This is driving me nuts - every time I call Comcast, I get a different story about the 3412's alleged capabilities when watching a recorded program. First off, I'm in WA state, where I guess things are different? I'm on my third box now.

1. Does it do slow motion? The manual says to hit pause, then FF. But nothing happens when I do that. The tech says to keep hitting pause and it will advance frame by frame - he says there's no smooth slow motion, only frame-by-frame. When I hit pause the first time, I get the 2 vertical bars. When I hit it the second time, I get the 2 bars plus a forward arrow. But hitting it repeatedly does nothing - it's still paused, does not advance at all.

2. Is instant replay supposed to work on DVR programs? It doesn't appear to do anything, but the tech says it should.

3. Does the 30 second skip not work in WA? The tech says it's supposed to.

4. Do you get instantaneous response when hitting FF, or is there a delay? I get a delay of several seconds. Same when hitting play after being in FF. The tech says there's not supposed to be a delay.

5. When going back to play after being in FF2 or FF3 or FF4, is it supposed to drop back by as much as 20-30 minutes from where you hit play?

Thanks!

Steve

I tried the switched outlet in the set up. It worked on my previous single tuner digital box, but not on this. It seems to not turn completely off even when it's powered off. The fan continues to operate.

This is driving me nuts - every time I call Comcast, I get a different story about the 3412's alleged capabilities when watching a recorded program. First off, I'm in WA state, where I guess things are different? I'm on my third box now.

1. Does it do slow motion? The manual says to hit pause, then FF. But nothing happens when I do that. The tech says to keep hitting pause and it will advance frame by frame - he says there's no smooth slow motion, only frame-by-frame. When I hit pause the first time, I get the 2 vertical bars. When I hit it the second time, I get the 2 bars plus a forward arrow. But hitting it repeatedly does nothing - it's still paused, does not advance at all.

2. Is instant replay supposed to work on DVR programs? It doesn't appear to do anything, but the tech says it should.

3. Does the 30 second skip not work in WA? The tech says it's supposed to.

4. Do you get instantaneous response when hitting FF, or is there a delay? I get a delay of several seconds. Same when hitting play after being in FF. The tech says there's not supposed to be a delay.

5. When going back to play after being in FF2 or FF3 or FF4, is it supposed to drop back by as much as 20-30 minutes from where you hit play?

Thanks!

Steve

Steve does the 3412 use MSTV Foundation Edition software for the IPG?

If yes, then here is a few things about it.

• What trick modes are enabled?
o Pause
o Play
o FF – (3,15,60,300x default speeds)
o Rew – (3,15,60,300x default speeds)
o Slow motion forward and reverse (Pause-FF/REW)
o Frame advance (Pause-Pause)
o Instant replay (skip back a few seconds)
o Jump to live
o 30 second skip is supported by the core FE platform but most MSOs do not enable it and there is no hidden code to enable it.

I would sugest you read the Comcast 6412 w/ MSFT Software topic as the 6412 & 3412 are pretty much the same, the 6412 does both Analog & Digital Cable systems, the 3412 is the Digital Only version of the 6412....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=467203&page=1&pp=60

Steve does the 3412 use MSTV Foundation Edition software for the IPG?

Dunno, how do I tell?

Dunno, how do I tell?

Describe your (IPG) Interactive Program Guide to us please.

also you can do the following.

With the STB & TV on:

turn off the STB and press ok/select (within 2 sec.)

You are now in the Diagnostic menu.

cursor down to d08 and press ok/select

your now in the Code modules page

Give us the info listed:

Boot Code:
platform:
DSP:
ASP:

and everything listed under:

Object:
Ver:
Status:
ID:

Thanks

To exit this menu just press ok/select again.

press Power to exit the Diagnostic menu

press power again to turn the STB back on (out of standby mode)

If no picture or sound, just go into the DVR menu and play any saved recording. this should restore the A/V problem if you encounter it.....

On the 3412. if I turn off the box, the switched outlet is not powered off. Also, this box works much different than the plain digital one I had from Comcast. With that box, when I turned off the box, and then powered it back up, it defaulted to Channel 8, Comcast home. On the 3412. After turning it off , then next time it's powered up, the station I had on before I turned it off is still on. ?????
Having the box default to a particular channel on powerup is not a universal configuration. It depends on your particular cable company and local settings. Here in the Chicago area, I've never heard of boxes doing that here, and I would be rather p***ed off if it did that.

Having the box default to a particular channel on powerup is not a universal configuration. It depends on your particular cable company and local settings. Here in the Chicago area, I've never heard of boxes doing that here, and I would be rather p***ed off if it did that.

Before F/W 10.xx there was a setting in the setup to set what ch. it started on.

In the next version of the Iguide it will have full control of what Ch your STB will Start on....

Give us the info listed:

Boot Code: 05.05

Platform: 12.22

DSP: M02

ASP: N/A

Object: TCAS4171

Ver: 41.71

Status: Enabled

ID: 0881

I just recently switched my 6412 for a 3412. Does it have longer recording time? (or did I waste my time)

So far I haven't notice anything different about it besides the HDMI connector (better picture).

Also does anyone know if it'll work with an external hard drive?

I really wanna know what's the advantage of a 3412 over a 6412.

Thanks.

I just recently switched my 6412 for a 3412. Does it have longer recording time? (or did I waste my time)

So far I haven't notice anything different about it besides the HDMI connector (better picture).

Also does anyone know if it'll work with an external hard drive?

I really wanna know what's the advantage of a 3412 over a 6412.

Thanks.

The 3412p1 is the ALL Digital version of the 6412p3 Analog/Digital STB.
The 3412 has no Analog Cable Tuners like the 6412.

the last 2 digits in the model number tell you the size of the HD

DCT-64xx STB series
-------------------------------
6408 - 080gb
6412 - 120gb
6416 - 160gb

DCT-34xx STB series
-------------------------------
3412 - 120gb
3416 - 160gb
3432 - 320gb


The eSATA port will not be useable on the Motorola DCT series STB till new software comes out for them that can do DRM properly.

No External Hard Drive For the forseable future with Comcast.

I just recently switched my 6412 for a 3412. Does it have longer recording time? (or did I waste my time)
Same recording space.

So far I haven't notice anything different about it besides the HDMI connector (better picture).
It has no analog tuner, thus it should only be available in areas which have digital simulcast of analog channels.

Also does anyone know if it'll work with an external hard drive?
It won't.

I really wanna know what's the advantage of a 3412 over a 6412.
It saves Comcast money, since it costs them less and they rent it for the same charge.

Dunno, how do I tell?

All the Comcast boxes in Washington State have MSFT guide software.

New Problem: The remote for the 3412 is going onthe fritz. The volume up button works ok, however, when pressing the down volume button, it results in 000. Yes, zeros. And the channel up button works ok, however, when pressing the down channel button, it lowers the main volume control on the cable cox, the one at the top of thescreen. Not the TV volume. I called Comcast to ask for the default code for the remote. I got 9-9-1. Tried this manyy times . Still messed up. I guess I need a replacement remote???

the last 2 digits in the model number tell you the size of the HD
DCT-34xx STB series
-------------------------------
3412 - 120gb
3416 - 160gb
3432 - 320gb


Does this mean I have the option of getting a larger hard drive? Do they charge a higher rental fee for the 3416 and 3432?

Does this mean I have the option of getting a larger hard drive? Do they charge a higher rental fee for the 3416 and 3432?

While Motorola makes the 3416 and 3432, Comcast doesn't supply any. The only choice you have is the 3412.

Had a 6412 for 11 months....hard-drive died....received the 6412 Phase III 2 months ago and that died. (Couldn't even watch TV....the error indicated 1 moment please.) The phase III fixed some bugs seen with the other one but the remote (FFW1,2,3,4 etc was very slow.)

Got the 3412 today......is the SATA output going to be activated...? The cable guy didn't know. Anything I should keep an eye on in regards to the 3412 ??

Thanks.

I tried the switched outlet in the set up. It worked on my previous single tuner digital box, but not on this. It seems to not turn completely off even when it's powered off. The fan continues to operate.

After 5 days now using the 3412, all I can figure is that this box does not ever turn completely off because it has to remain powered up to record the scheduled DVR's. So, this explains why the switched outlet box does not work if the box is turned off and it does not default to channel 8 on either tuner, stays on the channels that were tuned prior to "power off". So even though the box is "powered off" by the remote or directly on the box, it is in some kind of semi-powered mode, since the fan continues to operate. Anyone else's setup work this way?

After 5 days now using the 3412, all I can figure is that this box does not ever turn completely off because it has to remain powered up to record the scheduled DVR's. So, this explains why the switched outlet box does not work if the box is turned off and it does not default to channel 8 on either tuner, stays on the channels that were tuned prior to "power off". So even though the box is "powered off" by the remote or directly on the box, it is in some kind of semi-powered mode, since the fan continues to operate. Anyone else's setup work this way?

The power jack on the back of the unit can be set to power off when you set the STB to Standby/off mode.

And the STB does wake up from standby to record timed recordings, it will auto mute the audio output and shut back down to standby after the recording ends.

The power jack on the back of the unit can be set to power off when you set the STB to Standby/off mode.

And the STB does wake up from standby to record timed recordings, it will auto mute the audio output and shut back down to standby after the recording ends.

Scanpa, how do I do this? The on screen menu for Cable box setup only allows for switched or unswitched.

I'm on my second 3412 (my 6412 died and they replaced it with a 3412). Both 3412s have an issue where if you switch from an HD program to an SD one, the program stutters until you change to another SD program.


I have this same problem with my first (and only) 3412. I've just learned to live with it, because I don' t want to deal with the hassle of potentially getting another box that has the same problem or other problems.

Scanpa, how do I do this? The on screen menu for Cable box setup only allows for switched or unswitched.

Switched - when you set the STB to standby/off mode it will (should) cut power to the power jack on the back.

Unswitched - turning the STB to standby/off has no effect on the power jack.

when I set it to switched, it has no effect.

By far the biggest frustration for me is the delay in responding to the remote, particularly when going back and forth from Play to FF. Coming from Dish Network, I think one of the reasons for this might be that the Dish remote uses both IR and UHF, which means it does not have to be pointed directly at the receiver, and there's virtually zero likelihood of the receiver not picking up a remote command. Any idea why Comcast doesn't incorporate UHF?

opus...I have to completely agree with you! My wife and I get EXTREMELY frustrated with the slow response time. I have noticed that you have to HOLD the button down for a second or two (Especially the 'play' button in order to stop the fast-forward or rewind).

and..don't even get me started on what a LOUSY, dumbed-down User Interface the system has. Especially compared to Direct TV. Simple things, like being able to see more than an HOUR ahead in the schedule.. Being able to put a 'checkmark' in a listing so that the TV will automatically switch over to that show if you're watching something else. The list goes on and on.... I really don't thing Comcast did ANY usability testing (then again..it IS a Microsoft interface...that explains a lot....)

:)

Even if you're standing right in front of the receiver, and it's obviously receiving the signal, the response can drive you crazy. For instance, if you want to advance 12 hours thru the guide, you hold down the right-arrow button. Many times, it advances a few hours, then stops, as if it's lost the signal. Of course, if Comcast wasn't so stupid, this process would be a lot easier - just hit 12 then the right arrow.

My wife and I get EXTREMELY frustrated with the slow response time.

It's enough to make a person scream. The only reason I can think of for this not being the #1 issue for everyone is that many folks haven't used any other DVR.

You hit FF and it takes 5-10 seconds for FF1 to show up onscreen. By that time, you've hit it again, maybe several times, so you're now in FF4.

You get to the place you want to stop, so you hit play. But nothing happens, it's still in FF. So now you have to REW and go thru it all again.

You're in FF4, skimming the movie to make sure it was all recorded. But that doesn't work in FF4, because it's not smooth and you'll miss the closing credits. So you want to drop back to FF3 or FF2 toward the end, but you can't do that, you have to hit play or pause. Then, in Comcast's infinite wisdom, it drops you back 15-30 minutes, figuring that you were too stupid to know where you really wanted to stop. So now you have to use FF2 or FF3 from there, to get to the closing credits. But this is unsatisfactory, for 2 reasons - it takes too long, and the lack of speed means you see the ending of the movie way too clearly, which you really didn't want to see before actually watching it.

Dish Network has 4 forward and reverse speeds (and 2 slow-motion speeds). The speeds are approx 4x, 15x, 60x, and 300x. At 300x, you can skim a 2-hour movie in about 30 seconds. It's smooth and clear enough to make sure it's been recorded, and fast enough to avoid catching the plot. And the response to the remote is instantaneous. It stops exactly where you hit stop or pause or play.

Unfortunately, I no longer have geographic access to Dish Network. And I've never used Tivo, so I don't know whether its remote has the same sorta response.

By far the biggest frustration for me is the delay in responding to the remote, particularly when going back and forth from Play to FF. Coming from Dish Network, I think one of the reasons for this might be that the Dish remote uses both IR and UHF, which means it does not have to be pointed directly at the receiver, and there's virtually zero likelihood of the receiver not picking up a remote command. Any idea why Comcast doesn't incorporate UHF?

Obviously, the delayed response to commands has nothing to do with the remote getting them to the box, since they'd not be queued up if it did. The Motorola systems evidently have a very poor realtime operating system which doesn't allocate enough time to responding to commands (can't walk and chew gum simultaneously).

I just got a new DCT 3412 in the Boston area because my old Motorola died. (can't remember the model number). I've read much of this thread (couldn't handle it all) and I have a few questions (BTW my setup is to a CRT Philips thru component cables):

1. When watching SD channels, the box seems to stretch the image to fill my widescreen tv instead of pillar boxing it. This is highly annoying and don't like this feature. Is there a way to turn it off?

2. The picture quality on the SD channels is horrific! Maybe it has to do with the stretching of the 4:3 to 16:9, but I don't think so. The image is horrible!

Now, I have no complaints about the HD channels. None. And the DVR seems to be working well, although it's still early.


Thanks in advance for any/all comments on these issue.

Obviously, the delayed response to commands has nothing to do with the remote getting them to the box, since they'd not be queued up if it did. The Motorola systems evidently have a very poor realtime operating system which doesn't allocate enough time to responding to commands (can't walk and chew gum simultaneously).

I think it has both problems - not receiving and not responding. It's just infuriating to have the remote pointed directly at the receiver, hit play, and nothing happens.

Anyone know whether Tivo responds more like Dish Network's receivers?

