I just got a reconditioned 3412. I have had a 6412 for 22 months now, since the first day they were available to consumers. The 6412 recordings were just stopping, then black screen, then I would have to stop the recording. Probably a defrag issue.

Now I get a 3412. Set it to output 480i and HD in 1080i. Since then, no menu or guide or channel labels show, either in HD or SD. I need to try to reset the settings first, then try the unplug/replug thing that always seems to help Motorolas. My RPT does not do 720P, so if this doesn't help, it's exchange time again... Has anybody seen this? :eek:

On the 3412, where do you even go to set the output resolution? I have Comcast and didn't see it in the setup menus.

I've gone through THREE 3412's with the local Comcast here in Bellevue/Redmond, and so far all of them have had the "spontaneous reboot" issue.

So far I haven't been able to track down any precise circumstances, but at least 90% of the time there is some hard drive activity going on (recording a show, recording 2 shows, etc). Today it rebooted as a show was just starting to be recorded. I hadn't touched the remote or anything, it just did it all by itself. Display went blank, displayed "8888" (all digits), then showed "----", then got over it. Whole process took almost 2 minutes.

On the 3412, where do you even go to set the output resolution? I have Comcast and didn't see it in the setup menus.

With the STB off, press the menu button to access the user settings.

I've gone through THREE 3412's with the local Comcast here in Bellevue/Redmond, and so far all of them have had the "spontaneous reboot" issue.

So far I haven't been able to track down any precise circumstances, but at least 90% of the time there is some hard drive activity going on (recording a show, recording 2 shows, etc). Today it rebooted as a show was just starting to be recorded. I hadn't touched the remote or anything, it just did it all by itself. Display went blank, displayed "8888" (all digits), then showed "----", then got over it. Whole process took almost 2 minutes.

It is a signal strength problem on the OOB tuner of the STB.

Have you checked your signal strength via the STB diagnostic menu?

with the STB on, do the following:

1) Power the STB off and press ok/select within 2-3 sec.

2) look in the OOB menu & then check the on band tuner signal strength.

If they are anything other then Good, you have a problem. Digital signals are either there or not there.

If the OOB tuner is unable to talk & recieve signals from the Headend, it will cause the STB to keep rebooting.

make sure you have no splitters on the line to the stb.

I just got a reconditioned 3412. I have had a 6412 for 22 months now, since the first day they were available to consumers. The 6412 recordings were just stopping, then black screen, then I would have to stop the recording. Probably a defrag issue.

Now I get a 3412. Set it to output 480i and HD in 1080i. Since then, no menu or guide or channel labels show, either in HD or SD. I need to try to reset the settings first, then try the unplug/replug thing that always seems to help Motorolas. My RPT does not do 720P, so if this doesn't help, it's exchange time again... Has anybody seen this? :eek:

What type of connection are you using from the STB to the TV/Monitor ?

It is a signal strength problem on the OOB tuner of the STB.

Have you checked your signal strength via the STB diagnostic menu?

Interesting idea. The cable installer put in a second splitter (second?!) when he put the line in. I took it out and got "good" signal levels for both without the splitter, and ... well, with it also. Though the SNR was a little better without it, which makes sense. I'll give it a few days and see what happens, and return with results.

More info: connected to a Sony A2000 via HDMI, with the "first" (and now only) splitter shooting a coax line off for cable internet.

Thanks for the tip! Comcast has been saying its an overheating problem, but when they check the temps and errors in the box they say "but it hasn't overheated"... and aren't connecting the dots.

I've gone through THREE 3412's with the local Comcast here in Bellevue/Redmond, and so far all of them have had the "spontaneous reboot" issue.

So far I haven't been able to track down any precise circumstances, but at least 90% of the time there is some hard drive activity going on (recording a show, recording 2 shows, etc). Today it rebooted as a show was just starting to be recorded. I hadn't touched the remote or anything, it just did it all by itself. Display went blank, displayed "8888" (all digits), then showed "----", then got over it. Whole process took almost 2 minutes.

There definitely is a problem with the 12.35 firmware downloaded to (some) 3412 boxes in the last month, at least in Washington. Tuesday I called Comcast and the CSR was well aware of the problem. She said they had a fix, and it was to roll back the firmware to 12.31, which she initiated for me. Since then I've had no rebooting. (In addition to the firmware, the Microsoft guide version reverted from 25145S to 25129S.)

Comcast has been saying its an overheating problem, but when they check the temps and errors in the box they say "but it hasn't overheated"... and aren't connecting the dots.

Call Comcast and ask them to roll the @#$%^&* 12.35 firmware back to 12.31. I don't know why they'd point at the hardware when they know it's a firmware problem.

For the second time in 7 days, I've had to reboot my 3412 (one was because box crashed...surprise, surprise...and the other due to a power outage). Last week when the box crashed, the ENTIRE box was reset -- all of the recordings were deleted, all of the Series Recording settings were gone, and all of the customizations (i.e. guide color, bar width, etc.) were back to the defaults. Tonight we had a power outage and when the power came back, all of my recordings were again deleted. I went to go see if the Series Recordings were deleted as well and low and behold, there's no more DVR menu!!! It's not in the Quick Menu and it's not in the Main Menu. There is absolutely no way for me to see my recording schedule and series priority list. Also, there's no 'HD' menu item like there was before. I looked at the Software/Firmware version and it says 71.44-1203 and 12.31 respectively. However, the Menu looks like it did before we even got HD (over 2 years ago).

Any thoughts?

Now I get a 3412. Set it to output 480i and HD in 1080i. Since then, no menu or guide or channel labels show, either in HD or SD. I need to try to reset the settings first, then try the unplug/replug thing that always seems to help Motorolas. My RPT does not do 720P, so if this doesn't help, it's exchange time again... Has anybody seen this? :eek:
Just how are you connected? When the box is outputting HD on the HDMI/DVI/component connections, you will NOT see graphics on the composite/S-Video/RF outputs. If you have multiple connections to your TV, make certain the TV is set to the HD video, and not one of the SD-only (RF/composite/S-Video) connections.
You may want to double-check the information in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

So I decided to do a Master Reset and re-authorize the box. After it downloaded the software/firmware, everything is back to normal. Firmware/Software versions are the same. Very wierd. Of course I still lost all of my recorded programs and Series Recording settings.

The S3 Tivo is starting to look like it's worth the $800...


For the second time in 7 days, I've had to reboot my 3412 (one was because box crashed...surprise, surprise...and the other due to a power outage). Last week when the box crashed, the ENTIRE box was reset -- all of the recordings were deleted, all of the Series Recording settings were gone, and all of the customizations (i.e. guide color, bar width, etc.) were back to the defaults. Tonight we had a power outage and when the power came back, all of my recordings were again deleted. I went to go see if the Series Recordings were deleted as well and low and behold, there's no more DVR menu!!! It's not in the Quick Menu and it's not in the Main Menu. There is absolutely no way for me to see my recording schedule and series priority list. Also, there's no 'HD' menu item like there was before. I looked at the Software/Firmware version and it says 71.44-1203 and 12.31 respectively. However, the Menu looks like it did before we even got HD (over 2 years ago).

Any thoughts?

Has anyone here heard about how to change the digital audio output of the 3412 from 5.1 to stereo? My Monarchy Model 24 DAC only works in stereo. I live in the Seattle area and use Comcast.

Menu/Settings/Audio Options/Stereo

Menu/Settings/Audio Options/Stereo

The above only work with the analog outputs.

Has anyone here heard about how to change the digital audio output of the 3412 from 5.1 to stereo? My Monarchy Model 24 DAC only works in stereo. I live in the Seattle area and use Comcast.

Just use the Coax or Tosslink cable, your system will decode the normal L/R Stereo Audio and ignore the rest.

The Digital Audio Menu is not accessable via the end user.

Just use the Coax or Tosslink cable, your system will decode the normal L/R Stereo Audio and ignore the rest.

The Digital Audio Menu is not accessable via the end user.


I tried both the coax and optical digital outputs and while the Monarchy read out displays 48K hz all you can hear is a rapid clicking noise.

I was thinking maybe someone knew how to access the Digital Audio Menu. Comcast hasn't been able to help me.

I tried both the coax and optical digital outputs and while the Monarchy read out displays 48K hz all you can hear is a rapid clicking noise.

I was thinking maybe someone knew how to access the Digital Audio Menu. Comcast hasn't been able to help me.
I think it only outputs Dolby Digital, not PCM. If your amp only supports PCM, then you are out of luck.

I think it only outputs Dolby Digital, not PCM. If your amp only supports PCM, then you are out of luck.

Depending on how the local headend is setup, it can do both DD & PCM.

Before ADS rolled out, the analog CH. only had PCM 2 Ch Stereo audio. This audio is available via the Digital Spidif outputs. When a digital signal exists, it overrides the PCM signal.

This is nuts - How do a do a new post?
I see lots of 'reply' buttons but I don't see anyplace to create a new post in the: Official Comcast 3412 & 3416 STB Discussion...

I don't even know where this "Quick Reply" is going... But maybe someone that sees this will tell me how to create a new post - or a guess a new thread...

After seeing my post --- I guess this "quick reply" is the way to do it... :)

For the second time in 7 days, I've had to reboot my 3412 (one was because box crashed...surprise, surprise...and the other due to a power outage). Last week when the box crashed, the ENTIRE box was reset -- all of the recordings were deleted

That's about the only bug I haven't run across yet with the 3412s - knock on wood, I've never lost recordings.

Are there issues getting DD when using an HDMI cable to TV for video, and the optical audio output from the STB to the receiver for audio. This was an issue with the 6412 but was wondering if it is with the 3412 as well.

Are there issues getting DD when using an HDMI cable to TV for video, and the optical audio output from the STB to the receiver for audio. This was an issue with the 6412 but was wondering if it is with the 3412 as well.

I had no problem with that on my 3412, though I was using coax rather than optical.

I just switched to Comcast and have the 3412. The one thing that drives me nuts is cleaning up my recordings. Is there an easier way than highlighting a recording, selecting it, clicking over the delete icon, selecting it and confirming the selection? On my DTivo, I could just delete directly from the list of recordings.

Thanks.

That's about the only bug I haven't run across yet with the 3412s - knock on wood, I've never lost recordings.

I know. I've had the 3412 for about 6 months now and while it's crashed numerous times (either on its own or from power outage) I've never lost my recordings and Series Recording info. Now it's happened twice. It's a little disconcerning because before the only real headache was waiting for the guide to re-populate. Now I have to worry about my recordings. All I can say is thank God for the Internet to get the shows I lost... :D

I know. I've had the 3412 for about 6 months now and while it's crashed numerous times (either on its own or from power outage) I've never lost my recordings and Series Recording info. Now it's happened twice. It's a little disconcerning because before the only real headache was waiting for the guide to re-populate. Now I have to worry about my recordings. All I can say is thank God for the Internet to get the shows I lost... :D

I had a 6412 that just deleted my recordings while I was at work, don't know if it crashed or rebooted or what, but they were gone. So far this 3416 is holding up alright. It did not even delete some test recordings when i did a full reset/authorization on it before I went to bed on the day I got it.

Wikipedia reports that the DD5.1 bug and HDMI at the same time was solved with the 12.22 firmware. I'll be able to try this firsthand when I get my new reciever/audio system this fall, since my box is still only on 12.22.


I also noticed during my Starz HD preview this weekend that the HD Starz on my system was copy free/NO 5C!

Just how are you connected? When the box is outputting HD on the HDMI/DVI/component connections, you will NOT see graphics on the composite/S-Video/RF outputs. If you have multiple connections to your TV, make certain the TV is set to the HD video, and not one of the SD-only (RF/composite/S-Video) connections.
You may want to double-check the information in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Setup

Thanks, but I was connected to Component. Just another oddity, the DVR menu & Guide were back 10 hours later, just before I left town. My recordings are fine from what I've seen. :cool:

Was connected from cablebox to TV via HDMI for 5 months - no problems then cable box went bad. Replacement boxes (3416, 3412, 6412) will not allow connection via HDMI. I receive messages stating copyright protection is compromised... use component cables. When I attempt to connect via HDMI I get a good connection for 2 0r 3 sec's then a green screen. Comcast is absolutely no help. I swapped out HDMI cables, changed HDMI ports on the TV- no difference- same notices. I saw a posting here a few pages back with some recommendations (hasn't worked yet).
Anyone have any insight as how I might restore HDMI connection??
Thanks

Was connected from cablebox to TV via HDMI for 5 months - no problems then cable box went bad. Replacement boxes (3416, 3412, 6412) will not allow connection via HDMI. I receive messages stating copyright protection is compromised... use component cables. When I attempt to connect via HDMI I get a good connection for 2 0r 3 sec's then a green screen. Comcast is absolutely no help. I swapped out HDMI cables, changed HDMI ports on the TV- no difference- same notices. I saw a posting here a few pages back with some recommendations (hasn't worked yet).
Anyone have any insight as how I might restore HDMI connection??
Thanks

update your TV's firmware / software to the latest ones.

