I have figured to record the HD channel is to manually scroll ahead to the day of the show while I am on the guide for the HD channel and select it that way.
I think there is a manual set up as well but I haven't tried that way. Just wondering why it doesn't give you the option of choosing which channel you want the show recorded from???

Firmware bug, this has been seen sporadically with these DVR's. Some have no problems with it, others are bad about it, some say it only happens on certain channels in their system. Personally this is one bug that rarely affects me because I use the 30sec & 5min skips 99% of the time.


Thanks for the reply.

Since you mentioned it’s a firmware bug I thought I’d search & find out more. Guess I should have done that earlier. What’s weird is that the previous DVR (which was swapped last week) recorded this same program (but different episode) 2 weeks ago & did not have any problems using FF. Yet this replacement DVR has a FF problem with the same program, that‘s what made me wonder if the replacement was defective.

I did program in the 30 second skip forward function which will be helpful. But I’m curious why the bug would be sporadic. It would seem any DVR with the same firmware version would exhibit the same problem with the same program. Makes me wonder if it’s worthwhile swapping boxes. But since I’ve only had this DVR for a few days I’ll wait & see how things keep working.

What is the best way to set up a DVR recording for the HD channel instead of a regular channel? If I go into the DVR section and search for upcoming shows b title and select them, it always shows the standard channel instead of the HD channel. The only way I have figured to record the HD channel is to manually scroll ahead to the day of the show while I am on the guide for the HD channel and select it that way.
I think there is a manual set up as well but I haven't tried that way. Just wondering why it doesn't give you the option of choosing which channel you want the show recorded from???

When you do a title search, it responds with the first entry with that title. Since most HD channels have matching SD channels, and since the SD channels have lower channel numbers, the SD channels will almost invariably show up in title search first. But, just scroll down to the title you want, hit the "info" button, then move the cursor over to the clock icon, and hit enter. This will display all other channels/times for that title (more may appear with the page down button). Then, just scroll down to the time/channel you want, hit "info," then move the cursor over to the red record icon, hit enter, and program your recording.

I did program in the 30 second skip forward function which will be helpful. But I’m curious why the bug would be sporadic. It would seem any DVR with the same firmware version would exhibit the same problem with the same program. Makes me wonder if it’s worthwhile swapping boxes. But since I’ve only had this DVR for a few days I’ll wait & see how things keep working.

I had this same problem once, a few months back. The 30sec., and 5m, skips didn't help. I had programmed to record 60 Minutes, but as is often the case, it was delayed for some sport or other, which I did not want to watch. I tried to FF to the start of 60 M, but about 24 min. in, it would freeze, then jump to the end.

I also have Fast Reverse problems, regularly. Often I want to go to FR4. When I hit FR1, it will start to reverse very slowly, and subsequent hits of the FR button sometimes don't get it to FR, but sometimes by the 3rd or 4th hit, it will actually kick in. If it doesn't, I hit "play," and then try FR again.

A few times when I have been in FR 4, moving at the appropriate speed, trying to back up about an hour, about 20 to 30 minutes back, the DVR will reboot, and the buffer, program guide, etc., are lost!

kjbawc,

With the program that has been giving me problems, sometimes the DVR seems unresponsive to the remote. You press the FF button a few times & the DVR front panel display does not change right away. Initially one would think the unit is defective & not the program that is causing the problem. There was also an instance where the display indicated FF1 but the program was playing normally.

This is my second unit in about 2 weeks. The first one missed a bunch of recordings & this one does not FF properly. This does not make me feel confident about the product.

anyone ever hit pause and it stays paused even when it runs out of buffer ?

this comes in handy sometimes. you can fast forward but can't go back and you can't "skip" or you lose it all

anyone ever hit pause and it stays paused even when it runs out of buffer ?

this comes in handy sometimes. you can fast forward but can't go back and you can't "skip" or you lose it all

Sorta.....it will go about 3 or 4 minutes past the end of the buffer sometimes and if I skip forward I don't lose it all, I just lose the 3 or 4 minutes of "extra" buffer. This is on HD programming, not sure if the "extra" would be longer on SD content.

My parents have the 6412 III box from Comcast and recently 'Interactive TV' became available and supposedly their DVR can display Caller ID info on their display. This feature works at my sister's house (a few doors down) but not at my parents. I have set it up in the i-guide menu, but nothing happens when people call. Any ideas?

They do have phone service through Comcast.

Call them. I had to call to get mine working. Granted I called as soon as I saw the icon show up in the menu and they might not have been ready to roll it out yet. I knew it was coming and was looking for it. They charged me $1.99 to get it working. When I asked if everybody was going to get charged that she said yes, even though their advertising says that it won't cost you anything extra.

Call them. I had to call to get mine working. Granted I called as soon as I saw the icon show up in the menu and they might not have been ready to roll it out yet. I knew it was coming and was looking for it. They charged me $1.99 to get it working. When I asked if everybody was going to get charged that she said yes, even though their advertising says that it won't cost you anything extra.Is that $1.99 a one-time charge or is it monthly for onscreen Caller ID?

Is that $1.99 a one-time charge or is it monthly for onscreen Caller ID?

Not sure about your Comcast area but here in Tucson there is no "extra" charge for this "feature"...and no $1.99 one-time fee either. (Someone must be asleep here in Tucson, of course we did get already get a free "extra" from Comcast during this year's Super Bowl ;) )

$1.99 is typically the fee for making any service change, here.

Is that $1.99 a one-time charge or is it monthly for onscreen Caller ID?

It was a one time charge. I asked her specifically if I was being charged because I called and she said no. I have a sneaking suspicion that she was fibbing though. This is in the Chicago area BTW.

The 1.99 charge is for any change of service, however, with any change I have made in the past it has been waived. In all of the change of services I have made in the past if they said they were going to charge me the fee, I asked for it to be waived and they took it off right away.

As far as the Caller ID, you got charged for a Comcast mistake, that your feature was not working. It should not have been charged, you did not change your service it was a trouble issue.

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

HD only eats up 4% on mine. SD, 2%.

HD only eats up 4% on mine. SD, 2%.

i think it depends on the channel and the amount of compression being used

non compressed channels of HD eat up 6% or more

compressed HD channels eat up less

record an hour of local HD-NBC (make sure it's a program that's in HD) and then record an hour of something like HD food network and you'll see at least a 2% difference

Comcast came out & swapped DVRs. I explained what happened & showed him the photos which supported the unit was not turning on to record. He had no explanation other than the DVR was defective. He said there have been no firmware updates lately & IIRC he said the last one was sometime late in 2008.

Emphasis my own...

One problem is that you should not be turning off the box. I don't have the link to the Motorola faq handy, but that's a common recommendation with these boxes.

I agree ..... my 3 year old DCT3412 has been on for the whole time except for a couple of power outages and it's still running strong.

Emphasis my own...

One problem is that you should not be turning off the box. I don't have the link to the Motorola faq handy, but that's a common recommendation with these boxes.


While trying out the DVR before vacation the unit never missed a beat when I left it turned off. And while on vacation it did record the first day's programing when the unit was off. I'm confused about its behavior but will leave it turned on from now on.

Now here's what happened early this morning. I set a program to record from 1am to 2am but starting 1 minute early. I ended up with a 2 min recording starting at 1am and a 58 min recording also starting at 1am. When looking at the 2 min recording's program description it states the program was interrupted & may not be complete. The 2 min video is the programs start and the 58 min segment is the rest. Obviously there is a small break between the two videos but not a lot of content appears to be missing. Is this a common bug?

While trying out the DVR before vacation the unit never missed a beat when I left it turned off. And while on vacation it did record the first day's programing when the unit was off. I'm confused about its behavior but will leave it turned on from now on.I leave ours on stand-by, and it's never missed a recording. Of course, after the first recording it remains on until I return it to stand-by with the remote's "power" button. Is that what you all mean by turning it off?

I leave ours on stand-by, and it's never missed a recording. Of course, after the first recording it remains on until I return it to stand-by with the remote's "power" button. Is that what you all mean by turning it off?


Turning it off with the remote's power button does cause "standby" to display on the DVR's front panel. That is what I was calling "off".

Mine will record when left in this "standby" mode & will return to "standby" mode when done recording. It does not remain On. No channel number is displayed. The original DVR and the replacement both worked like this.

My previous DCH3200 HD STB (no DVR) did turn on when programmed to record & then stayed on when done, with the last channel number displayed.

Mine will record when left in this "standby" mode & will return to "standby" mode when done recording. It does not remain On.Our 3416 does stay on. I wonder if there is a setting that I've missed.

My previous DCH3200 HD STB (no DVR) did turn on when programmed to record & then stayed on when done, with the last channel number displayed.
My current STB does that if it's set to "Timer" instead of "Record" (REC).

Motorola actually says to never turn their DVR's off?? What's the reasoning behind that?

Motorola actually says to never turn their DVR's off?? What's the reasoning behind that?By that, I suppose they mean that you should not unplug the DVR.

All modern DVRs, including the Motorola, run 24/7. When you press the "off" button on most DVRs, only the front panel LEDs and video output is disabled. The rest of the DVR continues to run.

DVR manufacturers have determined that constantly spinning up and spinning down the hard drive significantly reduces the lifespan of the box. Note DVRs aren't like some DVD recorders that only record (or only buffer) when you press a button on the remote; when on, a DVR always records to the buffer so all liveTV content can be paused, replayed, rewound, and saved to recording (when you click record on a liveTV program).

Some DVRs buffer to the hard drive even when "off," and others do it only when "on." But all keep the drive "spun up," with exception to certain Cisco models that will "spin down" the drive once per day during the late evening or early morning hours.

In the past, there have been problems with Motorola DVRs when people turn them off (that is, press the power button on the remote to put them in standby mode). I don't know if those problems have been corrected in later firmware upgrades. But the easy workaround to many of the problems was to simply never put the unit in standby mode. When I had a 6412 and later a 3416, I always left it on 24/7.

The replacement DVR had a major problem yesterday.

When turned on, the front panel displayed 8888 & the TV screen was black.
Then DVR & TV both were black.
Then DVR displayed 207 (channel from previous day) & TV still black.
Then DVR displayed Standby & TV had video on the sides but black in center, as if entering the OnDemand mode.
Then DVR went black (except for the small resolution display) & TV displayed program video. IOW TV was displaying channel 207, but the DVR was not.
Then everything goes black & repeats again & again.

I could not turn the DVR on or off, even using the power button on the unit itself. I did take some digital photos of the DVR & TV when they were going the cycles.

Called Comcast, had to repeatedly explain the problem to the rep & ended up scheduling a service call. Unplugging the unit cleared the problem - at least for now. If I was out of town I would have missed some more scheduled recordings. I told the rep I wanted to speak to a supervisor and was told one would call me back in 5 - 7 minutes. Of course that never happened.

That makes two defective DVRs within a month. I guess I should consider a Tivo or going with satellite.

