The Panasonic DVR will be a welcome change. As soon as it becomes available I hope someone speaks up in this forum. I'm almost more excited for the Panasonic DVR than the Motorola/Tivo port.

Personally, I am way more excited for this box with more storage and native output than I am for the Tivo software.

Personally, I am way more excited for this box with more storage and native output than I am for the Tivo software.

A strong second from me on that! :D

Ok Ok..

This hardware plus Tivo ported to it with a full HD user interface (at least 1280x720 OSD) and then you have a gold bar sitting in the equipment rack!

Hardware wise the Panny looks to be the ultimate. I will get one someday. If the prolonged Motorola/Tivo port took so long, imagine how much longer the Panasonic DVR will take. Hopefully we don't have to wait until 2009!

Any more info on when this box will be available?

Called Comcast tech support today (I'm in Seattle, WA) and they said the new Panny DVR box is not even listed in their computers yet. Apparently it is still being beta tested in select 'test markets' throughout the country. I asked if they had an expected release date here in Seattle and they said no, to just check back about once a month.

At this point I am thinking I may just move ahead with one of the HD TiVo boxes. I have to go through those threads here on AVS carefully to see if there are any major gotchas, but at first glance it looks like a great alternative to the Moto 3416 I've been using. Plus the TiVo box will allow up to 1TB of additional storage if I read correctly. So finally I'll be able to record all sorts of movies and all shows for all series without constantly battling out of space issues...

At this point I am thinking I may just move ahead with one of the HD TiVo boxes. I have to go through those threads here on AVS carefully to see if there are any major gotchas, but at first glance it looks like a great alternative to the Moto 3416 I've been using. Plus the TiVo box will allow up to 1TB of additional storage if I read correctly. So finally I'll be able to record all sorts of movies and all shows for all series without constantly battling out of space issues...

We just did the same. We gave up on new products from Comcast. I would have been happy with a 6416 instead of a 6412. Now I am the happy owner of a Tivo HD w/ Lifetime on it.

The Comcast/Tivo just came out, it would be great if this box made it soon, so we could get the Tivo option on it instead of the xx12/16's.

The TiVo software was porting only to the Motorola boxes. They'll be working on a port to other boxes, soon, but the Panasonic box isn't on the list, as far as I recall.

Does anyone know the latest ETA on this DVR?

I have been waiting to upgrade my 6412 to a larger HDD DVR, thinking this box would be out soon, but it hasn't obviously.

In order to make the switch of DVRs, I would have to watch a lot of TV to clear the current DVR, that is why I would like to go right for the Panasonic.

I haven't seen a single reliable ETA for deployment of this DVR by an MSO.

Hi, I just received some items that came from an auction. In one of the containers were three PCH2180 DVR units with the name Comcast and Panasonic on the front and HD200i-DVR on the middle panel. Attached to each unit is an inspection sheet and each unit shows that it has failed the "macro blocking test" whatever that term means? I can only assume that tese units were to go to or came from either test lab or customers. The units look sweet with all kinds of plug-ins on the back and two in the front. I dont know quite what I am going to do with them but thought I would leave this info. I was searching the comcast number and stumbled in here and just wanted to let you know that the units do exist. Have a great New Year.

Hi, I just received some items that came from an auction. In one of the containers were three PCH2180 DVR units with the name Comcast and Panasonic on the front and HD200i-DVR on the middle panel. Attached to each unit is an inspection sheet and each unit shows that it has failed the "macro blocking test" whatever that term means? I can only assume that tese units were to go to or came from either test lab or customers. The units look sweet with all kinds of plug-ins on the back and two in the front. I dont know quite what I am going to do with them but thought I would leave this info. I was searching the comcast number and stumbled in here and just wanted to let you know that the units do exist. Have a great New Year.

Can we get some pictures of the unit?

Hi, It looks identical to what they have on their site.
With the exception of "Comcast" on the left front panel and the numbers "HD200i DVR" in lieu of PCH2180, Panasonic is on the right front

One other difference ....made in China vs. made in Taiwan

Here is the link if you do not have it already...http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=181931&catGroupId=49552&surfModel=TZ-PCH2180

First post (of three so I can post these photos)

second post

third post (yay!)

