DCH3416 series recording issue?
I had programmed "Survivor" as a series recording when the season started. The series recording list showed all regular episodes plus the reunion show. I had the series recording settings at only new episodes, view 1 episode, and save until space is needed. Suddenly, while watching the last recorded regular episode, it stopped abruptly and disappeared from the recordings list at about the same time that the reunion episode started recording. The DVR capacity was only at 46%. I then recalled that this very same thing also happened to me last year. Is there something wrong with my settings, or is this a major glitch?

I'm not positive but if you had it set to only keep 'one episode' that it would delete the old one out (the one you were watching) when it started recording the newest episode. Why don't you just leave it the default of 'keep all episodes' or at least a few episodes?

I'm not positive but if you had it set to only keep 'one episode' that it would delete the old one out (the one you were watching) when it started recording the newest episode. Why don't you just leave it the default of 'keep all episodes' or at least a few episodes?


Got it! That seems to be the correct procedure in this case.
Thanks for your response!

I just re-upped with Comcast after a few months of WOW. First time around, I had a DCH 3416. This time, they installed a DCT box with no HDMI output. I wasn't there to monitor the install, so I didn't see what happened til later.

My whole system is (was) HDMI, would have been a simple connection to replace the existing box - but they hooked up the three component video cables and stereo audio directly to the TV. I called support to see if they could bring a different box out - the tech should have known better I thought. Support said they would have to charge me for the service call, as the tech did the right thing and they are not supposed to connect the box to anything but a TV due to "liability" issues. Does that sound right? It's not a huge deal as I can just go to the center and exchange the box (I think), but it's an inconvenience especially at this time of year.

It may have been all he had. There has been a shortage of DVRs for parts of Comcast areas. They're digging out the old ones & blowing the dust off them to try to meet demand. Not sure on policy of hooking up to AVRs or the like, but going straight to TV does avoid some issues.

I just re-upped with Comcast after a few months of WOW. First time around, I had a DCH 3416. This time, they installed a DCT box with no HDMI output. I wasn't there to monitor the install, so I didn't see what happened til later.

My whole system is (was) HDMI, would have been a simple connection to replace the existing box - but they hooked up the three component video cables and stereo audio directly to the TV. I called support to see if they could bring a different box out - the tech should have known better I thought. Support said they would have to charge me for the service call, as the tech did the right thing

They may not be supposed to connect to anything but a TV, but that doesn't mean that they aren't supposed to supply you with equipment that will work with your system. IMO, they should bring one out W/O charge, but your best bet is to take one in to your local office, and exchange it for a HDMI box. There should be no charge for that.

I just re-upped with Comcast after a few months of WOW. First time around, I had a DCH 3416. This time, they installed a DCT box with no HDMI output. I wasn't there to monitor the install, so I didn't see what happened til later.

My whole system is (was) HDMI, would have been a simple connection to replace the existing box - but they hooked up the three component video cables and stereo audio directly to the TV. I called support to see if they could bring a different box out - the tech should have known better I thought. Support said they would have to charge me for the service call, as the tech did the right thing and they are not supposed to connect the box to anything but a TV due to "liability" issues. Does that sound right? It's not a huge deal as I can just go to the center and exchange the box (I think), but it's an inconvenience especially at this time of year.

This kind of crap is just why I dumped cable and went to dish. I don't know about install techs. but phone support techs at Comcast are fools, they have no idea what they are doing and little if any knowledge about the equipment they are :confused: supporting.

Well, I ended up taking the box in myself and exchanging it. The place was packed, took almost an hour to get through the line. I think I got lucky, it didn't look like they had too many of these units there, and the one I got looked like it had seen better days. But after two calls to activate it, it works fine, getting good PQ on all HD channels and HD On Demand.

All in all, it was 1 visit to the center plus 4 calls to CS. It was a small hassle overall, but at least I got the equipment that works best with my system. There was some talk a while ago about a new DVR coming out with more storage and what not, but I haven't heard anything more about it. The interface and workflow on this one needs improvement and I'm hoping the next gen will offer it.

I noticed the latest software update also brought with it a fix to the fast forward jump back. Now when I fast forward and press play it jumps back a little. I had been using the replay key for a long time. Unfortunately, they didn't eliminate the "your recording has finished" message.

I noticed the latest software update also brought with it a fix to the fast forward jump back. Now when I fast forward and press play it jumps back a little. I had been using the replay key for a long time. Unfortunately, they didn't eliminate the "your recording has finished" message.

While I see the use of this feature, I find it really really annoying when watching sports and stuff - the only way I can tolerate football is by watching a recording and making short spins forward. The 10 sec. skip back kills this.

I wish there were a firmware option to disable this 'feature'.

While I see the use of this feature, I find it really really annoying when watching sports and stuff - the only way I can tolerate football is by watching a recording and making short spins forward. The 10 sec. skip back kills this.

I wish there were a firmware option to disable this 'feature'.
Are you saying that if you FFwd the BS between actual plays, instead of simply being able to do that it skips back 10 seconds every time you FFwd?? If so, that is absolutely unacceptable and intolerable. :eek: Who's the "genius" that thought this was a good idea? :confused:

Are you saying that if you FFwd the BS between actual plays, instead of simply being able to do that it skips back 10 seconds every time you FFwd?? If so, that is absolutely unacceptable and intolerable. :eek: Who's the "genius" that thought this was a good idea? :confused:

Yup, that is it. I actually like it in other situations, going through a commercial block into a non-sports show, I used to do x 30 sec. skips, maybe a 15 sec. replay and then a 2x quick zip to the start of content. The skip back does work just right when that is the content being viewed.

Another shortcoming - the guide now holds only about 10 days of info, about half of the prior one. I now have to search what to watch every 10 days instead of every 3 weeks, roughly.

I thought that automatic skip-back after a fast forward was a Tivo patented feature.

I thought that automatic skip-back after a fast forward was a Tivo patented feature.It is, but Comcast doesn't have to worry about such patents because their agreement to offer TiVo software includes a non-litigation clause.

Note on a TiVo, there is no correction on the 1x (3x realtime) FF. They've only got correction on 2x (20x realtime) and 3x (60x realtime). The amount of correction depends on the FF/REW speed.

It is, but Comcast doesn't have to worry about such patents because their agreement to offer TiVo software includes a non-litigation clause.

Note on a TiVo, there is no correction on the 1x (3x realtime) FF. They've only got correction on 2x (20x realtime) and 3x (60x realtime). The amount of correction depends on the FF/REW speed.

Comcast jumpback isn't in place on first speed, but the 1x on HD content is useless, it plods along at maybe 1.5x. SD content it zips nicely at maybe 2 or 3x I'd guess.

I have noticed a problem recently, though I don't know if it has happened before or after the latest s/w update. I'll be fast forwarding through a recorded HD show when it will skip to the end and the only way to get it back to normal is to stop the playback and start it over. Otherwise it does the same thing at the same spot every time. It's only happened a couple times recently.

I modified my Law&Order series recording to 'New and Repeats' and 'All channels' using TNTHD as the base. The shows on NBCHD are not being recorded. I swear that this used to work, but it doesn't now. Any ideas?

I modified my Law&Order series recording to 'New and Repeats' and 'All channels' using TNTHD as the base. The shows on NBCHD are not being recorded. I swear that this used to work, but it doesn't now. Any ideas?

Are you getting both the TNTHD and TNT non-HD programs recorded? You probably don't want that, do you? They'd be the same programs.

The workaround is to set up two series recordings, one for TNTHD and one for NBCHD.

Are you getting both the TNTHD and TNT non-HD programs recorded? You probably don't want that, do you? They'd be the same programs.

The workaround is to set up two series recordings, one for TNTHD and one for NBCHD.

I'd love to do that. Once you've set up a series recording for TNTHD, you can only modify it. You can't set up a 2nd for NBCHD. I'll bet the reason 'All Channels' is not working is that they correctly assume that I don't want TNT and TNTHD

I'd love to do that. Once you've set up a series recording for TNTHD, you can only modify it. You can't set up a 2nd for NBCHD. I'll bet the reason 'All Channels' is not working is that they correctly assume that I don't want TNT and TNTHD
Let me get this straight (I haven't tried this, and I'm just trying to judge my own stupidity), you can't open the guide, scroll over to an episode on NBCHD, choose Record, and set up the recording as a series recording? Huh, who'da thunk it?

Let me get this straight (I haven't tried this, and I'm just trying to judge my own stupidity), you can't open the guide, scroll over to an episode on NBCHD, choose Record, and set up the recording as a series recording? Huh, who'da thunk it?

Correct.

I'd love to do that. Once you've set up a series recording for TNTHD, you can only modify it. You can't set up a 2nd for NBCHD. I'll bet the reason 'All Channels' is not working is that they correctly assume that I don't want TNT and TNTHD

I played around with this awhile and I think this is a bug. It's really apparent when setting series recordings for shows that are on several networks (NCIS and Bones, for example). Suppose you pick an episode of such a show on an HD network (let's say USAHD), and set up a series recording for that show on all channels, new and repeats. What happens is that recordings are set for that program on the network you selected (USAHD). Recordings are not set for USA-SD. Makes sense. But on the other networks, let's say TNT and BRAVO, where the show also plays, recordings are NOT set up for the program on TNTHD or on BRAVOHD, but they ARE set up for TNT-SD and BRAVO-SD, which is totally opposite of what you might want.

I've tried starting with an episode of the program on one of the other networks, and the same thing happens (records on the HD network you start from, and on SD versions of the other networks).

So this "feature" seems totally whacked. Reporting this to Comcast seems in order. However, at the rate they fix bugs, it could be several years before they get around to this.

They also need extra record settings. I'd love to have it record just the Law&Order shows before 1999, for instance.

They also need extra record settings. I'd love to have it record just the Law&Order shows before 1999, for instance.
That would be a feature, not a bug. :)

Yup, that is it. I actually like it in other situations, going through a commercial block into a non-sports show, I used to do x 30 sec. skips, maybe a 15 sec. replay and then a 2x quick zip to the start of content. The skip back does work just right when that is the content being viewed.
There's no way around that?


Another shortcoming - the guide now holds only about 10 days of info, about half of the prior one. I now have to search what to watch every 10 days instead of every 3 weeks, roughly.
Are both of the problems firmware-related and would only be found on Comcast-supplied boxes, or would they be on all of the 34xx boxes?

iGuide on an HD box used to hold about 15 days worth of Guide info. In other words, if it was Sunday, it would go out to the third Monday, with most of the info filled in by the evening. In the iGuide diagnostics DB page, there were about 730-750 'slots'. (Each slot appears to be 30 minutes.)

Lately, there are so many channels and info that it's started shrinking. For awhile it was down to about 650-660 slots, and now it's down to 610-620. For Sunday, it only goes out to the 2nd Saturday, and that is only partial even by the end of the day.

Many of the SD boxes have so little memory, they only hold 2 days now.

There's another issue that I've noticed lately that may be related to the auto-skipback "feature." I often pause live TV (such as sports) and switch to recorded programs for a while so that I can go back and then skip over commercials. I've noticed in the last few weeks that when I go back to the recorded program, it's between 15 and 30 seconds further along than when I last paused it (i.e. I have to skip back once or twice to get back to the point where I left it). For a while I thought it was just me, but after marathon football watching on Jan 1, I know this is happening on my box.

I've tried starting with an episode of the program on one of the other networks, and the same thing happens (records on the HD network you start from, and on SD versions of the other networks).


They just need to have an option to 'record in HD when possible' like some other guides do. Especially with all the HD channels that many areas have this only makes sense.

They just need to have an option to 'record in HD when possible' like some other guides do. Especially with all the HD channels that many areas have this only makes sense.

Or even just default to HD when you start in HD and default to SD when you start there.

Yup, that is it. I actually like it in other situations, going through a commercial block into a non-sports show, I used to do x 30 sec. skips, maybe a 15 sec. replay and then a 2x quick zip to the start of content. The skip back does work just right when that is the content being viewed.
There's no way around that?


Another shortcoming - the guide now holds only about 10 days of info, about half of the prior one. I now have to search what to watch every 10 days instead of every 3 weeks, roughly.
Are both of the problems firmware-related and would only be found on Comcast-supplied boxes, or would they be on all of the 34xx boxes?