I just got a new DCT 3412 in the Boston area because my old Motorola died. (can't remember the model number). I've read much of this thread (couldn't handle it all) and I have a few questions (BTW my setup is to a CRT Philips thru component cables):

1. When watching SD channels, the box seems to stretch the image to fill my widescreen tv instead of pillar boxing it. This is highly annoying and don't like this feature. Is there a way to turn it off?

2. The picture quality on the SD channels is horrific! Maybe it has to do with the stretching of the 4:3 to 16:9, but I don't think so. The image is horrible!

Now, I have no complaints about the HD channels. None. And the DVR seems to be working well, although it's still early.


Thanks in advance for any/all comments on these issue.

Go to the settings screen by leaving your tv on & turning off the box. Then press menu, and a new screen will come on.
Change your 4:3 override to get rid of the stretch.
Here you can change other settings, like HDMI / Component output. Set it to whatever your TV's native resolution is (720 lines / 1080 lines).
Try different combos to see what makes your PQ the best. It's different on each TV. Most of the time, your TV's de-interlacer does the best job, so leave the SD settings to 480i.
When you're done, turn the box off via the on / off button.
See what works.

I'd like to use the All-On button on my DCT3412 remote to turn on my TV without having to first press the TV button. However, since the DVR is usually already on, when using the All-On button, it turns on the TV, and shuts OFF the DVR.

Is this some kind of bug? Is there a way to make the All-On button do just that? It would be easier than having to always first press the TV button, and then the power button.

Am I missing something?

thanks,

A new 3412 user.

I've had my pair of 3412s for a couple of weeks now and (knock wood) everything has been excellent. Recordings have recorded, PQ is outstanding across the board, no reboots, glitches, etc., until yesterday. I had started populating my Scheduled Series list some more now that the silly Holiday repeat season is over and in order to clear up some conflicts, I accessed the Series Priority list and did some rearranging. It was going fine until I had about 19 series scheduled. Then, when I tried to rearrange the priority and confirm, the box froze up. There was a little yellow light next to the word "Remote" on the 3412 face and it wouldn't go away. The first time I waited about 20 minutes before pulling the plug and rebooting. I accessed the Priority list again, reorganized and again, the same thing. Third time, same thing. Now, having come from an HD DirecTivo, I was used to waiting 10 sometimes 20 minutes for the box to reorganize shows once I made changes, whether it be to the amount of shows recorded or rearranging the priority list. But this just froze and I was wondering if it's a known issue and if somebody else had experienced this before? If it's simply a matter of taking a long time to reorganize information, that's fine, but I thought 20 minutes was more than enough time before rebooting. Thanks in advance.

We have recently been "upgraded" to the 3412. We have experienced freezing problems and are now on our third box. Everything seems to be fine with this one EXCEPT for the remote freezing described in the quoted post. Sometime is occurs when setting up recordings and it also happens when I reordered the priority list (though after the reset it did retain the new order). Is there any way to get unfrozen from this WITHOUT resetting the box? Called customer NON service and he put me on hold to ask a tech but they said there was no way without a reset.

We have recently been "upgraded" to the 3412. We have experienced freezing problems and are now on our third box. Everything seems to be fine with this one EXCEPT for the remote freezing described in the quoted post.

Does this mean you get instant response from the remote, with no delays?

We still experience minor delays with the remote but we had the same problem with our original box (6412) too. But this is not a "delay" it locks up completely. have let the box sit for 15 minutes and nothing. The remote light on the box stays lit and we are unable to do anything with the remote or the buttons on the box itself.

We have recently been "upgraded" to the 3412. We have experienced freezing problems and are now on our third box. Everything seems to be fine with this one EXCEPT for the remote freezing described in the quoted post. Sometime is occurs when setting up recordings and it also happens when I reordered the priority list (though after the reset it did retain the new order). Is there any way to get unfrozen from this WITHOUT resetting the box? Called customer NON service and he put me on hold to ask a tech but they said there was no way without a reset.

It is a CPU issue.

remote cmds have the lowest processor time priority.

Can anything be done to correct it short of unplugging the box to reset??

Can anything be done to correct it short of unplugging the box to reset??

If you see the little yellow remote light on in the STB display, just wait, all the buffered remote commands will be procesed.

If you see the little yellow remote light on in the STB display, just wait, all the buffered remote commands will be procesed.

Except that the yellow light comes on when you hit FF, no way to tell whether it's picked up the next 3 FFs.

Why sould remote commands have so little priority? Dish and Tivo apparently don't do it that way?

1. Does it do slow motion? The manual says to hit pause, then FF. But nothing happens when I do that. The tech says to keep hitting pause and it will advance frame by frame - he says there's no smooth slow motion, only frame-by-frame. When I hit pause the first time, I get the 2 vertical bars. When I hit it the second time, I get the 2 bars plus a forward arrow. But hitting it repeatedly does nothing - it's still paused, does not advance at all.

2. Is instant replay supposed to work on DVR programs? It doesn't appear to do anything, but the tech says it should.

3. Does the 30 second skip not work in WA? The tech says it's supposed to.

4. Do you get instantaneous response when hitting FF, or is there a delay? I get a delay of several seconds. Same when hitting play after being in FF. The tech says there's not supposed to be a delay.

5. When going back to play after being in FF2 or FF3 or FF4, is it supposed to drop back by as much as 20-30 minutes from where you hit play?

Thanks!

Steve

Here's my experience in WA...
1. When I press pause and the FF, I get one vertical line and an arrow to the right and the video advances at about half speed. When I press pause and then pause again, I see a vertical line and one small arrow to the right. Every time I press pause it steps through the recording. Of course, this works when it wants to!

2. If your remote has the little curvy arrow pointing to the left (next to My DVR), then it will skip back 7 seconds every time you press it

3. It doesn't work.

4. Sometimes a delay, although I strangely get a better response when slightly to the left of the unit. Possibly a software issue, or the DVR is busy downloading guide info.

5. Yes. The faster you go the more it backs up. It's about 10 sec in FF1 and increases from there.

Except that the yellow light comes on when you hit FF, no way to tell whether it's picked up the next 3 FFs.

Why sould remote commands have so little priority? Dish and Tivo apparently don't do it that way?

The Motorola DCT series of STB is not a TIVO, nor is it made by TiVo, so how can you compare them?

Motorola rushed these STB out, with little to NO QA from users like you and me.

The STB just do not have the right components, CPU, Memory, HD space, Nor the correct Software to make them usable or viable for what the current comcast users want.

That is why Comcast is moving to 3 other STB manufactures for Better designed products.

Here's my experience in WA...

5. Yes. The faster you go the more it backs up. It's about 10 sec in FF1 and increases from there.

But not 20-30 MINUTES. It should approximately compensate for the overrun you'd get from a delay in hitting the button, so that you end up playing from the same place in all FF modes (in theory, but I don't recommend FF4).

That is why Comcast is moving to 3 other STB manufactures for Better designed products.

any idea of timeframe when those new STB's will be available? I'd love to dump this pos as soon as possilbe :(

The Motorola DCT series of STB is not a TIVO, nor is it made by TiVo, so how can you compare them?

Motorola rushed these STB out, with little to NO QA from users like you and me.

The STB just do not have the right components, CPU, Memory, HD space, Nor the correct Software to make them usable or viable for what the current comcast users want.

That is why Comcast is moving to 3 other STB manufactures for Better designed products.

scanpa,

No kidding! But, given the realities of this "on the ground", how good do you expect the upcoming TiVo/Comcast solution to be? Are they still targeting the x412 boxes as the target HW? Are they going to scrape them down to the firmware and start there, or lay their software on top of buggy FW?

Or, as I've rambled on about from time to time, is the TiVo solution actually going to come out on the Panasonic boxes, which spec out to be quite similar to the Series 3 HD TiVo, IIRC (and TiVo wasn't saying who their mfg. OEM was....)

-John

Well..at least the TIVO/Direct TV user-interface was/is lightyears ahead of the current Comcast/Microsoft stuff...

dave,

True, but if you put a $10,000 paint job on a Gremlin it will look great (er...better?)...and still run like a Gremlin.

That's my main concern and question -- how many of the bugs in the x412s are related to bad software vs. bad engineering design. Software can be fixed or replaced. Problems with the hardware engineering, as scanpa implied, would be a bigger problem.

Guess we'll have to wait and see. Now if TiVo offered a Series 3 for, say, about what I'm paying for the Comcast DVR (or a bit more) on a monthly fee, I'd be all over that. But I'm about over shelling out $1k for the latest HD thing.

-John

any idea of timeframe when those new STB's will be available? I'd love to dump this pos as soon as possilbe :(

Last Qrtr. 2006 or there abouts....

Panasonic is making the new HD DVR STB with OCAP, so those cable head ends that have converted over to OCAP based systems will be the first to get the new DVR STB in stock. Both the 6412 & 3412 are OCAP ready so they will still be usable.

4 Major Cable Head End Plants are currently being upgraded to the OCAP specs. There listed in the Panasonic DVR thread. Phily Pa. is one.

dave,

True, but if you put a $10,000 paint job on a Gremlin it will look great (er...better?)...and still run like a Gremlin.

That's my main concern and question -- how many of the bugs in the x412s are related to bad software vs. bad engineering design. Software can be fixed or replaced. Problems with the hardware engineering, as scanpa implied, would be a bigger problem.

Guess we'll have to wait and see. Now if TiVo offered a Series 3 for, say, about what I'm paying for the Comcast DVR (or a bit more) on a monthly fee, I'd be all over that. But I'm about over shelling out $1k for the latest HD thing.

-John

in a few Months, Comcast IGUIDE software users will begin to get the new IGUIDE software upgrade. Lets hope this fixes a few of the major conflicts and problems that are related to the IPG & DVR interface. This will include the newest Firmware (Hardware Drivers & Control settings).

and a few months later Comcast will offer a service level upgrade of your 6412 & 3412 STB to use TiVo based IPG & DVR Software. $4.95 more per month then the current $9.95 per month DVR monthly cost. You will have to call Comcast to get this upgraded level of DVR service.

Lets hope that one of these 2 solutions will fix the problems with the Motorola DCT series of STB.....

and a few months later Comcast will offer a service level upgrade of your 6412 & 3412 STB to use TiVo based IPG & DVR Software. $4.95 more per month then the current $9.95 per month DVR monthly cost. You will have to call Comcast to get this upgraded level of DVR service. Lets hope that one of these 2 solutions will fix the problems with the Motorola DCT series of STB.....

sheeeesh..that's a lot of balls to charge MORE for something that should work right in the first place...It's kinda like they're saying 'yeah..we know our software sucks, but, if you give us $5 more a month, will give you something that's better".

uugh.

and..fwiw..I LIKE Gremlins. :) LOL.

sheeeesh..that's a lot of balls to charge MORE for something that should work right in the first place...It's kinda like they're saying 'yeah..we know our software sucks, but, if you give us $5 more a month, will give you something that's better".

uugh.

and..fwiw..I LIKE Gremlins. :) LOL.

You won't have to upgrade to the Tivo service. You never know, the upgraded iGUIDE release might actually be good! :rolleyes:

You won't have to upgrade to the Tivo service. You never know, the upgraded iGUIDE release might actually be good! :rolleyes:

Correct, the TiVo software will be a seperate tier of DVR service.

they will still offer the Basic Service that will have the IGUIDE, PASSPORT, Microsoft IPG software.

good to hear. I suppose, as much as I think the current software is pretty sub-standard, I'd probably WOULD pay to get something better. I really liked my original TIVO dvr w/Direct TV service. But, I couldn't get local channels in HD (stupid Seattle hills).

Hey guys,

FWIW, I am on my 10th Comcast DVR. 2-6412's, 1-6412 MKIII and 7 3412's. They all have had problems. The current 3412 I have is the best one so far, but it has the same problem my last one had although not as bad. It is the problem you have when watching an HD channel and you change to an SD channel, the SD channel hesitates and hangs up.

I returned one of the 3412's I had previously to the local Comcast hardware guru. He was able to duplicate the problems I claimed and said Motorola would address the issues in an upcoming firmware update. Timeframe of the update is unknown.

scanpa, you mentioned the CPU as being a problem. That could very well be, but the problems I see strike me as a memory management or allocation issue......

Forum Folk:

I have prepared a comprehensive review of the DCT3412. It includes many useful links to related tech. sites. It covers many details omitted from the Motorola literature. It covers explanations and workarounds for the video bug, the [MUTE] on wakeup problem, programming 30 Se forward skip, Sleep function, URLS for Firewire links, Motorola tech pages and manuals and more. It is rather BULKY.

I don't want to drop a text bomb on y'all so I'll ask first if you care to read this dissertation. I also need to post 5 times on my new account before I can include any URLs in a posting, so I'll wait for a reply before proceeding.

Cheerse,

-- R. Wolf

Yes I would like to.

Forum Folk:

I have prepared a comprehensive review of the DCT3412. It includes many useful links to related tech. sites. It covers many details omitted from the Motorola literature. It covers explanations and workarounds for the video bug, the [MUTE] on wakeup problem, programming 30 Se forward skip, Sleep function, URLS for Firewire links, Motorola tech pages and manuals and more. It is rather BULKY.

I don't want to drop a text bomb on y'all so I'll ask first if you care to read this dissertation. I also need to post 5 times on my new account before I can include any URLs in a posting, so I'll wait for a reply before proceeding.

Cheerse,

-- R. Wolf

Why not compare it to what's on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_3412 and the more comprehensive http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412 site, and augment the entries there, if necessary?

But not 20-30 MINUTES. It should approximately compensate for the overrun you'd get from a delay in hitting the button, so that you end up playing from the same place in all FF modes (in theory, but I don't recommend FF4).

True True! Mine skips back about 5 minutes, and I also avoid anything over FF2. It has a tendancy to either kick me out of the recording entirely or start over at the beginning when using FF3 or FF4 and then pressing play. The only time I really try it is when watching a long recording and the EAS test message kicks me out when I am close to the end and I have to start watching over.

Hey guys,

FWIW, I am on my 10th Comcast DVR. 2-6412's, 1-6412 MKIII and 7 3412's. They all have had problems. The current 3412 I have is the best one so far, but it has the same problem my last one had although not as bad. It is the problem you have when watching an HD channel and you change to an SD channel, the SD channel hesitates and hangs up.

I returned one of the 3412's I had previously to the local Comcast hardware guru. He was able to duplicate the problems I claimed and said Motorola would address the issues in an upcoming firmware update. Timeframe of the update is unknown.

scanpa, you mentioned the CPU as being a problem. That could very well be, but the problems I see strike me as a memory management or allocation issue......