Here's some photos I've got of my unit, FYI. My username is my ebay screenname if anyone is interested in contacting me (as I'm likely listing it for sale shortly):
http://img128.imagevenue.com/loc746/th_02395_CIMG6205_122_746lo.JPG (http://img128.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02395_CIMG6205_122_746lo.JPG&i=1) http://img125.imagevenue.com/loc893/th_02731_CIMG6206_122_893lo.JPG (http://img125.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02731_CIMG6206_122_893lo.JPG&i=1) http://img20.imagevenue.com/loc994/th_02489_CIMG6207_122_994lo.JPG (http://img20.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02489_CIMG6207_122_994lo.JPG&i=1) http://img37.imagevenue.com/loc953/th_02261_CIMG6208_122_953lo.JPG (http://img37.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02261_CIMG6208_122_953lo.JPG&i=1) http://img135.imagevenue.com/loc878/th_02270_CIMG6209_122_878lo.JPG (http://img135.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02270_CIMG6209_122_878lo.JPG&i=1) http://img180.imagevenue.com/loc339/th_02464_CIMG6210_122_339lo.JPG (http://img180.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02464_CIMG6210_122_339lo.JPG&i=1) http://img203.imagevenue.com/loc168/th_02809_CIMG6211_122_168lo.JPG (http://img203.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02809_CIMG6211_122_168lo.JPG&i=1) http://img40.imagevenue.com/loc1131/th_02314_CIMG6212_122_1131lo.JPG (http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02314_CIMG6212_122_1131lo.JPG&i=1) http://img142.imagevenue.com/loc630/th_02842_CIMG6213_122_630lo.JPG (http://img142.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02842_CIMG6213_122_630lo.JPG&i=1) http://img202.imagevenue.com/loc94/th_02348_CIMG6214_122_94lo.JPG (http://img202.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=02348_CIMG6214_122_94lo.JPG&i=1)

Clothesman1998, there's a cable card slot on the box. Theoretically it is separable security compliant then, right? Why not use it on Comcast? How did you get it anyway??

I would buy it, but I'm not sure whether Comcast would activate it or not.

LAS VEGAS, Jan 07, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Panasonic (NYSE:MC), the market and technology leader in Plasma HDTV, and Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq:CMCSA) (Nasdaq:CMCSK), the nation's leading provider of entertainment, information and communications, today announced a series of new products powered by tru2way(TM: 104.47, +0.53, +0.50%) technology, including Plasma HDTV, HD DVR set-top boxes and portable DVR devices. These digital cable devices, which are based on CableLabs' OpenCable(TM: 104.47, +0.53, +0.50%) specifications known as tru2way technology that are being adopted by cable providers nationwide, will provide unprecedented flexibility that simplifies and enhances the way people watch television.

"When we announced our plans to test and develop a fully interactive digital cable enabled HDTV based on CableLabs' OpenCable technologies at CES 2007, we looked forward with anticipation and determination to the actual launch of this revolutionary product," said Toshihiro Sakamoto, President of Panasonic AVC Networks Co, the video, audio and computer development and manufacturing arm of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. "At CES 2008, we are pleased to announce that Panasonic is partnering with Comcast, a cable industry leader, to meet that goal. Indeed, Panasonic will not only deliver a Panasonic Viera Plasma HDTV with tru2way technology later this year, we are also announcing the first portable DVR and digital cable set-top boxes powered by tru2way technology, all of which truly allow consumers to maximize their enjoyment of digital cable television programming."

"We're very excited about the work we've done with Panasonic to make tru2way technology a reality in new plasma high-definition televisions, portable DVRs and set-top boxes," said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation and Chairman of CableLabs. "The tru2way platform is here today, and provides the best way to get two-way devices into the hands of consumers, while also giving them access to the full suite of services they want and expect from cable."

Dick Green, President of CableLabs, noted, "We at CableLabs are delighted to see these Panasonic products coming to market. As support for tru2way technology is adopted by MSOs nationwide, consumers can be confident that exciting new interactive digital cable products from innovative companies such as Panasonic will work seamlessly with any cable MSO that supports OpenCable specifications nationwide."

Tru2way-ready Viera HDTV

Panasonic announced today that selected models of Viera HDTV will include tru2way technology and are expected to be available at retail later this year. This capability is an added feature to these Panasonic's Viera HDTVs that simplifies and improves the total television experience of digital cable television subscribers. In those markets served by Comcast and other cable providers that have upgraded their networks to support tru2way technology, these revolutionary Viera Plasma High Definition televisions are able to access the full range of interactive digital cable video services, including video on demand and interactive program guides without a set-top-box. Panasonic Viera HDTV with tru2way technology provides multiple consumer benefits including less wiring, less unsightly component clutter and simpler operation with a single remote control.