Comcast came out to swap DVRs again. First tech came out & did not have a DVR with HDMI output. He contacted another tech in the area who had one & brought it over. However it was an old model with a smaller hard drive, 120GB vs 160GB. The Comcast office happened to call at this time & the decision was made to re-schedule & try to get the proper DVR. Both techs left. A few minutes later the first tech showed up again with the right unit. His supervisor was in the area & had one. So I now have DVR #3 and we'll see how it goes.

Do any of the settings under Menu > Setup > Audio Setup > Advanced affect the digital output, or are these just for Stereo? What about if a Stereo signal is being sent via the digital output?

Those settings only affect the R/L line audio outs, not Digital outs. If you record from those R/L outs, I recommend "Advanced, Light, Matrixed."

In the past, there have been problems with Motorola DVRs when people turn them off (that is, press the power button on the remote to put them in standby mode). I don't know if those problems have been corrected in later firmware upgrades. But the easy workaround to many of the problems was to simply never put the unit in standby mode. When I had a 6412 and later a 3416, I always left it on 24/7.


I had the same problem and never put into standby. I run mine 24/7.

Those settings only affect the R/L line audio outs, not Digital outs. If you record from those R/L outs, I recommend "Advanced, Light, Matrixed."


Thanks for the reply.

I probably will record from the R/L audio outs on occasion like I did with my previous DCH3200 HD STB (no DVR), but do not recall if it had Advanced audio settings. It could have but I never played with them.

Anyway, in stereo mode, there is a noticeable difference in loudness between Compression settings. I’m presuming the quieter sounds are getting increased in order to bring them up to the level of the louder sounds.

But what exactly does Matrixed do?

When playing back a homemade/stereo DVD, my A/V receiver will create a center channel from a stereo source. But is it better to have the Comcast DVR matrix the two channel audio first and copy it that way?

While trying out the DVR before vacation the unit never missed a beat when I left it turned off. And while on vacation it did record the first day's programing when the unit was off. I'm confused about its behavior but will leave it turned on from now on.

Now here's what happened early this morning. I set a program to record from 1am to 2am but starting 1 minute early. I ended up with a 2 min recording starting at 1am and a 58 min recording also starting at 1am. When looking at the 2 min recording's program description it states the program was interrupted & may not be complete. The 2 min video is the programs start and the 58 min segment is the rest. Obviously there is a small break between the two videos but not a lot of content appears to be missing. Is this a common bug?

it will also do that if there is an interruption in the broadcast by an EAS alert. They usually happen around that time of morning, so maybe that is why you got 2 separate recordings.

When a EAS test interupts a recording on Comcast's DVRs here in the Pacific NW, the recording gets interupted, the buffers are cleared, and the scheduled recording does not resume. Also, when watching the buffer on non-recorded programming (like a 5 or 10 min rewind), the dreaded EAS test clears everything in the buffer on both tuners.

I wonder if TIVO units also suffer as poorly from the nightly (at least in our Nanny State Area) EAS test interuption?

When a EAS test interupts a recording on Comcast's DVRs here in the Pacific NW, the recording gets interupted, the buffers are cleared, and the scheduled recording does not resume. Also, when watching the buffer on non-recorded programming (like a 5 or 10 min rewind), the dreaded EAS test clears everything in the buffer on both tuners.

I wonder if TIVO units also suffer as poorly from the nightly (at least in our Nanny State Area) EAS test interuption?

Hmm. I live in Oregon and I believe I've had recordings interrupted and restarted due to EAS tests. I get one recording that's interrupted, and another one of the same program that starts shortly after the first one ends. Always in the middle of the night. At least I assumed this was a result of EAS testing.

Hmm. I live in Oregon and I believe I've had recordings interrupted and restarted due to EAS tests. I get one recording that's interrupted, and another one of the same program that starts shortly after the first one ends. Always in the middle of the night. At least I assumed this was a result of EAS testing.crossbeaux .... Are you getting hit with the EAS test every day .... it's usually just after 2:00 AM in my area.

crossbeaux .... Are you getting hit with the EAS test every day .... it's usually just after 2:00 AM in my area.

I don't know. I don't actually stay up that late, and I don't always record something that late. But when I do get a split recording, it usually happens around then. Sorry, that probably didn't help you that much.

Hmm. I live in Oregon and I believe I've had recordings interrupted and restarted due to EAS tests. I get one recording that's interrupted, and another one of the same program that starts shortly after the first one ends. Always in the middle of the night. At least I assumed this was a result of EAS testing.

Mine will always resume the recording after the EAS ends. We get them alot here lately whenever there is weather in the area. It also clears the buffer when watching live tv.

Anyway, in stereo mode, there is a noticeable difference in loudness between Compression settings. I’m presuming the quieter sounds are getting increased in order to bring them up to the level of the louder sounds.

But what exactly does Matrixed do?


Light compression will bring up the lower sounds just a bit, so you can hear them without raising the volume so much you get blown away in loud passages, but loud passages are still definitely louder. Full compression reduces the dynamic range quite a bit, leveling out the loudness. This is good if you are old, and hard of hearing... ;)

I believe that "matrixed" just passes along the matrixed audio, without modification, so your sound processor has all the elements to convert it. Perhaps "Stereo" filters out the out-of-phase info needed for rear channels.

Light compression will bring up the lower sounds just a bit, so you can hear them without raising the volume so much you get blown away in loud passages, but loud passages are still definitely louder. Full compression reduces the dynamic range quite a bit, leveling out the loudness. This is good if you are old, and hard of hearing... ;)

I believe that "matrixed" just passes along the matrixed audio, without modification, so your sound processor has all the elements to convert it. Perhaps "Stereo" filters out the out-of-phase info needed for rear channels.


Everything seems louder when compression is increased. I don't like the idea of using Full compression if copying to a DVD because the dynamic range will be limited forever. So I'll stick with Light compression.

The Matrixed still is not clear. Will a Matrixed signal help or hurt the audio if an A/V can create a center channel from a normal stereo signal?

I finally received a "DVR Guide" from Comcast. Doing normal recording/playing was not an issue. But the guide does explain things such as priorities & series recording priorities. However there is no mention about audio setup. Bummer.

My impression is that MATRIX would create pseudo-stereo from mono. The other alternative is that it mixes 5.1 down into ProLogic?

My impression is that MATRIX would create pseudo-stereo from mono. The other alternative is that it mixes 5.1 down into ProLogic?

Matrix definitely doesn't reprocess mono into simulated stereo. I believe it mixes down to Pro-Logic.

Do usual Comcast DVRs record and transmit 720p and 1080i, depending on the channel? I'm thinking about getting one soon, but if it doesn't I may opt for some other service.

They record in 720p, or 1080i, whichever the source is in. Then, you select what you want output to your display, 1080i, or 720p. The Moto DVRs do not offer a source native pass-through.

They record in 720p, or 1080i, whichever the source is in. Then, you select what you want output to your display, 1080i, or 720p. The Moto DVRs do not offer a source native pass-through.

Actually the new DCX boxes do offer native resolution, but no previous models did.

What box does Comcast use for HD without DVR?

What box does Comcast use for HD without DVR?

From oldest to newest: DCT-5100, DCT-6200 (DVR is DCT-6412), DCH-3200 (DVR is DCH-3416). I'm not certain what the non-DVR DCX model would be, possibly DCX-3200, as the DVR is DCX-3425.

From oldest to newest: DCT-5100, DCT-6200 (DVR is DCT-6412), DCH-3200 (DVR is DCH-3416). I'm not certain what the non-DVR DCX model would be, possibly DCX-3200, as the DVR is DCX-3425.

Thanks. Looking at the spec sheets it looks like that all of these have firewire except the 5100 (on which it is an option). I currently use a DCH3416 with mythtv over firewire, and would like a cheaper solution.

Is anyone here using the DCX-3425 yet, and if so does it actually work? Or at least better than the DCH & DCT?

I did a Live Chat with Comcast & asked about Matrixed in the advanced audio settings. I knew this would not be quick & the rep asked me several times to hold while they checked. This took over 45 minutes. Here’s a partial cut/paste of the chat. I changed the rep’s name to “Comcast”.

Comcast > I apologize for the inconvenience. Through my research, I found out that the function of Matrix decoder is to allow multichannel audio, such as quadraphonic sound or surround sound to be encoded in a stereo signal, and thus played back as stereo on stereo equipment, and as surround on surround equipment – this is "compatible" multichannel audio.
Mike_ > So if I choose Matrixed, the stereo signal coming from the left & right audio outputs will be matrixed surround sound like the older Dolby Pro Logic surround sound. Is that correct?
Comcast > That is absolutely true.

My concern is that the rep found an explanation of “the function of Matrix decoder is to allow….sound to be encoded.” He’s saying a decoder encodes the signal. And I’m not sure if his research was for matrixing in general terms or specific to the Comcast DVR since he mentions quadraphonic sound. His responses do not relay a feeling of confidence, but he did end up with “That is absolutely true.”

Is anyone here using the DCX-3425 yet, and if so does it actually work? Or at least better than the DCH & DCT?

There isn't much difference between models. They all run the same software and use the same guide data. The only difference may be a bit of speed, drive size, and any other issues due to different firmware (the low-level code which is unique to each model). The DCX's apparently support a Native resolution mode if you are picky, although LCD/Plasma/DLP TV's up/down convert to their native resolution anyways.

From oldest to newest: DCT-5100, DCT-6200 (DVR is DCT-6412), DCH-3200 (DVR is DCH-3416). I'm not certain what the non-DVR DCX model would be, possibly DCX-3200, as the DVR is DCX-3425.

There's also a box made by Pace to add to that list of HD boxes in some areas, model RNG110 I believe. It uses a different remote code then the Moto boxes and just like the DCX3200 there is no front display (clock, channel). Good selection of outputs though.

I did a Live Chat with Comcast & asked about Matrixed in the advanced audio settings. I knew this would not be quick & the rep asked me several times to hold while they checked. This took over 45 minutes. Here’s a partial cut/paste of the chat. I changed the rep’s name to “Comcast”.

Comcast > I apologize for the inconvenience. Through my research, I found out that the function of Matrix decoder is to allow multichannel audio, such as quadraphonic sound or surround sound to be encoded in a stereo signal, and thus played back as stereo on stereo equipment, and as surround on surround equipment – this is "compatible" multichannel audio.
Mike_ > So if I choose Matrixed, the stereo signal coming from the left & right audio outputs will be matrixed surround sound like the older Dolby Pro Logic surround sound. Is that correct?
Comcast > That is absolutely true.

My concern is that the rep found an explanation of “the function of Matrix decoder is to allow….sound to be encoded.” He’s saying a decoder encodes the signal. And I’m not sure if his research was for matrixing in general terms or specific to the Comcast DVR since he mentions quadraphonic sound. His responses do not relay a feeling of confidence, but he did end up with “That is absolutely true.”Gosh, I've just been setting the DVR Audio to whatever sounds best to my own ears sober, then pop open a couple of brewskies and enjoy the show.

