Official Comcast 3412 & 3416 STB Discussion [Text View]

shmee1

11-17-05, 07:52 AM

I got a 3412 last week...was having problems with my 6412, and when Comcast came to swap it out, the 3412 was what they had.
My comments:
Same iGuide as the rest.
Don't know about dumping the DVR content to a PC...from what I read I should be able to though.
NO DVI out...I was disappointed. HDMI/component only for HD (plus all the regular jacks)
It's quiet, the new fan keeps the unit cooler (I think lack of a fan is what killed my 1st gen 6412).
I'll have to take a closer look, but it appears that the HD pic is not as good as on the 6412. Could just be my imagination or the show I watched, but it appreared to be more pixelated than before. Perhaps that's ADS? Again, perhaps my imagination.
The actual box is about 2 inched shorter front to back than the 6412.
No AV jacks in front (so what).
Other than that, it's the same as the 6412. I'm guessing the famous "mute" feature is still there, but that's not a real problem for me.

smack518

11-17-05, 10:16 AM

Does anyone know if the 3412 does direct passthrough of HD signals, or, like the 6412, does all HD content have to be sent to the TV in either 720p or 1080i?

I'd really like to let my set do the de-interlacing...

htrider

11-17-05, 01:53 PM

scanpa

11-17-05, 03:56 PM

The 3412's are now available for Hershey Comcast Users!

I went and picked one up today.

DCT-3412/2305 Phase 1

Brand New right out of the box.

First things I see, are: No AUX RCA Input slots front or back & no smart card reader slot, The STB has the following on the back of the unit:

1- RF Cable signal In:
1- RF Out:

1-SATA II port
1-USB port
1-HDMI port
1-Ethernet port
2-IEEE 1394 port's
1- IR VCR remote control plug

1- RCA-Digital COAX jack
1- TOSSlink Optical Audio jack
1- L/R/V RCA SD output jacks
1- Y PB Pr Component Jacks
1- S-video

1- TV DATA PORT PASS THRU

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Size is aprox 1/2 inch smaller in width, and aprox 1.5 inches smaller from back to front.

The 3412 is lighter then the 64xx STB.

Upon getting home and connecting all cables, & initial power up, the unit was dead as can be, no F/W or S/W or any guide software or settings pre-installed.

Just a blank Baby....

Doing a Factory Install & Boot up of the 3412 STB, it downloaded and installed the following:

S/W Version: 71.44 -1203

F/W Version: 12.22 Date: Aug 08, 2005
Boot Loader: 05.05
Iguide Version: ASTGSC Version: 49.38

John Williams

11-17-05, 04:03 PM

Scanpa,

Please let us know when you get up and rolling if there is any native-rate output option or if it is the same as the 64xx boxes.

Thanks!

-John

scanpa

11-17-05, 04:13 PM

Scanpa,

Please let us know when you get up and rolling if there is any native-rate output option or if it is the same as the 64xx boxes.

Thanks!

-John

It is the same as the other Moto Boxes.

power off STB
press Menu

set your HDMI / Component: Y Pb Pr settings

exit

power back on the stb

:(

John Williams

11-17-05, 04:16 PM

Bugger!

When will Motorola get this right?!?

scanpa

11-17-05, 04:30 PM

First test of PQ, Color looks softer then my old 6412/2005-P2. Had to set the TV Color to Warm to get it back to what was normal before.

Sound Quality is lower then the 6412 also for both DD5.1 & DD Ch.

Analog Tier Digital Simulcast Ch: 2-100, looks sharper then the 6412.

No remote issues as of yet, STB responds fast.

Fan in bottom of unit is variable in speed, but is very quiet at high speed.

STB Temp is at 97 deg, and has hit a high of 102 deg. so far.

HD has very little noise level! :)

VOD works very fast durring switchover from reg cable.

Signal strength in OOB & In Band is good with S/N in the 36 - 38 range.

After all of the family's shows record tonight, I will post info on the DVR.

same recording settings as used in the 6412.

scanpa

11-17-05, 04:32 PM

A new Itam listed in the Diagnostic page, is a address list, to connect all the other 64xx / 34xx series STB addresses.

This is for the Media Center setup.

tall1

11-17-05, 05:49 PM

Scanpa- is 30 second skip alive and well? Do you still need to go to user settings to change closed captioning?

scanpa

11-17-05, 05:58 PM

Scanpa- is 30 second skip alive and well? Do you still need to go to user settings to change closed captioning?

I have nothing recorded Yet. will let you know later tonight.

CC settings are still set in the user menu only accessed with the STB off! :eek: :mad:

markjrenna

11-17-05, 07:46 PM

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

scanpa

11-17-05, 10:25 PM

Scanpa- is 30 second skip alive and well? Do you still need to go to user settings to change closed captioning?

Yes the 30 sec. skip works on this STB.

scanpa

11-17-05, 10:36 PM

Ok, after recording several shows on both Tuners, I have noticed the following.

At 8pm, I have 2 series recordings set to record. First program started recording on Tuner 2, However Turner 1, the one I was currently watching seemed to have problems changing the channel to the one to be recorded... You could see the tuner working to change the ch.

I used the remote to change the ch myself, and after the ch. changed, it began the recording.

The 3412 also seems to delay the program by 7 - 10 seconds on Ch. that are buffered. Compared to 2-3 sec. of delay on the 6412.

Also Pausing a live show on the 3412, it would only stay paused for 15min MAX. On the 6412 it was 60 Min. Then it would un pause itself.

All of the DVR Cmds. via the remote seem faster on the 3412 then the 6412.

30 Second Skip Macro still works! :) FF / RW speeds are a tad slowwer then the 6412, but I will time them later on both STB.

more later.

MASteve

11-18-05, 09:15 AM

I've had the 3412 from Comcast for about 10 days now, and have observed the following two problems:

1. On my 60" Sony SXRD, I will occassionally find a blank 'green' screen. It doesn't always happen, but when it does, it's right after powering the TV on or after having used the 'pause' button for the 3412. In every instance, the problem was resolved by using the 'swap' button to switch back and forth between the two tuners.
2. When playing back "Troy," about half-way through the movie, the picture would intermittently stutter. It happened frequently enough to be very annoying. The next day, I went back to one of the scenes most affected, and it did not stutter at all, so it did not happen during the recording phase.

Has anyone else seen either of these problems? Overall, I'm very happy with the picture quality of the 3412. My only gripe would be that as compared to the standalone Tivo I used to use before going to HDTV, the pause and play buttons are far behind in responsiveness. There is also no intelligent 'rewind' when you stop a fast-forward to accomodate normal reaction times.

I've had mine about 10 days too, and I've noticed the skipping at times as well. It rarely (if ever) happens on HD channels though. I've mostly noticed it on the newly digital 0-99 channels. I've had no green screen issues at all.

I have noticed that others have noted how quiet it is. I actually think it's loud. I have not had any experience withe the 6412, so I have nothing to compare it to. The hard drive makes this clicking sound constantly while buffering and when you change channels. The fan is pretty quiet though. I was going to call and have them swap it for a new one.

bfore13

11-18-05, 11:42 AM

Ok, after recording several shows on both Tuners, I have noticed the following.

At 8pm, I have 2 series recordings set to record. First program started recording on Tuner 2, However Turner 1, the one I was currently watching seemed to have problems changing the channel to the one to be recorded... You could see the tuner working to change the ch.

I used the remote to change the ch myself, and after the ch. changed, it began the recording.Were you able to record 2 shows at the same time and then watch another channel? I thought the instructions said this was possible but I had a problem last night. At 8:30 I had 2 series set to record (1 started at 8:00) and I was watching something else. I got the message to change the channel for the 2nd recording or cancel the recording. Thanks.

bronowyn

11-18-05, 11:53 AM

I'm confused. Is the whole home WORKING, yet? or is that a later firmware update?

Right now we have two 6412s just so we can watch in two rooms.

wareagle

11-18-05, 12:02 PM

Were you able to record 2 shows at the same time and then watch another channel? I thought the instructions said this was possible but I had a problem last night. At 8:30 I had 2 series set to record (1 started at 8:00) and I was watching something else. I got the message to change the channel for the 2nd recording or cancel the recording. Thanks.

With a two-tuner DVR you can record two shows and watch a recorded show at the same time, but watching a "live" show would require a third tuner.

11-18-05, 12:31 PM

Does the 3412 use the same remote and thus the same IR codes as the 6412? I imagine the answer is yes.

I ask on the off chance that it would be possible to have both a 6412 and a 3412 in the same line of sight, without a conflict.

dt_dc

11-18-05, 12:48 PM

I'm confused. Is the whole home WORKING, yet? or is that a later firmware update?Both ...

It is working ... at trade shows and demos.

However, it has not been deployed yet by any cable companies (nor, to my knowledge, have any cable companies announced intentions to do so). So you'll need a firmware update (Ucentric middleware and updates to resident app to support it) and you'll need a hardware update (either what Motorola calls a NIM for all of its existing boxes) or if a cable company makes up its mind on a networking strategy (Moca, HomePNA, whatever) Motorola could start building boxes that don't require a NIM. Oh yah ... and of course you'll need your cable company to decide they actually want to deploy (and pay for) it.

scanpa

11-18-05, 01:05 PM

bronowyn

11-19-05, 11:45 AM

scanpa

11-19-05, 11:56 AM

ok.... so it's not supported by Comcast yet to do that whole home networking thing.

So, is the harddrive bigger? I'm just wondering, besides the smaller size, what the advantage would be of me picking this up.

Comcast does have plans for the Home Media Solution setup.

for the 3400 series Digital STB:

the 3412 model has a 120gb HD - Available Now via Comcast in select areas.
the 3416 model has a 160gb HD
the 3432 model has a 320gb HD

the last 2 digits in the model # tells you the size of the HD.

it is lighter, has a fan under the HD, has no Analog cable decode, works only on cable systems that are fully digital. Uses F/W 12.22 -Aug 08, 2005

bronowyn

11-19-05, 12:01 PM

So, here's my final question. How do I find out when my cable company office HAS them?

I tell them model numbers and they look at me as if I were nuts.

markjrenna

11-19-05, 03:05 PM

Both ...

It is working ... at trade shows and demos.

However, it has not been deployed yet by any cable companies (nor, to my knowledge, have any cable companies announced intentions to do so). So you'll need a firmware update (Ucentric middleware and updates to resident app to support it) and you'll need a hardware update (either what Motorola calls a NIM for all of its existing boxes) or if a cable company makes up its mind on a networking strategy (Moca, HomePNA, whatever) Motorola could start building boxes that don't require a NIM. Oh yah ... and of course you'll need your cable company to decide they actually want to deploy (and pay for) it.

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

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

The Yar

11-19-05, 03:52 PM

I'm getting Comcast HD-DVR, modem, and telephone services on Nov. 29th. I called and they verified it will be a 3412. I'll update with any useful information at that time.

scanpa

11-19-05, 03:57 PM

Comcast can reclaim all of the useless Analog Bandwidth!

ROFLMAO, not to mention getting rid of several dupe Ch. we have at least 7 - 10 networks that are on multiple CH.

3 dupes of NBC-Jewelry network..... 2 of them on side by side ch.... :eek:

2 dupes of MTV2, 3 dupes of HBO 1 East, 2 of HBO 1 HD East.

and so on and so on....

Wasted BW abounds on the hershey comcast system.

scanpa

11-19-05, 04:01 PM

I'm getting Comcast HD-DVR, modem, and telephone services on Nov. 29th. I called and they verified it will be a 3412. I'll update with any useful information at that time.

Where are you located and what comcast feed do you use?

If your install Tech needs help, have him join us here on AVS. we will be glad to help him out.......... :D

cjc84

11-19-05, 07:41 PM

ROFLMAO, not to mention getting rid of several dupe Ch. we have at least 7 - 10 networks that are on multiple CH.

3 dupes of NBC-Jewelry network..... 2 of them on side by side ch.... :eek:

2 dupes of MTV2, 3 dupes of HBO 1 East, 2 of HBO 1 HD East.

and so on and so on....

Wasted BW abounds on the hershey comcast system.

Here in Chicago we have some dupes too. Dupe channels doesnt mean they use twice the bandwith. They are the same MHz frequency but the box can map that freq to many channels.

For instance, channel 136 and 294 here are G4. They are on the same MHz channel, which is 663 MHz.

scanpa

11-19-05, 07:55 PM

Here in Chicago we have some dupes too. Dupe channels doesnt mean they use twice the bandwith. They are the same MHz frequency but the box can map that freq to many channels.

For instance, channel 136 and 294 here are G4. They are on the same MHz channel, which is 663 MHz.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that. cause MTV2 is the same freq on both mapped locations. Howeversome are different Freqs.

They might just be multicast.

The Yar

11-19-05, 11:57 PM

Where are you located and what comcast feed do you use?

If your install Tech needs help, have him join us here on AVS. we will be glad to help him out.......... :D
Marietta, GA - 20 mi NW of Downtown Atlanta.

As for what Comcast feed I use - I'd be interested in learning enough about this to know what you are even asking me and how to answer it!

I've been a loyal D* customer ever since I bought this house. I just got sick of trying to plan out an entire HS10/OTA/3LNB solution (or wait for 5LNB MPEG4) in order to pump some actual HD into my Sony 34HS420 that's still being fed by a Series I DirecTiVo.

Anything I ought to know to help my install tech get it right?

11-20-05, 12:11 PM

I'm getting Comcast HD-DVR, modem, and telephone services on Nov. 29th. I called and they verified it will be a 3412. I'll update with any useful information at that time.