There's no way around that?



Are both of the problems firmware-related and would only be found on Comcast-supplied boxes, or would they be on all of the 34xx boxes?I think the change is probably intentional. Some providers still have 13-14 days.

The difference isn't as significant as some suggest. Comcast never offered three weeks of guide data. Comcast uses Rovi as its provider, which has always offered a maximum of 14 future days. Providers that use Tribune typically offer a maximum of 13 future days.

I think the change is probably intentional. Some providers still have 13-14 days.

The difference isn't as significant as some suggest. Comcast never offered three weeks of guide data. Comcast uses Rovi as its provider, which has always offered a maximum of 14 future days. Providers that use Tribune typically offer a maximum of 13 future days.
Thanks, I was more concerned with the skip fwd/reply problem (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17814834#post17814834) than the length of guide data (since we only have about 3 days max now anyway [Cox], and a few days longer than that if you "ask it", then wait several minutes). That skipping back 10 secs every time you ffwd is intolerable and would mean I'd still have to use a freakin' crappy 240 lines SD VCR for football. :mad:

Has anyone put two 3412 DVRs in the same room to double the recording space? If so how did you resolves the remote control issue of controlling the dvrs separately?

You have two options. You can make a cover for the front of the DVR, and switch it back and forth, from one to the other, thus blocking IR to one, while you use the other.

Another option, which has been tried and discussed in the DVDR forum, is to put the two boxes a couple of feet apart, and make your remote directional. That is done by attaching the empty barrel of a pen over the IR emitter of one of your remotes. It can be attached with tape, with epoxy putty, just be careful not to mess up the emitter spot. This actually works! But, you must aim carefully, or you won't operate either box.

Well, there is one other trick I think would work. My DVDR's IR receiver is blocked by a couch. So, I strategically placed a mirror, and aimed it with a laser pointer, to reflect the IR from my DVDR's remote to the DVDR. So, you might make some kind of shield for the IR receptor on one box, and place a mirror to reflect to it. Then, that one would only work when you aim directly at the mirror. As long as that is at a bad angle for the other box, or you made shields and mirrors for both boxes, you're in business.

The other thing you can do is what a lot of ReplayTV owners used to do. Turn one on and turn one off. Then only the one that is on responds to the remote commands. When you want to switch you just press the power button (toggle) and the one that is currently on will switch off and the one that is off will switch on. Now you can control the other one. They'll still record as normal even when off.

That method doesn't work too well if one is recording. Also, with many Moto DVRs, including the 3412, you have problems if you turn them off.

I have a problem with my DCT3412 i and always resetting to 480p when the system is turned on. I am hooked up to a Yamaha Z7 reciever which is connected to my Sony KDL-52XBR4 display. Has anyone have or heard of this kind of problem?

I know this is the comcast thread, but I'm trying to program a skip or replay function on my CHARTER remote. I also have a urc wr7 universal remote. I'd really like the 30 second forward/ 15 second back. Any tips?

I have a problem with my DCT3412 i and always resetting to 480p when the system is turned on. I am hooked up to a Yamaha Z7 reciever which is connected to my Sony KDL-52XBR4 display. Has anyone have or heard of this kind of problem?As I recall, the order you shutdown and turn-on the equipment will make a difference if you have an A/V receiver between the TV and the DVR .... don't recall the proper order but some simple experimentation on your end should give you the proper sequence for your equipment. Alternatively, a lot of people including myself, never turn off the DVR .... 4 years and still running strong with my DCT-3412 from Comcast.

Has anyone got these Comcast DVRs to support SAP?

I know this is the comcast thread, but I'm trying to program a skip or replay function on my CHARTER remote. I also have a urc wr7 universal remote. I'd really like the 30 second forward/ 15 second back. Any tips?Try this link .... may work for the Charter remotes too:

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

Try this link .... may work for the Charter remotes too:

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

I don't have a setup button.

It looks like I have the wrong remote, that they gave me the one for a regular motorola box:

http://www.charter.com/customers/support.aspx?supportarticleid=1397

I have the UR4–EXP CHLA

At least, that's the closest one to the one I have. Mine is a little different than any of those on the page.

I just got the DHC 3416 from Comcast.

How do I set it up so that it accurately reports the resolution the program/channels its on to my TV?

Since it is connected through HDMI my TV always reports 1080i even though I may be tuned to an SD channel. I am told this is because the box is always telling the TV its 1080i.

I just got the DHC 3416 from Comcast.

How do I set it up so that it accurately reports the resolution the program/channels its on to my TV?

Since it is connected through HDMI my TV always reports 1080i even though I may be tuned to an SD channel. I am told this is because the box is always telling the TV its 1080i.Your TV will always report whatever the output setting of the DCH-3416 is set to. If you have left the DCH to it's default settings it will always output 1080i for HD and 480i for SD. If you are connected directly from the DCH to your TV and the TV's reporting 1080i on SD channels then maybe your DVR's default 480i Over-ride setting has been changed. I'd use the default settings per the instructions found at the link below, but feel free to experiment with whatever looks best to your eyes for your particular TV:

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

George-O, thanks a million! The 4:3 OVERRIDE was set to OFF, I've now changed it to the recommend 480I and it is working great. My TV is now accurately reporting the resolution.

George-O, thanks a million! The 4:3 OVERRIDE was set to OFF, I've now changed it to the recommend 480I and it is working great. My TV is now accurately reporting the resolution.Glad to have been of help King Arthur and welcome to the Forum ... it's been a great resource for me and saved me having to call Comcast many times. :cool:

Is there any way to set a pin for recording? I'd love to be able to prevent my son from recording hours of Spongebob.

Thanks.

You should be able to use the parental block, but that would keep him from tuning it in on his own, too. I've never used the parental block, so I don't know how to use it.

Is there any way to set a pin for recording? I'd love to be able to prevent my son from recording hours of Spongebob.

Thanks.

There is not an option to block DVR use via paternal controls. You block channels or programs, but they will still record. If you record a blocked program or channel you will need to enter the PIN to watch the program off of the DVR.

Is there any way to set a pin for recording? I'd love to be able to prevent my son from recording hours of Spongebob.

Thanks.

If you are afraid that it is going to take up space, you can just set it to delete automatically when space is needed.

While not what you asked, or ideal, you can pick the number of recordings to keep for a show. That still records shows all day long but keeps the recordings number low.

He recently deleted one of my wife's recordings. That didn't go over well. :)

He recently deleted one of my wife's recordings. That didn't go over well. :)That's one smart kid .... how old?

My stupid freaking DCT3412 (which ALSO pisses me off that I just got Comcast's best package in December, and they gave me this old piece of crap instead of something remotely new) keeps reverting itself to defaults (720p, auto sound, etcetera). I swear it didn't USED to do this before, and I haven't changed anything since hooking it all up. I have nothing but HDMI used throughout my entire system. I have everything running through a Yamaha RX-V1900, then into one input on my Samsung LN52A750.

I have set my Harmony remote to turn the cable box off, to leave it on, it doesn't matter -- once I turn off the TV and receiver, the damn box reverts back to defaults!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

I am sick and tired of having to turn off the box, press menu, and redo my settings every time I want to watch TV...

And yes, I have gone in to the Comcast service center 3 times, and every time they've had nothing but this pile of junk. I exchanged it the third visit, thinking maybe it was the box itself. But nope... I lost all my settings, shows, and series recordings for nothing... :mad:

Someone PLEASE HELP ME, I am so fed up with this!!! :(

My stupid freaking DCT3412 (which ALSO pisses me off that I just got Comcast's best package in December, and they gave me this old piece of crap instead of something remotely new) keeps reverting itself to defaults (720p, auto sound, etcetera). I swear it didn't USED to do this before, and I haven't changed anything since hooking it all up. I have nothing but HDMI used throughout my entire system. I have everything running through a Yamaha RX-V1900, then into one input on my Samsung LN52A750.

I have set my Harmony remote to turn the cable box off, to leave it on, it doesn't matter -- once I turn off the TV and receiver, the damn box reverts back to defaults!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

I am sick and tired of having to turn off the box, press menu, and redo my settings every time I want to watch TV...

And yes, I have gone in to the Comcast service center 3 times, and every time they've had nothing but this pile of junk. I exchanged it the third visit, thinking maybe it was the box itself. But nope... I lost all my settings, shows, and series recordings for nothing... :mad:

Someone PLEASE HELP ME, I am so fed up with this!!! :(The problems you experience would not necessarily improve with the new DCH or DCX series DVRs .... in fact the DCX has more problems according to some.

Your problems stem from the fact that you have an A/V receiver inserted between the DVR and your TV.

Try running connected directed to the TV from the DCT and see what happens.

I've had a trouble free DCT-3412 for 4 years connected directly to my HDTV. Also, I never turn the DCT off.

Try searching the AVS forum and you'll find lots of complaints about the problems generated by the use of A/V receivers between the DVR and the TV.

You'll soon conclude that more and newer is not necessarily better .... as with most things in the world.

ShnikeJSB, call Comcast and have them ship you the "Comcast RNG 110" box. This is the new black one that they seem to be using now. Not sure if it does DVR. I don't know if they are using any other ones in rotation either that you could ask for. Then drop off the old one at the service center. Be aware they may charge you for shipping.

The problems you experience would not necessarily improve with the new DCH or DCX series DVRs .... in fact the DCX has more problems according to some.

Your problems stem from the fact that you have an A/V receiver inserted between the DVR and your TV.

Try running connected directed to the TV from the DCT and see what happens.

I've had a trouble free DCT-3412 for 4 years connected directly to my HDTV. Also, I never turn the DCT off.

Try searching the AVS forum and you'll find lots of complaints about the problems generated by the use of A/V receivers between the DVR and the TV.

You'll soon conclude that more and newer is not necessarily better .... as with most things in the world.

Maybe not, though it COULD! Also, newer DOES mean more a more responsive DVR, enough space so that I don't have to constantly delete things, a smaller footprint, and black in color to blend in with the rest of my equipment (instead of standing out like a massive silver sore thumb, LOL). I guess I could try connecting the box directly to my TV and then using optical into the receiver for sound -- do you think that would work? Or even going backwards to Component + Optical (since it's 1080i and 5.1 only anyways)?

I really don't understand why these boxes would keep reverting to defaults like this... An HDMI handshaking/DRM issue I assume, as always... :mad:

ShnikeJSB, call Comcast and have them ship you the "Comcast RNG 110" box. This is the new black one that they seem to be using now. Not sure if it does DVR. I don't know if they are using any other ones in rotation either that you could ask for. Then drop off the old one at the service center. Be aware they may charge you for shipping.

That is a non-DVR box, it seems. :( I'd LIKE a DCX3400, but Comcast said they won't ship me anything, and I'd have to keep calling the local service center and asking if they have any, then somehow miraculously drop everything (as if people don't work) and drive down there immediately to exchange my box. Which is pretty freakin' ridiculous... Such great customer service they have... I guess that's what monopolies get ya... :rolleyes:

I appreciate the help guys -- I'm sorry if I am coming across as unappreciative, which isn't true. I'm just frustrated, and feel like I'm paying $200+/month for crap, ya know? :(

Thanks again.

I guess I could try connecting the box directly to my TV and then using optical into the receiver for sound -- do you think that would work? Or even going backwards to Component + Optical (since it's 1080i and 5.1 only anyways)?
Yes and Yes.

That is a non-DVR box, it seems. :( I'd LIKE a DCX3400, but Comcast said they won't ship me anything, and I'd have to keep calling the local service center and asking if they have any, then somehow miraculously drop everything (as if people don't work) and drive down there immediately to exchange my box. Which is pretty freakin' ridiculous... Such great customer service they have... I guess that's what monopolies get ya... :rolleyes:

Well, when I ordered my HD service the representative told me over the phone that she could ship me one. Call them and select the add/remove service > Cable TV option, that's the department I spoke with. If someone tells you otherwise ask to speak to their supervisor, and the supervisor's supervisor etc etc if necessary. Sometimes you have to keep climbing the telephone latter. At all times remain calm and collected, but be sure to express your distaste.