Gosh, I've just been setting the DVR Audio to whatever sounds best to my own ears sober, then pop open a couple of brewskies and enjoy the show.


I still like to know how my equipment works. If I dump a program to a DVD recorder I may not watch/listen to it again for a long time. At that point the original will have been erased from the DVR and therefore no way to re-record another DVD if something did not turn out as expected.

I still like to know how my equipment works.There is nothing wrong with that ..... inquiring minds stay healthier longer.

There isn't much difference between models. They all run the same software and use the same guide data. The only difference may be a bit of speed, drive size, and any other issues due to different firmware (the low-level code which is unique to each model). The DCX's apparently support a Native resolution mode if you are picky, although LCD/Plasma/DLP TV's up/down convert to their native resolution anyways.
Thanks. There's some other info about the boxes on the other STB thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16870707#post16870707).

I had a schedule conflict & one program was going to get its beginning “clipped”. There were two concurrent preceding programs & I changed the ending time on one, which means the following program should not get clipped. I figured the DVR would now see this & select the appropriate tuner to avoid clipping, but this did not happen. IOW if it flip-flopped its tuners for the second pair of recordings there would be no problem. Is there a way to force which tuner records which program? Or a preferred entry order to use when setting up a schedule to avoid this situation?

Additional info:
I don’t recall what else I had changed yesterday. But looking at the scheduled recordings today I have a 7-8, 8-9 & 9-10. And also the clipped 7:59-9:30. The 7:59 should not be clipped as one tuner should be completely free. Even though I had changed things, I think since the tuners were already assigned certain programs/times that they did not re-align themselves after I cut back on an interfering program.

Today I deleted the 7:59 program & exited “My DVR”. Then went back & re-entered the 7:59 program & everything was OK. This process obviously caused the tuners to be re-assigned with no clipping.

I have a 3416 connected to my TV via component cables and have a slowly rolling faint green band on my screen. Anyone have any idea on how to fix this? Now that I noticed it, I cannot unnotice it :mad:

Edit: Just to say it- all my cables are fully plugged in and in the proper slots.

I have a 3416 connected to my TV via component cables and have a slowly rolling faint green band on my screen. Anyone have any idea on how to fix this? Now that I noticed it, I cannot unnotice it :mad:

Edit: Just to say it- all my cables are fully plugged in and in the proper slots.

If possible try using the HDMI connection & see if that fixes it. One of the few times you'll hear me say to use HDMI. Might very well clear up problem though.

You have a ground loop between your cable box and your TV or something else in your system. Using the HDMI connection will fix it, but the picture quality will be somewhat worse.

I have a 3416 connected to my TV via component cables and have a slowly rolling faint green band on my screen. Anyone have any idea on how to fix this? Now that I noticed it, I cannot unnotice it :mad:

Edit: Just to say it- all my cables are fully plugged in and in the proper slots.

May try another set of cables. I just picked up a new 3416 yesterday. Hooked it up, the entire picture had a green tint and there was a constant hum / buzz coming through the tv. Swapped out the component cables and that fixed the hum and the green tint I was getting.

Can I fix the situation if its a ground loop? I only have the STB, xbox 360, tv, cable modem and router on this surge protector.

May try another set of cables. I just picked up a new 3416 yesterday. Hooked it up, the entire picture had a green tint and there was a constant hum / buzz coming through the tv. Swapped out the component cables and that fixed the hum and the green tint I was getting.

Hate to tell you but you just had the 2 red wires crossed, the Right/Red audio wire with the Red Component wire. That will cause exactly what you described. Buzz in sound because you're feeding a video signal to it & the greenish tint because the Red Component wire wasn't plugged in. Common mistake, a lot of people do it.

Andyross, or anyone who knows, if I got a DCX3425 from Comcast, would I have to reprogram my remote, which I use on a 6412P3 now?

I have a DCX3400, and although it came with a new remote, and has a new (or at least partially new) code set for the cable remote commands, the old remote I had with my 3416 works just fine. In fact, I programmed the Aux code set on my new remote to the old DCT remote code set, because you can't seem to program the 30-second skip command into the new remote's default code set.

So, the remote you have programmed for the 6412 should work fine as is.

Thanks. I would like 250GB of storage, so now to find out if I can get one from Comcast in Ann Arbor. Right now, I have about 20 SD movies on the HDD, so I will have to transfer/watch most of those before I let it go. But, it is great to know I wouldn't have to do all that reprogramming of the remote.

The new grayish remote definitely does work with new Moto DCX boxes but I think it was mainly meant for the new Pace RNG110 HD boxes as the old silver remote doesn't work with that box. Advice for anyone getting new DCX box is to just continue using the silver remote you have programmed or any other remote you may have programmed for the Moto box. There is no advantage at all in using the new gray remote, while there are disadvantages to using the new one.

The new grayish remote definitely does work with new Moto DCX boxes but I think it was mainly meant for the new Pace RNG110 HD boxes as the old silver remote doesn't work with that box. Advice for anyone getting new DCX box is to just continue using the silver remote you have programmed or any other remote you may have programmed for the Moto box. There is no advantage at all in using the new gray remote, while there are disadvantages to using the new one.
I agree, except for one thing. Remotes wear out, and I do a lot of button pushing with mine. So I was happy to get a new one.

I agree, except for one thing. Remotes wear out, and I do a lot of button pushing with mine. So I was happy to get a new one.

I wish I had kept my old one. The new ones don't operate the same. I used to be able to control my box without having to switch to cable from tv.

I have a DCX3400, and although it came with a new remote, and has a new (or at least partially new) code set for the cable remote commands, the old remote I had with my 3416 works just fine. In fact, I programmed the Aux code set on my new remote to the old DCT remote code set, because you can't seem to program the 30-second skip command into the new remote's default code set.

So, the remote you have programmed for the 6412 should work fine as is.
Are you saying that in order to get the 30 sec skip on one of the new DCX boxes you have to use an old remote?

Are you saying that in order to get the 30 sec skip on one of the new DCX boxes you have to use an old remote?

I don't have the reference handy, but if you go back through this thread, you'll find a lot of talk about the 30-second skip and that, at least currently, you can't get it to work if you try to program the "cable" set of controls on your new remote. The workaround is to switch to "aux" (press the aux button) and then program the aux set of controls on the new remote to mimic the old remote. Then you can program the 30-second skip. Since I'm not using my comcast remote for anything other than the DVR, this causes me no problems. I just use my remote in the "aux" setting. Works just like the old one did.

I don't have the reference handy, but if you go back through this thread, you'll find a lot of talk about the 30-second skip and that, at least currently, you can't get it to work if you try to program the "cable" set of controls on your new remote. The workaround is to switch to "aux" (press the aux button) and then program the aux set of controls on the new remote to mimic the old remote. Then you can program the 30-second skip. Since I'm not using my comcast remote for anything other than the DVR, this causes me no problems. I just use my remote in the "aux" setting. Works just like the old one did.
I see, thanks. I'm going to be using a URC-9910 as my main remote, so how would it be possible to program that 30 sec skip key into it, I supposed I would still need an older remote to do that. ?
Thanks.

I see, thanks. I'm going to be using a URC-9910 as my main remote, so how would it be possible to program that 30 sec skip key into it, I supposed I would still need an older remote to do that. ?
Thanks.

Look here and see if this helps. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16750394

I see, thanks. I'm going to be using a URC-9910 as my main remote, so how would it be possible to program that 30 sec skip key into it, I supposed I would still need an older remote to do that. ?
Thanks.

One of the remotes I use is the URC-8910 (basically same remote as yours with exception of RF signals, mine is only IR). If you're just going to be entering codes into remote from the book that comes with it (as most people do) you may be a little limited on how much you can do with the remote. You do however have 4 buttons that can 'learn' from other remotes so if you're just going to use that then I believe you will need another remote with the skip function or anything else programmed into it. Also you'll probably be programming remote with code of 0476 for the Cable function, however that may be missing a couple DVR functions from it. If you can use 1376 for Cable code you should be in good shape with exception of 30sec skip.

If you by some chance end up programming the remote via the JP1 connection on the back though your possibilities are nearly endless of what you can do with that remote. Feel free to PM me if you'd like some info pointing you toward the JP1 programming. It can be a little bit of a pain at first but worth it in the end, at least it was for me. :)

I see, thanks. I'm going to be using a URC-9910 as my main remote, so how would it be possible to program that 30 sec skip key into it, I supposed I would still need an older remote to do that. ?
Thanks.
For any OneForAll series remote, you can see the info here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Key_Remapping_.28Key-Mover.29

For the full list of key codes:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#EFC_list

Look here and see if this helps. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16750394
Ah yes, they seem to have a found a fix for it. Thanks. ;)

One of the remotes I use is the URC-8910 (basically same remote as yours with exception of RF signals, mine is only IR). If you're just going to be entering codes into remote from the book that comes with it (as most people do) you may be a little limited on how much you can do with the remote. You do however have 4 buttons that can 'learn' from other remotes so if you're just going to use that then I believe you will need another remote with the skip function or anything else programmed into it. Also you'll probably be programming remote with code of 0476 for the Cable function, however that may be missing a couple DVR functions from it. If you can use 1376 for Cable code you should be in good shape with exception of 30sec skip.

If you by some chance end up programming the remote via the JP1 connection on the back though your possibilities are nearly endless of what you can do with that remote. Feel free to PM me if you'd like some info pointing you toward the JP1 programming. It can be a little bit of a pain at first but worth it in the end, at least it was for me. :)

Yeah, what I ended up doing was just programming it "head-to-head" with my existing remotes using the IR Learn function. That gave it all the functions of my original remotes, and I used some of those 8 custom keys for specific functions. But ended up sucking up all the frickin' memory (which I see is a problem with these, ridiculous small memory).

For any OneForAll series remote, you can see the info here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Key_Remapping_.28Key-Mover.29

For the full list of key codes:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#EFC_list
Thanks, I actually had those pages saved when I was trying to find an 8910/9910. No one had them, but I lucked out and got a brand new one from Rob over at HiFiRemotes. (I like it, but for some reason it totally loses power sometimes and the clock keeps going back to "12:00", not a big deal there, and the commercial skip button sometimes does the impossible and goes back to the channel after FIVE seconds. :confused: Impossible because 30 secs is the shortest amount of time that can programmed into it!! :eek: But that doesn't happen very often and I've been able to fix that so far by programming it a few more times for it go back to the 3 minute mark. Anyone ever heard of that)?

No one had them, but I lucked out and got a brand new one from Rob over at HiFiRemotes. (I like it, but for some reason it totally loses power sometimes and the clock keeps going back to "12:00", not a big deal there,

My 8910 does that sometimes, I just have to wiggle the batteries & press the power button to wake it up & regain all of my special programming in it. I managed to grab 2 extra 8910's at a good price from Rob a couple months ago when he had them. Nearly impossible to find them anywhere else at a reasonable price (under $30). I should be set for a while with them now.