128 MB is crap for Memory, these Boxes should have 1 GB of RAM min.

Not to switch gears here, but, I was just thinking, if I want to record a program broadcast thru the 3412 to the vcr or dvd recorder, which tuner will be recorded? the one currently visual? And, if I am recording this visual station to the vcr/dvd, then I won't be able to watch the program on the 2nd tuner, since it will then be the station being recorded. Does this make sense?

Wareagle:

Good point. The Wikipedia entries are very complete. They cover much of what I covered. I have some more detail that goes beyond the Wiki page so I'll take a little time to do an A-B merge on the content.

Catch you gents later!

--R

Not to switch gears here, but, I was just thinking, if I want to record a program broadcast thru the 3412 to the vcr or dvd recorder, which tuner will be recorded? the one currently visual? And, if I am recording this visual station to the vcr/dvd, then I won't be able to watch the program on the 2nd tuner, since it will then be the station being recorded. Does this make sense?

That is correct, all video outputs will show the video signal from only the selected tuner or a DVR recording...

Obviously, the delayed response to commands has nothing to do with the remote getting them to the box, since they'd not be queued up if it did. The Motorola systems evidently have a very poor realtime operating system which doesn't allocate enough time to responding to commands (can't walk and chew gum simultaneously).

I do not have the delay to the extreme others are reporting, usually. But it certainly is not a remote issue - it's the receiver. I have found on mine if I get too impatient I have several times locked the box up, so now I watch the remote light on the front and if it is lit I know it is delaying again. The light always lights when I press a remote button, the delay is after the light is lit and for me the light stays on while it is doing whatever it is it does.

Normal operation the light is on for only a fraction of a second.

...in the quoted post. Sometime is occurs when setting up recordings and it also happens when I reordered the priority list (though after the reset it did retain the new order). Is there any way to get unfrozen from this WITHOUT resetting the box?...

I've had two types - one where a weird error message appears on the box prior to freezing and where no message appears, just frozen.

It *seems* to me that I have caused it by mashing buttons too fast on the remote. This may be perception though - perhaps it was frozen and I hit a couple of buttons before noticing and am thinking the button pushing caused the freeze rather than the opposite.

It has always been in doing scheduling stiff - recording from the guide, changing series info, stuff like that.

If you see the little yellow remote light on in the STB display, just wait, all the buffered remote commands will be procesed.

I've waited as long as 30 minutes with no luck.

I've waited as long as 30 minutes with no luck.

Then I would say your box is Locked up and needs the power cord pulled....

Just got the 3412 today, and so far I have to say I'm very impressed. I was upgrading from an old motorola HD box. The only PVR I've used is a media center pc which of course doesn't do HD, and even SD recordings, and live TV quality is lacking.
Anyways, I got this box mainly to use firewire to transfer shows I want to keep to external storage.
I'm sure some of you are doing this, and I was wondering if you could point me to any good links, or give info?

Thanks

Just got the 3412 today, and so far I have to say I'm very impressed. I was upgrading from an old motorola HD box. The only PVR I've used is a media center pc which of course doesn't do HD, and even SD recordings, and live TV quality is lacking.
Anyways, I got this box mainly to use firewire to transfer shows I want to keep to external storage.
I'm sure some of you are doing this, and I was wondering if you could point me to any good links, or give info?

Thanks

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

Oh, I was also wondering if it's possible to connect the ir blaster from my pc to the ir blaster input of the box to change channels, and automatically record the transport stream integrated into WME?

I just timed it on a DVR recording, going from play to FF or REW and back to play. Going from play to FF or REW occurs instantly, but it takes anywhere from 4-15 seconds for the command (FF1 or REW1) to appear onscreen. And until that occurs, it will not register a new command, so pressing play accomplishes nothing.

I don't care what other capabilities the box offers - as far as I'm concerned, if it won't competently (instantly) execute these basic commands, it's a useless piece of crap. Makes a guy wanna throw the remote out the window. Sigh.

Oh, I was also wondering if it's possible to connect the ir blaster from my pc to the ir blaster input of the box to change channels, and automatically record the transport stream integrated into WME?

The IR blaster out on the STB is only to send IR signals to the VCR. It's Disabled by most Comcast Head Ends. Also not supported in STB with IGUIDE IPG

I'm still trying to get the 3412 to work. I've tried installing the drivers a few times, uninstalling and I keep getting the same error message.
I checked "Tuner AV/C Device" in the device manager and it gave me this message:
"Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19)"

Any ideas?

Got it! After trying to tutorial on here that EVERYBODY links to several times in several ways, I found another driver for the DCT3412. Very easy set-up instructions, and the working driver most importantly. The link to the driver download is at the bottom of the page.

http://htpcnews.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10499

Does anyone get HBO, or the other movie stations to record over firewire? is decrypting the file possible?

with the STB & TV on:

Power off the STB and press MENU within 2 sec.

How do you actually change the settings? I can get into the service menu, but I can't seem to change any of the values. When I'm on the "user interface" screen, I can't get to any of the fields to change them. It's like I'm only able to view them, but not change anything. Whenever I press a button on the remote, it takes me back to the previous menu.

Am I missing something?

Thanks!

How do you actually change the settings? I can get into the service menu, but I can't seem to change any of the values. When I'm on the "user interface" screen, I can't get to any of the fields to change them. It's like I'm only able to view them, but not change anything. Whenever I press a button on the remote, it takes me back to the previous menu.

Am I missing something?

Thanks!

It sounds as if you are pressing POWER, OK-SELECT instead of POWER, MENU. OK-SELECT gets you to the Diagnostic menu, MENU brings you to the User settings Menu. When you get there simply press the left or right arrow button to select the setting that you want.

Does anyone get HBO, or the other movie stations to record over firewire? is decrypting the file possible?

Yes, but it depends on the 5C setting Comcast has chosen to implement in your area for these channels. The box handles the decryption before it outputs the signal via firewire, and it will depend upon your being subscribed to the channel.

Greets all...

A few months back I purchased a 50" Panny, a new Elite HDMI amp, a Panny DVD player, and Comcast provided the 3412. When I connected everything to be switched through the Elite amp I got the infamous HDCP green screen of death. After a lot of frustrating phone calls, rewiring everything a million different ways, and pushing every button combination possible on the 3412, I gave up and went back to component.

I did get Comcast to mention that they were aware of the problem and were working on a fix. Does anyone know if this HDCP handshake issue has been resolved? Is anyone out there routing through a Pioneer Elite amp with HDMI on the 3412 successfully.

Thanks folks!!!
TY

I just picked up a box (DCT-3412 I) in Westford, MA. Checking the diagnostic menu (d11) shows IEEE 1394 active ports = 0. This doesn't look good . Aren't all boxes supposed to have those firewire ports active? Anything I can do to activate them?

-Rat

My 1394 works (6412), but the interface status WHEN NOT TRANSMITTING shows:

1394 I/O DEVICE: INST
ACTIVE PORTS: 0
DATA XMISSION: NO
5C IMPLEMENTATION: 0
LOOP STATUS: NO
ROOT STATUS: YES
CYCLE MASTER STATUS: YES

When the PC is connected and receiving data, everything remains the same except:

ACTIVE PORTS: 1
DATA XMISSION: YES

So "active" means really being used.

When the PC is connected and receiving data, everything remains the same except:

ACTIVE PORTS: 1
DATA XMISSION: YES

So "active" means really being used.

Thanks, I wasn't looking forward to dealing with comcast to figure out how to activate it.

Anyone else getting occasional popping sounds, sorta like firecrackers going off? Sometimes it happens when going from pause to play, sometimes just outta the blue. Lasts for a few seconds, then usually stops.

I need help. I have the Motorola 3412 (HDMI) through Comcast and a Panasonic Plasma tv. The HD channels are perfect, but the non-HD channels often freeze, but only the video. So the sound doesn't freeze or skip, but the picture will freeze and then resume having skipped seconds of video.

I have a Comcast tech coming out again (for the 3rd time). Each time they insist that it's not a problem with the DVR. Of course, the problem doesn't always occur and it did not occur when the tech was out the last two times. So yesterday, I went to record one of the basketball games where the freezing was constant so that I could show them what the problem is. But when I watched the recording, it was perfect -- no freezing. I tested both tuners though and both had skipping, but recordings on both tuners came out fine.

Any ideas?

I need help. I have the Motorola 3412 (HDMI) through Comcast and a Panasonic Plasma tv. The HD channels are perfect, but the non-HD channels often freeze, but only the video. So the sound doesn't freeze or skip, but the picture will freeze and then resume having skipped seconds of video. ...snip...

It's a known bug with the 3412 (or perhaps I should say "known to anybody that actually uses one but completely unknown to anybody that works for Comcast").

It only happens when you switch from an HD channel to an SD channel (but not all the time). When it does happen, you can clear it up by just switching to another SD channel and back to the one that had the problem.

It's a known bug with the 3412 (or perhaps I should say "known to anybody that actually uses one but completely unknown to anybody that works for Comcast").

It only happens when you switch from an HD channel to an SD channel (but not all the time). When it does happen, you can clear it up by just switching to another SD channel and back to the one that had the problem.
Thanks for the help. I'm going to go home and test this out. Of course, Comcast's tech "wizards" tell me they've never heard of this problem before but they know that it has nothing to do with the box.

Sorry for the noob-type question, but are we supposed to leave the STB on all the time for the DVR functions to work? Or can I power it down with the TV?

Thanks...
Joe

Sorry for the noob-type question, but are we supposed to leave the STB on all the time for the DVR functions to work? Or can I power it down with the TV?

Thanks...
Joe

There is no reason to turn the box off. When you power down all you do is to go to standby. The hard drive is buffering. All standby does is to turn off the audio and video to the TV.

Has anyone had this problem?

One night the 3412 on our main TV was pixelating heavily on most stations. I turned off the TV for the night and by the morning all channels were out. I thought the cable was out. The 3412 in our theater room was working fine. So I removed power from the problem unit to do a cold boot. Well I thought all was fine, until I switched to the second tuner. Some channels are received, while others are heavily pixelated. I tried cold booting the box again, but the problem is still there on the second tuner.

Should I perform the device reset procedure? Does this sound like a cable signal issue? The only difference between the way 1st box is connected and the 2nd is that the cable to the 1st goes through another splitter. This box was working great for a couple of weeks before this issue.

Has anyone had this problem?

One night the 3412 on our main TV was pixelating heavily on most stations. I turned off the TV for the night and by the morning all channels were out. I thought the cable was out. The 3412 in our theater room was working fine. So I removed power from the problem unit to do a cold boot. Well I thought all was fine, until I switched to the second tuner. Some channels are received, while others are heavily pixelated. I tried cold booting the box again, but the problem is still there on the second tuner.

Should I perform the device reset procedure? Does this sound like a cable signal issue? The only difference between the way 1st box is connected and the 2nd is that the cable to the 1st goes through another splitter. This box was working great for a couple of weeks before this issue.
It's most likely a low signal issue. The second tuner is after what seems to be 2 splitters internally and gets a weaker signal. I would get an RF amp (make certain it is broadband/bidirectional compatible) and put it as close to where the cable comes into your house as possible, preferably before any splitters.

It's a known bug with the 3412 (or perhaps I should say "known to anybody that actually uses one but completely unknown to anybody that works for Comcast."

Amazing how many bugs are like that. :(

When speaking to Comcast's techs, it's obvious that most of them have barely heard of the DVR, let alone used one...

Anyone else getting occasional popping sounds, sorta like firecrackers going off? Sometimes it happens when going from pause to play, sometimes just outta the blue. Lasts for a few seconds, then usually stops.

Not sure if it's the same 'noise', but i posted my issue and...

post #3468 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7386557#post7386557

Cheers,

What is the deal with pass through on the HD Channels on the 3412, my display only says 480i for SD and 1080i for all digital channels through the HDMI. Shouldn't ABC be 720P? When I send 720P via my 360 my display reads it fine.

What is the deal with pass through on the HD Channels on the 3412, my display only says 480i for SD and 1080i for all digital channels through the HDMI. Shouldn't ABC be 720P? When I send 720P via my 360 my display reads it fine.

The 3412 scales all HD to either 720p or 1080i. You have to go into the setings menu to change this.
Leave your TV on, shut off the 3412, then press menu. Go from there. Try different settings and see what looks best.
Be careful, some may leave you with no picture, just keep scrolling with whatever button you're using and you'll get the picture back.

So it won't pass through the native signal to the display, I have to choose 720p or 1080i?

So it won't pass through the native signal to the display, I have to choose 720p or 1080i?

That's a fact Chi. If the box passed through native signal people like me with a 5 year old Mitsubishi wouldn't be able to watch any channel that outputs 720P, the TV won't accept it. I don't know of any box out there that has a setting to allow native pass through.

I think the SA 8300 STB allows for native pass-through.

I just recently swapped my broken 6412 for the 3412 and am now having the issue where none of the lower channels, pretty much all analog channels are not available. I searched the forums a little and realize 3412 is a digital only box, is this the reason or could it have something to do with ADS I read about on the Comcast HD forum.

I wouldn't care except for the fact I don't get FX anymore.

Any help would be appreciated.

I am located northside of Chicago if that makes a difference

I just recently swapped my broken 6412 for the 3412 and am now having the issue where none of the lower channels, pretty much all analog channels are not available. I searched the forums a little and realize 3412 is a digital only box, is this the reason or could it have something to do with ADS I read about on the Comcast HD forum.

I wouldn't care except for the fact I don't get FX anymore.

Any help would be appreciated.

I am located northside of Chicago if that makes a difference

O-Oh! SOunds like you live in an area that hasn't started simultaneous broadcast of Digital and Analog signals yet!

Yes, the 3412 is an all digital box. You won't get any of the channels below 100 as long as they are only available as Analog. I live in Beaverton, OR and Comcast started Digital simulcast(?) a couple of months ago. We had been waiting for them to 'flip the switch' for the best part of a year!

Your best bet is to go back to a 6412 for now. When the Analog channels start being broadcast in Digital as well, you'll notice it. The 6412 will start showing the Digital channel instead of the Analog. You can then go back to a 3412.

I just recently swapped my broken 6412 for the 3412 and am now having the issue where none of the lower channels, pretty much all analog channels are not available. I searched the forums a little and realize 3412 is a digital only box, is this the reason or could it have something to do with ADS I read about on the Comcast HD forum.

I wouldn't care except for the fact I don't get FX anymore.

Any help would be appreciated.

I am located northside of Chicago if that makes a difference

If they gave you or brought you a 3412, then that head end is already doing full Digital or Full ADS.

