TDC775 Tahoe Pace 700 Series - High Definition DVR [Text View] - Page 2

BillKen

01-25-07, 10:31 AM

I am having a problem with the sound on my Pace box. I have it hooked up to my receiver via regular audio cables. I have to turn the sound up almost twice as loud on the recover when using the Pace box, and it still does not sound as rich as the Moto. My husband and I tried changing the cables, different ports on the receiver and its still the same. When I watch the Moto box the receiver is on 25-28 (volume) and on the Pace I have to crank it up to at least 40. Is there a fix for this?
Morganna - did you check the sound settings in the Setup Menu by just pressing "Menu" on your remote - scrolling down to "Setup" and choosing sound? There are several settings there for "TV speakers","Stereo", "Advanced/Matrix/Heavy or Light Compression" etc....

That being said - I have my audio on my Pace running out on normal RCA's to my TV for just using TV speakers and also a spdif/Coax cable to my Harman Kardon receiver for using my Home Theater for sound and noticed I also need to turn the volume up more now with the Pace box than the Moto (on both the TV and the receiver) - but not to the degree you're indicating. I have my sound setup on the box on Advanced/Matrix/Heavy Compression.

As far as sound quality goes - I hear no difference on my Pace box vs. the Moto.

BillKen

01-25-07, 02:05 PM

Anyone with the Pace box that use a Harmony remote have their settings handy and can post their interkey/interdevice delays and so forth? If so I'd appreciate it. I'll x-post this over on the remote control forum too. Thanks.

lindend

01-25-07, 03:40 PM

Just an update. Still not sure why the box was reseting over and over. I suspect there was a problem with the cable signal. Is it possible that a poor quality signal could cause the PVR to have difficulty decoding HD content leading to crashes?

Poor signal quality alone shouldn't cause a crash. The worse that will happen is macroblocking.

I have to assume that during one of the crashes or corrupted HD transmission something broke the HDMI setting.

Again, its not really possible for the audio stream to affect the settings on the display. Its possible that the there's a software issue in your display that the reset cured. The same thing may be possible if you physically disconnect the power on the display for 10-30 seconds and then reconnect the power. This may clear out any temporary bugs that only surface after extended use of the software in the display.

sharonAK

01-25-07, 08:58 PM

From Linden:
For Tahoe at least, the only way to ensure the content is live is a fresh tune to a channel. Any type of trick operation will result in a time shift and the analog encoder getting involved.

I've just started working with a Motorola 3416 (similar to the 6416, but with digital capabilities only). And, when asking about some Dolby Digital issues I've *still* got ...I've learned that the Pace 775 is also available to me.

My cable company does continue to send the analog signal for "Basic Cable"--based on the fact that my Toshiba Tivo still works *in front of* the Moto 3412. (I also receive the digital SD signal for all of these channels--so my cable co must also convert (or receive?) and send them digitally(?))

I'd love to receive better digital SD signal. (To view the SD 4:3 signal full screen using the Moto I have to use the 480p upconversion in the Moto and the PQ is terrible--as I understand it via this forum & the user manual, the Pace has much better options for me in this arena.) There's not too much HD available here, yet so I watch a lot of SD....but I'm concerned about issues the Pace may have w/the analog signals still around??

(I'm using digital optical through a Denon receiver and HDMI (to M1) to an Infocus X2--the X2 is only 800x600, so I'm not HD, yet--waiting on the DVD issue to be ironed out...---however the X2 will accept (and thus downconvert) to 480p, 720p, & 1080i)—HD still looks wonderful w/the projector!!)

Linden, perhaps you can tell me if the Pace will be able to effectively ignore the analog signals? and/or has anyone else had experiences with this issue?
I'd love any other input any of you have on the advantages to switching to the Pace (assuming most issues are w/VoD, which I currently do not use)

Thank you!
Sharon

lindend

01-25-07, 10:46 PM

Linden, perhaps you can tell me if the Pace will be able to effectively ignore the analog signals? and/or has anyone else had experiences with this issue?

Hi Sharon,

Because you have a 3416, I have to assume that your cable company has an all digital channel map. Since your TiVO is still functional, they appear to have analog channels active also. Therefore, this sounds like an ADS (Analog Digital Simulcast) setup.

If Tahoe is on the all digital channel map like the 3416, you won't see any analog channels. However, you'd have to tell me who your cable company is for me to say definitively.

trabbic

01-26-07, 10:18 AM

OK, here are some problems I am having with the box.

First info:
Connected via HDMI-DVI Converter to DVI on TV, coax digital audio to receiver.

Firmware 9.24

Problems:

On all types of programing (HD and SD), but mostly noticeable on HD, I get very bad pauses, where the video starts to pixelize and the audio cuts out and then stops, the green record light will illuminate and then playback will resume (time shifted if the pause/dropout is long enough). If I rewind to see what I missed during the dropout (there are usually a couple seconds that is missed), the problem still exists in the same spot in the recording, or cache. This problem happens with live broadcasts (change channel and start watching) and also with recorded shows.

In the diags the signal is almost always over 20 (Good), but might drop to 19.9 (FAIR) once every couple of minutes when I checked it. (with the same cabling had no problems with pixelation with the 6412)

Another major problem is losses of recordings, all HD movies, all after crashes or reboots. I have lost 10 HD movies (haven't been able to watch one, because the box always crashes before i get to them). All unwatchable movies report the same information that previous posters (wildrock) reported, mpeg filesize {0}.

My crashes are not from VOD however (VOD works fine, no crashes so far), mine happen when I am watching a TV and the cable box needs to change channels to record a scheduled recording, I allow it to change channels, but the the recording on the channel I am watching does not show up in the DVR recording list. If I watch the show and then delete it, when it reaches the end (if I am time shifted) the box crashes and reboots itself, resulting in loosing all HD movies.

Last night i was watching TV and it wanted to switch to record Grey's Anatomy, I allowed it to switch and I started to watch a previously recorded show, I noticed that Grey's was not in the DVR list, I let the recording end on its own and did not watch it. It still does not show in the DVR list, soft and hard boots did nothing (except loose me another HD movie). The diag listing shows grey's with normal attributes (no errors, and normal file size), but it still does not show up.

Other minor issues include:

LOUD pops from the stereo when resuming from FF or REW, when the Cable box does not cut the audio in time.

Audio issues where audio does not restore after FF or REW, fixed by pausing and resuming (I had this same problem but more common with 6412)

The Replay button is inconsistent in where it replays too. Most times it will jump about 15 secs normal, sometimes however it will jump to a particular spot and no matter how far I ff away from that spot it will still jump back there, in one case over 2 minutes back.

sharonAK

01-26-07, 12:31 PM

Linden,

The cable company I use is GCI (Alaska).

Thank you,
--Sharon (Juneau, Alaska)

MaCro

01-26-07, 12:57 PM

Sharon,

Linden is correct. With any GCI digital cable box, going back as far as the DCT-1000's, in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, GCI has transitioned to 100% digital. The the local channels are still available in analog, but if you've got a cable box it tunes them digitally. Also, HD broadcast channels are availabe unscrambled over cable if you use a QAM HD tuner. For Juneau that's only PBS/KTOO.

Also, check out our regional HD board at http://www.anchoragehd.tv/bb/index.php , there's lots of info about GCI digital cable and HDTV in Alaska.

dbova

01-26-07, 03:54 PM

Could I ask what cable company?

Bresnan

sharonAK

01-26-07, 04:02 PM

Thank you MaCro--I hadn't seen the regional HD board..I'll keep checking

Yes, in Juneau one can still receive "Basic Cable" in analog--OR--in Digital...so the issue that Linden is looking into, if I understood correctly, is whether the GCI Pace 775's are "locked" into a "digital only" mode when delivered to GCI. This would make sense since GCI is using them in the same way it is using the 34xx's....hopefully this is true.