Yes programming via the Learning function sucks the memory in no time on these things & you're stuck with using the couple preset learning buttons, that's where programming via the JP1 connection comes in handy. You can reprogram any button to anything you want. I have 8 devices programmed on mine using all available buttons on a few devices, a few macros set up & still have a little room left.

Thanks, I actually had those pages saved when I was trying to find an 8910/9910. No one had them, but I lucked out and got a brand new one from Rob over at HiFiRemotes. (I like it, but for some reason it totally loses power sometimes and the clock keeps going back to "12:00", not a big deal there, and the commercial skip button sometimes does the impossible and goes back to the channel after FIVE seconds. :confused: Impossible because 30 secs is the shortest amount of time that can programmed into it!! :eek: But that doesn't happen very often and I've been able to fix that so far by programming it a few more times for it go back to the 3 minute mark. Anyone ever heard of that)?
The ComSkip button, along with FAV, are not normal buttons. You cannot program codes onto them without using the JP1 interface and using an extender.

On my previous 8910, the COMSKIP started wearing out and didn't work reliably. I eventually replaced the remote, but mainly have M2 and M3 as review and skip.

I tried cleaning the old remote. I took it apart, as I have several times before. I tried using a grease cleaner on the rubber button inlay. I overdid it and it 'shrank' like cotton clothes in hot water! I couldn't get it to fit properly back in the remote.

With the 8910 impossible to find now, I have a 10820 I'm setting up as it's replacement if it starts acting up again.

My 8910 does that sometimes, I just have to wiggle the batteries & press the power button to wake it up & regain all of my special programming in it.
I wonder if it does that because the springs or too loose, or because of something internal. :confused:

But does yours also do what I said about the commercial skip button? (I just got another one today on HiFi Remotes).

Yes programming via the Learning function sucks the memory in no time on these things & you're stuck with using the couple preset learning buttons, that's where programming via the JP1 connection comes in handy. You can reprogram any button to anything you want. I have 8 devices programmed on mine using all available buttons on a few devices, a few macros set up & still have a little room left.
I've heard a lot about that JP1 and I'll have to look into that.

The ComSkip button, along with FAV, are not normal buttons. You cannot program codes onto them without using the JP1 interface and using an extender.
Yeah, you also can't program the "Exit" button.


On my previous 8910, the COMSKIP started wearing out and didn't work reliably. I eventually replaced the remote, but mainly have M2 and M3 as review and skip.

I tried cleaning the old remote. I took it apart, as I have several times before. I tried using a grease cleaner on the rubber button inlay. I overdid it and it 'shrank' like cotton clothes in hot water! I couldn't get it to fit properly back in the remote.
If that happens again, you can try one of those contact pad rejuvenator kits for remotes. I've also had some luck using a pencil eraser.


With the 8910 impossible to find now, I have a 10820 I'm setting up as it's replacement if it starts acting up again.
You may be able to find some more at HiFi-remote.com. Does the 10820 have commercial skip?

You may be able to find some more at HiFi-remote.com. Does the 10820 have commercial skip?
The 10820 does not have a built-in COMSKIP.

You should be able to program the Exit button. If it can't be done manually, it can certainly be done through jp1, even without an extender.

I did try carefully cleaning just the contacts several times, but it didn't make much difference. Oils trapped in the rubber would slowly leak out and contaminate it again. I originally tried just soap and water, and that did work for a few weeks.

But does yours also do what I said about the commercial skip button? (I just got another one today on HiFi Remotes).

I've heard a lot about that JP1 and I'll have to look into that.

Nope, my 30sec skip has been working great for a couple years now, 30sec at a time like it's supposed to. :)

I finished watching one recording on my DCH3416 & went to watch another and my TV screen went solid green. This was with HDMI. Tried component and got nothing but black. Audio was present at all times & you could change channels as displayed on the DVR front panel. Turned DVR & TV off/on several times but made no difference. However the S-VHS connection worked properly. Finally unplugged the unit for a few seconds & this solved the problem.

Anyone else ever experience such a problem?

I finished watching one recording on my DCH3416 & went to watch another and my TV screen went solid green. This was with HDMI. Tried component and got nothing but black. Audio was present at all times & you could change channels as displayed on the DVR front panel. Turned DVR & TV off/on several times but made no difference. However the S-VHS connection worked properly. Finally unplugged the unit for a few seconds & this solved the problem.

Anyone else ever experience such a problem?

When you tried component, did you DISCONNECT the HDMI cable? Leaving it connected can affect the component output, too.

Welcome to the wonderful world of HDCP (HiDef Copy Protection).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdcp

When you tried component, did you DISCONNECT the HDMI cable? Leaving it connected can affect the component output, too.

Welcome to the wonderful world of HDCP (HiDef Copy Protection).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hdcp


Yes I did disconnect the HDMI when I tried the component. I tried every possible combination of off/on and disconnect/connect that I could think of, including turning off/on the TV.

The program that I switched to when this happened was in the middle of recording and its the same one that causes problems using FF through the commercials. Every time I have recorded it, when FF through at least one commercial it jumps to the end on the program. And sometimes when using FF2 you can see it slow down to FF1. I wonder if something in the program or its transmission could have also affected the DVR's output. I would not think so, but this program does affect the way FF behaves. FWIW, it was a B&W program on MeToo.

When you tried component, did you DISCONNECT the HDMI cable? Leaving it connected can affect the component output, too.

I have both HDMI and component connected to my 6412, and both work fine. Also, I have S-Vid hooked up. One does have to choose between HDMI and DVI in the service menu, but it allows either to work with component. I don't know why a 34XX would be any different.

I finished watching one recording on my DCH3416 & went to watch another and my TV screen went solid green. This was with HDMI. Tried component and got nothing but black. Audio was present at all times & you could change channels as displayed on the DVR front panel. Turned DVR & TV off/on several times but made no difference. However the S-VHS connection worked properly. Finally unplugged the unit for a few seconds & this solved the problem.

Anyone else ever experience such a problem?

I experienced that exactly, to the letter.  After I exchanged the television under warranty for a different reason, and it was replaced with a different model, the problem vanished and has not recurred since.

It happened only on transitions from HD to SD except for a couple of times on transitions from SD to HD; never while staying in HD (even if changing between 1080i and 720p) nor while staying in SD.  It was most common when I started playing back a recorded event when I'd been on an HD station and the recording was in SD (and sometimes pressing the DVR key on the remote would fix things), or when I stopped or finished playback of an HD recording that I'd started while tuned to an SD station.

I experienced that exactly, to the letter. After I exchanged the television under warranty for a different reason, and it was replaced with a different model, the problem vanished and has not recurred since.

It happened only on transitions from HD to SD except for a couple of times on transitions from SD to HD; never while staying in HD (even if changing between 1080i and 720p) nor while staying in SD. It was most common when I started playing back a recorded event when I'd been on an HD station and the recording was in SD (and sometimes pressing the DVR key on the remote would fix things), or when I stopped or finished playback of an HD recording that I'd started while tuned to an SD station.


I got the green screen when changing from an HD recording to a SD recording. It's only happened once in the 1.5 months I've had a DVR so who knows what will happen down the line.

Were you using an HDMI connection when it happened?

Were you using an HDMI connection when it happened?Yes.  It never happened otherwise, and it has not happened once since I got the new television, even though it occurred with the same DVR and the old TV.  Unquestionably, it's something with the HDCP implementation.

I seems my problem of jumping to the end of the program when using FF is consistent with any program I record on a certain sub-channel. They had a first episode marathon of older TV programs & I recorded about 8 different ones. Every program that I used FF on skipped to the end at some time.

I'm scratching my head trying to figure out why a broadcast recording would affect a FF function. The 30 sec jump ahead & 15 sec jump back work properly.

got my DCX-3400 set up last night (old DVR died in the middle of a show). I didn't even reprogram the Harmony remote from the old DCT-3412 and it works perfectly, 30 second skip, 8 seconds back, etc. The DCX is nice, fast, but the display is ridiculously blinding, and the box seems like it wants to do something terrible (you know when you have that feeling electronics are just barely hanging on)... Time will tell.

With Comcast starting to encrypt channels as they move them from analog to digital, will we lose the ability to capture non-locals using 1394 on our Motorola boxes?

All of the reports I have read is that Project Calvary actually involved unencrypting channels, not encrypting them. (It relies on deployment of DTAs, and DTAs are not currently allowed to employ their integrated security capability.) They have still not been granted a waiver.

With Comcast starting to encrypt channels as they move them from analog to digital, will we lose the ability to capture non-locals using 1394 on our Motorola boxes?
Encryption has nothing to do with copy protection, and firewire recordings can be made as long as the channel is not protected. Comcast has recently started protecting some channels in the ATL - the Encores, Movieplex, and Flix. Before that, nothing was protected.

The speculation about encryption of the expanded basic SD channels relies on Comcast being granted a waiver for the DTAs they are deploying. I think it's a foregone conclusion that they will encrypt them if that happens because they won't have to deploy or maintain traps. But none of this affects what the 34xx boxes can get, nor what can be recorded via firewire.

Forgive me if this was already posted - I contacted Comcast today in frustration about my season recordings, recording both new and repeats, and got the following reply:
"A guide data issue has been identified in Motorola markets that may cause customer's DVRs to record repeat episodes set up as a series recordings, even though they have their DVR set to record only new episodes. This may result in the over recording of programs, which may have the customer's DVR hard drive reach capacity and/or cause DVR scheduling conflicts.

A fix has been implemented but the impact of this issue may continue for some customers through July 30th depending upon when they set up the series recording. All series recordings set up by customers starting today will record properly. However, series recordings set up prior to July 16th will not be fixed until July 30th. This occurs because scheduled recording data is stored on the DVR hard drive which will not self correct until 14-16 days later. This means the issue will not be fully resolved until July 30 at the earliest.

Any of these customers who would like to immediately correct the issue can delete their current scheduled series recording and then reschedule them.
"

Is there anyway to select or force which tuner the DVR uses?

Sometimes I have a scheduled program set to record & am watching a different channel. When the scheduled program comes on a message comes up that I must either allow the DVR to change to the scheduled channel or delete the scheduled recording.

Why can’t it just let me continue watching on the one tuner & automatically use the other tuner to record? Obviously it’s not smart enough to switch the scheduled program to the unused tuner.

Is there any way to figure out which tuner I should be watching live so that when the scheduled recording comes on I do not have stop what I’m watching, let the DVR change channels & then go back to what I was watching using the other tuner?

With my Comcast Moto DVR, it always records from the tuner that is not being displayed. The only exception is if you swap tuners one minute, or perhaps two minutes, before the recording is scheduled to begin.

It only asks if I will let the DVR change channels if the other tuner is already in use, or if two recordings start at the same time.

All of the Motorola DVRs I've used behave as Mike99 describes. The DVR always starts recording from the tuner that is currently being displayed, even if the other tuner is doing nothing. It really sucks, because you loose any buffered TV on the tuner that you were watching. To stop this, I usually just tell the DVR to cancel the recording, before it starts, change tuners manually with the swap button, start the recording manually, then change back to the original tuner.