Call your office or the 1-800-comcast number and ask the CSR to review your account. Ask her to turn on or Enable ADS in your account. Some areas do not do this automatically.

O-Oh! SOunds like you live in an area that hasn't started simultaneous broadcast of Digital and Analog signals yet!

Yes, the 3412 is an all digital box. You won't get any of the channels below 100 as long as they are only available as Analog. I live in Beaverton, OR and Comcast started Digital simulcast(?) a couple of months ago. We had been waiting for them to 'flip the switch' for the best part of a year!

Your best bet is to go back to a 6412 for now. When the Analog channels start being broadcast in Digital as well, you'll notice it. The 6412 will start showing the Digital channel instead of the Analog. You can then go back to a 3412.

Areas that are not yet fully Digital or fully ADS, WILL NOT have the Moto DCT-34xx Series STB available.

He needs to contact his local office and have them turn on ADS in his Cable Account. Most areas like mine turned everyone's on. but I have heard someplaces do not.

It sounds as if you are pressing POWER, OK-SELECT instead of POWER, MENU. OK-SELECT gets you to the Diagnostic menu, MENU brings you to the User settings Menu. When you get there simply press the left or right arrow button to select the setting that you want.

That did the trick. Thanks!

That did the trick. Thanks!


Very cool, glad to help.

I tried the RatShack bi-directional amplifier. No success the 2nd-tuner is hosed. Some channels come in okay, others are heavily breaking up and some are locked out (This channel will be available shortly).

I searched but no one else seems to have this problem. I requested a 6412 III box from Comcast. I have a SlingBox hooked up to my DVR. Because my tv won't accept 480i over component only 480p and up, i have the 480 override set to 480p. But when this is on, i get no guide output on the svideo output (For the slingbox). Comcast just brought me out a 3412 instead of the 6412 III (Which i read corrects my above issue). Does the 3412 fix my issue as well? Will it output the menus on svideo when component 480 output is set to 480p?

Thanks!

-J

I tried the RatShack bi-directional amplifier. No success the 2nd-tuner is hosed. Some channels come in okay, others are heavily breaking up and some are locked out (This channel will be available shortly).

Craig,

It does sound like the STB is hosed. Have you done a STB Factory Reset-boot-re-authorization and download yet?

as for the Amplifier, you need to buy the Motorola signal booster AMP built for the DCT Series STB.

I searched but no one else seems to have this problem. I requested a 6412 III box from Comcast. I have a SlingBox hooked up to my DVR. Because my tv won't accept 480i over component only 480p and up, i have the 480 override set to 480p. But when this is on, i get no guide output on the svideo output (For the slingbox). Comcast just brought me out a 3412 instead of the 6412 III (Which i read corrects my above issue). Does the 3412 fix my issue as well? Will it output the menus on svideo when component 480 output is set to 480p?

Thanks!

-J

S-Video must be set at pan and scan, or Letterbox and 480I only!

The menu overlay will not work on any other settings for S-Video.

For any signal output beyond 480I, you must use the Component or DVI, or HDMI video outputs to get the menu overlay.

2) PIP is not active in the 3412 & 6412 STB. All Video outputs put out the same signal.
I just installed the 3412 yesterday, and have been trying to figure out the PIP button, myself. My HDTV is PIP-capable, so even if the 3412 is not able to do PIP on its own, is there any way to get the output of the 3412's dual tuners to get to my HDTV, so I can use those 2 inputs for my PIP? (my HDTV does not have internal tuners). Currently I only use the HDMI to TV, but would it be possible to use HDMI and component for separate inputs to the TV?

I just installed the 3412 yesterday, and have been trying to figure out the PIP button, myself. My HDTV is PIP-capable, so even if the 3412 is not able to do PIP on its own, is there any way to get the output of the 3412's dual tuners to get to my HDTV, so I can use those 2 inputs for my PIP? (my HDTV does not have internal tuners). Currently I only use the HDMI to TV, but would it be possible to use HDMI and component for separate inputs to the TV?

Sure, but they would both carry the same video signal.

Because my tv won't accept 480i over component only 480p and up
Maybe your best bet is to try and conquer this issue. While it certainly may be true that your component input only accepts 480p and up, but it seems very odd.

Craig,

as for the Amplifier, you need to buy the Motorola signal booster AMP built for the DCT Series STB.

Do you have a part number for this signal booster?
Where can it be purchased?

Do you have a part number for this signal booster?
Where can it be purchased?

Motorola 48905 Signal Booster. Do a Google, they can be had here and there. I paid $50 for mine about 6 months ago.

Sure, but they would both carry the same video signal.
Which is what I've found...but I was hoping there was some way to assign "Tuner #1" to HDMI; and "Tuner #2" to Component, and then use those separate channels as input to my TV, so it would use those 2 tuners' separate input for the PIP function.

Which is what I've found...but I was hoping there was some way to assign "Tuner #1" to HDMI; and "Tuner #2" to Component, and then use those separate channels as input to my TV, so it would use those 2 tuners' separate input for the PIP function.

Sorry. Does not work that way with current STB Software & IPG Software.

Have you done a STB Factory Reset-boot-re-authorization and download yet?

as for the Amplifier, you need to buy the Motorola signal booster AMP built for the DCT Series STB.

1- It was still downloading after 20min. I finally gave up and went to bed. The reset had completed some time during the night but the second tuner was still not fully functional.
2- How is the motorola signal booster different? Is it higher gain in the band where digital cable resides? Just curious.

1- It was still downloading after 20min. I finally gave up and went to bed. The reset had completed some time during the night but the second tuner was still not fully functional.
2- How is the motorola signal booster different? Is it higher gain in the band where digital cable resides? Just curious.

Craig,

It does sound like a signal problem, have comcast come out and check and if needed replace the cable from the drop point to your house and also check the cable inside the house.

The amp will only work with the signal it gets from the drop point. That has to be a good signal.

Also have them replace the STB with a NEW one.

It's a known bug with the 3412 (or perhaps I should say "known to anybody that actually uses one but completely unknown to anybody that works for Comcast").

It only happens when you switch from an HD channel to an SD channel (but not all the time). When it does happen, you can clear it up by just switching to another SD channel and back to the one that had the problem.
Just wanted to say thanks! This solved the problem. Of course, Comcast is probably losing lots of subscribers since they insisted that the problem has nothing to do with the box.

when I set it to switched, it has no effect.

I too have the same problem. Very irritating. Of course, Comcast was totally clueless about this issue and, for the most part didn't even know what the heck I was referring to. Their answer, "just use the ALL ON" button. This is not acceptable as I don't want my HT receiver to go on at the same time (it's assigned to the AUX button).

Anyone have a clue how to make SWITCHED mode work like the old digital boxes?

----

In addition, I definitely agree with the slow response issues. This is also ridiculous and irritating. My old Dish Network receiver (DVR510) would operate across the room with the remote not even pointed at it (thanks to the UHF, not IR remote), and would INSTANTLY respond.

The outlet on the back of my 3412 is labelled "UNSWITCHED".
I suspect one of the cost reductions from the 6412 to the 3412 was to remove the AC switching circuitry. They either forgot to remove the setup entry for the outlet or both units (6412 and 3412) use the same software and it was too much trouble to handle it.

The outlet on the back of my 3412 is labelled "UNSWITCHED".
I suspect one of the cost reductions from the 6412 to the 3412 was to remove the AC switching circuitry. They either forgot to remove the setup entry for the outlet or both units (6412 and 3412) use the same software and it was too much trouble to handle it.

My 3412 rear power outlet works with the menu setting, however I guess you could get a whole set of them ordered preset to unswitched.


Yes the STB software is the same used in the 6412p3 & the 3412p1 and the new soon to be released 3412p2 STB. The 3412p2 has a new power transformer setup. runs cooler.

The outlet on the back of my 3412 is labelled "UNSWITCHED".
I suspect one of the cost reductions from the 6412 to the 3412 was to remove the AC switching circuitry. They either forgot to remove the setup entry for the outlet or both units (6412 and 3412) use the same software and it was too much trouble to handle it.

I checked the back of my 3412's after you mentioned that, and of course, both of mine have "unswitched" written on them as well. I guess that explains why they're not working! Oh well.

My Moto 6412 died this weekend and was replaced today with a 3412. It's working great so far although FF and reverse are a bit different. I notice that it has an Ethernet 10/100 Base-T connection. Does anyone know if it is live? What happens if I connect it to my computer network. What does the network think it is? What useful things can I do with the STB when it's connected to the computer network?

My Moto 6412 died this weekend and was replaced today with a 3412. It's working great so far although FF and reverse are a bit different. I notice that it has an Ethernet 10/100 Base-T connection. Does anyone know if it is live? What happens if I connect it to my computer network. What does the network think it is? What useful things can I do with the STB when it's connected to the computer network?

Nothing at this point.

Not at all. This is a limitation of my TV. I have two HD inputs, component and DVI-D. When using either of these, the signal needs to be either 480p or 1080i. Anything else will not display.

Maybe your best bet is to try and conquer this issue. While it certainly may be true that your component input only accepts 480p and up, but it seems very odd.

Not at all. This is a limitation of my TV. I have two HD inputs, component and DVI-D. When using either of these, the signal needs to be either 480p or 1080i. Anything else will not display.

Since 480I is the standard, I think it is highly unlikely for it to not be able to handl 480I.

What Brand, Model number and year of MFC. & Screen Size.

Don't know all that much about the 3412, since I just got it. However, do know there would be a nice capability I'd like to have, if it's feasible, and that is to have the output go to an upstairs TV. In the "old days," I'd just pop out the tape, after taping a show, and take it upstairs to watch. Is there a way to run cables from the 3412, to send the recorded show upstairs (other than copying to VCR/DVD, and using that). What connections need to be made on either end? (I assume I'd also need some kind of RF controller, but that's another post!)

Hi
Ok i have a big problem with my dct 3412. my dvr is 70% full but when i got to my recordings to watch something it say "there are no listings currently available". i cant see any of my shows. they are not displayed. Also from the quick access menu the dvr option isnt there anymore. What should i do? thanks for any help. i tried unplugging it and still nothing.

Call Comcast and have them send a "hit" to it. It sounds like it's authorization to be a DVR has been lost.

Has anyone found that the Ethernet connection on their 3412 is active? If so, how have you connected to a home network using it?

Has anyone found that the Ethernet connection on their 3412 is active? If so, how have you connected to a home network using it?

The Ethernet connection (STB Cable Modem Output) is not currently used but will be enabled in the future so you can use the built in cable modem in the STB.

Connect your Router and connect your PC, Game System, Home system controller ect.

Once the Built in Modem is setup for the User in the STB, it will allow you to change your STB Settings and DVR recording settings via the Internet.

You will also be able to watch a program on the DVR on another STB that is connected in the House in a different room.

All these features are waiting on the OCAP Middleware to be added at the Head End ect....

The Ethernet connection (STB Cable Modem Output) is not currently used but will be enabled in the future so you can use the built in cable modem in the STB.

Connect your Router and connect your PC, Game System, Home system controller ect.

Once the Built in Modem is setup for the User in the STB, it will allow you to change your STB Settings and DVR recording settings via the Internet.

You will also be able to watch a program on the DVR on another STB that is connected in the House in a different room.

All these features are waiting on the OCAP Middleware to be added at the Head End ect....
Curses - foiled again...I was hoping that was an INput, not an OUTput, and that I could use it to send my PC audio/video to my PDP through the STB! Back to the drawing board! But, I can see that the features you listed could be useful in the future.

[QUOTE=Murphy]The outlet on the back of my 3412 is labelled "UNSWITCHED".
I suspect one of the cost reductions from the 6412 to the 3412 was to remove the AC switching circuitry. They either forgot to remove the setup entry for the outlet or both units (6412 and 3412) use the same software and it was too much trouble to handle it.[/QUOTE
My 3412 says"SWITCHED". However, setting it to SWITCHED on the cable box setup does not make any difference. Since the box never turns completely off like the digital non-DVR boxes, wouldn't this explain why the switched outlet stays on?

I'm trying to use a JVC HM-DH5U D-VHS recorder with the DCT 3412 to record HDTV. The 1394 interface appears to work fine (i.e. I get a video signal to my JVC 5U with only the 1394 connection). But there are no Motorola cable box codes listed in the JVC manual.

Does anyone know the Cable Box Brand Code for the DCT 3412?

And, will my JVC 5U be able to control the DCT 3412 through the IEEE 1394?

Does anyone know the Cable Box Brand Code for the DCT 3412?
Motorola bought General Instruments a few years ago and re-branded the boxes. Check for GI codes.

Motorola 48905 Signal Booster. Do a Google, they can be had here and there. I paid $50 for mine about 6 months ago.

Comcast put a free one in for me, albeit not a Moto branded one. Works fine. My RS one was starting to give troubles and when the tech saw it offered the replacement.

Well, I have been using a 3412 now for a number of months with no problem. Of course, it was my 4th DVR from Comcast...but, anyway, I have been working fine.

Then, within the last two weeks, as I watch recorded shows, the shows freeze and drop audio randomly. Then, they will sometimes freeze and stop playing. When I hit play to resume, the show starts from the beginning. I think the hard drive or controller card might be failing, because watching reulare TV is OK other than infrequent macro-blocking on one of the tuners.

So, I installed a second TV this past week - a Panny TH-42PWD8UK. Wanting to have a DVR attached to it., I asked Comcast to send out the 3412. The one that arrives is the new version with HDMI, no DVI. The Tech gets it all hooked up, tests signal strength, and all looks good. So, he leaves. About 10 minutes later, the box shuts down and reboots itself. It keeps doing this every couple of minutes, totally unwatchable. So, that day, I called Comcast and scheduled another visit to replace the box.

The tech came out today, Sunday, with my new 3412. Fired it up, initialized it and ran it for 10-15 minutes with no reboots. Great! Looking good! Then, after he leavs, I realize the box is making a very loud whirring sound. The hard drive is god-awful loud!

So, now I am faced with having to schedule another service call and have BOTH of my 3412s replaced. I will be approaching 10 different DVRs issued to me by Comcast. Incredibly frustrating...and, if Tivo had an HD alternative I would jump ship in a second...alas, I am stuck dealing with Comcast's technology.

What I do not understand is why each of these boxes is not quality tested before delivering it to someone's house?

