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

Select Device key that the programming was done under
Press & Hold "setup" (3 sec)
Enter 9-9-4
Press setup
Press the button that you want to return to its original state twice (2x)

Argh! I got tired of the periodic lag of command response in the 6412 series 1 and decided to trade it in. The local office handed me a 3412, not in a new box (bad sign). The thing is garbage. Whether I use HDMI or component the image freezes and pixelates every few seconds. The sound (coax) is intermittent, mostly off. I did a factory reset with no change. I did the other reset procedure that reformats the drive, but that left it in the same condition. I guess it goes back in the morning.

Question for Comcasters in the Boston area.

I just swapped my digital box for a Motorola 3412. From reading the posts on this board, I knew to ask for the 3416. However, the woman at the Comcast office said they didn't have that model and I'd have to take the 3412 (BTW, there was no fee whatsoever, just required my signature). Was she straight with me, or are the 3416's available in this area?

Although I must admit so far (had it for 4 days) it has performed well.

For about a year I've had 6412s that worked pretty well other than the slow response issue. Each time I replaced the 6412s it was on the hope that it would solve the intermittent response time issue.

The last time I replaced the 6412 I got a 3412 and I started to notice judder problems which never occured on the 6412s. It seemed that the judder problems would start after about 2 days and finally get very bad after about a week. I would either pull the plug on the DRV or switch to 720p and back to 1080i to cure the problem. However, the same issues started to occur the following week. I was getting gun shy since I wasn't always sure whether the judder issue at any one time was caused by the transmission or the DVR. Finally I got feed up and replaced the DVR with another 3412 hoping to solve the problem.

I installed the new 3412 and it ran smooth as silk for three weeks. Then last night I got a severe case of the response issue where I couldn't change channels at all so I was required to pull the plug on the DVR. Within an hour after I plugged it back in, a case of severe judder started to occur (everyone moved like robots). Again I pulled the plug to power it down but within 1/2 an hour the judder started to occur again. I then pushed on the cables on the back of the DVR (especially the HDMI cable) and the judder disappeared.

I wonder if the problem with the judder on the 3412 is a poor HDMI connector. I don't know why switching to 720p and back to 1080i would fix the judder problem temporarily.

However, the woman at the Comcast office said they didn't have that model and I'd have to take the 3412 (BTW, there was no fee whatsoever, just required my signature). Was she straight with me, or are the 3416's available in this area?Note that the two conditionals aren't mutually-exclusive. Individual Comcast offices may or may not have 3416s. They can only give you, of course, what they have on the shelf ready to be given to a customer.

For Comcast support, check out their Live Chat. Never had to wait more than a minute or two, plus you'll have a written record when done. Great for billing problems etc.

For Comcast support, check out their Live Chat. Never had to wait more than a minute or two, plus you'll have a written record when done. Great for billing problems etc.

http://www.comcastsupport.com/sdcxuser/lachat/user/userchatstart.asp

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?

The picture-in-picture is not turned on. Who knows if it will ever be.

I've figured a way around that problem, though, but your TV must have an ATSC/QAM tuner.

Split the signal (use a Comcast splitter and digital coax cable) coming out of the wall jack. One goes into the 34xx STB. One goes straight into the TV's coax input. Have the TV find all of the channels for the coax input. Plot the channels (go one by one and figure out what is on which channel), making up your own little grid. Then use the TV's PIP to watch either STB and TV coax at the same time or two STB images.

One perplexing problem with the coax approach, though, is you won't receive all of the digital channels. You will get a mix of analog and digital. The only digital channels will be the local stations. For example, if they are sending CNN out both as an analog and digital signal through the coax, your TV will likely only recognize the analog because the digital version is being scrambled. One thing I noticed doing this is the music channels are transmitted as wide screen sd images rather than 4:3.

Good luck!

The picture-in-picture is not turned on. Who knows if it will ever be.

I've figured a way around that problem, though, but your TV must have an ATSC/QAM tuner.

Split the signal (use a Comcast splitter and digital coax cable) coming out of the wall jack. One goes into the 34xx STB. One goes straight into the TV's coax input. Have the TV find all of the channels for the coax input. Plot the channels (go one by one and figure out what is on which channel), making up your own little grid. Then use the TV's PIP to watch either STB and TV coax at the same time or two STB images.

One perplexing problem with the coax approach, though, is you won't receive all of the digital channels. You will get a mix of analog and digital. The only digital channels will be the local stations. For example, if they are sending CNN out both as an analog and digital signal through the coax, your TV will likely only recognize the analog because the digital version is being scrambled. One thing I noticed doing this is the music channels are transmitted as wide screen sd images rather than 4:3.

Good luck!

Yes - this configuration works fine. My cable company Tech installed this setup for me after I questionned the 3412 statement. As you indicate - you may not have PIP capability on all channels, but will get most.

Select Device key that the programming was done under
Press & Hold "setup" (3 sec)
Enter 9-9-4
Press setup
Press the button that you want to return to its original state twice (2x)



Thanks! :)

Note that the two conditionals aren't mutually-exclusive. Individual Comcast offices may or may not have 3416s. They can only give you, of course, what they have on the shelf ready to be given to a customer.

You know I later realized that I should have questioned her more about the availability. She definitely did say that the 3416 was not available, but it is possible that she meant only at her office.

However, when I called Comcast to find the nearest office, I was going to go to the one in Needham, but the person told me that I had to go to the one in Newton because they had the boxes for my town. I gathered that different towns had different Comcast cable services.

I know the 3412 has two tuners, but how about the outputs? Are the component and HDMI outputs active at the same time? - or do you have to select one or the other?

I know the 3412 has two tuners, but how about the outputs? Are the component and HDMI outputs active at the same time? - or do you have to select one or the other?

yes you can use all of the video outputs at the same time, however be advised that they will all be outputting the same tuner.

You can only watch one tuner or DVR show at a time.

Okay - thanks!

Just swapped out my 6412 for the 3412 (hdmi).

I noticed this in the menu settings where it shows color. I left it at 4:4:4. What does this do and are there other options I should try?

BTW, no problems at all; it fired up as soon as it was connected.

Thanks

I have a 3412 hooked to an Akai pt50dl14 via component cables. I've noticed that if I change the settings from 480p to 720p, or 1080i, in enlarges the picture and it ends up getting cut off. I can tell because on FOX HDTV shows the Fox logo is at the bottom edge of the screen.

Anybody else experience this? Does anybody else know the root cause?

I'm wondering if it's issue with the 3412 box or something with my TV.

I also can't seem to use any of the non-HD settings without it stretching the picture. I have to have that setting turned off.

I have a 3412 hooked to an Akai pt50dl14 via component cables. I've noticed that if I change the settings from 480p to 720p, or 1080i, in enlarges the picture and it ends up getting cut off. I can tell because on FOX HDTV shows the Fox logo is at the bottom edge of the screen.

Anybody else experience this? Does anybody else know the root cause?

I'm wondering if it's issue with the 3412 box or something with my TV.

I also can't seem to use any of the non-HD settings without it stretching the picture. I have to have that setting turned off.
It is your TVs overscan. It overscans a different amount for each of the resolutions. This can usually be corrected by going into the Service Menu (undocumented and would be difficult in your case since it isn't that popular of a TV and would be difficult to get that info) and adjusting the overscans.

It is your TVs overscan. It overscans a different amount for each of the resolutions. This can usually be corrected by going into the Service Menu (undocumented and would be difficult in your case since it isn't that popular of a TV and would be difficult to get that info) and adjusting the overscans.

I believe Akai's are just rebranded Samsung's. He may be able to access the service mode by following the Samsung's instructions.

Sorry to beat a dead horse again, but I have used all the advise in this forum to record via my firewire port on my 3412 box, but have had no luck.

1. I have edited my registry to enable my pc port to use the 800M setting (using the patch from microsoft).

2. I have loaded the 6412 driver (that some on this forum have used with success).

3. I have tried using capdvh, nero, and other video capture programs, all with no success.

I contacted comcast (I know why would I think they would help me), and the tech told me that he "believed" that the firewire option was disabled so that people could not download content to their computers. He however did not convince me that he knew if it was disabled or if he even new anything about it in the first place. I would appreciate any advice.

I believe Akai's are just rebranded Samsung's. He may be able to access the service mode by following the Samsung's instructions.

I know that to be the case. Samsung HLR5067W to be specific. Any tips on finding the Samsung serive mode instructions?

I know that to be the case. Samsung HLR5067W to be specific. Any tips on finding the Samsung serive mode instructions?

You can ge the service manual here (http://www.samsungparts.com/part_detail.asp?catalog_name=Parts+and+Accessories&%20category_name=&product_id=SM-HLR4266W&search_model=HLR5067W) for $30.

I know that to be the case. Samsung HLR5067W to be specific. Any tips on finding the Samsung serive mode instructions?

Don't know how you can correct the overscan problem, but below is the instruction to get into the service mode:

With the set off, push these bottons on the remote: mute, 1, 8, 2, power-on. This works on my set, a Samsung HLM507W.

Back in February I switched from Directv to Comcast so that I could get the Seattle locals in HD. With Directv I had the Directv Tivo. I never had a problem with it, the only complaint was that the guide was slow.

The 3412 has been a pain from the beginning. I've lived with it for months but now with the latest version of firmware it is ridiculous. I have to reformat the thing on a weekly basis. Now that Directv and Dish have Seattle locals in HD I think I'm ready to jump back. I am happy with Comcast but this DVR is useless so I don't think I have a choice. I've checked my signal in the diagnostics menu and it is strong. I'd like to think I have a bad unit but based on the large number of posts with exactly the same problems, I think this DVR is just riddled with bugs that they have never been able to get a handle on.

Here are some of the problems I've encountered:

1. The delayed fast forward response problem. It used to frequently take up to a minute for it to respond to buttons pressed on the remote. This seems to be fixed with the latest firmware.
2. Large portions of recordings getting lost. This has been a problem from day one but with the latest firmware it has gotten worse. For example one night I had Survivor, My Name is Earl and The Office scheduled to record. Survivor showed a full recording but would only start at minute 53 and couldn't be rewound. The Office started at minute 9 and ended at minute 22. Earl didn't record at all.
3. Judder/sync problems. These seem to have gone away with the latest versions.
4. pixelation and lockups
5. Sudden reboots - this seems to have started with the latest firmware
6. Loss of HDMI picture - requires a reboot to fix

Sorry to vent on this forum but I've finally had all I can take of this thing after it started rebooting repeatedly this evening while we were trying to record a new show. The screen went black and I had to do a reset to get it working again. Is it too much to ask that when you pay for a dvr it actually work?

Is it too much to ask that when you pay for a dvr it actually work?

Yes. It appears to be way too much to ask. We've all been through the Comcast "Gee, no one else has mentioned it" denial.

I've had the two 6412's, two 3412's, and a 3416 in a year.

The 3416 is the best, so far...barely.
The 16.20 FW upgrade I got a while ago helped a lot. I can actually do things in the priority list without the DVR locking up.

But I'm already starting to slow down. And I'm getting the "green screen" every week or so. Which I suspect will get worse.

Everytime you have problems tell them you want free DVR rental months.

I helps ease the pain of a product that is still not ready to be "in mass release"
even though it has been for a couple years..

COMCASTIC!

5. Sudden reboots - this seems to have started with the latest firmware


If you call Comcast in Seattle they will reload the previous version of the 3412 firmware (12.31) to replace the 12.35 that has the reboot problem.

THE JITTERS

I figured out what causes the 3412 jitters. When you go from an HD program to an SD program, that's when the jitters start.

Playing with the situation, I figured out the way to clear the jitters is simply to hit the swap button, go to the other tuner, and then swap back.

Heck of a thing to happen, but the good news is there's a way around it.

I hope I am in the right thread for this but I have an issue with the 3416i moto dvr from Comcrap.

Issue #1: I just bought the samsung 4253 and had experienced an issue with the infmaous black bars on the side. I cannot seem to find where to change this.

Issue #2: I have not had this TV for more than month now and it seems like on the HD channels, where those two black bars are on normal channels, there is a difference in the picture. Its not completely off but it is enough to notice. Last night I was watching the Discovery HD Atlas and there was a shot of the sky, where the black bars are the whiteness is different than the rest of the screen.

Anyone know of either of these issues what to do about them? Thanks in advance for helping out a newbie!

That could be a couple of different problems. You might wanna try turning the box off and hitting menu. That will let you customize the user settings to your tv.

THE JITTERS

I figured out what causes the 3412 jitters. When you go from an HD program to an SD program, that's when the jitters start.

Playing with the situation, I figured out the way to clear the jitters is simply to hit the swap button, go to the other tuner, and then swap back.

Heck of a thing to happen, but the good news is there's a way around it.

There's more than one way to cure 'the jitters'! It's really a buffering from disk problem. I've noticed that if I hit pause, wait a second or two, then hit play, the jitters go away. Alternatively, skip back (or rewind) then skip forward (or fast forward/skip forward/live TV, etc.) then again, the jitters go away.

If you use the skip back, skip forward method, you'll notice that the live picture starts from where you skipped back to! This is a clue that it's a buffering problem.

If you call Comcast in Seattle they will reload the previous version of the 3412 firmware (12.31) to replace the 12.35 that has the reboot problem.
Thanks for the suggestions. Comcast set me up to download the old firmware and credited me for 1 month of dvr service. I guess I'll just have to start calling them every month to get my dvr credit. The rep said the temporary solution to the ff problem is to press play and wait for the bar to show up on the bottom before pressing ff. I used to do this and I know it works sometimes but there were plenty of times where nothing helped. She said they're working on a fix. I'll believe it when I see it.

Should I try to get a 3416 or will it be subject to more of the same?

Should I try to get a 3416 or will it be subject to more of the same?

I haven't heard of anyone in Seattle getting a 3416. Go for it, and let us know if it works.

Congratulations on the credit -- it didn't occur to me to ask, since I was so eager to get rid of the rebooting firmware.