Must be different soft ware or something. None of mine have even done that.

It depends on your software (or maybe firmware) revision.  The DCH3416 that I am renting switched from the behavior Mike99 described to that detailed by kjbawc along with a firmware (or was it software?) update about a year ago.

I've had my current 6412 P3 for three years, and it has always recorded first from the undisplayed tuner. If I had one that did otherwise, I would raise hell with customer service!

I'm having an interesting issue. I am capturing from my Comcast box to my Mac using AVCVideocap via firewire. I then transfer the file to my PC to edit and burn to DVD or what ever. So far about 75% of the files I transfer when I try to edit them with VideoReDo gives me a message ""Unable to open, no data found for the requested program". Yet these same files play just fine with PowerDVD and VLC and every other program I open them with. So i am stuck with no way to edit the files. Why a few load just fine into VideoReDo I can't figure out.

Anyone have any idea on this, what is going on and what to do to open them in VideoReDo?

Thanks

I’ve had the DVR, a DCH3416, less than 2 months so I’m still new to its quirks.

At first I thought it wanted to change channels because two recordings were scheduled while I was watching a third channel. That made sense to because the DVR cannot handle a third channel.

But it’s happened a few times when I only had one scheduled recording. I can’t say it always happens because I just realized this was happening. I looked at the DVR Guide & it states “Shortly before a recording is scheduled to begin on the tuner you are watching, a notice will appear…”. Unfortunately there is no way to tell which tuner is doing what.

I am going to try “swapping” the channels in question before a scheduled recording begins. Since the DVR is filling the buffer with both channels that should mean the one I’m watching will already be assigned it’s own tuner. I’ll post back with the results but will take a few days to accumulate some data.

Forgive me if this was already posted - I contacted Comcast today in frustration about my season recordings, recording both new and repeats, and got the following reply:
"A guide data issue has been identified in Motorola markets that may cause customer's DVRs to record repeat episodes set up as a series recordings, even though they have their DVR set to record only new episodes. This may result in the over recording of programs, which may have the customer's DVR hard drive reach capacity and/or cause DVR scheduling conflicts.

A fix has been implemented but the impact of this issue may continue for some customers through July 30th depending upon when they set up the series recording. All series recordings set up by customers starting today will record properly. However, series recordings set up prior to July 16th will not be fixed until July 30th. This occurs because scheduled recording data is stored on the DVR hard drive which will not self correct until 14-16 days later. This means the issue will not be fully resolved until July 30 at the earliest.

Any of these customers who would like to immediately correct the issue can delete their current scheduled series recording and then reschedule them.
"

OK, it's August 10th, why am I still having this problem!!! I guess I will just write down all my series recording and re-create them. I guess I can at least clear out all the shows that have been canceled or have gone away.

I’ve had the DVR, a DCH3416, less than 2 months so I’m still new to its quirks.

I am going to try “swapping” the channels in question before a scheduled recording begins.

There's a ton of quirks, so you'd be better off "swapping" your DVR for a Tivo HD. :D

You'll thank me later.

There's a ton of quirks, so you'd be better off "swapping" your DVR for a Tivo HD. :D

You'll thank me later.

I'm sure the Tivo is superior, but that upfront cost was a deal breaker for me.

Yes, that's a big difference. There are costs and benefits of either approach. The up-front cost is the down-side of the TiVo. What you've encountered is the down-side of the Motorola.

But it’s happened a few times when I only had one scheduled recording. I can’t say it always happens because I just realized this was happening.

This makes me wonder if they didn't flash you some screwy new firmware. perhaps the next time they update the firmware, the problem will go away.

There's a ton of quirks, so you'd be better off "swapping" your DVR for a Tivo HD. :D

You'll thank me later.

A TIVO will not server as the replacement for the Comcast box as it will only record un-encrypted programing, correct?

A TIVO will not server as the replacement for the Comcast box as it will only record un-encrypted programing, correct?

no it will with a cable card and sdv adapter work like a box ecept for 2way services no ondemand

OnDemand will be coming to Tivo later this year. (http://www.tivo.com/abouttivo/pressroom/pressreleases/2009/pr2009-03-02b.html)

On Comcast, hopefully.

I'm sure the Tivo is superior, but that upfront cost was a deal breaker for me.
Too bad - a couple of months ago you could've picked up a Tivo HD with a lifetime sub for $500. Given Comcast's current $16/mo. rental for an HD DVR here, you would have broken even on it in less than 2 1/2 years.

BTW I had one of those Moto 3416 dogs, and ditching it for the Tivo was the best thing I could have done. Night and day better, and once they get OnDemand working, it's over.

Too bad - a couple of months ago you could've picked up a Tivo HD with a lifetime sub for $500. Given Comcast's current $16/mo. rental for an HD DVR here, you would have broken even on it in less than 2 1/2 years.

BTW I had one of those Moto 3416 dogs, and ditching it for the Tivo was the best thing I could have done. Night and day better, and once they get OnDemand working, it's over.I'll bet that deal will probably come around again in a few months.

Too bad - a couple of months ago you could've picked up a Tivo HD with a lifetime sub for $500. Given Comcast's current $16/mo. rental for an HD DVR here, you would have broken even on it in less than 2 1/2 years.

BTW I had one of those Moto 3416 dogs, and ditching it for the Tivo was the best thing I could have done. Night and day better, and once they get OnDemand working, it's over.


I was made aware of that, but it's still 500 bucks up front. And no OnDemand. Comcast said they charge $1.50/mon for a pair of cable cards so that would be a savings of $14.50/mon. I know I'm splitting hairs but that would mean the break even point is about 34.5 months.

The big cost is the programming. Every 6 mons I have to twist their arm for their latest promo offer. I think about switching to satellite but am not convinced that is any better.

kjbawc,

This minor problem is tiny compared to the major problems all of the Motorola DVRs have. Since my cable service is through Comcast, there is no customer service. I've been trying for 9 months to get them to reverse a $6 overcharge on my bill. Multiple phone calls, and three letters later, and they haven't fixed it. Getting them to deal with actual service issues is flat impossible.

OK, it's August 10th, why am I still having this problem!!! I guess I will just write down all my series recording and re-create them. I guess I can at least clear out all the shows that have been canceled or have gone away.

I know ours hasn't been fixed. All last week it recorded marathons of shows that we set to record new episodes only. I couldn't tell you about this week since I had to delete most of my series recordings! :(

Just curious - can it be done with a dvd recorder? I have one with a hard drive that I use with my DCT series dvr, but I'm wondering if it's possible with the newer series boxes

Too bad - a couple of months ago you could've picked up a Tivo HD with a lifetime sub for $500. Given Comcast's current $16/mo. rental for an HD DVR here, you would have broken even on it in less than 2 1/2 years.

BTW I had one of those Moto 3416 dogs, and ditching it for the Tivo was the best thing I could have done. Night and day better, and once they get OnDemand working, it's over.


And when it breaks out of warranty, what do you do?

And when it breaks out of warranty, what do you do?

My 6 month old TivoHD just had a tuner go bad. It is out of labor warranty, but not parts warranty. It cost me $57 to have Tivo replace my unit with a brand new unit.

Having been a DirecTV SD subscriber w/the old, horrible HR15, I've been offered a great deal (at least it seems that way now) by Comcast...Digital Preferred package w/HD-DVR at $51/month for 1 year. Effectively, I'm getting a one year waiver on the $16/month DVR lease. Plus, they are throwing in one premium package (HBO, etc) for free. I called DirecTV (retention) and tried to play them off the Comcast offer; alas, they only knocked $100 off the $199 HR20/21/22 and $10 per month off the programming package for one year. Anyway, should I expect the Comcast HD-DVR to be comparable/better/worse to my craptacular HR15?

Thanks for any opinions...

FWIR, comparable.

I know ours hasn't been fixed. All last week it recorded marathons of shows that we set to record new episodes only. I couldn't tell you about this week since I had to delete most of my series recordings! :(

Just curious - can it be done with a dvd recorder? I have one with a hard drive that I use with my DCT series dvr, but I'm wondering if it's possible with the newer series boxes

I guess just about everyone has the problem of recording multiple showings of a program. I use two methods to avoid this. First, for analog band programs, which include The Daily Show, and the PBS News Hour, for me, anyway, I program them to record on my DVD recorder, with no repeat problem, saving space on the DVR's HDD. For programs only available on digital, I program the DVR by time and channel, setting a weekly, or daily, program. Thus, no repeats.

The problem that causes most repeats, is that when a program is rerun in a new time slot, it is not flagged as a repeat, if it is a first-run in that time slot.

My 6 month old TivoHD just had a tuner go bad. It is out of labor warranty, but not parts warranty. It cost me $57 to have Tivo replace my unit with a brand new unit.That is the downside to the TiVo units ..... A search on the web finds lots of discussions about the average life span of the units is 3 years. Mostly, it's the HDD that goes bad and a replacement pre-loaded with the TiVo software will run about $110 (160GB) and on up depending on the size you select. A 3-Year extended warranty will run about $80 to $110. I concluded that I'm not yet ready to give up my On-Demand, so I'll stick with the Comcast rental HD DVR.

BTW, I also believe the new Comcast DCX series has a nice large LED on the front for displaying the current channel like my old DCT-3412 ...... The new TiVo units dropped that useful feature.

I guess just about everyone has the problem of recording multiple showings of a program. I use two methods to avoid this. First, for analog band programs, which include The Daily Show, and the PBS News Hour, for me, anyway, I program them to record on my DVD recorder, with no repeat problem, saving space on the DVR's HDD. For programs only available on digital, I program the DVR by time and channel, setting a weekly, or daily, program.

I never thought about using the DVDR for the Daily Show, etc. And since we don't get it in HD that would work fine. I like the way you think!

Also, after many years of DVR experience, I had no idea you could do a weekly recording like you can with a vcr! I had never gone farther into that menu than the screen to program a one time recording.

And this is why I come on here! :p

For programs only available on digital, I program the DVR by time and channel, setting a weekly, or daily, program. Thus, no repeats.

The problem that causes most repeats, is that when a program is rerun in a new time slot, it is not flagged as a repeat, if it is a first-run in that time slot.Could someone please help me find the "weekly or daily" option within the "Set a Manual Recording" section of my Moto DCT-3412 .... Thanks.

Could someone please help me find the "weekly or daily" option within the "Set a Manual Recording" section of my Moto DCT-3412 .... Thanks.

I just found it, thanks to kjbawc! :D
my dvr
set a recording
set a manual recording
choose your time & date
continue
select the channel
view recording settings
record - once, every day, once a week, mon-fri

i'd been trying to find out how to do that for a long time! :rolleyes:

Glad to be of help, guys. I would just mention one caveat. When you program a fixed time, you have to be alert to program time changes, since your DVR won't make those automatically.

kjbawc,

This minor problem is tiny compared to the major problems all of the Motorola DVRs have. Since my cable service is through Comcast, there is no customer service. I've been trying for 9 months to get them to reverse a $6 overcharge on my bill. Multiple phone calls, and three letters later, and they haven't fixed it. Getting them to deal with actual service issues is flat impossible.