Ugh...

pete

Comcast put a free one in for me, albeit not a Moto branded one. Works fine. My RS one was starting to give troubles and when the tech saw it offered the replacement.
At what point in your line do they install the Signal Booster? My outside box has one input from the street, of course, but then 3 outputs to my outlets. One of those runs outside, into the attic, then down the wall to the room outlet. THAT TV gets terrible reception, but the other 2 have no problem. Can I install a booster at the room outlet? Would it do any good, there, or does it need to be near the cable box on the outside of the house? Do I need to re-run the cable to the upstairs room, after the booster point? I have a splitter in the attic for that line, so I can have the TV in alternate rooms, so I imagine that's part of the problem (at least Comcast says it is!). I would love to install a booster WHEREVER, just to get that TV to get good reception!

At what point in your line do they install the Signal Booster? My outside box has one input from the street, of course, but then 3 outputs to my outlets. One of those runs outside, into the attic, then down the wall to the room outlet. THAT TV gets terrible reception, but the other 2 have no problem. Can I install a booster at the room outlet? Would it do any good, there, or does it need to be near the cable box on the outside of the house? Do I need to re-run the cable to the upstairs room, after the booster point? I have a splitter in the attic for that line, so I can have the TV in alternate rooms, so I imagine that's part of the problem (at least Comcast says it is!). I would love to install a booster WHEREVER, just to get that TV to get good reception!
I have a near identical setup to yours. These boosters are generally indoor usage only. While you want to keep it as close to the entry point as possible, it isn't always realistic that you can catch it before comcast splits it outside your house. I have one booster in my line just after it enters my house to feed the 1st floor televisions. I have a 2nd cable run outside my house, up to my attic to feed the 2nd floor. I have a second booster up in the attic, just before a 4-way splitter to each of the bedrooms. My cable modem is on the 2nd floor and wouldn't work before I put this booster in. My 3rd cable line is only used for analog tv and I do not boost it. The picture is pretty good, not to mention the biggest tv it feeds is 36".

I haven't really had any (well, not very much) trouble with the 3412. However this past weekend was a free Showtime/HBO weekend from Comcast, so I recorded a couple HD movies that I would never buy on DVD. I recorded White Noise, Mindhunters, and Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle.

White Noise recorded ok, but both Mindhunters and H&K appeared to have recorded (the lengths were correct and the available space reflected correctly), but neither would play. Basically they'd come up as a black screen, and you could not fast forward or really do anything.

Is this some kind of block they put on so you can't record these movies, or was it a glitch in the system?

It was only a Showtime free preview weekend. The HBO free preview was from March 17 to March 21. Were the movies that didn't record on HBO?

I haven't really had any (well, not very much) trouble with the 3412. However this past weekend was a free Showtime/HBO weekend from Comcast, so I recorded a couple HD movies that I would never buy on DVD. I recorded White Noise, Mindhunters, and Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle.

White Noise recorded ok, but both Mindhunters and H&K appeared to have recorded (the lengths were correct and the available space reflected correctly), but neither would play. Basically they'd come up as a black screen, and you could not fast forward or really do anything.

Is this some kind of block they put on so you can't record these movies, or was it a glitch in the system?
The HBO preview was 3/17 - 3/21. The Showtime preview is 3/31-4/9.

For Showtime, I've recorded HD versions of 'Sky Captain', 'SpongeBob', and 'Soul Plane'. I haven't watched all of them, but did check and there is at least something at the beginning. Being a Netflix user, I find little to watch on the premium channels and dropped my subscriptions to them years ago.

The HBO preview was 3/17 - 3/21. The Showtime preview is 3/31-4/9.

For Showtime, I've recorded HD versions of 'Sky Captain', 'SpongeBob', and 'Soul Plane'. I haven't watched all of them, but did check and there is at least something at the beginning. Being a Netflix user, I find little to watch on the premium channels and dropped my subscriptions to them years ago.

I believe White Noise was from the HBO preview, and H&K and Mindhunters were from Showtime. Sorry, I forgot about the dates.

Wait a second....Hmmm...I wonder if recorded them from "S-HD" which would have been Starz and not Showtime. I bet that's what happened....sonofa. Don't mind me....I think I got the channels mixed up.

I don't pay for these channels either since I tend to purchase used DVDs (buy 2 get 2 free from our video place).

[QUOTE=mproper]
Wait a second....Hmmm...I wonder if recorded them from "S-HD" which would have been Starz and not Showtime. I bet that's what happened....sonofa. Don't mind me....I think I got the channels mixed up.
QUOTE]

I did the exact same thing with Hitch this weekend. Unfortunately it took up 2 hours worth of disc space.

Motorola bought General Instruments a few years ago and re-branded the boxes. Check for GI codes.

Actually, they merged 6 years ago.

Actually, they merged 6 years ago.

The codes are the same for all Motorola DCT series STB.

I'd like to use the All-On button on my DCT3412 remote to turn on my TV without having to first press the TV button. However, since the DVR is usually already on, when using the All-On button, it turns on the TV, and shuts OFF the DVR.

Is this some kind of bug? Is there a way to make the All-On button do just that? It would be easier than having to always first press the TV button, and then the power button.

Am I missing something?

thanks,

A new 3412 user.

I have had my 3412 since Feb. 4 and have found a lot of useful info in this thread but have had little to add until now. PlasmaBob and I think a few others have been looking for a way to reprogram the All-on button to only turn off the TV and not the STB. While I have not been able to reprogram that particular button, I have managed to program another button to turn just the TV on and off (I used FAV). Here is the procedure I used:

1. press and hold the SETUP button until the red
light blinks twice, then release SETUP.

2. Enter 995

3. Press the button you want to program

4. Press the TV, POWER and CABLE buttons in sequence

5. press and hold the SETUP button until the red
light blinks twice, then release SETUP

Trivial question, I know, but is there a way to display the time on the 3412? In the old (pre-HD) days, the Comcast box would show the channel when you switched to another one, then immediately switch to time.

Trivial question, I know, but is there a way to display the time on the 3412? In the old (pre-HD) days, the Comcast box would show the channel when you switched to another one, then immediately switch to time.

Menu
Menu
setup
cable box setup
front LED display setting

Menu
Menu
setup
cable box setup
front LED display setting
Great...thanks! It would be nice to find a detailed users guide for this thing, and not just the normal operating procedures the marketing folks at Comcast put together.

Looked thru this thread and haven't found answer to the following: I have the 6412 III and want to use a D-VHS RECORDER to record only movies on the HBO HI DEF CHANNEL. Which recorder should I get that won't be unusable because of copy protection schemes. No pay per view, only HBO HI DEF. My 6412 is always full, and I don't want to rent 2 more of them if possible. The new Sony DVR's seem to risky as their hard drives can't be replaced if they fail, so I am going to keep the 6412 and just record to D-VHS. I would really appreciate any input as I totally lost. Thanks

Looked thru this thread and haven't found answer to the following: I have the 6412 III and want to use a D-VHS RECORDER to record only movies on the HBO HI DEF CHANNEL. Which recorder should I get that won't be unusable because of copy protection schemes. No pay per view, only HBO HI DEF. My 6412 is always full, and I don't want to rent 2 more of them if possible. The new Sony DVR's seem to risky as their hard drives can't be replaced if they fail, so I am going to keep the 6412 and just record to D-VHS. I would really appreciate any input as I totally lost. Thanks

Your only option is to record from the baseband or S-Video & Analog L/R Audio RCA connections on the STB. (non HD)

Looked thru this thread and haven't found answer to the following: I have the 6412 III and want to use a D-VHS RECORDER to record only movies on the HBO HI DEF CHANNEL. Which recorder should I get that won't be unusable because of copy protection schemes. No pay per view, only HBO HI DEF. My 6412 is always full, and I don't want to rent 2 more of them if possible. The new Sony DVR's seem to risky as their hard drives can't be replaced if they fail, so I am going to keep the 6412 and just record to D-VHS. I would really appreciate any input as I totally lost. Thanks
Unless you can record analog HD, you are probably out of luck. Most areas have 5C protection turned on for the premium channels, which prevents any digital recording other than to the built-in drive.

Unless you can record analog HD, you are probably out of luck. Most areas have 5C protection turned on for the premium channels, which prevents any digital recording other than to the built-in drive.

any D-vhs deck can record 5c copy once content (not VOD or PPV)

any D-vhs deck can record 5c copy once content (not VOD or PPV)
How do we know what the protection flag is set to for premium channels? I had heard it's set to "copy never", not "copy once".

How do we know what the protection flag is set to for premium channels? I had heard it's set to "copy never", not "copy once".

HBO has already told Cable providers that there content must never be allowed to record.

Most of the other Premium networks also have added this request.

Some TV networks are also working on this as well.

Unless you can record analog HD, you are probably out of luck. Most areas have 5C protection turned on for the premium channels, which prevents any digital recording other than to the built-in drive.

andyross63, Thanks for replying. It sounds like it is possible to record HBO-HD off the 6412III to a DVHS recorder that has a component input Provision. I hope I have interpreted this correctly. Now to find a DVHS recorder that has a componet input, or to have someone attempt to modify one to accept component input.

andyross63, Thanks for replying. It sounds like it is possible to record HBO-HD off the 6412III to a DVHS recorder that has a component input Provision. I hope I have interpreted this correctly. Now to find a DVHS recorder that has a componet input, or to have someone attempt to modify one to accept component input.
Good luck. Full-bandwidth, uncompressed transmission standards were never designed for recording --- in fact they were designed against it. The decoded signal at the end of a component, DVI, or HDMI cable can have throughput of over 1GB/s, making it overwhelming for any circuits to re-encode (to MPEG2, in the case of a DVHS recorder), or for a hard drive or tape to record the signal directly, saving it for later re-encoding.

The transmission over firewire is simply a re-transmission of the MPEG2-encoded data, so it's simply a matter of capturing the encoded bitstream and putting it to tape, not involving the decoding/re-encoding process that would be involved in capturing a component, DVI, or HDMI signal.

For that reason, I know consumer electronics are not supposed to have component inputs. While they do exist, I've only seen it in off brands, and I don't know about the quality of the implementation (the input could capture only a fraction of the incoming data, resulting in a loss in quality when recorded).

HBO has already told Cable providers that there content must never be allowed to record.

Most of the other Premium networks also have added this request.

Some TV networks are also working on this as well.

What's the status on HBO's petition with the FCC? I assumed their copy-never request had been shot down already.

My 3412 is having issues. The worst is when HD chanels seem to freez on a frame for extended periods of time. I can watch the show on SD usualy, but the HD channel nolong works. The other issue is astudering on SD channels. Usualy I can fix this with just changing th echannel using up/down button.

The HD channel freezing thing is more then anoying. Anyone have any idea what is going on there? Any fix? Any comcast box that does not do this that I can request?

My 3412 is having issues. The worst is when HD chanels seem to freez on a frame for extended periods of time. I can watch the show on SD usualy, but the HD channel nolong works. The other issue is astudering on SD channels. Usualy I can fix this with just changing th echannel using up/down button.

The HD channel freezing thing is more then anoying. Anyone have any idea what is going on there? Any fix? Any comcast box that does not do this that I can request?

Check your signal strength.

Set Both of the STB Tuners to a HD Ch.

Turn the STB to standby/off and press OK/Select on the remote within 2 sec.

Your now in the Diagnostic page.

Select the OOB Status Selection and write down the info you see.

Press OK/Select to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.

Now check the INBAND Status and write down that Info.

Press OK/Select to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.

Now Select the Current Channel Status page and Write down the Info for MPEG Video & Audio Lock for both tuners. (use the up/down arrow keys for the 2 tuners.

Press OK/Select to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.

Press Power to exit the Diagnostic Menu and Power again to turn the STB back on.

Now post all the info you wrote down and we can tell you if it is a signal problem.

Also please let us know if you have any splitters and where there located in the coax going from the Coax Entry point of the structure to the STB.

Posting this in the hope that it saves time for others ...

We have had a 3412 since January, many irritating small problems, not atypical of those posted here, but never any noticeable stutter.

Sunday night wanted to watch recorded Sat Night Live, so much stutter it was unwatchable. Noticeable stutter on 'live' HD broadcasts as well.

Called Comcast, had an unusually helpful CSR, he told me that Comcast had an open trouble ticket with Moto "3214 Sutter on w/ HD broadcasts", that I should exchange the box for a 6412.

I had unplugged/replugged the box several times to no avail. Became obessessed with this forum, eventually tried reset w/ firmware download procedure as per scanpa's awesome web site:

To reset the 62xx - 64xx STB follow these steps.

*** Be warned this will erase all STB Settings & Your Cable Account Info from the STB ***

*** This will not delete your DVR settings or Stored Shows on the Hard Drive. ***

Reset procedure

Step 1

Unplug Power Cord from STB.

Step 2

on the STB, Press & Hold {Power & Menu} Keys while plugging the Power Cord back into the STB.

The Display should now say (BOOT)

Step 3

Let Go of the {Power & Menu} Keys and press the up or down arrow keys till you see (n DL) on the Display.

Step 4

Push the {Select} Key To begin Downloading STB Firmware & Account Settings from your Cable Head End. Could take up to 20 min to download.

After it completes this Download the STB will Reset and then begin to download the Time setting info for the STB Clock & begin to populate the IGuide info. Keep your STB on Standby/Off to speed up the IGuide info download.
Could take up to 24 Hours to fill in all 2 weeks of IGuide info.

Not only did stuttering on live HD channels stop, but I could play back recorded content (like that Sat Night Live) with no stuttering as well.

Psyched.

How do we know what the protection flag is set to for premium channels? I had heard it's set to "copy never", not "copy once".

When watching over the firewire inputs, my TV will have the on-screen controls to change channel, record, etc. and will show the current channel as "Copy-One generation" or "Copy-never generation", etc. I dropped HBO a few months ago, but I seemed to remember it being only copy once, meaning you could copy it to DVHS. But that was before I got the dvhs, I had a firewire hooked up but no real reason to use it.

I am sure this has been covered here or is obvious, but I am unable to find it or firgure it out, sorry.

How do I get my 3412 to display the time rather than the channel on the front panel LCD?

Your help, as always, is appreciated.

I am sure this has been covered here or is obvious, but I am unable to find it or firgure it out, sorry.

How do I get my 3412 to display the time rather than the channel on the front panel LCD?

Your help, as always, is appreciated.

STB on

menu
menu
setup
Cable Box Setup
Front LED Display

:)

STB on

menu
menu
setup
Cable Box Setup
Front LED Display

:)

I did this but, when I am playing a show the LED displays PLA. Is there anyway to get it to show the time?

I did this but, when I am playing a show the LED displays PLA. Is there anyway to get it to show the time?

Not when playing a DVR Saved Program. Sorry..