OK, I called again, and this time they said they'd ship a box out for $9.99, that it would take 9-12 business days (he said they were "backlogged with all the people switching to digital"...), and that he wouldn't guarantee which model I would get... :mad:

So, needless to say, I didn't take them up on the offer of paying for what MIGHT be one of the newer boxes... :rolleyes:

Just to update, I attached the HDMI output form the box directly to my TV, and ran optical from the box to my receiver -- and it worked! The only problem I am having now, is I had spent hours calibrating things before, and now I really don't feel like doing it all over. I did only about an hour or so this time around, and it bugs me that I can't get things to look as good... :(

Oh well, it's still better than redoing the freaking box settings all the time... :rolleyes:

Thanks guys for your help! :D

Glad to hear you've made some progress .... BTW, on my setup I found that using the Component (not to be confused with the older Composite) cables produced more satisfying colors than HDMI on a direct connection, but then everyone's HDTV and eyes are different.

George-O,

I am in the pacific northwest(seattle) and have noticed the same thing. I feel like component at 1080i gives me a better picture than HDMI. I have tried running HDMI into my DVDO edge and played with the settings for a while and still could not get a picture I was happy with. I wonder if its a limitation of the HDMI output on the box? These Motorola boxes are getting a little long in the tooth.

George-O,

I am in the pacific northwest(seattle) and have noticed the same thing. I feel like component at 1080i gives me a better picture than HDMI. I have tried running HDMI into my DVDO edge and played with the settings for a while and still could not get a picture I was happy with. I wonder if its a limitation of the HDMI output on the box? These Motorola boxes are getting a little long in the tooth.

several years ago someone working at the local comcast office told me that component is better than HDMI on the cable boxes. i didn't ask him why but i should have

several years ago someone working at the local comcast office told me that component is better than HDMI on the cable boxes. i didn't ask him why but i should haveIt has to do with electronic handshake connectivity issues plus many computer graphics pros that work with colors on monitor screens still say that the old CRT non-LED monitors produce better colors and those older monitors are analog. The 3-cable Component cable is also analog and maybe that has something to do with it.

As a Mechanical Engineer for over 30 years, I've learned that newer is not always necessarily better (at least in my area of engineering). Remember that world economies thrive based on planned product obsolescence (and hype). ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolescence

That's one smart kid .... how old?

7. He can navigate on demand and find the cartoons he wants to see. He can't read well enough to know what the titles of the programs are.

7. He can navigate on demand and find the cartoons he wants to see. He can't read well enough to know what the titles of the programs are.I'm sure glad all mine grew up in simpler times (for us parents, that is). :)

I'm sure glad all mine grew up in simpler times (for us parents, that is). :)

I remember my folks thought I'd grow up to be a tv repairman. :) This one learned how to use the DVD player at a very young age. He can navigate the computer fairly well (though I'm not thrilled at the stuff he manages to find on YouTube).

It has to do with electronic handshake connectivity issues plus many computer graphics pros that work with colors on monitor screens still say that the old CRT non-LED monitors produce better colors and those older monitors are analog. The 3-cable Component cable is also analog and maybe that has something to do with it.

As a Mechanical Engineer for over 30 years, I've learned that newer is not always necessarily better (at least in my area of engineering). Remember that world economies thrive based on planned product obsolescence (and hype). ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsolescence

i'm still VERY happy with my "old" sony CRT HDTV. when i walk around the electronics stores and look at the picture quality of LCD, i just scratch my head

i use component cables. never even tried hdmi

Glad to hear you've made some progress .... BTW, on my setup I found that using the Component (not to be confused with the older Composite) cables produced more satisfying colors than HDMI on a direct connection, but then everyone's HDTV and eyes are different.
Starting in 2011 if you want a true HD signal you will most likely be required to use an HDMI connection. My understanding is that the component signal will downgrade to standard definition or be disabled completely.

Starting in 2011 if you want a true HD signal you will most likely be required to use an HDMI connection. My understanding is that the component signal will downgrade to standard definition or be disabled completely.

what is their reasoning for this ?

there are still a lot of hdtv's out there that have no hdmi

my sony has hdmi but i also have a samsung hdtv that only has component

Starting in 2011 if you want a true HD signal you will most likely be required to use an HDMI connection. My understanding is that the component signal will downgrade to standard definition or be disabled completely.

Is that rumor, or do you have any sources we can look at to confirm that?

Is that rumor, or do you have any sources we can look at to confirm that?This thread is starting to sound like a stock short seller's message board where false negative rumors about a stock rule the day in order to drive down prices and make profits for the short sellers spreading the rumors.:cool:

The marketing Hype going around is that the upcoming 3D-HDTVs will need HDMI v1.3 compatible devices but the regular HDTV output from your HD-STB or HD-DVR that you see today will still be seen tomorrow with Component cable. However, Component video in its analog form is being phased out for copy protection issues involving high definition source devices meaning that future new HDTV's and BlueRay disk players will probably not have Component inputs/outputs. No copy protection capability from Component cables means that Hollywood is trying hard not to let you use this for watching 3D high definition video from the future generation of BlueRays and HD-on-Demand.

This thread is starting to sound like a stock short seller's message board where false negative rumors about a stock rule the day in order to drive down prices and make profits for the short sellers spreading the rumors.:cool:

The marketing Hype going around is that the upcoming 3D-HDTVs will need HDMI v1.3 compatible devices but the regular HDTV output from your HD-STB or HD-DVR that you see today will still be seen tomorrow with Component cable. However, Component video in its analog form is being phased out for copy protection issues involving high definition source devices meaning that future new HDTV's and BlueRay disk players will probably not have Component inputs/outputs. No copy protection capability from Component cables means that Hollywood is trying hard not to let you use this for watching 3D high definition video from the future generation of BlueRays and HD-on-Demand.

Thanks. That makes sense. I assume I'll eventually want to upgrade in that direction. But I'd hate to be forced into upgrading my TV or receiver next year just to see the stuff I watch now.

George-O, thanks a million! The 4:3 OVERRIDE was set to OFF, I've now changed it to the recommend 480I and it is working great. My TV is now accurately reporting the resolution.

Yep, George thanks. I just became a Comcast customer on 5 March. I was a little peeved that the tech insisted on hooking up my 3416 with component cables (which I quickly switched to HDMI) but thus far I have been satisfied with the actual opertation of the unit.

It does have some pesky quirks; like not turning "off" when it is recording (how hard would it be to change the software so the front panel goes dark?) & it has this annoying habit of acheiving HDMI sync for about 3 seconds, then 3 seconds of good 'ole fashioned analog snow (with no sound) then finally getting HDMI sync when I first turn it on. I now this is the 3416 & my Sony DA5200ES having a little talk with each other, but it gets on my nerves.

Yep, George thanks. I just became a Comcast customer on 5 March. I was a little peeved that the tech insisted on hooking up my 3416 with component cables (which I quickly switched to HDMI) but thus far I have been satisfied with the actual opertation of the unit.

It does have some pesky quirks; like not turning "off" when it is recording (how hard would it be to change the software so the front panel goes dark?) & it has this annoying habit of acheiving HDMI sync for about 3 seconds, then 3 seconds of good 'ole fashioned analog snow (with no sound) then finally getting HDMI sync when I first turn it on. I now this is the 3416 & my Sony DA5200ES having a little talk with each other, but it gets on my nerves.Those quirks are all about the different evolving versions of the HDMI standard over just the last few years ..... from v1.1 to 1.2 to 1.2a to 1.3 today on the newest HDTVs, A/V Receivers and the new DCX series DVRs. So until we upgrade our equipment in the next year or two to have all the components in our setup HDMI v1.3, we just have to live with the quirks (or use Component cables). :cool:

Starting in 2011 if you want a true HD signal you will most likely be required to use an HDMI connection. My understanding is that the component signal will downgrade to standard definition or be disabled completely.

I'm gonna go ahead and say http://www.gpona.com/forums/images/smilies/bs_flag.gif

It actually has been floated as an idea (restricted digital outputs), but it didn't hasn't gotten much traction yet.

can an external hard drive be added to these boxes yet ?

No. There is no indication that this will ever be pursued.

Is that rumor, or do you have any sources we can look at to confirm that?

Sorry for the lack of reference on my original post. :o This is not a rumor.
http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/aacs-hdmi-kill-component-2010

The professional A/V installers have been trying to find an acceptable solution to the upcoming problem concerning analog sunset but beware of "snake oil" solutions.

Up until now, 3-wire component matrix switching has been the standard for sports bars, etc. Many HDMI/HDCP components only allow a 1:1 source to destination eliminating the ability to route a single video source to multiple screens.

Sorry for the lack of reference on my original post. :o This is not a rumor.
http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/aacs-hdmi-kill-component-2010

The professional A/V installers have been trying to find an acceptable solution to the upcoming problem concerning analog sunset but beware of "snake oil" solutions.

Up until now, 3-wire component matrix switching has been the standard for sports bars, etc. Many HDMI/HDCP components only allow a 1:1 source to destination eliminating the ability to route a single video source to multiple screens.

if they do this. everyone should get together and just stop buying movies

i wish they would make a movie that is even worth stealing

can an external hard drive be added to these boxes yet ?

Firmware 16.75 for DCT and 18.75 for DCH support Esata now.

if they do this. everyone should get together and just stop buying movies No thanks. I'll just comply with what's necessary for the system to work.

No thanks. I'll just comply with what's necessary for the system to work.

complying for a lot of people means buying a whole new hdtv and tossing the old one that works in the trash because it will be pretty much useless

if it was as simple as buying a new cable i wouldn't mind at all

no matter what they try and do, the criminals will find a way around it

complying for a lot of people means buying a whole new hdtv and tossing the old one that works in the trash because it will be pretty much useless I suppose if you bought something that was so special and so specific, perhaps. It won't mean that for most people.

no matter what they try and do, the criminals will find a way around itThat doesn't mean that they should roll over and die. They do have to keep trying new things, all the time, to try to stay in step with the criminals.

I suppose if you bought something that was so special and so specific, perhaps. It won't mean that for most people.

That doesn't mean that they should roll over and die. They do have to keep trying new things, all the time, to try to stay in step with the criminals.

nothing special. just walked into sears 4 years ago and bought it. it just happens to not have hdmi

there must be a lot of other hdtv's out there that this will effect

Sorry for the lack of reference on my original post. :o This is not a rumor.
http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/aacs-hdmi-kill-component-2010

The professional A/V installers have been trying to find an acceptable solution to the upcoming problem concerning analog sunset but beware of "snake oil" solutions.

Up until now, 3-wire component matrix switching has been the standard for sports bars, etc. Many HDMI/HDCP components only allow a 1:1 source to destination eliminating the ability to route a single video source to multiple screens.This only applies to Blue-ray Players ... No mention anywhere that Comcast DVR outputs must comply.

there must be a lot of other hdtv's out there that this will effectBe careful. Not "will" effect. You mean "would" effect. Don't lose sight of the fact that we're just talking about speculation.

That doesn't mean that they should roll over and die.

Innocent people shouldn't be serving the time for the acts of criminals. Regular paying consumers now have to suffer and change there equipment because of others that don't follow the law, that's stupid. That's punishing good behavior.

We're not talking about "serving time". There is a very clear delineation in Western society between civil and criminal penalties. "Serving time" is a criminal penalty, while this is a civil issue. Civil penalties are typically monetary fines. And so reading your assertion again, corrected to the appropriate aspect of law, Yes, innocent people often do pay the costs of other people not following the law, starting when we pay taxes to put police on the streets, and working in the halls of our places of government, to protect us from people who will not comply with the laws voluntarily. It happens when we put special locks on our doors, and then deadbolts, and then sophisticated alarm systems, and then with alarm system monitoring. We pay the costs of other people not following the law all the time. It's not stupid. It's reality. We don't have to like it.

We're not talking about "serving time". There is a very clear delineation in Western society between civil and criminal penalties. "Serving time" is a criminal penalty, while this is a civil issue. Civil penalties are typically monetary fines. And so reading your assertion again, corrected to the appropriate aspect of law, Yes, innocent people often do pay the costs of other people not following the law, starting when we pay taxes to put police on the streets, and working in the halls of our places of government, to protect us from people who will not comply with the laws voluntarily. It happens when we put special locks on our doors, and then deadbolts, and then sophisticated alarm systems, and then with alarm system monitoring. We pay the costs of other people not following the law all the time. It's not stupid. It's reality. We don't have to like it.