You have been using a Pace for over a week now (according to the AK site)...what do you think? Have you had any issues as others on this site have had? What firmware version has GCI given you? I'm hoping you can give your opinion about the Moto vs the Pace as others on this site have? Any insights?

--Sharon
(BTW: we also get TNTHD and "Wealth TV HD" here in Juneau....but unfortuantely not the NCB or CBS stations as you do--I hope they pick those up for us! --"all digital" is a bit new to Juneau--we always get the services after you and Fairbanks is next...the dual tuners are even a new Juneau offer!)

lindend

01-26-07, 04:46 PM

Another major problem is losses of recordings, all HD movies, all after crashes or reboots. I have lost 10 HD movies (haven't been able to watch one, because the box always crashes before i get to them). All unwatchable movies report the same information that previous posters (wildrock) reported, mpeg filesize {0}.

As I mentioned to wildrock, we've replicated this particular bug and are testing a fix.

Last night i was watching TV and it wanted to switch to record Grey's Anatomy, I allowed it to switch and I started to watch a previously recorded show, I noticed that Grey's was not in the DVR list, I let the recording end on its own and did not watch it. It still does not show in the DVR list, soft and hard boots did nothing (except loose me another HD movie). The diag listing shows grey's with normal attributes (no errors, and normal file size), but it still does not show up.

This particular issue is a bug in non-Pace code. We've tested a fix for it and the fix appears solid.

LOUD pops from the stereo when resuming from FF or REW, when the Cable box does not cut the audio in time.

Are you using RCA, S/PDIF or Toslink connection?

The Replay button is inconsistent in where it replays too. Most times it will jump about 15 secs normal, sometimes however it will jump to a particular spot and no matter how far I ff away from that spot it will still jump back there, in one case over 2 minutes back.

I've never seen this one reported before. Do you know what type of content this happens on (Analog, SD, HD etc.)? Is the repeat key the first trick operation you attempted or were you already time shifting when you hit the repeat key?

sharonAK

01-26-07, 05:27 PM

Linden,

If Tahoe is on the all digital channel map like the 3416, you won't see any analog channels. However, you'd have to tell me who your cable company is for me to say definitively.

I use GCI cable company in Alaska.

Thank you!
--Sharon

trabbic

01-26-07, 06:09 PM

Glad to hear that fixes are in the works...
I actually lost a lot of other HD recordings I had because I had to reboot the machine, and entered in and drive space used went from 90 to 42, over half of my HD recordings were lost...

Are you using RCA, S/PDIF or Toslink connection?.

I am connecting audio with s/pdif connection
I've never seen this one reported before. Do you know what type of content this happens on (Analog, SD, HD etc.)? Is the repeat key the first trick operation you attempted or were you already time shifting when you hit the repeat key?

I can't remember if it does it with all content, I last noticed it on an SD recording when I was fast forwarding it toward the end and went to stop the fast forward, by pressing the replay button, that jumped the play point all the way back to the 2 minute mark, and every time I pressed replay after that it went to the same point (2 minutes into the show), no matter where I was in the playback.

johnmg3

01-26-07, 06:42 PM

My cable company came out last night to install 3 DVR's for me. Two are Motorola boxes and the third is the PACE Tahoe. When the tech left he told us that Sudden Link would be sending a signal to the boxes and all three would likely power off, then 5 to 10 minutes later come back up, if not power them on.

After he left all 3 boxes had limited channels and the Guide showed alot of "to be announced" but in time the guide fully loaded. 3 hours later, On the Motorola boxes at this time i could pause, rewind, and schedule recordings as i have been doing for years with my Dish DVR. The Tahoe did not give me any of the same options for recording and did not allow us to pause, or rewind as with the others. None of the boxes ever rebooted as the tech had told us. I called Sudden Link and the gal i spoke to said to turn to channel 204 - HD Channel and pull the power plug for 30 secs then plug back in. When i plugged it in my wife told me she saw just a split second of TV, then went black. The tech told us that it would take around 30 minutes to load the software or accept the signal, so we decided to go to bed. When i got up this morning the box still had only dashes across the DVR display and no picture on the TV. After leaving it up for a while we noticed that every now and then 5 to 10 minutes we would get that split second of TV, then go away to black screen.

By the way, all three boxes are connected using the Coax cable to the TV. After nearly a day of this, i moved the box to my office and one of the Moto's to my front room where this was. It's still doing the same thing in my office though. So after unplugging and hooking it up in here where there was a working box, nothing has changed.

Now for the most interesting:

About once an hour i get the following message on a blue screen:

The ADTB needs to download new software, this could take a few minutes, please be patient

Tuning to frequency LKC : Done
Checking available software : tri925_
Find Software Channel : Done
Find Download Channel : Done
Download Software : ....

Progress Bar : (Box counting down from like 9000 on the DVR display screen while this bar fills in rainbow like colors on the TV)

After this finishes and it says its installed the software, split second of TV, then black and only dashes on the display of the DVR.

I spoke to Sudden Link again today and they are telling me they will need to send a tech to the house to troubleshoot, but can't get here until Wednesday the 31st. If anyone has any ideas that might fix this sooner, that would be awesome, if not i guess i'm screwed. I've read all 9 pages of this forum but none of the problems seem to be exactly what i'm seeing.

I have to admit, i want to see this box work more than i do the Moto's as it has the dual tuner and a larger hard drive and the ability to add the external.

I look forward to any help that can be provided.

schaffer970

01-26-07, 09:30 PM

You say that all three boxes are connected to the TVs by way of the coax cable. Just want to make sure that that is the only connection between the TVs and the boxes. If this is the case, your installer has no idea what he is doing. You need to be using either the HDMI or the component connections between the boxes and the TVs to get a hi-def picture on your TVs. It also sounds like you don't have a manual for the Tahoe. Here is the link to the Quick Start Guide (http://www.pacemicro.com/media/americas/PDF/manuals/tdc775_qsg.pdf) or the Manual (http://www.pacemicro.com/media/americas/PDF/manuals/tdc775_manual.pdf). Hopefully these will give you a start a connecting everything together.

johnmg3

01-27-07, 07:34 AM

You say that all three boxes are connected to the TVs by way of the coax cable. Just want to make sure that that is the only connection between the TVs and the boxes. If this is the case, your installer has no idea what he is doing. You need to be using either the HDMI or the component connections between the boxes and the TVs to get a hi-def picture on your TVs. It also sounds like you don't have a manual for the Tahoe. Here is the link to the Hopefully these will give you a start a connecting everything together.

I understand that and i am going to try hooking up the Pace using an HDMI cable this morning to see what happens, but at a minimum i should be getting some or all channels in SD via the coax i would think. I'll report back soon.

johnmg3

01-27-07, 08:00 AM

Sad to report, that did nothing for me. Once hooked up via HDMI and powered back on, i got the same black screen and dashes across the Pace display. After about 5 minutes, the box brought up the Software load screen and successfully completed as its done over a dozen plus times now, when it was done, right back to black screen and dashes on the display. Like i said, i should have been able to get at least channels in SD via which ever output, or hell i would take even a public access channel at this point just get something out of it. I used the quick start manual, but that has not helped, so i'll browse the manual to see if i can find anything. When i hit power and the menu button within one second, i get nothing out of the box.

motherafrica

01-27-07, 06:54 PM

Just wondering if there is any way to force PCM output on the digital outs (coax or optical), so I can use my Benchmark DAC. Seems like it always outputs DTS 5.1 which my DAC politely discards. If not, I would like to make a formal feature request for this capability.

