the HD200 ?

Can you still purchase the 300 new anywhere?

Both are discontinued, both are great receivers, the HD300 is made by LG and is a clone of the LG 3200A and Hughes HTL-HD which are discontinued also.

Will Sony come out with a newer version like the HD400 ?

Will Sony come out with a newer version like the HD400 ?
No.

No, Directv stopped allowing other companies to make their receivers, only the Directv branded models are available now.

Actually I found the HD300 to have some 'red push' that the HD200 didn't have.

Can you still purchase a New HD300 anywhere?

Can you still purchase a New HD300 anywhere?

No, it's discontinued... Like I said before, the only receivers available new are the Directv branded models.

I was just thinking that maybe some small electronics dealer might still have a few new ones in stock somewhere.

Anyone seen any?

Not recently, they stopped selling it about 1 1/2 years ago, don't see anyone sitting on them that long. Your best bet is a used HD300/3200A or HTL-HD off e-bay. Keep in mind with the MPEG4 change coming, these will be obsolete in the future.

Can you still purchase a New HD300 anywhere?

I much prefer the HD300. I find it has a better PQ than the H20.

I actually found TWO brand new HD300 units on eBay. I bought one for $350, the other was $200. Brand spankin' new!

Here's the downside: The boxes are running software version 1.06. Current version is 2.01. Last update seems to have been November '04. Can't seem to get DTV to tell me whether the updates are still available and when they might get into the data stream.

Meanwhile the boxes are pretty much useless due to the incessant "network reconfiguration" message popping up on the screen all the time.

I'm researching alternative ways to get the boxes updated. Any help will be appreciated.

SFPegasus,
Jump right on them if you want to get one. I just sold 2 on Ebay, one for $345 and one for $400. Just want to be ready for the mpeg4 with the H20 otherwise, those HD300 and LSS 3200A are the best I've used. ;)

If the updates were still in the stream, you would have had them within a day or two of activating the receivers. Unless Sony can update them if you send them off to their repair center or you can get Directv to add the update back to the stream, you are out of luck getting them updated.

Are the HD200's & 300's going to be useless anytime soon?

How in the world will they get the new updates?

these will be obsolete in the future

^^ How near of a future are we talking about? ^^

these will be obsolete in the future

^^ How near of a future are we talking about? ^^

I doubt if they will be obsolete anytime soon. The only thing the new H20 receivers bring to the table right now is HD locals via satellite. There's been no discussion of any other content.

If you have no interest in HD locals via satellite (my OTA is just fine), these receivers will work just fine for many years. Geez, I have a SD box that is easily 10 years old and it still works fine!

For the record, I am sending one of my receivers (running software version 1.06) to Sony and see what they say. I figure for $84 my headache might just go away. If it works, I'll send the other one off. I'll keep you posted.

Just so that you know.... the only reason I have this software problem is that these are BRAND NEW never used receivers. If you can find a slightly-used unit on eBay - just inquire about the software version. Version 2.01.00 is current and if the receiver has been in use for any time at all with DirecTv, it will probably have the updates.

I've seen these receivers go for well over $800, though, so shop carefully.

So more then likely if I purchase a Used one from ebay it will have the Latest Update already in it?

It's just the Brand New ones that don't have the update?

Thanks..

So more then likely if I purchase a Used one from ebay it will have the Latest Update already in it?

It's just the Brand New ones that don't have the update?

Thanks..

That's right. Just ask them to check for you.

Same is true with the LG LSS-3200A (same unit, different brand)

I'd stay with the HD300 (LSS-3200A) and not the HD200, though. Just my preference.

Don't forget the Hughes HTL-HD is the same unit minus the RF remote also.

Got a Used HD300 from ebay today and have a couple of questions?

When you change channels with the 300 does the screen go black real quick and the little channel box show then the picture comes up right away?

Just seems odd to me.

Also is there any way of clearing out the list of Pay Per View's ?

Can you operate the RF remote & IR without changing settings?

Thanks..

Got a Used HD300 from ebay today and have a couple of questions?

When you change channels with the 300 does the screen go black real quick and the little channel box show then the picture comes up right away?

Just seems odd to me.

Also is there any way of clearing out the list of Pay Per View's ?

Can you operate the RF remote & IR without changing settings?

Thanks..

What's your software version? Last version was I think 2.01.00 11/2004

You cound try NVRAM reset...