I haven't heard of anyone in Seattle getting a 3416. Go for it, and let us know if it works.
I am not in Seattle, but 3416 works great for me, much better than 3412.

Argh! I got tired of the periodic lag of command response in the 6412 series 1 and decided to trade it in. The local office handed me a 3412, not in a new box (bad sign). The thing is garbage. Whether I use HDMI or component the image freezes and pixelates every few seconds. The sound (coax) is intermittent, mostly off. I did a factory reset with no change. I did the other reset procedure that reformats the drive, but that left it in the same condition. I guess it goes back in the morning.

Follow-up.... I called the support line. They tried to hit the box, but it never responded. This was Friday night and they scheduled a tech call for Sunday, but said I could swap the box myself. I went down to the local office and swapped the box on Saturday to see if I might get a good one. Ended up with a 3416 with a new remote. The 3416 has worked perfectly including HDMI to DVI. When I plugged it in, the box did not do a reset. The firmware is only 12.31. Rather than ask them to hit the box or do a manual reset, I'm leaving well enough alone.

I've seen a few brief pauses, but nothing like the prolonged delays with the 6412.

I have observed the 2nd tuner does not display the DD or 5.1 symbols.

Bill

Is this signal booster actually useful?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Motorola-Signal-Booster-484095-001-00/sem/rpsm/oid/44964/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Is this signal booster actually useful?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Motorola-Signal-Booster-484095-001-00/sem/rpsm/oid/44964/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
If your problem is a weak signal (high AGC % in the diagnostics menu) it will help. The Motorola amp is one of the better ones out there.

Be aware that an amp can also boost noise, so it's not always the proper fix.

Information on getting your signal strength and noise figures are here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_Your_Incoming_Signal_Strength

Is this signal booster actually useful?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Motorola-Signal-Booster-484095-001-00/sem/rpsm/oid/44964/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

You can get it cheaper from: http://www.amazon.com/

Is this signal booster actually useful?

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Motorola-Signal-Booster-484095-001-00/sem/rpsm/oid/44964/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
If you're going to get an amp, that model is the one to get, although (as pointed out by pspun), Circuit City isn't necessarily the best place to get one.

If your problem is a weak signal (high AGC % in the diagnostics menu) it will help. The Motorola amp is one of the better ones out there.

Be aware that an amp can also boost noise, so it's not always the proper fix.

Information on getting your signal strength and noise figures are here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_Your_Incoming_Signal_Strength

Thanks Andy, that's good to know!

yes, I got one from Amazon and it seems like it cured all my dvr problems (reboots, losing listings, ...). I know I saw that my dvr wouldn't get channel listings when the signal was weak and I had my cable split between the tv, vcr, dvr and dvd-recorder.

I plugged it in my crawlspace where the cable enters the lower level tv room. So I run about 25 ft of cable after the amp to get to the spltter that goes into all my components.

I have three of these Motorola boosters in use in my house, and have had them for several years. My incoming signal has never been strong enough, and even after many attempts Comcast has never been able to totally solve the issue. These boosters do work in my situation - if they are not hooked up the picture is marginal at best.

I'm in the Seattle area and I haven't been able to get FOX-HD through firewire for the last couple days. All other HD channels go through just fine. Anybody else seeing this?

Tim

I have my Samsung HLN507W running my cable STB (Motorola 3412) through that DVI input (using a HDMI to DVI cable) and have my HTPC running through the VGA input.

When I go to switch inputs to the VGA connection for the HTPC everything works fine, however when I go to switch back to the DVI input all I get is snow on the TV with the correct audio. I then have to turn off/on the cable box and the picture will come back.

From what I gather this may be a HDCP handshake issue with the TV and cable STB (3412).

I have searched here and the internet but have not found any remedies to this point. Anyone have any thoughts....I really don't want to have to use the component inputs for the HTPC but it seems to switch properly that way.

I have my Samsung HLN507W running my cable STB (Motorola 3412) through that DVI input (using a HDMI to DVI cable) and have my HTPC running through the VGA input.

When I go to switch inputs to the VGA connection for the HTPC everything works fine, however when I go to switch back to the DVI input all I get is snow on the TV with the correct audio. I then have to turn off/on the cable box and the picture will come back.

From what I gather this may be a HDCP handshake issue with the TV and cable STB (3412).

I have searched here and the internet but have not found any remedies to this point. Anyone have any thoughts....I really don't want to have to use the component inputs for the HTPC but it seems to switch properly that way.
IMO, it is probably an issue with the Samsung. Can you connect both component and dvi from the 3412 to the TV at the same time and switch back and forth without probems?

IMO, it is probably an issue with the Samsung. Can you connect both component and dvi from the 3412 to the TV at the same time and switch back and forth without probems?

Yes, I can connect the 4312 STB via DVI and compenent and switch back and forth without any issues. It's only when I go from the STB on the DVI port and the HTPC on the VGA and then back to the STB on the DVI port.

I will try the DVD player on component and back to see how that is handled.

Sorry for not going through the 2,043 replies to see if this has been covered already, but just as an FYI:

I live in Ma., and just went and picked up a DCT-3416 @ my local Comcast branch to replace my existing 3412 (hoping I could pass HDMI thru my receiver). I went to run it through my RX-V2700 via HDMI and got the GSOD (green screen of death).
Sorry if this has been discussed already, but from what I have read, there's a lot of hype around the 3416 box. So if you're planning on running it through an AV receiver using HDMI, don't bother (unless anybody has any suggestions as to how to get it to pass thru). I plan on keeping the 3416 for the extra recording capacity, but it seems that's about all I'm going to get out of it for now.

BTW: If anyone lives in the area, the Hudson Ma. branch has 2 or 3 3416s in stock as of 4:00pm.

Sorry for not going through the 2,043 replies to see if this has been covered already, but just as an FYI:

I live in Ma., and just went and picked up a DCT-3416 @ my local Comcast branch to replace my existing 3412 (hoping I could pass HDMI thru my receiver). I went to run it through my RX-V2700 via HDMI and got the GSOD (green screen of death).
Sorry if this has been discussed already, but from what I have read, there's a lot of hype around the 3416 box. So if you're planning on running it through an AV receiver using HDMI, don't bother (unless anybody has any suggestions as to how to get it to pass thru). I plan on keeping the 3416 for the extra recording capacity, but it seems that's about all I'm going to get out of it for now.

BTW: If anyone lives in the area, the Hudson Ma. branch has 2 or 3 3416s in stock as of 4:00pm.
Where in MA???

Where in MA???

Near Hudson

Near Hudson
Really - I'm in Mansfield, didn't know they were available. I'll call the Franklin office to see if they have them.

Please let us know if you run into any problems with the box.

OK so I got my 3416 yesterday. It has HDMI but could not make it work. The other thing is the cable guy did not leave any manual and for the lif eof me cannot find it. Google search comes back with nothing.

Please advise if someone is using the HDMI. I want to connect it to my Pioneer receiver...I only have one HDMI going to the TV.

Also where can I get the manual???
How do I know I have the latest firmware etc etc?

regards,

Its basically the same manual as the 6412 and can be found at http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6412/

The manual is under the datasheet and white papers section.

Really - I'm in Mansfield, didn't know they were available. I'll call the Franklin office to see if they have them.

Please let us know if you run into any problems with the box.

I don't think you can call the branches directly. I just took a chance and went to the Hudson one. You should have seen the look on the 2 ladies faces when I asked if they had any DCT-3416's in stock :confused: . One of them went out back and, to my surprise, came back out with a brandy-new box!! The other lady then asked me how the heck I knew they were here. They didn't even know they had arrived (let alone what they were). She let me take it home without swapping my DCT-3412, since my wife has a bunch of programs on that box. She informed me that I would only pay for the actual number of days I had the extra box. Now I've decided to keep the DCT3412 and move it to the bedroom to replace the DCT-5100 which I had set up with a RePlayTv. I might put the RePlay on "fleaBay" to offset the increased monthly charge from Comcast for having 2 DVR boxes. Good luck in scooping one up.

OK so I got my 3416 yesterday. It has HDMI but could not make it work. The other thing is the cable guy did not leave any manual and for the lif eof me cannot find it. Google search comes back with nothing.

Please advise if someone is using the HDMI. I want to connect it to my Pioneer receiver...I only have one HDMI going to the TV.

Also where can I get the manual???
How do I know I have the latest firmware etc etc?

regards,

Don't get your hopes up for passing HDMI through your receiver. As I posted yesterday, it will not pass through my brand new Yamaha RX-V2700 (green screen of death).
As for the firmware/software, you've probably got the latest versions since the boxes are new. If someone posts the latest versions, you can go into the "set up" menu and choose "cable box set up", and choose "configuration". That will show you the info. you're looking for. My DCT-3416 is running:
F/W: 12.31
S/W: 71.44 - 1203
It seems to be working just fine, so at this point I have no reason to change anything.
Hope this helped.

When I got my 2nd 3416 the HDMI to DVI did not work and I tried to return it only to find they had no other boxes. I went to component and really can't tell the difference.

Don't get your hopes up for passing HDMI through your receiver. As I posted yesterday, it will not pass through my brand new Yamaha RX-V2700 (green screen of death).
As for the firmware/software, you've probably got the latest versions since the boxes are new. If someone posts the latest versions, you can go into the "set up" menu and choose "cable box set up", and choose "configuration". That will show you the info. you're looking for. My DCT-3416 is running:
F/W: 12.31
S/W: 71.44 - 1203
It seems to be working just fine, so at this point I have no reason to change anything.
Hope this helped.

The latest version of F/W is 12.35 in some regions, but there have been reported problems with this, and 16.XX in others testing the latest.

Just because you have the latest/newest box doesn't mean that you'll get the latest software. The software is controlled from the headend and distributed out. Different headends have different versions of the software depending on where they are in the upgrade plan.

I just got done with an online support session with Comcast regarding the Motorola boxes passing through AV receivers via HDMI. Needless to say, it was not what I wanted to hear:

Fred > Hello, My name is Fred. I will be happy to assist you today.
Mark > Hi Fred. I just picked up a DCT-3416 yesterday and I want to pass the HDMI through my Yamaha Av receiver, but I'm getting the green screen of death. Any Info. on why?
Fred > You can't pass it through the receiver...it needs to be a direct connection to the TV. Your receiver needs to be connected with the optical audio.
Mark > Well, there lies my issue. I have 3 HDMI devices and inly 1 HDMI input on the Tv.
Mark > Are there any plans to do a software/firmware upgrade to resolve this issue?
Fred > No there isn't. Your receiver is like a switch and it winds up breaking the DRM or the copy protection and the movie companies won't let us bypass that.
Mark > I think this NEEDS to be addressed since my other devices pass through the receiver with no problems
Fred > It's all about copy protection.
Mark > That's weak. Not you, but the situation.
Fred > I'm sorry you feel that way.
Mark > One other thing tho.
Mark > I know the SA boxes pass HDMI through receivers. Why theirs and not yours?
Mark > Scientific Atlanta 8300HD box
Fred > We use SA boxes in some areas. Although I feel they are superior they are not available in this area. The Motorola boxes will not in any way allow you to bypass the DRM or copy protection through a pass through device. That is the way we have to work it.
Mark > Any plans on bringing the SA boxes to this area??
Fred > No, we would have to replace all the head ends, notes and switches. That isn't going to happen.



Soooo, THIS SUCKS!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

I declare Shenanigans with their answer!

They are implying that the Yamaha breaks HDCP? How do they explain that the SA box works with it then? If you are HDCP compliant, you can't break the chain anywhere, although decrypting (in a receiver) to process audo then re-encrypting the output should be supported.

I have a 3416 connected through a DVDO iScan VP30 via HDMI and it works fine, no GSOD. So Moto/Yamaha have a specific pair-problem they need to resolve. The rest of what they're feeding you is BS.

-John

I'm sorry but I'm confused about the reboot issue with model 3412.

What firmware has this problem and what version corrects the issue?

I recently had to swap out another 3412 because shows I set to record would only record a fourth of the show. Could that be caused by the box rebooting while it was recording?

I'm sorry but I'm confused about the reboot issue with model 3412.

What firmware has this problem and what version corrects the issue?

I recently had to swap out another 3412 because shows I set to record would only record a fourth of the show. Could that be caused by the box rebooting while it was recording?

As far as I know, the reboot problem has only been reported in Washington State, with the 12.35 firmware and the Microsoft guide software. Reverting to 12.31 firmware was the fix for me. If the box reboots while recording, it will resume recording after it comes back up and there will be multiple partial recordings.

[QUOTE=noshali]OK so I got my 3416 yesterday. It has HDMI but could not make it work. The other thing is the cable guy did not leave any manual and for the lif eof me cannot find it. Google search comes back with nothing.

Google 'How to use a Motorola DVR' and look for the Wikibooks link.
I'm in an even worse place with my rather more than elderly mom calling me for help with one of these things that I've never seen. Found the above scrolling thru the early posts to this thread. I'd have posted the link direct but as a rank newbie I appear to be on probation.

The Wikibook link is in my .sig below.

As far as I know, the reboot problem has only been reported in Washington State, with the 12.35 firmware and the Microsoft guide software. Reverting to 12.31 firmware was the fix for me. If the box reboots while recording, it will resume recording after it comes back up and there will be multiple partial recordings.

Thanks. I'm in Lake Stevens, but it sounds like it was not a reboot, just a hardrive error.

I'm also confused on how to check the firmware on my 3412. Pressing the menu buttonm twice just removes me from the menu interface.

Thanks. I'm in Lake Stevens, but it sounds like it was not a reboot, just a hardrive error.

I'm also confused on how to check the firmware on my 3412. Pressing the menu buttonm twice just removes me from the menu interface.

The "menu/menu" thing doesn't work with the Microsoft guide. Use this:
Menu/Settings/Cable Box Options/Diagnostics
Fourth line down is the firmware version.

I declare Shenanigans with their answer!

They are implying that the Yamaha breaks HDCP? How do they explain that the SA box works with it then? If you are HDCP compliant, you can't break the chain anywhere, although decrypting (in a receiver) to process audo then re-encrypting the output should be supported.