Make sure your Cable headend & STB are at F/W: 12.31 or higher, to resolve the HDMI problems.

Lately I've been getting truncated recordings, with message: "This recording was incomplete due to power failure or system error." The recording is completed in a separate entry. Haven't had any power failures that I know of. Anyone else run across this?

Lately I've been getting truncated recordings, with message: "This recording was incomplete due to power failure or system error." The recording is completed in a separate entry. Haven't had any power failures that I know of. Anyone else run across this?

When my 3412 with the 12.35 firmware would reboot on its own during recording it would resume recording, but in multiple parts like that. I don't recall seeing such a message, though. Perhaps yours is experiencing the power off syndrome.

Lately I've been getting truncated recordings, with message: "This recording was incomplete due to power failure or system error." The recording is completed in a separate entry. Haven't had any power failures that I know of. Anyone else run across this?
Did you have any severe weather? If there is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, or Tornado Warning, many areas will automatically switch to a particular channel for a few seconds to display the warning. Any recording will be cut off at that point, then resume after the message is done.

Did you have any severe weather? If there is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, or Tornado Warning, many areas will automatically switch to a particular channel for a few seconds to display the warning. Any recording will be cut off at that point, then resume after the message is done.

Nah, here in Seattle we never get severe weather. :)

When my 3412 with the 12.35 firmware would reboot on its own during recording it would resume recording, but in multiple parts like that. I don't recall seeing such a message, though. Perhaps yours is experiencing the power off syndrome.

Yup, looks that way. It did it again tonight, while I was watching. Looks like each time, it's done it while two programs are recording. Although I guess it could be doing it lots of other times, and I just wouldn't notice. Haven't read thru the other posts yet, is there a cure for this, other than the dreaded swapping the box?

Yup, looks that way. It did it again tonight, while I was watching. Looks like each time, it's done it while two programs are recording. Although I guess it could be doing it lots of other times, and I just wouldn't notice. Haven't read thru the other posts yet, is there a cure for this, other than the dreaded swapping the box?

I'm gonna check the firmware version, see if I have the apparently worthless 12.35. Anything else worth doing?

I'm gonna check the firmware version, see if I have the apparently worthless 12.35. Anything else worth doing?

That's all I know of, except that the CSR told me to call back if that didn't work, and they'd try something else -- not sure what that would be, but I haven't had any reboots since I went back to 12.31.

Hi,

Did some quick searches but didn't come across what I was looking for.
My setup:
Digital out to receiver, HDMI to Plasma. 12.35 firmware

Here are my questions:
1) I was wondering, is there a way to manually set the sidebars (when in 4:3 broadcasts) to gray, instead of the black?

2) Has anyone else noticed sound dropping out when playing recordings? It doesn't happen at all with live tv, but sometimes the recordings i have drop the audio, and i have to stop and play the recording to get the sound back. Once or twice i've even had to power cycle the dvr.

Thanks in advance.

kli

1) No.
2) By "drop" do you mean the sound was on, then quit? I haven't heard of that one, but if there's just no sound, then it may be caused by having the DVR turned off when the recording starts. Check out how to program an "unmute" remote button, and don't turn off the DVR:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#When_turning_the_box_on.2C_it_may_not_display_a_picture _or_sound._Changing_channels_has_no_effect

I bought new receiver w/4 HDMI inputs!

Find out that 3412 does not allow repeater...have to run HDMI from cable box to TV.

Anyone know of way to get around lack of repeater function in cable box?

That's all I know of, except that the CSR told me to call back if that didn't work, and they'd try something else -- not sure what that would be, but I haven't had any reboots since I went back to 12.31.

Thanks. Just called and had mine reverted back to 12.31. I asked why they don't just revert everybody, without waiting for people to call. They said it's because the download powers off the box for 10 minutes, and they'd get tons of complaints. But the upgrade downloads do the same thing anyway, so I'm not sure why this is a problem. Wonder what happens if you're in the middle of a recording when it starts to download new firmware...

I bought new receiver w/4 HDMI inputs!

Find out that 3412 does not allow repeater...have to run HDMI from cable box to TV.

Anyone know of way to get around lack of repeater function in cable box?


It doesn't work. Check out this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7073947#post7073947

We can hope for a firmware upgrade to fix it, or eventually a new DVR box that works with HDMI switching. Anyone know if Tivo Series 3 does?

Logic doesn't seem to be Comcastic.

I wonder if the 12.35 reboot problems are exclusive to us Microsoft guide guinea pigs. Anyone outside Washington State see the same problems?

Hi folks...

First time poster, long time reader....

Anyway, I was up late last night and all of a sudden my 3416 is in dl mode.
Called CS here in the Minneapolis area and just before "problems with your cable TV"
there is the prerecorded message about a mass update for "interactive software".

We (or I) am now on FW 16.20

Things I've noticed so far...

Going to menu-menu sends you to a new screen with the corner NOT in your current channel but in a Comcast special channel 900-something.

MY DVR now gives you four options which includes "scheduled recordings" and "priority list" not just straight to recorded shows. This is an improvement.

I've noticed my key presses are much faster. I don't notice the "disappearing" key-presses as much nor is there as much hesitation.

I am hoping this is the FW release that moves these DVR's from early "testing" :rolleyes:

phase to initial release phase. :D

Maybe soon Comcast DVR's will be readly for full release :p

Oh..

I forgot to mention that my 6412 allowed me to 30 sec-skip fast and still get quick images of each skip, my 3412 & 3416 usually did not give me an image unless I hesitated a little.

Now with the new FW I get a single image for each skip, so I don't have to get that "blast" of commercial noise that can be almost deafening sometimes, when I needed to see where I was.

MY DVR now gives you four options which includes "scheduled recordings" and "priority list" not just straight to recorded shows. This is an improvement.


I don't see how this is an improvement. Recorded shows is my destination in 99% of the 4 options.

1) No.
2) By "drop" do you mean the sound was on, then quit? I haven't heard of that one, but if there's just no sound, then it may be caused by having the DVR turned off when the recording starts. Check out how to program an "unmute" remote button, and don't turn off the DVR:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#When_turning_the_box_on.2C_it_may_not_display_a_picture _or_sound._Changing_channels_has_no_effect


Yes, by "drop" i mean that the sound was working fine, but then it just stops. I took at look at the wiki entry, and its not exactly what is happening.

To clarify, what happens is this (randomly of course):
I play a DVR recording, and at some point the sound stops while the video continues. To get the sound back, i have to stop the recorded show and resume playing it. Also, I've gone back to the same point in which the sound dropped, when playing the recordings, and the sound does not drop at the same point, so it doesn't seem to be tied to the recording timeline itself. This only happens with DVR recordings, and does not occur with live tv, so I'm not sure what could be the problem. Seems to be a weird bug.

kli

I don't see how this is an improvement. Recorded shows is my destination in 99% of the 4 options.

I often go through my scheduled recordings. To each their own. I hated going through the entire menu system before.

I just wanted to mention that in the menu-menu function there is a "news listing" button.

You then see all six news channels (CNN, HN, MSNBC, FNC, CNBC, TWC) live and can choose which to listen too by highlighting them. Interesting idea.

Has anyone else received this new FW 16.20?

It's the new VRN guide enhancements for i-guide. Only Minnesota has received it so far. The enhancements aren't really even complete yet. There will probably be more added.
It's a growing topic over at Broadband reports.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16937916~days=9999

I often go through my scheduled recordings. To each their own. I hated going through the entire menu system before.

I just wanted to mention that in the menu-menu function there is a "news listing" button.

You then see all six news channels (CNN, HN, MSNBC, FNC, CNBC, TWC) live and can choose which to listen too by highlighting them. Interesting idea.

Has anyone else received this new FW 16.20?

I'm also in Maple Grove and I've got SW v74.53 and FW v16.20 as of this morning. I find the new "My DVR" button functionality annoying, but that's me. The other updates are generally nice, but I've got one major problem that's causing me headaches.

I leave my 3412 on all the time and turn off my receiver and TV. Whenever I turn on the TV now it just displays static. I have to power-cycle the DVR or switch from an HD to SD channel (or vice versa) to get a display again. Incredibly frustrating.

I just noticed that the screen saver only covers a 4:3 portion of the screen when in HD mode. Oops. Hopefully Comcast will fix this in the next version.

Does anyone know of a good place to see all of the 3412/6412 FW revisions and what was fixed in each one? There's a wiki about this (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software) but it doesn't seem totally up to date.

Oh..

I forgot to mention that my 6412 allowed me to 30 sec-skip fast and still get quick images of each skip, my 3412 & 3416 usually did not give me an image unless I hesitated a little.

Now with the new FW I get a single image for each skip, so I don't have to get that "blast" of commercial noise that can be almost deafening sometimes, when I needed to see where I was.

That's a great addition. I'm looking forward to seeing these enhancements.

Well, looks like reverting to 12.31 fixed the spontaneous reboots. But now I've got the dreaded remote lag back - 15 seconds after hitting FF before FF1 appears onscreen. And it goes back to Play whenever it gets around to it, in its busy schedule. ugh ugh ugh

Does anyone know of a good place to see all of the 3412/6412 FW revisions and what was fixed in each one? There's a wiki about this (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software) but it doesn't seem totally up to date.

You'd think Comcast might post this somewhere. But I guess that might be considered customer service, which is apparently prohibited.

You'd think Comcast might post this somewhere. But I guess that might be considered customer service, which is apparently prohibited.

That is one of the better lines I have read for awhile. May I use it sometime?

jim

You'd think Comcast might post this somewhere. But I guess that might be considered customer service, which is apparently prohibited.

LOL!!!

Agree with the sentiment ;)

Was connected from cablebox to TV via HDMI for 5 months - no problems then cable box went bad. Replacement boxes (3416, 3412, 6412) will not allow connection via HDMI. I receive messages stating copyright protection is compromised... use component cables. When I attempt to connect via HDMI I get a good connection for 2 0r 3 sec's then a green screen. Comcast is absolutely no help. I swapped out HDMI cables, changed HDMI ports on the TV- no difference- same notices. I saw a posting here a few pages back with some recommendations (hasn't worked yet).
Anyone have any insight as how I might restore HDMI connection??
Thanks

I found a similar problem with my 6412 Phase II box after a recent Comcast firmware update:

I have two Motorola 6412 Phase II boxes with each box running both component video and DVI outputs. In each case, the component outputs support a HDTV within 3 feet of the 6412 and the DVI outputs go to HDTVs with a high quality 15 foot DVI/DVI or DVI/HDMI cable. This situation has worked perfectly since January 2006.

I noticed yesterday (Wednesday – September 20) that neither 6412 properly displayed via the DVI output. In the case of the DVI/DVI connection, the picture got noticeably softer and colors less vivid but continued to display. For the DVI/HDMI connection, the signal strength is now low resulting in intermittent (perfect picture then white noise) or no signal at all. I also tried a new 1 meter DVI/HDMI cable to the local HDTV with the same result to eliminate cable length as a potential problem.


Have you had any luck with resolving the problem? Comcast's local solution is apparently having you use component video cables rather than going to a digital connection.

I just received a DCT3416 a few days ago. Everything seems to be working fine except that I do not get any program information for the ABC-HD channel (187) or ABC News Now channel (217), both in the guide on the channel display. It just shows "To Be Announced". I've got about two weeks worth for every other channel, include the ABC-SD channel (7). Comcast customer service has "bumped" my box several times but it doesn't help. I've also recycled the box, but no luck there either. I live in NW Indiana. Does anyone know why this is happening on this box? I had the ABC-HD programming info on my old box. Thanks!