On the receiver (not the remote) INFO+RIGHT ARROW simultaneously

Follow the instructions

Good luck

Yes, it has the Latest software and seems to work fine.

I just notice the screen goes Black for a split second, you see the little channel box on the upper right part of the screen and then the picture comes in perfect.

It happens real fast, I just never noticed this with my 200

Did you have any luck updating the New 300's ?

If there are unreported PPV entries on the card, try getting a new card or you'll be billed for them the first time the receiver dials in and reports them.

My experience with the Sony receivers indicates that's the way the guide works. If that's the biggest problem you have, you're doing much better than me.

I gave up on the idiots at DirecTV. They have no record of my previous call requesting any kind of answer regarding the updates. They are so cluless! Really starting to p*ss me off!

I FedEx'd one of the receivers to Sony and it will be there tomorrow. I'll bet they just update it and send it back. I sure hope so, anyway. Otherwise I am totally screwed.

Please let me know how that Sony Update works out for you?

I sent my 200 into Sony and they received it one day and repaired it and shipped it back the very next day.

I'll get it tomorrow and see how good Sony Repair did, the thing more then likely just need a $.50 cent fuse !! LOL !

OK - I'll keep you posted.

Ok, Great.

Can you operate the RF remote & IR without changing settings?

Anyone know about this ? ^^

huh?

not sure what the question is...

If you have the RF Antenna plugged in and are using the RF remote will the IR remote also work at the same time or would you have to unplug the antenna or change the settings to get the IR remote to work again?

If any of that makes any sense?

Ok, I get it.

Here's what I have.

1 receiver in rf mode hidden in the closet
1 receiver in ir mode in plain view

Both receivers respond to the same remote, which means that the remote will send both ir and rf at the same time.

On the receiver, though, it seems that if you are in rf mode, the ir mode is turned off, and vice versa. It's either one or the other.

OK, Got It.

Will there ever be a New Update for the HD300 ?

This one has the latest update as 09/30/04

Please Help me with this?

When changing channels with this HD300 I do not get the Full Information Bar across the top of the screen each time, just the little square channel box towards the right.

Is there a setting for this?

I can not seem to find it?

Thanks..

OK, Got It.

Will there ever be a New Update for the HD300 ?

This one has the latest update as 09/30/04

They can't even find the OLD updates, never mind any new ones. HA!

I really doubt it. The receiver cannot support MPEG4 so it really has no use for any of the new orbital slots. The last update in 11/2004 was for adding two additional orbital slots - I think for 72.5 and 95. If memory serves me, I think this was for small market locals.

DirecTV has not given any indication that they have anything more to offer on the HD side of things and if they do, it's in their best interests to keep them on the existing satellites and not Spaceway1/2. Those two birds are simply providing HD locals and no other mainstream programming.

This being said, I think we have a lot of life left in the HD300. MPEG2 is not dead, is NOT dying and from the looks of the new AT9 antenna and H20 box will be around a long time yet.

Please Help me with this?

When changing channels with this HD300 I do not get the Full Information Bar across the top of the screen each time, just the little square channel box towards the right.

Is there a setting for this?

I can not seem to find it?

Thanks..

Not sure but I think MENU > PREFERENCE >ADVANCED

You could always hit the INFO key.....

There's a big thread on the updates here

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=398862

I hate to get everyone ALL excited, but Sony got my receiver at 9:47 this morning and managed to get it back to UPS at 3:16 this afternoon.

I can only assume they updated the software because a charge for $85.00 has appeared on my account. I should get it by the 17th!

This is my idea of customer service!

Is anyone awake at DirecTV?

Stay tuned......

That's Cool.

They repaired my HD200 that same exact way, received it one day, fixed & shipped it back by the very next day. This receiver I just got back today and it works perfect.

Did you tell them that the Update on the 300 was the problem that you were having?

You might have the New 2006 Update !!! LOL !!

Well, it looks like I got same-day service!

I sent a nice rambling letter with the receiver detailing all the trouble I've had with D* so I would think that they just updated it and sent it back.

If it's fixed when I get it back I'm going to ask D* to pay for it. Or at least give me a mess of programming for free. Ha!

OK,
Let us know what update it has when you get it back?

You'll be the first to know.


HDTV should not be this difficult.......!

My experience with the Sony receivers indicates that's the way the guide works. If that's the biggest problem you have, you're doing much better than me.

I gave up on the idiots at DirecTV. They have no record of my previous call requesting any kind of answer regarding the updates. They are so cluless! Really starting to p*ss me off!