I have a 3416 connected through a DVDO iScan VP30 via HDMI and it works fine, no GSOD. So Moto/Yamaha have a specific pair-problem they need to resolve. The rest of what they're feeding you is BS.

-John

Do you think it's an issue with Yamaha/Moto, or receivers in general? I haven't heard of anyone passing an HDMI signal from a 34XX Moto box through any AV receiver. As a matter of fact, has anyone heard of this being done? :confused:

For cripes sakes, Comcrash, will you bring out the Panasonic PVR already! Then we can have a mass burning of all things Motorola!

Now I know what you're all talking about with the jitters. I thought I had it bad a few weeks ago. Holy Hell! I did everything I could think of to clear the damned problem with the current 3412 including unplugging the thing TWICE, and one time for about 10 minutes. No dice.

What now? Suggestions are welcome. And I've too much stuff on the HD to see to swap it, though I can't see how that will help things anyway.

The "menu/menu" thing doesn't work with the Microsoft guide. Use this:
Menu/Settings/Cable Box Options/Diagnostics
Fourth line down is the firmware version.

Found it, thanks. Turns out the new box has 12.35. If I have problems I know how to have it fixed.

For cripes sakes, Comcrash, will you bring out the Panasonic PVR already! Then we can have a mass burning of all things Motorola!

Now I know what you're all talking about with the jitters. I thought I had it bad a few weeks ago. Holy Hell! I did everything I could think of to clear the damned problem with the current 3412 including unplugging the thing TWICE, and one time for about 10 minutes. No dice.

What now? Suggestions are welcome. And I've too much stuff on the HD to see to swap it, though I can't see how that will help things anyway.

Check your signal strength.

Same Motorola 3412 problem here ... stuttering & freezing video. Seems to be worse in prime-time. Comcast telephone support says they've never heard of this problem. The 3 Comcast techs who have come to my house all say that others in my area are having the same problem. Amazing how the telephone support people say exactly the opposite of what the technicians say. Anyway, I just found this thread & mentioned the firmware suggestion to the last tech who was here. I told him that someone here posted that firmware 12.xx has the problems and firmware 16.xx seems to correct them. His very sarcastic response was, "it's amazing what you find online now-a-days."

Hello
My 3412 seems to mute the audio when a recording is started while the box was off. The rempte's "mute" button doesn't help. I cannot hear any channels, either the one being recorded or any other ones until the recording is finished. If the recording starts when the box is already on, then there's no problem. I have verified that neither my TV nor my reciever is muted; it's definitely the cable box. The TV screen says "MUTE" at the top center. Please post and e-mail if you have a solution. Also, I'd like to know if there's a pdf version of the manual on-line somewhere. I have a hard copy, but a pdf is computer-searchabele. Thanks in advance.

Hello
My 3412 seems to mute the audio when a recording is started while the box was off. The rempte's "mute" button doesn't help. I cannot hear any channels, either the one being recorded or any other ones until the recording is finished. If the recording starts when the box is already on, then there's no problem. I have verified that neither my TV nor my reciever is muted; it's definitely the cable box. The TV screen says "MUTE" at the top center. Please post and e-mail if you have a solution. Also, I'd like to know if there's a pdf version of the manual on-line somewhere. I have a hard copy, but a pdf is computer-searchabele. Thanks in advance.
This has been discussed - the 3412 is behaving exactly as designed by Moto and your remote cannot undo the mute unless you reprogram the remote (someone else here has the Wiki link, or just call Comcast and they'll walk you through it).

For cripes sakes, Comcrash, will you bring out the Panasonic PVR already! Then we can have a mass burning of all things Motorola!

Now I know what you're all talking about with the jitters. I thought I had it bad a few weeks ago. Holy Hell! I did everything I could think of to clear the damned problem with the current 3412 including unplugging the thing TWICE, and one time for about 10 minutes. No dice.

What now? Suggestions are welcome. And I've too much stuff on the HD to see to swap it, though I can't see how that will help things anyway.

I have 2 or 3 chanels that "skip", or "jitter" and I found that if I press "pause" and then "play" it solves the problem. I've heard of other people using this method as well. Can't hurt to try if you haven't already.

And ditto on the Panny DVR so I can get a chance to use the damn HDMI switching on my receiver! :eek:

Hello
My 3412 seems to mute the audio when a recording is started while the box was off. The rempte's "mute" button doesn't help. I cannot hear any channels, either the one being recorded or any other ones until the recording is finished. If the recording starts when the box is already on, then there's no problem. I have verified that neither my TV nor my reciever is muted; it's definitely the cable box. The TV screen says "MUTE" at the top center. Please post and e-mail if you have a solution. Also, I'd like to know if there's a pdf version of the manual on-line somewhere. I have a hard copy, but a pdf is computer-searchabele. Thanks in advance.

This is the Wiki book on the Motorola DVRs, which is better than a manual:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR


Here's the "unmute" fix in that reference:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_A_Dedicated_STB_Mute.2FUnmute

(Good idea just to leave the box on, though.)

As far as I know, the reboot problem has only been reported in Washington State, with the 12.35 firmware and the Microsoft guide software. Reverting to 12.31 firmware was the fix for me. If the box reboots while recording, it will resume recording after it comes back up and there will be multiple partial recordings.


How does one go about changing the firmware back to 12.31 from 12.35... I am on my second box and they have both done it...

In an unrelated problem, My box is set to output on hdmi at 1080i, but in this setting the box seems to letterbox (on the sides) HD content that is being upconverted... Shows on INHD and Discover HD and most big name network shows are fine... but some shows it seems are still being letterboxed on the sides, is this how it is or am I missing a setting somewhere???

How does one go about changing the firmware back to 12.31 from 12.35... I am on my second box and they have both done it...

In an unrelated problem, My box is set to output on hdmi at 1080i, but in this setting the box seems to letterbox (on the sides) HD content that is being upconverted... Shows on INHD and Discover HD and most big name network shows are fine... but some shows it seems are still being letterboxed on the sides, is this how it is or am I missing a setting somewhere???

Seattle Comcast should download the 12.31 firmware for you if you call them.

Letterbox means bars on the top and bottom, as well as the sides, so I don't think that's what you mean. If you have bars only on the sides, then the programs are 4:3 rather than 16:9 aspect ratio, which means they're in SD instead of HD. You can set the box to stretch these, but they'll be somewhat distorted.

Last night it took over 30 seconds after hitting FF before FF1 appeared onscreen. Then, of course, hitting Play worked by the time I got back from dinner. ugh ugh ugh

I went through a total of 6 3412's in 1 month. They would reboot randomly, not record scheduled shows. Finally Comcast solution was a 6412 with DVI/HDMI cable they gave me.

Not a problem since.. Not it's not a very good, fix but a couple months of free service and this solution means I can watch TV at least now..

Summary:
HD 50" DLP 1080i
Six total 3412's W/ Microsoft Guide
1 6412
9 Comcast techs, 2 Supervisors and 1 Comcast tech telling me to switch to dish.
Priceless..

I went through a total of 6 3412's in 1 month. They would reboot randomly, not record scheduled shows. Finally Comcast solution was a 6412 with DVI/HDMI cable they gave me.

Not a problem since.. Not it's not a very good, fix but a couple months of free service and this solution means I can watch TV at least now..

Summary:
HD 50" DLP 1080i
Six total 3412's W/ Microsoft Guide
1 6412
9 Comcast techs, 2 Supervisors and 1 Comcast tech telling me to switch to dish.
Priceless..

It's the 3412 12.35 firmware combined with the Microsoft guide, so switching hardware seems futile. Glad to know hear still had a 6412 lying around, but surprised they still didn't acknowledge (or seem aware of) the real problem.

Comcast updates digital set-top boxes:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/1...-set-top-boxes/

How many people here have this update?

Comcast updates digital set-top boxes:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/13/comcast-updates-digital-set-top-boxes/

How many people here have this update?fixed the link

also: www.comcast.com/improvedguide

We don't have this yet here.

fixed the link
also: www.comcast.com/improvedguide
We don't have this yet here.

Doesn't seem to offer very much. Still no ability to save searches?!

fixed the link

also: www.comcast.com/improvedguide

We don't have this yet here.

I think we've had most of these features in Denver for some time. The only thing I've not seen yet is the "HD" label after "New/Repeat" in the program information.

I love the search by title feature. It saves a lot of time.

Well, I'm on my second 3412 in three weeks. There's a popping sound through the HDMI to the TV, but not evident to the main stereo. Not good.

When asked about the Panasonic, the tech, a guy who'd been with them nine years, said he didn't know when they'd be ready, but he'd be the first to grab one himself. He hates the Motorola equipment so much he's looking for new work.

I have a new 3416, and I'm having trouble scheduling recordings because the guide data isn't being updated that quickly. It has guide data for just the next few hours, even after the overnight.

I didn't have this problem with my 3412. Is there some way to force it to get the guide data for the next week or so, because I really want to start scheduling programs in advance.

My son's older 64XX displays the time except when he switches channels. My 3416 (just got it Saturday) always displays the current channel. Is it possible to get the time to display?

I have a new 3416, and I'm having trouble scheduling recordings because the guide data isn't being updated that quickly. It has guide data for just the next few hours, even after the overnight.

I didn't have this problem with my 3412. Is there some way to force it to get the guide data for the next week or so, because I really want to start scheduling programs in advance.

I'd like to know as well (somehow I doubt there is a way). Everytime power goes off for any reason it is a 2-3 day wait until I get all the schedules back. I run into the same thing, I cannot schedule in advance, except to do a manual recording, but that is a pain, and I can never remember what time certain shows start.

My son's older 64XX displays the time except when he switches channels. My 3416 (just got it Saturday) always displays the current channel. Is it possible to get the time to display?

Menu, Menu, Setup, Cable Box Setup, Front Led Display to Current Time......

I have a new 3416, and I'm having trouble scheduling recordings because the guide data isn't being updated that quickly. It has guide data for just the next few hours, even after the overnight.

I didn't have this problem with my 3412. Is there some way to force it to get the guide data for the next week or so, because I really want to start scheduling programs in advance.

My 3412 takes up to 48 hours to populate the guide after a power failure. That is why it is now on an UPS.
:)

I live in the Detroit area and received the latest firmware (16.20?) last week. Since then I have had a couple of instances where the audio gets a bit flaky... I can hear the background music but none of the dialogue. It has happened on both HD and SD channels and I have not found a way to fix it. It seems to last about 5 minutes or so. Has anybody else had this problem?

My 3412 takes up to 48 hours to populate the guide after a power failure. That is why it is now on an UPS.
:)


Via the diagnostic / service menu.

please check the signal strength on the OOB tuner. If you have a bad signal then it will have problems getting the info.

This is the tuner that will grab your Guide Data. also, if you set your STB to standby / off mode it should fill all 2 weeks of data in under 20 hours.

How do you know what a good vs. bad signal is?

How do you know what a good vs. bad signal is?

For digital signals, anything other then "good" is bad.

For analog signals Good is the best, Fair is ok, Poor is awful....

Via the diagnostic / service menu.

please check the signal strength on the OOB tuner. If you have a bad signal then it will have problems getting the info.

This is the tuner that will grab your Guide Data. also, if you set your STB to standby / off mode it should fill all 2 weeks of data in under 20 hours.

3412 STB
OOB Status
75.25 MHZ

with amplifier at cable entrance the SNR ranges from 20.1 to 22.0 which is indicated as good. The AGC is at 9% and is listed as fair.

without the amplifier the SNR ranges from 20.0 to 22.2 which is indicated as good. The AGC is at 14% and is listed as good.

It makes sense to me that the AGC would throttle down with the amplifier in the circuit. The box appears to be trying to hold the same SNR level with or without the amplifier.

The amplifier is a PDI 4 port active return amplifier.

My STB is always in standby (in spite of all of the recommendations to leave it on) when I am not using it.

I have a ReplayTV that can download two weeks worth of guide data in 15 minutes via the internet or 35 minutes via the phone line and it stores the guide data on the hard disk so it doesn't have to re-download after a power failure.

A friend, who works for Motorola (was General Instruments and Jerrold before that), says that it shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to download the guide. He suspects the head end is supplying the entire US guide instead of a localized version for my area (Horsham, PA a Philadelphia suburb, which is Comcast's home area).

I don't remember the 6412, that I had previously, taking this long.
:(

Since going to the 3412 what I hate is it takes two (as in 2 ) hands to operate the remote. I can't operate the remote with one thumb quickly enough to change channels. I have a neighbor with the 3416 and he has the same problem. I don't understand it, we can put a man on the moon .............................................

Since going to the 3412 what I hate is it takes two (as in 2 ) hands to operate the remote. I can't operate the remote with one thumb quickly enough to change channels. I have a neighbor with the 3416 and he has the same problem. I don't understand it, we can put a man on the moon .............................................
I never realized that until you just mentioned it, but its true. I guess it hasn't really bothered me because I mostly use the guide to find/change chanels.

My 3412 takes up to 48 hours to populate the guide after a power failure. That is why it is now on an UPS.
:)Well, I still only have full guide data ONLY for the next 5-10 hours. There are some guide data items past that, but it seems to be only filling in everything within a few hours of the time. I cannot record anything tomorrow night ... it is all To Be Announced. And they've hit my box a few times already. Reinitialized it once.

And if I go for a replacement, I lose my backlogged recordings, and I lose my 3416 (because they only had a few of the larger DVRs when I picked my up), and there is no reason to think that the next one will work better.

Life sucks.

I live in the Detroit area and received the latest firmware (16.20?) last week. Since then I have had a couple of instances where the audio gets a bit flaky... I can hear the background music but none of the dialogue. It has happened on both HD and SD channels and I have not found a way to fix it. It seems to last about 5 minutes or so. Has anybody else had this problem?