This seems odd, since you are in Martietta Georiga. Although Comcast has been transmitting the digital simulcast channels for testing in the area, the 6412's here are not currently mapping them in. A few of the channels were mapped in over the summer, but they have gone back to analog for a few months now.

I would have thought Comcast would have done the switch over on the current 6412 (and 2244) base that could switch back in case of trouble, rather than first deploy the 3412 which can't.

Please post if you actually get a 3412 on the 29th. The CSR might just be confused and you will actually get a 6412.

olmy

11-21-05, 01:01 PM

The Yar

11-21-05, 05:22 PM

Please post if you actually get a 3412 on the 29th. The CSR might just be confused and you will actually get a 6412.
That's possible. But I was transferred to the "technical" CSR and she verified more than once that it was one of the "brand new" 3412s. I never even mentioned 3412s myself, I was trying to figure out if it was a 6412 phase 3 or not.

I guess there's no point in speculating much more until it actually arrives.

Linux23

11-22-05, 09:33 AM

This is interesting. I just had a 3412 replace a 6412 last Saturday. I thought what I was getting was a 6412 Phase III box?

In any case, like most said, the box is smaller, and lighter, doesn't have a DVI output :(, and works exactly like the 6412.

Did anyone get a stuttering image on the HD channels when the box was first hooked up?

Jim Miller

11-22-05, 11:02 AM

davisdog

11-22-05, 11:16 AM

I'm confused about the 34xx series and how they play with analog.

I understand they're used with systems that have been converted to transmit all their analog channels on digital as well. Where do these new digital channels sit in the cable spectrum.

Do the analog channels go away? I can't figure out what's in it for the cable companies unless they delete the analog versions.

tnx
jim

The 34XX will only decode Digital Channels...If there are still analog channels on your system then it will ignore them.

This is part of the transition to all Digital Cable (better picture and lower bandwidth requirements)

They will introduce the 34xx after your area is running in "Digital Simulcast Mode", which means you still have all of the Analog on your system but they are simulcasting all of those channels on a separate Digital Channel (that the digital boxes will use instead).

Then they will gradually phase out the analog channels (and provide a small/cheap Digital STB like the DCT700 to their legacy analog subscribers)

Jim Miller

11-22-05, 12:57 PM

hmmm

what about all their subscribers who don't have a box now because they don't have digital? will they just terminate service to them or give them a box anyway?

jim

davisdog

11-22-05, 01:10 PM

scanpa

11-22-05, 02:48 PM

my last sentence addresses that.

"Then they will gradually phase out the analog channels (and provide a small/cheap Digital STB like the DCT700 to their legacy analog subscribers)"

The DCT700 is a small box that they will give to there "Analog" Subscribers (whose TV's only have an analog tuner) so they can watch channels 2-80 still (but they will be in digital format and they will now have to use a box like all the Satellite Customers do already)

davisdog is correct about the DCT-7xx series of Digital Cable Set top Box.

I can only speak for Comcast service, but in the next 3 - 5 Years, and after your area is all Digital, they will encrypt there entire Cable service, that will require The All Digital DCT-7xx, or the 64xx / 34xx Duel Tuner DVR STB or Cable Card 1 & 2 systems. $$$-???? You will need one of the 2 to decode Comcast cable.

The STB range from $4.95 pm to $16.95 pm for cable box rental.

My Area has already started to encrypt several of there cable ch. We only have 1 Premium pay ch left in the old Analog tier. (HBO-1 East) And our system is fully Digital Simulcast.

tall1

11-22-05, 03:09 PM

davisdog is correct about the DCT-7xx series of Digital Cable Set top Box.

I can only speak for Comcast service, but in the next 3 - 5 Years, and after your area is all Digital, they will encrypt there entire Cable service, that will require The All Digital DCT-7xx, or the 64xx / 34xx Duel Tuner DVR STB or Cable Card 1 & 2 systems. $$$-???? You will need one of the 2 to decode Comcast cable.

The STB range from $4.95 pm to $16.95 pm for cable box rental.

My Area has already started to encrypt several of there cable ch. We only have 1 Premium pay ch left in the old Analog tier. (HBO-1 East) And our system is fully Digital Simulcast.I'd be interested in how they are going to deploy all these digital STBs. My parents who live on a fixed income have 3 cable-ready TVs connnected to comcast via coax, no STB. Is comcast going to contact them one fateful day and let them know they need to cough up $4.95x3/month to continue receiving basic cable service?

scanpa

11-22-05, 03:32 PM

I'd be interested in how they are going to deploy all these digital STBs. My parents who live on a fixed income have 3 cable-ready TVs connnected to comcast via coax, no STB. Is comcast going to contact them one fateful day and let them know they need to cough up $4.95x3/month to continue receiving basic cable service?

Comcast normaly has advance notice of changes with cable service included in the monthly cable bill. But they have not decided about how they will handle the millions of subscribers that currently do not use a STB.

But it will come to a time where all subscribers will need a STB or a cable card System due to the Encryption of the cable system.

Just thank all of those people who are steeling cable service.

11-22-05, 03:47 PM

I'd be interested in how they are going to deploy all these digital STBs. My parents who live on a fixed income have 3 cable-ready TVs connnected to comcast via coax, no STB. Is comcast going to contact them one fateful day and let them know they need to cough up $4.95x3/month to continue receiving basic cable service?

My (uninformed) guess would be that the forced cut over date would be no sooner than December 31, 2008 the date that the house bill requires broadcasters to stop broadcasting in analog. At that point no over the air TV for analog sets would be available without a converter box, so the cable companies could just portray their requirement as in line with that new reality.

The house and senate bills provides some subsidy for the over the air boxes, and I'll bet the cable companies end up initially subsidizing the no frills digital cable boxes.

HD Rookie

11-22-05, 04:12 PM

Just thank all of those people who are steeling cable service.
Do you really believe that? In the past, the analog set-top boxes were free. If this was simply a move to stop theft, the cheap boxes would still be free. If they start charging a monthly stb fee, it is all about a monopoly upping its monthly service fees.

tall1

11-22-05, 04:15 PM

My (uninformed) guess would be that the forced cut over date would be no sooner than December 31, 2008 the date that the house bill requires broadcasters to stop broadcasting in analog. At that point no over the air TV for analog sets would be available without a converter box, so the cable companies could just portray their requirement as in line with that new reality.

The house and senate bills provides some subsidy for the over the air boxes, and I'll bet the cable companies end up initially subsidizing the no frills digital cable boxes.That is an interesting guess. I wonder if folks will take another look at OTA at that point. Get a box free from the government and pay no monthly fee or get a box from the cable company for free(?) but pay a monthly fee. I bet cable will offer the first box free, additional STBs will cost something.

Anywho, scanpa have you tried recording anything from the firewire ports?

scanpa

11-22-05, 07:51 PM

That is an interesting guess. I wonder if folks will take another look at OTA at that point. Get a box free from the government and pay no monthly fee or get a box from the cable company for free(?) but pay a monthly fee. I bet cable will offer the first box free, additional STBs will cost something.

Anywho, scanpa have you tried recording anything from the firewire ports?

nope not yet! Will have to swap it out with the 6412 that is in the computer room.

scanpa

11-22-05, 07:55 PM

Do you really believe that? In the past, the analog set-top boxes were free. If this was simply a move to stop theft, the cheap boxes would still be free. If they start charging a monthly stb fee, it is all about a monopoly upping its monthly service fees.

It is more of a problem, then most people realize.

But I agree, they will have to offer the basic Digital No Frills STB for Free or at a very cheep monthly rate. They also require a Valid CC.

Jim Miller

11-22-05, 09:19 PM

how many folks do you know that have no cable box today and yet have multiple tv sets around the house connected to the cable.

this is going to get ugly...

jim

scanpa

11-22-05, 09:46 PM

how many folks do you know that have no cable box today and yet have multiple tv sets around the house connected to the cable.

this is going to get ugly...

jim

TONS! :)

:eek:

Simple solution is to have Built in 256QAM Tuners w/ Cable Card 1 or 2 systems. Then the Cable Co. would not have to provide STB.

Another simple answer would be to start issuing DCT-7xx STB to houses on all Future Basic Cable installs. that way those people are already on total Digital Cable systems. Then you only have to deal with the Previous Subscribers that do not have STB.... That's possibly why this will not start for at least 3 - 5 Years....

11-22-05, 10:19 PM

Simple solution is to have Built in 256QAM Tuners w/ Cable Card 1 or 2 systems. Then the Cable Co. would not have to provide STB.

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

QZ1

11-23-05, 01:32 PM

The joke is that the government has mandated expensive atsc over the air tuners in all new sets. These will be useless to cable customers (60%) and satellite customers (25%).
Those stats don't tell the whole story. Yes, ~15% of households use OTA only, but ~30% of households use OTA on one or more TVs, in addtion to cable and/or satellite.

miimura

11-23-05, 03:34 PM

The joke is that the government has mandated expensive atsc over the air tuners in all new sets. These will be useless to cable customers (60%) and satellite customers (25%).The government doesn't have to care about cable and satellite subscribers. They want to turn off analog OTA TV, so they have to mitigate its impact on OTA users. Besides, most name brand TVs that have the mandated ATSC tuners can also tune QAM. Most of those also have CableCard. Once the MFG puts an ATSC tuner the incremental cost of QAM/CableCard is not that much. The more ridiculous thing is how much cable companies charge to rent a CableCard. In my mind there is no way they can justify charging the same rental fee for a CableCard as an entire HD (non-pvr) cable-box, but in most cases that's the way it is.

- Mike

HD Rookie

11-23-05, 03:44 PM

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

- Mike
Mike, I don't agree. Up to this point in time there have only been a handfull of atsc tuners that are QAM (unless a ton hit the market in the last couple months that I haven't heard of). Additionally, only a few of those that are qam have the cablecard.

As far as cost goes, Comcast offers the cable card free of charge in most areas.

miimura

11-23-05, 08:05 PM

Mike, I don't agree. Up to this point in time there have only been a handfull of atsc tuners that are QAM (unless a ton hit the market in the last couple months that I haven't heard of). Additionally, only a few of those that are qam have the cablecard.

As far as cost goes, Comcast offers the cable card free of charge in most areas.I just did a quick survey of HDTVs.

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

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

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

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

- Mike

keenan

11-23-05, 08:09 PM

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

- Mike
It may vary depending on area, but in general, Comcast offers the CC free if it is the only digital hookup you have. It's included in the price of the subscription. If you have an additional digital connection, even to the same display as a STB is connected to, then you are charged $6.95 for "Additional Digital Outlet". I have seen that price as low as $1.95 and as high $10.00.

miimura

11-23-05, 08:21 PM

It may vary depending on area, but in general, Comcast offers the CC free if it is the only digital hookup you have. It's included in the price of the subscription. If you have an additional digital connection, even to the same display as a STB is connected to, then you are charged $6.95 for "Additional Digital Outlet". I have seen that price as low as $1.95 and as high $10.00.That's the same thing as saying the first digital cable box is included in the "digital cable" fee of $9.95. I still say that a CableCARD should rent for less than a full STB, even a SD one, but I'm sure that's not the case. I would bet the rental is the same as an STB at almost all Comcast franchises.

- Mike

scanpa

11-23-05, 09:17 PM

Cohenan

11-23-05, 11:34 PM

Has the introduction of the 3412 made transfer of DVR recordings to PC any easier? I was successful with the 6412 transfering recordings to the PC using the 'How to record via IEEE 1394 (Firewire) to Windows XP thread' as a guide. Pls tell me the 3412 has made it easier?

scanpa

11-24-05, 02:37 AM

DeltaBill

11-24-05, 11:59 AM

Most of the concerns being brought up here have already been addressed by the FCC, or are in the process of formulating a solution. But as with all change, there will be a large number of unhappy people no matter what the outcome. Here is my understanding of the future of TV and thought on TV manufactures.

The senate recently passed a bill that set the hard date for the return of Analog channels to April, 9, 2009. This same bill sets aside money raised by the auction of the spectrum channels to subsidize every household that still has an analog TV. Article (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6276546.html?display=Breaking+News&referral=SUPP) What is not said is that the subsidy is for one converter per household only and I have not yet determined if the subsidy is for a free converter or to reduce the cost. My thought is that it is for a free converter as most articles I’ve read seen to think that the simple converter will only be between 15 and 30 dollars.

In addition to the above, it is my understanding that after the cut off date, TV service providers must provide cableCards free of monthly charges, but they are allowed to charge a nominal one-time fee to recover the cost of the card which is considered to be disposable. This is apparently a throwback to the law that states a cable company can not charge you for each TV in your house. However, the companies currently get around this by offering STBs for which they can charge for the enhanced service. There is also some loophole for the cable company connecting an outlet, but they cannot charge you for each outlet if you connect it yourself.

As for the ATSC turner mandate, this is actually a lost opportunity by the TV manufactures. The law actually says that that if the TV includes a tuner, that it must carry an ATSC tuner (currently based on TV size), and I believe in the near future, that all TVs must carry an ATSC tuner and may not carry an analog tuner. However, this is only if the TV has a tuner. I believe this is a lost opportunity because TVs should be dumb and nothing more than a display device like your PC monitor (which is a TV). There was once a push for monitors back in the early eighties but it never caught on because nobody was buying the few STBs of the time like the multivison tuners. However, now is the perfect time to resurrect the concept. If TV manufacturers were to make the monitors capable of plugging in a device, they can make all kinds of different devices at different prices levels. The consumer would be able to get the items they want and upgrade as technology changes, which it will due quickly during the next decade. I guess they are worried that too many people will use leased devices and not purchase their STBs. But if the manufacturer makes the device so that it is hidden or better integrated, then maybe the public will purchase their devices instead. Also, since the cost of the monitor is lower to manufacture, then they be get better market share.

mcfcok

11-24-05, 01:33 PM

I just got my Comcast 3412 and I've noticed two problems... It has shut off twice, I think when it stops recording a show. Is that a setting or is something wrong with it?
When I turn it on (with a Harmony remote) it starts up with the volume muted.
Any suggestions???

wareagle

11-24-05, 02:10 PM

Leave it on.