Tru2way technology Set-Top Box

The Panasonic tru2way set-top box with DVR, which is currently in trials, is expected to be delivered to Comcast in 2008. The set-top box is designed for use with non-tru2way-capable HD television sets and lets customers access two-way services, including VOD and HD VOD, from Comcast and other cable operators.

Portable DVR

Comcast and Panasonic also unveiled the first portable DVR player powered by tru2way technology at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. The Comcast AnyPlay(TM: 104.47, +0.53, +0.50%) Portable DVR (P-DVR) is expected to be available in early 2009 and will let Comcast customers record programming at home and watch it wherever they go on the AnyPlay P-DVR.

Jointly developed by Panasonic and Comcast, the AnyPlay P-DVR incorporates DVR functionality into a Panasonic portable DVD player with a built-in folding 8.5" LCD screen and speakers. When placed onto a companion docking station that functions as set-top box with tru2way technology inside, the AnyPlay P-DVR lets viewers watch and record up to 60 hours of their favorite programs. However, unlike a traditional set-top box, it can be used as a television with its built-in screen and can be taken out of its docking station, so recorded programs can be watched anywhere in or out of the home on the AnyPlay P-DVR. The portable device also can playback DVDs and audio CDs.

For a webcast of Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts' CES keynote address and for additional press information on Comcast announcements at CES, please visit www.comcast.com/ces.

About Panasonic

Panasonic AVC Networks Company is the video, audio and computer development and manufacturing arm of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Corporation of North America is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq:CMCSA) (Nasdaq:CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com) is the nation's leading provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services. With 24.2 million cable customers, 12.9 million high-speed Internet customers, and 4.1 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten regional Comcast SportsNets and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet business. Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

tru2way is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

AnyPlay is a trademark of Comcast Corporation or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE: Comcast Corporation

Any update on Comcast deploying these? With all the issues that Comcast/TIVO is having, I'm much more interested in replacing my MOT with this.

Any update on Comcast deploying these? With all the issues that Comcast/TIVO is having, I'm much more interested in replacing my MOT with this.

Exact same thought I had.. I dont know if they are deploying these quite yet (just test market trials) I would guess they will be ready for prime time 6 months or so with any luck.

I agree no motorola tivo... I think I will move on.. the DVR specs on these is much better.. and maybe wont have all the receiver handshake issues the current gen motorola hd comcast boxes have. (Even I get random handshake issues with my receiver and that cable box every now and again... everything from green screen lockout.... to "You digital rights protection has been violated and you will get no more broadcasts on this box" (just by flipping past a dead air HD channel they added here) I need to power cycle my box to get that box to vanish.. apprently.. thats a motorola firmware issue.. which btw is corrected .. but comcast wont deploy it except in very very very few markets.. i think i got firmware 6.2 and I need 6.35 (not rocket science, not sure why comcast stumbles on simple stuff like this, I even heard that firmware is deployable remotely from the office.. you don't need to return it for a new update model.)

The hard drive on these panny comcast boxes will give me more elbow room HD recording... I like what I got now.. but this is effectively 2x as much space. :D

http://www.cable360.net/

on this home page is a video many of you may be interested in.
They talk about the new DVR. BUt they primarily discuss true to way tech.
This was shot at the CES.

THe TV that running the cable guide is pretty nice.

I don't know how long the video will be their "top video"

You will also notice the cable guide is "my guide" which is
the next gen guide. THis is NOT the next(current) update we have been waiting for.
But is supposed to be avail at the end of the year.

Can I assume from the lack of information or any updates that this box died? I'm still hoping that Comcast deploys a box with larger storage capacity and hopefully native output (or, at least, easily switchable).

It is in the system, and will be deployed in the near future.

Heard you say that before!

I also am wondering what problems this thing had. There has been many rumors of this unit having problems.

One of our friends at dslreports posted this today.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21120577-Panasonic-PCHZ2180-update

1. I hate comcast
2. They gave me a crappy HD box with no HDMI output.
3. I want to buy my own DVR HD Box
4. Where can i buy one? is there a good website? except ebay.
5. Does it have to be motorola? What about fancy panasonic boxes ...they would still work right? can i add my own harddisk? what kind of data bus do these harddisks use ? IDE or sata?

anyone...please help !!!