I think we may have the same problem. I got the 16.20firmware in A2 about two weeks ago. Since then, every once in a while, my receiver detects Dolby Digital audio, where there is none. On some channels, I lose sound when this happens. If I just change channels, or swap tuners, the sound comes back immediately. Give that a try.

Just upgraded to a 3412 (from 6412 Phaser III). I am so far happy with the promise/premise of ADS for the analog channels.

I haven't been able to record a lot to do my usual calculations, so what have others observed in terms of recording percentages???

With the 6412 I measured these:
* analog channels 3% of HDD for 1 hour of recording
* HD channels, around 6-7% per 1 hour
* digital (non-HD) channels 0.75% to almost 3% per 1 hour

Any observations on the 3412?

Rest assured, I will give mine a good workout, but it will be a few days before I have enough data to make a bold statement :-)

Comcast updates digital set-top boxes:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/1...-set-top-boxes/

How many people here have this update?

We've had it in the Minneapolis area for a few weeks.

FW 16.20

It's was posted but no one seemed to care.

You guys were too busy talking about the 12.35
:D

Just upgraded to a 3412 (from 6412 Phaser III). I am so far happy with the promise/premise of ADS for the analog channels.

I haven't been able to record a lot to do my usual calculations, so what have others observed in terms of recording percentages???

With the 6412 I measured these:
* analog channels 3% of HDD for 1 hour of recording
* HD channels, around 6-7% per 1 hour
* digital (non-HD) channels 0.75% to almost 3% per 1 hour

Any observations on the 3412?

Rest assured, I will give mine a good workout, but it will be a few days before I have enough data to make a bold statement :-)

Since the 3412p1 is the same as the 6412p3 minus a few non used ports, it has no analog cable tuner. so you should get the following results depending on broadcast bit rate.

* HD channels, around 6-7% per 1 hour
* digital (non-HD) channels 0.75% to almost 3% per 1 hour

Since going to the 3412 what I hate is it takes two (as in 2 ) hands to operate the remote. I can't operate the remote with one thumb quickly enough to change channels. I have a neighbor with the 3416 and he has the same problem. I don't understand it, we can put a man on the moon .............................................

Set it up to require three digits for a channel change and you can probably do it with one thumb.

Since the 3412p1 is the same as the 6412p3 minus a few non used ports, it has no analog cable tuner. so you should get the following results depending on broadcast bit rate.

* HD channels, around 6-7% per 1 hour
* digital (non-HD) channels 0.75% to almost 3% per 1 hour

Very good point! So the main question would be the digital version of the "analog" channels.

Since then I recorded one hour of local news and then deleted it and got just 1% which got me excited since it was 3% with the 6412. Any savings would be huge for me since it would essentially double or triple my HDD space for the sub-100 channels :-) Hooray for the 3412!

I'll try a lot more and report back in a few days/weeks. Each digital non-HDD channel seems to have a predictable rate, so I will try to find out similar patterns with the sub-100 channeLs (if such exist)!

Again ScanPa, thanks for all the info and updates on the various models!

I think we may have the same problem. I got the 16.20firmware in A2 about two weeks ago. Since then, every once in a while, my receiver detects Dolby Digital audio, where there is none. On some channels, I lose sound when this happens. If I just change channels, or swap tuners, the sound comes back immediately. Give that a try.
I have tried both of those options to no avail. My 3412 is connected directly to the TV via HDMI, if that makes any difference. Thanks for the reply, though!

Argh. Okay, so it's happening with my new 3416, just like with my old 3412... I had Heroes set up for a serial recording, and it show up TWICE in the Scheduled Recording list for this coming Monday, along with a THIRD recording at the same time.

What do you think it will actually do?

Got FW16.20 in CHicago land yesterday. Transport functions including 30 second skip are working a lot better... much quicker (read nearly instantaneous) response to button press.

How do you do a 30 sec skip with the comcast remote? Is it possible or do you need a different one?

I don't remember how to set it up, but I do remember that it is documented in the WikiBook on the Motorola DVRs, a link for which was provided earlier in the thread (or you can find it by searching for Motorola 3412 on en.wikipedia.org). It's in the "Remote" section of the WikiBook.

Is the 34xx series DCT much faster than the 64xx series DCT ? They have 3412's in our area, and my 6412 is working correctly, just wonder if theres any benefit to swapping it out?

Is the 34xx series DCT much faster than the 64xx series DCT ? They have 3412's in our area, and my 6412 is working correctly, just wonder if theres any benefit to swapping it out?

Why tempt fate? My 6412-I worked better than my 3412. There may be differences in ports, but the 6412 will even accommodate digital simulcast if it is enabled.

How do you do a 30 sec skip with the comcast remote? Is it possible or do you need a different one?

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

Is the 34xx series DCT much faster than the 64xx series DCT ? They have 3412's in our area, and my 6412 is working correctly, just wonder if theres any benefit to swapping it out?

I wouldn't bother unless you have access to the 3416 (or 6416, for that matter).

How do you do a 30 sec skip with the comcast remote? Is it possible or do you need a different one?

Not possible in Washington. ugh ugh ugh

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

Ahhh...I'd been hearing about the 30-sec skip for a while but didn't know how to access it. Programmed it in last night. Niiiiiiiice.

What button do most of you have it on? I went ahead and put it on the A/Lock button, as suggested in the guide, because it's right below the 15-sec back (aka Instant Replay) button and seems intuitive.

Ahhh...I'd been hearing about the 30-sec skip for a while but didn't know how to access it. Programmed it in last night. Niiiiiiiice.

What button do most of you have it on? I went ahead and put it on the A/Lock button, as suggested in the guide, because it's right below the 15-sec back (aka Instant Replay) button and seems intuitive.


How would one go about getting this 30-sec skip and 15-sec. rewind functionality into a Harmony 880? Do you need to first set it up with the original remote as described in the Wiki and then send it through via IR to the Harmony?

16.20 on 3412p1 - I was all excited to get the latest firmware, most recently my unit had 12.31. I have been stubbornly using hdmi with it for some time. Throughout the 12.31 era, reliability of the connection was actually quite good.

Now with 'improved' 16.20 loaded, I am getting HDMI errors (Your display does not appear to support...blah, blah) almost every day. Causitive factors appear to be such evils as turning off the cable box accidently (the kids do it all the time). Next, an elaborate game of turning off box > tv > unplug hdmi or other combinations are required to get the picture back.

Now, I don't want to join the brotherhood of Comcast Moto box haters (when working the picture is Comcastic), but how can they apparently screw up HDMI drivers or handshaking after they have already been corrected? I am really losing my patience, but of course there is no other solution. It's hard living on the cutting edge!

fyi - Panasonic Plasma, direct hdmi cable from 3412

How would one go about getting this 30-sec skip and 15-sec. rewind functionality into a Harmony 880? Do you need to first set it up with the original remote as described in the Wiki and then send it through via IR to the Harmony?

Not sure, because I do not have a Harmony (though I want one). But it certainly sounds like that would be the most straightforward way to do it.

I wouldn't bother unless you have access to the 3416 (or 6416, for that matter).

I'm on my 2nd 3412 in three weeks, and this one already has debuted the "jumpy" problem after only two days.

The reason we switched had to do with a fluke problem with the analog tuner in the 64XX involving interference, if you can believe it, from other area radio broadcasters' signals bleeding into the band Comcast uses to broadcast certain channels which we actually watch.

One thing I have noticed is, if I use the IEEE 1394 cable instead of the HDMI, the jumping goes away. But so do the navigation menus. I must go back to the HDMI input setting to do any meaningful navigation with the DVR.

If you don't have a similar problem (problems with interference on certain channels), don't switch. I'm contacting Comcast today to demand another box, explaining that they will continue to come out every couple of days until this problem is fully resolved or the Panasonic is available, whichever comes first.

How would one go about getting this 30-sec skip and 15-sec. rewind functionality into a Harmony 880? Do you need to first set it up with the original remote as described in the Wiki and then send it through via IR to the Harmony?

With the 880 the jump forward and jump back are already available as choices when setting up the available buttons on the remote. No "trick" needed.

- Dan

Ever since they downloaded the new firmware to my box early this week or late last week, my DVR box keeps locking up! If I am watching a show on "My Recordings" and recording something at the same time, it seems to lock up...No button responses nothing on the box works, until I unplug the box to reset!

It SUCKS!!! Anyone else have that problem? Also the remote response is HORRIBLE!!! Did the new firmware even go through any QA process or did they just download it.

Before they downloaded the new firmware to the box it worked GREAT! Now it works like sh*t!!! I want the old firmware back!!!!

Any word on a fix or am I SOL????

With the 880 the jump forward and jump back are already available as choices when setting up the available buttons on the remote. No "trick" needed.

- Dan


This was true for my 676, if I remember correctly. Probably true for all Harmonys.

Ahhh...I'd been hearing about the 30-sec skip for a while but didn't know how to access it. Programmed it in last night. Niiiiiiiice.

What button do most of you have it on? I went ahead and put it on the A/Lock button, as suggested in the guide, because it's right below the 15-sec back (aka Instant Replay) button and seems intuitive.

I use the Help button.

Ahhh...I'd been hearing about the 30-sec skip for a while but didn't know how to access it. Programmed it in last night. Niiiiiiiice.

What button do most of you have it on? I went ahead and put it on the A/Lock button, as suggested in the guide, because it's right below the 15-sec back (aka Instant Replay) button and seems intuitive.
I use the two buttons on the bottom left (both directly below the 7). One button with 30-second skip and one button with 3 minute skip.

The Comcast Office in Ypsilanti, MI has the 3416 in stock. The rep that exchanged my box mentioned that the 3416 are all that they have, no more 3412s

I had the 6412 since it first came out. It had some quirks but overall, it was nice and fairly stable. Until, that is, Comcast decided to make a software update last week. The box went haywire with spontaneous reboots, so I went to a local Comcast shop and picked up a new box today. They gave me a brand new 3416. I hooked it up via HDMI and so far so good. It's only been a few hours but it seems stable. I hope it doesn't receive updates tonight that will wig it out. I'll keep an eye out for quirks. The swap works. The 30 sec. skip works.

I just had a little episode with EAS. My 3416 showed EAS on the front window and wouldn't finish playing the program I was trying to watch from my scheduled recordings. This went on for about four or five minutes before I was able to shake it free. This must have been a misfire since there was nothing broadcast anyway. Is there any way to cancel EAS once it has taken place. Is it required that it takes over the box for four or five minutes?

I just had a little episode with EAS. My 3416 showed EAS on the front window and wouldn't finish playing the program I was trying to watch from my scheduled recordings. This went on for about four or five minutes before I was able to shake it free. This must have been a misfire since there was nothing broadcast anyway. Is there any way to cancel EAS once it has taken place. Is it required that it takes over the box for four or five minutes?


Where they testing today or was the test on the dvr recorded?

ajwees41

No idea, but it happened on two recordings, recorded 24 hours apart.

so I want to get video out from my powerbook's Svideo and audio from the headphone jack into my STB not the TV since the STB already connects audio to the TV.

how do you set up the STB so that it plays the audio from the front and rear audio in RCA inputs?

Right now I'm using my ipod video's cable from the Powerbook's headphone port into the front audio RCA on the STB

so I want to get video out from my powerbook's Svideo and audio from the headphone jack into my STB not the TV since the STB already connects audio to the TV.

how do you set up the STB so that it plays the audio from the front and rear audio in RCA inputs?

Right now I'm using my ipod video's cable from the Powerbook's headphone port into the front audio RCA on the STB

you can't they are not enabled.

ajwees41

Do you mean none of the audio inputs are enabled or just the front ones? I couldn't get the rear ones working either.

no of the inputs works only outputs work.

ajwees41

What audio RCA inputs are you talking about? The /\/\otorola DCT 34xx series STB does not have front or back audio RCA inputs!

I use the two buttons on the bottom left (both directly below the 7). One button with 30-second skip and one button with 3 minute skip.

Hi, HD Rookie, how did you get a 3-minute skip button? You don't sound like a rookie to me :)

Hi, HD Rookie, how did you get a 3-minute skip button? You don't sound like a rookie to me :)
A 3 minute skip is a macro that runs the 30 second skip 6 times. I'm pretty certain wikipedia describes setting up a macro - I haven't done it in over a year and I don't have the info handy.

A 3 minute skip is a macro that runs the 30 second skip 6 times. I'm pretty certain wikipedia describes setting up a macro - I haven't done it in over a year and I don't have the info handy.

Okay, it was a stupid question ...

Please forgive if this has been covered. I just switched to one of these and, if I understand correctly, you have to choose to output either 1080i or 720p which means that signals with the other resolution will get processed by the 3412. I know that the unit will pass SD without processing but is there a firmware on the horizon that will allow full passthrough of HD signals? The last I heard Comcast is going to a Panasonic DSTB but it is not clear if the new box will have a passthrough option or when it will be rolled out. Am I correct? thx.

Got FW16.20 in CHicago land yesterday. Transport functions including 30 second skip are working a lot better... much quicker (read nearly instantaneous) response to button press.

Where in Chicagoland are ya? I'm "IN" Chicago (near O'Hare) and haven't received an update as of yet. Also, will this disable me watching my TV while it downloads? I watch TV usually from 12 to 3/4 in the morning alot...

You are right - you have to chose between 1080i and 720p for the 3412 - you cannot get around this.

Please forgive if this has been covered. I just switched to one of these and, if I understand correctly, you have to choose to output either 1080i or 720p which means that signals with the other resolution will get processed by the 3412. I know that the unit will pass SD without processing but is there a firmware on the horizon that will allow full passthrough of HD signals? The last I heard Comcast is going to a Panasonic DSTB but it is not clear if the new box will have a passthrough option or when it will be rolled out. Am I correct? thx.

Where in Chicagoland are ya? I'm "IN" Chicago (near O'Hare) and haven't received an update as of yet. Also, will this disable me watching my TV while it downloads? I watch TV usually from 12 to 3/4 in the morning alot...


the download of Software & Firmware can take 2 min -- 30 min. (no use of STB)

it will then reboot the STB and then download your time settings

(You can now watch most channels)

Then it will download your account info. Untill this is done, you will not be able to use the main menu. (takes about 5 - 10 min)

STB guide data will now begin to download.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

Thanks wareagle! I just programmed it, what a help!