Thanks to everyone at Pace for the Tahoe... it smokes the Motorola 3412.

lindend

01-27-07, 09:24 PM

Just wondering if there is any way to force PCM output on the digital outs (coax or optical),

Not at the current time. Its a pass through of the stream's content.

If not, I would like to make a formal feature request for this capability.

I'm going to add it to the list, but I'm not sure how many other people want this feature and we prioritize feature requests based on the # of users impacted. Is there anyone else out there that could make use of this feature if it were available?

Thanks to everyone at Pace for the Tahoe... it smokes the Motorola 3412.

Glad you like it.

lindend

01-27-07, 09:26 PM

I am connecting audio with s/pdif connection

Do you know if HDMI or RCA outputs also exhibit the pop?

I can't remember if it does it with all content, I last noticed it on an SD recording

Do you remember if you were on the channel longer than 2 hours before you started the linear recording?

wildrock

01-28-07, 12:55 AM

Linden, I see that my firmware was recently updated to 9.26. Anything I should be looking for? Any specific fixes included in it that may help with my situations?

Thanks, JIm

lindend

01-28-07, 08:20 AM

Jim,

Linden, I see that my firmware was recently updated to 9.26. Anything I should be looking for? Any specific fixes included in it that may help with my situations?

Thanks, JIm

Man, you guys don't miss a thing! Don't think 9.26 has been deployed in Bresnan very long at all.

I'm pretty sure your fix isn't in there, but I'll dig up the release notes and get back to you.

BTW, would it be helpful if I posted highlights of the release notes for future releases?

BillKen

01-28-07, 08:43 AM

BTW, would it be helpful if I posted highlights of the release notes for future releases?
I would like that.

wildrock

01-28-07, 12:21 PM

BTW, would it be helpful if I posted highlights of the release notes for future releases? :) In case you haven't noticed, some people at AVS watch firmware revisions and fixes/features like day traders watch the ticker :D

schaffer970

01-28-07, 12:58 PM

:) In case you haven't noticed, some people at AVS watch firmware revisions and fixes/features like day traders watch the ticker :D
wildrock, exactly correct except that rather than "some" I think it is more like "most".

Lindend, start typing! :D I also lost some more recordings after a reboot. The usual information on the diagnostics, {0} for the MPEG file size. I have all of the diagnostic information written down if there is anything you need. Just have been too lazy to actually type it up, but it would be no problem if there is anything that would help you.

lindend

01-28-07, 01:00 PM

Lindend, start typing! :D I also lost some more recordings after a reboot. The usual information on the diagnostics, {0} for the MPEG file size. I have all of the diagnostic information written down if there is anything you need. Just have been too lazy to actually type it up, but it would be no problem if there is anything that would help you.

Thanks for volunteering to post the details, but we believe we have a solid grasp on the bug so no need to post the diags info.

trabbic

01-28-07, 03:08 PM

Do you know if HDMI or RCA outputs also exhibit the pop?

I am not sure, it only happens once in a great while, and I can't reproduce it...

Do you remember if you were on the channel longer than 2 hours before you started the linear recording?

I can say that it was NOT on that channel until it went to record the shows, but it did record 1.5 hours (3 1/2 hour shows all on the same channel), and this problem was on the 3rd show.

Other times this has happened it might have been on that same channel.

trabbic

01-28-07, 03:11 PM

:) In case you haven't noticed, some people at AVS watch firmware revisions and fixes/features like day traders watch the ticker :D

:D

We sure do... I am also getting a firmware update on Monday...

motherafrica

01-29-07, 10:17 PM

I am a little confused/disappointed with the lack of signal coming out of the RCA audio outputs on my Tahoe. I work as a network engineer for a MSO and our cable techs try really hard to set all of our channels to have -27dB output levels (not sure if this is an industry accepted value, but that is what they use). Unfortunately, the Tahoe output always seems weak compared to other sources (Phono Pre-Amp, DAC, etc.) on my receiver. The problem becomes even more apparent with programming we have no audio level control over (Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 streams directly off the satellite receivers). I find myself cranking my high-current integrated amp to 75% volume with several channels and it sounds thin.

Here are my audio settings in the iGuide Setup menu:

Default audio track: Channel Default
Optimal Stereo: No (Volume: Maximum)
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Heavy (compression helps but doesn't that change the signal?)
Stereo Output: Stereo (WHAT IS MATRIX?)

Is there any way to get any more signal out of the RCA's? I noticed that most of the iGuide audio settings (compression for instance) were not working until my box received 9.24. Are there future fixes/enhancements for the analog outputs planned?

Anybody else experiencing this?

Also, is it possible that the 5.1 conversion to 2 channel can create destructive interference? Can't the surround channels cancel out the front channels if the signals are an inverse of each other? Just a theory I have with certain musical events I have noticed extremely low audio on (MusicHD and HDNet).

Thanks!!!!! I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a resource like this!

p.s. Would you please post release notes as new versions are released?

foleydc

01-30-07, 02:42 AM

I just tried to hook an external drive up to my Tahoe, but it didn't seem to do anything. My current hard drive still registered the same percentage with the same list of shows. I shut off my Tahoe for 20 sec, and unplugged. I'm not sure if this is a proper reboot, or if I need to do something else to get the drive recognized. Any help would be great. I'm not real good with all the technical computer stuff. Thanks.

lindend

01-30-07, 09:19 AM

I just tried to hook an external drive up to my Tahoe, but it didn't seem to do anything.

Do you know what software release you're running? 9.21 had a bug that prevented eSATA drives from working.

Your reboot procedure was fine. It should have been picked up on reboot. Earlier on in the thread, I outlined the procedure on how to go into diags and check to see if the external drive is present.

But in case you can't find it.

1. While watching TV, press the power button and then the select button pretty quickly.
2. This will bring up the diagnostics menu.
3. Select option 22 (DVR Status)
4. You then should see partition sizes for all the drives connected to the system. You may need to scroll down to see the partitions for the external drive (it will be index 1).
5. To get out of diagnostics, hit the power button again.

lindend

01-30-07, 09:30 AM

I am a little confused/disappointed with the lack of signal coming out of the RCA audio outputs on my Tahoe. ...Is there any way to get any more signal out of the RCA's?

While the signal level is consistent between the analog and digital audio outputs on Tahoe, they are lower than what the Motorola boxes generate (i.e. your probably going to have to set your receiver on a different level than you had previously).

At this point (9.26 and up), there's nothing that can be done to boost the output. If I find out differently, I'll let everyone know.

p.s. Would you please post release notes as new versions are released?

Will do. BTW, each MSO gets detailed release notes (far more detailed than I'm going to post here). You should try to get a copy if you can.

trabbic

01-30-07, 10:46 AM

:D

We sure do... I am also getting a firmware update on Monday...

Now running 9.29 firmware, will report if I have any problems. My missing recording reappeared after the update.

lindend, can you give us any info on what is the most recent firmware or even some brief notes about the firmware would be great!

EDIT: sorry not trying to annoy you with requests, I didn't see that you would be doing this... ;)

Thanks again for all your help.

lindend

01-30-07, 11:50 AM

lindend, can you give us any info on what is the most recent firmware

9.29 is the latest and greatest and is just starting to be deployed at various sites.

When I get a moment, the release highlights will be made available.

BillKen

01-30-07, 11:58 AM

9.29 is the latest and greatest and is just starting to be deployed at various sites.

When I get a moment, the release highlights will be made available.

Any word if Armstrong is one of those sites Linden? ;)

foleydc

01-30-07, 01:21 PM

I appreciate the help. I'll see what version I'm running. How do I go about upgrading my firmware? Does it just involve hooking up to ethernet and going through a process? Or do I have to get a different box? Thanks again.

trabbic

01-30-07, 01:55 PM

lindend

01-31-07, 10:40 AM

BillKen

01-31-07, 10:46 AM

lindend

01-31-07, 12:00 PM

Very nice list Linden - sadly - Armstrong must not have elected to update as my Pace box still shows v9.21. Do you think it would help for me to contact a guy I know at Armstrong to ask him about getting the update pushed through?