QZ1

11-24-05, 05:42 PM

That's the same thing as saying the first digital cable box is included in the "digital cable" fee of $9.95. I still say that a CableCARD should rent for less than a full STB, even a SD one, but I'm sure that's not the case. I would bet the rental is the same as an STB at almost all Comcast franchises.
You are correct.

In this area, Digital STBs are available alone for a la carte premiums, and cost $5.05 with remote.

So, when Digital packages and A/Os include those, they simply are not itemizing them, they are not free.

With a base Digital package of $9.95, the STB OR CableCard is $5.05, and the programming is $4.90.

With the A/O being $6.95, again, the STB OR CableCard is $5.05, and mirroring is $1.90.

A CC at $5.05 is too much, but other MSOs are more or less $.

My opinion is that the FCC should force MSOs to itemize STBs and programming.

mcfcok

11-24-05, 10:27 PM

Leave it on.
I'm trying to leave it on to avoid problem 1, that's when I hit problem 2...
Anyone know why it might be shutting down when it stops recording?

wareagle

11-24-05, 11:19 PM

I'm trying to leave it on to avoid problem 1, that's when I hit problem 2...
Anyone know why it might be shutting down when it stops recording?

I've heard (for the 6412) that if you turn it off and it turns itself on to record, then it will turn itself off after it finishes recording. If you don't turn it off it not only shouldn't shut itself off after recording, but it also shouldn't be muted when you turn it on yourself, since you won't be doing that.

xlowper

11-26-05, 12:56 PM

I am very new to the whole digital cable, HDTV thing and have just started
looking into the components needed to create a "home theater".
The starting point was the type of display - I decided to go with a projector
because of space limitations - I am leaning towards the Sony PLV-Z3 Projector.

The projector supports the following:
Broadcast Format Supported: 1035i, 1080i (HDTV), 480i (SDTV), 480p (EDTV), 576p, 720p (HDTV)
Interface Type: HDMI, Serial RS-232C - 8 PIN mini-DIN, Video - 15 pin High-Density D-shell (VGA), Video - 4 pin mini-DIN (S-Video), Video - Component, Video - RCA Composite.

Is the DCT3412 box a good match for this projector - allowing me to take advantage of HIDEF?

What about the audio ? Any special considerations when selecting a home theater system?

Will a PS2 work with this box if not can adapters be purchased to allow the PS 2 to work with the DCT3412?

What options are available that would allow you to burn recorded media to a dvd?

Thanks

rconnjr

11-26-05, 05:58 PM

Hi,
I have just gotten a DCT3412, does anyone know of ANY software I might use to download recorded shows to my computer? The tech said the ports(firewire, usb etc.) were active, is this true?

thanks, sorry if i'm in the wrong forum.

wareagle

11-26-05, 07:58 PM

Try this:
http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412/

fhastings

11-26-05, 08:11 PM

rconnjr, i'm in the same boat-i just had my 6208 swapped out for the 3412 and i can't find any firewire drivers that work with it. I'm almost ready to see if they'll swap me back because recording shows to my pc is essential. wareagle-you gave us a link to the 6412-they don't work with the 3412-can anybody help?!!!!!!!

wareagle

11-26-05, 08:19 PM

What is the difference between the 3412 and the 6412 that keeps the 6412 capture technique from working?

fhastings

11-26-05, 09:06 PM

i guess it's a different enough model for the drivers not to work....i worked fine with the same drivers on my 6208. the driver seems to take but when i launch capdvhs or vlc it no longer sees any connected device......i'm so pissed that i had them swap it out because besides the dual tuner and bigger hard drive(6208 has 1 tuner and only an 80g drive) sending stuff to my pc is all that matters...

fhastings

11-26-05, 09:15 PM

ok -it seems i finally got it to work using the 6412 driver-the only thing now is i can't record fox or cbs-i'm thinking it's something to do with that they are both 720p-might be a cable box output setting-has anyone ever tried to record to a pc using the componet outputs and component card for the pc? i'm wondering if using that method would allow me to record all of the premium channels that are flagged not to record-right now only cimemax will let you record

wareagle

11-26-05, 09:29 PM

CBS is 1080i.

fhastings

11-26-05, 09:39 PM

yeah scratch that-i just saw that-hmmmm so then i wonder why only abc and cbs aren't coming in-fox is 720p and that comes in fine

Carl Jones

11-27-05, 07:47 AM

It may vary depending on area, but in general, Comcast offers the CC free if it is the only digital hookup you have. It's included in the price of the subscription. If you have an additional digital connection, even to the same display as a STB is connected to, then you are charged $6.95 for "Additional Digital Outlet". I have seen that price as low as $1.95 and as high $10.00.

This is exactly what I've incurred with Comcast. I have the 6412 in my den at $9.95/month. I got a LCD with CC for my bedroom. I was told there would be no additional charge. THEN I got the bill, CC...no charge, A/O $8.90/month. How can they do this with a straight face? I'll just use the QAM.

rhapsody

11-27-05, 07:14 PM

scanpa

11-27-05, 07:25 PM

Can everyone with a new 3412 confirm that they have firmware v12.22 or higher and that the issue seen with 6412 Phase III's with v12.18 not recording Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound is fixed with their 3412's?

If so....I am calling up Comcast and requesting a 3412 ASAP as I am sick of this DD issue on my 6412 Phase III. And yes, I have a CC as well so I don't care if all my stations are ADS yet...I just want all my HD programs recorded in DD 5.1!

The newest F/W may not be ready for your area. Getting a 3412 DOES NOT guerentee that you will get the lateset F/W.

it has to be tested and made compatable with your Local Head End Equipment.

If your Current 6412p3 F/W is 12.18 then (if your able to get) a 3412p1 will also use the same F/W as it uses the same chipset.

scanpa

11-27-05, 07:30 PM

mfbono

11-28-05, 12:39 PM

Can everyone with a new 3412 confirm that they have firmware v12.22 or higher and that the issue seen with 6412 Phase III's with v12.18 not recording Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound is fixed with their 3412's?

If so....I am calling up Comcast and requesting a 3412 ASAP as I am sick of this DD issue on my 6412 Phase III. And yes, I have a CC as well so I don't care if all my stations are ADS yet...I just want all my HD programs recorded in DD 5.1!

I had the same issue with the 6412 Series III, had it swaped out on Saturday for a new 3412 from Comcast and the issue is resolved. Both tuners now getting the 5.1 signal for recording. Sorry I don't know offhand what the firmware is i didn't check. I live in Derry, NH.

HD Rookie

11-28-05, 01:53 PM

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

I didn't realise that the new model year will have so many qam/cablecard tuners. Last year cablecards were few and far between.

miimura

11-28-05, 04:53 PM

Mike,

Were these CC 1 or CC 2 compliant Cable Card Slots?I have to assume that all the sets I saw in my brief survey and CE STBs on the market are CableCARD 1. I've not heard of any CableCARD 2 cards, sets or STBs on the market yet. CES should yield more details about CableCARD 2 deployment.

- Mike

scanpa

11-28-05, 08:26 PM

I have to assume that all the sets I saw in my brief survey and CE STBs on the market are CableCARD 1. I've not heard of any CableCARD 2 cards, sets or STBs on the market yet. CES should yield more details about CableCARD 2 deployment.

- Mike

Thanks Mike.

rhapsody

11-28-05, 08:46 PM

The newest F/W may not be ready for your area. Getting a 3412 DOES NOT guerentee that you will get the lateset F/W.

it has to be tested and made compatable with your Local Head End Equipment.

If your Current 6412p3 F/W is 12.18 then (if your able to get) a 3412p1 will also use the same F/W as it uses the same chipset.

While you are correct if the actual issue I am having is related to transmission from the headend to the box, this isn't the case in this situation. This is actually an isolated issue on the 6412 Phase III's themselves with HDMI in use. This issue has nothing to do with the headend transport (unless the headend is some ancient beast that can't even support a 6412 but that obviously isn't the case!). Your neighbor can have different firmware and even a different box going to the same headend....

I have friends in the Chelmsford, MA Comcast Labs so the ironic part is - they told me about the firmware issue and what to do but everyone I talk to at Comcast via 1-800-Comcast has no clue of what I am talking about and even sent techs out that have no clue. I am just going to call up and ask for a 3412 tomorrow as it seems from everyone's posts so far that it does indeed come with firmware 12.22....

Thanks mfbono for more confirmation!

fhastings

11-28-05, 10:54 PM

does anybody know why i would not be able to record cbs and abc over fireware? all other channels(besides the flagged channels) record fine. i switched from a 6208 to a 3412 and using the 6412 driver-it's def not a 5c issue because when i check it out on the firewire int it shows 5c=0 whereas with hbo or other premium channels it shows 5c=1. with my 6208 i was able to record all of these......help!
***by the way...standard definition cbs and abc record fine...so only the HD versions won't record or stream using VLC...is there not a driver for the 3412 yet?

The Yar

11-29-05, 04:58 PM

I'm getting Comcast HD-DVR, modem, and telephone services on Nov. 29th. I called and they verified it will be a 3412. I'll update with any useful information at that time.

For you doubters, here it is:

http://www.81x.com/Authors/Yar/100_1192_small.JPG

An original GBA is included for scale.

http://www.81x.com/Authors/Yar/100_1191_small.JPG

I have a larger image of the rear panel if anyone really needs it. Unique identifiers are blacked out because I'm paranoid like that.

http://www.81x.com/Authors/Yar/100_1193_small.JPG

Unfortunately, although it has been hooked up (via HDMI) for 4 or 5 hours now, Comcast has failed to properly "activate the device" or something. I can only get SD basic cable, and all the guides and menus are either empty or simply display an error. HDMI appears to work (on the SD basic channels I can get, anyway), as does the DVR. I manually recorded my wife's soap for her and it plays back perfectly. The SD image quality, IMHO, looks better than on my SD DirecTiVo, though it is a little fuzzy or blurry. Sound quality is also superb through HDMI.

A single hour of SD fills the hard drive 5%... not promising. I will definitely be interested in any external drive capabilities. But first things first - get me my expanded tiers, HD, menus, etc.!!

scanpa

11-29-05, 05:32 PM

Activate it yourself.

power the stb off, unplug the power cord, Hold the Power & Menu Buttons on the STB in as you connect the power cord.

You should see the words BOOT on the STB display.

use the up/down buttons till you see (n dl) on the display, then press ok/select

The box will then re download, all software & F/W & Your Cable settings from the Head End.

May take up to 20 min.

It will then reboot the STB and begin D/L of the Clock Time and begin to populate the Guide info.

may take up to 24 hours for all 2 weeks of guide info.

For you doubters, here it is:

http://www.81x.com/Authors/Yar/100_1192_small.JPG

An original GBA is included for scale.

http://www.81x.com/Authors/Yar/100_1191_small.JPG

I have a larger image of the rear panel if anyone really needs it. Unique identifiers are blacked out because I'm paranoid like that.

http://www.81x.com/Authors/Yar/100_1193_small.JPG

Unfortunately, although it has been hooked up (via HDMI) for 4 or 5 hours now, Comcast has failed to properly "activate the device" or something. I can only get SD basic cable, and all the guides and menus are either empty or simply display an error. HDMI appears to work (on the SD basic channels I can get, anyway), as does the DVR. I manually recorded my wife's soap for her and it plays back perfectly. The SD image quality, IMHO, looks better than on my SD DirecTiVo, though it is a little fuzzy or blurry. Sound quality is also superb through HDMI.

A single hour of SD fills the hard drive 5%... not promising. I will definitely be interested in any external drive capabilities. But first things first - get me my expanded tiers, HD, menus, etc.!!

The Yar

11-29-05, 10:11 PM

Activate it yourself.

power the stb off, unplug the power cord, Hold the Power & Menu Buttons on the STB in as you connect the power cord.

You should see the words BOOT on the STB display.

use the up/down buttons till you see (n dl) on the display, then press ok/select

The box will then re download, all software & F/W & Your Cable settings from the Head End.

May take up to 20 min.

It will then reboot the STB and begin D/L of the Clock Time and begin to populate the Guide info.

may take up to 24 hours for all 2 weeks of guide info.

Thanks for the tip. The problem was on Comcast's end, though. My work order was left open (?), so when it downloaded, it downloaded a "no services active" state. They got my work order closed and then everything worked.

I verified I'm running 12.22. HD looks really good on most channels. Incredible on HBO and INHD1/2. Really grainy on DiscoveryHD, but that may have just been the show. SD looks great, too, I still think an improvement over D* and a series 1 DirecTivo. Everything is still on HDMI; haven't run the coax to the receiver yet for 5.1. No problems with DVR yet, my wife is watching the soap I recorded for her now. Haven't recorded HD yet or done any season pass, etc. Haven't encountered any delays, sync issues, bugs, or anything like that yet.