Before Update: Could transfer HD recordings to the PC using D-VHS program.
After Update: I cannot transfer anything off this DVR.

I can time record live HD events off the firewire connection, I just cant do recorded events.

Anyone else having this problem in Seattle?

Okay, it was a stupid question ...
Not at all, the solution is just simple once you're pointed in the right direction.

Where in Chicagoland are ya? I'm "IN" Chicago (near O'Hare) and haven't received an update as of yet. Also, will this disable me watching my TV while it downloads? I watch TV usually from 12 to 3/4 in the morning alot...

OK, I'm in the western suburbs... Lisle.

The box has started to slow up a little especially when skipping through hd programs.

Can anyone explain the Additional HDMI Settings that are in the menu? I ran some searches in this thread but did not find this info. Sorry if I missed it.

Quick question.... does anyone in the Chicagoland area have a 3416 box? I was told by Comcast last week that these boxes were available at my local Comcast Service Center, but when i went to get one, they told me that they haven't ever had the 3416. When i called Comcast back, they told me that these boxes haven't been rolled out in this market yet. Is this, in fact, true? Can anyone get me some info?

-dave

Quick question.... does anyone in the Chicagoland area have a 3416 box? I was told by Comcast last week that these boxes were available at my local Comcast Service Center, but when i went to get one, they told me that they haven't ever had the 3416. When i called Comcast back, they told me that these boxes haven't been rolled out in this market yet. Is this, in fact, true? Can anyone get me some info?

-dave

Hey... I am in the far North Subrubs in Grayslake and I got a 3416 about 3 weeks ago. At the time it was so new that the installer forgot that the switch which coax jack was the input. But either way Chicago land is starting to get these boxes.

Is the SATA port disabled on the 3416? If not, has anyone successfully connected a hard drive using the port?

Is the SATA port disabled on the 3416? If not, has anyone successfully connected a hard drive using the port?

The SATA port inside the STB works fine. that is how the STB HDD is connected.

The eSATA port is disabled do to DRM handling problems. /\/\otorola is working on a fix. (for over 1.5 years now!)

Thank you, scanpa.

I just recently set up my 3412 and I have noticed a problem. I set the HDMI to output 1080i but from time to time it switches to 480p! Has anyone experienced this problem? If so is there is solution? thx.

I just recently set up my 3412 and I have noticed a problem. I set the HDMI to output 1080i but from time to time it switches to 480p! Has anyone experienced this problem? If so is there is solution? thx.

check your 4:3 overide setting in the user menu.

STB off, press menu

check your 4:3 overide setting in the user menu.

STB off, press menu

No, the 4:3 overide setting is correct at 480i. The problem is with the HDMI option. That is the one that seems to change from 1080i to 480p from time to time.

Alright, heres a new one (for me at least). I'll start at the beginning, but try to make it brief:
2 weeks ago I went and swapped out my 3412 for a 3416, hoping I could pass HDMI through an AV receiver. No dice. I went into the settings for the box "power" + "menu" and tried changing the HDMI values and still nothing.

I tried it again tonight but now I don't even show any HDMI settings in the "power"+ "menu" menu!! So I went into the "diagnostics menu" to "d11" (Interface/port status) and this is what I see (see attached photos). Notice that the HDMI/DVI status has it as "NO" for enabled?

I called Comcast. Again, no dice. They had no idea why. So I figured I'd post here and see if anyone had any ideas.

Found another new 'feature' of the 16.20 firmware. When fast fowarding at FF4, when you push Play, there is ~ 10-20 seconds of rollback, apparently to compensate for slow human reactions. I haven't checked the other speeds, or tried to quantify exactly how much rollback, but it is definitely there, and wasn't with the old firmware.

I'm on my 2nd 3412 in three weeks, and this one already has debuted the "jumpy" problem after only two days.

If you don't have a similar problem (problems with interference on certain channels), don't switch. I'm contacting Comcast today to demand another box, explaining that they will continue to come out every couple of days until this problem is fully resolved or the Panasonic is available, whichever comes first.

Demanding another box won't do you any good. The firmware is the same on the boxes, its certain tvs that produce the problem. You telling them they are going to come out every couple of days won't do a damn thing to fix the problem. Either get a 6412/6412 series 2 with a DVI connection, or use component. Being a pain in the ass over HDMI isn't going to do a bit of good. CAEs will get annoyed with you for logging so many trouble calls, and the technicians that go to your house to swap your box that isn't "bad" at all, other then the current firmware get screwed on their repeat trouble calls stat because of your inability to have a little patience while the problem is resolved. Avoiding repeat TCs on a techs record is a strong motivating factor in them fixing your problem the first time. If they see that there was 3 techs there last week with the same resolution code, they aren't going to be to eager to even attempt to help you as you'll probably just call in yet again.

Found another new 'feature' of the 16.20 firmware. When fast fowarding at FF4, when you push Play, there is ~ 10-20 seconds of rollback, apparently to compensate for slow human reactions. I haven't checked the other speeds, or tried to quantify exactly how much rollback, but it is definitely there, and wasn't with the old firmware.


I have 12.35 and mine does that, and has ever since I got the box nearly a year ago... Maybe its a regional thing...

I have 12.35 and mine does that, and has ever since I got the box nearly a year ago... Maybe its a regional thing...

My firmware was 9.09 until I got the 16.20. That's probably it. :rolleyes: I actually don't like the rollback. I guess my reflexes are too quick, or I just know the right timing, through experience. I used to end FF right on the money, most of the time.

Alright, heres a new one (for me at least). I'll start at the beginning, but try to make it brief:
2 weeks ago I went and swapped out my 3412 for a 3416, hoping I could pass HDMI through an AV receiver. No dice. I went into the settings for the box "power" + "menu" and tried changing the HDMI values and still nothing.

I tried it again tonight but now I don't even show any HDMI settings in the "power"+ "menu" menu!! So I went into the "diagnostics menu" to "d11" (Interface/port status) and this is what I see (see attached photos). Notice that the HDMI/DVI status has it as "NO" for enabled?

I called Comcast. Again, no dice. They had no idea why. So I figured I'd post here and see if anyone had any ideas.

Was your HDMI cable connected properly when doing the user menu?

Found another new 'feature' of the 16.20 firmware. When fast fowarding at FF4, when you push Play, there is ~ 10-20 seconds of rollback, apparently to compensate for slow human reactions. I haven't checked the other speeds, or tried to quantify exactly how much rollback, but it is definitely there, and wasn't with the old firmware.

Interesting, it's always been the case for me. Except that it's more like 10-20 minutes in FF4. Maybe 30 seconds in FF1, couple minutes in FF2 and FF3. I hate it. With Dish Network, I could use 15-60x and stop it on a dime exactly where I wanted to be. Of course, the other problem is that Comcast's remote is out to dinner when you hit FF or play, and gets around to it during a bathroom break.

Of course, the other problem is that Comcast's remote is out to dinner when you hit FF or play, and gets around to it during a bathroom break.

The problem is with the Motorola DVR (firmware), not the remote.

Was your HDMI cable connected properly when doing the user menu?

Well, I feel like a jackass. I didn't have the cable in all the way on the DCT3416. In my own defense, it's a real pain to get behind my eqipment.

HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS... I am currently watching tv with an HDMI cable going from the DCT3416 to the Yamaha RX-V2700 and an HDMI to DVI cable from the 2700 to my TV!! This doesn't have to do with the fact that I didn't have the cable in tight enough either, since I remember getting a message about something not being supported the first time I tried it after swapping boxes. Anyways, I disconnected the component cables and she's still working!! I have switched from regular chanels to HD chanels numerous times and it's still working.... I was starting to believe the Comcast rep. when he told me that it would NEVER be possible, but I figured I'd try it one more time before returning the HDMI cable... I don't know why it's working now, but I'm lovin' it.... I probably just jinxed myself. :rolleyes:

Well, I feel like a jackass. I didn't have the cable in all the way on the DCT3416. In my own defense, it's a real pain to get behind my eqipment.

HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS... I am currently watching tv with an HDMI cable going from the DCT3416 to the Yamaha RX-V2700 and an HDMI to DVI cable from the 2700 to my TV!! This doesn't have to do with the fact that I didn't have the cable in tight enough either, since I remember getting a message about something not being supported the first time I tried it after swapping boxes. Anyways, I disconnected the component cables and she's still working!! I have switched from regular chanels to HD chanels numerous times and it's still working.... I was starting to believe the Comcast rep. when he told me that it would NEVER be possible, but I figured I'd try it one more time before returning the HDMI cable... I don't know why it's working now, but I'm lovin' it.... I probably just jinxed myself. :rolleyes:


So let me get this straight. You ARE able to see video when going through an HDMI switching receiver. I guess I will be purchasing a new HDMI cable to see if it will work with my 3416.

Does anyone know if you can enter the setup menu while recording something? I'd like to change the output resolution based on what I'm watching (to manually feed native res. all the time), but I don't want to interrupt an ongoing recording to power down. I'm wondering if the "power off" required isn't actually a power off, but a standby, and if recordings will continue. If not, it's really annoying that that menu isn't available from the regular interface.

My TV is 1366X768. I've been sending 720p. Is the consensus that 1080i is better? I thought it looked significantly worse for 720p content (from Fox and ESPN).

It will kill the recording if the box is off and menu is pressed. Can you access the Iguide settings and change from there?

ajwees41

So let me get this straight. You ARE able to see video when going through an HDMI switching receiver. I guess I will be purchasing a new HDMI cable to see if it will work with my 3416.
Before you do that, make sure your firmware versions also match. I think it has to do with the firmware as well.

Does anyone know if you can enter the setup menu while recording something?You cannot enter that menu while recording something without disrupting the recording.

My TV is 1366X768. I've been sending 720p. Is the consensus that 1080i is better? I thought it looked significantly worse for 720p content (from Fox and ESPN).

I find 720p on Fox and ESPN significantly better on sports than 1080i on the other networks. Pixelation on 1080i is terrible when the picture content changes rapidly, such as panning. (I have similar resolution to you on my plasma TV).

Before you do that, make sure your firmware versions also match. I think it has to do with the firmware as well.


No biggy. It is costing me less than 10 buck shipped for the cable anyway. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I did check and our firmware versions are not the same, but he was having issues at first and then it started working so who knows.

Does anyone know if you can enter the setup menu while recording something? I'd like to change the output resolution based on what I'm watching (to manually feed native res. all the time), but I don't want to interrupt an ongoing recording to power down. I'm wondering if the "power off" required isn't actually a power off, but a standby, and if recordings will continue. If not, it's really annoying that that menu isn't available from the regular interface.

Although you can't access the menu without interrupting a recording, it doesn't really matter. All recordings are made in the format received from the stations. Only the boxes output is switchable, i.e., an ABC or Fox show will be recorded as 720p regardless of the setting for the output of the box.

My TV is 1366X768. I've been sending 720p. Is the consensus that 1080i is better? I thought it looked significantly worse for 720p content (from Fox and ESPN).

I believe my panel is the same resolution and I keep the box at 1080i. It looks better to my eyes, especially in the menus and for most of the programming we watch. The only time I might consider going to 720p is for sports, when pixelization can become an issue, but usually I don't bother.

Although you can't access the menu without interrupting a recording, it doesn't really matter. All recordings are made in the format received from the stations. Only the boxes output is switchable, i.e., an ABC or Fox show will be recorded as 720p regardless of the setting for the output of the box.

I know the recording will record in the right resolution. But if I want to watch a 720p show while I'm recording it or another show, and the box is set to 1080i output, I can't go into the settings and change the output resolution. That's seriously annoying.

It's bad enough that it can't be set to pass through whatever format the show is in. But to make you stop recording to change the output resolution is double annoying.

No biggy. It is costing me less than 10 buck shipped for the cable anyway. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I did check and our firmware versions are not the same, but he was having issues at first and then it started working so who knows.

If your firmware is 12.35, you're probably going to be disappointed. HDMI passthrough is a well-known problem with that version.

So let me get this straight. You ARE able to see video when going through an HDMI switching receiver. I guess I will be purchasing a new HDMI cable to see if it will work with my 3416.

Yes.

If your firmware is 12.35, you're probably going to be disappointed. HDMI passthrough is a well-known problem with that version.


I have 12.22

Yes.

cool....i'll give an update when i get my hdmi cable and test. fingers crossed.

OK, I'm in the western suburbs... Lisle.

The box has started to slow up a little especially when skipping through hd programs.


Upon receiving the 1620 firmware update, did it correct the studdering issue when changing channels from an hd channel to an sd channel?

Upon receiving the 1620 firmware update, did it correct the studdering issue when changing channels from an hd channel to an sd channel?

Yes, it appears that it has.

I think my 3412 half died on me. (FW 16.20)

I don't get any "analog" channels anymore, they all say available shortly or whatever it says (2-99)
about half the digital chaneels are dead(100-199?)
And all my "local" HD channels have choppy audio and heavy pixalation at times.
But Premium/cable HD channels work great (DiscoveryHD, INHD, showtimeHD..)

:confused:


When you send a company a check for $120 every month, you just wish the crap would work! And a few more HD channels (currently only 9) would help ease the pain of writing that check.

I think my 3412 half died on me. (FW 16.20)

I don't get any analog channels anymore (2-99)


The 3412 is digital only, I think. Did you get those channels before?

The 3412 is digital only, I think. Did you get those channels before?

They are digital analog overlay or whatever they are called. And yes, they worked on Monday. I think Comcrap sends a digital signal of the "analog" channels. I used to hear a click when going to these channels...but now nothing.

After almost 2 years, one of my two 6412's developed a hard drive problem so I trade it in and got a 3416. I didn't specifically ask for it, it was what they had. After hooking up my 3416 I was able to get every premium channel for about 24 hours, but now I'm not getting any, even the ones I paid for. I'm also not getting some basic channels like CNN and TNT. They all say "not authorized". Has anyone had this problem? Will it just resolve itself? Will a phone call fix it or do I need a service call?