Can someone explain how to change channels on the 3412 if/when one of the tuners is tuned to a channel being recorded?
I was recording Lost tonight, but nothing else on another tuner. When I tried changing channels it asked if I wanted to stop recording. The other tuner was free, so it should allow me to leave without problem - but it insisted on asking me what I wanted to do and wouldn't let me change channels.
I think I've read about this before, and I assume it is a bug, but what is the "easy" workaround to get off the channel? This is serously impacting the wife acceptance factor.
On a side note, when I tried another time, I forgot that the "yes/no" option is reversed from Media Center (which I normally use). So, when clicking the "no" option in Media Ceter, it means "no, I don't want to stop recording", whereas on the 3412 it means "no I don't want to record any more" - or something like that. Uggh. I've stopped a few recordings already accidentally.
Thanks for any hints.

Can someone explain how to change channels on the 3412 if/when one of the tuners is tuned to a channel being recorded?
I was recording Lost tonight, but nothing else on another tuner. When I tried changing channels it asked if I wanted to stop recording. The other tuner was free, so it should allow me to leave without problem - but it insisted on asking me what I wanted to do and wouldn't let me change channels.
I think I've read about this before, and I assume it is a bug, but what is the "easy" workaround to get off the channel? This is serously impacting the wife acceptance factor.
On a side note, when I tried another time, I forgot that the "yes/no" option is reversed from Media Center (which I normally use). So, when clicking the "no" option in Media Ceter, it means "no, I don't want to stop recording", whereas on the 3412 it means "no I don't want to record any more" - or something like that. Uggh. I've stopped a few recordings already accidentally.
Thanks for any hints.
Use the PIP SWAP button at the bottom of the controller...I was doing the same thing with Lost and American Idol.

Can someone explain how to change channels on the 3412 if/when one of the tuners is tuned to a channel being recorded?
I was recording Lost tonight, but nothing else on another tuner. When I tried changing channels it asked if I wanted to stop recording. The other tuner was free, so it should allow me to leave without problem - but it insisted on asking me what I wanted to do and wouldn't let me change channels.
I think I've read about this before, and I assume it is a bug, but what is the "easy" workaround to get off the channel? This is serously impacting the wife acceptance factor.
On a side note, when I tried another time, I forgot that the "yes/no" option is reversed from Media Center (which I normally use). So, when clicking the "no" option in Media Ceter, it means "no, I don't want to stop recording", whereas on the 3412 it means "no I don't want to record any more" - or something like that. Uggh. I've stopped a few recordings already accidentally.
Thanks for any hints.

If you do not have a swap button ( normaly the input/VCR button on the silver remote without the PIP buttons, and the PIP SWAP button on the silver remote with PIP at the bottom.) Then use this to program one.

How To Add A Tuner Swap Button
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the tuner swap command. The Motorola 6412 contains two tuners. Some versions of the "silver" remote lack the DVR-specific buttons, including the "swap" button that tells the 6412 to swap the "background" tuner (which can record but does not display on-screen) with the "foreground" tuner (the tuner that is actively displaying on your TV). A common use for this command is to switch to a tuner that is not currently recording a program in order to watch another live program.

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00236.
Press whatever button you want to map the tuner swap command to (ex: PiP Swap). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.
Note: This does not work on boxes with the Microsoft TV Foundation Interface (currently Washington State).

I am running my 3412 DVR through HDMI cable. Since the first day, I noticed that when I am turning on the TV/DVR the DVR is in the some strange of a “sleep” mode (just green screen). Comcast SCR was able to wake it up through their terminal, but the only way that I was able to turn wake it up was to plug and unplug the DVR.

The service guy observed it and said that I ruined DVR by placing DVD player on top. He did offered to give me a new one, which I declined because we had some shows on it which haven’t seen.

However, a few days later, I noticed that I can wake it up with-out unplugging it! All I have to do is to change video input! Apparently, HDMI cable sends some sort of a message from TV to the DVR which messes it up, causing it to do into this sleep mode.

So now, whenever this happens (most of the time). I just switch my video selection on the TV from DVR to DVD and then back to DVR, which wakes it up.

Is anyone else experiencing this problem with this DVR? But Comcast seems to be clueless to it…

I am running my 3412 DVR through HDMI cable. Since the first day, I noticed that when I am turning on the TV/DVR the DVR is in the some strange of a “sleep” mode (just green screen). Comcast SCR was able to wake it up through their terminal, but the only way that I was able to turn wake it up was to plug and unplug the DVR.

The service guy observed it and said that I ruined DVR by placing DVD player on top. He did offered to give me a new one, which I declined because we had some shows on it which haven’t seen.

However, a few days later, I noticed that I can wake it up with-out unplugging it! All I have to do is to change video input! Apparently, HDMI cable sends some sort of a message from TV to the DVR which messes it up, causing it to do into this sleep mode.

So now, whenever this happens (most of the time). I just switch my video selection on the TV from DVR to DVD and then back to DVR, which wakes it up.

Is anyone else experiencing this problem with this DVR? But Comcast seems to be clueless to it…


Simple solution is to NEVER turn the STB to the Standby mode. (off) The off/standby mode only puts the Audio / Video hardware into a sleep mode. The STB never stops working unless you unplug it.

The problem you are having is a conflict with software & Hardware. All you have to do is play a DVR recording to wake the system out of its sleep mode....

If you do not have a swap button ( normaly the input/VCR button on the silver remote without the PIP buttons, and the PIP SWAP button on the silver remote with PIP at the bottom.) Then use this to program one.

How To Add A Tuner Swap Button
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the tuner swap command. The Motorola 6412 contains two tuners. Some versions of the "silver" remote lack the DVR-specific buttons, including the "swap" button that tells the 6412 to swap the "background" tuner (which can record but does not display on-screen) with the "foreground" tuner (the tuner that is actively displaying on your TV). A common use for this command is to switch to a tuner that is not currently recording a program in order to watch another live program.

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00236.
Press whatever button you want to map the tuner swap command to (ex: PiP Swap). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.
Note: This does not work on boxes with the Microsoft TV Foundation Interface (currently Washington State).

Thanks for the help. Still don't completely understant why it does that, but...

I'm using a Harmony remote, so I'll have to check if I have the "Swap" button mapped anywhere.
Thanks much.

Harmony has both the Swap and 30 Second Skip functions in their database. You just need to map it to a place where it is convenient and where you will remember it. I added to the custom functions in the top display.

Just swapped my 6412 (pre phase III) for a 3412. The fan seems awfully loud. Is it supposed to be, or is mine defective?

Must be defective or something is stuck in the fan. I've had eight 3412's and I've yet to hear the fan in any of them.

Must be defective or something is stuck in the fan. I've had eight 3412's and I've yet to hear the fan in any of them.

Why 8?? Should I go back and try for a 6412III?

By the way, nothing is stuck in the fan (I blasted air through it and it's still loud). I'm wondering if this is a firmware issue?

I'm having ReplayTV deja vu.

I've had eight because there has been something wrong with every one of them. Comcast has told me they are aware that 6412's and 3412's desperately need firmware updates. The one I have now still has bugs, but I'm sick and tired of exchanging them.

In it's current form I think the 3412 is a POS. New firmware could and should improve it.

Great. So perhaps I waisted a trip to swap out my old unit.

Mine came with 12.22 firmware. I just did a reset (took an hour!), and it still downloaded 12.22 instead of 12.31.

In San Francisco, Comcast has been loading 12.31 to the 6412III. I'm one of the first to get the 3412, apparently.

Is there a good reason why they wouldn't be loading anything past 12.22 on the 3412 when they are on the 6412III?

I just had Comcast sevice installed in San Francisco, with a DCT3412 DVR.
A couple questions ....

a) The 3412 sends audio out thru the nomal RCA jacks, but I can't get audio out on
the optical audio out. I'm using a TOSLINK cable to a Denon AVR-5600 receiver.
I know the optical audio works on the Denon, because that's what I used from
my previous satellite box. I do notice the label on the optical out sayhs "SPIDIF",
which may not be supported on the Denon???? Or maybe Comcast disabled t
he optical audio out???

b) The DVR has a 120GB disk. Is there a way to replace it with a larger disk and
increase the hours of recording capacity?

c) Comcast didn't give me a manual on the DCT3412, and I can't find one on either
site or Motorola's. Any idea where I can download the manual?

I just had Comcast sevice installed in San Francisco, with a DCT3412 DVR.
A couple questions ....

a) The 3412 sends audio out thru the nomal RCA jacks, but I can't get audio out on
the optical audio out. I'm using a TOSLINK cable to a Denon AVR-5600 receiver.
I know the optical audio works on the Denon, because that's what I used from
my previous satellite box. I do notice the label on the optical out sayhs "SPIDIF",
which may not be supported on the Denon???? Or maybe Comcast disabled t
he optical audio out???

b) The DVR has a 120GB disk. Is there a way to replace it with a larger disk and
increase the hours of recording capacity?

c) Comcast didn't give me a manual on the DCT3412, and I can't find one on either
site or Motorola's. Any idea where I can download the manual?
a.) are you using HDMI?
b.) nope, it has encryption that will prohibit you from doing this, some motorola boxes support external hard drives via an external SATA or USB 2.0 interface.
c.) do a google or perhaps search this thread i'm not all that familiar with it.

I called Comcast about the firmware and loud fan. They're coming out to replace the unit in person (to purportedly make sure that I get a working unit); said the firmware should be 12.22(?).

The strangest part, though, is that even though the box says it's a 3412 on the front and bottom, they assure me it's a 6412III (even after me reading the serial number).

So now I get to spend a few hours on Sunday dealing with this. Oh boy.

Sometimes, when I'm in FF1 and then hit play, nothing happens. I can be holding the remote right next to the box and still nothing happens. It's as if the box is busy doing something else, and is ignoring the remote. Anyone else run into this problem? Any solutions? Thanks!

I have a 3412 connected to my Panasonic plasma with an HDMI cable. I have the analog outs of the TV connected to my two channel audio system. I noticed that if you change the audio setup options on the 3412 it actually changes the sound. So I set the sound to stereo instead of TV speakers. I assume TV speakers is compressed sound.

Blaine

Hello everyone,

I'm having a problem with my 3412 spontaneously deleting all of my stored shows as well as my series recordings list. This is the second time it's done this. I was out of town the first time so I can't confirm, but this time my box did not lose power and my box is plugged directly into the wall. I simply had stored shows last night and then today they are all gone. Can anybody tell me what's going on? Do I need to call Comcast and get yet another replacement box (I've also been having major tiling problems but I'm dealing with that)? Thank you in advance!

What are the "Copy Once" & "Copy Never" codes on the 6412III??
My JVC HM-DH40000U DVHS Recorder shows "Copy Retricted Program Output 480I (302) when I try to record on HBO-HD, ESPN-HD etc. when recording on my Comcast 6412III. The stb Current Channel Status shows= CCI:0x02 and the RC Flag: 0x00 . I have an additional JVC HM-DH5U dvhs recorder on order, but will have to refuse shipment if there is no way to record High Def programs other than to order another 6412. :confused:

What are the "Copy Once" & "Copy Never" codes on the 6412III??
My JVC HM-DH40000U DVHS Recorder shows "Copy Retricted Program Output 480I (302) when I try to record on HBO-HD, ESPN-HD etc. when recording on my Comcast 6412III. The stb Current Channel Status shows= CCI:0x02 and the RC Flag: 0x00 . I have an additional JVC HM-DH5U dvhs recorder on order, but will have to refuse shipment if there is no way to record High Def programs other than to order another 6412. :confused:
Info in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_DTCP.2F5C_is_Enabled

I'm having a problem with my 3412 spontaneously deleting all of my stored shows as well as my series recordings list. This is the second time it's done this. I was out of town the first time so I can't confirm, but this time my box did not lose power and my box is plugged directly into the wall. I simply had stored shows last night and then today they are all gone. Can anybody tell me what's going on? Do I need to call Comcast and get yet another replacement box (I've also been having major tiling problems but I'm dealing with that)? Thank you in advance!
Simply losing power shouldn't cause you to lose your recordings or settings. That normally happens with a DVR/HDD reset. The box will normally remember which menu entry you last used (either from the mini menu, or the full menu.) If you see it return to the first menu entry, you know it rebooted.

The only reason I can think of it deleting on it's own is if it detects corruption or problems with the drive and reformats it.

Having tiling/pixelation problems is probably a sign of a weak or noisy signal. That also can cause problems as the boxes sometimes will keep rebooting if they keep having signal problems.

Info in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_DTCP.2F5C_is_Enabled

andyross63 Thanks for the reply. Checked wikepedia, but they only show how to determine if 5c implementation is "on", but I haven't been able to find out how to tell if the 5c is "copy once" or "copy never" . Is there a way to determine this that you know of? As I understand their are only 3 methods of copy transmission: COPY FREELY, COPY ONCE, & COPY NEVER.

Many forum members state that you can copy SHOWTIME HD, ESPN HD etc to dvhs recorders in HI DEF. I wonder if any of them can use the Comcast 6412III to accomplish this? I just haven't been able to find out after reading over 300 pages in various threads. Many suggest it should be possible, but how?

andyross63 Thanks for the reply. Checked wikepedia, but they only show how to determine if 5c implementation is "on", but I haven't been able to find out how to tell if the 5c is "copy once" or "copy never" . Is there a way to determine this that you know of? As I understand their are only 3 methods of copy transmission: COPY FREELY, COPY ONCE, & COPY NEVER.

Many forum members state that you can copy SHOWTIME HD, ESPN HD etc to dvhs recorders in HI DEF. I wonder if any of them can use the Comcast 6412III to accomplish this? I just haven't been able to find out after reading over 300 pages in various threads. Many suggest it should be possible, but how?
It depends on how the 5c flags are set by YOUR LOCAL head end. Just because other users in other areas can record these channels doesn't necessarily mean that you can. Some cable markets don't even have any 5c restrictions.

I agree. It's hard to put a finger on it, but the HD pictures seem to have more motion-related artifacts and they just look thinner. FWIW, I am also using an HDMI/DVI converter.

Agreed. I swapped mine for a 3412 today and the analog channels look like absolute CRAP (like Tivo on their highest compression/lowest quality). It looks like I'm watching a SlingBox-transmitted show on my office PC.

The HD channels are much better than that but not as good at the 6412. They do seem to have a lot more compression and motion artifact.

Just got a new STB (3412) and the tech didn't change the output to 4:3 before leaving. I have an SDTV, but when I watch any HD channels, I see a letterboxed version. How do I change it. My other 2 STBs didn't do this. I saw the tech yesterday (yeah, they had to come out today and give me another box) make the switch.