I just received a DCT3416 a few days ago. Everything seems to be working fine except that I do not get any program information for the ABC-HD channel (187) or ABC News Now channel (217), both in the guide on the channel display. It just shows "To Be Announced". I've got about two weeks worth for every other channel, include the ABC-SD channel (7). Comcast customer service has "bumped" my box several times but it doesn't help. I've also recycled the box, but no luck there either. I live in NW Indiana. Does anyone know why this is happening on this box? I had the ABC-HD programming info on my old box. Thanks!

ABC-HD is 707. All HD channels are in the 700 range.

I just received a DCT3416 a few days ago.

Wait...you got a 3416??? Not a 3412??? Are you sure?

Wait...you got a 3416??? Not a 3412??? Are you sure?

Fender he's in Indiana. His ABC-HD may well be on the channel he described. I guess Indiana is rolling out the 3416s.

A Comcast technician just stopped by to check the problem with my DVI and HDMI connections. I had to laugh as he walked up to the door with component video cables in hand as I had read other posts saying that was the current "fix".

The Comcast tech was quite knowledgeable and said that they just discovered that the new firmware and Comcast guide software impacts many digital HDMI and DVI connections. The only fix at this point is to use component video until a firmware fix is released. He stated that Comcast and Motorola are aware of the problem and are working on a fix. This problem apparently effects all Motorola 64xx and 34xx boxes.

I would encourage others to let Comcast know if they've experienced this same problem and to continue to followup until Comcast and Motorola can get a quick fix for this problem. It just isn't right that we can't use a digital connection for HD.

Apparently, Comcast will not revert back to the former firmware and guide software. I believe the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul) is one of the initial test markets for the new firmware and software.

Wait...you got a 3416??? Not a 3412??? Are you sure?

Yep, it's a DCT3416, for sure. And yeah, here in Valparaiso, IN ABC-HD is channel 187. Our HD channels are more in the 180-210 range or something like that.

A Comcast technician just stopped by to check the problem with my DVI and HDMI connections. I had to laugh as he walked up to the door with component video cables in hand as I had read other posts saying that was the current "fix".

That's disappointing. I was planning on going with the digital connections to free up a set of component connections on my TV for XBox 360 this Christmas. Did the tech mention an estimated timeframe on the new firmware?

Which brings me to a question. The DVI & HDMI will handle/convert analog signals for the SD channels too correct?

Thanks!

Fender he's in Indiana. His ABC-HD may well be on the channel he described. I guess Indiana is rolling out the 3416s.

Haha! Sorry...I thought I was posting the SF Bay Area thread. :D

Onlytook 3 weeks since I requested it.
But on the bright side at least it's a 3416.
Tec ( and I use that term loosly) was suprised when I had an HDMI cable just waiting for him.

All seems to be OK but it will be a few more hours before the guide fully downloads.

I just got HD, and Comcast gave me a 3416 (diagnostics list a 160GB Seagate drive). This is in MA. Our HD Channels are in the 800s.

Anyways, this brings me to a question:

WTF is the SATA port for? How about the Ethernet?

IDK, but on the i-Guide there I have listings for the next 3 weeks, filled in with all the descriptions and everything. I don't think this was like that before I connected the Ethernet (I just happened to have a jack near there), but it might have been. Do others have listings for this long of a time? My digital non-HD boxes have listings for about the next 3 days, not 3 weeks...

The diagnostics say HDMI is Disabled, but Comcast gave me an HDMI cable...what are they smoking?

I just got HD, and Comcast gave me a 3416 (diagnostics list a 160GB Seagate drive). This is in MA. Our HD Channels are in the 800s.

Anyways, this brings me to a question:

WTF is the SATA port for? How about the Ethernet?

IDK, but on the i-Guide there I have listings for the next 3 weeks, filled in with all the descriptions and everything. I don't think this was like that before I connected the Ethernet (I just happened to have a jack near there), but it might have been. Do others have listings for this long of a time? My digital non-HD boxes have listings for about the next 3 days, not 3 weeks...

The diagnostics say HDMI is Disabled, but Comcast gave me an HDMI cable...what are they smoking?

Thr dvr has more memory hence the three weeks of guide info. The Ethernet port is disabled.

ajwees41

I just got HD, and Comcast gave me a 3416 (diagnostics list a 160GB Seagate drive). This is in MA. Our HD Channels are in the 800s.

Anyways, this brings me to a question:

WTF is the SATA port for? How about the Ethernet?

IDK, but on the i-Guide there I have listings for the next 3 weeks, filled in with all the descriptions and everything. I don't think this was like that before I connected the Ethernet (I just happened to have a jack near there), but it might have been. Do others have listings for this long of a time? My digital non-HD boxes have listings for about the next 3 days, not 3 weeks...

The diagnostics say HDMI is Disabled, but Comcast gave me an HDMI cable...what are they smoking?
The SATA port could be for external drive expansion, but it's disabled.
The Ethernet port is typicaly disabled.
The xx12/xx16 series running IGuide (the typically blue guide) hold about 15 days worth of data. The older tan guide only held 2-3.
Is anything connected to the HDMI port? I think it might say that simply because there is nothing connected to it.

How is it possible to add additional USB hard drive storage to my Denver Colorado Comcast DCT3412? Right now out of the box it has a internal hard drive that fills up when 3-5 HD movies are recorded. That is simply too small.

I purchased a external hard drive that was pre-formatted with FAT 32. Howeever the comcast bos simply does not recognize it at all. Going to the screen that indicates software tells me that I have version 73.50 with firmware 12.31. Does this indicate anything? How can I increase storage with this 'wimpy' DVR?? --Greg--

So far, no one has found a way to add external storage to the 3412 (or 3416, 6412, 6416). The best thing to do is give up on the thought of using it to archive, and just watch the movies. You may be able to play them back and record to DVD or computer via firewire.

Ain't that a bummer :(.. right now I have nice Matrix, matrix reloaded, Kill bill and vol.2 on HD on DVR.. it's just so sweeeet on pio 5070.. wish I don't have to ever delete them... it makes me wanna by HD-DVD/BD player

Ain't that a bummer :(.. right now I have nice Matrix, matrix reloaded, Kill bill and vol.2 on HD on DVR.. it's just so sweeeet on pio 5070.. wish I don't have to ever delete them... it makes me wanna by HD-DVD/BD player

Buy a JVC D-VHS player, or, if your TV has firewire, a Mitsubishi one. You can at least have SOME way of archiving HD for the time being. That's what I did recently.

I am about to make some decisions in purchasing home theatre equipment.

I had heard some time in the past that Comcast Motorola boxes (I will have the Moto 3412) have a problem when connected via HDMI to a high def monitor via an a/v (HDMI switching) receiver (I will have Denon AVR-2807). Has this been resolved or can I buy this setup with confidence and connect to a Westinghouse 37" 1080p LCD?

Thanks.

Using the closed caption feature has been kind of cumbersome. I have to turn off the box, then push the menu button on the remote control which brings up a 'hidden' menu that allows me to enable or disable the closed caption. I then have to push the menu button again to make this 'hidden' menu dissapear and then have to re-power-up the box. All this takes 5-10 seconds and is not seemless. Has anybody found an easier way to allow closed captioning without having to turn off the box?

Going to the screen that indicates software tells me that I have version 73.50 with firmware 12.31. I have a DCT 3412

In the audio setup menu there is a option called 'compression'. I believe this is for Dolby Digital audio dynamic range compression to supress the loud explosions and to better amplify the softer passages. I'm just guessing. Is this correct? --Greg--

Using the closed caption feature has been kind of cumbersome. I have to turn off the box, then push the menu button on the remote control which brings up a 'hidden' menu that allows me to enable or disable the closed caption. I then have to push the menu button again to make this 'hidden' menu dissapear and then have to re-power-up the box. All this takes 5-10 seconds and is not seemless. Has anybody found an easier way to allow closed captioning without having to turn off the box?

Going to the screen that indicates software tells me that I have version 73.50 with firmware 12.31. I have a DCT 3412

In the audio setup menu there is a option called 'compression'. I believe this is for Dolby Digital audio dynamic range compression to supress the loud explosions and to better amplify the softer passages. I'm just guessing. Is this correct? --Greg--

The answer is no, there is no easier/other way to turn on/off CC :(

As for the audio setting, I think those settings are just for the analog stereo outputs. Doesn't affect audio outputted on the coax or optical ports.

The answer is no, there is no easier/other way to turn on/off CC :(

As for the audio setting, I think those settings are just for the analog stereo outputs. Doesn't affect audio outputted on the coax or optical ports.

Correct, those settings only effect the Analog RCA Audio output.

Thr dvr has more memory hence the three weeks of guide info. The Ethernet port is disabled.

Now you got me interested. I unplugged the Ethernet connection and about a day later, all the programs I scheduled in the DVR are listed as "To Be Announced." When I programmed them they had titles and descriptions.

For me anyways, it looks like I get a few days of info off the cable line, but can get more off the Ethernet. When I plugged it into the switch, the light lit up and it looked like there was activity on that port, but I can't find an IP address to ping the cable box...sure would be a convenient way of transferring DVR recordings.

Now you got me interested. I unplugged the Ethernet connection and about a day later, all the programs I scheduled in the DVR are listed as "To Be Announced." When I programmed them they had titles and descriptions.

For me anyways, it looks like I get a few days of info off the cable line, but can get more off the Ethernet. When I plugged it into the switch, the light lit up and it looked like there was activity on that port, but I can't find an IP address to ping the cable box...sure would be a convenient way of transferring DVR recordings.


The LAN connection on the back of the STB is for the built in Cable Modem inside the STB, not for a conection to a router or another modem. Also, they are installed but inactive right now. It will be used when Comcast rolls out there Home Media DVR system. If you look in the Diagnostic menu, it will tell you the current state of the E-Port and the IP addresses for the various functions of the STB. These STB only get guide data from the OOB Tuner. The 3rd. tuner inside the STB.

The LAN connection on the back of the STB is for the built in Cable Modem inside the STB, not for a conection to a router or another modem. Also, they are installed but inactive right now. It will be used when Comcast rolls out there Home Media DVR system. If you look in the Diagnostic menu, it will tell you the current state of the E-Port and the IP addresses for the various functions of the STB. These STB only get guide data from the OOB Tuner. The 3rd. tuner inside the STB.

I thought the Home Media option operated over the coax, not the LAN (ethernet) connection and allowed distribution to the cheaper boxes that don't even have an ethernet connection.

Where in MA are you located? I am trying to get a 3416 and was told they aren't available yet. I am on the South Shore.

I'm actually located on the South Shore in MA. Bridgewater if you want to get specific.

Interesting...thanks! I will check at my local comcast office again tomorrow.

I just ordered a 3412 to replace my old 6412 box in my bedroom. I am in the Union II area in NJ. Just curious will I see any difference in pc quality it will be hooked up to a Panny 26x50 LCD tv

Rob

That is one of the better lines I have read for awhile. May I use it sometime?jim

Sure, maybe it'll even get them to change their ways! (I'm holding my breath) (Ok, now I'm turning blue) arrrgghhhhhhhh

Using the closed caption feature has been kind of cumbersome. I have to turn off the box, then push the menu button on the remote control which brings up a 'hidden' menu that allows me to enable or disable the closed caption. I then have to push the menu button again to make this 'hidden' menu dissapear and then have to re-power-up the box. All this takes 5-10 seconds and is not seemless. Has anybody found an easier way to allow closed captioning without having to turn off the box?

I must be missing something here - it's not possible to toggle the captioning through the TV itself?

I had several 6412s before I exchanged it for the 3412. However about every week the HD channels start to become jerky during high motion and I have to switch the STB from 1080i to 720p and then back 1080i to fix the problem. I checked with my local Comcast office to see if they have any 6412s and they do so I'll be going to Comcast to exchange back to the 6412.

Anyone else have the jerkyness problem?

I must be missing something here - it's not possible to toggle the captioning through the TV itself?

It may depend on the tv and the connection used... On my Sony SXRD, if I connect my Panasonic dvd recorder via S-video, the tv will display close captioning when I play back a show from the Panny's hard drive. If I use component cables, I don't get CC. The Sony manual claims CC is only supported for the antenna/cable inputs. When I asked Sony, why I got CC over S-video but not component for the recorder, they refused to even acknowledge that the s-video worked with CC. I just verified the same with my Sharp LCD set and a Panasonic dvd recorder; the Sharp will provide CC from a s-video input but not component.