Ronin_R6

11-29-05, 10:13 PM

A single hour of SD fills the hard drive 5%... not promising. I will definitely be interested in any external drive capabilities. But first things first - get me my expanded tiers, HD, menus, etc.!!

te percentages are not very acurate under 10%.

one hour of HD programming jumped my box to 12%, then after another full hour of HD it was up to only 17%. You will get a better feel of how much space it takes once you get 4-5 hours on the HDD.

mfbono

11-30-05, 09:06 AM

While you are correct if the actual issue I am having is related to transmission from the headend to the box, this isn't the case in this situation. This is actually an isolated issue on the 6412 Phase III's themselves with HDMI in use. This issue has nothing to do with the headend transport (unless the headend is some ancient beast that can't even support a 6412 but that obviously isn't the case!). Your neighbor can have different firmware and even a different box going to the same headend....

I have friends in the Chelmsford, MA Comcast Labs so the ironic part is - they told me about the firmware issue and what to do but everyone I talk to at Comcast via 1-800-Comcast has no clue of what I am talking about and even sent techs out that have no clue. I am just going to call up and ask for a 3412 tomorrow as it seems from everyone's posts so far that it does indeed come with firmware 12.22....

Thanks mfbono for more confirmation!

You're welcome.. FYI I did check my firmware and it is 12.22... I do have a question for anyone here...is anyone using a receiver that has HDMI switching ?
I'm concerned about compatibility and was curious to find out if I may have problems before investing $1k+ to get a receiver that can handle HDMI processing.
I know that Sony & Yamaha has released new models and can anyone here comment if they have them. Currently I'm using a Gefen 2x2 HDMI switcher for the signals from my cablebox ( Motorola DCT3412 ) and Sony DVD player N975 to my Panasonic 50 inch Plasma.

scanpa

11-30-05, 09:42 AM

You're welcome.. FYI I did check my firmware and it is 12.22... I do have a question for anyone here...is anyone using a receiver that has HDMI switching ?
I'm concerned about compatibility and was curious to find out if I may have problems before investing $1k+ to get a receiver that can handle HDMI processing.
I know that Sony & Yamaha has released new models and can anyone here comment if they have them. Currently I'm using a Gefen 2x2 HDMI switcher for the signals from my cablebox ( Motorola DCT3412 ) and Sony DVD player N975 to my Panasonic 50 inch Plasma.

Sadly, HDMI is not yet at the point to work 100% all the time with all Equipment.

HD Rookie

11-30-05, 10:41 AM

Sadly, HDMI is not yet at the point to work 100% all the time with all Equipment.
Within the last couple weeks, I recall reading some info on this. I was reading a thread started by a person with either a Denon or a Yamaha receiver. I believe people were running into issues because the Motorola STB is only using HDMI V1.0 and the tuners/switchers are using a higher HDMI version and there are copy protection issues (hdcp). Forgive me, but I don't recall where I read this (either here at avsforum or hometheaterspot) and I'm not positive about the HDMI version numbers. The jist of the problem was that the early HDMI version still in use by motorola didn't do everything properly.

I couldn't find the thread I was referring to, but here is another with similar info:
DOMAIN-HERE/htsthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=UBB20&Number=768518&Searchpage=1&Main=767064&Words=%2Bhdmi++%2Bcomcast&topic=&Search=true#Post768518

replace DOMAIN-HERE with www hometheaterspot com

The Yar

12-01-05, 12:19 AM

Some more updates:

Recorded and watched Lost in HD/DD5.1 (HDMI to my Sony HS420, coax to my Onkyo audio receiver/amp). Worked like a charm, no sync issues even after FF, RW, pause, switch channels and coming back, etc. Looked pretty good, though it didn't seem much better than 480p. Other channels/shows have looked much better. Also recorded two shows at once with no problems.

DD5.1 is annoying when there's an infant sleeping in the next room because you keep having to turn it up to hear dialogue and then back down when the explosions hit, but this is more of an audio system problem and not the 3412. Otherwise the sound was great.

The FF/RW controls when watching On-demand are really sluggish, but that doesn't bother me much. They still work great on a recorded show.

It annoys me that TiVo seemed to always know that the 11pm Daily Show is the first run, and all others throughout the day are repeats, whereas *TV m'fn'ing GUIDE* seems to think they're all first runs and records several of them every day. I really need to fix that somehow.

te percentages are not very acurate under 10%.

one hour of HD programming jumped my box to 12%, then after another full hour of HD it was up to only 17%. You will get a better feel of how much space it takes once you get 4-5 hours on the HDD.
Yes, the percentages are a little easier to swallow now that I've got a few shows on there.

scanpa

12-01-05, 02:37 PM

You are correct.

In this area, Digital STBs are available alone for a la carte premiums, and cost $5.05 with remote.

So, when Digital packages and A/Os include those, they simply are not itemizing them, they are not free.

With a base Digital package of $9.95, the STB OR CableCard is $5.05, and the programming is $4.90.

With the A/O being $6.95, again, the STB OR CableCard is $5.05, and mirroring is $1.90.

A CC at $5.05 is too much, but other MSOs are more or less $.

My opinion is that the FCC should force MSOs to itemize STBs and programming.

Well said QZ1!

falsedawn

12-01-05, 06:07 PM

DD5.1 is annoying when there's an infant sleeping in the next room because you keep having to turn it up to hear dialogue and then back down when the explosions hit, but this is more of an audio system problem and not the 3412.

Some receivers have a function called "night mode" which reduce the dynamic range of the source so dialogue can be heard easier at lower volumes.

FMD

12-01-05, 06:36 PM

Just had one installed on my WEGA V 50A10 Saturday. DVR functions work fine but the SD Picture Quality is worse then what I got from my old Comcast Digital box. Any ideas what to do? Anything transmitted in HD is great thought.

Totally agree with this statement. A HUGE downgrade in SD quality from the 6200 HD box. Any specific settings that would help that? I have a Samsung DLP and set to 16x9, 1080i & 4:3 override 480P......HDMI to DVI.

Thanks!

mfbono

12-02-05, 11:55 AM

[QUOTE=HD Rookie]Within the last couple weeks, I recall reading some info on this. I was reading a thread started by a person with either a Denon or a Yamaha receiver. I believe people were running into issues because the Motorola STB is only using HDMI V1.0 and the tuners/switchers are using a higher HDMI version and there are copy protection issues (hdcp). Forgive me, but I don't recall where I read this (either here at avsforum or hometheaterspot) and I'm not positive about the HDMI version numbers. The jist of the problem was that the early HDMI version still in use by motorola didn't do everything properly.

Hello.. I checked with Comcast and the DCT3412 is running HDMI V1.1
Can I assume that as long as the receiver that has HDMI switching is also running HDMI V1.1 that there will be no compatibility issues ?? Any help would be appreciated. I'm thinking of giving me wife a new receiver for Christmas...wink wink...lol.. Thanks.

compgeek

12-02-05, 11:55 AM

What he said !!!!!!

Any help would be appreciated. I have the Fujitsu 42' HD 16x9, 1080i & 4:3 override stretch.....HDMI to HDMI.

M6450

12-02-05, 12:28 PM

I have a 6412. When I check in-band status on all sd channels (1-100) it indicates they are digital (xxxQAM). Does this mean that my 6412 is receiving and using the digital simulcast ? In that case would I see any improvement by switching to a 3412 - they're now avbailable in my area. Thanks for any help.

tall1

12-02-05, 01:40 PM

DD5.1 is annoying when there's an infant sleeping in the next room because you keep having to turn it up to hear dialogue and then back down when the explosions hit, but this is more of an audio system problem and not the 3412. I bought some wireless headphones for this very reason. They work great and I can actually hear the dialog late at night without waking up the entire household.

geehh

12-02-05, 04:47 PM

Some more updates:

DD5.1 is annoying when there's an infant sleeping in the next room because you keep having to turn it up to hear dialogue and then back down when the explosions hit, but this is more of an audio system problem and not the 3412. Otherwise the sound was great.

FYI -- The cable guy just left after setting up my 3412. As he flipped thru menus on the box I noticed that there is a compression setting for sound on the box for the sound--I think he set mine to "Heavy". I'll set it back as I don't have infant problems, but you might want to investigate it.

keenan

12-02-05, 05:08 PM

FYI -- The cable guy just left after setting up my 3412. As he flipped thru menus on the box I noticed that there is a compression setting for sound on the box for the sound--I think he set mine to "Heavy". I'll set it back as I don't have infant problems, but you might want to investigate it.
I think that setting is just for the analog audio outputs.

scanpa

12-02-05, 07:30 PM

I think that setting is just for the analog audio outputs.

That is correct. Analog only setting. There is no user settings for the Digital Audio outputs.

BSTNFAN

12-02-05, 07:35 PM

That os correct. Analog only setting. There is no user settings for the Digital Audio outputs.

If your receiver has a "night mode" or something similar, it really helps enhance the dialogue at a low overall volume.

scanpa

12-02-05, 07:38 PM

If your receiver has a "night mode" or something similar, it really helps enhance the dialogue at a low overall volume.

RCA calls there night Audio mode "midnight"

steve_wmn

12-02-05, 08:36 PM

scanpa

12-02-05, 09:17 PM

I just got a 3412 this afternoon as a service replacement for a 6412. They left us with the remote control from the 6412 and either the remote or the box is giving me trouble. I can't seem to get it to record. It won't pause live TV or record shows, though the iGuide lets me program a recording it doesn't seem to actually record anything. I also can't get the box to swap over to the 2nd tuner using the "swap" button on the bottom row. Because of this I've run into the "if you do this you'll cancel your recording" kind of messages a lot but I've canceled out whenever this comes up and still nothing gets recorded.

When I first got the 6412 I remember having to wait a day or so to get the box firmware (Current FW is 12.2) and iGuide fully squared away. Could this be what I need to do on the 3412?

I just installed a 3412 today for a friend that gave me the same problems as you had.

The STB Activation failed.

Just do a Factory STB reset.

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

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

Reset procedure

Step 1

Unplug Power Cord from STB.

Step 2

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

The Display should now say (BOOT)

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

It will download:

STB Software
DVR Firmware
Iguide Software

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

steve_wmn

12-03-05, 09:27 AM

scanpa

12-03-05, 12:09 PM

OK, I did that before bed last night. When I woke up the box was off and turning it on just resulted in a number "0" on the STB display. So I called Comcast and they reset it from the head end. This started the "n dl" process again.

It's now an hour later and my HD channels are working again, with swap and pause back to normal. I have some of the iGuide back. But I can't tune any of the lower channels (2-80) that should be on digital simulcast. I'm hoping another call to Comcast will fix that.

Steve,

With all of the problems your having, when you call comcast back, make sure you ask for the tier 2 Tech support... Let them know Just how unhappy you are with the service and the problems...

Good Luck...

12-03-05, 12:29 PM

Steve,

make sure you ask for the tier 2 Tech support...
Good Luck...

Here in Atlanta I tried getting through to "tier 2 Tech support" several times. No matter which of the phone menu options I use, I end up with an account executive who has never hear of "tier 2 tech support". They either tell me there is no such thing, or transfer me to the internet tech support group which can't help at all with tv issues.

Is there some trick in getting to tier 2?

My particular issue is that my two 6412's and one 2244 all simultaneously reset several times a week between 1 and 2 am. The CSR's say that is by design, which is hard for me to believe. It takes up to 24 hours to recover the full 2 weeks of guide, It also takes about 5 minutes to fully reload the DVR menus and make it functional, which is very disruptive.

fhastings

12-03-05, 12:33 PM

does anybody know why i would not be able to record cbs and abc over fireware? all other channels(besides the flagged channels) record fine. i switched from a 6208 to a 3412 and using the 6412 driver-it's def not a 5c issue because when i check it out on the firewire int it shows 5c=0 whereas with hbo or other premium channels it shows 5c=1. with my 6208 i was able to record all of these......by the way...standard definition cbs and abc record fine...so only the HD versions won't record or stream using VLC...is there not a driver for the 3412 yet?

keenan

12-03-05, 12:49 PM

Just do a Factory STB reset.

In the past couple of weeks when I playback a recorded program I will get sporadic audio dropouts and streaks of pixelation on the image. It's almost as if the HDD needs to be defragged because I'm fairly certain these problems are not happening during the live broadcast. Have you heard of this problem and would a factory reset possibly help?

scanpa

12-03-05, 01:13 PM

Here in Atlanta I tried getting through to "tier 2 Tech support" several times. No matter which of the phone menu options I use, I end up with an account executive who has never hear of "tier 2 tech support". They either tell me there is no such thing, or transfer me to the internet tech support group which can't help at all with tv issues.

Is there some trick in getting to tier 2?

My particular issue is that my two 6412's and one 2244 all simultaneously reset several times a week between 1 and 2 am. The CSR's say that is by design, which is hard for me to believe. It takes up to 24 hours to recover the full 2 weeks of guide, It also takes about 5 minutes to fully reload the DVR menus and make it functional, which is very disruptive.

When using the Comcast TFN (toll free number)

select Cable
Select problem with your service.

The person who answers your call is a Level 1 CSR, any problems they can not help with are flagged and moved to a Level 2 Who is normaly a Service tech, or Head end Tech.

Level 1 CSR's normally have little to no training beyond what the troubleshooting guide book tells them. and in most cases it just tells them to send a reset, or a reboot signal to your STB or to schedule a Service visit to you house within a 21 day window..... :rolleyes:

Good Luck.

scanpa

12-03-05, 01:20 PM

In the past couple of weeks when I playback a recorded program I will get sporadic audio dropouts and streaks of pixelation on the image. It's almost as if the HDD needs to be defragged because I'm fairly certain these problems are not happening during the live broadcast. Have you heard of this problem and would a factory reset possibly help?