Bill,

As I mentioned way back at the start of this thread, each MSO has their own quality control measures and the 9.29 rollout will occur at different times for each cable company based on a variety of factors that I can't go into on a public forum.

I don't think you can infer anything about if/when the release will be rolled out at Armstrong at this point.

As you whether or not you should ask your contact about the update, I can't comment about that in a public forum (nor can I comment via PM either). Sorry, but this is just one of those areas I can't touch.

johnmg3

01-31-07, 02:18 PM

schaffer970

01-31-07, 08:49 PM

johnmg3, good to hear that you got things worked out. I just hate when they give you new equipment and it doesn't work!

trabbic

01-31-07, 11:05 PM

9.29 AVS Release Highlights

Disclaimer: These are highlights from the release notes with issues that are relevant to AVS users.

1. The dreaded power button brightness has been lowered considerably. :) It is now also controllable via the front panel brightness settings. Play/record light are less bright too.

2. wildrock's loss of recordings on reboot should be fixed (fingers crossed).

3. Several HDMI/HDCP fixes (remotely possible this fixes wildrock/BillKen's VOD blanking, but we never could replicate the issue in our labs, so no promises on this one).

4. Analog PQ improvements.

5. HDMI diags page now reports accurate HDCP status.

6. Repeat button jumps to an invalid location (this may or may not fix trabbic's repeat button bug).

Note: Please don't ask me if site X is rolling or has rolled out 9.29. I can't comment on this. I also can't comment on whether or not you should request the update from your cable company.

AWESOME!!!!!!

I have worked in IT for 12 years and worked with programmers, for you to fix this many items in a release that came out so quickly is impressive! KUDOS to you and your team!

Buckeye has deployed the 9.29, but we are still beta testing the box, so I think they just ran it out asap. I will be testing a SATA HD soon (250 GB!! :)) also...

I did notice a couple of playback freezes with a HD recording I had before the update, and an audio POP.

My Fiancee reports that she had an audio pop while pausing a SD (digital) show. Our box is hooked up to the stereo via SPDIF.

Thanks again linden for all your hard work.

Hopefully that issues log keeps getting smaller!!

lindend

01-31-07, 11:30 PM

I did notice a couple of playback freezes with a HD recording I had before the update, and an audio POP.

Are the freezes on this recording repeatable or was this a one time occurence? At what portion of the recording did the freeze occur?

Did this happen before the upgrade to 9.29?

Also, what channels were you on when the freeze(s) occurred. Were both tuners on HD channels or a mix of HD/SD or just SD?

trabbic

02-01-07, 09:03 AM

Are the freezes on this recording repeatable or was this a one time occurence? At what portion of the recording did the freeze occur?

Did this happen before the upgrade to 9.29?

The freezes I am talking about are during playback, they happen at seemingly random times during the recording, the audio cuts out and then the video micro blocks badly and then playback resumes. If I rewind to try to hear/see what was skipped by the microblocking, it does it at the exact same place (like it is a DVD with a scratch). I was having this problem before the upgrade on recorded shows (only noticed it on HD), and sometimes during live tv too, when it happened on live TV the Live playback would microblock and then the green light would light on the box and then playback would resume, if i tried to rewind, it would microblock at the same place.

This recording was made prior to the upgrade and I haven't noticed any microblocking on live tv, since the upgrade (but I haven't watched much). So it is possible that these artifacts are from the previous firmware.

pcarpenter

02-01-07, 09:16 AM

The freezes I am talking about are during playback, they happen at seemingly random times during the recording, the audio cuts out and then the video micro blocks badly and then playback resumes. If I rewind to try to hear/see what was skipped by the microblocking, it does it at the exact same place (like it is a DVD with a scratch). I was having this problem before the upgrade on recorded shows (only noticed it on HD), and sometimes during live tv too, when it happened on live TV the Live playback would microblock and then the green light would light on the box and then playback would resume, if i tried to rewind, it would microblock at the same place.

This recording was made prior to the upgrade and I haven't noticed any microblocking on live tv, since the upgrade (but I haven't watched much). So it is possible that these artifacts are from the previous firmware.

I came in here to mention the same issue. I've had my box for about a week, and so far, all the HD content I have recorded has had this issue. I've done both 30 minute shows and movies, and generally each one has had one instance of this. Where the picture freezes up/macroblocks for about two seconds with no audio. And like Trabbic, if I rewind it will do it in the same spot.

SD content has never done this, only HD. As far as I recall, it doesn't seem dependent on number of tuners in use, as it's happened with 1 and 2.

I don't know what firmware I am running right now. I can't for the life of me get it to go to the diagnostic screens...

lindend

02-01-07, 09:16 AM

trabbic

02-01-07, 09:26 AM

Is your signal level good?

It reads "Good" 90% of the time, it might drop just below 20 ("Fair") every once in a while.

lindend

02-01-07, 11:39 AM

It reads "Good" 90% of the time, it might drop just below 20 ("Fair") every once in a while.

Could you post all the details from the In Band Status (page 4) diagnostics page?

foleydc

02-01-07, 03:43 PM

I am running version 9.24 and finally got my Tahoe to recognize my external hard drive. I am using a 750GB drive and heard somewhere on here that the smaller drives work better. I haven't used it yet to record anything, but will keep you posted on how it works. If anyone has had any issues with a large hard drive, I would love to hear about it.

lindend

02-01-07, 04:06 PM

I am running version 9.24 and finally got my Tahoe to recognize my external hard drive.

What did you have to do to get it to recognize the drive and what type of drive is it?

foleydc

02-01-07, 11:28 PM

I don't know the brand. I got it off of ebay and a guy had installed it in an external case with an eSATA connection. I tried it on my second receiver a couple of times and it didn't work. Then the next day I tried it on my main system and it did nothing the first time upon reboot. So I tried another reboot and just let it sit for a while, and finally a screen came up where it asked me if I wanted to format the drive. I said yes and after a couple of more minutes, it shut my receiver off. When I turned it back on, it worked. My percentage of usage went from 67% down to 12%. When I first tried to record it said my space was full and it then said 100% full. So I rebooted again and it was back to 12% and has worked recording since. It's only been 2 days, so I'll see how it goes. My external drive runs pretty loud, but I've got tons of space.

lindend

02-02-07, 10:07 AM

I don't know the brand. I got it off of ebay and a guy had installed it in an external case with an eSATA connection.

Is the enclosed drive an IDE drive or a SATA drive? There may be throughput issues if the drive is an IDE drive (i.e. it needs to support a data rate than can handle at least two HD streams for writing and one HD stream for playback). Assume a worse case of 20mbps for each stream although the HD burst rates can sometimes be higher than this.

When I turned it back on, it worked. My percentage of usage went from 67% down to 12%.

Ok. Just a heads up that I suggest everyone reformat their external eSATA drives when you're upgraded to 9.29. The drive will continue to work fine without a format, but it will be vulnerable to content loss on a reboot until its reformatted.

Note: it is NOT necessary to reformat the internal drive when the 9.29 upgrade is done. This is handled without any content loss or need to reformat.

When I first tried to record it said my space was full and it then said 100% full.

As mentioned earlier in this thread, this is a problem in non-Pace code and there isn't anything we can do to fix it at this point. Basically, once you hit it, a reboot is usually the only way out unless you're willing to delete a recording (and that might not solve the issue either until the box is rebooted).