...I just verified the same with my Sharp LCD set and a Panasonic dvd recorder; the Sharp will provide CC from a s-video input but not component.
Phil, is there any chance the CC (or lack of it) is a function of the Panasonic dvd recorder and has nothing to do with the TVs you are connecting it to?

Phil, is there any chance the CC (or lack of it) is a function of the Panasonic dvd recorder and has nothing to do with the TVs you are connecting it to?

I suppose so, but I don't have any other recording device with component or hdmi to test this. Although my old Sony 36" tube would show CC for some dvds played on a Sony dvd player which used component cables; the new Sony SXRD doesn't do this.

I had several 6412s before I exchanged it for the 3412. However about every week the HD channels start to become jerky during high motion and I have to switch the STB from 1080i to 720p and then back 1080i to fix the problem. I checked with my local Comcast office to see if they have any 6412s and they do so I'll be going to Comcast to exchange back to the 6412.

Anyone else have the jerkyness problem?
Yeah I get this also. I was unplugging it, but you're right just switching it to 720 and back fixes this little problem. (Though, unplugging it fixes a lot more problems...)

I had the Motorola DCT6412 before. We have had weak signal for the past month or so. We could not get a few channels (during the day time when the temerature is hot outside!), and one HD channel have had picture breakups from time to time. Comcast came out and replaced the wall outlet and the cable. It didn't help, and they suggested me "upgrade" to the 3416. The 3416 is even worst, now we can't get many channels. What is the differences between 34xx and 64xx? The 64xx seemed to be able to pull weak signal better than the 34xx. Anyway, they've just come to the house again and now think that we have weak signal going into our cable box (the one by the street). So they will fix that in the next day or so. Hopefully, the problem will be resolved.

Is the 34xx a newer model than 64xx?

I had the Motorola DCT6412 before. We have had weak signal for the past month or so. We could not get a few channels (during the day time when the temerature is hot outside!), and one HD channel have had picture breakups from time to time. Comcast came out and replaced the wall outlet and the cable. It didn't help, and they suggested me "upgrade" to the 3416. The 3416 is even worst, now we can't get many channels. What is the differences between 34xx and 64xx? The 64xx seemed to be able to pull weak signal better than the 34xx. Anyway, they've just come to the house again and now think that we have weak signal going into our cable box (the one by the street). So they will fix that in the next day or so. Hopefully, the problem will be resolved.

Is the 34xx a newer model than 64xx?

The DCT 64xx Series STB is a Duel Tuner w/ Analog Cable & Digital Cable Ability.

The DCT 34xx Series STB is a Duel Tuner w/ Digital Cable Ability only.

With a digital signal, it is either there or not there. Analog signals have more of a chance durring low signals.

We've had a 6412 phase 2 since February that has given us nothing but grief. The DVR never worked properly, the guide would freeze for as much as 45 secs at a time, we had problems with picture breakup, etc. I finally got motivated to call and get it swapped out, specifically requesting a 6412 phase 3, because I had read on this site and elsewhere that it was much more reliable.

The tech came by today and actually did me one better, bringing a brand new 3416. I actually didn't notice until the tech left. He also replaced a short bit of cable going into the box that had some nasty looking cuts in it going down to the metal cable fibers. Weird that I hadn't noticed that before.

So far it's like butter. Menus and DVR functions run smooth (and I've done everything I can to trip them up), picture has not shown one bit of pixellation, and the DVR actually seems to work like it should. Checked the diagnostic menu and it does indeed have a 160 gig hard drive. Nice. Also, to the poster above who said his HDMI port is disabled: It's not. I actually have an HDMI cable hooked up and that activates it in the diagnostic menu.

What is the latest firmware for this box? I have 12.31.

Thank you, scanpa.

What is the latest firmware for this box? I have 12.31.

The F/W will vary by MSO, platform and headend.

F/W 12.31 is the most stable for the DCT-641xp3 & DCT-34xxp1 & p2 STB

F/W 12.35 is newer but some people report a 7% STB failure rate.

F/W 12.36 & 12.37 is the beta.

Several new series of F/W ( 15.xx & 16.xx) are in the mix, that will work with the Mosaic enhanced I Guide, the new Java J-Guide, & the Forth coming TiVo Software.

Several new series of F/W ( 15.xx & 16.xx) are in the mix, that will work with the Mosaic enhanced I Guide, the new Java J-Guide, & the Forth coming TiVo Software.
Are there any updates to the Comcast/Tivo software? I think I heard it was being delayed until next Spring but I'm not sure.

Are there any updates to the Comcast/Tivo software? I think I heard it was being delayed until next Spring but I'm not sure.

Spring is the mass roll out time frame. However it should begin a limited roll out in a few areas within the next 90 days or so.

Will the firmware be automatically updated by Comcast (through the cable) when a new version is available and ready for roll out? Or must the customers updated it by themselves?

I have experimented with my Comcast Cable box #3412 and found that I am able to 'Drive' a HDMI equipped 'Sceptre' Costco television at 1080I 70 feet away. I ordered two 35 foot cables from Monoprice (Their best) and butted them together with their 'passive Hdmi amplifier' ($25-$30?) and I am pleasantly happy to report that my 'remote HDTV' from 70 feet away is working perfectly hooked up with a purely digital connection!!

This is my 'secondary TV ' My other 60 SXRD is working fine on my other 3412. email for details. --Greg--

Will the firmware be automatically updated by Comcast (through the cable) when a new version is available and ready for roll out? Or must the customers updated it by themselves?

The headend will auto roll out the upgrade to your STB when they are ready too, the user does nothing on his end.

Is there anyone using a 3412 that actually prefers the component video out to the HDMI out? My PQ on my new 3412 is not all that it is cracked up to be, and I am wondering if the HDMI output from the 3412 has issues, and then maybe I should be going for component?

Also, I also have a 6412, Phase I (DVI out). Anyone think I might get a better picture with that? I am considering putting the 6412 on the new TV (Samsung HL-S5087 1080p DLP TV) and putting the 3412 on the older TV (Soyo (LG Panel) 37" LCD HDTV).

Is there anyone using a 3412 that actually prefers the component video out to the HDMI out? My PQ on my new 3412 is not all that it is cracked up to be, and I am wondering if the HDMI output from the 3412 has issues, and then maybe I should be going for component?

Also, I also have a 6412, Phase I (DVI out). Anyone think I might get a better picture with that? I am considering putting the 6412 on the new TV (Samsung HL-S5087 1080p DLP TV) and putting the 3412 on the older TV (Soyo (LG Panel) 37" LCD HDTV).

I use Component to connect my 3412 to my 1080p dlp tv, and connent my dvd player to it via HDMI.

I use Component to connect my 3412 to my 1080p dlp tv, and connent my dvd player to it via HDMI.

Thanks. Do you do this because you prefer the PQ when using the component out from the 3412 vs. the HDMI out of the 3412, or is it for some other reason?

Thanks again.

I use Component to connect my 3412 to my 1080p dlp tv, and connent my dvd player to it via HDMI.

Same here.

PQ looks about the same, but needed the HDMI for the DVD up convert player.

I have 2 HDMI inputs on my Mits 73727 dlp, so could use HDMI from the 3412 to it (as well as the HDMI from my Pio 59avi to the Mits), but in my earlier 6412 there were problems with HDMI that Component avoided. And since I saw just as good PQ via Component as I did with HDMI, I just stayed with the Component connection when I replaced the 6412 with a 3412. (I send the audio from the 3412 and the Pio dvd player directly to the AVR, using the Component and HDMI connections to the tv only for video.)

It may depend on the tv and the connection used... On my Sony SXRD, if I connect my Panasonic dvd recorder via S-video, the tv will display close captioning when I play back a show from the Panny's hard drive. If I use component cables, I don't get CC. The Sony manual claims CC is only supported for the antenna/cable inputs.

Does this mean CC is incompatible with HD - can't use CC while watching high def?

The headend will auto roll out the upgrade to your STB when they are ready too, the user does nothing on his end.

Yup, it'd be nice if they offered an option like Dish Network does on their DVR - to either download automatically or ask first. That way we could avoid having to call them to roll back the firmware after they screw it up...

Does CC work with HDMI?

Does this mean CC is incompatible with HD - can't use CC while watching high def? Not exactly, you can get CC watching a HD channel OTA. I think it's more whether the tv sees the CC encoded on a component or HDMI cable (or if the CC is even send out over that type of cable interface). If you turn CC on in the Comcast DVR, the DVR is getting the CC from the (coax) cable and is putting the characters out in the video sent over the HDMI or component interface. So the tv in this case has no idea there is CC being shown. On my Sony with split view, if I have the left (digital) screen input set to dvr, I will see the CC inside the split view; if the right side is active (selected and providing audio), I'll see that side's CC also. If both twin view screens are set to using a regular tuner; you only see the CC on the "active" tuner.

Does CC work with HDMI?


Yes it does. It is cumbersome to enable it as I have to turn off the DVR but yes, CC does work with version 73.50 with firmware 12.31. --Greg--

Well, Greg, it is important to understand that what's coming through the HDMI isn't the CC, but rather is the CC converted by the STB into open captions. As least I'm pretty sure that's the case. The point being that folks shouldn't expect their television's closed captioning decoder to be doing the work.

I'm in a similar boat as 'whodean' who posted a couple days ago... I have searched diligently, but haven't been able to find an answer to this question:

"I am about to make some decisions in purchasing home theatre equipment.

I had heard some time in the past that Comcast Motorola boxes (I will have the Moto 3412) have a problem when connected via HDMI to a high def monitor via an a/v (HDMI switching) receiver (I will have Denon AVR-2807). Has this been resolved or can I buy this setup with confidence and connect to a Westinghouse 37" 1080p LCD?

Thanks."

I have a Panasonic AE900U digital projector and a Moto 3412 HD-DVR from Comcast (FW 12.31 I believe) that I would like to hook up via hdmi through an HDMI AV receiver. Anybody know if the switching/repeater issue on these Moto boxes has been resolved? Or when (or if?) it will be? If not, it would seem pointless for me to go spend more money for an HDMI compatible receiver...

Many, MANY thanks for any response...

Has anybody heard anything more about the Panasonic 3-tuner DVR, which Comcast debuted at CES in January 2006? I'm about to hit my 6412 Phase II with a sledgehammer I am so sick of it. Frankly if DirectTV wasn't HD-lite, I'd be there now, especially considering they are rolling out HUNDREDS of HD channels next year.

Thanks for the info.

Don't get your hopes up for "HUNDREDS" of HD channels. The consensus of this thread, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=725849 is that there aren't 100 HD channels available unless you count all the RSNs, LILs and alternate feeds of movie channels.

Has anybody heard anything more about the Panasonic 3-tuner DVR, which Comcast debuted at CES in January 2006? I'm about to hit my 6412 Phase II with a sledgehammer I am so sick of it. Frankly if DirectTV wasn't HD-lite, I'd be there now, especially considering they are rolling out HUNDREDS of HD channels next year.

Thanks for the info.

My advice: actually hit it with a sledgehammer and get it replaced iwth a DTC-3412 (if your region is all-digital). I had both units, and the 3412 is infinitely more reliable.

The headend will auto roll out the upgrade to your STB when they are ready too, the user does nothing on his end.

I still don't get it. What in the world is the J-Guide? Is this completely different from the VRN enhancement or is it integrated into it? I'm betting it will appear far after the launch of the VRN enhancement.

My advice: actually hit it with a sledgehammer and get it replaced iwth a DTC-3412 (if your region is all-digital). I had both units, and the 3412 is infinitely more reliable.

Agreed, except get the 3416 if at all possible. You can always trade up again to the Panasonic whenever it finally makes its appearance.

I have 2 HDMI inputs on my Mits 73727 dlp, so could use HDMI from the 3412 to it (as well as the HDMI from my Pio 59avi to the Mits), but in my earlier 6412 there were problems with HDMI that Component avoided. And since I saw just as good PQ via Component as I did with HDMI, I just stayed with the Component connection when I replaced the 6412 with a 3412. (I send the audio from the 3412 and the Pio dvd player directly to the AVR, using the Component and HDMI connections to the tv only for video.)