I had a problem with Comcast customer service recently & I sent an email to their CEO.

brian_roberts@comcast.com

I received a phone call within 24 hrs from their Executive Care office & did get the issue resolved. You might try the same, keeping the email letter polite & professional.

Glad to be of help, guys. I would just mention one caveat. When you program a fixed time, you have to be alert to program time changes, since your DVR won't make those automatically.Thanks everyone .... my old DCT-3412 that has been working good for the last 3 years without any glitches (other than those annoying duplicate recordings), now has a new lease on life by using the M-F manual recording option!

And when it breaks out of warranty, what do you do?
Uh, replace the hard drive or power supply? That's 90%+ of the problems, and both are very easy fixes. A tuner going bad is a rare occurrence.

BTW many folks have Tivo Series 1 and 2 units that have been going strong for 5 years or more. I have 2 old Replay DVRs that are coming up on 6 years myself, without any problems. The Tivo HD has been just as reliable hardware-wise, so far.

And it won't fill up your DVR with bogus repeat recordings for series...

With these units, does the HDMI out also carry the audio, or do you also need to use the audio out from the DVR to the TV?

I can't check right not b/c my LCD got stolen recently, but I need to know for the new house we are building. I'm wanting to share DVR between two TVs ( back-to-back along a shared wall).

I currently have mine set up where I'm able to use the Component and S-Video concurrently, but I had to split the audio out so the audio would feed both output devices at the same time. I'm hoping I could do something similar with the HDMI out, without needing to use the audio out along with it.

I tested this a looong time ago, but can't remember what happened, and now I don't have a HDMI TV to test it against.

With these units, does the HDMI out also carry the audio, or do you also need to use the audio out from the DVR to the TV?

I can't check right not b/c my LCD got stolen recently, but I need to know for the new house we are building. I'm wanting to share DVR between two TVs ( back-to-back along a shared wall).

Ouch, sorry to hear that. Taken off the wall or was it a smaller tv on a stand?

With these units, does the HDMI out also carry the audio, or do you also need to use the audio out from the DVR to the TV?
HDMI always carries the audio out. Might not work right with all receivers, TVs, etc. but the audio is there.

Uh, is that true? My experience is that the HDMI out on my laptop only carries video.

my boxes have been rebooting almost every night this week

one box totally reset everything to original defaults

Uh, is that true? My experience is that the HDMI out on my laptop only carries video.
Try going into Control Panel->Sounds and see if you can set HDMI as the default playback device. If there's no HDMI device showing there, you have a driver issue. But it should work if the internal video can also handle audio on HDMI.

Holy cow. Who knew?!?!? Thanks!

Ouch, sorry to hear that. Taken off the wall or was it a smaller tv on a stand?

32" Vizio taken off of a TV Stand.

I'm kinda thinking it did not bring the audio from HDMI while the other audio out was plugged in, but again...I can't try it.

32" Vizio taken off of a TV Stand.

I'm kinda thinking it did not bring the audio from HDMI while the other audio out was plugged in, but again...I can't try it.

From my Comcast Moto 6412P3, I run HDMI, Component, S-Vid, Optical audio, and R/L audio, and they all work at the same time. You are forced to make a choice between HDMI and DVI, in the service menu. I think, (I could be wrong,) that if you select DVI, but hook up HDMI, you will get no audio on the HDMI.

You are forced to make a choice between HDMI and DVI, in the service menu. I think, (I could be wrong,) that if you select DVI, but hook up HDMI, you will get no audio on the HDMI.

Good to know. Thanks. I don't remember that setting, so I may not have had it set correctly.

Do the older Comcast Motorola DCT DVRs output HDTV audio in 5.1 or 4.1 Dolby Digital Surround via the Optical or Coax line out?

I only see various flavors of Stereo output options on my Comcast DCT-3412's audio setup menu.

Note: I am connected via Component Cables and not HDMI ..... Maybe that makes a difference on the DCT's available audio menu choices in my case?

DD5.1 over optical, and digital coax.

Do the older Comcast Motorola DCT DVRs output HDTV audio in 5.1 or 4.1 Dolby Digital Surround via the Optical or Coax line out?

I only see various flavors of Stereo output options on my Comcast DCT-3412's audio setup menu.

Note: I am connected via Component Cables and not HDMI ..... Maybe that makes a difference on the DCT's available audio menu choices in my case?
The digital audio outputs (optical and coax) output whatever digital stream is sent to it, as-is. That can be 5.1, 2.0, 2.0 ProLogic, or even 1.0 (Weather Channel by me does this.)

The audio options in the menus only affect the analog output, other than those involved with choosing languages or descriptive services.

Annoyingly, many stations, 'lock' their outputs to 5.1, and create pseudo-surround or even pseudo-stereo. It can sound hollow or odd at times compared with just regular 2.0. You can often tell when Comcast inserts commercials on these channels as it drops to 2.0, then flips back to 5.1. Depending on your setup and equipment, this can cause annoying pops or mutes.

The audio options (stereo, mono, amount of compression) in the menu do affect the digital output over HDMI.

Annoyingly, many stations, 'lock' their outputs to 5.1, and create pseudo-surround or even pseudo-stereo. It can sound hollow or odd at times compared with just regular 2.0. You can often tell when Comcast inserts commercials on these channels as it drops to 2.0, then flips back to 5.1. Depending on your setup and equipment, this can cause annoying pops or mutes.


Could this cause a muffled sound to the dialog? On some HDTV programs it is difficult to understand the dialog, and my receiver is indicating DD. Initially I thought it was my speakers or setup, but my friends notice the same situation with their TVs. Some use CC to "hear" what is said.

News & talk shows come through OK. TV series seem to have a problem, as if their microphone(s) are poorly located.

The audio options (stereo, mono, amount of compression) in the menu do affect the digital output over HDMI.

Odd. I would think the digital audio sent over HDMI would be the same as output for optical and coax. Are you sure it actually affects it? Are you certain you are listening to audio over HDMI and not over some analog connection without knowing it?

DD5.1 over optical, and digital coax.

The digital audio outputs (optical and coax) output whatever digital stream is sent to it, as-is. That can be 5.1, 2.0, 2.0 ProLogic, or even 1.0 (Weather Channel by me does this.)


Andy's right, of course. I only meant that they output DD5.1 when that is the audio on the channel. As he says, some stations, like CNNHD, output a DD5.1 signal all the time, but there is rarely any true 5.1 content. It is useful to use to find out if your AVR is receiving DD5.1 though...


The audio options (stereo, mono, amount of compression) in the menu do affect the digital output over HDMI.

I'm also very skeptical about that. It has always been my understanding that those audio menu settings only affect the analog R/L line audio outs. I've never seen anyone else claim otherwise. Until now, of course... ;)

Andy,

I just checked it again.

One setup is 3412 with audio going out over coax digital to a Parasound (Vinci Labs) surround processor. With this setup, volume control on the 3412 doesn't work at all. The remote has no effect and the overlay doesn't even come up on the TV. When in the audio setup menu of the 3412, it doesn't matter what you select for compression or stereo/mono. It has zero effect on the sound.

The other setup is a 3412 with audio and video going out over HDMI to a Sony TV. With this setup, volume control on the 3412 works normally. When in the audio setup menu of the 3412, the compression settings have a very obvious effect instantly.

With most CE devices, the audio sent out over HDMI is usually identical to the audio that goes out over a digital coax or optical cable, within the limitations of HDCP requirements. I think in this case, the 3412 is smart enough that through the HDMI handshaking with the Sony TV, it still allows the user to adjust audio settings in the 3412 audio menu that the Sony doesn't have processing for (compression for instance).

Depending on your setup and equipment, this can cause annoying pops or mutes.I get that occasional pop on the front-right and rear-right speakers too, but only when running the sound to my surround sound receiver and 5.1 speakers via an optical or coax from my DCT-3412.

Changing the DCT's various audio options makes no difference on the external 5.1 sound system in my case ..... those adjustments only change the sound when listening via only the TV's stereo speakers (but at least there is no popping noise if changing channels when listening only through the TV's speakers).

That's certainly news to me...

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 just picked this box up today (3412) I'm having this exact same problem - every time I turn the unit off, it goes back to its default settings. Is this a faulty unit, or do I just need to leave it on all the time?

Also, I'm used to the SA DVRs, is it normal for these Motorola units to stop the recording if you turn the power off? If I'm recording a show and I power it off, it gives me the option to leave the box on and continue the recording, or turn the box off and stop the recording. However, the show recorded (up until that point) just fine while the power was off. What gives here? None of this operation makes any sense to me at all!

I just picked this box up today (3412) I'm having this exact same problem - every time I turn the unit off, it goes back to its default settings. Is this a faulty unit, or do I just need to leave it on all the time?

Also, I'm used to the SA DVRs, is it normal for these Motorola units to stop the recording if you turn the power off? If I'm recording a show and I power it off, it gives me the option to leave the box on and continue the recording, or turn the box off and stop the recording. However, the show recorded (up until that point) just fine while the power was off. What gives here? None of this operation makes any sense to me at all!

Most find their Motorola box to be less problimatic if you leave it on all of the time.

Most find their Motorola box to be less problimatic if you leave it on all of the time.

And t uses no more electricty to leave t "on". For all intents and purposes t s on all the tme - even when "off". Eg. buffer recording s runnng, guide beng updated, etc.

...mike

I just had my third DCT-3416 replaced with a DCX-3425. It has been in use for four days now.

The DCX box is much better. The picture quality is noticeably sharper all the time. The video overlays have much sharper edges for instance. There is much, much less macroblocking, pixelation, vertical tearing and transient fuzziness. Now the only obvious video distortions occur in the first second or two after changing channels. Some of the time there is pixelation for about 1/2 second.

So far, there hasn't been a single time when the DCX has buffered a keystroke from the remote and just sat there doing nothing. It responds to the remote instantly, every time.

Right now, there are only about eight hours of HD programs recorded. It will be interesting to see if the box's performance stays this was as the hard drive gets full.

I haven't had a chance to see if they have finally fixed some of the really annoying software issues such as the mute problem. The DCT box would randomly mute itself when you were going from FF to play or vice-versa. The DCX box hasn't done this once.

None of my DCT boxes ever buffered video when they were turned off. I'm not sure if the DCX does or not. Motorola publicly claims that the DVRs only mute the audio and video outputs when they are turned off, so there is no reason to ever turn them off. This is completely false. A DCT-3412 for instance, uses 30% less power when it is turned off. I'm sure Motorola makes this claim because it helps avoid some software problems.

I just had my third DCT-3416 replaced with a DCX-3425. It has been in use for four days now.