After almost 2 years, one of my two 6412's developed a hard drive problem so I trade it in and got a 3416. I didn't specifically ask for it, it was what they had. After hooking up my 3416 I was able to get every premium channel for about 24 hours, but now I'm not getting any, even the ones I paid for. I'm also not getting some basic channels like CNN and TNT. They all say "not authorized". Has anyone had this problem? Will it just resolve itself? Will a phone call fix it or do I need a service call?
You have to call comcast to initialize the STB. When I got my first 34xx I had to call them 4 times before they got it right.

You have to call comcast to initialize the STB. When I got my first 34xx I had to call them 4 times before they got it right.

Ok, thanks. I'll call tomorrow. I'm just trying to avoid a service visit. The room in which I have the box is very unorganized at the moment. I hope the phone call works. Thanks again.

hello all,

i just received my 3412 and am trying to set it up with my sony kdl2500. one question. i would like to hook it up also to my receiver for surround but my receiver doesnt have hdmi. if i run hdmi to the television but optical to the receiver, will the 3412 send out audio via both outputs simultaneously? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks :)

if i run hdmi to the television but optical to the receiver, will the 3412 send out audio via both outputs simultaneously? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

My experience with video is yes, though I don't have experience with audio. Video is sent to component and HDMI simultaneously... I don't know why audio would be different.

I think my 3412 half died on me. (FW 16.20)

I don't get any "analog" channels anymore, they all say available shortly or whatever it says (2-99)
about half the digital chaneels are dead(100-199?)
And all my "local" HD channels have choppy audio and heavy pixalation at times.
But Premium/cable HD channels work great (DiscoveryHD, INHD, showtimeHD..)

:confused:


When you send a company a check for $120 every month, you just wish the crap would work! And a few more HD channels (currently only 9) would help ease the pain of writing that check.

I got the first bug when I plugged it in for the first time. After a reboot from Comcast, everything was fine. Initially it would show the 100+ channels, but the "analog" channels (under 83) were not even listed in the TV guide and I couldn't tune them with the remote. Since the reboot that problem never came back.

I sometimes get fractions of a second of choppy audio/picture freeze on the recorded shows on the hard disk. I don't know where the problem might be, but they are so short and infrequent that so far it doesn't bother me enough to do anything to fix it :)

One of the benefits I observed so far is that I can get about twice as much "analog" programs recorded on the disk with the 3412 vs the 6412. This I guess explains why Comcast says "up to 60 hours" in their brochures for the DVR . You get 60 hours if you have digital-simulcast of the analog channels. But if you have analog "analog" channels you only get up to 30 hours. Comcast Marketing should have made this CLEAR in their brochures, since "up to 60 hours" is false advertising when you don't have digital broadcast...

(In my post above, "analog" channels refers to numbers 2 through 99)

Is the 34xx series DCT much faster than the 64xx series DCT ? They have 3412's in our area, and my 6412 is working correctly, just wonder if theres any benefit to swapping it out?

I just recently switches from the 6412 to the 3412 because the 3412 receives digital versions of the analog channels (2-99). So far I think overall (fast forward, jumps, quirkiness, remote slowness issues) the 3412 is slightly better than the 6412. Maybe this will deterioriate over time or as I fill up the hard disk? Maybe because the temperature has dropped? :-)

What I observed so far: With the 3412 (with digital versions of the analog channels) you can record twice as many "analog" programs than the 6412 (analog analog channels). By "analog" I mean channels 2 thru 99. I guess extended/expanded cable maybe a better term?

So if you record a lot of sub-100 channels and you frequently fill-up the hard disk, this may be a good idea. But please don't do this just because of this post as I am not familiar with all the other variables and issues between the two in different cable markets....

if i run hdmi to the television but optical to the receiver, will the 3412 send out audio via both outputs simultaneously? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Yes. That is what I do. :)

Had a problem last night with FW16.20... When I tried to run a previously recorded program all I would get is a blank screen. Then when I was recording a program on the 2nd tuner, when I switched to that tuner I got a blank screen. Swapped back to the 1st tuner and it showed a still image. Had to unplug. That seems to have fixed it for now.

Demanding another box won't do you any good. The firmware is the same on the boxes, its certain tvs that produce the problem. You telling them they are going to come out every couple of days won't do a damn thing to fix the problem.

Friend, I've been patient with Comcast since it was called Jones Intercable here in Denver.

I traded up from the 6412-2 to this box to solve another problem... interference on channels 2 - 99 from local radio stations. No fooling. While that problem is solved with the 3412, I think the overall problem with ALL of the boxes is not Motorola. I've changed my mind on that. The problem is with whoever is programming the box. They keep fixing one bug after another. Each fix is creating a problem somewhere else in the logic of the overall program. I know what this is like, having done some programming myself.

There is a point in programming at which you have to take all you've learned from fixing the bugs, all the problems with the logic you've used up 'till now, and re-write the code from scratch. Fix it.

We keep looking to the Panasonic-DVR as a savior from all things Motorola. If the same people program that box, I predict the same level and nature of difficulties.

As far as calling the techs for help, I agree. If the problem is with the code, they can't do anything to help. Of course, why should I pay $100/month for a service that doesn't work right? Why should my municipality give them monopoly rights in my market? Maybe Comcast should lower its price until it fixes its hardware/software problems? Maybe the government should allow competition through the same pipeline?

Who is with me on this?

Oh, and are you sure you don't work the "the man" at Comcast? :p

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

What are the command names that are listed in the Harmony database for Swap and 30 second skip? What screen do you see them listed?

I can't see them when I do the following:
Click on "Customize" under my "Watch TV" Activity
Click on "Change the behavior of buttons"

"SWAP" and/or "30 Second skip" are not listed in the drop down menus under "Digital Set Top Box, Channel Tuner".

Thanks for any replies!

What are the command names that are listed in the Harmony database for Swap and 30 second skip? What screen do you see them listed?

"SWAP" and/or "30 Second skip" are not listed in the drop down menus under "Digital Set Top Box, Channel Tuner".

Thanks for any replies!

I think they are called PIPSwap and Advance.

The 30 second advance and 15 (or 10?) second rewind buttons on my Harmony were mapped automatically to the skip forward/back transport buttons on the remote. I didn't have to do anything special to get them. You might give that a try.

I think they are called PIPSwap and Advance.

Thanks for your reply! I've confirmed that "Advance" is the "30 second advance". I'll try the PIPSWAP when I get home tonight; can anyone else confirm this?

Thanks again!

I just recently switches from the 6412 to the 3412 because the 3412 receives digital versions of the analog channels (2-99).

Actually, the 6412 will also receive digital versions of the analog channels if they are available and the box has been enabled to map them to the 2-99 channel numbers. My 6412 did that for several months after ADS was implemented in Seattle, and I only gave it up for a 3412 because the box died.

After having been given the run-around about getting a 3416, i received a call yesterday from "Exectuive Customer Service". The rep that i spoke to confirmed that this box is available in my market but supplies are "very limited" supplies. B/c of all the problems i've had trying to get one (and the continuous mistakes that they've made) mine will be arriving on Sunday. I'll let you all know how it works!

-dave

What are the command names that are listed in the Harmony database for Swap and 30 second skip? What screen do you see them listed?

I can't see them when I do the following:
Click on "Customize" under my "Watch TV" Activity
Click on "Change the behavior of buttons"

"SWAP" and/or "30 Second skip" are not listed in the drop down menus under "Digital Set Top Box, Channel Tuner".

Thanks for any replies!

I set the |<< button to 'replay' and >>| to 'advance'. replay is a 15 second back, advance is 30 skip.

By "analog" I mean channels 2 thru 99. I guess extended/expanded cable maybe a better term?
Well, that is close, but not exactly as it is here.
Here, it is Basic + Expanded = Standard.
So, here, 2-99 is called 'Standard'.
In some areas, 2-99 may still be called 'Expanded'.
It is a good idea to use the 'tier labels' or 'channel ranges' for clarity. :)

Actually, the 6412 will also receive digital versions of the analog channels if they are available and the box has been enabled to map them to the 2-99 channel numbers. My 6412 did that for several months after ADS was implemented in Seattle, and I only gave it up for a 3412 because the box died.
I can confirm this as well on my 6412; it has been receiving Digital Standard (2-99) since it was implemented here. And agree about the implementation on 6412 in general; I have read of some areas where it is not automatic, so some or all customers had to call to get an individual box Digitally mapped for 2-99.

I just recently switches from the 6412 to the 3412 because the 3412 receives digital versions of the analog channels (2-99).
If 34xx's are available, then your 64xx could be programmed to use ADS. In many areas, that is already being done. My area switched several months ago. The only analog my 6412 tunes in is a duplicate of a PBS channel (apparently to allow CableCard TV's to grab signals encoded on it.)

I got the first bug when I plugged it in for the first time. After a reboot from Comcast, everything was fine. Initially it would show the 100+ channels, but the "analog" channels (under 83) were not even listed in the TV guide and I couldn't tune them with the remote. Since the reboot that problem never came back.

I sometimes get fractions of a second of choppy audio/picture freeze on the recorded shows on the hard disk. I don't know where the problem might be, but they are so short and infrequent that so far it doesn't bother me enough to do anything to fix it :)


I just did the menu/power plugin reboot procedure per the wikibook instructions, and it's downloading now, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I WANT TIGERS WS IN HD! Well, actually the QAM tuner in my TV picks it up just fine, but the wife wants her regular Thursday night shows recorded.... WS is more important at this time!!!

I got a tech scheduled for Sat. morning if this doesn't work. Maybe the box is just fried. There isn't much air gap around the unit, so maybe it got some heat harm.

I believe my panel is the same resolution and I keep the box at 1080i. It looks better to my eyes, especially in the menus and for most of the programming we watch. The only time I might consider going to 720p is for sports, when pixelization can become an issue, but usually I don't bother.
Changing the output isn't going to do anything to help pixelization. That would be present in the original signal. It would be like pouring your drink into a different smaller glass, it wouldn't change the taste.... (or some other terrible analogy?)

Personally I think 1080i looks better on my 1366x768 panel, and it's only a 23" LCD I have in the bedroom. 720p channels like ESPN look exactly the same, but 1080i channels look better. YMMV of course, just try both and see which one looks better on your TV.

As for 720p vs 1080i, personally I have not seen how 720p looks better for sports, but this is a subjective thing better left to another thread. I will say that pixelization is entirely due to bandwidth-starved channels and there's no reason why 1080i broadcasts can't look good, without pixelization, I watch plenty of NFL Football and other programs on CBS which is 1080i and don't see any pixelization.

Friend, I've been patient with Comcast since it was called Jones Intercable here in Denver.The call for patience isn't related to how long you've done business with Comcast or any of the other cable companies that served your area before Comcast. It is more a matter of what is indeed being provided, at this time, for what price, and where.

The problem is with whoever is programming the box.I'm not sure whether or not that is Motorola or not, but we know it isn't Comcast.

There is a point in programming at which you have to take all you've learned from fixing the bugs, all the problems with the logic you've used up 'till now, and re-write the code from scratch. Fix it. If there is enough of a financial incentive to do so, yes. What is available to us, these days, in terms of HD DVRs, is a reflection of how many of us, are willing to pay how much, for what.

We keep looking to the Panasonic-DVR as a savior from all things Motorola. If the same people program that box, I predict the same level and nature of difficulties. My understanding that the Panasonic DVR is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to the Motorola DVR, so expecting it to work better is a bit of a stretch.

Of course, why should I pay $100/month for a service that doesn't work right? It works as well as it works. Each customer needs to decide for themselves whether the functionality that is being offered is worth the price or not. As with all mass-market offerings, customers choose between "accept" and "reject" -- there is no third choice.

Why should my municipality give them monopoly rights in my market?Well, calling it "monopoly rights" is presumptuous. Unless you want to disrupt the point you're trying to make with a long, heated, drawn-out argument about what is and isn't a monopoly, then I wouldn't try to support your point that way, because as far as I'm concerned, you're just propogating misinformation about the cable company's position, either deliberately or through ignorance. Let's start up another thread to discuss that, if you want, so the points you're trying to make in this thread don't get completely drowned out in that argument.

With regard to what I'll consider your actual question ("Why should my municipality give them special access rights in my market?"), the answer is simple: They live up to the obligations they have under the agreement with your municipality, to the extent your municipality considers appropriate. Keep in mind that your municipality probably doesn't share your proprietary criteria for evaluating the cable company's performance. While we would like to think that our priorities and sensibilities should be applicable to all, that's never the case.

Maybe Comcast should lower its price until it fixes its hardware/software problems?Look at it the other way: What they're charging is based on what they're providing. If they address all that you consider problems, then they should raise their price commensurately.

Maybe the government should allow competition through the same pipeline?Maybe, maybe not. Either way, it should be utterly fair, i.e., the owner of the pipeline should earn a healthy return on the competitor's usage of their pipeline.

Oh, and are you sure you don't work the "the man" at Comcast? :pI don't know about that other poster, but I sure don't.

Look at it the other way: What they're charging is based on what they're providing. If they address all that you consider problems, then they should raise their price commensurately.


Only thing I don't agree on. If they cannot afford to bring us uninterrupted service at this cost, they should consider a revamp of their budget (ie removing things such as OnDemand). They are price competitive with other services out there (fios/dish). So saying that having quality should cost more is ridiculous.

I have only been with Comcast for less than a month, so I cannot claim to know everything that people have been going through.. but it sounds as if their number one problem is lack of testing before deployment of new "fixes" and issues with DVR.

On the DVR issues, yes.. they will need to charge more if they want a TIVO branded box. I don't expect perfection from my Moto DVR. I do however, expect it to record my shows without locking up. People that are bringing back 1, 2, 3 and more boxes to get a "good" one, should be given partial credit.