Thanks again, but I have another question: one of the big limitations to the 3412 (and all motorola boxes I know of) is that you have to choose one resolution that the box will upconvert or downcovert all material to.

Which do you chose (1080i or 720p) and why? Thanks.

Thanks again, but I have another question: one of the big limitations to the 3412 (and all motorola boxes I know of) is that you have to choose one resolution that the box will upconvert or downcovert all material to.

Which do you chose (1080i or 720p) and why? Thanks.

I have it output 1080i, since I'm sending it to my 1080p dlp rptv. And when I had a 720p native rptv, I set it to output this.

I use 1080i even though my Samsung LNS3251D is native 720p (I think). The menus definitely look a lot sharper and I think the picture looks better. The only time I think I might set it back to 720p is for football or other sports.

I still don't get it. What in the world is the J-Guide? Is this completely different from the VRN enhancement or is it integrated into it? I'm betting it will appear far after the launch of the VRN enhancement.

The J-guide is the Java based version of I-guide.

Received the new guide and firmware update (16.20) last night. It hosed my HDMI connection as reported in other areas receiving the new guide. Fortunately, component works ok.

The new guide is zippier to navigate.

I have a 3416. Stupid question but how do you receive a new guide and firmware update? Is this all automatic? How does one figure out which version one has?

I have a 3416. Stupid question but how do you receive a new guide and firmware update? Is this all automatic? How does one figure out which version one has?

When it is available in your area your STB will be updated by the central office. There is nothing you can or need to do.

Don't get your hopes up for "HUNDREDS" of HD channels. The consensus of this thread, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=725849 is that there aren't 100 HD channels available unless you count all the RSNs, LILs and alternate feeds of movie channels.

I hear you, Jeff. I'd settle for all the HD channels that already exists. The PQ we deal with in from Comcast Denver Metro for channels like Fox Sports Rocky Mountain is just horrible. They should be ashamed of themselves. My MSNBC actually has verticle lines running through it due to "interference" from a local FM station, or so Comcast tells me.

Agreed, except get the 3416 if at all possible. You can always trade up again to the Panasonic whenever it finally makes its appearance.

Thanks for the advice. A few weeks ago I actually had installation scheduled, but got spooked when I read about all the problems people were having with the 34XX boxes. I thought it was better to deal with the devil I know than the one I don't.

My current box is the 6412 phase II. I had the III, and it was just one thing wrong after another. They ran out of IIIs here in Denver, so they started to give out refurbished IIs. I especially like the IEEE 1394 connection, and it makes CC so much easier than setting it with the bloody box.

So you're saying the 34XX is the better series of Motorola boxes? What do you all like better? My TV is a 55" Mitsubishi CRT HDTV. HD and digital look great. Everything else looks washed out and muddy.

Thanks for your input!

They just updated my 3416 firmware version to 16.20. I don't know what it means yet, probably will find out when I use the DVR. My software version is 74.53-3321.

How does one determine their firmware and software versions?

They just updated my 3416 firmware version to 16.20. I don't know what it means yet, probably will find out when I use the DVR. My software version is 74.53-3321.

Do you use HDMI? If so, did the update nuke your connection?

Down here in Franklin I have a 3416 (using HDMI) and I feel like I'm waiting for the Sword of Damocles to fall when they push out the update....

Don't they test this stuff?

-John

They just updated my 3416 firmware version to 16.20. I don't know what it means yet, probably will find out when I use the DVR. My software version is 74.53-3321.

If you're using HDMI or DVI, does it still work?

edit: sorry, John you beat me to the same question.

How does one determine their firmware and software versions?

Check out http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

How does one determine their firmware and software versions?

Menu, Menu, Setup, Cable Box Setup, Configuration

edit: I'm just slow on the trigger. :)

There is a SATA port in the back of the 3416 box. Have anyone tried to add a SATA hard drive to their 3416 yet?

Menu, Menu, Setup, Cable Box Setup, Configuration

edit: I'm just slow on the trigger. :)
Thank you

If you're using HDMI or DVI, does it still work?

edit: sorry, John you beat me to the same question.

Sorry guys, I can't answer your question. I have the first generation Samsung DLP. It has a DVI input, but I have been using it for both my over-the-air HD STB (I probably don't need to use it any more) and my DVD player (up converted to 720P) using a 2 to 1 DVI switcher. I use component cables for the 3416 (I may get a HDMI to DVI cable later for the 3416).

Comcast came to install my 3412 box today when the tech arrived the invoice said 3412 but the tech said all he had was the 3416 I said ohh yea bring it on in. I already prepared my tv for the install and the tech was real happy all he had to do was give me the box and I did the rest. I have mine connected via HDMI my old 6412 was connected via component and I do see a slight difference in picture quality for the better. I believe my firmware version 122.22 is this correct? I may be wrong, so far so good no problems with the box.

Rob

I hear you, Jeff. I'd settle for all the HD channels that already exists.

Agreed. Food Network HD, HGTV HD, National Geographic HD, and UHD would be awesome. It's very frustrating not to have them. PBS in HD would be nice as well, but that's a local problem with our sorry-ass affiliates, not Comcast. :rolleyes:

I really would like to hear if anyone with the 3416 (or a 6416) has gotten the new "HDMI Killer" firmware and whether it impacts that box like it seems to hit 6412s and 3412s. I'm frightened. I have two HDMI's on my Samsung, but only one component set, and I need that for my GameCube (soon to be swapped for a Wii).

Agreed. Food Network HD, HGTV HD, National Geographic HD, and UHD would be awesome. It's very frustrating not to have them. PBS in HD would be nice as well, but that's a local problem with our sorry-ass affiliates, not Comcast. :rolleyes:

I really would like to hear if anyone with the 3416 (or a 6416) has gotten the new "HDMI Killer" firmware and whether it impacts that box like it seems to hit 6412s and 3412s. I'm frightened. I have two HDMI's on my Samsung, but only one component set, and I need that for my GameCube (soon to be swapped for a Wii).


I just got the 3416 and I have it hooked via HDMI with firmware 12..22. What FW version screws up the HDMI?

Rob

I just got the 3416 and I have it hooked via HDMI with firmware 12..22. What FW version screws up the HDMI?

Rob

16.20, apparently.

I will have to check the FW on my box again but I swear I saw 12..22 as a firmware version why are the numbers so far part 12 to 16??????

Rob

I will have to check the FW on my box again but I swear I saw 12..22 as a firmware version why are the numbers so far part 12 to 16??????

Rob

I've got 12.31, I think. Dunno why the revision numbers are so far apart, but it sounds like they maybe should have waited until 17 or 18 to unleash it on the public. :rolleyes:

From what I can tell, 16.20 implements the new On-Screen Guide. Don't know why they skipped from 12.xx to 16.20 though.

From what I can tell, 16.20 implements the new On-Screen Guide. Don't know why they skipped from 12.xx to 16.20 though.

So what are the benefits of the new firmware/iGuide? I've only heard about the HDMI failure.

So what are the benefits of the new firmware/iGuide? I've only heard about the HDMI failure.

You can find some of the info here:

www.comcast.com/improvedguide

One feature I like is the new DVR Menu when you press the DVR button. This brings up the Scheduled Recordings and Series Priority List with one push of a button. However, it now requires 2 steps to view your existing recordings (My Recordings).

You can find some of the info here:

www.comcast.com/improvedguide

One feature I like is the new DVR Menu when you press the DVR button. This brings up the Scheduled Recordings and Series Priority List with one push of a button. However, it now requires 2 steps to view your existing recordings (My Recordings).


Does anybody know why Comcast is deploying this to 'select markets'?

Does anybody know why Comcast is deploying this to 'select markets'?

Because not every system is ready for it.

From what I can tell, 16.20 implements the new On-Screen Guide. Don't know why they skipped from 12.xx to 16.20 though.

The Series 16 Firmware has new Drivers and code that works with the new Software version.

scanpa-
Is Comcast aware of the HDMI problem and is there a firmware fix coming soon?

I have contacts within Comcast and I had been begging them to update the 3412. Comcast sent out firmware version 16.20 in my area last week and all of my complaints have been fixed.

My 3412 is working very well now and I am happy with it. I am sorry for those who are having DVI/HDMI problems since the update but I am happy to say I am not having any HDMI problems with my 3412 connected to my Panasonic Plasma.

PS. We never had 12.35 in the Twin Cities. We went from 12.31 to 16.20. Some users here are complaining about DVI issues with 16.20.

scanpa-
Is Comcast aware of the HDMI problem and is there a firmware fix coming soon?


Yes, there aware, the areas that have the 12.35 F/W and have the HDMI problem were given the ok to revert F/W back to 12.31. so I am sure that in the areas the new I-Guide enhanced software with 16.20 F/W will get a F/W fix as soon as they can.

My area is not anywhere ready for pushing the Enhanced Iguide software / new 16.xx series F/W out or the TiVo software. :mad:

I also have the 16.20 (Minneapolis area) and have noticed that I no longer have a jerky picture on my favorite sports channel, and the audio isn't dropping all of a sudden. I've noticed however that the audio is not in sync with the video consistently, and didn't have this issue before.

There's always something, it seems.

I have a 3416. Stupid question but how do you receive a new guide and firmware update? Is this all automatic? How does one figure out which version one has?


how did you go about getting the 3416? i have the 6412 now, and not really interested in moving to the 3412, but the extra space for the 16 would be well worth it.

how did you go about getting the 3416? i have the 6412 now, and not really interested in moving to the 3412, but the extra space for the 16 would be well worth it.
I had 6412s. Then I moved to another unit in the same building. Comcrap insisted on sending a technician out (for really no reason) and charging me some fee, so I insisted on all new boxes. So the guy showed up with 3 - 3416s (brand new looking too). I guess I just got lucky, but if you find a walk-in payment center in your area that swaps out boxes then you could probably take yours in and trade them in for the better models if they are available.

I had 6412s. Then I moved to another unit in the same building. Comcrap insisted on sending a technician out (for really no reason) and charging me some fee, so I insisted on all new boxes. So the guy showed up with 3 - 3416s (brand new looking too). I guess I just got lucky, but if you find a walk-in payment center in your area that swaps out boxes then you could probably take yours in and trade them in for the better models if they are available.

Absolutly. I got my 3416 by going to the comcast office and asking asking to exchange my 6412 - which I had sith me. They didn't even question my request. 10 minutes later I walked out with the new unit.

I have had the new box for 3 or 4 days and I love it. I think the picture is better, color has more snap, and, like my 20 month old 6412, it just does its thing.

...if you find a walk-in payment center in your area that swaps out boxes then you could probably take yours in and trade them in for the better models if they are available.
mhargr03, unfortunately for us, they don't seem to allow walk-ups in Chi or the burbs. They insist on sending a teck to charge the extra $16 or $32 depending on the circumstance.

I know for a fact they allow walk-ups at the North Ave service center because I have been there and have swapped out boxes in the past. As always with Comcrap, call again, ask the same question and you'll get a different answer.

I know for a fact they allow walk-ups at the North Ave service center because I have been there and have swapped out boxes in the past. As always with Comcrap, call again, ask the same question and you'll get a different answer.
Thats news (good news) to me. Out by us, the have an office, but no box related walkups allowed. I thought I read that others in the city had the same problem. You never know, maybe they've relaxed the policy out here.

i just called comcast. they said any walk in center will swap out for 1.99$

i just called comcast. they said any walk in center will swap out for 1.99$

I didn't have to pay no stinking $1.99 for mine.

Seems like a stupidly small nusance fee to me..

i just called comcast. they said any walk in center will swap out for 1.99$

Comcast Does not Charge any fee to swap out equipment if you go to a Comcast office or center.

I've swapped my 6412 4 times in the last year at my local office due to the response time issue and have never been charged a cent.

I've swapped my 6412 4 times in the last year at my local office due to the response time issue and have never been charged a cent.

did u eventually ask for the new model?

Let me see if I understand this:
When exchanging boxes do you bring just the box or the box and power cord?
(I imagine the power cord is the same, but figure I would ask.)
And you just say the nature of the defect or that you want to upgrade, whichever the case may be?
And you just show up at the walk-up office w/o calling?

I simply bring the old box (with power cord), tell them I want a different box or a newer box, and walk away with the new box. I've done it 3 times. Once, they asked me if anything was wrong with the box i was returning, but the other times, they just exchanged it without question (w/o calling ahead and w/o a $1.99 fee).