I FedEx'd one of the receivers to Sony and it will be there tomorrow. I'll bet they just update it and send it back. I sure hope so, anyway. Otherwise I am totally screwed.

SFPegasus,

Please let me know as well! I have a HD300 with old software. Have you tried leaving the receiver connected to see if an update is transmitted by DirecTV?

Ron

Yeah - I tried *everything*.

DirecTV seems to think that their responsibility for these older (mine are BRAND NEW)receivers has expired....

It's due back tomorrow so I'll post when I get it back. If Sony went ahead and updated it, Sony is probably going to be flooded with update requests, because I have one more to send them and it looks like you're next.

Talk with you guys tomorrow.

I'm thinking about calling DirecTV and getting the H20 to replace my HD300. Seams like the better option to do for future compatibility with Mpeg4 plus I live in the boston area and have local HD already available...although my locals come in fine OTA. Still for future upgrade...better to spend the money on the newer receiver. Both the HD300 and H20 are made by LG. I have two HD300's. One is up to date with firmware and the other is behind. I wish we could get DirecTV to send the newer firmware tho. Sucks!

Update: DirecTV is sending me a replacement for my out of date firmware HD300 for free. It will be interesting to see what I get. They don't want the HD300 back. I wanted to order the H20 but install was out over one month and they refused to send me the receiver to install myself. It came with a 5LNB dish for $99. A second H20 reciever was another $99. I just didn't want to wait. They said they couldn't say if I would get another HD300 to replace mine.

Ok, I'm starting to get excited.

UPS just dropped off the receiver here at work. The repair tag inside the box says "Upgraded, tested, reset to factory defaults". "Data load/save".

That's a pretty good indication that they upgraded the receiver. Now the big question is - does it work and did it solve my problems?

Stay tuned. - I'll be home at 4:00

Update: DirecTV is sending me a replacement for my out of date firmware HD300 for free. It will be interesting to see what I get. They don't want the HD300 back. I wanted to order the H20 but install was out over one month and they refused to send me the receiver to install myself. It came with a 5LNB dish for $99. A second H20 reciever was another $99. I just didn't want to wait. They said they couldn't say if I would get another HD300 to replace mine.

FWIW.... with your OTA as good as you say it is, the 5LNB will not get you anything better than you have now.

Unlikely they will send you a HD300 - you'll probably get a H20.

I'll take the HD300 if you don't want it.......Ha!

I'll wait and see what I get...I may still send in the Sony since I really like the Sony. Looking forward to what you got back from Sony. From what I read the H20 has slow menus. That sucks!

Ron

Very Nice, Please post here the Version of Software they installed in your 300 when you get home and test it?

I would to see if there is a Newer Version out there?

Thanks & Good Luck..

Darn! 4:00 pacific time you mean! :)

SFPegasus, What's the verdict ?

SFPegasus, What's the verdict ?

He must be a happy camper watching a movie in High def on his new old HD300! :)

I wish I had a New Old HD300, all I have is an Old Old HD300 !! LOL !!

The verdict is....... (geez, guys..... give me time to hook the thing up!)

Software version "(04/09/22 10:00) HD3 2.01.00" running just fine, thank you!

Those guys at Sony Service ROCK! $84.00 and a few shipping charges.... I'm set!

If you need to send one off, start here... http://eservice.sony.com/webrma/web/index.do

Ok, here's how I found my "new"/old HD300's:

Late December there was a truckload of them on eBay. New / Used -- I'd spend all day checking them out. Some went for as high as $800. There were quite a few LG LSS3200A's too.

I found one HD300 and it was listed in the wrong category so no one was looking at it. I just lurked on it until the end then threw a $400 bid on it at the last minute and landed it for $200. It truly was brand new and still had plastic tape on the front. Sealed access card, too. Manufacture date February 2004.

The other HD300 was being sold by some liquidator in Canada. They had a LOT of them, but most were used and "showed some wear", missing parts, etc. One of their listings had "new, sealed box" and two were available, but I wasn't quick enough and I only got one of them for $349. Manufacture date September 2003. Not quite a "sealed box" since the access card was gone, but everything else was new and unopened. The only glitch on this deal was the $28.00 duty I had to pay UPS. Seller refunded, though.

I suspect the liquidator may have acquired these units from DirecTV, because it was EXACTLY the time the H20 came out and DirecTV stopped sending out replacement HD300 units in their "protection plan". I doubt that DirecTV even suspected there would be a demand for them.