Your argument is flawed. Those are preventive measures that are put in place to protect US. What Comcast is proposing is taking away a freedom we do have to protect themselves, and at an added inconvenience.

Okay .... Let's get back on topic.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the real push behind of all this copyright infringement stuff and we all know who they represent.

Most of their well-heeled politically-connected members have significant influence within Wall Street, Capitol Hill, Hollywood, etc. plus many also have major ownership stakes in the other entertainment/news/print media outlets throughout North America. It's been that way for nearly 100 years and they are not about to let things change anytime soon.

So lets move on.

Your argument is flawed. Those are preventive measures that are put in place to protect US. What Comcast is proposing is taking away a freedom we do have to protect themselves, and at an added inconvenience.My argument isn't flawed: You are simply ignoring, out of convenience, the protections such as we're talking about protect the basic user from incurring detriment and/or added cost through subsidizing the excessive use of the exploitative user, and to protect "us" from those who would take from "us" what we ourselves aren't offering for sale. As such (and even though there is no requirement for it, though you claim there is), those things you are complaining about are indeed in place to "protect us" -- perhaps from "you".

Okay .... Let's get back on topic.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the real push behind of all this copyright infringement stuff and we all know who they represent.

Most of their well-heeled politically-connected members have significant influence within Wall Street, Capitol Hill, Hollywood, etc. plus many also have major ownership stakes in the other entertainment/news/print media outlets throughout North America. It's been that way for nearly 100 years and they are not about to let things change anytime soon.

So lets move on.

Agreed.

My argument isn't flawed: You are simply ignoring, out of convenience, the protections such as we're talking about protect the basic user from incurring detriment and/or added cost through subsidizing the excessive use of the exploitative user, and to protect "us" from those who would take from "us" what we ourselves aren't offering for sale. As such (and even though there is no requirement for it, though you claim there is), those things you are complaining about are indeed in place to "protect us" -- perhaps from "you".

my original post said "let's all get together and stop buying movies". your response was "no thanks, i'll just comply"

perhaps these people should sort this stuff out before they start selling stuff to the public. this whole idea of "firmware" is ridiculous. it lets companies sell things that haven't been perfected yet. it also lets them do things like this. like stop the product from working, from doing what you already paid for it to do

if everyone just bends over and complies like you, they will just keep walking all over us

it's not right to sell something to the consumer and say "oh wait, i might get ripped off, i better change the product i just sold you and make it useless" too bad, that's your problem. you should have thought about that before you sold it

that's like me selling you a piece of art and then coming to your home and spray painting it so that nobody copies it

if everyone just bends over and complies like you, they will just keep walking all over us If you look at the world as if it is arrayed against you, then effectively it is. I cannot be "walked all over" because I respect myself enough, as a consumer, to recognize I have a choice whether to accept offers or decline offers. You apparently feel compelled by external forces to accept regardless of whether or not you find the offer satisfactory, and that's why you feel like you could be, or are being, "walked all over".

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.- Eleanor Roosevelt

If you look at the world as if it is arrayed against you

not the whole world but certain parts of it

i expect that when something is sold to me, the person (or company or organization or corporation or whatever) who sold it to me is not going to take it away when they choose to

if you do not mind that, more power to ya. toss your money out the window for all i care

I am from the chicago area and I noticed that there was a software up date to the box yesterday. Did anyone notice it? There are a view things i did noticed, folders in the recording section and different menus and something called MyDVR which doesn't work in my area yet.

I am from the chicago area and I noticed that there was a software up date to the box yesterday. Did anyone notice it? There are a view things i did noticed, folders in the recording section and different menus and something called MyDVR which doesn't work in my area yet.

People have been using zip 60102 to activate their service. This thread has a bit more information: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18445319#post18445319

i expect that when something is sold to me, the person (or company or organization or corporation or whatever) who sold it to me is not going to take it away when they choose to And if they didn't say that "it" is subject to be taken away, you'd be right.

if you do not mind that, more power to ya. toss your money out the window for all i careThat's not the point. The point is that we reasonably expect a commercial transaction to have integrity: Someone offers something, someone else accepts the offer; then each of the two does what they promised to do as set forth in the offer and acceptance. As you insinuate, if you don't like the terms and conditions of the offer, you surely should decline the offer and do without. That is a no-brainer, afaic. The decision to accept the offer is reasonably based on whether what is being offered is worth it or not. There is no reason to think that everything is worth the same to everyone.

If you want something different than what is offered, then logically you may have to pay more for it; perhaps a lot more; and perhaps there is even no amount of money that would get you what you want. There's no harm and no foul in that. ♫♪ You can't always get what you want. ♫♪

my DVR has folders today

BACK ON TOPIC PEOPLE!

geesh

anyways

My DVR also got the update. Where do you guys see "MyDVR"? I don't see it or any such thing in any of the menus. I do see "MyDVR" on my remote, but that just accesses the DVR menu. :confused:

i found out you can turn folders off. that's a good thing. they are just annoying

also the update made skipping forward and backward a pain now because if you hit the button too fast a message pops up on the screen "unable to process request". this is for both the 30 second and 5 minute jump buttons

also another thing they messed up is now when you use the 4x search, then you hit play it no longer stops on a dime, it jumps like 30 seconds (forward or backward, can't remember which right now) so that can be a big pain when trying to search

they also rearranged the menus. another pain. you get used to quickly navigating menus for 6 years or how ever many years the dvr has been out and they just change things around for no good reason

so basically no good has come from this "update" only bad so far but i'm still exploring the changes so maybe i'll find something useful but i doubt it

i found out you can turn folders off. that's a good thing. they are just annoying

also the update made skipping forward and backward a pain now because if you hit the button too fast a message pops up on the screen "unable to process request". this is for both the 30 second and 5 minute jump buttons

also another thing they messed up is now when you use the 4x search, then you hit play it no longer stops on a dime, it jumps like 30 seconds (forward or backward, can't remember which right now) so that can be a big pain when trying to search

they also rearranged the menus. another pain. you get used to quickly navigating menus for 6 years or how ever many years the dvr has been out and they just change things around for no good reason

so basically no good has come from this "update" only bad so far but i'm still exploring the changes so maybe i'll find something useful but i doubt it
OTK, give it some time. Some of the new options might grow on you - they come from the TIVO world.
I really like the folders to reduce clutter. In addition, when searching forward and having it jump back a few seconds takes some getting used to after using a comcast dvr, but it turned out to be an option that I enjoy on tivo.
I hadn't noticed it with the comcast dvr, but I'll test it tonight.
I have run into the "unable to process request" several times, and it is annoying.

How do I find out if I have the update? I don't see any new menus or folders, but I do get the "unable to process request" error.

Also, when I ff now, it randomly pauses. It will ff for about 3-5 seconds, then pause for 2-3, then ff for 3-5, then pause, then ff, then pause. It frustrates me to no end.

i found out you can turn folders off. that's a good thing. they are just annoying

also the update made skipping forward and backward a pain now because if you hit the button too fast a message pops up on the screen "unable to process request". this is for both the 30 second and 5 minute jump buttons

also another thing they messed up is now when you use the 4x search, then you hit play it no longer stops on a dime, it jumps like 30 seconds (forward or backward, can't remember which right now) so that can be a big pain when trying to search

they also rearranged the menus. another pain. you get used to quickly navigating menus for 6 years or how ever many years the dvr has been out and they just change things around for no good reason

so basically no good has come from this "update" only bad so far but i'm still exploring the changes so maybe i'll find something useful but i doubt it

The ffwd jump-back is a feature. :) I've been complaining for years that they didn't have this. I find it helpful when skipping commercials so I don't have to back up if I overshoot the beginning of the next segment.

The ffwd jump-back is a feature. :) I've been complaining for years that they didn't have this. I find it helpful when skipping commercials so I don't have to back up if I overshoot the beginning of the next segment.

i can't get used to it. it's horrible. i already have a "back skip" button if i need it

they should let you turn these "features" on or off

Alright, I don't know if this is the right place to go but I feel like I've tried everywhere else and cannot find a solution SO I thought I would pose this problem to the extremely smart folks of AVS.

I bought a Samsung LN40B360 back in February and plugged it into my Motorola DCT6412 via HDMI cable in a HDMI/DVI port. It worked fine for about 2 months until one night I came home and there was no picture when I turned on the TV but the menus and guide still worked but said, "One Moment Please..." or "This Channel Will be Available Shortly..." I tried calling Comcast who tried to reboot it remotely but the box did not respond. I then unplugged the box and re-plugged it back in after a few minutes and then it had NO graphics at all. None of the buttons on the remote produced anything except the "Info" button which produced a white screen with basic black font that said, "Set Parental Controls." When I would plug in the HDMI cable (into the HDMI/DVI or the regular HDMI ports), the cable box would display "DUI" or "DVI" but nothing would be displayed on screen.

(I swear this eventually relates to the 3416)

Comcast then said it was a box issue so I returned the DCT6412 for a DCX3400. Again, the same issue but this time none of the menus or guide showed up, only that basic white screen when I pressed "info." There is no picture, no sound, nada. I switched to component cables and that does not work either. When I hook up the cable from the wall directly into the "cable in" on the TV, it does work with limited basic cable which makes me question whether it's the box or the TV.

I tried unplugging and replugging in HDMI cable on a number of ports a number of times and occasionally I would get a brief pink screen or a "Please Wait" from the TV (different than the Please Wait from the Cable Box) then it would say "check signal cables" then goes to a black screen. Once, it did say "The HD content protection of your display has been compromised. Please use the YPbPr outputs for your HD connection," but using the component cables did not solve the problem. It also only said that once on screen and gone almost instantly.

Comcast sent a technician out and he was baffled. He is convinced it's the TV but I can't completely agree with him yet.

I updated the firmware on the Samsung thinking that was the problem. Needless to say, it didn't fix anything. My DVD player works fine on all of the HDMI ports and my Wii also works fine on the AV jacks.

I now have a DCH3416 and I've having the same problems... although I'm pretty sure this box has its own problems. When I try to change the channels manually on the STB, it doesn't go past 700 (HD channels are 702 and above) and doesn't go below 549. I can't really tell on screen since I HAVE NO PICTURE.

Comcast is sending out a tech on Saturday but I have started to lose hope... and yes, this TV is HDCP compatible.

Yikes... anyone have any suggestions or want to help me check some diagnostics?

Can you connect a DVD player, to make sure the TV is working? Try both HDMI and component.

Did the tech check your strength of signal? Something similar happened to me once and a tech added a tap to solve the problem.

Got the new software in SE MI last night. Some really annoying stuff going on now. Giant "WATCH IN HD" crap taking up space in the info box if you watch an SD channel with an HD versions.

Also when one show starts and another ends, IT POPS UP A LITTLE NOTICE OF THE NEW SHOW STARTING. Even if you're not even actually watching the channel and instead watching a DVR recording the notice still pops up. Unlike the folders (which I'm not entirely sure of, but may like) there seems to be no way to deactivate this "feature".

It's already annoying the hell out of me, and also means if you want to hook the DVR up to a VCR or DVD recorder to archive shows, you're more likely than not going to get this stupid notice of the next show (that you aren't even watching) messing it up at some point, unless you use some kludgy workaround like making sure to set the box to a channel with a really long show before playing back the recording.:mad:

i found out you can turn folders off. that's a good thing. they are just annoying

I like the folders feature. It helps compensate (partially) for the limited number of lines of recordings per page.

I like the folders feature. It helps compensate (partially) for the limited number of lines of recordings per page.

they only seem to make sense if you're sorting by title

i hardly ever do that so i keep them turned off

i noticed the guide only goes ahead for 1 week now instead of 2

progress :rolleyes:

Can you connect a DVD player, to make sure the TV is working? Try both HDMI and component.

Yes, my DVD player works on all of the HDMI ports and also works with component cables. My Wii works on both AV jacks.

I just find it crazy that 3 different cable boxes have not been working with my TV.

Did the tech check your strength of signal? Something similar happened to me once and a tech added a tap to solve the problem.

The Tech is coming out on Saturday so I will make sure to ask them. The Diagnostics list the strength as good though so ...

they only seem to make sense if you're sorting by title

i hardly ever do that so i keep them turned off

Sorting by title makes the most sense to me.