I have taken the power cord and remote with me, but every time I just kept the old cord and remote.

I just bring the power cord, at least in my area the ones they give out are shrink-wrapped with the cord wound up in the back, and the literature on top. No need to bring in the remote.

That $1.99 fee is total BS, bring your latest price guide and show them there is no $1.99 box swap fee.

I just brought my old 6412PII and they gave me a new 3416 no questions asked, when I asked if it was a 3416 and not a 3412 surprisingly they knew exactly what I was talking about and indeed confirmed it was a 3416.

i just called comcast. they said any walk in center will swap out for 1.99$
Call again and you'll get a different answer. That's what makes Comcast customer service so *special.*

You can find some of the info here:

www.comcast.com/improvedguide

One feature I like is the new DVR Menu when you press the DVR button. This brings up the Scheduled Recordings and Series Priority List with one push of a button. However, it now requires 2 steps to view your existing recordings (My Recordings).

I hate this. 95% of the time I want existing recordings. It reminds me of my credit union's ATMs which first ask if you want Spanish or English when less than 5% of its users speak Spanish.

I hate this. 95% of the time I want existing recordings. It reminds me of my credit union's ATMs which first ask if you want Spanish or English when less than 5% of its users speak Spanish.

I agree. I always disliked the roundabout way of getting to the scheduled recordings, but they made getting to the existing recordings more difficult in the process.

btw, one issue I previously had with FW 12.31 may have been resolved with 16.20. I had occassional stuttering problems on both of my boxes. Swapping tuners usually fixed it but sometimes it would require unplugging the power cord. So far, I've not had any stuttering on either box (knock on wood).

I hate this. 95% of the time I want existing recordings. It reminds me of my credit union's ATMs which first ask if you want Spanish or English when less than 5% of its users speak Spanish.

Depends on where you live. Down here, I suspect that percentage is significantly higher.

The folks at my Comcast office showed me the $1.99 fee on their printed services price list.

did u eventually ask for the new model?
Last time I got a 3412 instead of a 6412 but of coarse that didn't help. I was hoping that they upgraded the CPU to a faster model or something to get rid of the timing problem in the software. I've called Comcast every two months for the last year about the problem but they kept claiming that there wasn't a problem. About two months ago they finally admited there was a problem and they notified Motorola (big deal). The last time I called, they said the TVIO will be coming out shortly. Much more $$$$.

Stupid question and I know I have seen it before in the A2000 thread, but how do you access the menu screen on the 3412? Not the menu screen you get by hitting menu after you turn off the box to change the aspect ratio and such, but another menu screen where you can scroll around to change other options and see the signal strength? I have searched the thread for "signal strength" and "remote codes" but I couldn't find the right link. Any help would be great. Thanks.

Forget it, it's STB off and then hit the ok button. Then scroll down to d04 INBAND STATUS and press OK.

This will tell you what your SNR and AGC signal ratios are and include a rating of Poor Fair or Good.

Stupid question and I know I have seen it before in the A2000 thread, but how do you access the menu screen on the 3412? Not the menu screen you get by hitting menu after you turn off the box to change the aspect ratio and such, but another menu screen where you can scroll around to change other options and see the signal strength? I have searched the thread for "signal strength" and "remote codes" but I couldn't find the right link. Any help would be great. Thanks.
To access the diagnositc screen, hit power off and then Select/OK within 2 seconds.

The signal strength is measured in db. I wonder why the db measurments are different between the two tuners. My first one is measured at around 34 db, and the second tuner is at about 36 db.

Has any one tried to connect a SATA hard drive to the SATA port yet?

Thanks for the info. regarding exchanging the DVRs.
When you guys get the new DVR, do they activate it at the office or do you have to call in?

Thanks for the info. regarding exchanging the DVRs.
When you guys get the new DVR, do they activate it at the office or do you have to call in?

They gave me a phone number to call once everything is re-connected, and from there it's automatic.

The J-guide is the Java based version of I-guide.


Does that make a significant difference or anything?(sorry, not very technology Saavy when it comes to concepts such as java)
Also, does this "16.20" update people are receiving include the VRN features(or A24) the Twin Cities got or is the one that simply changes the lay-out of the menus?

Does the 3416 say 'DCT-3416' on the front or do I have to look at the bottom?

The signal strength is measured in db. I wonder why the db measurments are different between the two tuners. My first one is measured at around 34 db, and the second tuner is at about 36 db.

Has any one tried to connect a SATA hard drive to the SATA port yet?
That will vary depending on what channel each tuner is on since amplifiers at the source are sperate for each channel and may have different charactistics. If you put both tuners on the same channel, both readings should be about the same.

Does the 3416 say 'DCT-3416' on the front or do I have to look at the bottom?

It says it on the front in the bottom left corner.

Does the latest firmware (16.20 & 12.35) hose HDMI/DVI output on just the 341x, or on the 641x as well?

Are all Series I, II, and III boxes affected?

OK, first a question and then my diatribe.

Question: I'm about to get a Sony 46' XBR3 and I'm going to get a Comcast DVR (for now anyway). I've read pages of these posts and from what I can glean, the 3416 is the preferred box. Is this version available in a DVR box, or is there no choice in DVR models?

Diatribe: Its amazing to me that all the posters here have to collaborate to try to piece together technical information that Comcast should make readily available on a web site. Is it ignorance of their customer's needs or arrogance to them? Either way its disgraceful. It shows what happens when there are virtual monopolies. The Comcast franchise is actually up for renewal next year in my town. It will be interesting to attend the public hearing. Hopefully young children will not be allowed in the room, LOL!

Question: I'm about to get a Sony 46' XBR3 and I'm going to get a Comcast DVR (for now anyway). I've read pages of these posts and from what I can glean, the 3416 is the preferred box. Is this version available in a DVR box, or is there no choice in DVR models?

The 34xxs are DVRs. Generally you do not have a choice which DVR you can get. Most areas only carry one type. You can only get a 34xx DVR if your area is ADS (Analog/Digital Similcast). The 34xx receives all channels as digital. The 64xx receives some channels as analog and others as digital but in some ADS areas the 64xx will receive everything as digital depending on how the frontend is configured.

In my opinion, I think the analog channels on the 64xx are just slightly better than the same digital channels on the 34xx (analog channels can have much more information in the stream than digital channels possibly giving a slightly better PQ but analog is NTSC (Never The Same Color)). Also with the 34xx I've had intermittent judder occur. I'm now on my 2nd 34xx and have yet to determine if the judder is a design problem or was just a bad 34xx.

I simply bring the old box (with power cord), tell them I want a different box or a newer box, and walk away with the new box. I've done it 3 times. Once, they asked me if anything was wrong with the box i was returning, but the other times, they just exchanged it without question (w/o calling ahead and w/o a $1.99 fee).

Same here. In fact, several times I've kept the old box to copy programs onto DVD before returning it. No problem getting permission to do that, with no charge.

Diatribe: Its amazing to me that all the posters here have to collaborate to try to piece together technical information that Comcast should make readily available on a web site. Is it ignorance of their customer's needs or arrogance to them?

Both. And unfortunately not uncommon among large corporations.

Well, it also could be that they'd prefer we not have that technical information -- not arrogance but rather proprietary considerations. If you put information out there, you have to support it.

The signal strength is measured in db. I wonder why the db measurments are different between the two tuners. My first one is measured at around 34 db, and the second tuner is at about 36 db.
There are splitters and I think an amp in the box to split up the signal between the mulitple tuners (tuner 1, tuner 2, OOB[OutOfBand, used for downloading data], modem [which is usually disabled], and possibly the transmitter for talking back). I believe tuner 2 is after a second splitter compared with tuner 1, and there may be a small amp, too. Tuner 2 often has slightly lower SNR then tuner 1. Sometimes, the AGC (rough reverse-analog of signal strength) can be higher, especially at higher frequencies.

For example, SciFi is on 807MHz on my system. Until recently, it read about 56% AGC on tuner 1, and 71% on tuner 2. Now it's 55/51. On most any frequency, SNR is about 1-2dB lower on tuner 2. That is why I think there is an amp to help compensate for the internal splitters, as they typically boost noise a bit.

Well, I just got my 6412 replaced with a 3416 and lo and behold, it's also a piece of crap. It's now been 2 minutes hung up on trying to rewind the Phils in HD. I can swap out of it but when I go back to the tuner that had the game I still can't rewind. Comcrap sure is consistent.

Does anyone know if the 3416 outputs HDMI and Component simultaneously?

Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know if the 3416 outputs HDMI and Component simultaneously?

Thanks in advance.
Yes.

Well, I just got my 6412 replaced with a 3416 and lo and behold, it's also a piece of crap. It's now been 2 minutes hung up on trying to rewind the Phils in HD. I can swap out of it but when I go back to the tuner that had the game I still can't rewind. Comcrap sure is consistent.

I swapped for a 3412 today, and have the same problem. FF and RW don't appear to work. I can use the 30 sec forward skip and 6 second back skip, however. I don't use FF or RW very often, though sometimes they are handy.

Friends, any ideas?

Maybe a little off topic, but is there a way to keep the box from recording a program in SD if an HD version of the station exists? For example in my area (Boston, MA), right now Scrubs is showing both on Comedy Central (76) and WLVI (10 in SD 856 in HD). I also want new episodes of Scrubs to record on NBC when they come out (I hate NBC for it's treatment of Scrubs). When I have tried creating series recordings of shows with the same name on different stations or at different times, the DVR has gotten all confused and only recorded on one station. So now I set the series recording settings to record all instances of Scrubs, regardless of time or station. The problem now is that if nothing else is recording at the same time as Scrubs is on WLVI, it will record the program 2x, once on 10 (SD) and once on 856 (HD). Annoying, but not a big deal. If there is a conflict, by default it records on 10 in SD, and from past experience with Family Guy, I know that new episodes on NBC will record on 4 (SD) vs. 804 (HD).

So, is there a way to get the DVR to "forget" certain stations and just never record from them? When I have NBC in HD, I never want to record the SD version, even if the show is just an SD rebroadcast, it still looks better on the HD feed. Barring that, is there a way to set up multiple series recordings of shows with the same name?

Maybe a little off topic, but is there a way to keep the box from recording a program in SD if an HD version of the station exists? For example in my area (Boston, MA), right now Scrubs is showing both on Comedy Central (76) and WLVI (10 in SD 856 in HD). I also want new episodes of Scrubs to record on NBC when they come out (I hate NBC for it's treatment of Scrubs). When I have tried creating series recordings of shows with the same name on different stations or at different times, the DVR has gotten all confused and only recorded on one station. So now I set the series recording settings to record all instances of Scrubs, regardless of time or station. The problem now is that if nothing else is recording at the same time as Scrubs is on WLVI, it will record the program 2x, once on 10 (SD) and once on 856 (HD). Annoying, but not a big deal. If there is a conflict, by default it records on 10 in SD, and from past experience with Family Guy, I know that new episodes on NBC will record on 4 (SD) vs. 804 (HD).

So, is there a way to get the DVR to "forget" certain stations and just never record from them? When I have NBC in HD, I never want to record the SD version, even if the show is just an SD rebroadcast, it still looks better on the HD feed. Barring that, is there a way to set up multiple series recordings of shows with the same name?
It may be best to use a manual recording for one of them. Leave the series recording for only the 'New' HD episodes. Create a manual recording for the Comedy Central ones. You can create a manual recording by going DVR Schedule, then 'Create a Manual recording'. Select the start/end times and first date, then the channel, then go to 'Recording Options' (wrench icon), and choose the 'repeat recording' rate you need (Mon-Fri for example.) The only drawback to this is that they will show up in MyDVR only by date and time, and not by title.

The other choice is to go through the guide and manually select each one to record.

I had several 6412s before I exchanged it for the 3412. However about every week the HD channels start to become jerky during high motion and I have to switch the STB from 1080i to 720p and then back 1080i to fix the problem. I checked with my local Comcast office to see if they have any 6412s and they do so I'll be going to Comcast to exchange back to the 6412.

Anyone else have the jerkyness problem?
Absolutely - I simply unplug/replug the power card and all is resolved.

Absolutely - I simply unplug/replug the power card and all is resolved.