See this thread for a related discussion on Bogus Disk Full Warning on the 6412 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=689779)

trabbic

02-02-07, 01:11 PM

Could you post all the details from the In Band Status (page 4) diagnostics page?

Here you go:

Tuner 1

Data: Yes
Carrier Lock: Yes
PCR Lock: Yes
TSID: 32969
Sym rate (Kbps): 5361
PreRS Ber: 1.79e-07
SNR: Averaged 34 (Good) {Never got below 32}
Modulation Mode: QAM 256
Short Term errors: Always above 100, highest value 201
Long Term Errors: 1309331
Tuned Freq: 777000
Signal Level: -9.3
Tuned AGC: 83
Average Data Rate: about 5500
Peak Data Rate: 5700

Tuner 2 (Only those items which were different)

TSID: 32974
PreRS Ber: 2.98e -08
SNR: 33 Good (never below 31)
Short Term errors: always over 80, highest 116
Long Term Errors: 1087827
Tuned Freq: 843000
Signal Level: -12
Tuned AGC: 90
Avg data Rate: ~5500
Peak Data Rate: 5704

foleydc

02-02-07, 01:21 PM

Lindend,

It is a SATA drive. I have recorded two HD programs at once, but not tried to watch a third at the same time. As far as upgrading my firmware, is that something I can go to my cable company and request?

trabbic

02-02-07, 01:28 PM

As far as upgrading my firmware, is that something I can go to my cable company and request?

He probably can't comment on that, but I can tell you that you can always ask, but they most likely won't upgrade you until they are ready to roll it out to everyone.

Simba7

02-04-07, 04:54 AM

lindend

02-04-07, 12:02 PM

I'm trying to connect this PVR to my computer so I can off-load the shows I recorded.

Could you expand a little on what you're trying to accomplish? Do you want to add additional storage or do you want to back up recordings?

pcarpenter

02-05-07, 09:21 AM

I'm trying to connect this PVR to my computer so I can off-load the shows I recorded.

How should I do this? I'm very familiar with Windows XP, Linux, and FreeBSD. I also have several firewire cards available.

BTW: I have a 1Tb A/V server to put the shows on.

There is a very very long, and very thorough thread about that type of thing here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=403695

mattkapp

02-06-07, 12:14 PM

I am new this thread and forum but I recently got an HDTV and was intrigued by all the options that TDC775 had to offer. I just had a couple of quick questions?

What does "Home media server DVR functionality" mean?

It is listed as a feature on Pace's website but I can't find any info on what that means...can it network with a computer to share photos and music or what?

Also, is there any way for the content on the box to be access by a computer (PC, Mac or Linux) and copied to that computer...not streamed over firewire but recorded on the TDC775 and then moved to the computer after the fact for backup or burning to DVD?

I saw the above post and the link to the article on streaming, but I don't want to stream and capture the content on the PC, but rather to let the TDC775 handle the recording and then move it to a computer later.

Thanks in advance for your help :)

pcarpenter

02-06-07, 04:51 PM

I saw the above post and the link to the article on streaming, but I don't want to stream and capture the content on the PC, but rather to let the TDC775 handle the recording and then move it to a computer later.

This is one and the same. You can't just "move/copy" files from the DVR to a computer like you would moving files between two computers. You have to essentially recapture them, via the processes in those threads.

Moving DVR files to a computer necessarily requires a capture process, much like getting video off your camcorder. It sure would be nice if you could hook up your DVR to your computer via USB, have it show up as a hard disk and pull the files off, but they don't work that way for now. Add to that the whole encryption thing, and it's even messier.

So, for now, use your DVR to record something, and when convenient you have to hook up the box and capture it to the PC, then you can do with it what you wish.

johnmg3

02-06-07, 09:51 PM

My cable company came out today and installed a new Pace Tahoe that seems to be working as well as the DVR features unlike the first box. He said they are having lots of issues that seem to range from the one I had to the dropped recordings etc... This box shows version 9.25, so the new upgrade has not rolled down yet to this level, but he thought that it should eventually. So we'll see what happens.

I spoke too soon. The regular DVR functions like pause, rewind etc.. are working. The unit does not record when we schedule a recording. For example, if i go to the TV guide an hour or so ahead and pick a show and hit enter, choose the record button, confirm the recording, when that time comes, it does not prompt me like it does on the other boxes and does not record the show and does not show any evidence of ever trying. But, i can turn to a channel at any time and hit the record button and do a manual record successfully. I also tried doing a manual record and then tried changing channels, for which it asked me if i wanted to switch to the second tuner, i chose yes, but when it got there it only had a
"This channel will be available shortly, please be patient" message in the middle of the screen, no picture, and a channel bar at the bottom, but even after a half hour does not load the channel. Does the second tuner need time, Hour and a half, or more to load the channel guide, or should it have responded sooner?

So two problems i guess, No scheduled recording and second tuner won't come online. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!!

pcarpenter

02-07-07, 09:35 AM

it took my box quite a while to get a full program guide the very first time it powered on. Hours, easily. That could be the issue. I haven't had the problems you are seeing though, so I can't say for sure what might be going on.

mattkapp

02-07-07, 11:01 AM

So, for now, use your DVR to record something, and when convenient you have to hook up the box and capture it to the PC, then you can do with it what you wish.

Thanks for the clarification and workflow suggestion.

ncarbon

02-07-07, 12:01 PM

mattkapp

02-07-07, 02:27 PM

I read around the net that the Tahoe would support the transfer of photos and videos to the Pace box via a program by UEI called “MyChannel”?

Does anyone know anything about this, or has anyone tried it?

lindend

02-07-07, 09:15 PM

I have a Samsung 56 DLP connected to my TDC775, I output the Samsung TOS(Optical Audio) cable to a Sony 7.1 reciever. On HD or movie channels the audio is fine, but on lower STD channels the Audio sounds like it is sped up, distorted. What am I doing wrong?

TIA Ned

1. When you say STD channels, do you mean digital SD, digital SD and analog or analog?
2. What firmware revision is your cable company using?
3. Do the RCA or S/PDIF outputs also have this issue?

lindend

02-07-07, 09:37 PM

Does the second tuner need time, Hour and a half, or more to load the channel guide, or should it have responded sooner?

No, both tuners should start working simultaneously.

Have you tried recording an HD or an SD program on the second tuner?

ncarbon

02-08-07, 04:45 PM

Only the HDMI port does it, I have component into a Lite On recorder and the sound is fine on it, I guess it would the the analog channels.

Ned

lindend

02-09-07, 11:53 AM

Ned,
Only the HDMI port does it

If possible, can you temporarily run the TOSlink cable directly from the TDC775 to the receiver and see the problem is still present?

I guess it would the the analog channels.

Ned

We're going to need to find out for sure. If you don't know, just record something on the problem channel and go into diagnostics (page 24), select the recording you just made and report the content type that diagnostics shows.

Also, when you play back recordings on these problem channels, do they also have audio distortion?

s8n666

02-10-07, 10:53 AM

I just noticed that the "Message" icon on the front panel is illuminated. What does this mean, and how would I check the message? I can't find any reference to this in the user's manual.

schaffer970

02-10-07, 11:12 AM

Messages are from your cable company. Go to the I-Guide (http://www.i-guide.tv/) website and run the demo (Dual Tuner) that will show you how to get the most out of your STB and the I-Guide software. I am presuming that your cable company is using the I-Guide from TV Guide. If not you will have to find out what software you have and get directions on how to access the messages. There is probably a link on your cable company website.

bobby94928

02-10-07, 11:32 AM

Push Menu, Menu and then go to Messages.

Simba7

02-10-07, 12:42 PM

Could you expand a little on what you're trying to accomplish? Do you want to add additional storage or do you want to back up recordings?
Well, since my Pace box is corrupting everything we record (just about), I was going to record them and transfer it over via Firewire (which is enabled).