I've gotten as far as accessing the diagnostics screen, but cannot figure out how to change the settings. I swear I've hit just about every button on the remote!

It's not a huge deal I guess, but I've been watching the HD channels since the quality is much better (both video and audio). I know I don't see all the HD content, but I'm still seeing the same amount of image as I would on an SD feed. I just don't like the letterboxed look.

Thanks,

Mark

P.S. Now when I turn off the unit, the Record light comes on, yet nothing is recording. Is this normal or is there another setting to change?

Figured it out!

Figured it out!

The record light is also the A/B RF bypass indicater (if you have it on in the settings..) when you put the STB in Standby mode. You should always leave the STB in the on mode as sometimes the STB will have problems getting the AV cards to wake from sleep mode correctly.

P.S. Now when I turn off the unit, the Record light comes on, yet nothing is recording. Is this normal or is there another setting to change?
Look through the iGuide menu settings for 'RF Bypass' or something like that and make certain it is OFF. The Record light used to have another meaning and the software can still trigger it for the wrong reason.

Hi,

I got my first DVR (3412) and had a couple questions:

1) The thing is loud, I am assuming cause it's constantly recording to cache to allow you to pause live tv...is there any way to shut this off? I don't really need any functionality on non-recorded shows if it means the thing would be quieter.

2) Channel changing is way slower than a normal STB, like 2-5 seconds. This just won't work for a channel-flipper like myself. Is this linked to the constant caching? Is there any way to resolve this at all?

Are all DVRs like this? Seems a bit disappointing.

Thanks

Sometimes, when I'm in FF1 and then hit play, nothing happens. I can be holding the remote right next to the box and still nothing happens. It's as if the box is busy doing something else, and is ignoring the remote. Anyone else run into this problem? Any solutions? Thanks!

I have experienced the same thing. However, the box does respond about 8 seconds later. If I press multiple keys while the box is not responding, all of those keys get executed 8 seconds later. The box acts as if its retarded, this is very annoying. Anyone experience this? I have reset the box and have downloaded firmware several times but this does not seem to go away. I have a 3412 series I.

Info in the Wikibook:
.../wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_DTCP.2F5C_is_Enabled

I'm not sure this is completely accurate. My RC Implementation Setting is always "0" no matter what channel either tuner is on, but certain channels are encrypted as "Copy Once", according to AVCVideoCap (the program I use to capture the video via FW on my Mac)... the "Copy Once" material cannot be played by any Media Player on my PC or Mac, but the "Copy Freely" material can (which is to be expected).

The frequent lack of DVR response to remote commands is common to the 3412 and 6412, with iGuide or Microsoft software. It is most likely a result of a Motorola real time operating system design which doesn't service the remote commands promptly or with high enough priority, but queues them up for (much) later response.

2) Channel changing is way slower than a normal STB, like 2-5 seconds. This just won't work for a channel-flipper like myself. Is this linked to the constant caching? Is there any way to resolve this at all?

It's slow because all video goes through the hard disk so you can pause live TV.

Instead of surfing the channels, bring up the guide and surf through the guide.
When you find something interesting select it to watch that program.

It's slow because all video goes through the hard disk so you can pause live TV.

Instead of surfing the channels, bring up the guide and surf through the guide.
When you find something interesting select it to watch that program.

Yeah, that's what I figured (and what I meant by 'caching') but I wanted to know if there was any way to turn that feature off to resolve both the noise issue and the channel changing delay, and only use the DVR for recording certain shows. Puasing/rewinding TV isn't a big deal to me.

Yeah, that's what I figured (and what I meant by 'caching') but I wanted to know if there was any way to turn that feature off to resolve both the noise issue and the channel changing delay, and only use the DVR for recording certain shows. Puasing/rewinding TV isn't a big deal to me.
Nope, you can't turn timeshifting off.

I was wondering if anyone knows, is there way with the DVR function to skip ahead an arbitrary amount, say 23 minutes? Is there a way to jump to a certain time in the program, like 45 min from the beginning? I can't see a way to do that in their docs. It's one of the things I miss from my Replay.

I was wondering if anyone knows, is there way with the DVR function to skip ahead an arbitrary amount, say 23 minutes? Is there a way to jump to a certain time in the program, like 45 min from the beginning? I can't see a way to do that in their docs. It's one of the things I miss from my Replay.
Nope.

bummer

Yeah, that's what I figured (and what I meant by 'caching') but I wanted to know if there was any way to turn that feature off to resolve both the noise issue and the channel changing delay, and only use the DVR for recording certain shows. Puasing/rewinding TV isn't a big deal to me.
You can't disable the buffering. The best you can do is put one tuner on a music channel (MusicChoice, DMX) to minimize the hard drive seeking, which causes most of the noise (chirping.) There will always be a bit of a whirring noise as the hard drive will ALWAYS be spinning. Some models also have a fan that runs when it starts to get too warm.

I ended up putting mine in a cabinet that has a glass front. I originally had the back open, but it still got warmer than I would like. I ended up sealing the back except for a fan I scavenged out of a PC power supply. Now it's mostly silent, exept for a little bit of a rumble from the fan when it's otherwise totally silent in the room.

How is the RF Bypass designed to work ?? I was hopeing that it would bypass all of the channels out the RF Output (RF Out = RF in). But my new 3412 box only has channel 4 which is the cable boxs output. I want to bypass the straight cable to my TV in case I want to watch something else while the 3412 is busy. I know I can use a 2 way splitter but I thought that the Bypass would also work.

How is the RF Bypass designed to work ?? I was hopeing that it would bypass all of the channels out the RF Output (RF Out = RF in). But my new 3412 box only has channel 4 which is the cable boxs output. I want to bypass the straight cable to my TV in case I want to watch something else while the 3412 is busy. I know I can use a 2 way splitter but I thought that the Bypass would also work.
Nope, the RF is designed to work only as an alternate output of the STB, not as a passthrough of the RF signal. You will need to implement a 2 way coaxial splitter to also use your TV's built in tuner.

How is the RF Bypass designed to work ?? I was hopeing that it would bypass all of the channels out the RF Output (RF Out = RF in). But my new 3412 box only has channel 4 which is the cable boxs output. I want to bypass the straight cable to my TV in case I want to watch something else while the 3412 is busy. I know I can use a 2 way splitter but I thought that the Bypass would also work.In the past RF bypass (if set to ON) would pass the cable signal through the STB's Coax Output when the STB was turned OFF. I have not gotten that to work since I've gone to a DVR even though RF Bypass is a set up option.
J

Nope, the RF is designed to work only as an alternate output of the STB, not as a passthrough of the RF signal. You will need to implement a 2 way coaxial splitter to also use your TV's built in tuner.

Then what is the Setup option for that allows you to turn on or off the Rf Bypass ?

Need some help with the Comcast 3412 hooked up to HP 5060N. I use the HDMI cable but I am not getting any audio. I swapped the HDMI (monster 600) out for another, comcast swapped the box out 3 times and HP actually sent me another plasma after I told them I tried the cable and box exchanges. Same problem.

I think it is the DCT 3412. The component connections work fine. The HDMI connection will get audio on 402p/i channels only. No audio for HD channels. The other thing I notice is the menu on the DCT has a DVI option but there is no DVI connector on this box?!

I tried to hook up separate audio cables with the HDMI connection but the DCT isn't sending audio out when the box is set to HDMI. If you put the box in DVI mode w/the HDMI cable and audio cable, you do get sound in HD but the video is garbage as expected.

HP support said the Plasma supports both HDMI 1.2 and 2.0 protocol and they insist the problem is with their set. I agree after getting 2 of them in the last week. The problem with Comcast is they don't have any other boxes in this area other than the DCT 3412. I am tempted to buy a DVD w/HDMI to prove the TV HDMI is ok but I trying to avoid that. Thanks for any suggestions.

Then what is the Setup option for that allows you to turn on or off the Rf Bypass ?
Probably because they are too lazy to remove it.

Need some help with the Comcast 3412 hooked up to HP 5060N. I use the HDMI cable but I am not getting any audio. I swapped the HDMI (monster 600) out for another, comcast swapped the box out 3 times and HP actually sent me another plasma after I told them I tried the cable and box exchanges. Same problem.

I think it is the DCT 3412. The component connections work fine. The HDMI connection will get audio on 402p/i channels only. No audio for HD channels. The other thing I notice is the menu on the DCT has a DVI option but there is no DVI connector on this box?!

I tried to hook up separate audio cables with the HDMI connection but the DCT isn't sending audio out when the box is set to HDMI. If you put the box in DVI mode w/the HDMI cable and audio cable, you do get sound in HD but the video is garbage as expected.

HP support said the Plasma supports both HDMI 1.2 and 2.0 protocol and they insist the problem is with their set. I agree after getting 2 of them in the last week. The problem with Comcast is they don't have any other boxes in this area other than the DCT 3412. I am tempted to buy a DVD w/HDMI to prove the TV HDMI is ok but I trying to avoid that. Thanks for any suggestions.

You must have Firmware 12.18 or lower. This problem is a HDMI driver issue with the STB.

Firmware 12.22 and up fixes this problem. Until you get the upgraded firmware you will need to use Component Video Cables and either of the 2 Digital Audio out jacks for your DD5.1 Audio signal.

the firmware is 12.22.

Ok, this might be a dumb question about recording on the DCT3412, but I can't figure it out:

I want it to record the Tonight Show every night. But if I set it to record all it records BOTH the 11:35pm one as well as the 2:30am re-broadcast. Does anyone know how I can set it to record ONLY the 11:35pm one? I tried, "First run only" but that doesn't change anything because the re-broadcast is not marked as a re-run.

Hello, I could use some help. I have the DCT 3412 DVR (Only because their cable card has major issues) and now I can't use my TV's closed caption. I figured out how to turn CC on in the 3412's main menu, accessed when box is off.
The problem is I can't just turn CC on and off as needed because I must shut the box off, and if you are recording another show forget it.
I contacted comcast customer service twice and both times I was told that the box doesn't support CC.
Can someone please give me some ideas? It seems every show or movie I watch any more I can tell when someone is going to say something really important, because they whisper it.
However I do like cranking up my receiver to hear, then watching my friends have heart attacks when the next sound is something like a shotgun.

the firmware is 12.22.

I'm having the same problem on my Pioneer PDP-4360HD...I'm going to swap out the Cable Box tomorrow but bassed on your luck I doubt it will be helpful. I think my firmware is 12.43 or something like that?

Hello, I could use some help. I have the DCT 3412 DVR (Only because their cable card has major issues) and now I can't use my TV's closed caption. I figured out how to turn CC on in the 3412's main menu, accessed when box is off.
The problem is I can't just turn CC on and off as needed because I must shut the box off, and if you are recording another show forget it.
I contacted comcast customer service twice and both times I was told that the box doesn't support CC.
Can someone please give me some ideas? It seems every show or movie I watch any more I can tell when someone is going to say something really important, because they whisper it.
However I do like cranking up my receiver to hear, then watching my friends have heart attacks when the next sound is something like a shotgun.
It definitely supports CC - I had it on just the other day. But, what I was trying to do was make it work like my old setup (digital STB, with Panny CRT TV) so when I hit Mute (like when wife was on phone!) (no jokes about which Mute button I was hitting!)...anyway, when I used to hit Mute, the CC would show up. Now, I have the 3412, and NEC PDP, and so far I have only been able to get CC all the time, or not at all. Perhaps it was just the Panny that allowed the preferred way, but I can't tell. Has anyone else been able to set up CC with the 3412 to do this?

Ok, this might be a dumb question about recording on the DCT3412, but I can't figure it out:

I want it to record the Tonight Show every night. But if I set it to record all it records BOTH the 11:35pm one as well as the 2:30am re-broadcast. Does anyone know how I can set it to record ONLY the 11:35pm one? I tried, "First run only" but that doesn't change anything because the re-broadcast is not marked as a re-run.
I have the same issue. I ended up creating a VCR-style manual recording that just records M-F. This means it will also record repeats, but Leno is a workaholic, so they are not often.

To create a manual recording, MENU/DVR/DVR Schedule/Create a Manual Recording. Set the start and end times and the FIRST day to start recording, click Confirm. Pick the channel. Select 'Recording Options' (wrench icon) on the next screen and change Repeat Recording to Mon-Fri. Make any other changes you want and save it. The drawback to these recordings is they will show in your recordings list as just a date and time, not a program name. When you start the recording, you can use the INFO button to get information on the program. Also, it will not follow the program if it moves, such as starting late due to sports or awards shows. You can have it add additional time to the end to cover that possiblity.

Thanks Andy,

That's a great workaround and I'll use that until Comcast figures something out. I had not thought of using Manual Record. I thought maybe I was missing something silly because it seems like an odd thing for it to do; record the same show over and over. That manual record thing should solve my problem though.

Thanks again!

The Whole Home sounds great and is what I want most. I heard it won't be ready for a very long time.

Maybe; maybe not. Depends on what you mean by Whole House Setup. Most of the components for the setup *are* ready (the STBs are already shipping and available, and you can add both Washington, DC and Prince George's County, MD to the list of DCT-34xx cities, as both have ADS online). The DCT-3412 actually has RF-out? (This is new with an HD STB, as the DCT-6xxx lacks RF outputs.) Also, the DCT-3412, like the DCT-6412, includes a 120 GB Maxtor SATA internal HD. (There is also the DCT-3416 and DCT-6416, both with 160 GB drives; a modified version of the DCT-6416 is used by Verizon FIOS TV as *their* HD DVR box.)

Excellent answer. Comcast should solicit their customers to find out what they really want. For me, this is it. Their DVR is far from perfect but it does an adequate job. Hopefully the i-Guide will see continual improvements and the upcoming TiVo guide will be as good as the standalone and DirecTV versions.

My area has VOD, CDV, ADS, DVR, and HSI. The infrastructure is complete. Now it is time to add additional features like "Whole Home". Imagine the possibilities once Comcast can reclaim all of the useless Analog Bandwidth!

ADS is the biggie. Usually ADS and CDV are deployed close together. NJ and PA are well underway. The Washington, DC cluster (DC, PG, Montgomery, City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Reston, Prince William County, Manassas) is just getting into high gear. First hints of ADS will be the Great Analog STB Recall (those of you that have analog STBs will see them replaced with digital STBs, usually the DCT-25xx series).

The government doesn't have to care about cable and satellite subscribers. They want to turn off analog OTA TV, so they have to mitigate its impact on OTA users. Besides, most name brand TVs that have the mandated ATSC tuners can also tune QAM. Most of those also have CableCard. Once the MFG puts an ATSC tuner the incremental cost of QAM/CableCard is not that much. The more ridiculous thing is how much cable companies charge to rent a CableCard. In my mind there is no way they can justify charging the same rental fee for a CableCard as an entire HD (non-pvr) cable-box, but in most cases that's the way it is.