Sorting by title makes the most sense to me.

I like the folders even when sorting by date. It makes things seem less cluttered. For shows I record a lot of (like the Daily Show), I tend to watch them in bunches, so having the episodes listed in folders is easier for me.

i can't get used to it. it's horrible. i already have a "back skip" button if i need it

they should let you turn these "features" on or off

I guess you never had TiVo.

Got the new software in SE MI last night. Some really annoying stuff going on now. Giant "WATCH IN HD" crap taking up space in the info box if you watch an SD channel with an HD versions.

Also when one show starts and another ends, IT POPS UP A LITTLE NOTICE OF THE NEW SHOW STARTING. Even if you're not even actually watching the channel and instead watching a DVR recording the notice still pops up. Unlike the folders (which I'm not entirely sure of, but may like) there seems to be no way to deactivate this "feature".

It's already annoying the hell out of me, and also means if you want to hook the DVR up to a VCR or DVD recorder to archive shows, you're more likely than not going to get this stupid notice of the next show (that you aren't even watching) messing it up at some point, unless you use some kludgy workaround like making sure to set the box to a channel with a really long show before playing back the recording.:mad:

What's wrong with the "WATCH IN HD" button? I love it as I can never remember the HD channel number for some channels.

The "your recording has finished" box has bothered me since the beta. I complained about that to no end and it's still present.

I guess you never had TiVo.

no i got comcast DVR the day it came out

never had a need for tivo

The "your recording has finished" box has bothered me since the beta. I complained about that to no end and it's still present.

there is a way around that. if you flip tuners to the tuner that isn't recording you should't get the notice

I currently have the first that Comcast (Redmond, WA) rolled out with HDTV DVR support (and I think a 120GB HD). It has a HDMI port on the back of it, but it won’t output a signal – even if I turn the box power off and go into the service menu using the menu button. It looks like there might be HDMI support in the menu, but everything is grayed out.

Does anyone know if:

1. I can get this existing box to do HDMI?
2. Independent of #1, what’s the latest and greatest HDTV DVR box from Comcast that I should ask for if and when I bring my current one to them for a replacement?


Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

I currently have the first that Comcast (Redmond, WA) rolled out with HDTV DVR support (and I think a 120GB HD). It has a HDMI port on the back of it, but it won’t output a signal – even if I turn the box power off and go into the service menu using the menu button. It looks like there might be HDMI support in the menu, but everything is grayed out.

Does anyone know if:

1. I can get this existing box to do HDMI?
2. Independent of #1, what’s the latest and greatest HDTV DVR box from Comcast that I should ask for if and when I bring my current one to them for a replacement?


Your assistance is greatly appreciated!Any of the DCX series that have 250GB or larger hard drives (some of Comcast's newest DCX units are reported to have 320GB hard drives).

Here is the link to this forum's DCX thread where you can study the pro's and con's of the new units:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=18619922#post18619922

Enjoy and good luck.

I currently have the first that Comcast (Redmond, WA) rolled out with HDTV DVR support (and I think a 120GB HD). It has a HDMI port on the back of it, but it won’t output a signal – even if I turn the box power off and go into the service menu using the menu button. It looks like there might be HDMI support in the menu, but everything is grayed out.

Does anyone know if:

1. I can get this existing box to do HDMI?
2. Independent of #1, what’s the latest and greatest HDTV DVR box from Comcast that I should ask for if and when I bring my current one to them for a replacement?
HDMI should work. Is your cable good. Are you connecting to a TV and not a computer monitor? (Some monitors may not support HDCP, which is needed for 'security'.)

HDMI should work. Is your cable good. Are you connecting to a TV and not a computer monitor? (Some monitors may not support HDCP, which is needed for 'security'.)
Yes, I'm connecting to a Samsung LN52B610 LCD and the cable works fine with my DVD player. The service menu for the DVR doesn't seem to have anything to tell it to use HDMI - just the component video output resolutions. I've checked the connection and it is secure as I can make it.

EDIT: I should add that I have the DCT 6412 Phase III with the HDMI output on the back as shown here (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model#DCT_6412_Phase_III)

EDIT: I should add that I have the DCT 6412 Phase III with the HDMI output on the back as shown here (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model#DCT_6412_Phase_III)
I had a DCT6400 (don't remember the Phase, and STB only) connected to a Panasonic G15 via HDMI. I believe they are the same except for the DVR portion. So HDMI certainly should work. But I don't remember having to tell the box what to do, all I had to do was set the TV to use the HDMI input.

BTW, that webpage doesn't show any 6412 Phase III images. They look the same from the front but the backs may be different in them. I don't see any HDMI on the I and II, so it must have been a III that I had.

ronmart, I have a Comcast Moto 6412 P3 as well. You need to select either HDMI, or DVI from the service menu. You access the service menu with the DVR turned off. The Wikipedia has instructions. It's been so long since I did it, I don't remember exactly how.

Hi, I am pretty sure this has been asked before, I searched for it too but did not find anything...

I have a DCH3416 (left by the prev. owner) and was wondering if I can use the same as an HD DVR to record over the air HD channels. I do not watch much TV and hence have not subscribed to any providers. So please do not talk about ethics here.

I have a hacked series 1 Tivo but it is no good for HD.

Hi, I am pretty sure this has been asked before, I searched for it too but did not find anything...

I have a DCH3416 (left by the prev. owner) and was wondering if I can use the same as an HD DVR to record over the air HD channels. I do not watch much TV and hence have not subscribed to any providers. So please do not talk about ethics here.

I have a hacked series 1 Tivo but it is no good for HD.The DCT, DCH and DCX Motorola DVRs are not available for purchase in the United States by end users. However, in Canada the cable companies allow the customer the option to purchase these units. Either way, those Motorola units are not compatible with OTA signals.

If in the U.S. it's still the property of the cable company and should be returned. If in Canada, maybe it's broken and they just left it behind as trash.

I was watching Friday night's episode of Stargate Universe on my 3416 the other night and it froze at the 40 minute mark forcing me to watch the rest On Demand. This has happened to me before, though I don't recall if it was definitely on SyFy. It may have been. I'm not sure why the specific network would be the issue though. In the past I've had it jump to the end at a certain point, forcing me to forego fast forwarding.

Has anyone seen anything like this before?

the other day i woke up and found that my box reset itself and i was forced to delete 3 hours of shows to get rid of the "you're out of space" message when i didn't record anything in days

another thing is i can't believe they haven't fixed the problem of not being able to leave the channel on that you want to record from. i've had that problem from day 1 with these boxes (about 6 years?)

Mike,

Yes, I've had that happen a number of times. The DVR playback just gets stuck and won't let you fast forward through it. Sometimes it jumps to the end or beginning. A couple of times it won't even let you play past the stuck point no matter what.

Otk,

Press the swap tuner button on your remote to go to the other tuner. Then you can change channels.

hey guys...im new to this and hoping u all can help me out or point me in the rite direction...im pretty sure this is answered somewhere on this site but i cant find it...i got a motorola dct3412 and wonderin since it has a usb, is it possible to connect a portable hard drive to it and put my recording to it?...basically im tryin to free up some space without losing my recordings...can i connect it to my laptop?...please help on how i can do this without deleting?...what all do i need?...thank you for you help...

hey guys...im new to this and hoping u all can help me out or point me in the rite direction...im pretty sure this is answered somewhere on this site but i cant find it...i got a motorola dct3412 and wonderin since it has a usb, is it possible to connect a portable hard drive to it and put my recording to it?No, it is not possible to use the USB port because that port only supplies 12v for an external fan and allows no data transfer. However, the firewire port on the old DCT units is live and can be used to transfer files to a another computer (although it will not be in HD). There is a bunch of how-to's on firewire transfer at the front end of this forum thread from a couple of years ago .... Just do a search for firewire + copy. I believe you have to download some special software for your computer plus the process requires you do it in real time meaning that you have to play the whole show while transfering (unfortunately, it's not as simple a just quickly coping files). Anyway, the info will be found in your search results.

Does anyone know how to get audio from the digital coax audio connection on the DCH3416 the toslink optical works fine.

Thanks,
Tom

Does anyone know how to get audio from the digital coax audio connection on the DCH3416 the toslink optical works fine.

Thanks,
Tom

I've used digital coax audio on a 6412, a 3416, and now on a DCX3400 with no problems. Just plugged it into my receiver.

I have two DCH3416 and neither one works with coax but both work with optical.

Thanks,
Tom

However, the firewire port on the old DCT units is live and can be used to transfer files to a another computer (although it will not be in HD).

Not really sure what you mean.

I've been transfering shows previously recorded in HD from the DCT-6412 and DCH-3416 via firewire to my PC (using Windows XP/Mac OS X) since middle of 2005, and the resulting transport stream was in HD. Of course, you have to play back your recordings in "real time" to do this. Did not matter if I was doing a live recording or playing it back at a latter time. The result in my case was always IN HD, 720p or 1080i depending on the original broadcast. Of course my 35TB HDTV recordings is a nice collections of TV shows, movies, concerts, documentaries.

Not really sure what you mean.

I've been transfering shows previously recorded in HD from the DCT-6412 and DCH-3416 via firewire to my PC (using Windows XP/Mac OS X) since middle of 2005, and the resulting transport stream was in HD. Of course, you have to play back your recordings in "real time" to do this. Did not matter if I was doing a live recording or playing it back at a latter time. The result in my case was always IN HD, 720p or 1080i depending on the original broadcast. Of course my 35TB HDTV recordings is a nice collections of TV shows, movies, concerts, documentaries.My bad ..... they can indeed be recorded in HD with the right setup. Thanks for the clarification.

We got home last night to find our box (I think we have a 3416) sending no signal to the TV via the HDMI. I rebooted the box and then we had video but no audio. This morning my seven year-old was randomly pressing buttons and then all of a suddent the sound was back. Very strange... We did have a trouble ticket in with Comcast so I suppose it's possible they did something behind the scenes that happened to coincide.

Is it best to turn this box off when it's not being used? I always turn tv off and leave the box on. Am I ultimately screwing up the life of the box by keeping it on all the time? I know when you turn it off, it will still turn itself back on to record a show but I have gotten used to just turning tv off.

My bad ..... they can indeed be recorded in HD with the right setup. Thanks for the clarification.

You mean when tuned to a HD channel.
If the firewire port is connected and working, all you have to do is tune to a HD channel.
Using a mac with the Apple Firewire SDK or FireRecord is even easier than on my PC.
Im currently recording Morgan Freeman's-Through the Wormhole premiere.

Is it best to turn this box off when it's not being used?No, the opposite. I always turn tv off and leave the box on.That's the right thing to do.

Thanks bicker1 .. but why is it best to turn tv off and leave the box on?

Thanks bicker1 .. but why is it best to turn tv off and leave the box on?

Users have reported fewer problems leaving these boxes "on" all the time. I've done this for years with no issues.

Your TV will last longer and consume less electricity by turning it off when not in use. The exception to this is when you will be turning it back on and watching again before it has a chance to completely cool down. In these situations you should probably just leave it powered on.

I'll second all that. I've had my box on for over three years now. I used to have to turn it off for a few seconds once in a while to reboot DD5.1 audio, but that was fixed by firmware long ago.

I have a Comcast DVR with HDMI that I have been using for years. All of a sudden, the HDMI output stopped working. I traded in boxes, and nothing worked. Come to find out, comcast had mistakenly removed HD from my account. When they added it back, component worked, but HDMI still doesn't. No one can figure out why.
Does anyone know what is going on?

Didnt the cable companies/content owners recently petition the FCC for a SOC waiver and were granted the right to control outputs? Maybe they are gearing up to turn off your HD component outputs and screwed up and instead their beloved abomination called HDMI was instead disabled?:eek:

SOC=Selective Output Control

I have a Comcast DVR with HDMI that I have been using for years. All of a sudden, the HDMI output stopped working. I traded in boxes, and nothing worked. Come to find out, comcast had mistakenly removed HD from my account. When they added it back, component worked, but HDMI still doesn't. No one can figure out why.
Does anyone know what is going on?

it needs to be enabled in the setup menu power off the box and quickly press menu to bring up the hd setting menu through the box not the software u also need the tv on since yo can't tell when hdmi is active. it usually gets turned off when the boxes are reset atleast it does with the cox boxes

i see that the search function has been changed

instead of searching by title name in alphabetical order the old way, you now type a word and it searches for titles with that word in it

it also shows on-demand results

i see that the search function has been changed

instead of searching by title name in alphabetical order the old way, you now type a word and it searches for titles with that word in it

it also shows on-demand results

Yes, it was about time they improved the search function.