Would I pay an extra 5-10 bucks a month for a better DVR? Damned right. But then they should have considered this from day one. Sounds like their bean counters need to to reconsider their budgets

Only thing I don't agree on. If they cannot afford to bring us uninterrupted service at this cost, they should consider a revamp of their budget (ie removing things such as OnDemand).To satisfy your priorities, perhaps, but not in general. Even beyond that equivocator, OnDemand raises more revenue than it costs -- removing it would possibly result in you getting even less of what you want, and surely wouldn't result in you getting any more of what you want.

They are price competitive with other services out there (fios/dish).Neither of which does the job any better, all factors considered (and remember, for both FIOS and satellite, one of those factors is lack of accessibility).

So saying that having quality should cost more is ridiculous.No. It's is perfectly sound: Higher quality practically always is priced higher than lower quality. You don't like the idea -- I understand that, and sympathize.

I have only been with Comcast for less than a month, so I cannot claim to know everything that people have been going through.. but it sounds as if their number one problem is lack of testing before deployment of new "fixes" and issues with DVR.Even that is presumptuous. I doubt there has ever been a software product that had 100% reliability. The percentage of reliability varies, based on the criticality of the usage of the software product. Cable television, incidently, is pretty low as compared, say, with medical devices.

People that are bringing back 1, 2, 3 and more boxes to get a "good" one, should be given partial credit.As far as I know, as long as you can document a specific period during which you experienced a failure, Comcast will refund a pro-rated portion of the fee for that service. Unfortunately, an hour-long program is worth only a few cents. In the end, its just a game: If you insist on better reimbursement for outages, then providing that increases the value of the service, which warrants increasing the overall price. You're just moving money around.

Would I pay an extra 5-10 bucks a month for a better DVR? Damned right.I think a lot of us would, but perhaps not enough to make an impact in any reasonable company's computations. That will change over time, as J6P becomes more DVR sophisticated. However, it may take a long time for that to happen.

Sounds like their bean counters need to to reconsider their budgetsDoubtful. It seems to me that they did consider the budgets, and concluded that these budgets match the risk and benefits appropriately, even though that may be something you don't personally like.

My understanding that the Panasonic DVR is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to the Motorola DVR, so expecting it to work better is a bit of a stretch.
That would be news to me. :confused:
The Panny will have a 250GB HDD and Three HD Tuners.
The Panny sounds like an upgrade to me; unless, Motorola is coming up with something soon to best that.

cool....i'll give an update when i get my hdmi cable and test. fingers crossed.


No go with the HDMI cable. Doesn't seem to work for me. I have the 3416 going to the Denon 2807 via hdmi which goes to my Sony rear proj lcd via hdmi. any suggestions?

That would be news to me. :confused:
The Panny will have a 250GB HDD and Three HD Tuners.
The Panny sounds like an upgrade to me; unless, Motorola is coming up with something soon to best that.


Wha Wha? How and when do these come out? Woot Woot!

Wha Wha? How and when do these come out? Woot Woot!

There is a thread aabout the panny HD DVR here in this forum category.

No go with the HDMI cable. Doesn't seem to work for me. I have the 3416 going to the Denon 2807 via hdmi which goes to my Sony rear proj lcd via hdmi. any suggestions?


I have not read your previous posts and I have not read very far back in this thread but I think I can help you. The 12.xx firmware does not support HDMI "repeaters" and your Denon 2807 is viewed as a repeater. You have to connect HDMI straight to the TV. I have a friend with a 3412 and 2807 which I hooked up HDMI and it did not work. When Comcast released firmware version 16.20 in the Twin Cities about three weeks ago, I went to my friends house and tried it again and this time HDMI through the Denon worked.

I was told by a Comcast employee who is a hardware guru that allowing HDMI signal to pass through an A/V receiver was one of the main reasons they launched firmware version 16.20.

No go with the HDMI cable. Doesn't seem to work for me. I have the 3416 going to the Denon 2807 via hdmi which goes to my Sony rear proj lcd via hdmi. any suggestions?
I'd already told you that unless you have updated firmware it won't work. Well....

I have not read your previous posts and I have not read very far back in this thread but I think I can help you. The 12.xx firmware does not support HDMI "repeaters" and your Denon 2807 is viewed as a repeater. You have to connect HDMI straight to the TV. I have a friend with a 3412 and 2807 which I hooked up HDMI and it did not work. When Comcast released firmware version 16.20 in the Twin Cities about three weeks ago, I went to my friends house and tried it again and this time HDMI through the Denon worked.

I was told by a Comcast employee who is a hardware guru that allowing HDMI signal to pass through an A/V receiver was one of the main reasons they launched firmware version 16.20.


Cool. Thanks. I'll contact Comcast and see when they will be updating.

That would be news to me. :confused:
The Panny will have a 250GB HDD and Three HD Tuners.
The Panny sounds like an upgrade to me; unless, Motorola is coming up with something soon to best that.Storage is cheap.

I found the press release I had remembered reading earlier in the year, that leads me to the conclusion I made earlier... it says, "The new set-top boxes are the result of Comcast's efforts to develop next-generation devices that bring greater efficiencies to today's cable infrastructure..." Sounds to me that the box will probably have cheaper electronics.

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

The Motorola spec sheet very plainly says that PIP (even in HD) is supported. Who knows why Guideworks hasnt added support for that in the FW.

Maybe if enough of us complain about its absence Comcast can correct the situation in a release later.

I apologize not giving a direct URL, but I dont have the post count yet to allow it. Do a google search for DCT3400_web.pdf and you will get it.

The Motorola spec sheet very plainly says that PIP (even in HD) is supported. Who knows why Guideworks hasnt added support for that in the FW.

Maybe if enough of us complain about its absence Comcast can correct the situation in a release later.

I apologize not giving a direct URL, but I dont have the post count yet to allow it. Do a google search for DCT3400_web.pdf and you will get it.
But the Comcast literature clearly states the PIP is not supported on the Moto's and that the PIP buttons are reserved for future use. The SA's are not available in MA (they are in CT, explain that one to me)....that has PIP.

The wait continues for a Comcast box with PIP here in MA.....

I just did the menu/power plugin reboot procedure per the wikibook instructions, and it's downloading now, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I WANT TIGERS WS IN HD! Well, actually the QAM tuner in my TV picks it up just fine, but the wife wants her regular Thursday night shows recorded.... WS is more important at this time!!!

I got a tech scheduled for Sat. morning if this doesn't work. Maybe the box is just fried. There isn't much air gap around the unit, so maybe it got some heat harm.

Well, I went and got a new box....didn't respond. :( Went and got a second box.. :( same result. So I went looking for other problems. Everthing else in the house worked. basic cable on analog tv, and internet worked, so I knew signal was getting in the house. Then I tried jumping the 3-way spliter where the cable comes in with a male-male conector, and BOOM the box updated and perfect picture!!!!! :D So I replaced the 3-way sliter with a cheap gold RCA I had laying around and all is good again! This is the same spliter that a Comcast tech took off and replaced with the one that failed, because he said it was better.

Time to catch up on all the shows I missed in the last week due to this damn splitter. Thank god for On-Demand.

BTW, 16.20 also makes watching over Firewire glitchy to my Samsung HDTV. Bastards.

And now I just lost my full HD. Gone.

But the Comcast literature clearly states the PIP is not supported on the Moto's and that the PIP buttons are reserved for future use. The SA's are not available in MA (they are in CT, explain that one to me)....that has PIP.

The wait continues for a Comcast box with PIP here in MA.....

The use of SA or Moto boxes (as of right now) is determined by the equipment in the cable headend. Comcast in MA has, for better or worse, always used Moto equipment. The reason for brand specific is to do with the encryption keys used in the digital signal which at this time are not interchangeable. Soon some towns in MA will have SA boxes, but these will just be former Adelpia towns being they've been using SA equipment in their headends. CT also obviously has been using SA equipment.

However.... hopefully things will change in the not so distant future with the use of OCAP and other new technologies that will allow any brand of equipment to be used.

I've been away from this forum for a while, and I have a question.
Comcast in Boston downloaded some new software to my 3412.
How does this affect the 3412's operation?

Actually, the 6412 will also receive digital versions of the analog channels if they are available and the box has been enabled to map them to the 2-99 channel numbers. My 6412 did that for several months after ADS was implemented in Seattle, and I only gave it up for a 3412 because the box died.

Thanks for the correction! I was going by what I was told by my local Comcast people - that I needed to get the 3412 to receive the ADS channels. I didn't know the 6412 could also go digital. It would have saved me the whole swap thing if they told me that :-) That would also explain why I noticed on the 6412 an additional PBS duplicate channel at #96 (mentioned in another thread in this page).

But so far I am satisfied with the 3412 and it seems to be cooler than the 6412...

One curiousity question on the 6412 with ADS: did you also observe the same improvement in recording of channels 2-99? In my case I can store twice as much of channels 2-99 (3412 w/ADS, vs 6412-analog), while the 100+ channels are (as expected) the same.

Thanks for the correction! I was going by what I was told by my local Comcast people - that I needed to get the 3412 to receive the ADS channels. I didn't know the 6412 could also go digital. It would have saved me the whole swap thing if they told me that :-) That would also explain why I noticed on the 6412 an additional PBS duplicate channel at #96 (mentioned in another thread in this page).

But so far I am satisfied with the 3412 and it seems to be cooler than the 6412...

One curiousity question on the 6412 with ADS: did you also observe the same improvement in recording of channels 2-99? In my case I can store twice as much of channels 2-99 (3412 w/ADS, vs 6412-analog), while the 100+ channels are (as expected) the same.


Analog takes up more space on the dvr than digital does. That why there is the sapace difference. If the the 6412 is doing ADS you also will see the same space savings.

ajwees41

Well, that is close, but not exactly as it is here.
Here, it is Basic + Expanded = Standard.
So, here, 2-99 is called 'Standard'.
In some areas, 2-99 may still be called 'Expanded'.
It is a good idea to use the 'tier labels' or 'channel ranges' for clarity. :)

Yes, that's the language Comcast is using here as well - I just checked their 10/06 Channel Guide foldout brochure. "Expanded" here is channels only 35 to 82, so I should have said "standard cable" instead!

I probably called it Expanded instead of Standard because if you have expanded cable you are also getting Limited Basic (2-34, 77, 79), but the combination of the two is Standard Cable!

They also added a new digital sub-heading (I don't want to call it "Tier") called "Enhanced Cable" (not to be confused with Expanded), but it only has one channel: MoviePlex (MPLEX). Maybe they can group all the new-age/spirituality channels in a new tier called "Enchanted" ;-)

Analog takes up more space on the dvr than digital does. That why there is the sapace difference. If the the 6412 is doing ADS you also will see the same space savings.

ajwees41

Yes, I was basically asking for confirmation that it does exactly the same thing :-)

Apart from the quality improvement, ADS is like getting a 240GB version of the same box (if all you only record is 2-99) :-)

But the Comcast literature clearly states the PIP is not supported on the Moto's and that the PIP buttons are reserved for future use. The SA's are not available in MA (they are in CT, explain that one to me)....that has PIP.

The wait continues for a Comcast box with PIP here in MA.....


The Motorola's can support PIP, but the guides and firmware need to be updated.

Cox Communications also does not have PIP enabled on the Motorola dvr's.

ajwees41

If 34xx's are available, then your 64xx could be programmed to use ADS. In many areas, that is already being done. My area switched several months ago. The only analog my 6412 tunes in is a duplicate of a PBS channel (apparently to allow CableCard TV's to grab signals encoded on it.)

That explains why there was a duplicate PBS on #96 with the 6412. That channel is not there (or not visible) with the 3412. I asked a Comcast CSR about it a few weeks ago, but they didn't know...

Storage is cheap.

I found the press release I had remembered reading earlier in the year, that leads me to the conclusion I made earlier... it says, "The new set-top boxes are the result of Comcast's efforts to develop next-generation devices that bring greater efficiencies to today's cable infrastructure..." Sounds to me that the box will probably have cheaper electronics.
More likely "greater efficiencies" is the result of a newer/smarter design - that's what "next-generation" implies to me.
I haven't followed all of this thread, but I'm with the complainers. Developing a DVR that works better than the 6412 should be a drop in the bucket compared to the operating costs of Comcast. I'd estimate $5M max (I develop products that aren't that different from the 6412).

They also added a new digital sub-heading (I don't want to call it "Tier") called "Enhanced Cable" (not to be confused with Expanded), but it only has one channel: MoviePlex (MPLEX). Maybe they can group all the new-age/spirituality channels in a new tier called "Enchanted" ;-)
Well, 'Enhanced' is 'Standard' with a Digital Box.
So, with 'Enhanced' one gets the Digital versions of 'Standard', MoviePlex, the IPG, OD, and PPV.

More likely "greater efficiencies" is the result of a newer/smarter design - that's what "next-generation" implies to me.I wouldn't be so sure. I'm pretty sure I've seen those words before, in reference to the second generation of the TiVo Series 2. It definitely was in reference to the lower quality components that they started using. Time will tell, with regard to the Panasonic box.

I haven't followed all of this thread, but I'm with the complainers. Developing a DVR that works better than the 6412 should be a drop in the bucket compared to the operating costs of Comcast. I'd estimate $5M max (I develop products that aren't that different from the 6412).That number sounds way off. TiVo released information about how much it spent developing their DVR, which works a little better than the 34xx/64xx for most people. I'll try to find the reference and post it here.

I've been away from this forum for a while, and I have a question.
Comcast in Boston downloaded some new software to my 3412.
How does this affect the 3412's operation?
I think I got the upgrade as well (my DVR menu is different)...how do I check version level? I know it's been asked here before :o

The Motorola's can support PIP, but the guides and firmware need to be updated.

Cox Communications also does not have PIP enabled on the Motorola dvr's.

ajwees41
Understood....I'm hoping this changes soon in MA.