1. I hate comcast
2. They gave me a crappy HD box with no HDMI output.
3. I want to buy my own DVR HD Box
4. Where can i buy one? is there a good website? except ebay.
5. Does it have to be motorola? What about fancy panasonic boxes ...they would still work right? can i add my own harddisk? what kind of data bus do these harddisks use ? IDE or sata?

anyone...please help !!!

Answers to your questions

1 I do too, I switched to Direct TV
2 You cannot you must lease from Comcast.
3 Cannot buy one that works with Comcast.
4 N/A
5 depends on the area some Comcast areas use SA some use Motorola, No to hard disk, Sata will not work

1. I hate comcast
2. They gave me a crappy HD box with no HDMI output.
3. I want to buy my own DVR HD Box
4. Where can i buy one? is there a good website? except ebay.
5. Does it have to be motorola? What about fancy panasonic boxes ...they would still work right? can i add my own harddisk? what kind of data bus do these harddisks use ? IDE or sata?

anyone...please help !!!

You can be able to buy your own box. BYOB will happen when tru2way comes out. You would still have to rent the cable card. Ebay equipment can't be activated so those boxes on ebay are doorstops. Also tru2way will allow for universal cable equipment so thats nice. Comcast can use any brand they wish. You can add an eSATA drive but comcast refuses to implement external drive support via the headend. Hope this helps.

1. I hate comcast
2. They gave me a crappy HD box with no HDMI output.
3. I want to buy my own DVR HD Box
4. Where can i buy one? is there a good website? except ebay.
5. Does it have to be motorola? What about fancy panasonic boxes ...they would still work right? can i add my own harddisk? what kind of data bus do these harddisks use ? IDE or sata?

anyone...please help !!!

And, you can always look at Tivo.

http://tivo.com

You can be able to buy your own box. BYOB will happen when tru2way comes out. You would still have to rent the cable card.
No one knows whether this will be true, but we can only hope. The DVR providers have certainly shown no interest in selling to the consumer so far with the Cablecard-ready devices they already have. I wonder if there's a quid pro quo going on with them and the cableCo's, personally.

FWIR, it's the other way around: The DVR manufacturers don't want to deal with providing the customer service for this type of equipment, because it is so provider-dependent. TiVo has found that to be the case, as well -- they've had to develop separate understanding about how their devices work in different areas, multiplying their support costs. (Perhaps that's why they're not very profitable! :))

FWIR, it's the other way around: The DVR manufacturers don't want to deal with providing the customer service for this type of equipment, because it is so provider-dependent. TiVo has found that to be the case, as well -- they've had to develop separate understanding about how their devices work in different areas, multiplying their support costs. (Perhaps that's why they're not very profitable! :))

Maybe if the hardware wasn't garbage, Tivo could roll out their software easier.

I wonder what Comcast's position is on the subject?

Maybe if the hardware wasn't garbage, Tivo could roll out their software easier.

I wonder what Comcast's position is on the subject?

Probably reclining.

Any news on this thing?

jtm

Panasonic is also said to make RNG-200 level boxes. So the RNG-200 is going to be made by Cisco and later Panasonic. The RNG-200 is the new MPEG-4 compatible HD-DVR that comcast wants to deploy for tru2way.

So, it is Jan 2009
The first rumors about Panasonic DVR started in 2006

Any happy users so far?

I've followed this thread since sometime in 2007, and just came back for the first time in a few months out of curiosity to see if Comcast had actually made any progress. In September of last year I gave up on Comcast and switched to DishNetwork. More channels, more HD channels, 500GB of space (plus most HD recordings take 1/2 the space since they're a different format), much better all-around DVR experience, and they're cheaper than Comcast. I do occasionally miss OnDemand, but even right now I have over 100 recordings (most HD and 7-8 HD movies), so I'm happy with my customized miniOnDemand. I also missed the clock on the Comcast box, but a $5 alarm clock solved that.
The only problems I've noticed with rain/weather is once or twice (in 5 months) a recording skipped about 10~ seconds. Comcast's signal wasn't always perfect either, so I'd say the service from each is about the same. I'd say the same about customer service for each too... Neither one is great.
Sorry for going somewhat off-topic, but after seeing the last few replies I just thought I'd share where my quest for more DVR storage space eventually led me. So far I'm very happy I switched. :)

If they made it so Tivo could tap into CC's VOD library, I'd be all over that.

Otherwise I overpay for a lower quality DVR for VOD and optimistic hope that one day it will improve. Maybe I should be a realist and get a Tivo and screw CC over VOD revenue. After all it's their own fault.