I have the same problem on all 3 STB, 2 6412p2 & 3412p1....

You might need to reformat the HD.

DVR Hard Drive reset of STB w/ DVR

1. DCT should be turned on
2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page
3. With diagnostics page showing press Replay (15-sec rewind), DVR, DVR, DVR, Live.
4. STB should show "Clr" in the LED display.
5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).
6. The STB should now reformat the HD and then reboot and download the Guide data from the Local headend.

This will erase the HD, Memory, and DVR & guide settings..

12-03-05, 01:28 PM

When using the Comcast TFN (toll free number)

select Cable
Select problem with your service.

The person who answers your call is a Level 1 CSR, any problems they can not help with are flagged and moved to a Level 2 Who is normaly a Service tech, or Head end Tech.
.

I've always used the local comcast number, and the CSR has no where to go with it beyond a floor supervisor who is no better.

What is the toll free number, and does that get me to a different group than the local number?

keenan

12-03-05, 01:30 PM

I have the same problem on all 3 STB, 2 6412p2 & 3412p1....

You might need to reformat the HD.

DVR Hard Drive reset of STB w/ DVR

1. DCT should be turned on
2. Press Cable, Power off, ok/Select, to bring up the Diagnostics Page
3. With diagnostics page showing press Replay (15-sec rewind), DVR, DVR, DVR, Live.
4. STB should show "Clr" in the LED display.
5. Press ok/Select to proceed with the reset (and presumably Exit to cancel).
6. The STB should now reformat the HD and then reboot and download the Guide data from the Local headend.

This will erase the HD, Memory, and DVR & guide settings..
I'll give it a shot. Did it fix the problem on your boxes?

steve_wmn

12-03-05, 03:22 PM

keenan

12-03-05, 03:30 PM

OK, my DVR tuning problem was embarrassingly simple. To tune channels below 100 on my 3412 I need to enter a 3 digit channel number (eg. 054 for Nick) instead of just 2 digits, the way it worked with a 6412. Who knew?
There is a setting for that in the menu. Press MENU, then SETUP, then GUIDE SETUP and go to CHANNEL ENTRY BEHAVIOR and set to AUTO-TUNE.

scanpa

12-03-05, 04:28 PM

I'll give it a shot. Did it fix the problem on your boxes?

sometimes yes / sometimes no.

I am now also having the fluke 1989 ghost recording problem on my NEW DCT-3412.

These boxes are still very BUGGY! I love Motorola Products, but Both Comcast, IGUIDE, & Motorola need to upgrade & Re-train there QA staff.......

Also have noticed on the Music choice ch. the stream hicups every 2 - 3 seconds. It is imposible to listen to the music ch.

Also on the 3412, tuner 2 is the stronger S/N ratio then Tuner 1 like in the 6412

Still testing the box for other quirks....

schja01

12-03-05, 08:02 PM

I've read this entire thread and it seems no one even mentioned the "additional HDMI settings" available on the 3412.
My plasma is HDMI connected.
In the Power Off/Menu setup there are 3 HDMI specific settings.
HDMI: DVI/HDMI Mode
Video: RGB/ YUV 4:4:4
Audio: Auto/Passthrough/L-PM (i think)

When I select Audio Passthrough I get to sound on the plasma. Auto and L-PC seem to work the same and I get sound.

The video settings are a total mystery. When set to RGB or YUV 4:4:4 there is no discernable difference on the plasma. What is the "Correct" setting for a TV?

Any insight appreciated.
J

scanpa

12-03-05, 09:33 PM

schja01

12-04-05, 06:03 AM

The extra HDMI Video settings are for Computer Monitors hooked up via HDMI.So the default settings are appropriate for TV monitors as opposed to computer monitors??

scanpa

12-04-05, 11:02 AM

So the default settings are appropriate for TV monitors as opposed to computer monitors??

Correct. The user guide says the settings are only for users who have a computer monitor connected via HDMI settings.

schja01

12-04-05, 11:08 AM

Correct. The user guide says the settings are only for users who have a computer monitor connected via HDMIm settings.Is there a manual in PDF format for the DCT3412?
I have not found one.
J

scanpa

12-04-05, 11:11 AM

Is there a manual in PDF format for the DCT3412?
I have not found one.
J

Did you not get one when you got your 3412? I did, now mind you I got a Brand new 3412 that was still in a box, only thing comcast did was add 5 stickers to various parts of the STB, and add the STB seriel number to my account.

schja01

12-04-05, 11:23 AM

Did you not get one when you got your 3412? I did, now mind you I got a Brand new 3412 that was still in a box, only thing comcast did was add 5 stickers to various parts of the STB, and add the STB seriel number to my account.No. This was a DVR box swap. I suppose the tech figured since I already had a DCT6412 there was no difference in manuals. I did get a manual with the DCT6412s though but not the new DCT3412.
Thanks.
J

scanpa

12-04-05, 12:33 PM

Is there a manual in PDF format for the DCT3412?
I have not found one.
J

I have the DCT-3400 User Manual, but I have been unable to find a PDF version on the website.

If anyone finds it, please post or PM the link, so I can add it to my growing downloads at my site below. Any other DCTXXXX PDF that you see is missing, please PM with the info.

My AVS DCT & STB & Remote PDF download site. (http://www.scan-pa.com/AVS/)

Thanks.

scanpa

mbryda

12-04-05, 10:47 PM

How do you get firmware updates? Are they automatic?

We're coming to Comcast from DirecTV with Tivo and got the 3412. While it's been a learning curve, I think I've also found a few bugs....

1) Recorded ER on Thursday night - didn't look at the box until Sat. On Sat, we installed a new TV and TV Stand - had the box unplugged for a couple hours. When all was connected back, ER was missing and no DVR recordings were available.

2) Tonight - while watching and recording Desperate Housewives (HD), it was set to record Crossing Jordan (HD) at an overlap of 1 min. Got a notice in DH that it wanted to change channels to record. WTF - doesn't this have dual tuners? Checked and there was nothing I could tell recording at that time.

3) When the box turns on, it goes to Ch. 8. I don't care about the Comcast channel. Any way to make it go back to the last channel watched?

scanpa

12-04-05, 11:03 PM

How do you get firmware updates? Are they automatic?

When the STB is reset / Activated it will download all the current F/W, software, guide software. After that the Cable Headend plant will then send out any updates as needed, and your STB will D/L as needed.

We're coming to Comcast from DirecTV with Tivo and got the 3412. While it's been a learning curve, I think I've also found a few bugs....

Thats normal, these STB are great, but the software & Firmware are full of bugs.

1) Recorded ER on Thursday night - didn't look at the box until Sat. On Sat, we installed a new TV and TV Stand - had the box unplugged for a couple hours. When all was connected back, ER was missing and no DVR recordings were available.

unlike the 6208 & 6412, the 3412 seems to sometimes reformat the DVR HD after the STB has lost power. When testing my 3412, i had this happen twice so far.

2) Tonight - while watching and recording Desperate Housewives (HD), it was set to record Crossing Jordan (HD) at an overlap of 1 min. Got a notice in DH that it wanted to change channels to record. WTF - doesn't this have dual tuners? Checked and there was nothing I could tell recording at that time.

Something must have caused the STB to lose the 2nd. Tuner when the power was removed. I also had this happen durring my testing of the 3412.

My solution was to do a Factory Reset on the 3412. (same thing that comcast does to activate your STB) This restored my 2nd. tuner.

Reset procedure

Step 1

Unplug Power Cord from STB.

Step 2

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

The Display should now say (BOOT)

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

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

3) When the box turns on, it goes to Ch. 8. I don't care about the Comcast channel. Any way to make it go back to the last channel watched?

Only Tuner #1 does this. Tuner #2 stays on the last used CH.

Simple thing is to NEVER turn the STB to OFF/Standby mode. Always leave it on.

keenan

12-04-05, 11:18 PM

unlike the 6208 & 6412, the 3412 seems to sometimes reformat the DVR HD after the STB has lost power. When testing my 3412, i had this happen twice so far.

Whoa!! Really? That's a nasty bug..

schja01

12-05-05, 08:54 AM

Whoa!! Really? That's a nasty bug..Probably TVGuide's workaround to clean up those pesky 12/31/xx files.
:)

mbryda

12-05-05, 09:59 AM

Scanpa,
Thanks for the tips - they are much appreciated.

Is there any way to register bug reports with Comcast or Motorola?

I like the reinstall procedure, but will that erase shows and/or DVR schedules? I was playing with it this AM and have both tuners (playing with the PiP buttons) so I'm thinking it was just a bug.

Are there any debug menus other than the menu-when-its-off thing?

Thanks in advance!

Lanny3

12-05-05, 05:20 PM

Were you able to record 2 shows at the same time and then watch another channel? I thought the instructions said this was possible but I had a problem last night. At 8:30 I had 2 series set to record (1 started at 8:00) and I was watching something else. I got the message to change the channel for the 2nd recording or cancel the recording. Thanks.

You can record 2 shows and watch a show that you have already recorded. You only have 2 tuners, not 3. If you use a splitter before the cable box, you can watch a 3rd show with the TV's tuner while recording 2 shows with the DVR.

filthymitten

12-06-05, 08:28 AM

schja01

12-06-05, 08:50 AM

Comcast has finally given me a 3412 box that works ( 3rd one ). The problem is that I can only run componet cables.

The box has an HDMI out. My Magnavoz 42' plasma only has DVi in. So I bought a HMDI to DVI cable. When I plug this into the new box I get an error that reads

" d U 1"

NO ONE at Comcast has any clue what this means. So now I am forced to use componet which is ok, but when I got the DVi cable to somewhat work on one of the other boxes the picture did look a little better.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

Thanks :)On the DCT3412 Setup Menu (Power off/Menu) there are some HDMI specific settings. The top one is HDMI or DVI mode. It defaults to HDMI mode and you might need to change it to DVI. Perhaps changing that would work? You might have to set it from your component connection since HDMI isn't working.
I don't know if that setup option even shows up without a HDMI device attached.
I suggest you have your TV attached via component and HDMI/DVI and then configure the DCT3412 throught the component interface and put it's HDMI interface into DVI mode.
J

schja01

12-06-05, 08:52 AM

. When I plug this into the new box I get an error that reads

" d U 1"

NO ONE at Comcast has any clue what this means.I do know that is NOT an error. It's the closest the LCD display can come to displaying DVI. So it knows it has a DVI attached device but (see my previous mode) it may need to be configured to put it's HDMI interface into DVI mode.
J

jimp444

12-06-05, 08:54 AM

I just got a Moto 3412 STB from Comcast this weekend. It was not in a box, and no manual etc.
That said, the remote they gave me does not work the STB. I spoke to Comcast and they had me try a number of different IR codes to get the box to respond. Nothing worked, so they said return the remote. However, the remote works my TV.
Does anyone know the correct IR code for the 3412 STB? The remote I have has a sticker URC-1067ABG1 inside of it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

schja01

12-06-05, 09:00 AM

jjsf

12-06-05, 11:18 AM

On the additional HDMI setting, when I change it from RGB to 4:4:4, it seemed to have affected the color and brightness of the TV. I kinda like the RGB better (even after attempt to change the TV setting when the HDMI output is changed.) Anyone know what's the difference underneath?

Also anyone happen to know the code for zenith remote to control 3412? Thanks.

schja01

12-06-05, 11:34 AM

jjsf

12-06-05, 12:06 PM

Further up this thread it was stated that RGB is for Computer Monitors while 4:4:4 is for Televisions

I read the previous posts again and didn't see it explicitly spells out RGB or computer and 4:4:4 for TV. Do you mean your default setting on the box was 4:4:4? I thought the box I got, default setting was RGB. Sorry I am a bit confused now. By the way, I never had any manual when Comcast gave me the old 6412 box, or when they swapped out for the 3412 box. :(

jimp444

12-06-05, 12:53 PM

That IS the correct remote.
Just make sure you press the "Cable" button at the top first.
Ok, thanks. I thought it might have been programmed with the wrong IR code, because when I do push the "Cable" button, nothing happens no matter what function button I choose. Not even "on" and "off" work. Comcast thinks its a bad remote, but as I said, it does work my TV. Does anyone know what the IR code is for the 3412 box so I can try it before I goout to the Comcast office again to trade it in?

jjsf

12-06-05, 12:59 PM

Ok, thanks. I thought it might have been programmed with the wrong IR code, because when I do push the "Cable" button, nothing happens no matter what function button I choose. Not even "on" and "off" work. Comcast thinks its a bad remote, but as I said, it does work my TV. Does anyone know what the IR code is for the 3412 box so I can try it before I goout to the Comcast office again to trade it in?