The DCX box is much better. The picture quality is noticeably sharper all the time. The video overlays have much sharper edges for instance. There is much, much less macroblocking, pixelation, vertical tearing and transient fuzziness. Now the only obvious video distortions occur in the first second or two after changing channels. Some of the time there is pixelation for about 1/2 second.

So far, there hasn't been a single time when the DCX has buffered a keystroke from the remote and just sat there doing nothing. It responds to the remote instantly, every time.

Right now, there are only about eight hours of HD programs recorded. It will be interesting to see if the box's performance stays this was as the hard drive gets full.

I haven't had a chance to see if they have finally fixed some of the really annoying software issues such as the mute problem. The DCT box would randomly mute itself when you were going from FF to play or vice-versa. The DCX box hasn't done this once.

None of my DCT boxes ever buffered video when they were turned off. I'm not sure if the DCX does or not. Motorola publicly claims that the DVRs only mute the audio and video outputs when they are turned off, so there is no reason to ever turn them off. This is completely false. A DCT-3412 for instance, uses 30% less power when it is turned off. I'm sure Motorola makes this claim because it helps avoid some software problems.

I agree that the pic is better with the DCX, esp if I use 'Native' HDMI resolution.

HOWEVER, it has the annoying property of resetting all my HDMI settings to the default values every time I turn the unit back 'on'. This MAY because I connect the DCX (via HDMI) to an Onkyo 805 AVR, which does 'pass through' via HDMI to my JVC RS20 projector. It may be that multiple HDMI handshakes causes this resetting behavior; but it shouldn't.

Yeah we'll see how it does left on full-time, but I have a feeling I'm going to be returning this one to Comcast for a SA box provided they have them. Not a big fan of the firmware on this one, that's for sure. Can't believe it's non-persistent, although the previous poster may be right, it might be due to multiple HDMI handshakes as I don't see the problem when connected via component. Might pick up a coax audio cable just to see if this works out as all my audio inputs are taken on my receiver which is why I'm using the only HDMI input on my receiver for this guy.

My DCX box is connected with component, so obviously I have no problems with the HDMI settings staying.

When switched off, it does not buffer any video. Same behavior as the DCT boxes.

My DCX box is connected with component, so obviously I have no problems with the HDMI settings staying.

When switched off, it does not buffer any video. Same behavior as the DCT boxes.

So you're saying it won't record programs with the power turned off? That's almost laughable behavior... and it's contrary to what I observed the other day. Now if it powers on to record something, that's another story. It certainly seems like what's causing all of this is the HDMI handshake. If the unit is powered on and at any time it has a handshake because of the TV or receiver needing a handshake, it resets to its default settings. Pretty poor firmware behavior if you ask me, but I'll switch back to component cables if this is the norm.

So you're saying it won't record programs with the power turned off? That's almost laughable behavior... and it's contrary to what I observed the other day. Now if it powers on to record something, that's another story. It certainly seems like what's causing all of this is the HDMI handshake. If the unit is powered on and at any time it has a handshake because of the TV or receiver needing a handshake, it resets to its default settings. Pretty poor firmware behavior if you ask me, but I'll switch back to component cables if this is the norm.
It will power up to record, just like all previous models and even old-school VCR's. Buffering is always separate from recording.

Motorola has never gotten HDCP handshaking to work reliably. What version firmware do you have? There is a 22.35 being rolled out that supposedly fixes some HDMI issues.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#Versions

I set up a scheduled recording from 7:59pm to 9:05pm. I started watching at 8:10pm via MyDVR, but the program did not show up in the recorded listings, however it still showed up to be recorded at 7:59pm in the future listings.

I hit the Red Record button just to make sure the rest of the program got recorded for my wife to watch, but nothing happened. I hit Pause and it displayed a long red time line with an 8:58pm(??) start time & 9:05pm end time. The current time indicator showed the recording was almost finished. But I cannot Rewind, and FF just brings up Live.

The DVR front panel display indicates Rec. If I hit Info the screen does display a red dot. At 9:05pm the screen message said my recording had finished. However it’s nowhere to be found. So where the heck is the recording?

I thought I had 40% capacity used before this recording. However after recording I had 43% used. I deleted all the programs which brought the used capacity down to 0%. I tried a couple 1 minute recordings and each time the used capacity jumped up to 3%. I also had recorded 37 mins & the used capacity was 4%. Normally a full hour HD program is about 4%.

So either there is a hidden recording on the HDD which affects the capacity reading only when something else gets recorded or the very first recording adds a whole bunch of time for housekeeping chores.

Is there a way to find my recording if it’s really there? Or a way to format the HDD in order to make sure everything is cleared out?

The DVR missed another recording this afternoon. I was not home so cannot tell what it was or was not doing. Last night it said it was recording & even indicated the recording was done, but it does not show up in the listings. This is the third DVR in 2.5 months. I have to give some real serious thought to satellite or just going with OTA.

Or Tivo, but you don't want to hear that. Do you want to pay for something that just works, or do you want to keep fighting a piece of junk?

The DVR missed another recording this afternoon. I was not home so cannot tell what it was or was not doing. Last night it said it was recording & even indicated the recording was done, but it does not show up in the listings. This is the third DVR in 2.5 months. I have to give some real serious thought to satellite or just going with OTA.
Out of curiosity, do you have 2 HD recordings starting at the same time? That is the only time I've ever had issues with recordings not starting, or being incomplete. My fix is to set one of them to start 2 minutes early.

Or Tivo, but you don't want to hear that. Do you want to pay for something that just works, or do you want to keep fighting a piece of junk?

I did think about Tivo but the up front cost was a deal breaker for me. I'm not saying that Tivo is not a good product, but it's still a lot of money, at least for me. And you still have to pay Comcast for the programming.

Out of curiosity, do you have 2 HD recordings starting at the same time? That is the only time I've ever had issues with recordings not starting, or being incomplete. My fix is to set one of them to start 2 minutes early.


Only one recording, & it was MTV, not even HD. Here's another weird thing that happened with the following recording on another channel which started at 9pm. I actually started it at 8:59pm and used "MyDVR" to access it at 9:00pm. When I hit the "Info" button on the remote it brought up info on the MTV program that apparently was still tuned in with the other tuner. I thought I did something wrong and started over by selecting the 9pm program again from "MyDVR" which did play. However the Info still displayed the MTV channel info.

Today Comcast brought out a brand new DCX3400 DVR. I even had to peel off the protective plastic from the front panel. Hopefully this will do better than the 3 used DCH3416 models I tried.

Comcast Guides DVRs To Web
Operator Puts ‘Start Over' Service on Hold In Focusing on IPG Upgrade

Comcast has begun to broadly roll out an upgrade to its interactive program guide that provides several enhancements--including Web-based DVR scheduling--while its version of "Start Over" remains on hold. Previously, Comcast planned to offer Start Over to customers as early as the end of 2008.

"We continue to evaluate the Start Over technology," Comcast said in a statement. The company declined to elaborate on why the service was being sidelined.
Full article at:

http://www.multichannel.com/article/339614-Comcast_Guides_DVRs_To_Web.php

I apologize in advance if this has been covered, but it would take me months to read/search through all 5000+ posts to find the answer. I recently changed my cabling from component to HDMI (well HDMI to my new A/V receiver, then HDMI to DVI for my TV. I wasn't getting any audio at first, then found out I had to change the DCT3416 setup menu from DVI to HDMI to get sound. However, every time I turn the box off, then back on, it resets to DVI and I loose audio until I go through the laborious process of the setup menu again. Does anyone know how to save the setup parameters?

I also have a few other questions:
I also changed the 4:3 setting from 480i to 480p. Is that optimal for a 1080i TV?
Under the HDMI section, I changed RGB to YCC 4 4 4. I assume that is better video quality?
Also under the HDMI menu, Auto does not get me sound, but either L-PCM or Passthrough does. I selected L-PCM since the volume is much higher than Passthrough and I only have a 2-channel large speaker stereo setup with this system.

I However, every time I turn the box off, then back on, it resets to DVI and I loose audio until I go through the laborious process of the setup menu again. Does anyone know how to save the setup parameters?

.

Conventional wisdom over the years here is never to turn the box "off'. Even when "off", it is really still "on" downloading info buffering video, recording whatever you have set to record etc. Knowledgeable people here have said there is virtually no diff. in power usage. I have never turned off our 4-5 y.o. 6412 and it still runs strong.

...mike

I apologize and hope this doesn't result in the usual "types" of people jumping on me but I did a search for "firmware" that didn't provide me anything of use. What is the latest firmware out for the DCH-3416...especially in the Palo Alto area. I assume that if I don't have it I can have tech support do an update, correct? Also, anyone in the South Bay/Peninsula area know of any offices to pick up a DCX? Neither Foster City nor Sunnyvale have any, or have had any for weeks. Just curious.

Edit: Nevermind...I found it on Wikipedia. Apparently the latest is 18.43 (Firmware) and 75.59 (Software). I have both so I guess I'm good to go.

Conventional wisdom over the years here is never to turn the box "off'. Even when "off", it is really still "on" downloading info buffering video, recording whatever you have set to record etc. Knowledgeable people here have said there is virtually no diff. in power usage. I have never turned off our 4-5 y.o. 6412 and it still runs strong.

...mike

Apparently the parameter menu reset happens whenever I turn off my DVI-only TV. So leaving the cable box on doesn't help. It must be re-detecting the DVI connection from my receiver to the TV and resetting to DVI. I think the only option for me now (other than reverting from HDMI cables back to component) is to buy a TOSLink cable to duplicate route sound from the cable box to my receiver since its auto-switching to DVI prevents sound from going through the HDMI connection and having to reset the parameters every time I turn on the TV is a time-consuming PITA!

Well looks like I'll be holding on to the DCH for a while. I was notified today (after almost getting my hands on a DCX) by two Comcast customer service employees that a recall may be in effect for the DCXs. They said too many have been returned and too many trouble calls placed due to problems. They won't be giving any more out and the South Bay Area likely won't get any for a while. Not sure if that is true but that is what the Sunnyvale and Foster City offices said.

I accidentally deleted a show on my DVR. Is there any way to undelete on the 3416?

Thanks!

I accidentally deleted a show on my DVR. Is there any way to undelete on the 3416?

Thanks!

Nope. Sorry.

I'm currently putting together a theater room in my basement. Because I'm not going to watch TV as often on the projector, but would like to have the option for sporting events, I'm looking to utilize the active hdmi and component outputs of my current 3416 for two separate sources. First, am I better off running a long component versus HDMI cable (about 50'). Second, besides an ir repeater to control the cable/dvr functions remotely, will I need anything else to make this work? Thanks in advance!

Apparently Stargate Universe has the same problem as SG-1. You tell the 3416 to record only new episodes and it also records the repeats. I believe the problem is due to the guide info not saying "repeat", therefore it is assumed to be new. One of the Law&Order series had the same problem when they would come with a generic guide info block.

Does anyone besides me have an issue with the guide time and program time being off by a min or two ...almost all the time? If I don't remember to pad the recording the last min. or two is not recorded. What is the deal with this, what is the point in having a program guide and 1 button recording if the two (program and guide) and not on the same time?