Sorry, that's not the answer. The answer is for them to offer a box that actually works. I've rebooted my 16 hour old 3416 twice today alone (3 times yesterday) and it's obviously going back tomorrow. I think it's incredible that they'd release this box with the problems they had to know it has.

I called Comcast last week, asking when my bill was going up (I had a one-year special for switching from DirecTV), and I told the rep that I was very unhappy with the 6412PIII box - video dropouts, audio dropouts, some recordings unwatcheable, etc., and that I'm not going to pay full price for such a situation. She assured me that there is not a systemic problem with the product, just a few whiners on the forums, and that I simply need a technician to come and solve my problem. I told her I am _very_ skeptical, but perhaps I'd go along with this before switching back to DirecTV.
Anyway, I said how about a 3412, in case they're any better, and she said she'd check on availability. Now I see some people are getting 3416s? If so, maybe I can talk them into one of those. Has anyone in the Boulder area seen a 3416?
Thanks, JohnB

Sorry, that's not the answer. The answer is for them to offer a box that actually works. I've rebooted my 16 hour old 3416 twice today alone (3 times yesterday) and it's obviously going back tomorrow. I think it's incredible that they'd release this box with the problems they had to know it has.

My 3416 has not demonstrated this problem. So I don't think this is a universal issue. I think you just have a bad box.

Absolutely - I simply unplug/replug the power card and all is resolved.
I went down about 2 weeks ago to pick up a 6412 but they only had PIIs so I got another 3412 and this one has worked perfectly (except for response issues of course) since I've had it. So maybe the other 3412 was bad.

The headline: The Washington Redskins win overtime thriller!

Why I'm so mad. I got home just as the game was ending and began to watch. When I look at the My DVR it shows the recording as 195 minutes. Great, but when I hit play I see 1:17 above the green bar (*W$#^# !!!). So, I saw the first half of a great overtime game.

Has this happened to anyone else? Is it a common problem? More importantly, is the recording really there somewhere and can be viewed? Or, is my only hope that NFL Network chooses this as a Replay worthy game?

Here's a truly dumb question....

Can I send the output from my 3412 to two AV amps at the same time? I have HD thru Comcast and have a 3412 controlled by a RF remote. I have two separate AV systems in different areas of the house. I'd like to send the same HD signal to both AV amps at the same time, recognizing that I can only watch one channel at a time. I know the 3412 has many output options (optical, HDMI, component) and was wondering if I could send an optical signal to one amp and HDMI to another.

Thanks for suffering this newbie question!!!

when I try to go in and check the firmware version I hit menu and it goes to the menu and then when I hit it again it just takes the menu away. I tried doing it with the box off just to see if I was doing it wrong and still no go. What am I doing wrong? The box is a 3412 that I just got about two weeks ago and it is doing that random reboot thing so I think I have 12.35 but want to check.

when I try to go in and check the firmware version I hit menu and it goes to the menu and then when I hit it again it just takes the menu away. I tried doing it with the box off just to see if I was doing it wrong and still no go. What am I doing wrong? The box is a 3412 that I just got about two weeks ago and it is doing that random reboot thing so I think I have 12.35 but want to check.

If you live in Washington state (Microsoft guide), then the menu/menu isn't the way to go. Use Menu/Settings/Cable Box Options/Diagnostics -- 4th line down is the firmware version.

when I try to go in and check the firmware version I hit menu and it goes to the menu and then when I hit it again it just takes the menu away. I tried doing it with the box off just to see if I was doing it wrong and still no go. What am I doing wrong? The box is a 3412 that I just got about two weeks ago and it is doing that random reboot thing so I think I have 12.35 but want to check.
To Get the firmware version you need to go into Setup. Perform the following.

With power on both the TV and the STB, hit Menu.
Hit Menu again.
Down Arrow until you select Setup. Hit Select/OK.
Down Arrow until you select Cable Box Setup. Hit Select/OK.
Down Arrow until you select Configuration. Hit Select/OK.

To Get the firmware version you need to go into Setup. Perform the following.

With power on both the TV and the STB, hit Menu.
Hit Menu again.
Down Arrow until you select Setup. Hit Select/OK.
Down Arrow until you select Cable Box Setup. Hit Select/OK.
Down Arrow until you select Configuration. Hit Select/OK.


It doesn't work that way with the Microsoft guide, so he has to use the method I posted.

Thanks, I am on the microsoft guide so I will try it and see if that works.

I just received a DCT3416 a few days ago. Everything seems to be working fine except that I do not get any program information for the ABC-HD channel (187) or ABC News Now channel (217), both in the guide on the channel display. It just shows "To Be Announced". I've got about two weeks worth for every other channel, include the ABC-SD channel (7). Comcast customer service has "bumped" my box several times but it doesn't help. I've also recycled the box, but no luck there either. I live in NW Indiana. Does anyone know why this is happening on this box? I had the ABC-HD programming info on my old box. Thanks!

Has anyone figured this out? We also just got our 3416 a few days ago & ABC & CBS aren't showing program information. It seems to display info for most shows, just not the ones i want to set up series recordings for! ie:csi miami was not showing up until late today, a few hours before the broadcast! We still don't have program info for other network shows later this week.

I called Comcast yesterday, asking for a new signal, but CSR had me changing settings on the box. She seemed to insist that the guide wasn't showing up at all! I had techs out 3 different times last week & hoped this was something that could be fixed w/o another appointment.

Has anyone figured this out? We also just got our 3416 a few days ago & ABC & CBS aren't showing program information. It seems to display info for most shows, just not the ones i want to set up series recordings for! ie:csi miami was not showing up until late today, a few hours before the broadcast! We still don't have program info for other network shows later this week.

I called Comcast yesterday, asking for a new signal, but CSR had me changing settings on the box. She seemed to insist that the guide wasn't showing up at all! I had techs out 3 different times last week & hoped this was something that could be fixed w/o another appointment.
Generally that information is provided by the local station and has very little to do with Comcast. I would call the station and report the problem and see if they can get it fixed.

One of the things that drives me nuts with the Guide is that there's no date on search results - just shows the days of the week, and it's often hard to tell which week. Am I missing something, or is this just another little stupidity...

One of the things that drives me nuts with the Guide is that there's no date on search results - just shows the days of the week, and it's often hard to tell which week. Am I missing something, or is this just another little stupidity...

It's pretty dumb, but since there are never more than two choices, and the days are listed in order starting with "Today", most of the time there isn't much confusion.

(You're probably better off posting questions like this on the Seattle 6412 site. The guide operations for the 6412 and 3412 are the same, but here you may get responses which are only valid for iGuide.)

On the off chance that someone from Comcast reads this, let's start a list of improvements to be addressed in firmware 12.4?.

1) Fix the dreaded reboot that occurs with 12.35

2) Smooth out the ff/rew transport

3) Fix the ff x4. It's useless now since it jumps WAY back when you press play.

4) I would also love to see an option to disable the "jump back" feature when fforwarding. With sports events it's easier to just ff to the point of interest instead of having to see the play unfold and then press play and have the system jump back. While watching tennis, I ff between points and then have to watch the serve, press play and then watch the serve again.

Any others?

Art

Is it possible to transfer recording to a laptop on this model? Any pointing in the right direction would be superb. Thanks.

S

How to record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire) to Windows XP (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695&page=1)

On the off chance that someone from Comcast reads this, let's start a list of improvements to be addressed in firmware 12.4?.

1) Fix the dreaded reboot that occurs with 12.35

2) Smooth out the ff/rew transport

3) Fix the ff x4. It's useless now since it jumps WAY back when you press play.

4) I would also love to see an option to disable the "jump back" feature when fforwarding. With sports events it's easier to just ff to the point of interest instead of having to see the play unfold and then press play and have the system jump back. While watching tennis, I ff between points and then have to watch the serve, press play and then watch the serve again.

Any others?

Art

I would definitely like to see them solve my GSOD problem (Green Screen of Death). When I connect the 3412 (V12.35) to my Panasonic TH-42PX600U via HDMI, I get a picture for 30 secs and then the GSOD. Motorola first tried to tell my cable company that it was the TV!! Thanks to incredible service by Panasonic, they sent a Tech to my house (3 hr drive) and he brought another NEW 42" Plasma TV (and a HDMI equipped DVD player) to try. The new TV of course had the same problem and the DVD player worked fine. The cable company now admits it is the STB. I've been watching this forum for a while, and didnt see a fix. I gather it is a handshake timing issue with the 3412 that Motorola doesn't want to admit?

RealWing,

This may be info you already know, but just in case - have you gone into the 3412 menu (with the power off, hit the menu button)? There are settings for HDMI in there, one of which, when I played with it, set my screen to green if I remember correctly. I am not at home to look, but the setting was something like "DVI Mode". My tv is connected via HDMI, so maybe your 3412 is in that DVI Mode (or something like it).

I would definitely like to see them solve my GSOD problem (Green Screen of Death). When I connect the 3412 (V12.35) to my Panasonic TH-42PX600U via HDMI, I get a picture for 30 secs and then the GSOD. Motorola first tried to tell my cable company that it was the TV!! Thanks to incredible service by Panasonic, they sent a Tech to my house (3 hr drive) and he brought another NEW 42" Plasma TV (and a HDMI equipped DVD player) to try. The new TV of course had the same problem and the DVD player worked fine. The cable company now admits it is the STB. I've been watching this forum for a while, and didnt see a fix. I gather it is a handshake timing issue with the 3412 that Motorola doesn't want to admit?
Strange I have never heard about that problem with that TV. I'd suggest that you go to the Offical Panasonic PX60/600 thread and ask if anyone has seen the problem.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=657575

FYI 3412s can have their hard drive upgraded to a 160GB drive (plug-n-play)

**only if you own the box**

For the past few days I noticed that my HD Live and recorded picture looked jerky. The sound was fine but the picture seemed like it was skipping a few frames. It was really noticeable when I would switch from 105 to 5. 5 was very smooth and 105 looked like I was viewing a television over an old computer system, jerky and digital-like.

I played with all of the controls, rebooted the box, checked my signal, and even called Comcast. I finally decided to change the 1080I to 720P just for the heck of it. The 720P picture was smooth as glass. Then I changed it back to 1080I. Somehow, it fixed the problem. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I have no idea what I did.


Art

For the past few days I noticed that my HD Live and recorded picture looked jerky. The sound was fine but the picture seemed like it was skipping a few frames. It was really noticeable when I would switch from 105 to 5. 5 was very smooth and 105 looked like I was viewing a television over an old computer system, jerky and digital-like.

I played with all of the controls, rebooted the box, checked my signal, and even called Comcast. I finally decided to change the 1080I to 720P just for the heck of it. The 720P picture was smooth as glass. Then I changed it back to 1080I. Somehow, it fixed the problem. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I have no idea what I did.


Art
My last 3412 did that once a week and I had to switch it to 720p and back to 1080i to fix the probelm. Finally I got fed up and replaced it with another one but I din't think that would fix the problem. However I've had the new 3412 for 3 weeks now without a problem.

So any update on getting the SATA connection to work to add an external HD for added capacity? 10 hours of HD recording blows.....

So any update on getting the SATA connection to work to add an external HD for added capacity? 10 hours of HD recording blows.....
My understanding is that the DVR must have a way to logically tie the external hard drives to that box in order for the capability to be compliant with the security requirements of HD. I'm not sure if the box has to have a unique embedded number or something similar that would be used to generate the keys to encrypt data on the external hard drives or if it can develop it logically. If an embedded number was required it would be unlikely that the current Motorola DVRs already had that capability so the external SATA drives could not be supported.

Other manufacturers DVRs (eg. SA 8300 HD) have implemented the external SATA and if the drive is moved to another DVR, it will not work.

RealWing,

This may be info you already know, but just in case - have you gone into the 3412 menu (with the power off, hit the menu button)? There are settings for HDMI in there, one of which, when I played with it, set my screen to green if I remember correctly. I am not at home to look, but the setting was something like "DVI Mode". My tv is connected via HDMI, so maybe your 3412 is in that DVI Mode (or something like it).

I had the exact same problem this past weekend. I went through two 3416's. The first was ok with the HDMI-DVI connector but everything else was horrible. I got a new box on Monday and there was no picture at all - the HDMI was bad, or possibly the earlier posters comments about setting in the menu but in any event I switched to component. I can't tell the difference in the picture-probably because I'm 13 feet from a 32" screen. This box, although without the ability to display in HDMI/DVI works better than any box I've ever had from Comcast. I'll keep this one. As an added bonus, I can now switch via the receiver with the DVD and the DVR.