Yes, it was about time they improved the search function.

I'm not so sure the new one is an improvement. With the old one, you could start typing and it would immediately start populating the list. Not so with the new search. The new search seems to list every episode of a matching show and it lists shows that have the words you type in it, even if the show doesn't begin with those words. So, if you know the title of the show you're searching for, you may have to page through many, many pages to get to the actual show you want.

On the other hand, if you don't know the exact title, the new search can help you find it. Myself, I prefer the old one.

Any way you can limit search results to show HD only?

this box is so old with very limited space and no way to add hard drives

comcast told me there are no plans to soon replace it

should i be looking into tivo or some other DVR ?

This thread is massive. I have skimmed through it, but perhaps someone has the information readily available.

I have had the 3416 for 2 months. It is connected to a Samsung ln52b750 via HDMI through a Denon 591.

My issue is I get flickering white boxes in a thin line at the top of the TV for certain content.

Examples: A lot of SD content has this. I can watch a HD channel like NBC and the news will often show it when they switch to lower quality on-the-scene segments. I have even seen this on top of a tiny inset picture on the news.

Is there an easy fix that will not distort my picture?

I believe that is a setting in the tv. Someone may correct me on this. It's been a while since I got my samsung 850 series but I think it does that when it's on the "Just Scan" setting. I'm not home right now to check where that setting is.

This thread is massive. I have skimmed through it, but perhaps someone has the information readily available.

I have had the 3416 for 2 months. It is connected to a Samsung ln52b750 via HDMI through a Denon 591.

My issue is I get flickering white boxes in a thin line at the top of the TV for certain content.

Examples: A lot of SD content has this. I can watch a HD channel like NBC and the news will often show it when they switch to lower quality on-the-scene segments. I have even seen this on top of a tiny inset picture on the news.

Is there an easy fix that will not distort my picture?

That is probably not your box but your TV. The good news is your TV isn't overscanning the picture, the bad news is it shows the digital feed 'data' which is what you see (the boxes on top or the bottom of the screen). Is the TV new? If so, check what options you have for scan set-up.

I have the dct3412 and am wondering if I can get it to just display the current time instead of the channel number. Also powering it down and hitting the menu button to enter the system menu it frankly just doesn't seem to work worth a ****. It displays the format (16.9) but I can't change any of the other settings. And shouldn't some sort of GUI show up on the television? Because currently it doesn't. Thanks for any help.

Austin

to get the clock off, with the cable box on, hit the menu button twice on the remote

go to "cable box setup"

switch "Front LED Display" from "current time" to "current channel"

I have the dct3412 and am wondering if I can get it to just display the current time instead of the channel number.
With the cable box powered on, press the Menu button.
This brings up the "Quick Menu" at the bottom of the screen. Choose the following: Menu > Setup > Cable Box Setup
The first option is called "Front LED Display". Change it from "Current Channel" to "Current Time"

Also powering it down and hitting the menu button to enter the system menu it frankly just doesn't seem to work worth a ****. It displays the format (16.9) but I can't change any of the other settings. And shouldn't some sort of GUI show up on the television? Because currently it doesn't.
There should be a "User Settings" white screen displayed on the television.
Here's what it looks like:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/TNO821/User_Settings.jpg

If you're not seeing that, then there's a problem.

Excellent thank you fellas. I eventually got the on screen display to show up. And the display now shows the time. One more question what does the MSGS. red light mean? Thanks

Austin

what does the MSGS. red light mean?
The MSGS light means Comcast has a message for you (usually a Pay-Per-View ad or announcement of channel changes). You can check it by pressing the Menu button, then from the Quick Menu choose Menu > Messages.

The red light means that a DVR recording is currently taking place.

That means a message from your cable provider, you can read it by going into the main menu and selecting "messages" in the main menu.

Holmquist:

Bunch of good information for you here:

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

Thanks for the info guys.

Austin

I moved this week and took my cable box with me (supposedly saved some $$, and keep my stored shows).

The problem is the few things I had set to tape. They show "to be announced," as one would expect when the guide hasn't been updated yet. Problem is, they still do long after the guide has been updated, and when the time comes the TV starts taping a non-existent channel.

This wouldn't be much of an issue if I could just go in and cancel the scheduled recordings, but there isn't any cancel option.

I thought DVR Manager (Xfinity) might be the way to go, but that isn't even showing all the things I set to record after the move.

Suggestions?

Jim

Jim,

Here's something for dealing with "To Be Announced" entries for scheduled recordings that works on the DCH3416 I'm using.

Highlight it, press GUIDE to go to its place in the guide, then press RECORD.  You'll be presented with the prompts to set a manual recording on the same station for the same slot.

Go ahead and do that, and the manual recording will supersede the "To Be Announced" entry in your scheduled recordings.  You can then delete it, or you can edit its padding and its repetition settings.

Thanks! Although it only gave me a choice of multiple channel 0 no title recordings, this worked.

Good thing I only had about 5 things set!

Jim

Jim,

Here's something for dealing with "To Be Announced" entries for scheduled recordings that works on the DCH3416 I'm using.

Highlight it, press GUIDE to go to its place in the guide, then press RECORD.* You'll be presented with the prompts to set a manual recording on the same station for the same slot.

Go ahead and do that, and the manual recording will supersede the "To Be Announced" entry in your scheduled recordings.* You can then delete it, or you can edit its padding and its repetition settings.

I'm considering moving my 3416 out of my media tower and under my LCD. This would mean I would connect it directly to my tv (component or hdmi). I did run a digital (toslink, I think) cable from my media tower to the tv through a molding channel (not sure if that's what it's called) a few years ago.

The reason for this is I am considering getting a logitech revue. It will connect to the 3416 and the tv. So, the video should be fine. Just making sure the audio will be OK running back to my Denon 1909 AVR??? Am I missing something or will it still play all the surround modes from the 3416 (and the Revue)?

Just want to make sure of this before I fix one issue and create 2 more.

i'm thinking about moving to Fios

my bill would drop from 250 a month to 140

the HD channels would not be compressed like comcast

whole house DVR

HD on every set top box (6 tv's)

you can actually add external hard drives to the DVR

i think this one is a no brainer

i'm thinking about moving to Fios

my bill would drop from 250 a month to 140

the HD channels would not be compressed like comcast

whole house DVR

HD on every set top box (6 tv's)

you can actually add external hard drives to the DVR

i think this one is a no brainer
Does that $250/mo price also include phone and internet?

I have a similar cable HDTV setup including a couple of premium channels in a whole house setup with a Host DVR plus 3 terminal STB units all communicating with each other. I'm paying a regular non-promo month-to-month price of $158 including taxes (which also includes phone w/unlimited long distance and 12/4 high speed internet and modem rental).

You must be living in NYC or something ..... I'd first try calling your provider and tell them you're switching to FIOS. They'll negotiate to keep you happy (but then again if it's in NY/NJ .... well, maybe not .... they'll probably just tell you to shove it ;-)

I'd first try calling your provider and tell them you're switching to FIOS. They'll negotiate to keep you happy (but then again if it's in NY/NJ .... well, maybe not .... they'll probably just tell you to shove it ;-)

:)
Just for comparison purposes, I rent two DVR's and a cable modem, have HBO plus phone + pretty basic internet service. My Comcast bill is $223/month. If FIOS was offered in our area and I could get the HD channels that I watch most and could save ~$100/month, I'd certainly go for it.

Does that $250/mo price also include phone and internet?

I have a similar cable HDTV setup including a couple of premium channels in a whole house setup with a Host DVR plus 3 terminal STB units all communicating with each other. I'm paying a regular non-promo month-to-month price of $158 including taxes (which also includes phone w/unlimited long distance and 12/4 high speed internet and modem rental).

You must be living in NYC or something ..... I'd first try calling your provider and tell them you're switching to FIOS. They'll negotiate to keep you happy (but then again if it's in NY/NJ .... well, maybe not .... they'll probably just tell you to shove it ;-)

for 250 i have 2 DVR's plus 4 regular digital boxes, cable modem and every pay channel. that's tv and internet (no phone)

i can get the same exact thing with fios plus whole house dvr (6 boxes) plus being able to add hard drives to the dvr plus uncompressed HD plus more HD channels plus more channels period for 140. that's tv and internet (no phone)

i also believe that fios doesn't give you the constant pixelation problems like cable has

otk ..... The ability to add external HDDs would make even me consider switching to FIOS alone. FIOS in my area was sold to Frontier by Verizion and then Frontier bumped rates 50% to discourage new sign-ups as they soon realized they made a business judgement mistake in biting off more than they could chew here in the Portland, OR area ..... things are unsettled in my area now whether FIOS will even remain available to new subscribers.

Sounds like your FIOS provider is still Verizon, which my sister had just down the street and it had better PQ 6 months ago but my cable provider has improved significantly since then.

But again ..... external HDDs make price any kind of price comparisons irrelevant, IMO.

One thing though .... my sister's FIOS required a box at all TV's even if you only wanted just the local channels at that TV ..... with my cable I can still connect direct for local channels (like in the garage or gym room).

NJ

oh that also includes free HD at every box (my 4 extra digital cable boxes that i have now are standard def only)

when i was going through the options at the fios site you can direct connect and get local channels and even more channels if your tv has a QAM tuner

NJ

oh that also includes free HD at every box (my 4 extra digital cable boxes that i have now are standard def only)

when i was going through the options at the fios site you can direct connect and get local channels and even more channels if your tv has a QAM tunerBTW, for the $158/mo, my extra digital cable STB Terminal units are already HD even though not all my TVs are HD. Interesting news about being able to direct connect w/o a STB within your FIOS service area (including use of the HD QAM tuners) .... However, you might want to double check that as most FIOS subscribers I know can't do that (at least with Verizion or Frontier).

if you go to the fios website and click "get fios now" you put in your address and it takes you through menus of what's available and how much

now that i look again, it looks like you definitely need a "newer" tv with a QAM tuner to run the wire direct or you can get a basic digital converter box for $3.99 a month but if you get the whole house DVR you get 7 HD set-top boxes for free anyway. i shouldn't say free, it's "included" :)

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee42/sub-woofer/avs/fios.jpg

Yes that was the thing about FIOS as I recall .... I have about 10 TVs and 5 of them are older analog units that are used in the garage, gym, pool house, etc and rarely if ever used ..... mainly for major network news or sports from the 10 or so local channels.

Thus direct connect for them with cable gets me about 17 stations w/o any extra boxes (plus the first two basic digital adapters that FIOS apparently charges $3.99 are free, then $1.99/mo for each additional one).

BTW, who is providing FIOS in your area?

Yes that was the thing about FIOS as I recall .... I have about 10 TVs and 5 of them are older analog units that are used in the garage, gym, pool house, etc and rarely if ever used ..... mainly for major network news or sports from the 10 or so local channels.

Thus direct connect for them with cable gets me about 17 stations w/o any extra boxes (plus the first two basic digital adapters that FIOS apparently charges $3.99 are free, then $1.99/mo for each additional one).

BTW, who is providing FIOS in your area?

it's verizon FIOS

well you get 7 set top boxes with the package so with the 100 plus bucks you'll be saving over cable, i guess you could swing 3 digital adapters or you could just buy them from radio shack

oh and if you turn in all your cable gear, sometimes they don't even bother to come out and disconnect you so you might still get free basic cable

Hi all, I'm new to the HD dvr world and just went to my local Comcast office yesterday to pick up a unit. They gave me the DCH-3416. The chassis of the unit shows signs of heavy use, but the unit seems to work well. I have it hooked up to my TV through HDMI and the TV has an optical bypass to my receiver.

How old is the DCH-3416? How good of a unit is it and does it have any major flaws or annoyances?