Apparently Stargate Universe has the same problem as SG-1. You tell the 3416 to record only new episodes and it also records the repeats. I believe the problem is due to the guide info not saying "repeat", therefore it is assumed to be new. One of the Law&Order series had the same problem when they would come with a generic guide info block.

Wasn't there something about this being a bug a short while ago and to fix it you had to delete and reset your series recordings? I did that and I am not having that issue ....so far.

Delete all of them? I just made the series recording for Stargate Universe, it's new.

Delete all of them? I just made the series recording for Stargate Universe, it's new.

The problem is that the repeats are not tagged as REPEAT. They are untagged. The software plays it safe and assumes all untagged programs are NEW.

Does anyone besides me have an issue with the guide time and program time being off by a min or two ...almost all the time? If I don't remember to pad the recording the last min. or two is not recorded. What is the deal with this, what is the point in having a program guide and 1 button recording if the two (program and guide) and not on the same time?

Recording is normally fine for me for local networks, the cable networks on the other hand are a crapshoot. Ones I've seen problems with are USA, Comedy Central, MTV. Blame the station for that, not the DVR or even the guide.

Does anyone besides me have an issue with the guide time and program time being off by a min or two ...almost all the time? If I don't remember to pad the recording the last min. or two is not recorded. What is the deal with this, what is the point in having a program guide and 1 button recording if the two (program and guide) and not on the same time?

Yes! I'm in the Chicagoland area. We record so many things that we usually can't add a minute on to the end of a recording. Consequently we usually miss the very end of some shows frequently. On rare occasions we'll catch it at the beginning of the show that followed it on the same channel.

While I'm on my soapbox here, this whole business of making shows two minutes longer than normal or whatever is just plain crap. Everybody knows that there's just two extra minutes of commercials. It just screws up recordings.

Ok. I'm done. : )

Does anyone besides me have an issue with the guide time and program time being off by a min or two ...almost all the time? If I don't remember to pad the recording the last min. or two is not recorded. What is the deal with this, what is the point in having a program guide and 1 button recording if the two (program and guide) and not on the same time?

We have the same problem, but in the opposite direction. We seem to miss the first minute or two of many shows. I would love to find a solution. On some shows I set it to start recording a minute or two early, but then I run into conflicts if I am recording two shows the previous timeslot. I wonder if the issue is just that they don't have their clocks synchronized.

Guy

While I'm on my soapbox here, this whole business of making shows two minutes longer than normal or whatever is just plain crap. Everybody knows that there's just two extra minutes of commercials. It just screws up recordings.

I agree!! Thank goodness for DVR's so we can just skip those pesky things! :D

While I'm on my soapbox here, this whole business of making shows two minutes longer than normal or whatever is just plain crap. Everybody knows that there's just two extra minutes of commercials. It just screws up recordings.

Ok. I'm done. : )
Couldn't agree more. That should be illegal. It totally screws up all recordings; a show you want to record ends at 9:02 and another you want to record begins at 9:00, so you have to find out when programs are re-airing to get the last 2 minutes or first 2 minutes. :mad: Pathetic.

Does anyone besides me have an issue with the guide time and program time being off by a min or two ...almost all the time? If I don't remember to pad the recording the last min. or two is not recorded. What is the deal with this, what is the point in having a program guide and 1 button recording if the two (program and guide) and not on the same time?
That also happens here with Cox. It would seem their "main clock" is not sync'd with networks. Usually it's too fast so you miss the last 30 sec. to a minute of a program. (And this is not when the program is scheduled to end ~2 minutes later due to more ridiculous commercials).

Did anyone's DVR's and other boxes all reset last night around 10pm? I was watching one of my DVR's when it just shut down and reset on its own. I checked the other boxes and they had all been reset. It took a while for the menus and programming to come back. I called Comcast and they said a lot of people had been reporting the same thing. Everything seems to be ok now.

That also happens here with Cox. It would seem their "main clock" is not sync'd with networks. Usually it's too fast so you miss the last 30 sec. to a minute of a program. (And this is not when the program is scheduled to end ~2 minutes later due to more ridiculous commercials).

Get one of those 'atomic' self-setting clocks and compare it's time to the box. It may be closer than you think. You can also compare against this: The official US time (http://www.time.gov/)

Networks are basically ignoring clocks, on purpose. The Jay Leno Show actually starts at about 10:00:40, and ends at 10:59:40 for example. Many Comcast HD feeds are merged 3:1 at a facility near Denver, then linked by satellite to local areas. This causes another 5-10 second delay.

Get one of those 'atomic' self-setting clocks and compare it's time to the box. It may be closer than you think. You can also compare against this: The official US time (http://www.time.gov/)

Networks are basically ignoring clocks, on purpose. The Jay Leno Show actually starts at about 10:00:40, and ends at 10:59:40 for example. Many Comcast HD feeds are merged 3:1 at a facility near Denver, then linked by satellite to local areas. This causes another 5-10 second delay.
I happen to have an atomic clock and never thought to compare it. I check a "time channel" here and the box is off a bit compared to it, usually 30-60 sec. That, coupled with (as we've said) the networks BS'ing us time-wise makes it rather difficult to record an entire program.

I remember years ago Ted Turner though it "would be good idea" to run on a +5 minute schedule on TNT. :confused: That was infuriating, didn't last long either. Program A would end at for example 8:05 but program B starts at 8:00, so you had to rapidly switch back and forth for 5 minutes to try and see both! Recording it (VCR days) resulted in the same problem; you missed 5 minutes of one of the programs.

Apparently Stargate Universe has the same problem as SG-1. You tell the 3416 to record only new episodes and it also records the repeats. I believe the problem is due to the guide info not saying "repeat", therefore it is assumed to be new. One of the Law&Order series had the same problem when they would come with a generic guide info block.

I run into that problem w. other programs like Daily Show, Colbert, and another I can't recall. I get around that by doing a weekly manual recording for SG-U and a daily manual recording for the other 2.
Our 6412 acts the same way.

...mike

I'm seeking a multiroom solution for Comcast Maryland; is this it?

Only if you plan to watch each DVR independently, with no access to others' recordings.

If you want true multiroom, you'll be wanting to check out the Tivo HD or, if you're willing to wait a bit, Windows 7 Media Center with the new Cablecard tuners using Xbox360s as extenders. There's also a DVR called the Moxi, but it is in the process of being phased out because the manufacturer sold out to another company.

Only if you plan to watch each DVR independently, with no access to others' recordings.
That's what he has now....


If you want true multiroom, you'll be wanting to check out the Tivo HD or, if you're willing to wait a bit, Windows 7 Media Center with the new Cablecard tuners using Xbox360s as extenders. There's also a DVR called the Moxi, but it is in the process of being phased out because the manufacturer sold out to another company.No thanks re: Windoze betas, but it looks like RCN will provide the Tivos soon. I will see if he likes that idea.

Thanks for the advice.

Speaking of the cable box resetting, our local electric supplier (Nipsco, for anyone in NW Indiana) is kind of crappy. Sometimes more than once a week the power trips off for just a few seconds and then comes back on. There doesn't seem to be any reason for it; weather is good, etc. It's always just long enough to reset the cable box, microwave, etc. It's very annoying because it takes so long for the guide to repopulate. So anyways, I'm thinking about getting a UPS for the cable box. Anyone else done this? Anything wrong with doing this? What size supply should I get? Thanks for any advice.

Speaking of the cable box resetting, our local electric supplier (Nipsco, for anyone in NW Indiana) is kind of crappy. Sometimes more than once a week the power trips off for just a few seconds and then comes back on. There doesn't seem to be any reason for it; weather is good, etc. It's always just long enough to reset the cable box, microwave, etc. It's very annoying because it takes so long for the guide to repopulate. So anyways, I'm thinking about getting a UPS for the cable box. Anyone else done this? Anything wrong with doing this? What size supply should I get? Thanks for any advice.

I've got a marginally adequate wiring/breaker box in my house and I'm always blowing a fuse. So I got a UPS and it works great. I have a relatively small one (not nearby now, so can't check). My receiver and the DVR are subject to issues when the power goes out, so I have them both plugged into it. Works like a charm for those short outages (less than a minute or two).

I second the UPS. I have most of my A/V gear plugged into the battery backup portion of one with the exception of my TV. It's a good sized APC unit I bought a couple years ago & works for more then just a few minutes. Although I should probably check the batteries in it one of these days to see just how good they are. But as crossbeaux said, they work great for short outages like you describe.

Sounds good. Thanks for the info. I know what I'm doing this weekend now.

The joke is that the government has mandated expensive atsc over the air tuners in all new sets. These will be useless to cable customers (60%) and satellite customers (25%).

I'm sure you can buy a tunerless broadcast monitor for only 10X the price of consumer displays. In reality, the tuner, no matter the kind, is a small fraction of the unit price; the $$$ are all in the display....

Comcast HD DVR vs. TiVo
(no need to read unless interested)
I've got a paycheck coming Thursday w/TiVo on it! :p
If you could get TiVo HD for $200US (refurb) & lifetime sub for $400US;
would you choose it over the current Comcast offering?
(I'm not multi-room)
Pay-per-view isn't BIG in my life; haven't done it this century.
However, I am a BIG UFC fan.
(now I'm just watching SD UFC on a SD display so I don't get any PPV; however an HD display is coming & I may just go CZY for the UFC in HD "live"!)

It's really TiVo HD at $10US a month for 5 yrs & then free (add another 2 yrs for storage upgrade)
or
Comcast monthly HD DVR payment, w/upgrades every so often, for life.

Better deal???

these EAS test alerts are getting longer and longer

last night i got one on every cable box in my house (2 DVR's & 3 digital boxes) an EAS alert test from 1:15am through 2:30am

that's ridiculous

My biggest issue with the current Tivo boxes (HD or S3) is that you can't do OnDemand on them. I don't watch it that often but it's nice to have. I'm hoping the next generation changes that.

I've got an odd problem with my remote. I have the std Comcast HD DVD remote and every time I use it, it makes my iHome ipod alarm clock go haywire. I guess some of the commands cross-over? The alarm clock is bout 8ft away from me, perpendicularly and it picks-up the remote signals. Anything I can do?

Hammers work on alarm clocks... :D

Hammers work on alarm clocks... :D

:eek: Or, he could try less drastic measures first, like maybe moving the alarm clock so it's a little further behind the customary TV viewing position.

:eek: Or, he could try less drastic measures first, like maybe moving the alarm clock so it's a little further behind the customary TV viewing position.My alarm clock is 90' opposite of my TV ...as in no where near it. They couldn't be any further from one another.

My alarm clock is 90' opposite of my TV ...as in no where near it. They couldn't be any further from one another.

You said above that it's only 8' away, perpendicular to your viewing position. I was thinking you would have an option to move it further away and/or more behind. If not, you might try covering the sensor of the alarm with a piece of black electrical tape.