Right now there's only 2-3 units on eBay.

I'll ship the second one off to Sony tomorrow.

That's awesome! I'll wait and see what I get from DirecTV. I have an old RCA SD box in a bedroom so it would be great to throw out that box and use the one DirecTV sends me in there. Then send out the Sony and get it updated. I don't think they will send a HD300 to me. If they do even better. Although if they do send a HD300 then I will be forced to use the access card currently in my old one. So I would be without an access card. Seems they can reprogram cards for the same model but not interchange cards from other models.

I may be up that same tree, Ron. The second box does not have an access card, but I suppose they will let me use the card from my SD Sony that is currently active.

I did order a new card from direcTV once when the second Sony HD300 I purchased in the store was missing a card. It cost me $20. I'm afraid they will not let me turn it on again after I turn on the replacement. They will want to charge me for the box they are sending me for free.

That's Great News.

I was hoping for an even later update but I guess we are all lucky that the 300's are still working at all.

Enjoy..

FWIW.... with your OTA as good as you say it is, the 5LNB will not get you anything better than you have now.

Unlikely they will send you a HD300 - you'll probably get a H20.

I'll take the HD300 if you don't want it.......Ha!

Got my free replacement. H20! Problem is its not working very well. Flicker in the picture. Seams like the blue level is flickering or fluctuating its black level. I see it on all outputs even composite and Svideo. First noticed it with the blue menu when I turned it on. The darker parts of the picture flicker with video material. I don't have HDMI yet so I don't know about that one. So far the menu isn't too bad. Sony HD300 is a lot better but a menu is a menu. Speed was OK too. Slight delay compared to the HD300. New firmware was downloaded after I set it up.

I really think the Svideo output is pretty poor on the H20. That's bad for me cause I like to record programs on my Pioneer Elite DVD recorder. The Sony HD300 Svideo is awesome. The down conversions are so good my DVD recordings look better than most DVD's I buy and I have several hundred DVD's. Yes its that good! So good that my old Sony NTSC 27 inch tube TV that is 15 years old almost looks like HD on a 27 inch screen. The H20 Svideo looks like SD with HD programming. Not much better than the SD satellite stations.

The Sony HD300 rocks compared to the H20 IMO!

I'm depressed that we will be stuck with these few receiver choices in the future. I haven't tried the component outputs but my guess is they will be flickering. I have a projector and just didn't want to hook it up to check the component outputs. My other HD300 will stay in the Home Theater. That's for sure.

DirecTV is sending me a new H20. DirecTV has been very helpful and I'm very happy with there service on the phone tonight. I hope the new H20 looks better. It really could just be a problem with this unit.

I think my second out of date firmware HD300 will stay configured as OTA only and sit in my Theater so I can record local programming while watching SAT with the newer HD300. I'm not sure if they will let me turn it on again...they sent me the replacement and I had to give up the card ID for the swap.

I live in the Boston area and they said they will be changing all the boxes in this area soon. I would like to hold on to my HD300's for OTA at least. I watch a lot of PBS and HD on PBS is the best IMO. Need to keep a good OTA tuner around.

Ron

I guess we are all lucky that the 300's are still working at all.?

Let me get this straight! When that day comes and D* switches me to the H40, or whatever it is when my last in line DMA goes MPEG4, will my then cardless HD200 still work OTA?

If it wouldn't, then it's possible I may be the object of future news stories about a physical confrontation standoff in Western Virginia between D* trying to reassign an access card and an upset customer -- that's how highly I value my HD200 and its tuner's contribution to my great OTA success.

Ron: Ok, you finally get my drift and understand why I was so adamant about getting these HD300's up and running. Persistance has paid off.

Bill: Yep. Your HD200 will always work as a OTA receiver, regardless of whatever D* has planned. Can't say the same for the new H20.

Ron: Ok, you finally get my drift and understand why I was so adamant about getting these HD300's up and running. Persistance has paid off.

Bill: Yep. Your HD200 will always work as a OTA receiver, regardless of whatever D* has planned. Can's say the same for the new H20.

Absolutely! I haven't tried HD yet with the component output but so far I'm not impressed. Others had said the H20 has a great picture...I'll eventually try it to see but the Svideo isn't that great so far.