I tried the link, but it doesn't like my pace box for some reason. Either that or something's wrong with my Windows install.

Anyone familiar with Linux and which packages I need to view and/or capture a feed from a Firewire port?

Alaska Wolf

02-10-07, 10:45 PM

I received a VERY helpful answer in the "1394 recording" thread and am re posting it here expecting other Pace owners will wish to capture video and encode it to DVD themselves...

Thanks Grittree!!!!

"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by grittree
I don't know if the drivers work with the Pace box, but keep in mind there is only one set of drivers (Nov 2003). The only thing newish is the update to the .inf file that matches the device_id of the (different) boxes to the actual drivers. No Pace boxes are listed.

But you can fix that pretty easily. Just d/l the drivers http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/...12_firewire.zip
and patch the meistb.inf file.

First, plug in the 1394 cable and cancel the wizard (3 times). Next go to device manager and disable the AV/C Panel and Unknown devices. That will leave you with one 'bad' device. Double click that and click on 'details'. Write down what it says through ..ID_0. My 3416 says AVC\Motorola&DCT-3412&TYP_5&ID_0\71....

Open meistb.inf with notepad and using 'replace' function (ctrl-h) replace all instances of "AVC\Motorola&DCT-3412&TYP_5&ID_0" with what you wrote down.
Save to a new file such as pace1394.inf.

copy pace1394.inf \windows\inf
copy meistrm.sys \windows
copy meistb.sys \windows

Now, in device manager, update driver for the device. Use pace1394.inf if more than one choice appears. You can safely skip the mstapeo driver.

Install capdvhs and you are done.

Thank you! That was just what I needed! I do believe I am back in business!

:D

Wolf

But I am NOT back in business.

I can capture only a few of the channels but none of the HD ones. I cannot capture ANY of the recorded programming off the HDD. ALL of the channels and the recordings are listed as CCI_COPY_PERMITTED. When I run CapDVHS I show no info and no data is captured despite the timer running but 5C does not appear to be the problem. In addition CapDVHS locks up the system. Badly. I have been able to capture using the Motorola 6412 but the Pace box is giving me fits and giggles.

Wolf

BillKen

02-10-07, 10:59 PM

Alaska Wolf

02-10-07, 11:03 PM

I should have mentioned my firmware is 9.24. And I am pretty happy with the performance of the box. I haven't tried to hook up a eSATA drive yet.

But I wish I could get the capture stuff figured out!

Wolf

mheasty

02-11-07, 03:17 PM

wildrock

02-11-07, 03:43 PM

Hi I just got my new Pace775 DVR. I have been using tivo with direct non HD. Tivo has dual buffers that keep 30 minutes of 2 channels buffered at all times. You can hit a toggle button and switch between them without recording either channel and watch 2 games at once without missing a play. can I do this on the Pace? My remote is an Atlas cable 4 device. Thanks.Yes. You just have to make sure the tuner swap buttons are programmed in your remote. I can do this just fine with my remote and Tahoe. You just have to make sure that instead of switching channels on one tuner, that you swap tuners. Both tuners buffer data. But I think that the buffer time is less for HD than SD. I haven't really paid enough attention to time it, though.

lindend

02-11-07, 05:44 PM

But I think that the buffer time is less for HD than SD. I haven't really paid enough attention to time it, though.

The actual buffer size is controlled by the program guide (TV Guide in this case).

The buffer size for each tuner when on HD content is ~30 minutes and the SD buffer size is ~2 hours.

If your cable company uses analog channels, those channels will be close to SD data rates.

Given that MPEG content is variable bit rate, these numbers will be approximations and can be a little higher/lower depending on the individual program.

mheasty

02-11-07, 07:07 PM

wildrock

02-11-07, 07:31 PM

I can't seem to get the tuners to switch without first hitting record then changing the channel and being asked if i want to switch tuners or cancel recording. then i have to record on the other channel also. my remote from the cable company does not have a swap button. I can switch between the recordings by hitting last or the channel button but i am asked to cancel or switch each time. then sometimes it jumps to random spots in the recording?

also my remote does not seem to have a jump back button and is there a button that will catch me up to the live spot?Here's the page (http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dct6412remoteAC.htm) that has the codes for the remote (the 6412 codes work for the Tahoe, too). It also has instructions on how to program the codes into your remote. This should answer all your questions, hopefully.

Note to Linden: maybe add a remote code section to your upcoming FAQ for the Tahoe? ;) Also, are there any codes for the Tahoe that aren't listed for the 6412?

lindend

02-11-07, 08:36 PM

Also, are there any codes for the Tahoe that aren't listed for the 6412?

The codes are identical and there are no unique TDC775 codes at this point in time.

trabbic

02-11-07, 08:43 PM

Sadly - as much as I like the Pace box - the corruption of pretty much every thing we record is getting old.

My provider (Armstrong) is STILL using 9.21 firmware - and I'm wondering if the audio dropouts/video freezes/tiling on recordings (both SD and HD) are something that has been corrected in later firmware updates - and if I should just hold out for Armstrong to get around to updating my firmware someday before I return it for another moto box.

I can confirm that I have not had a single corrupted recording since my cable company went 9.29.

The box did crash on me once, when trying to delete a recording, the box did not respond and briefly a message flashed on the screen, so fast I could not read it, it started "Unable to...".

After this happened the box was locked, and I had to crash it to get it back, and all of my recordings were fine.

It is possible that this recording was on the external drive that I am using.

BillKen

02-12-07, 10:52 AM

I can confirm that I have not had a single corrupted recording since my cable company went 9.29.
That's great news - thanks for letting me know. I certainly hope my cable provider gets off their duffs and pushes 9.29 through soon - the corruption is really annoying. Anyone got any hints on helping to convince them to push it through already?

dahlheim

02-12-07, 01:39 PM

i followed this thread for a bit when i fist got the pace box then i forgot about it for a while. now i'm dizzy trying to read and catch up. i assume that "corrupt recordings" includes those that simply won't play back and those that play back without any sound or availability of ffwd/rewind or the "time line" that shows when you ffwd/rewind. those are the two types of corruptions i frequently get when recording on this box. if these are not what has been encountered and if i am able to help by posting some sort of diagnostics (which i'd need a quick tutorial on), i'd be glad to help. i find it amazing and inspirational how helpful lindend (and anyone else participating) has been. great job on the box and your integrity.

PHSJason

02-12-07, 02:02 PM

Linden,

I was wondering if you got my message about the remote codes or whether I should post my long-winded comments here?

mheasty

02-12-07, 02:39 PM

Thanks wildrock for the link. It was very helpful.

lindend

02-12-07, 03:54 PM

Linden,

I was wondering if you got my message about the remote codes or whether I should post my long-winded comments here?

Jason,

Sorry, I just saw your PM (I was hit with an avalanche of PMs all of a sudden).

Anyways, please post your question here because others here have asked similar questions and should be able to see my response.

PHSJason

02-12-07, 04:33 PM

Here is the PM that I sent Linden relating to Discrete Power control and why it is important:

Linden,

Thank you for the participation on the AVS forum. It is nice to see a manufacturer speak directly to the end-users. I assume it is also helpful for you in getting insight into current issues with your product. As an integrator, we run into a lot of the same problems that people post about, but also some other ones. One of the big ones that we see has to do with the IR commands/control protocol.

It has been brought up before that a major problem for all current cable boxes is the lack of discrete power commands. Having one command that toggles the power state is great for users that are using the OEM remote and have the box visible below/above the TV, but for installations that we(and most integrators) do where the box is often located in a rack, and a control system is being used, this is inadequate. Most integrators try to set-up systems to work reliably every time, and in the case of cable boxes, this means approaching the power issue in various ways.