Not sure if you have the same remote. I have the comcast on demand remote, which has a search capability. check the guide out:
http://www.comcast.com/remotes/codes.pdf

scanpa

12-06-05, 01:29 PM

I read the previous posts again and didn't see it explicitly spells out RGB or computer and 4:4:4 for TV. Do you mean your default setting on the box was 4:4:4? I thought the box I got, default setting was RGB. Sorry I am a bit confused now. By the way, I never had any manual when Comcast gave me the old 6412 box, or when they swapped out for the 3412 box. :(

The Computer settings I was referring to were:

PC1-VGA (640x480)
PC2-XVGA (800x600)

All of the HDMI advanced Color space settings are :

4:4:4 YUV mode is for full resolution color detail (normal HD picture)

4:2:2 YUV mode which limits color detail ( Normal SD Picture)

4:4:4 RGB Mode

Someone else might be able to explain this better.

schja01

12-06-05, 03:45 PM

I read the previous posts again and didn't see it explicitly spells out RGB or computer and 4:4:4 for TV. Do you mean your default setting on the box was 4:4:4? I thought the box I got, default setting was RGB. Sorry I am a bit confused now. By the way, I never had any manual when Comcast gave me the old 6412 box, or when they swapped out for the 3412 box. :(Correct. When I went into the HDMI specific settings for my 3412 it was set the 4:4:4. I was told the RGB was for when a computer monitor is connected via HDMI or DVI/HDMI converter.
I just left things as:

HDMI
4:4:4
Auto

And things work fine as far as I can tell.

H

The Yar

12-06-05, 05:54 PM

I am also having some stuttering problems on my 3412. Particularly the audio on the music channels, but also audio and video on many channels. Seems to happen when I'm watching one channel and recording another.

I wish my Onkyo had a "midnight" setting. The range between dialogue and explosion is ridiculous, I have to have it pretty dang loud before I can hear everything.

I was unaware of the power off setup menu. I may take a look. I am loathe to do any formatting or anything, though.

cozdiver

12-06-05, 07:00 PM

scanpa

12-06-05, 07:54 PM

I just got my 3412 about a week ago hoping it didn't have the bugs from the 6412's. I turned it on and low and behold no channels from 1-100 except 1 and 3 and not in the guide either. Any advice before the tech gets here tommorrow to exchange it?

Call 1-800-Comcast and ask them to re-activate your STB. If they say it is activated, ask them to do it again.

Or you can follow the Factory Reset instructions found on my AVS related Folder here Click here for my AVS PDF Folder (http://www.scan-pa.com/AVS/)

The Factory Reset is the same as the Activation signal sent by your cable co.

If this does not restore your Ch 2-100 then You either do not have Digital Simulcast of the Analog Tier. The 3412 does not decode Analog Cable signals. It will only work on a fully Digital or Digital Simulcasted system.

scanpa

12-06-05, 07:58 PM

I setup Triangle to be recorded. It started recording on the Tuner that I was not using. (like it is supposed too.)

Now 15 min into the show, I swapped tuners to the one recording the movie, well it started showing the movie from the beginning for me. It did this all on it's own...

Never seen this happen before unless you went into the DVR Menu and started it from there.

This STB is buggy as hell....

Can't wait for the TIVO Comcast DVR Unit.

swmacneil

12-06-05, 08:46 PM

Is the network port on the back of the 3412 able to connect to my home Pc network so i could access recorded shows and pull them down to my Pc?

scanpa

12-06-05, 09:04 PM

Is the network port on the back of the 3412 able to connect to my home Pc network so i could access recorded shows and pull them down to my Pc?

Not Enabled on mine. AFAIK Not on any of the Comcast ones.

Use the diagnostic menu to check the status of all your ports.

power off then press select / ok within 2 sec.

schja01

12-06-05, 09:23 PM

scanpa

12-06-05, 09:42 PM

The headend needs to be set to ADS for your account.

Negative, There is no setting in the subscribers account for ADS Mode. It is not a selective signal.

The Headend Plant is sending the same signal to all subscribers. Unless the area he gets his feed from lost ADS or the digital signal reverts back to Analog, then the 3412 will only get Ch 1, 101 and up! That's why I still have 2 6412 STB. It does happen every now and then. Since I got the 3412, We have lost the Digital ADS signal twice.

Or The STB was not properly Booted. or it did not download his account settings & Software & Firmware correctly.

I have seen lot's of that happening lately. A simple reboot - reset of the STB normaly restores the problem.

schja01

12-06-05, 09:59 PM

Negative, There is no setting in the subscribers account for ADS Mode. It is not a selective signal.

The Headend Plant is sending the same signal to all subscribers. Unless the area he gets his feed from lost ADS or the digital signal reverts back to Analog, then the 3412 will only get Ch 1, 101 and up! That's why I still have 2 6412 STB. It does happen every now and then. Since I got the 3412, We have lost the Digital ADS signal twice.

Or The STB was not properly Booted. or it did not download his account settings & Software & Firmware correctly.

I have seen lot's of that happening lately. A simple reboot - reset of the STB normaly restores the problem.I just had my 3412 installed this past weekend. Until the tech called dispatch(?) and requested (and I quote) "set customers headend record to ADS" channels 2->100 were absent. Within seconds of his request the box began decoding the now digital channels. My 6412 also began decoding the channels 2->100 digitally but prior the the tech request the channels were analog. So I propose the headend is in fact transmitting analog and digital versions of channels 2->100 (hence the name Analog Digital Simulcast and until the subscribers account is flagged ADS the STBs only decode the Analog versions of channels 2->100. If the 3412 does not receive notification (or whatever its called) that the account is ADS it won't decode the analog channels so they show up as missing.

scanpa

12-06-05, 10:15 PM

I just had my 3412 installed this past weekend. Until the tech called dispatch(?) and requested (and I quote) "set customers headend record to ADS" channels 2->100 were absent. Within seconds of his request the box began decoding the now digital channels. My 6412 also began decoding the channels 2->100 digitally but prior the the tech request the channels were analog. So I propose the headend is in fact transmitting analog and digital versions of channels 2->100 (hence the name Analog Digital Simulcast and until the subscribers account is flagged ADS the STBs only decode the Analog versions of channels 2->100. If the 3412 does not receive notification (or whatever its called) that the account is ADS it won't decode the analog channels so they show up as missing.

Your Head End Plant could be set up different from the ones in PA and the Cable Co. I have worked for. But from my experience the 6412 will auto switch from analog Cable Ch 2 to Digital Ch 2 if it detects the Digital signal. They are both sent at the same time. The 3412 Does not check for analog signals as there is NO Analog tuner / decoder built into the 34xx series STB. The only setting on the subscriber accounts settings page that would cause what you reported above, is someone had un checked the basic and standard Tier access......

:cool:

PlasmaToad

12-06-05, 10:47 PM

Comcast has finally given me a 3412 box that works ( 3rd one ). The problem is that I can only run componet cables.

The box has an HDMI out. My Magnavoz 42' plasma only has DVi in. So I bought a HMDI to DVI cable. When I plug this into the new box I get an error that reads

" d U 1"

NO ONE at Comcast has any clue what this means. So now I am forced to use componet which is ok, but when I got the DVi cable to somewhat work on one of the other boxes the picture did look a little better.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

Thanks :)

I too have the same plasma\STB 3412 and problem when I try to use the HDMI out. It gets stuck on one channel when I had components hooked up. I can no longer use the remote. I have to unplug the power cord from the STB since the buttons on the STB doesn't work either. Sometimes, it would flip-flop from the "stuck" channel to another channel.

I tried the menu option, but my screen suddenly goes blank when I try to make changes to the 'Additional HDMI options'.

I'm not sure what going on, but I'm back to using the components. Can anyone provide assistance?

yensid

12-07-05, 02:31 AM

yensid

12-07-05, 02:37 AM

I just got my first DVR, a 3412, last Saturday. Seems to be working well, no bugs that have been mentioned here. Actually, I did see it stutter a couple of times while watching a show that was 15 minutes behind its live playing.

Also, occasionally the sound for commercials goes extremely high. I'm playing with the audio settings to try to improve that. Currently, I have it hooked up to a receiver via RCA (I'll hook up the coax DD at some point) - what are the best audio settings? Mine didn't come with a manual :-/

Thanks for all of the info! I'm new to all of this and don't have anything to compare it to, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!

schja01

12-07-05, 05:18 AM

Your Head End Plant could be set up different from the ones in PA and the Cable Co. I have worked for. But from my experience the 6412 will auto switch from analog Cable Ch 2 to Digital Ch 2 if it detects the Digital signal. They are both sent at the same time. The 3412 Does not check for analog signals as there is NO Analog tuner / decoder built into the 34xx series STB. The only setting on the subscriber accounts settings page that would cause what you reported above, is someone had un checked the basic and standard Tier access......

:cool:I guess things are done here differently. None of the existing 6412s in this service area are decoding the low digital channels automatically. Only new installs and box swaps are getting ADS. I've determined this from what I've read on BBR and personal experience with my existing 6412. Up to the moment the 3412 was installed my 2nd DVR (a 6412) was still decoding the low channels as analog. It had to be sent some command/config to tell it to decode the low channels as digital. My neighbor down the street has a 6412 and his low channels are still analog.
So I stand by my original statement (in my service area at least) ADS is being enabled on a case by case basis and it's NOT automatic just because a 6412 detects a digital signal. It needs orders from on high to decode those channels as digital.
J

compgeek

12-07-05, 11:12 AM

I too recently got the new 3412 box (a week ago) after having the 6412. Some things that I have noticed are on the new box the pictures on channels 2 - 99 look like crap. The channels above 200 look good however the picture seems soft (not as crisp as with the 6412 and sometimes downright blurry). As some of you mention the audio will sometimes drop out and then I have to turn the box off and then back on. Then there is the mute issue along with the freezing of channels when I go to change channels.

The 6412 box gave me none of these problems. I decided to get the new box because of the SATA component. Now I am thinking that this was a big mistake.
I decided to get another 3412 box today and will let you know the results. Maybe it is a bad box.

Once I set the box up should I then call COMCAST and tell them to turn on some switch so that the lower channels will look better????

PLEASE HELP!!!!!

schja01

12-07-05, 12:21 PM

I too recently got the new 3412 box (a week ago) after having the 6412. Some things that I have noticed are on the new box the pictures on channels 2 - 99 look like crap.
My experience is exactly opposite yours.
Before I got the 3412 my ANALOG channels 2->99 looked washed out and somewhat noisy compared to the Non-HD digital channels 100+.
Now with the 3412 and my existing 6412 being ADS the lower (formerly analog and now digital) channels have no discernable difference in quality than the higher digital channels.

compgeek

12-07-05, 01:42 PM

My experience is exactly opposite yours.
Before I got the 3412 my ANALOG channels 2->99 looked washed out and somewhat noisy compared to the Non-HD digital channels 100+.
Now with the 3412 and my existing 6412 being ADS the lower (formerly analog and now digital) channels have no discernable difference in quality than the higher digital channels.

So after I get my box hooked up tonight and then call comcast to activate it I should request (and I quote) "set customers headend record to ADS" channels 2->100" . Or will I need a service call to have them come out to look at the picture first?

falsedawn

12-07-05, 01:56 PM

Shouldn't dialogue in 5.1 come through the center channel speaker, so you just need to turn that up?

Center channel is not only dialogue; it is any audio intended to be center stage, including sound effects.

schja01

12-07-05, 01:58 PM

So after I get my box hooked up tonight and then call comcast to activate it I should request (and I quote) "set customers headend record to ADS" channels 2->100" . Or will I need a service call to have them come out to look at the picture first?I doubt anyone you talk to can do anything to the headend. I could be wrong. In my case (and YMMV) the tech called his dispatch number and made the request via his PTT cell phone. I don't believe us lowly comcast customers have easy access to those people.
That said, it wouldn't hurt to try.
But since you have a 3412 and are receiving chan 2-99 albeit poorly I think you are already ADS because the 3412 is incapable of receiving analog channels.
J

compgeek

12-07-05, 02:28 PM

I doubt anyone you talk to can do anything to the headend. I could be wrong. In my case (and YMMV) the tech called his dispatch number and made the request via his PTT cell phone. I don't believe us lowly comcast customers have easy access to those people.
That said, it wouldn't hurt to try.
But since you have a 3412 and are receiving chan 2-99 albeit poorly I think you are already ADS because the 3412 is incapable of receiving analog channels.
J

Thanks schja01 for your help

If this box does not work out I'm going back to the old 6412. When I was in the office today to pick up the new 3412 the rep offered me a 6412 but I thought that I would give the 3412 another try.

renpar61

12-07-05, 03:41 PM

I'm going to swap my 6412pII today. Should I ask for a 6412 phase III or a 3412? Which one is better?

mbwayne

12-07-05, 03:58 PM

Can any of the following be set by the user:

(1) adjust DVR timer to include a few more minutes at the beginning and/or end of a show. The 3412 has been cutting my recordings off about 2 minutes before the show ends. I understand recording times can be set manually, but it would be nice if the DVR didn't cut off programs!

(2) set the default channel that the 3412 tunes to upon powering up. Right now, it tunes to Comcast's CN8 channel.

Thanks!

scanpa

12-07-05, 04:21 PM

cozdiver

12-07-05, 04:34 PM

I just got my 3412 about a week ago hoping it didn't have the bugs from the 6412's. I turned it on and low and behold no channels from 1-100 except 1 and 3 and not in the guide either. Any advice before the tech gets here tommorrow to exchange it?

The tech was just here and had to call in and have the head end switch me over to ADS. They should call customer sevice and advise them how to do this over the phone with customers or those techs are going to be very busy LOL.

mbwayne

12-07-05, 04:55 PM

1) Yes

2) no
Please share how to extend recording times for all DVR recordings. I apologize if I missed this in prior posts, but I was not getting any responsive hits to my search. Thanks.

scanpa

12-07-05, 05:00 PM

The tech was just here and had to call in and have the head end switch me over to ADS. They should call customer sevice and advise them how to do this over the phone with customers or those techs are going to be very busy LOL.

What Comcast Feed are you on?

scanpa

12-07-05, 05:05 PM

Please share how to extend recording times for all DVR recordings. I apologize if I missed this in prior posts, but I was not getting any responsive hits to my search. Thanks.