Looking at the manuals page at comcast, I noticed they have a newer unit the DCX-3400. Should I ask them for that one instead? Here's the link to all the units they have: http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?Guid=f39b3536-8ba2-4fbd-a359-644e00cd0a5a

The DCH-3416 seems rather large and it is silver which kinda looks weird in my home theater setup where everything is black.

Hi all, I'm new to the HD dvr world and just went to my local Comcast office yesterday to pick up a unit. They gave me the DCH-3416. The chassis of the unit shows signs of heavy use, but the unit seems to work well. I have it hooked up to my TV through HDMI and the TV has an optical bypass to my receiver.

How old is the DCH-3416? How good of a unit is it and does it have any major flaws or annoyances?

Looking at the manuals page at comcast, I noticed they have a newer unit the DCX-3400. Should I ask them for that one instead? Here's the link to all the units they have: http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?Guid=f39b3536-8ba2-4fbd-a359-644e00cd0a5a

The DCH-3416 seems rather large and it is silver which kinda looks weird in my home theater setup where everything is black.


The DCX is newer and usually newer = better. Having said that Comcast will try and tell you that what you have is good enough. I have found it difficult to request certain boxes, and that there is no guarantee that you will get a certain model.

It is also hard now to contact the "local" office since they want all contacts to go to the 800 #. I have found that if you start at the 800 # and let them know you want to talk to the local office they might give you a number or transfer you there. Once you have this number you can ask if they have a DCX box so that you can come in and trade your current DCH for it. Good luck.

Here is a link that is most helpful, especially with the 30 second skip forward:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

Hi all, I'm new to the HD dvr world and just went to my local Comcast office yesterday to pick up a unit. They gave me the DCH-3416. The chassis of the unit shows signs of heavy use, but the unit seems to work well. I have it hooked up to my TV through HDMI and the TV has an optical bypass to my receiver.

How old is the DCH-3416? How good of a unit is it and does it have any major flaws or annoyances?

Looking at the manuals page at comcast, I noticed they have a newer unit the DCX-3400. Should I ask them for that one instead? Here's the link to all the units they have: http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?Guid=f39b3536-8ba2-4fbd-a359-644e00cd0a5a

The DCH-3416 seems rather large and it is silver which kinda looks weird in my home theater setup where everything is black.
The DCH-3416 is several years old. Its major flaw (outside of the flaws that all Motorola DVRs have) is the small 160G hard drive. If you record much HD programming, this will fill up quickly. There are threads in this forum that describe how to swap out the drive for a larger one, but if you did this, you would have to do it covertly, because Comcast does not want you inside their DVRs.

The DCX 3400 units offer larger hard drives (from 250G up to 500G), but many people (including me) complain about weird "black-screen" recordings with these units, where it seems like the unit is recording, but you play back the program, all you see is a black screen. I hypothesized that this problem occurs on all Motorola units, but plenty of people claim these problems are limited to the DCX models. My DCX unit is black.

crossbeaux, thanks for your reply. That is good news that the 160gb hard drive is swappable. I'm sure that I will eventually run out of space and that will get annoying so it is nice to know that a bigger hard drive is an option.

Too bad about the blank recordings with the DCX-3400. How often does this happen? That unit looks sleeker and of course it is black which will look better in my setup. The large silver box that is the DCH-3416 stands out quite a bit right now.

Based on how often the blank recordings occur, I will have to decide whether or not to ask them for a DCX unit. Is it even possible to request a specific model?

EDIT: Do you have links to any info on how to swap out the hard drive for a bigger one?

crossbeaux, thanks for your reply. That is good news that the 160gb hard drive is swappable. I'm sure that I will eventually run out of space and that will get annoying so it is nice to know that a bigger hard drive is an option.

Too bad about the blank recordings with the DCX-3400. How often does this happen? That unit looks sleeker and of course it is black which will look better in my setup. The large silver box that is the DCH-3416 stands out quite a bit right now.

Based on how often the blank recordings occur, I will have to decide whether or not to ask them for a DCX unit. Is it even possible to request a specific model?

EDIT: Do you have links to any info on how to swap out the hard drive for a bigger one?

I probably average one blank recording a month. But, once the situation is right for one to happen, if you have multiple recordings set to occur in a row, you'll probably have multiple blank recordings, until you fix the problem or it magically fixes itself.

The thread for hard drive replacement is here. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=496586

I probably average one blank recording a month. But, once the situation is right for one to happen, if you have multiple recordings set to occur in a row, you'll probably have multiple blank recordings, until you fix the problem or it magically fixes itself.

The thread for hard drive replacement is here. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=496586

I know this thread is about the DCH-34xx, but what exactly causes the blank recordings on the DCX?

I know this thread is about the DCH-34xx, but what exactly causes the blank recordings on the DCX?
That, my friend, is the $64,000 question. Nobody knows and Motorola apparently doesn't officially acknowledge the problem. Your cable company likely will claim that you have a "defective" DCX cable box DVR, and will offer to swap it with another (which will invariably have the exact same problem).

I am strongly of the belief that the problem is a difficult-to-reproduce software or firmware bug. But it is also remotely possible that defective hardware could be to blame. With software, the ability to show the programmer exact steps to reproduce the bug is critical...if they can't see it, and have nothing more than vague statements about it from an internet forum, the chance of them figuring out and fixing the bug is very slim.

As far as I know, nobody has been able to even post a step-by-step "here's how you can force the DVR to record a 'Black Screen Recording'" and without a way to show a Motorola engineer first hand what the issue is, I don't see them correcting it.

Anyways, the problem only occurs with DCX models...which makes sense because there is a *lot* of new code in those models that doesn't exist in the DCT or DCH models...one of the key differences between the DCX and all older Motorola cable boxes is the ability to decode MPEG-4. There are also hardware differences where Motorola changed vendors for certain things (such as the FireWire chipset); the bottom line is that there are large sweeping differences between the DCX models and all older Motorola cable box DVR's and that means a lot of new code and therefore a lot of opportunities for new bugs to emerge.

Eventually I'm sure we'll all be forced onto the DCX models when cable companies gear up to dump MPEG-2 for MPEG-4, but I have a feeling that that's a ways off.

If you don't require the sleeker smaller black look of the DCX models, or 3D TV (both channels), I see no advantage to the DCX over the DCT or DCH models, and I see several drawbacks (broken FireWire and the Black Screen Recordings being the nastiest). You can swap out the 120 GB or 160 GB hard drive from the DCT or DCH models and replace it with a 1 TB hard drive and have more recording space than a DCX (though, to be fair, you can also swap out the hard drive on a DCX and get 1 TB of recording space). Detailed step-by-step directions for imaging a 1 TB hard drive for use in any Motorola DCT/DCH/DCX cable box DVR can be found in this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=20396028&postcount=201) post from the DCT6412 Hard Drive Upgrade? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=496586&page=7) thread.

TNO, thanks so much for the detailed reply. As much as I would like the sleeker and smaller DCX, it seems that it isn't worth the hassle. As and when I need more disk space on my dch-3416, I will follow the steps in those links for installing a 1tb drive.

TNO, thanks so much for the detailed reply. As much as I would like the sleeker and smaller DCX, it seems that it isn't worth the hassle. As and when I need more disk space on my dch-3416, I will follow the steps in those links for installing a 1tb drive.

Sounds good. Keep in mind that when you upgrade to a 1 TB hard drive you will not be able to copy over recordings from the smaller hard drive.

BTW, I noticed that the Comcast on screen guide and menus are always 4:3. They show up in 1080i when I'm watching HD channels, but are still 4:3. On SD channels, they are 4:3 as one would expect and show up in 480i. Is this how it is supposed to be?

Why is it that channels such as Fox and ESPN which are natively 720p, show up as 1080i out of the cable box?

Because the boxes don't do native passthrough, they are fixed res.

Russr,

You can set the box to output all HD in 720p, but then stations that transmit in 1080i will also be fed to the TV in 720p.  If it really matters to you that the box send an HD signal to the television in the station's native resolution, you have to keep changing the STB's setting.

Some models do native-resolution passthrough, but as Slowbiscuit said, these don't.

Russr,

You can set the box to output all HD in 720p, but then stations that transmit in 1080i will also be fed to the TV in 720p.* If it really matters to you that the box send an HD signal to the television in the station's native resolution, you have to keep changing the STB's setting.

Some models do native-resolution passthrough, but as Slowbiscuit said, these don't.
I see. I read on dslreports on the comcast tv forum from someone who works for Comcast saying by the end of the year they are going to upgrade the guide to 16:9 and have hmdi native passthrough. Both of those things are good news.

I see. I read on dslreports on the comcast tv forum from someone who works for Comcast saying by the end of the year they are going to upgrade the guide to 16:9 and have hmdi native passthrough. Both of those things are good news.

The DCX boxes already have native resolution passthrough, according to the DCX threads here.  To be honest, I'm leery of it: too often, when I was using a setting whereby the DCH3416 was to change resolutions on its own, I'd end up with a green screen (green over HDMI, black over component) that on some occasions could be recovered from with a couple of keypresses but usually could be escaped only by cycling the DCH's power and losing the guide info again.

The DCX boxes already have native resolution passthrough, according to the DCX threads here.* To be honest, I'm leery of it: too often, when I was using a setting whereby the DCH3416 was to change resolutions on its own, I'd end up with a green screen (green over HDMI, black over component) that on some occasions could be recovered from with a couple of keypresses but usually could be escaped only by cycling the DCH's power and losing the guide info again.

Yeah, I don't think I'd want to use native resolution...switching the res causes a slight delay that I'd find far more annoying than any small difference in picture quality.

I could live with the couple seconds’ delay for renegotiating the HDMI handshake; what bothered me was the three days’ delay to get the guide refilled when the only way to recover HD video was to cycle the power.

Yeah, I don't think I'd want to use native resolution...switching the res causes a slight delay that I'd find far more annoying than any small difference in picture quality.

I know there's a delay going from 1080i to 480i because whenever the box switches from an hd channel to an SD channel, I see this, but going from 1080i to 720p shouldn't have as much of a delay right? Have the DCX owners commented on this delay at all?

I know there's a delay going from 1080i to 480i because whenever the box switches from an hd channel to an SD channel, I see this, but going from 1080i to 720p shouldn't have as much of a delay right? Have the DCX owners commented on this delay at all?
I have a DCX and have it in native mode. For me, the delay between 720 and 1080 is about the same as from 480. I think it all depends on your TV. There are some other issues that arise if you have an HDMI switching receiver involved. I don't, so I've ignored/forgotten the exact issues and how to resolve them, but I think it involves the DVR reverting out of native mode occasionally, and fixing it means you have to turn equipment on and off in the right order.

I know there's a delay going from 1080i to 480i because whenever the box switches from an hd channel to an SD channel, I see this, but going from 1080i to 720p shouldn't have as much of a delay right? Have the DCX owners commented on this delay at all?

Well that's going to be highly variable based on the setup. Different TV's and AVR's are going to take different times to renegotiate the HDMI handshake. Regardless, I'd be sufficiently irritated that I would want no part of it; I can't even see a difference between native res and 720p converted to 1080i.

I looked through the DCX-3xxx thread and people said they noticed a delay when native HDMI passthrough was on not just between HD and SD, but also 1080i to 720p. I agree with you that it is annoying, but my main concern is with sports channels such as ESPN and FOX because they transmit in 720p. When the upscaling is done, sometimes you see artifacts on fast moving images.

I have two DCX3400s, one connected with HDMI, and one with component. I have a 720p native set. I have tried various settings with the DCX3400. The easiest is to just fix the DCX's output to the 720p native to my set. That way, there is never a lag when changing channels. Also, I think I get at least as good a picture that way, even on 1080i channels. Of course, that depends on your display.

Other issues: My display won't allow me to zoom letterboxed programs, when it is receiving them in 1080i, 720p, or 480p. I can only fill the screen with a LB picture from a 480i source. My display will take 480i over component, but not over HDMI.

So, I set the DCX using HDMI to output at 720p. I set the DCX using component to 720p, with 480i for 480i sources. I try to only record LB programs on the DCX with the component connections.

The thing that has really been irritating me lately is that the DCH-3416 is doing a lot of processing on SD channels that makes them look over sharpened. The sharpening is so overdone that it hurts my eyes. I have to use my TV's settings to run some softening algorithm on it to make it better, but it's still really bad. On HD channels, I do not notice this. Fortunately, there aren't too many SD channels left that I watch.