Here's an odd one that may belong in this thread...
On Sat evening 10/28 I did a quick check to look at my scheduled recordings - my 3412 was up around 80% full and I wanted to make sure I could fit everything I wanted to. For some reason I saw it planned on recording 'Good Will Hunting' off of Starz overnight, around 3 AM, though I hadn't asked it to. I brought up the recording, went into recording options, and said 'Dont Record'. I went back into scheduled recordings - it was still there. I said 'Dont Record' twice more before giving up - I deleted a football game I'd seen already but wanted to save a bit, and went to bed.

Sunday morning I checked my recordings and sure enough there it was - happily I was *then* able to delete it (not my favorite movie).

Did anyone else experience this? I have Comcast in Wash, DC and have only had this box a couple months - no long term experience. I have a ReplayTV, and used to have a Tivo, and am used to having those boxes record things via Wishlist and the like, but don't know what caused this. I'm more irritated by not being able to turn off the recording than having it decide to schedule on it's own, but don't like either. Any ideas?

Dave

That happens whenever you schedule a program and then, after that, the network changes the start and/or end time of the program. The updated program schedule listing seems to get a different identity from the original, which you now no longer can get a handle on to cancel. So what you were doing was actually trying to cancel the new listing (which you had never had scheduled to be recorded) rather than the old listing.

It could also have been a quirk due to the DST change this weekend.

Is there any way to remove channels from the I-Guide? I tried to use Favorites, which would seem to be the logical way to customize the channel listings, but it just puts a heart on the selected channel.

Is there any way to remove channels from the I-Guide? I tried to use Favorites, which would seem to be the logical way to customize the channel listings, but it just puts a heart on the selected channel.

Not that I know of... Which I hate... I don't like having to go through 20 different channels in spanish or home shopping networks... Oh well

Is there any way to remove channels from the I-Guide? I tried to use Favorites, which would seem to be the logical way to customize the channel listings, but it just puts a heart on the selected channel.

With the new 16.20 firmware, you can call up schedule grids for just the channels you have selected as favorites. You can also create 5 separate favorites lists. Or, you can do what I have always done, even with the old software. I select Listings by Channel from the menu, and step through them using the favorite button. This will only bring up listings for the channels on the favorites list active at that time.

With the new 16.20 firmware, you can call up schedule grids for just the channels you have selected as favorites. You can also create 5 separate favorites lists. Or, you can do what I have always done, even with the old software. I select Listings by Channel from the menu, and step through them using the favorite button. This will only bring up listings for the channels on the favorites list active at that time.

Thanks, I've been doing just what you suggested. It's just so frustrating to jump through such annoying hoops, especially after coming from DirecTivo. Here's hoping the new firmware gets pushed out to my area, or the new Tivo software solves my problem, whenever that sees the light of day.

I came home Sunday to find a blank screen on my Sony SXRD which is connected
to my Comcast 3412 via HDMI. I tried cycling the power (using the power button) and only got a green screen. I also tried unplugging the DVR for a min. or so and
then powered it back up with no luck. I called Comcast tech support and went over a few things included them issuing a reset signal from their end.

I had a Comcast service call and the tech brought out another 3412 which still has the HDMI issues. The tech mentioned there was a firmware upgrade pushed to boxes in my area on Thurs. or Fri. and I suspect this has caused the problem but can't prove it.

I've tried two different HDMI cables connected to both of my television's HDMI inputs with no positive result. I'm almost 100% sure it is not my television but don't have a separate HDMI enabled device to rule this out.

Has anyone else had HDMI issues with the 3412. If so, how did you resolve it? Right now I am using component video out to my TV. This is a workaround and would prefer to use HDMI.

-Thanks,
Darin

I came home Sunday to find a blank screen on my Sony SXRD which is connected
to my Comcast 3412 via HDMI. I tried cycling the power (using the power button) and only got a green screen. I also tried unplugging the DVR for a min. or so and
then powered it back up with no luck. I called Comcast tech support and went over a few things included them issuing a reset signal from their end.

I had a Comcast service call and the tech brought out another 3412 which still has the HDMI issues. The tech mentioned there was a firmware upgrade pushed to boxes in my area on Thurs. or Fri. and I suspect this has caused the problem but can't prove it.

I've tried two different HDMI cables connected to both of my television's HDMI inputs with no positive result. I'm almost 100% sure it is not my television but don't have a separate HDMI enabled device to rule this out.

Has anyone else had HDMI issues with the 3412. If so, how did you resolve it? Right now I am using component video out to my TV. This is a workaround and would prefer to use HDMI.

-Thanks,
Darin

Mine did the samething on Sunday afternoon just before the 1pm game. It first started with a blue background screen saying something along the lines that tampering with the HDMI connection has been done. This never went away no matter what channel I tuned in. It could be an SD channel or an HD channel but it never went away. After about two minutes of this the screen went black and within five seconds went green. The only fix for this was to start using component cables again. Rebooting and whatnot doesn't work at all for me. I'm not happy about it but I'll live until its fixed.

Many people in this group have had this problem including me. My hdmi (to dvi converter) went blank after 12 hours. I've been on component video ever since.

Seen a couple hdmi issues since new firmware/guide. Some systems just need to be turned on in a certain order. Saw LG plasma last week that the tv had to be turned on & come up to blank screen & only then when the DVR was turned on would the handshake complete correctly with pics & sound (otherwise just had green screen). I have a Hitachi 57s715 that I"ve always used component connection til now because I had one of the original 6412 boxes with DVI & didn't want to bother with DVI/HDMI converter but just installed 3416 this past weekend (those 120gb harddrives fill up too fast with HD). As of right now it doesn't work, front display on box comes up saying 'dvi' & then proceeds to flash '0 5' til box is reset, however my tv has old/original software & Hitachi is sending new version out to me to upgrade it, hopefully this will solve my problem. But until then the old workaround of component cables will continue to work. As much as I hated some of the little quirky bugs of the old guide version, as far as I'm concerned they were better then the ones we have now.

Seen a couple hdmi issues since new firmware/guide. Some systems just need to be turned on in a certain order. Saw LG plasma last week that the tv had to be turned on & come up to blank screen & only then when the DVR was turned on would the handshake complete correctly with pics & sound (otherwise just had green screen). I have a Hitachi 57s715 that I"ve always used component connection til now because I had one of the original 6412 boxes with DVI & didn't want to bother with DVI/HDMI converter but just installed 3416 this past weekend (those 120gb harddrives fill up too fast with HD). As of right now it doesn't work, front display on box comes up saying 'dvi' & then proceeds to flash '0 5' til box is reset, however my tv has old/original software & Hitachi is sending new version out to me to upgrade it, hopefully this will solve my problem. But until then the old workaround of component cables will continue to work. As much as I hated some of the little quirky bugs of the old guide version, as far as I'm concerned they were better then the ones we have now.

I'll give that a try. Yesterday I tried making sure the 3412 was powered off then
powered back on before I turned on the TV. Tonight I'll try turning on the TV
before the DVR has been turned on. We'll see. I can't believe they would allow
a FW upgrade to break HDMI (well I can, but I'm not happy about it).

The 3412's problems extend to watching recordings over Firewire as well. What was smooth now is terrible. I now have to do a hard reset (unplug the power source) every time I want to watch a program over Firewire). I've never had a problem over Firewire.

Thank you Motorola for this aborted firmware update.

Friend, I've been patient with Comcast since it was called Jones Intercable here in Denver.

I traded up from the 6412-2 to this box to solve another problem... interference on channels 2 - 99 from local radio stations. No fooling. While that problem is solved with the 3412, I think the overall problem with ALL of the boxes is not Motorola. I've changed my mind on that. The problem is with whoever is programming the box. They keep fixing one bug after another. Each fix is creating a problem somewhere else in the logic of the overall program. I know what this is like, having done some programming myself.

There is a point in programming at which you have to take all you've learned from fixing the bugs, all the problems with the logic you've used up 'till now, and re-write the code from scratch. Fix it.

We keep looking to the Panasonic-DVR as a savior from all things Motorola. If the same people program that box, I predict the same level and nature of difficulties.

As far as calling the techs for help, I agree. If the problem is with the code, they can't do anything to help. Of course, why should I pay $100/month for a service that doesn't work right? Why should my municipality give them monopoly rights in my market? Maybe Comcast should lower its price until it fixes its hardware/software problems? Maybe the government should allow competition through the same pipeline?

Who is with me on this?

Oh, and are you sure you don't work the "the man" at Comcast? :p

First off, since you asked, I am a in house tech. That being said, I agree with you on most parts of your post. The motorola boxes produce a much worse picture compared to my dishHD boxes. I will have a post on this in a little bit :-P I have 6 HD-DVRs in my house, all but one of them are 3416s, one is a 3412. I'm a big fan of Motorola, but somethin just isn't right with them......the HD feed I get from my cable card looks GREAT! The picture I get from my 3416 on the same TV isn't so great. Neither HDMI nor component looks anywhere near as good as the cable card....the SD looks TERRIBLY unless I use svideo, the HD looks noticeabally bad unless I have the box HD output set to what the station broadcasts in, and there isn't a wide-screen guide at all. These are HD Boxes right? It is generally accepted that HD programming is in 16:9 lol

Anyways, I'm not happy with the performance of these boxes either....All I was trying to get across in my previous post was that calling CAEs, and having Techs swap the boxes won't do any good and will just cause you more frusturations, especially if you are expecting each new box a tech brings to fix your problem :-)

The Pace SD dvrs are being deployed soon, and there is also a Pace Dual tuner HD DVR, along with the Panasonic HD DVR which could provice some much needed relief to the current STB problem...I hope!

Hi all,

I have the 3412 and was wondering about my signal strength. When I checked it, it was running about 21 dB and 17%, but was listed as "good." That doesn't look good to me- the web page I was linked to for signal strength said I should be going at least 50%.

My HD and SD are not nearly as good as I think they could be- should I be giving Comcast a call? I do get a lot of audio/video stuttering and problems with one channel which for some reason does not give me sound out of the center speaker (the other HD channel's sound is fine).

Any ideas?

Thanks!

I've got a 3412. I want to be able to change the output resolution over HDMI between 1080i and 720p depending on the station I'm watching. Does anyone know of a good way to do this? Having to turn the box off and then access the set up menu is cumbersome. I want to do this to simulate passthrough of HD signals. I do not understand why it is not already implemented in the firmware. It's SO STUPID! thx for any ideas.

Hi all,

I have the 3412 and was wondering about my signal strength. When I checked it, it was running about 21 dB and 17%, but was listed as "good." That doesn't look good to me- the web page I was linked to for signal strength said I should be going at least 50%.

My HD and SD are not nearly as good as I think they could be- should I be giving Comcast a call? I do get a lot of audio/video stuttering and problems with one channel which for some reason does not give me sound out of the center speaker (the other HD channel's sound is fine).

Any ideas?

Thanks!

what screen is that 21 dB and 17% listed on? Are you referring to the OOB STATUS Screen? (d03) If so, that doesn't have anything to do with your picture quality you recieve. That is just for Out-Of-Band data (OOB) That is just the frequency that your box downloads stuff such as guide info, software, and firmware updates. it isn't viewing related at all though.

For a more accurate picture of the signal going to your box, without a actual signal level meter, go to the in-band status page, and look at the SNR in there, along with the number of correctable, and uncorrectable error counts.

Also, you should look at your upstream status, and look at the requested power level and actual power level.

If ya post those things, we could hopefully determine better where to start helping ya with the issues you are experiencing.

I've got a 3412. I want to be able to change the output resolution over HDMI between 1080i and 720p depending on the station I'm watching. Does anyone know of a good way to do this? Having to turn the box off and then access the set up menu is cumbersome. I want to do this to simulate passthrough of HD signals. I do not understand why it is not already implemented in the firmware. It's SO STUPID! thx for any ideas.

Unfortunately turning the box off everytime is the only way to change the resolution. Very inconvenient, especially for me, as if the box output isn't set to the same as the content I'm actually watching, it looks very, very bad...

Unfortunately turning the box off everytime is the only way to change the resolution. Very inconvenient, especially for me, as if the box output isn't set to the same as the content I'm actually watching, it looks very, very bad...

My problem is that I have a very good external VP and it makes no sense to have the 3412 do any processing on the signal before it gets to the VP. Yeah I hate this part of the 3412. Maybe I can program a little macro on my Harmony remote to switch the output on the 3412. Still you have to know the broadcast resolution of each HD channel and then switch each time you go between two channels with different resolutions. I'll probably fiddle with this over the weekend but I sure wish Moto would fix this. I suppose I can always live in hope that when Comcast goes to the Panny boxes they will have a passthrough option.

My problem is that I have a very good external VP and it makes no sense to have the 3412 do any processing on the signal before it gets to the VP. Yeah I hate this part of the 3412. Maybe I can program a little macro on my Harmony remote to switch the output on the 3412. Still you have to know the broadcast resolution of each HD channel and then switch each time you go between two channels with different resolutions. I'll probably fiddle with this over the weekend but I sure wish Moto would fix this. I suppose I can always live in hope that when Comcast goes to the Panny boxes they will have a passthrough option.
The new TiVo Series 3 offers native pass through and can use two cable cards to record two cable or two OTA channels at once (or 1 of each).

You may or may not be interested in the TiVo alternative.

The new TiVo Series 3 offers native pass through and can use two cable cards to record two cable or two OTA channels at once (or 1 of each).

You may or may not be interested in the TiVo alternative.

I've never used a TIVO so sorry about my ignorance. You are telling me that I can completely replace the STB with the TIVO? I would have to buy the TIVO? Do I also have to buy the TIVO service?

I've never used a TIVO so sorry about my ignorance. You are telling me that I can completely replace the STB with the TIVO? I would have to buy the TIVO? Do I also have to buy the TIVO service?
You need to purchase the TVIO and TVIO service, rent 2 cable cards, and you will lose On Demand.

I need help! I bought a comcast 3412 box on the net. It's dead on arrival. It powers up fine, but just a black screen. I reset the unit and still nothing. How do I get it to work. I'm renting one from comcast and that unit is working fine, would be great to have to. Anyone can help a newbie!!!