With a component that has discrete (a separate “on” and “off” command) the source macro to watch TV, looks like this:

TV-”power on”
AVR-“power on”

Cable box-”power on”

AVR-”input TV/DBS”
TV-”input HDMI”

With the discrete commands, the components that are already on ignore the power commands but if they are off, they come on. Works every time. If the box is normally left on, but got turned off for any reason, it comes back on when the macro is executed.

With the toggle situation, the workarounds are as follows:
Solution # 1
Use the toggle command and hope it stays “in sync”. Also known as a “point-and-pray” macro.
TV-”power on”
AVR-“power on”

Cable box-”power toggle”

AVR-”input TV/DBS”
TV-”input HDMI”

Problem here is that if the box is of it works, if it is on, it turns off, this method is not usable.

Solution # 2
Leave the box on at all times
TV-”power on”
AVR-“power on”

AVR-”input TV/DBS”
TV-”input HDMI”
This works the best, but has issues. If you don't build a power command into the macro and the box gets powered off via 1)firmware update, 2)cable co re-boot, 3)user shutting it off, etc then the client doesn't get a picture when they execute the cable macro.

Solution # 3
There are ways around this like using the switched power outlet on the back to provide a 12volt sync to a control system when the cable box is on which looks like this in simple code:

TV-”power on”
AVR-“power on”
if (cable_trigger = 'off')
{
Cable box-”power toggle”
}
AVR-”input TV/DBS”
TV-”input HDMI”

Problem here is that this requires hardware that can use the 12volt trigger, and that the 12 volt trigger isn't always reliable. The power supply can go bad, the cable co can change it to an “un-switched” outlet at any time(problem with the DCT boxes), or, the user can change it from the user menu. While this is a somewhat useful workaround, it is not great.

Solution # 4
The final option is to put a “help” button on the remote. While this is useful, it is still not perfect. It requires that a client go through a trouble-shooting sequence to correct the cable box power being off.

Discrete power via IR would be the simplest solution. The buttons do not need to be included on any remote, just made available in the firm-ware for people with custom remotes to use. This is the case with most manufacturers that offer discrete functionality. Almost all TV manufacturers have discrete power/input commands, most AVRs/pre-amps do as well. No current cable boxes do.

Another option that would also work well is to have an existing button in the current code-set be a discrete “on”. This is the case with most DVD players that use the “play” button to turn the unit on if it is off. This was the case for a while with some DSS boxes that would turn on when any of the number buttons on the OEM remote was pressed. If the box was on, the box executed the desired number function. For a while, there was a power workaround on the DCT boxes involving the menu-power-power sequence to be a discrete power command, but that was removed in the latest versions.

The ideal situation (in addition to the discrete power), would be a a good 2-way serial control protocol. This can be done via the USB port as is the case the H10-250. This would allow integrators to poll the box for status and then power it up if it is off, also to be able to poll for status, and then reboot the box if an error code is received. Getting tuner status, channel data, hard drive status, temp, and guide meta-data from the USB port would be great as well, but I have the feeling that is a no-go as it applies to only a small percentage of the market. While this would be a perfect solution for high-end integrators, this would not help the people with simpler systems. AMX and Crestron have been doing this for a while, but a lot of new entry-level remotes like the Nevo, the Niles ICS, and even some future Harmonies will have the option to poll for this meta-data, but it is not quite main-stream yet.

Lastly, is it possible to have published a complete code set? Once again, a lot of manufacturers offer this to integrators who in turn translate it into the codes needed for the various remotes. A lot of the time this just helps with simple things like getting a clean version of the “ffwd” code. In addition, it allows integrators to add/remove functionality from remotes based on what the box supports. In the case of the Samsung TVs, we have a complete set of all the codes from the OEM remote, as well as discrete codes, that we used for RTI remotes, Niles remote, Prontos, as well as all of our AMX control systems. These codes came from a 1 page document provided by Samsung. Very useful to the AV community to know what codes work and what codes do not directly from the people who built the boxes.

Thank you for your time, I know I am very long-winded.

Jason

lindend

02-14-07, 09:38 PM

It has been brought up before that a major problem for all current cable boxes is the lack of discrete power commands.

Let me preface my response with the fact that the TDC775 uses the same UEI commands as the MOT DVRs. As a result, its going to have the same issues.

Discrete power via IR would be the simplest solution.

This is probably more complex for us since we're using a shared protocol that we didn't define and can't enhance and this protocol (to my knowledge) has no discrete power command.

Another option that would also work well is to have an existing button in the current code-set be a discrete “on”. This is the case with most DVD players that use the “play” button to turn the unit on if it is off.

Hmmm..interesting. Propose something and we'll consider it in a future release.

For a while, there was a power workaround on the DCT boxes involving the menu-power-power sequence to be a discrete power command, but that was removed in the latest versions.

Please describe how this worked in more detail.

The ideal situation (in addition to the discrete power), would be a a good 2-way serial control protocol. This can be done via the USB port as is the case the H10-250.

If there is an open standard way of doing this, we're interested. Can you point me at a protocol?

Lastly, is it possible to have published a complete code set?

We use the same UEI commands as the MOT DVRs, so you should have the codes available on other web sites. If you can't find the complete list, I'll see what I can turn up.

Thank you for your time, I know I am very long-winded.

:D. No problem, I enjoyed the question.

PHSJason

02-15-07, 12:18 PM

Let me preface my response with the fact that the TDC775 uses the same UEI commands as the MOT DVRs. As a result, its going to have the same issues.

I would think this would be a good opportunity to set your self apart from the competition in yet another way. :)

This is probably more complex for us since we're using a shared protocol that we didn't define and can't enhance and this protocol (to my knowledge) has no discrete power command.

If you are using the standard protocol that is shared by GI, Motorola etc, then it is a pretty simple protocol. The protocol itself doesn't have any commands assigned to it, it is just a specific group of 255 IR codes that have been set aside as being assigned to the shared cable boxes. Keep in mind that while you currently are only using a handful of the commands, the protocol itself has 255 commands available. There is no need to modify the protocol itself. All you would have to do is tell the box to respond to a currently unused command. Someone should be able to give you a list of commands that are currently being used. If not, I'll decode them for you. I have them, but haven't taken the time to decode them all into hex values.

Hmmm..interesting. Propose something and we'll consider it in a future release.
Ideal command would be a “safe” command like the “info” command(currently hex33). If that command is built into a macro and the box is already “on”, and someone is watching TV, then all you get is quick flash of the info screen. If you use a command like “DVR” or “Stop”, then you have to think about how the box will react if the command is sent while someone is watching TV. Once again, a true discrete would be better, but this is a very passable work-around.

Please describe how this worked in more detail.
If you sent the “menu” command to the box while it was off, it brought up the set-up menu, from here, sending the “power” command canceled the menu and turned the box on. If the box was on and you sent the “menu” command, the on-screen menu came up. Sending the “power” command canceled the menu, but did not turn the box off. In later releases this no longer worked. Integrators and users with universal remotes have gone to great lengths to make these boxes work reliably. This was not a good fix, but it did work(sort of)

If there is an open standard way of doing this, we're interested. Can you point me at a protocol?
Open standard? Every vendor has their own specific protocol. Some are simple, some are complicated. Some are ASCII, some are bitwise. Since you are interfacing directly with the internal programming via serial, I guess it would be a matter of how your internal software is coded.

PM me with your e-mail and I'll send you the protocol for the DirectTV boxes as well as the IR code doc from Samsung. I tried to PM you, but it won't let me attach to a PM.

We use the same UEI commands as the MOT DVRs, so you should have the codes available on other web sites. If you can't find the complete list, I'll see what I can turn up.