I just had to say that in a public place. I have never encountered such bad service and gross incompetence. I am hoping for a new technology that will put them out of business. If any politician ever recommends deregulation to me, I would point them to Comcast as proof that deregulation does not work and that the private sector is not always an improvement.

Has anyone noticed that you can not stop the automatic credit card bill payment on their site? Have you ever had any luck speaking to a superviser?

My hate is mostly directed towards Montgomery County, MD comcast, since I did encounter one competent, pleasant person on their commercial accounts phone. Even he knew that our local Comcast was incompetent.

Joey

RealWing,

This may be info you already know, but just in case - have you gone into the 3412 menu (with the power off, hit the menu button)? There are settings for HDMI in there, one of which, when I played with it, set my screen to green if I remember correctly. I am not at home to look, but the setting was something like "DVI Mode". My tv is connected via HDMI, so maybe your 3412 is in that DVI Mode (or something like it).

I had tried that as well. It can be set to HDMI or DVI mode. Tried both - no change. Also tried setting at different resolutions - no luck

On the off chance that someone from Comcast reads this, let's start a list of improvements to be addressed in firmware 12.4?.

1) Fix the dreaded reboot that occurs with 12.35

2) Smooth out the ff/rew transport

3) Fix the ff x4. It's useless now since it jumps WAY back when you press play.

4) I would also love to see an option to disable the "jump back" feature when forwarding. With sports events it's easier to just ff to the point of interest instead of having to see the play unfold and then press play and have the system jump back. While watching tennis, I ff between points and then have to watch the serve, press play and then watch the serve again.

Any others?

Art

1) If I understand you right, please don't disable the Jump Back. I inevitably go past the beginning of a program segment when using commercial skip. Jump Back allows me to cue up to the beginning of the segment.

2) We all know we can adjust the aspect ratio and CC functions by turning off the box and hitting the "LAST" button.

Under the 4:3 setting, we are given four options: 4:3 (no option), 4:3I, 4:3P, and 4:3 Stretch. The 4:3I & P give a true 4:3 picture, putting up gray bars to either side of the image. I hate the stretch because suddenly everything in the image is made of Silly Putty. The 4:3 with no option actually gives something like a 5:3 image, which is great, but uses black bars to frame the picture. I would like those to be gray as well to save my poor CRT projectors.

3) A priority!!! Our friends at NBC and ABC insist on starting programs anywhere from 2 - 7 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. The reason is clever. They can claim Neilsen viewers over two hour segements rather than one for popular shows. ABC can charge the advertising rates for LOST for both the 7 - 8PM and 8 - 9PM intervals (I live in Mountain Time Zone) rather than for the 8-9PM slot. Great for them, bad for people programming with DVRs.

Please, please, please give us the ability to adjust the time to begin recording earlier than the scheduled time.

And besides, who with a DVR and commercial skip watches commercials anymore! :p

4) Another priority. There is a really nasty problem when using MYDVR. I've only had the box a week and this has happened three times already.

Sometimes when I select recorded program for PLAY, the image comes up with a time bar that has no information. When the TIME bar at the bottom of the screen has no details, the player then hangs on the image. To clear it, I have to stop and exit out. If I then try to play that or any program, it cues up the spot in the first program that hung up place it hung and won't go past it. In other words if it happens to LOST and I exit out and decide instead to watch CSI, the player will cue up the beginning point in LOST even though I selected CSI.

The solution is to pull the plug and cold reboot. Bad solution because I then need to wait half the day for the program guide to reload.

4) In the new boxes, Motorola or the mythical Panasonic, increase the RAM and Flash memories. Right now they are 128 mg and 16 mg respectively. No wonder they lose the program guide immediately upon losing power. My wristwatch has more RAM than that. Considering I can buy 2 gigs of SD Flash memory for $50 and they can get it even cheaper than that, it's a small cost to add to an $800 box.

5) Finally at long last let us use external hard drives through the USB input (hopefully USB2)! Pretty please! These programs files are so big that we really need to add the HDs-- especially when going on an extended vacation.

1) Please, please, please give us the ability to adjust the time to begin recording earlier than the scheduled time.

This option exists. I think you have to go into the recording options after you've set up a program to record via the guide. You can bump out the recording begininng and ending times in one-minute increments to as much as you want. I used this feature just last night, in fact.

I just had to say that in a public place. I have never encountered such bad service and gross incompetence.You must not get out much! :D Comcast is among the better service providers. If you think they're bad, "you ain't seen nothin' yet!"

Have you ever had any luck speaking to a superviser? I've never had a problem speaking to a supervisor, when it was necessary, which wasn't all that often.

You must not get out much! :D Comcast is among the better service providers. If you think they're bad, "you ain't seen nothin' yet!"

I've never had a problem speaking to a supervisor, when it was necessary, which wasn't all that often.

Oh, I know there are other, don't even get me started on Best Buy. Where I live, I think bad service is the norm....But Comcast is among the very worst.

j

This option exists. I think you have to go into the recording options after you've set up a program to record via the guide. You can bump out the recording begininng and ending times in one-minute increments to as much as you want. I used this feature just last night, in fact.

Unless they slipped in this feature within the last week, in Denver we can program additional minutes after but not before the scheduled times. It's a drag. That's why I made the suggestion. Thanks for the info. I'm glad they let you do that in your market.

Has anyone found a solution/fix for the HDMI Green Screen of Death with the 3412 box through a Reciever that can handle HDMI?

My set up:
3412 Moto HD DVR
Pioneer 1140HD Plasma
Pioneer 46avi DVD Player
3806 Denon Receiver

I can run the 46avi DVD Player via HDMI into the 3806 Denon Receiver and get a signal out of the Receiver via HDMI to the Plasma TV.

I can NOT get the 3412 Moto HD DVR via HDMI to run through the 3806 Denon Receiver via HDMI to the Plasma TV without getting the Green Screen issue.

I am assuming the firmware still has not been updated to resolve this issue or did I miss something on the thread here? Got through about 47 pages of content.

As a temp solution, I have simply set the DVD player to run through the receiver via HDMI to the TV and set the 3412 directly to the TV via a second HDMI and used Coax Digitial for the audio to the receiver. Just sucks I have to switch which input the tv is set on for DVD or TV viewing.

For the past few days I noticed that my HD Live and recorded picture looked jerky. The sound was fine but the picture seemed like it was skipping a few frames. It was really noticeable when I would switch from 105 to 5. 5 was very smooth and 105 looked like I was viewing a television over an old computer system, jerky and digital-like.

I played with all of the controls, rebooted the box, checked my signal, and even called Comcast. I finally decided to change the 1080I to 720P just for the heck of it. The 720P picture was smooth as glass. Then I changed it back to 1080I. Somehow, it fixed the problem. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I have no idea what I did.

Art

Wow - my 3412 is doing the same thing! I will try that 720/1080 fix. If it keeps happening, I will swap it out for a new box.

The DCT3412 brochure states that you can "Watch two programs at once and easily switch between them". I can't figure out how to do that and my Cable Company Tech says that it is not possible with this box!! he said I have to connect my analog cable to the TV (which has dual tuners) and then switch between the STB and analog cable.

Is he correct or can the 3412 really display 2 pictures at one?

The DCT3412 brochure states that you can "Watch two programs at once and easily switch between them". I can't figure out how to do that and my Cable Company Tech says that it is not possible with this box!! he said I have to connect my analog cable to the TV (which has dual tuners) and then switch between the STB and analog cable.

Is he correct or can the 3412 really display 2 pictures at one?

What you can do is Swap between the 2 tuners on the STB.

Hit the swap button on the remote to switch between the 2 tuners.

What you can do is Swap between the 2 tuners on the STB.

Hit the swap button on the remote to switch between the 2 tuners.

How is this different than using the "Last" button and just jumping between two channels on one tuner?

How is this different than using the "Last" button and just jumping between two channels on one tuner?

Last button goes to the previous channel, on the tuner you are watching. Swap button goes over to the other tuner. When you have 2 programs on seperate tuners, you can pause, rr, ff BOTH programs.

Last button goes to the previous channel, on the tuner you are watching. Swap button goes over to the other tuner. When you have 2 programs on seperate tuners, you can pause, rr, ff BOTH programs.
What ak3883 said - It is a great option for watching two shows at once. In addition, you can't use the "last" button when two programs are being recorded because you can't change the channel unless you stop recording one program.

What you can do is Swap between the 2 tuners on the STB.

Hit the swap button on the remote to switch between the 2 tuners.

I know I can swap between the 2 tuners, but how do I get the 2 channels to display on the screen at the same time?

I know I can swap between the 2 tuners, but how do I get the 2 channels to display on the screen at the same time?

Unfortunatelly unlike SA DVR boxes Motorola and GuideWorks have not implemented Picture-in-Picture (PIP) function on 3412/16's.

Unfortunatelly unlike SA DVR boxes Motorola and GuideWorks have not implemented Picture-in-Picture (PIP) function on 3412/16's.


Somewhat misleading when they state "Watch two programs at once and easily switch between them". ?? Maybe bordering on untrue??!!

No, not really. PIP is a separate function that if available would be promoted specifically by name.

What you can do is Swap between the 2 tuners on the STB.

Hit the swap button on the remote to switch between the 2 tuners.

Just to repeat something I posted awhile back. I also used the swap button to fix the stuttering problem. However, the 16.20 firmware update has eliminated the stuttering problem altogether on my boxes. I know that doesn't help those of you still on FW 12.xx, but the new firmware did resolve the problem, at least for me. In fact, other than not being able to use the HDMI, I have had no problems at all since I received the update.

Sorry, that's not the answer. The answer is for them to offer a box that actually works. I've rebooted my 16 hour old 3416 twice today alone (3 times yesterday) and it's obviously going back tomorrow. I think it's incredible that they'd release this box with the problems they had to know it has.
Unfortunatley it is the only current answer as there is no such thing as a 3412 that actually works the way it's supposed to work. I exchanged two for this reason....I just don't have time to keep returning them. Unplugging/replugging takes all of 3 seconds.

This option exists. I think you have to go into the recording options after you've set up a program to record via the guide. You can bump out the recording begininng and ending times in one-minute increments to as much as you want. I used this feature just last night, in fact.
Excellent! I didn't know this existed, my recordings were getting chopped off. Thanks for the tip!!!

I just had to say that in a public place. I have never encountered such bad service and gross incompetence. I am hoping for a new technology that will put them out of business. If any politician ever recommends deregulation to me, I would point them to Comcast as proof that deregulation does not work and that the private sector is not always an improvement.

Has anyone noticed that you can not stop the automatic credit card bill payment on their site? Have you ever had any luck speaking to a superviser?

My hate is mostly directed towards Montgomery County, MD comcast, since I did encounter one competent, pleasant person on their commercial accounts phone. Even he knew that our local Comcast was incompetent.

Joey
I've found Comcast to be exceptional here in MA.

What you can do is Swap between the 2 tuners on the STB.

Hit the swap button on the remote to switch between the 2 tuners.
More importantly, the Swap feature preserves the buffer on both channels that you're swapping between, allowing you to time slice on both channels. Hitting the Last button wipes out the buffer of the channel you were watching.

This is great for sports so you can rewing a play you may have missed.

I do not get a DD5.1 indication on the second tuner of my 3412. On the first tuner when I hit the info button I see the DD symbol and it says 5.1. However switching to the 2nd tuner for the same channel I don't get any DD symbol or 5.1 on the info screen. The receiver seems to indicate DD. I have the 3412 hooked directly to the receiver via optical output. Anyone with similar issues or someone with any suggestions?

I do not get a DD5.1 indication on the second tuner of my 3412. On the first tuner when I hit the info button I see the DD symbol and it says 5.1. However switching to the 2nd tuner for the same channel I don't get any DD symbol or 5.1 on the info screen. The receiver seems to indicate DD. I have the 3412 hooked directly to the receiver via optical output. Anyone with similar issues or someone with any suggestions?
Don't worry. It's just a display glitch. It tends to come and go, and may fix itself after a week or so.

I selected the wrong button to use for 30 second skip. Anyone know how to reset to default settings for the remote control buttons. Any help will be appreciated