The other day when I still had my HD300 attached to my 15 year old TV was just amazing. I could not believe my old TV looked so good. I may still send the HD300 in to Sony and turn it on again with DirecTV. Stick the H20 in the bedroom and get rid of my old RCA SD box. Even if they charge me for the replacement its worth it. So I upgraded my bedroom box...thats on its way out anyway.

Heck my old Panny 20 box looked better on SVideo than the H20.

This morning the flickering was gone so it might be a heat related problem with this box. Or I should say when the H20 is cold it flickers.

My H20 would not tune to the locals till I turned on the programming with DirecTV. That's just wrong! My HD300 did work without programming turned on but I still think it needs a card installed. Not sure about that though. My Old Panny 20 needed a card for local to work but it didn't need to be connected to the dish.

Ron

Interesting you mention the cold. That was how my HD100 blew up. It needed a lot of heat to keep working. That's what started this whole darn crusade.

The H20 box is a DirecTV product and they can control what it does and how it does it - just like the cable companies. (Why would you want to model your business plan after a cable company?) Think about it.... An HD box that you get for virtually free, when the HD300 cost nearly $700 new. DirecTV is heavily subsidising this hardware in the hopes it reduces their support cost.

For the record, on my HD300 (and the H20 I returned) I used the component outputs. I have an older panny plasma without DVI/HDMI. I've got a new 50" on order but I doubt I'll use HDMI/DVI - I'll wait until they get all the bugs worked out before I jump on THAT bandwagon.

Regarding the second HD300 receiver......

Jan 20, 2006 8:42 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery NEW STANTON, PA

Bill: Yep. Your HD200 will always work as a OTA receiver, regardless of whatever D* has planned. Can't say the same for the new H20.
Thanks for the info and I was hoping this is the case and thought I had read it was, but wanted to be sure. With everything working fine, never was able to muster up the courage to pull the access card and disconnect cable from dish and run a test.

Let me get this straight! When that day comes and D* switches me to the H40, or whatever it is when my last in line DMA goes MPEG4, will my then cardless HD200 still work OTA?
It depends on how the HD200 works, for most DirecTV STB's you would probably have to buy a new access card for $20, or get Customer Retention to give you one (or give you account credits). Assuming you historically pay your bill in a timely manner, you'll probably get credits in excess of the $20.

Let me get this straight!........

When that day comes and D* that's how highly I value my HD200 and its tuner's contribution to my great OTA success.

Bill:

For what it's worth......The new H20 receiver *does* have an outstanding OTA tuner, even better than the HD100/200/300 by far.

I can live with the less-capable OTA tuner of the HD300 in exchange for the better picture quality, in my opinion, of the HD300.

They'll get the bugs worked out of the H20 soon enough. By then my HD300's will have lived a long and productive life.

[QUOTE=SFPegasus]The verdict is....... (geez, guys..... give me time to hook the thing up!)

Software version "(04/09/22 10:00) HD3 2.01.00" running just fine, thank you!

Those guys at Sony Service ROCK! $84.00 and a few shipping charges.... I'm set!

If you need to send one off, start here...
After three DirecTV H10s, I finally bit the bullet and sent my fried HD300 to Sony for repair. It was back in less than a week for about $90 total. It is now surge protected at every cable and I hope will be around for a while.

HD300 is FAR superior in user interface to the DirecTV receivers. I hope Sony will come out with receivers to service satellite users. Clearly DirecTV is not up to the task.

Joe Lepo

[QUOTE=SFPegasus]The verdict is....... (geez, guys..... give me time to hook the thing up!)

HD300 is FAR superior in user interface to the DirecTV receivers. I hope Sony will come out with receivers to service satellite users. Clearly DirecTV is not up to the task.


D* dropped having external companies make the receivers so they could have a more uniform user interface. Also, Sony didn't make the HD300 or HD200 for that matter, I believe they were rebadged LG units.

buz

[QUOTE=JLepo]

D* dropped having external companies make the receivers so they could have a more uniform user interface. Also, Sony didn't make the HD300 or HD200 for that matter, I believe they were rebadged LG units.

buz

Correct. LG makes the newer H20 that I tried for a miserable couple of days. D* is getting away from selling those units in favor of "leasing" and you're correct, with fewer interface issues, the easier it is to troubleshoot a customer problem.


Quite happy with (2) HD300's......

A few companies make the new H20 for Directv, not just LG. The maker can be determined by the full model number, the H20-600 is an LG built one for example.