Look in this menu

Recording options for this recording

mkreef

12-08-05, 02:23 PM

compgeek

12-08-05, 03:44 PM

Just got my 3412 today. My 6412 was rebooting randomly and powering off during DVR fast forward/rewind.

My wife's first comment was "you better call the ISF tech out again". The cable guy unplugged my DVI -> HDMI cable to the TV and switched to component (an input that was not ISF calibrated and still set to the TV defaults).

At first I thought we had gotten an older box (lower number, no front inputs, slots, etc), but it looks like the 3412 is the new box and a good thing, right?

When I first looked in the back, I saw no DVI output and called them to schedule another appt. for a new box (didn't notice the little HDMI output).

Yep that should be the new box. It also says 3412 on the front of the box as well. I just got mine yesterday after returning possibly a defective one. Here are my impressions. After plugging everything in and turning on the tv the lower channels still came in crappy. So I went to the menu features on the box and set the 4:3 output to 480I and all is well. I am not sure that this is what I was suppose to do but the picture sure as heck looks better. By the way my set was previously ISF calibrated back in May. I don't think that my settings would change simply because I switched boxes. The settings are stored on the tv.

mkreef

12-08-05, 09:44 PM

Switched my 3412 back to HDMI and the calibrated PQ is back and looks great.

No difference on SD. Started watching some HD and there are "light" horizontal lines occurring randomly in the picture. Sometimes bad, sometimes you can't see them. I can't see any pattern to them. They appear on all HD channels, but no SD channels.

Never had this problem with the 6412. It is a new HDMI cable (previously used DVI cable with the 6412), but I used this cable with my HDMI DVD player and didn't have a problem with it.

Ugh. This sucks. Very noticible and annoying. HD was perfect before with the 6412 box. I suppose I can try another HDMI cable, but it must be the box (or HDMI output)?

Any ideas? I have not changed any STB settings, it is in the default configuration (assuming it was a new box -- I wasn't home when it was installed).

This is Comcast in Boston-area, Massachusetts.

Bruce Blakeslee

12-09-05, 07:48 AM

Please share how to extend recording times for all DVR recordings. I apologize if I missed this in prior posts, but I was not getting any responsive hits to my search. Thanks.

This is not truly a problem with the DVR but a problem with your Head End time sync. You can add additional time to the begining or end of a show and you do this through one of the choices when scheduling the show. But if you do this it causes known problems with overlapping recordings. Generally it is not a good thing to do with the DVR as the software now stands.

Call Comcast and ask them to re-sync the time with a national time service. They finally did that in NJ over a year ago after Mark Jerena and others called and there has not been a significant problem since then. For some reason Comcast does not understand that this must be done automatically and often to keep the system in sync with the start of shows.

On top of this ther are several shows which are started a few moments early or late on purpose. I think Lost is one of them. ABC has been the biggest jerk on this issue. Really screws up the recordings, but I guess that is their reason.

Abogarth

12-09-05, 10:28 AM

I just got a 3412 and I'm having trouble using the transport functions. One problem is triggered by use of PAUSE. After pausing the picture (on both live and recorded shows), the box will not respond to any further commands other than play--slow motion, ff, rewind. Play will work after several seconds of delay. Also, the rewind function moves at the same slow speed regardless of how many times I push rewind.

This is not the problem were the box freezes up in receiving IR instructions. The graphics indicate that the box has received the instruction and is performing the function, but the picture is frozen.

Any suggestions before I call Comcast? Thanks.

caesar1

12-09-05, 10:29 AM

I just did a quick survey of HDTVs.

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

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

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

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

- Mike

I have a cable card in my plasma and comcast. After 3 calls, prior to getting the set and cable card -- I got them to say that there would ONLY be an install charge for the cable card, but no additional monthly fee (not even for an additional outlet -- as this is my 2nd HDTV, I also have a 6412 box on another set).

Of course, the first bill after the cable card was $36.00 higher than my normal bill. Took 2 calls, but they finally credited me -- and they didn't even charge an install charge.

So I'm back to the same monthly bill as before, but now I have a cable card (pulling in the entire digital plus tier of channels).

If you talk to 5 comcast reps, you generally get 5 answers as to cable card billing -- they are really bad about this.

caesar1

12-09-05, 10:33 AM

This is exactly what I've incurred with Comcast. I have the 6412 in my den at $9.95/month. I got a LCD with CC for my bedroom. I was told there would be no additional charge. THEN I got the bill, CC...no charge, A/O $8.90/month. How can they do this with a straight face? I'll just use the QAM.

Call and complain. I got them to wipe OUT ALL charges for cable card on a 2nd TV.

I have a 6412 on another set.

My monthly bills (for now) haven't changed. We'll see if they try and charge me more again next month.

I told them before I got the cable card that the rep told me there would be only a one-time install charge, but no changes at all to my monthly bill otherwise.

I'm forcing them to stick to that.

schja01

12-09-05, 10:34 AM

I just got a 3412 and I'm having trouble using the transport functions. One problem is triggered by use of PAUSE. After pausing the picture (on both live and recorded shows), the box will not respond to any further commands other than play--slow motion, ff, rewind. Play will work after several seconds of delay. Also, the rewind function moves at the same slow speed regardless of how many times I push rewind...Working as designed. If you pause first the transports work in slow motion mode. If you want to FF or REW then just do that without pausing first.

Abogarth

12-09-05, 11:19 AM

Perhaps I was not clear: I want the transport to work in slow motion. It does not work at all. The picture remains frozen until I hit play again.

scanpa

12-09-05, 01:30 PM

Perhaps I was not clear: I want the transport to work in slow motion. It does not work at all. The picture remains frozen until I hit play again.

it does, but like accessing the Diagnostic and User settings menu, you have to start hitting the frame by frame button as soon as you pause it. after about 2 sec. it will not work. Same if you stop moving frame by frame it will also stop till you hit play again.

the 3412 DVR functions are very quirky..... :eek:

bring on the Comcast Tivo DVR....... :D

scanpa

12-09-05, 01:34 PM

This is not truly a problem with the DVR but a problem with your Head End time sync. You can add additional time to the begining or end of a show and you do this through one of the choices when scheduling the show. But if you do this it causes known problems with overlapping recordings. Generally it is not a good thing to do with the DVR as the software now stands.

Call Comcast and ask them to re-sync the time with a national time service. They finally did that in NJ over a year ago after Mark Jerena and others called and there has not been a significant problem since then. For some reason Comcast does not understand that this must be done automatically and often to keep the system in sync with the start of shows.

On top of this ther are several shows which are started a few moments early or late on purpose. I think Lost is one of them. ABC has been the biggest jerk on this issue. Really screws up the recordings, but I guess that is their reason.

All PA & NJ & MD & DE Comcast areas have the headend time done by atomic clock.

As your area goes ADS, this problem should be corrected.

Abogarth

12-09-05, 05:47 PM

Thanks Scanpa, but this is beyond quirky. Now the pause function does not work either, and when I try to use it, the sound drops out. The tracker shows the pause symbol, but the picture just keeps rolling along with no sound. I'm going to try a reset.

Abogarth

12-09-05, 06:12 PM

Well, after the reset it seems to be working as scanpa describes. Very irritating, but at least I know there's no point in asking for another box. Is there any indication of when the Comcast TiVo DVR will roll out? Will that be only a software change or will it require new hardware?

Kraziehase

12-10-05, 03:27 PM

Hello everybody. I'm new here and I'd like to ask you guys a few questions about comcast and their boxes. I used to have a 6412 HD DVR box for 6 months and it worked without any problems until the hard drive died and I got the box switched for a 3412. Now with the 3412 everytime I FF or RR my recorded shows there is a delay between my button presses and the action happening on screen. Sometimes it will get stuck on FF or RR. Does this happen on all boxes, or is mine defective? I called comcast and they told me "They all do that. It's just how it is.". My old 6412 was very responsive to my button presses and never got stuck. Secondly, it appears to me that my HD channels do not look as good as on the 6412. It tough to describe, but they just appear "softer" and not quite as sharp and crisp. On my old 6412 I was using a DVI cable. Since this new 3412 does not have DVI :mad: , I bought a DVI to HDMI adapter for my DVI cable and I now use that. I also tried to hook it up with component cables, and the HD channels still looked soft. Is the lack of true DVI the cause of this? Has anyone else noticed this when going from 6412 to 3412?? I also wanted to know if anyone knew when the TIVO/COMCAST thing is supposed to roll out? Thanks a lot!

UserNameTaken

12-10-05, 05:43 PM

...Is the lack of true DVI the cause of this?...
Don't know about the other stuff, but HDMI is a superset of DVI - e.g. it contains the DVI-style video signalling plus digital audio, so that's not your problem.

scanpa

12-10-05, 05:59 PM

Abogarth

12-10-05, 06:00 PM

it appears to me that my HD channels do not look as good as on the 6412. It tough to describe, but they just appear "softer" and not quite as sharp and crisp.

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

jpws6

12-12-05, 05:02 PM

We signed up for the comcast dvr service and the tech came out this weekend to set it up and I now have a 3412. So far everything looks ok, although I have not had any time to really look at it much. Should I have gotten a manual somewhere? All they gave me was a book for the 6412 on how to record.

Kraziehase

12-12-05, 08:07 PM

I called comcast back and insisted I get a new box. They are coming this Friday to change it out. Ill let you guys know if anything gets any better

Boobie1998

12-12-05, 09:27 PM

I called comcast back and insisted I get a new box. They are coming this Friday to change it out. Ill let you guys know if anything gets any better

I just got my Box today and it doing the same thing with the FF and RW functions like your is Kraziehase. Yes please let us know if getting another box fixes that problem. I havent called comcast since i just got it but it can get annoying.

scanpa

12-12-05, 09:49 PM

I called comcast back and insisted I get a new box. They are coming this Friday to change it out. Ill let you guys know if anything gets any better

Good Luck, and please let us know if your rent a cable installer needs help from the AVS list members. :D

eb50

12-13-05, 11:56 AM

has anyone successfully dumped the video from 3412 to their pc? what outputs did you use? tia

scanpa

12-13-05, 12:46 PM

has anyone successfully dumped the video from 3412 to their pc? what outputs did you use? tia

Firewire will work.

amajamar

12-13-05, 01:09 PM

I may have missed it while going through this thread, but is there a way to get the PIP to function? I have played back and forth with the buttons on the remote but no PIP.

amajamar

scanpa

12-13-05, 01:20 PM

I may have missed it while going through this thread, but is there a way to get the PIP to function? I have played back and forth with the buttons on the remote but no PIP.

amajamar

The PIP buttons on the Comcast remote are for your TV's PIP controls.

The DCT 64xx & 34xx series STB w/ IGuide does not have the built in PIP ability.

For now you will have to use your TV's Tuner or a VCR tuner or other source as your PIP Tuner.

Were all hoping when the Comcast/Tivo DVR comes out in mid 2006 area, that the software will allow the use of the Duel Tuner Duel output PIP ability.

will_blueprint

12-13-05, 01:27 PM

I have a question, I have 3 3412's coming on Sat, for 2 of the TV's I will be using the component outs, will I still receive the all digital?

cjc84

12-13-05, 01:49 PM

I currently have a Phase I 3412, a Phase III 6412, and a older 6412 (6412/2005) so if anyone needs any comparison done between the three, ask. Currently working on getting the other two replaced with 3412 P I's as soon as I get the recordings onto my DVD Recorder. My only HDTV has DVI (well, component too, duh) , and I have a HDMI to DVI adaptor also. The other TVs are hooked up via S-Video and Coax RF.

Also I asked the Comcast Tech about bigger storage for the DVR's. He said Comcast is switching to Sony for their DVRs. Anyone have any info on that.

Also the Tech went through and tested EVERYTHING. He checked that OnDemand worked, that a whole bunch of channels worked, and some settings in the diagnostic menu worked, even the signal strength off the wall. There was a DVR there before though. Thats the first time I saw any tech check all those things. Mainly they turn it on and see that it makes picture and sound and thats it. And fiddle with some settings like auto-tune and thats it.

amajamar

12-13-05, 01:50 PM

The PIP buttons on the Comcast remote are for your TV's PIP controls.

The DCT 64xx & 34xx series STB w/ IGuide does not have the built in PIP ability.

For now you will have to use your TV's Tuner or a VCR tuner or other source as your PIP Tuner.

Were all hoping when the Comcast/Tivo DVR comes out in mid 2006 area, that the software will allow the use of the Duel Tuner Duel output PIP ability.

That's a drag...my set doesn't have PIP! Maybe someday Motorola will develop the necessary technology to provide this highly complex function in it's STB...lol! :(

amajamar

nssteve

12-13-05, 02:19 PM

scanpa

12-13-05, 02:21 PM

That's a drag...my set doesn't have PIP! Maybe someday Motorola will develop the necessary technology to provide this highly complex function in it's STB...lol! :(

amajamar

The DCT 64xx & 34xx seroes STB have PIP ability built into the box, however users of the IGUIDE Software & the current F/W used by Comcast does not allow you to have more then 1 tuner selected for output at any one time. The Tuner your selected to sends it's video & Audio to All Outputs at the same time.

scanpa

12-13-05, 02:23 PM

Quick question. I am having a dvr installed, replacing my 6200. I read something about a Phase 3 box. Can anyone tell me what I should be asking for and more importantly what I should be looking for when the install rep arrives. I live in Reading Ma. Thanks

The 6412 phase 1 & phase 2 have a DVI output on the back, The new 6412 phase 3 and the DCT-3412 phase 1 have a HDMI output instead of the DVI output.

mtanc

12-13-05, 04:18 PM

Hello all,

New here and have had the 3412 for two weeks now. My question is this. When I first got it, the installer (nice guy) went to the diagnostic screen and checked things out. He actually showed me how to get in there. TV on, Turn box off, hit OK and there it was. I did a few times just to look around. Now, it won't come up. I didn't change anything, just looked.