The DCX is newer and usually newer = better. Having said that Comcast will try and tell you that what you have is good enough. I have found it difficult to request certain boxes, and that there is no guarantee that you will get a certain model.

It is also hard now to contact the "local" office since they want all contacts to go to the 800 #. I have found that if you start at the 800 # and let them know you want to talk to the local office they might give you a number or transfer you there. Once you have this number you can ask if they have a DCX box so that you can come in and trade your current DCH for it. Good luck.

Here is a link that is most helpful, especially with the 30 second skip forward:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

Given how quickly technology advances, it is shocking to me that they can get away with not upgrading these boxes on a more regular basis. There are advances (some incremental, some signicifant) to most electronic media devices annually or quicker, but we are stuck with cable boxes and technology that is years behind. Yes, some of the technology upgrades are made via their system (the guide userface, etc), but the box related issues are not. Specifically, storage capacity is a major problem now with regular HD viewing and 160gb just doesn't cut it. The fact that in 2011, we are still subject to the whims of the cable guy and what box happens to be in his truck is a joke.

Sorry for the rant, but I have not been able to upgrade my 4 year old box with comcast and although this Motorola box has an SATA port to add an external drive, comcast for some reason makes this inoperable.

I could get a TIVO box with higher recording capacity and cablecard, but would lose the Comcast DVR service. Supposedly Comcast has agreed to allow its DVR service on the TIVO but I have not seen this rolled out anywhere yet.

Sorry for the rant, but I have not been able to upgrade my 4 year old box with comcast and although this Motorola box has an SATA port to add an external drive, comcast for some reason makes this inoperable.You could always vote with your feet and move to an area with better service like Comcast's beta areas where they first roll out their latest and greatest and everyone I know there gets the top line stuff.

However, before going to that extreme, threaten to vote with your wallet by asking about the cost of a downgrade to their basic minimum service TV service with just HS Internet .... that will get their attention.

I completely agree that a 160GB hard drive is a joke in this day and age for an hd dvr. I would say that the hard drive should be 500GB.

I completely agree that a 160GB hard drive is a joke in this day and age for an hd dvr. I would say that the hard drive should be 500GB.

that's a good starting point. they should at least let you add external hard drives

seems silly that they have all the ports on the boxes and keep them turned off

that's a good starting point. they should at least let you add external hard drives

seems silly that they have all the ports on the boxes and keep them turned off

Yeah I don't get that...as long as you're renting their box, why should they care if you add your own hard drive? Or if they care, then provide units with bigger drives upon request to meet the customer's needs.

I'm sure there is a clever/greedy/money-grubbing angle in their favor somewhere in the marketing mix with regards to not letting us use our own external HDDs.

There has to be, otherwise the ports would be activated for external HDDs.

I'm sure there is a clever/greedy/money-grubbing angle in their favor somewhere in the marketing mix with regards to not letting us use our own external HDDs.

There has to be, otherwise the ports would be activated for external HDDs.

Like if you had the ability to utilize virtually unlimited storage space through just buying new large capcity external hard drives and were able to build up a huge library of material, then why would you need to buy pre-packaged movies/content nor use their $$$ on-demand service? No neither the content owners, nor cable companies would want to prevent you from having these choices.

Remember: artificial scarcity keeps prices high.

Why do you think the studios and cable providers fear to death all of the new channels avaliable to consumers for obtaining content? Their house of cards starts to cave in on itself. Competition is a very bad thing for these guys and they want nothing to do with it.

No neither the content owners, nor cable companies would want to prevent you from having these choices.

Remember: artificial scarcity keeps prices high.Didn't you really mean to say .... "No neither the content owners, nor the cable companies would want you have these choices."

Otherwise your double-negative sentance yields a positive that implies they (the content onwers, etc) want you to have external HDDs.

Didn't you really mean to say .... "No neither the content owners, nor the cable companies would want you have these choices."

Otherwise your double-negative sentance yields a positive that implies they (the content onwers, etc) want you to have external HDDs.
Ha! Grammar aside, I agree that neither the cable company or the content owners would want people to have unlimited DVR storage. If we could store everything we wanted to watch, we'd have little reason to spend money on On-Demand/Pay-Per-View. And content owners would have fewer opportunities to sell us DVD's, BD's, iTunes/Amazon downloads, etc.

Plus: The cable company doesn't want to become tech support to the people that buy the crappiest slowest external hard drive and expect it to work (and you know that would happen a lot).

Given how quickly technology advances, it is shocking to me that they can get away with not upgrading these boxes on a more regular basis. There are advances (some incremental, some signicifant) to most electronic media devices annually or quicker, but we are stuck with cable boxes and technology that is years behind. Yes, some of the technology upgrades are made via their system (the guide userface, etc), but the box related issues are not. Specifically, storage capacity is a major problem now with regular HD viewing and 160gb just doesn't cut it. The fact that in 2011, we are still subject to the whims of the cable guy and what box happens to be in his truck is a joke.

Sorry for the rant, but I have not been able to upgrade my 4 year old box with comcast and although this Motorola box has an SATA port to add an external drive, comcast for some reason makes this inoperable.

I could get a TIVO box with higher recording capacity and cablecard, but would lose the Comcast DVR service. Supposedly Comcast has agreed to allow its DVR service on the TIVO but I have not seen this rolled out anywhere yet.




As for a new box, go to your local office and ask "when do they get the new boxes in" and show up that day. Worked for me!

Tivo cardio is coming out, so I wouldn't waste my time with a comcast-tivo box. 500gig HD. Google it and take a look.

Like if you had the ability to utilize virtually unlimited storage space through just buying new large capcity external hard drives and were able to build up a huge library of material, then why would you need to buy pre-packaged movies/content nor use their $$$ on-demand service? No neither the content owners, nor cable companies would want to prevent you from having these choices.

Remember: artificial scarcity keeps prices high.

Why do you think the studios and cable providers fear to death all of the new channels avaliable to consumers for obtaining content? Their house of cards starts to cave in on itself. Competition is a very bad thing for these guys and they want nothing to do with it.

Clearly this is their motivation, but they could limit access say to one approved external hard drive that would need to be registered, etc. Alternatively, they could release newer boxes with larger internal hard drives. This is not a question about archiving libraries of content, its being able to effectively utilize the DVR service they charge us a premium for on a monthly basis. The current comcast boxes are way behind the times as far as recording capacity and their service in this area is ridiculous.

I'm sure 1TB or even 2TB boxes from service providers will be the norm within a year or two (I have a 500GB now from Comcast) ..... Anyway, I need to lose 20 pounds, so it's time for me to delete a couple of saved series to make more room (I can always get them On-Demand later or even on DVD) and then go hit the gym instead.

Does anyone have a link for the 1TB Motorola DCT3412 image? The date for the sendspace host has passed.

Thanks!!

Can someone tell me the correct Part # for the 500 GB Comcast DVR? Thanks!

Can someone tell me the correct Part # for the 500 GB Comcast DVR? Thanks!

Answered my own question: Picked up a new DVR at my Comcast Store in Washington, PA. I asked for the latest 500GB unit and they provided a RNG200N (on the front of the box) but on the sticker on the under side it is listed as a DCX 3501.

Answered my own question: Picked up a new DVR at my Comcast Store in Washington, PA. I asked for the latest 500GB unit and they provided a RNG200N (on the front of the box) but on the sticker on the under side it is listed as a DCX 3501.

That doesn't sound right. I thought the RNG's were from Pace.

That doesn't sound right. I thought the RNG's were from Pace.

It is clearly a Motorola and marked RNG200N on the front.

It is clearly a Motorola and marked RNG200N on the front.

That must be a mistake...maybe the cover lid of a Motorola DCX-3501 happens to fit the RNG200N's (your cable company may have services that unit and stuck the wrong lid on it). Pace/Cisco makes the RNG200N, not Motorola.

That must be a mistake...maybe the cover lid of a Motorola DCX-3501 happens to fit the RNG200N's (your cable company may have services that unit and stuck the wrong lid on it). Pace/Cisco makes the RNG200N, not Motorola.

I've moved this discussion to the DCX thread, but as I mentioned there Motorola is embossed in the cover of the box and the tag on the bottom says Motorola DCX3501? These just arrived at my local Comcast office. They are new units, not reconditioned units.

I looked at both the Pace and Cisco units online and the face of this unit looks nothing like either of them.

I've moved this discussion to the DCX thread, but as I mentioned there Motorola is embossed in the cover of the box and the tag on the bottom says Motorola DCX3501? These just arrived at my local Comcast office. They are new units, not reconditioned units.

I looked at both the Pace and Cisco units online and the face of this unit looks nothing like either of them.


pwaug,
I can confirm the Motorola RNG200N. I swapped out our DTC3416 last weekend for a higher capacity DVR, and was given "their newest model", which has a front panel clearly labeled Motorola with model number RNG200N.

Question about my 3416. My son likes a cartoon named Gumball. I set up a series recording of only new episodes. I've checked it and rechecked it so it's definately not set up to record repeats. But it records repeats. So at any time I'll have at least 5 or 6 episodes. I know I can limit the total # of shows it records but then it might miss the new ones. I know it's probably a long shot but does anyone else here record this show and/or have a similar issue?

Question about my 3416. My son likes a cartoon named Gumball. I set up a series recording of only new episodes. I've checked it and rechecked it so it's definately not set up to record repeats. But it records repeats. So at any time I'll have at least 5 or 6 episodes. I know I can limit the total # of shows it records but then it might miss the new ones. I know it's probably a long shot but does anyone else here record this show and/or have a similar issue?

I don't know that show, but I suspect what's happening is that the programming guide doesn't distinguish between new and repeated episodes. I suspect that the description of each episode in the guide is the same, a generic description of the program. In that case, the DVR doesn't know which episodes are new and which are repeats, and therefore it assumes they're all new and records them all. In that case, there's not much you can do about the problem. If you know for a fact that new episodes premiere on a certain day at a certain time, you can go into your upcoming recordings and manually delete the other ones. But that does take time and foresight. Alternately, you can set up a manual series recording for that particular day and time. That way, only those episodes would be recorded. However, if the network changes the airing day or time, you'd have to set up a new manual recording.

Question about my 3416. My son likes a cartoon named Gumball. I set up a series recording of only new episodes. I've checked it and rechecked it so it's definately not set up to record repeats. But it records repeats. So at any time I'll have at least 5 or 6 episodes. I know I can limit the total # of shows it records but then it might miss the new ones. I know it's probably a long shot but does anyone else here record this show and/or have a similar issue?

Happens to me ALL the time and that's why I hate this box so much but love my HDTivo's. The Comcast box (in our bedroom) continues to record EVERY episode of Biography even though I have it set to 'new' only (happens with Are Your Smarter than a 5th Grader too). Frustrating especially since the hard drive is so tiny it can't hold a lot to begin with so I constantly have to manually 'do not record' shows each week. And what about the 'bug' in the software? The bug I'm referring to is if you have two shows set to record at the same time you can't cancel both recordings! Only one. If you 'cancel' one it automatically resets the other show to record. Another frustrating issue....

I don't know that show, but I suspect what's happening is that the programming guide doesn't distinguish between new and repeated episodes. I suspect that the description of each episode in the guide is the same, a generic description of the program. In that case, the DVR doesn't know which episodes are new and which are repeats, and therefore it assumes they're all new and records them all. In that case, there's not much you can do about the problem. If you know for a fact that new episodes premiere on a certain day at a certain time, you can go into your upcoming recordings and manually delete the other ones. But that does take time and foresight. Alternately, you can set up a manual series recording for that particular day and time. That way, only those episodes would be recorded. However, if the network changes the airing day or time, you'd have to set up a new manual recording.

Thanks for the reply. I should have been more detailed in my original description. The shows are always differently titled. For example one was called "The Prank" and had a description matching the title. This is just one that sticks out in my head but they all are individually titled.

I have considered the manual recording so that may be what I end up doing.

Call your cable company and complain. It's not the DVR's fault. It's a problem with the guide data that your cable company purchases from a third-party. I've had problems with it recently where repeat episodes of The Daily Show were flagged as new.