Directv has completely stopped selling them also and you can only lease now.

just my own experience:

-have four old HD-100's up in the attic: all out of service: some stopped working, some work to some extent: I had removed the noisy fan on each and punched vent holes in the top so I am not surprised they did not last too long

-now running HD200/HD300 and Z520's: the HD200 provides the best PQ of the bunch in my opinion (red push from HD300) but I use the HD300 for whole house control with RF remote with an FM antenna in the attic (finally figured how to connect an external antenna to the HD300 for remote control)

-starting to like the H20-100 (the H20-600 is a POS): it has simultaneous HDMI and component video out and caller ID/RF remote

still the HD200 is the best of the bunch for me so far

finally figured how to connect an external antenna to the HD300 for remote control.......

I'd be interested in that external antenna setup if you'd care to share. I've got two HD300's and one has a VERY weak RF range - we're talking mere feet. Maybe I could boost the range that way or is something simply wrong with the receiver.

It's already been back to Sony once for a software update, I'd hate to send it again.

I'd be interested in that external antenna setup if you'd care to share. I've got two HD300's and one has a VERY weak RF range - we're talking mere feet. Maybe I could boost the range that way or is something simply wrong with the receiver.


the HD300 remote antenna has a 3 wire miniplug: the antenna assembly contains what appears to be an RF pre amp assembly in its base : the third wire likely powers this pre amp: so you cannot connect any antenna (other than the one provided) to this jack

I opened the base of the antenna (carefully pry off the plastic bottom) and found the shielded lead going to the antenna rod itself and soldered a shielded lead pigtail with BNC jack at the other end right to this connection : you then reconnect the miniplug to the HD300 (be sure the plug is clean and seated) run the pigtail first through one mounting hole of the base then replace the base: provide strain relief for the lead

plugged the attic antenna in to the BNC jack on the added shielded lead: it works just as well as the HD100 did:

the antenna in the attic is a Terk FM Pro with a preamp (not the one that comes with it: too noisy) and a splitter to provide FM to 2 tuners and the RF remote

I've got two HD300's and one has a VERY weak RF range - we're talking mere feet. Maybe I could boost the range that way or is something simply wrong with the receiver.

.

the antenna assembly could be defective: try swapping the two antennas

you can buy replacement remote antenna assemblies but they are expensive: $68.00 or so

I've found the HD200 to have better PQ than the HD300. When I did an A/B with the two, I found the HD200 is sharper without the red push.

My Sony HD200 may have died, so am looking at my options. I can get another one (used) off of Ebay for around $100 or would sending it to Sony for repair be a better option?

My Sony HD200 may have died, so am looking at my options. I can get another one (used) off of Ebay for around $100 or would sending it to Sony for repair be a better option?


Most of us have seen repairs coming back from sony at less than $100 and you never know what you'll get from ebay.

My receivers were both brand new unopened units off ebay and they STILL had to go back to sony for the software update.

I ended up getting a brand new H10 for a third of the $$ for the Sony's from Ebay.

Do you have to have the card in to use an HD300 for OTA HD when it's deactivated?

My old HD200 is looping the 'creating channel list' function over and over. I tried to "reset" the unit (unplug overnight), then Sony in the Philippines said push
left arrow/right arrow/select simultaneously, and that didn't help either. Anyone had this problem before? What did you do to fix it? Is there another thread for this problem? Before I send it into Sony, I thought I should check with you guys.

Sounds like the symptoms related to running an old software version. Before I upgraded to version 2.01, mine was doing this as well.

If you're not running software version 2.01 then you'll have to send it off to Sony to get upgraded.

Sounds like the symptoms related to running an old software version. Before I upgraded to version 2.01, mine was doing this as well.

If you're not running software version 2.01 then you'll have to send it off to Sony to get upgraded.

SFPegasus, I am definitely going to cover all my windows with tin foil. Here's what just happened:
I just swapped out my HD200 with ANOTHER HD200 that my brother in Seattle had sent me (he switched to Dish) recently. I popped in my own access card, typed in my zip code, and it created a new channel list. And then I was watching local channels. Until I went to the PBS digital ch 6.1.
Last night, while channel surfing, I clicked on little-watched 6.1 in the guide. That's the moment this "creating channel list" problem began.
Just now, I was checking each channel in the guide, and as soon as I went to 6.1, the same thing began. It's still going on. Help. Someone is controlling the audio and the video. They were both mfg'd in 2002. ???????????????????