I have been debating on dropping the DVR and getting a TIVO but the card install issues that people have from comcast stop me. We all know they don't want to provide cable card support so they do a horrible job of it. Until someone forces them to do it right we will all be stuck with the crappy DVRs. Also they raised my rate to $18.95 for the POS. I think the only reason i stay with them is the internet.

If they made it so Tivo could tap into CC's VOD library, I'd be all over that.

Otherwise I overpay for a lower quality DVR for VOD and optimistic hope that one day it will improve. Maybe I should be a realist and get a Tivo and screw CC over VOD revenue. After all it's their own fault.
I don't understand this thinking at all. The whole point of having a DVR is to record what you want to watch, not what they think you'll like with OnDemand. And you can always get an STB for $6/month or so if you just have to have it. The Tivo HD is far superior to their crap, so it's worth the tradeoff to me.
I find their VOD offerings underwhelming, but YMMV.

I have been debating on dropping the DVR and getting a TIVO but the card install issues that people have from comcast stop me. We all know they don't want to provide cable card support so they do a horrible job of it. Until someone forces them to do it right we will all be stuck with the crappy DVRs. Also they raised my rate to $18.95 for the POS. I think the only reason i stay with them is the internet.

I can vouch for the cable card issues too. Before I switched to Dish, I tried setting up my own DVR on my computer using an ATI Wonder Tuner and Vista. When I called to get a cablecard, they told me to go to an office about 25 miles away. When I got to the office, they told me they've never carried them there and a tech has to come out to install it. So I called back to schedule the tech, and they told me the $18 install fee would be waived since they sent me on a wild goose chase. The tech came, gave me the card, and left. When I had to call to get Comcast to activate the card, the first person told me "Oh, you can't put those things in your computer sweetie. You just go on up and put that in your TV and it'll work just fine" (I wish I could have recorded it... just the way she said it was hilarious). I thanked her for her help, called back, got someone who knew what they were talking about, and got things all set.
Then I get my next bill. The $18 install fee is on there along with a new $6 monthly fee. I call, get the $18 fee removed, and they tell me the $6 was for a new cablebox I had. I told them I had no new cable box, and they eventually credited it. The next month the new $6 fee is back, so I call again and I'm finally told that the fee is for the cablecard. I told them that wasn't right, I was never told of any charges (besides the $18 that was supposed to be waved), and their web site even says the first card is free and additional cards are $2.05 (link (http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Faq/FaqDetails.ashx?Id=2651)). They said the web site was wrong and eventually offered to give me a $6 credit for 6 months. It was probably a couple of days after that when I started seeing what satellite companies were offering.
At least the $6/6 month credit they gave me is still being applied to my internet bill even after canceling their cable service. :)

So for the moral of this story... Keep an eye on your Comcast bill!

Second CCs on the same device are 'up to $2.05'.

Addtl. CCs that are on Addtl. Outlets are included in the A/O fee, which is probably what the $6 was for.

Off topic and bickering posts removed. Infractions issued.

So for the moral of this story... Keep an eye on your Comcast bill!And even then, that's not enough. The systems are linked together (albeit with some latency). If a pricing arrangement, manually entered via override, because a customer implored a CSR to do so, doesn't match established parameters, it gets kicked out a month or two later, and the bill is reset to one of the established pricing arrangements. You can have CSRs "fix" the amount that was charged to you past months, as many times you'd like, and they're willing (my luck ran out after the second such "fix"), but "fixing" the amount being charged to you, going forward, to something that is specifically not an established pricing arrangement, is not in the cards (pardon the pun). It'll either result in suddenly, without warning (a month or two later), your CableCARDs no longer being authorized for what they were authorized for previously, or your bill "fixed" to reflect an established pricing arrangement. While there are clearly some codes that are reflections of unpublished pricing arrangements, the only pricing that you can be sure you can get to "stick" is pricing supported by the price card, specific to your local area, available at your local area office.

So where are these things? Have any been deployed?

Both the Panny PCH-2180 and the Moto DCX series DVR STB are being distributed to the public in select areas over the next few weeks. I have a DCX-3425 & 3432 un wrapped next week.

More delays?

There available in some areas. The Panasonic has been available in select areas for a few months now. The DCX STB are available in select areas.

I stopped by my local Comcast office yesterday. They don't have either one. :rolleyes:

There available in some areas. The Panasonic has been available in select areas for a few months now. The DCX STB are available in select areas.

Which areas have the Panasonic DVR?