- Mike

Actually, Comcast charges *nothing* for CableCARD leases in most areas. Here in Prince George's County, MD, both the installation fee and monthly lease fee are, in fact, *zero*. There *is* a fee for Comcast HD Extended Basic ($5.00 monthly), but this is for non-OTA HD channels that are not part of another tier (Discovery HD Theater, CSN-HD in the Philadelphia/Baltimore/Washington, DC areas, ESPN-HD, TNT-HD, etc.), as OTA HD channels are free. The HD STB owners gets charged an additional $5.00 monthly lease fee.

I just did a quick survey of HDTVs.

* Every current model Sony Integrated HDTV (with ATSC tuner) (except 70" Grand Wega XBR which is an old model) has a CableCARD slot.
* Every current Mitsubishi Integrated Set is Digital Cable Ready (with CableCARD slot). Mitsubishi has also had unencrypted QAM tuning since their first ATSC integrated TV.
* Every current Samsung DLP HDTV is Digital Cable Ready and 6 of 9 Samsung Plasmas are DCR. 3 of 5 Samsung LCD TVs with ATSC are DCR.

So, Digital Cable Ready with CableCARD is now in the majority of integrated HDTVs.

I've never heard of free CableCARDs from Comcast. I've heard of $5 to $10 per month. I might pay $5 but $10 is ridiculous. I've never asked for one from my local franchise because I haven't had their service since CableCARD came out and I don't have a new set. However, the office is just down the street from my house so I'm inclined to go ask.

Back to the topic of "free boxes" and STB fees. The only reason I tolerate the $5/mo reciever fee from D* is that their basic monthly is low enough that it's still cheaper than cable. I hated the STBs from Comcast. Mostly because of the terrible IR receiver on the DCT2000 that missed Tivo channel changes. Obviously a 3412 would not have that kind of problem, but I won't go back to Comcast until and unless they have Tivo software on their boxes and the total monthly costs (including STB & DVR fees) are competitive with DirecTV. I currently have 2 SD-DirecTivos and record HD OTA on my HTPC.

- Mike

I live in Prince George's County, MD (Washington, DC cluster, Atlantic Region), and our monthly CableCARD lease fee has always been zero. In fact, our current digital VOD-capable STB monthly lease fee just dropped to $3.50 per month (from $4.25 per month) as ADS has been deployed (and thus analog STBs are being recalled). $3.50 per month fee was the old analog STB fee (Motorola Impulse), so we actually got a feature upgrade for no additional money. The new VOD-ready STB is the DCT-2500 (which replaced the troublesome DCT-2000 and newer DCT-2200 series). The DCT-2500 is also TiVO-ready. From what I see, you like the Tivo *service*, which also has a separate monthly fee (which is how much a month?); my issues with the DCT-2000 had to do with bad picture quality (which the DCT-2200 fixed). I had *no* trouble with the old tan EPG in the DCT-2xxx/22xx; however, the i-Guide in the DCT-2500 does look a lot nicer. What I *dislike* about Tivo (as a service) is that it is telco-return (which means putting a Tivo box where there is no phone jack is a non-starter). We don't have a phone jack in the one room that has an STB (and the only two rooms that have both cable TV and phone service have the jacks on widely separate walls). Lastly, both DBS services are geared toward four TVs and fewer; we have six TVs and a PC receiving Comcast cable TV and two PCs connected with CHSI (yes; one PC has both). DSL is not an option, and FIOS has not been deployed in this part of the county yet.

I still have one of them. It's big advantage for Tivo users is that it has a serial port that the Tivo can control, which is much better than using I/R.. I use a Tivo as a backup for the occassional surprises that the 6412 produces.

What is the more current non-HD digital stb that Comcast is deploying?

It's a variant on the DCT-2500. It's smaller, has a quieter fan, but has all the same features as the other DCT-2xxx series. This one is often deployed as the base VOD STB in ADS areas (upgrade from the DCT-711). I have one here (it was a straight-up replacement for an *analog* Motorola Impulse when Comcast of Prince George's County went ADS) connected to the only non-cable-ready TV in the house.

I live in Prince George's County, MD (Washington, DC cluster, Atlantic Region), and our monthly CableCARD lease fee has always been zero.
except for you, the prices I 've seen cited for cables cards from Comcast on the avs forums range from $2 to $6...every month!

A simple question: Do I trade in my 6412 for a 3412? I live in San Francisco and my cable guy told me the local office "probably" has 3412s now. Given that I've gotten used to the fantastically irritating bugs of the 6412 would I simply be "upgrading" to new bugs with the 3412? Also, is the all-digital output of the 3412 worth swapping the boxes? Thanks for any help.

Considering the only difference between the 3412 and 6412 is the absence of an analog output I don't see the point. Each STB has its quirks.

A simple question: Do I trade in my 6412 for a 3412? I live in San Francisco and my cable guy told me the local office "probably" has 3412s now. Given that I've gotten used to the fantastically irritating bugs of the 6412 would I simply be "upgrading" to new bugs with the 3412? Also, is the all-digital output of the 3412 worth swapping the boxes? Thanks for any help.

Unless you are having serious problems with the 6412 I would not trade it in. The 3412 is having many of the same problems and it seems to be as idiosyncratic to the particular box as with the 6412. So, it is entirely possible that you will trade it in and get an even worse functioning box.

I would wait until Comcast handles most/all of the most serious bugs (if that day will even come) before I changed. I still have a phase 1 6412 that I got in November of 2004. It works well and I see no reason to risk a change to a box with problems.

Bruce

A simple question: Do I trade in my 6412 for a 3412? I live in San Francisco and my cable guy told me the local office "probably" has 3412s now. Given that I've gotten used to the fantastically irritating bugs of the 6412 would I simply be "upgrading" to new bugs with the 3412? Also, is the all-digital output of the 3412 worth swapping the boxes? Thanks for any help.
Which version 6412 do you have? (See the link in my .sig below.) The 6412 Phase III (with HDMI) uses the same firmware as the 3412, and has many of the same bugs.

You also need to clarify which bugs you are having problems with. Many bugs are i-Guide bugs, and all x412's will have the same problem.

Thanks, guys. The problems I have are with i-Guide, of course, but also with periodic slowness of response to remote commands. Hit 'play' on a recorded program and it takes 5-10 seconds to start, the same when I try to rewind or fast-forward, delete (and wait endlessly for the confirmation screen), etc. Sometimes turning the box off and on helps, other times it just seems to fix itself if I leave the damn thing alone long enough.

The main reason I asked is that my cable guy said that the 3412 would dramatically improve the reception quality I'd get on non-digital channels. In his words, "all of the channels will look as good as the digital channels." True? Thx.

The main reason I asked is that my cable guy said that the 3412 would dramatically improve the reception quality I'd get on non-digital channels. In his words, "all of the channels will look as good as the digital channels." True? Thx.
All of the channels on a 3412 are digital. It doesn't have an analog tuner.
(They simulcast the analog channels on digital channels).

except for you, the prices I 've seen cited for cables cards from Comcast on the avs forums range from $2 to $6...every month!

I popped into the Comcast office in SF today and asked about adding a cable card to my account. I was told that it would be treated as an additional receiver and, as such, would add $6.95 to my monthly bill. In addition, they're not given to customers over-the-counter and have to be installed by a technician at a cost of $15.99.

~Ky

A simple question: Do I trade in my 6412 for a 3412? I live in San Francisco and my cable guy told me the local office "probably" has 3412s now. Given that I've gotten used to the fantastically irritating bugs of the 6412 would I simply be "upgrading" to new bugs with the 3412? Also, is the all-digital output of the 3412 worth swapping the boxes? Thanks for any help.

The SF office does indeed have them available. Whether you should upgrade or not is a moot point. I'd say that the "analogue" channels look cleaner but doubtless there are those who would disagree. I can't comment on differences in bugs as I've never used a 6412, but there are certainly some issues with a 3412.

~Ky

The SF office does indeed have them available. Whether you should upgrade or not is a moot point. I'd say that the "analogue" channels look cleaner but doubtless there are those who would disagree. I can't comment on differences in bugs as I've never used a 6412, but there are certainly some issues with a 3412.

~Ky

I wish I still had my phase 1 6412 :(

I just upgraded from a moto-6200 non dvr HD box to the 3412 and I swear ALL the channels look much better . I am very pleased, so far anyway.

-Ken

I just upgraded from a moto-6200 non dvr HD box to the 3412 and I swear ALL the channels look much better . I am very pleased, so far anyway.

-Ken
The 3412 is a digital box only, so you are actually watching DIFFERENT SD channels than the analog ones the 6400 received.

The 3412 is a digital box only, so you are actually watching DIFFERENT SD channels than the analog ones the 6400 received.

Actually that's not true as my 6200 had already been mapped to the ADS channels quite a while ago.

-Ken

The remote for my 3412 gives spotty performance. At 10 feet whether the signal connects is a 50/50 hit or miss. Is this characeristic of these remotes or do I have a bad one?

Can someone kindly point me in the direction of how to map a cable box mute button to my remote? Nothing drives me more crazy then having to go online, find the remote manual, unlock the volume, un-mute the stupid box, and then lock the volume again.

Thanks :)

ah thanks, "009" and "010" do work. i wonder why 9 then the enter button doesn't work though?
Because "Auto Tune" is set to OFF in the Settings.

Can someone kindly point me in the direction of how to map a cable box mute button to my remote? Nothing drives me more crazy then having to go online, find the remote manual, unlock the volume, un-mute the stupid box, and then lock the volume again.


The mute code:

Click here or just use the search feature on this forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6955391&highlight=mute+code#post6955391)

Page #16 of this forum.

The mute code:

Click here or just use the search feature on this forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6955391&highlight=mute+code#post6955391)

Page #16 of this forum.

threads are so big, and so confusing that it's easier for me to ask someone who has the knowledge to kindly take a few seconds out of their day to help.

Thank you very much for doing so!

Thanks, guys. The problems I have are with i-Guide, of course, but also with periodic slowness of response to remote commands. Hit 'play' on a recorded program and it takes 5-10 seconds to start, the same when I try to rewind or fast-forward, delete (and wait endlessly for the confirmation screen), etc. Sometimes turning the box off and on helps, other times it just seems to fix itself if I leave the damn thing alone long enough.

I think the 3412 is just as bad as the 6412 in terms of responsivness. My PLAY button on my universal remote is starting to wear out from all of the times I frantically push it to get the STB to respond to me. VERY VERY annoying! Especially when I'm FF at the fastest speed... sometimes I watch the whole show whizz by me before I can regain control. :mad:

Can someone kindly point me in the direction of how to map a cable box mute button to my remote? Nothing drives me more crazy then having to go online, find the remote manual, unlock the volume, un-mute the stupid box, and then lock the volume again.
Go to the Wikibook (link in my .sig below), and then go to the Remotes page.

The remote for my 3412 gives spotty performance. At 10 feet whether the signal connects is a 50/50 hit or miss. Is this characeristic of these remotes or do I have a bad one?
we just got Comcast service, and have significant trouble with the remote (or the 3412 response)...not only do you have to point accurately at 8 feet away, often the thing gets locked up when you're playing back recordings...usually it clears up after a minute or two, but sometimes you just have to turn it off and start over again...screwy!

Hi there all... I'm brand new to the HD scene. I have a new 2006 Samsung 61" DLP ordered and on the way in a couple weeks. I have a couple questions that maybe you could help me with. (thanks in advance!)

First, I currently just pay for Comcast Cable high-speed internet, so with that I get a few locals and other channels for "free" since I pay for cable internet. My plans were just to keep things the way they are, and use my new TV to receive OTA channels using it's QAM Tuner. I've gathered from reading Detroit HD threads on AVS, which channels I can expect to get for free, in HD. (ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, TNT, and maybe WB, UPN, and PBS)

My main question is: is there any way for me to receive these channels in 5.1 Surround Sound, without subscribing to Comcast Digital Cable? Is it possible to rent a cable box from Comcast, without paying for any channels? (i.e. - just pay like $5 or $10 or whatever it costs to just rent the cable box, so I can use it for 5.1 surround (possibly), or might this not provide me with 5.1 since I'm not "paying" for the the digital cable package of channels?

Also, my next question is, would renting the HD cable box from Comcast (if that's even possible in my above example) allow me to have any DVR capabilities with the HD channels, and also, is it possilbe for me to buy a cablebox/DVR box thing on my own and not rent from comcast. If it's possible to buy one on my own, would that allow for 5.1 surround, and DVR? (what would I be able to do with it?)

If I can buy my own, does anybody have any suggestions on what to get, and what it might cost?

Again, thanks so much for reading.... any help you could point in my direction would be great.

Thanks!

Hi there all... I'm brand new to the HD scene....

You should be receiving local OTA broadcasts in 5.1 if the network is broadcasting in 5.1. It shouldn't have anything to do with digital cable. Your tv's qam tuner will have a digital audio output that you can run to your stereo to decode 5.1.
If you decide to rent, the cable box is usually about $5/month and the dvr cable box is about $10/month. No clue if they will let you rent a box without paying for any service, but it sounds like a long shot.

Is there a way to customize the program guide on a 3412? I would like to remove unwanted channels.

My plans were just to keep things the way they are, and use my new TV to receive OTA channels using it's QAM Tuner.


Over the air reception requires an ATSC tuner.

we just got Comcast service, and have significant trouble with the remote (or the 3412 response)...not only do you have to point accurately at 8 feet away, often the thing gets locked up when you're playing back recordings...usually it clears up after a minute or two, but sometimes you just have to turn it off and start over again...screwy!

This may sound stupid, but I had the same problem until I changed the bateries for new copper tops. After that I could point it any direction in the room and it worked great.

avnstf, I don't know if this is the same problem I have or not, if it is let me know, and I'll check out the fix anyone gives you for MY issue.

ANYtime it seems I play back a DVR recording, when I try to fast forward, or pause, or rewind, or ANY command, there is a delay. On rare occasions its a delay of a few seconds. Usually, however, when I'm fastforwarding through commercials the delay is so long I end up having to rewind again. Last night, the delay was over a minute long, the unit wouldn't even power off.

Then, always, at the end of the delay, its like the floodgate holding back my commands bursts and they all get executed in rapid succession. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Over the air reception requires an ATSC tuner.

from what I've read it requires a QAM tuner. Not sure what you mean by ATSC. maybe they're the same thing.