What happened. The little light blinks on the box when I hit the OK button, but nothing happens. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Mike

12-13-05, 04:44 PM

The DCT 64xx & 34xx seroes STB have PIP ability built into the box, however

The rumour at one time was that the Phase I 6412 did not have two hardware decoders and no firmware or guide was going to get it to pip two independent mpeg2 streams. This may not be true, and even if it is, possibly the Phase III 6412 and Phase I 3412 do have two decoders and could do PIP with newer firmware and guide.

wareagle

12-13-05, 04:52 PM

scanpa

12-13-05, 05:18 PM

The rumour at one time was that the Phase I 6412 did not have two hardware decoders and no firmware or guide was going to get it to pip two independent mpeg2 streams. This may not be true, and even if it is, possibly the Phase III 6412 and Phase I 3412 do have two decoders and could do PIP with newer firmware and guide.

all of the 6412 P1 / P2 / P3 have 3 analog/digital tuners built in them. 1 OOB Data & Modem Tuner and 2 Cable CH tuners. all 3 also have Duel MPEG2 Encoder's built in. It is a STB software, a Guide ware & F/W issue.

Comcast did not have it on the list of active features. On the next guide update this feature might work. And we all hope it will work on the Comcast/Tivo DVR.

Let's just hope for the best

mtanc

12-13-05, 07:13 PM

Wareagle,

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

12-13-05, 08:35 PM

all of the 6412 P1 / P2 / P3 have 3 analog/digital tuners built in them. 1 OOB Data & modem Tuner and 2 Cable CH tuners. all 3 also have Duel MPEG2 Encoder's built in.
Isn't the issue decoders, not encoders?

What about the 3412? It would have no encoders, but does it have two decoders?

scanpa

12-13-05, 09:03 PM

Isn't the issue decoders, not encoders?

What about the 3412? It would have no encoders, but does it have two decoders?

It has 2 MPEG 2 Encoders to store Shows on the HD, and 2 MPEG 2 decoders to play the shows off the HD & VOD

torrys

12-13-05, 09:50 PM

I currently have two 6412 dual tuners with DVI attached to my Sammy DLP. Any advantages to the 3412 or should I wait? Is it true that the 3412 can see and play recordings from the other 6412?

outlanderbz

12-13-05, 11:50 PM

anyone in the chicagoland area get the new 3412? I just got one today to replace a dead 6412 and so far so good but i have a question about programming. I understand that it doesnt have analog which i am all for.....less analog, more bandwidth, more HD, faster internet.....anyways, channels such as MTV, Nick and VH1 are not on digital yet and they are rolling this box out to us?

what is that about?
did i get this box to soon?

I live in the northwest burbs.

outlanderbz

12-14-05, 12:41 AM

answered my own question. I was googling info about all digital and found out that Comcast is rolling out ADS (all digital simulcast) in areas one by one. It said that i should check what the inband status was of a analog station.

so i went to my 6412 upstairs and it said analog and was about 177 mhz on channel 7.

Then i was curious, why would they give me an ADS box if ADS wasnt rolled out.

I called comcast and told the lady my problem and surprisingly she knew exactly what i was talking about as soon as i said 3412. she said, "nothing under 100"

she looked me up and found that my area was ADS enabled and said she had to switch it on to my account. within 5 minutes she was done and i now recieve all digital simulcast channels from 1-100.

even my other cable boxes, a 6412 and a standard HDTV box now look 10 times better from the 1-99 range.

ADS is great.

I hope this post might help someone because I at first just assumed it wasnt available but really it sometimes just needs to be linked to your account.

Thanks

cjc84

12-14-05, 02:01 AM

Mine was done without my knowledge. In chicago area too. Maybe its headend based. But about a couple months ago I just noticed a better picture. Looked at the inband status, it was QAM. Odd they would switch some over instantly, others not.

amajamar

12-14-05, 06:11 AM

12-14-05, 07:37 AM

Maybe someone can help me.

I received my 3412 this past weekend. If I hit the right, left, up or down select buttons on the remote, it activates the DVR transport buttons (pause, play, FF).

I exchanged the remote last night and the same things still happen. I'm beginning to believe that it is a box problem.

Has anyone else seen this?

Thanks in advance.

Art

mhargr03

12-14-05, 08:00 AM

mhargr03

12-14-05, 08:06 AM

Where do you check the "inband status"?
amajamarFrom a post at DSL Reports:
"To get to the diagnostics menu, turn off the box, then within 1-2 seconds, hit OK/Select. Use the arrow keys to move around. Just hit Power or select E-Exit to get out of it.

For OnDemand issues, you want to check d07 - Upstream Modem, and d14 - Interactive status (look to see if it has an IP address and ID's assigned.) Be aware OnDemand does have a limit on the number of concurrent users. Some issues could be simply because it was at capacity.

d04 - Inband status will give you the signal strength of your last-tuned channel (EXCEPT OnDemand, which doesn't have a real channel.) d06 - Current channel status will give the frequency, whether it's encrypted or not, and other information. (For the dual-tuner 6412, use the up-down keys to see the information for each tuner.)"

scanpa

12-14-05, 08:08 AM

Thanks a lot for the tip. I live downtown and have 3 6412's and they are not acting all that great so I wanted to see if I could replace them with the 3412. Any word on whether they have anything of higher capacity?

if your talking HD space. NO! :mad:

scanpa

12-14-05, 08:09 AM

mhargr03

12-14-05, 08:19 AM

Can someone help me out? What am I looking for to determine my ADS status?
EDIT: ok well I seem to have figured out that I don't have ADS (enabled, at least) on this box because when I tune to an HD channel and then power off and go into diagnostic mode, I get tuner 1: digital, whereas (see below) when I went to channel 70 (not HD) it says analog.
I tuned to channel 70 (food network), turned off the box and hit OK to get into the diagnostic mode (d04 for inband status) and took this screen shot:

http://webpages.charter.net/mkh/IMG_2594small.jpg

Then I discovered d06 "Current Channel Status" which shows this:
http://webpages.charter.net/mkh/d06_1small.jpg
and this on page 2:
http://webpages.charter.net/mkh/d06_2small.jpg

As a side question...On Demand doesn't work, and has never worked, for any of my 3 boxes. Referring to my post above quoting someone on DSL Reports, I checked out diagnostic screens d07 and d14. d14 shows no IP addressed assigned (at least to the box I'm looking at). Any ideas as to what to do?

amajamar

12-14-05, 08:34 AM

From a post at DSL Reports:
"To get to the diagnostics menu, turn off the box, then within 1-2 seconds, hit OK/Select. Use the arrow keys to move around. Just hit Power or select E-Exit to get out of it.

For OnDemand issues, you want to check d07 - Upstream Modem, and d14 - Interactive status (look to see if it has an IP address and ID's assigned.) Be aware OnDemand does have a limit on the number of concurrent users. Some issues could be simply because it was at capacity.

d04 - Inband status will give you the signal strength of your last-tuned channel (EXCEPT OnDemand, which doesn't have a real channel.) d06 - Current channel status will give the frequency, whether it's encrypted or not, and other information. (For the dual-tuner 6412, use the up-down keys to see the information for each tuner.)"

What does it mean if my AGC is "poor"?

amajamar

12-14-05, 08:45 AM

The Comcast silver remotes (both models) have always done this. It is normal

Wow - that is really annoying - especially if you are used to using a TiVo - I keep hitting those buttons by mistake.

Thanks for your reply.

Art

scanpa

12-14-05, 11:10 AM

To see if your analog tier is ADS, use the STB Tuner that shows the DD or DD5.1 on the info bar. select a analog ch and see if the DD or DD5.1 shows up. if so, then you have ADS if not then you do not have ADS. If your system has all of the analog tier in ADS, then all of your analog tier should have at least DD or DD5.1

mhargr03

12-14-05, 11:24 AM

hmm...i guess i don't have it then...

scanpa

12-14-05, 11:31 AM

What does it mean if my AGC is "poor"?

amajamar

AGC is the Auto Gain Control, if it is poor then you have a serious signal problem and the STB is having a very hard time talking back to the head end.

Call your cable operator and have them check your coax from the pole to the house. And then have them check the coax from the entry point of the house to the STB.

amajamar

12-14-05, 02:29 PM

AGC is the Auto Gain Control, of ot os poor then you have a serious signal problem and the STB is having a very hard time talking back to the head end.

Call your cable operator and have them check your coax from the pole to the house. And then have them check the coax from the entry point of the house to the STB.

Are there PQ issues related to poor AGC?

amajamar

scanpa

12-14-05, 02:39 PM

Are there PQ issues related to poor AGC?

amajamar

poor PQ can be caused by a lot of reasons. Signal problems, STB problems.

amajamar

12-14-05, 02:45 PM

poor PQ can be caused by a lot of reasons. Signal problems, STB problems.

I haven't really noticed PQ issues, but my question is if the AGC is in the "poor" range, would my PQ be better if the AGC was better?

amajamar

keenan

12-14-05, 07:06 PM

I haven't really noticed PQ issues, but my question is if the AGC is in the "poor" range, would my PQ be better if the AGC was better?

amajamar
By PQ, if you mean will a better AGC reading eliminate tearing, blocking, pixelation, loss of image, then yes it will help fix that. If you already have a stable good image, then no, a higher AGC reading will not improve an already stable image.

"It" is what "it" is, once you have "it". :D

Dysan911

12-14-05, 11:05 PM

I have as of today a Comcast DCT6412 III and am wondering if anyone can help me with retaining my Dolby Digital signal. I am routing my STB's Optical out to my Sony Reciever and as long as I'm watching a Dobly 5.1 LIVE it works.. However, if I pause and resume the Receiver drops to PCM and the Dolby is gone unless I hit the Live button. Also I'm recording the same show I'm watching and if I jump over to see if it'll playback in Dolby it won't.

Is there a Setting somewhere that I need to change?

Thanks!
Brian.

markjrenna

12-15-05, 12:45 PM

scanpa

12-15-05, 01:04 PM

Question for those that have or had the 6412. If you were offered a 3412 or 6412, which would you take and why?

Reason I ask is that reading here I don't get that warm fuzzy feeling that the 3412 is better than the 6412.

Thanks in advance.

Trust me it's not.... There the same box with the same quirky problems that should never have passed QA by comcast if they cared about it's subscribers.

I hope that the Comcast / Tivo DVR is not a Motorola Based STB..........

nikeykid

12-15-05, 04:26 PM

miimura

12-15-05, 04:28 PM

Sorry to break it to you but Tivo is just developing the Application Layer on top of the same Motorola hardware. It will be interesting to see what they can do though. Hopefully they will work with Motorola to bring the firmware up to par.

- Mike

caesar1

12-15-05, 04:50 PM

Question for those that have or had the 6412. If you were offered a 3412 or 6412, which would you take and why?

Reason I ask is that reading here I don't get that warm fuzzy feeling that the 3412 is better than the 6412.

Thanks in advance.

I just traded in a 6412 phase I for a 3412.

I like the 3412. So far the hard drive seems slightly less noisy. So far I haven't run into the glitches where the commands don't get recognized, then it suddenly does all your last commands at once.

Picture quality is essentially identical whether standard def or High Def.

The 3412 has the advantage of a smaller footprint.

I don't think its a major difference either way though. It won't change your world whether you have the 3412 or the 6412.

One thing I notice on the setup menu, is that with the 480i override option set to 480p, I get the guide now (that could be a firmware thing). I thought when these DVR boxes originally came out, that you would not get the guide if you used anything other than 480i on the set up screen. But I didn't try that recently with the 6412 I just traded in, so it may have worked with that too.

I have it set to 480p, so I can use my own TVs stretch modes for 480p (this applies only to the non- high def channels). I don't like the stretch mode of the box, when that setting is set to "stretch". I get interference (always have -- nothing to do with the box) on 480i (wavy lines). So I don't like to keep it on 480i.

mtanc

12-15-05, 08:00 PM

You have to hit OK within about 2 seconds of the turn off, otherwise the diagnostic screen won't come up.
Thanks a lot. It worked.

markjrenna

12-15-05, 08:05 PM

I hope that the Comcast / Tivo DVR is not a Motorola Based STB..........The TiVo software will reside on the 6412/3412. There is no TiVo specific hardware.

Northville Dave

12-16-05, 10:03 AM

wareagle

12-16-05, 10:14 AM

I don't really like leaving it powered on all the time - anyone know if this can be fixed?

Possibly, with a little counseling.

mhargr03

12-16-05, 10:22 AM

I'm using a 6412p1 DVR with my Maxent MX42X3 HDTV.

Along with it's other annoying features the problem that bothers me most is if I turn the DVR off, when I power it back on it won't display a picture (other than menus) until I do a short "play" of a recorded program. I think others have reported this problem, and of course the work-around is to leave the DVR powered on.

I don't really like leaving it powered on all the time - anyone know if this can be fixed?

Do the 6412p3 or the 3416 have this annoying problem?
I have this exact same problem on one of my 2 units. It's strange though because it just started happening after me having this unit for several months. I'll report back with the specific model, but I know they are both 6412s of some sort.