Now that I know that, I have the code set. If you can, a document would be ideal. If not, I'll decode the ones I have.

:D. No problem, I enjoyed the question.
Thanks again for looking into this. It would make a lot of customers happy.

lindend

02-15-07, 07:50 PM

I would think this would be a good opportunity to set your self apart from the competition in yet another way. :)

Hmmm...always love a challenge and this one doesn't seem hard.

If not, I'll decode them for you. I have them, but haven't taken the time to decode them all into hex values.

I'd appreciate it if you could recommend two discrete codes. That way we'd be assured that we were meeting your needs.

PHSJason

02-15-07, 08:45 PM

Thank you very much Linden.

I will take some time over the weekend and get a code list together to make sure there are no overlaps.

Question: Do you want the Decimal value, the HEX value, or the EFC value for each command? The hex value is more likely to corresond to your internal software, The EFC will correspond to the URC value supplied by them(also known as JP1).

For instance, the "INFO" button command above has a Decimal value of 51, a HEX value of 33, and an EFC value of 044.

Simba7

02-16-07, 12:58 AM

lindend,

What filesystem does the Tahoe TDC-775D use? I was curious if it was using ext3, ReiserFS, XFS, or a different type.

Also, why doesn't the firewire ports work well with this unit? I've been trying to capture with this unit using Windows XP and Gentoo Linux and been failing at both. Linux keeps saying to press "Play" on the device, and Windows says the capture device isn't there.

lindend

02-16-07, 08:44 AM

Question: Do you want the Decimal value, the HEX value, or the EFC value for each command? The hex value is more likely to corresond to your internal software, The EFC will correspond to the URC value supplied by them(also known as JP1).

I'm pretty sure the hex value(s) should be sufficient. I'll check to make sure and let you know if its not. However, lets go with hex right now.

lindend

02-16-07, 12:28 PM

What filesystem does the Tahoe TDC-775D use? I was curious if it was using ext3, ReiserFS, XFS, or a different type.

XFS.

Also, why doesn't the firewire ports work well with this unit?

We are investigating the problems you and AlaskaWolf and other have reported with firewire captures on PCs. If/when we replicate the problem, I'll update everyone.

flyfishmt

02-16-07, 02:22 PM

Ok so I have read through every one of these (wheww that took awhile) I am a bresnan customer in Billings, MT that recently bought a Samsung 6187S (the best on the market some say :)) I called Bresnan, because of the lag on the Moto box, and they said they have the new Pace and I did a search and here we are. I really think it is great that an individual can come out here and help us tech heads out. I was told though that I should consider waiting like 3 months for the box. What's everyone's thoughts on this?
i'm also in Billings, and have had the pace box for about 2 weeks. channel changing is much faster than the Moto box. the analog PQ is worse but i'm told that bresnan in billings is going all digital the middle of march - so shouldn't be an issue in a month. I don't see the need to wait.

FYI, i've had no issues with VOD up to this point - connected via HDMI.

schaffer970

02-16-07, 03:47 PM

Alaska Wolf

02-16-07, 04:14 PM

XFS.

We are investigating the problems you and AlaskaWolf and other have reported with firewire captures on PCs. If/when we replicate the problem, I'll update everyone.

Yippee!! I can't wait!

ME: "Sorry I'm going to be a bit late. I'm having car problems!"
BOSS: "Are you STILL trying to get that capture thingy working?"

Wolf

wildrock

02-16-07, 04:33 PM

As there is no general area to discuss Bresnan plans, I thought I would post what I found out for Bresnan Grand Junction Colorado as they seem to be one of the first rolling out the Pace STB (I previously posted this in the local HDTV Info forum). The schedule may be a bit different for various cities served by Bresnan, but it looks like additional HD is happening. I have also heard that Junction will be moving to digital.

For those of you who have Bresnan, I have it on good authority that we will getting more HD this year. The following additional HD channels are in the works:

In the second quarter 2007
ESPN 2
A&E
Showtime
National geographic
Golf and versus (combo channel)

Third or forth quarter 2007
ABC Family
Disney
And maybe Pay-Per-View channels

Hopefully things will happen sooner rather than later. I can't wait for the second quarter! :DHey thanks for the heads up! Those of us on Bresnan here in Missoula got treated to ESPN2 last fall. The Grizzlies (our local college team) had a I-AA semi final football game here in Missoula. Except it was only broadcast in HD on ESPN2, which wasn't available locally on Bresnan. Enough people must have called in and demanded it, that it came online a few days before the broadcast. It was real cool seeing our local team, and community on the HD broadcast. In some ways, Bresnan really is doing some good things (never i thought I'd catch myself saying that about a cableco :rolleyes: ). Looking forward to the other new HD channels. And this may give me the incentive to hook up an eSATA drive to the Pace Tahoe (had to bring this around to topic) once the 9.29+ firmware gets rolled here.

webwide

02-16-07, 07:44 PM

OK, I haven't finished reading this thread yet (page 9 of 12 so far) but I just wanted to thank lindend for his EXCELLENT help to all of us Pace users. My wife actually went so far as to schedule someone to come out and replace our box before I ran across the answers here. I've been able to reformat the HDD and am currently testing to see if the CIU errors/glitches/false "100% full" messages might be cleared up. I also discovered the diagnostics menu where I learned that firewire really is on, and this thread tells me my PC won't natively understand the Linux partition but that my Mac OS X just might! *wink*

BTW, my cable company is Suddenlink (formerly Cebridge here in Texas) and I'm sending video to my RCA 36" glass tube HDTV unit via mere composite but the picture is awesome.

PHSJason

02-19-07, 07:15 PM

Linden,

I went through the code set and managed to get a complete clean set for all OEM functions as well as their values. It looks like the current code set ends at HEX 40(Zoom). I would advise placing the discrete power commands well outside the current scope. IE, HEX 4A for Power On, HEX 4B for Power Off(as long as engineering says these aren't reserved for another future application. They are currently unused, but really any unused commands between 4A and FF will work).
Thanks again for all the help.

Jason

nevkroeg

02-19-07, 09:01 PM

dmtown

02-20-07, 09:33 AM

I just received a new PACE Tahoe this Saturday as a replacement for a Motorola 3416, which had locked up on me 5 times since I had it installed the day after Christmas.

I have it hooked up to my 4 year old (ancient) Hitachi HDTV via a HDMI to DVI cable and RCA audio. The audio output on the HD channels that are broadcasting in 5.1 seem to have a low audio output as if the center channel audio is missing. It is as if the the audio via the RCA cable is only transmitting the the left and right surround channels and not a stereo signal. Is this a known issue and is there a work around? I also have the optical output hooked up to a surround receiver and the audio output is fine (I little low comparably to other components as posted previously).

The box is running 9.21. I am also (like BillKen) with Armstrong Cable in the Pittsburgh area. I have not tried VOD yet to see if I have any problems.

Also, I hooked up an eSATA drive last night before reading the whole thread (got up to page 8 yesterday). I thought the drive was working, but when I tried to look at setting in the diagnostics menu (interface status -> sata), the box stopped responding and I had power cycle the box. Lindend, I noticed that you made a posting that there was a bug with eSATA and 9.21, what is the issue? Should I remove the drive until a newer firmware is pushed to my box? This was one of the reasons I requested the PACE to replace the Motorola.

Lindend, being a Software Engineer my self, it is refreshing to see you on this thread.

trabbic

02-20-07, 09:46 AM

Any Ideas? Unit works fine for 30 seconds or so then locks up and seems to reboot itself... I have enough time to get into the diagnostics and look around briefly before it reboots... Doesn't seem to be any hotter than usual... Of course, I have some recordings that I don't want to lose - Suddenlink replaced one of these units about a month or so ago when it started getting very noisy (sounded like either the hard-drive or a fan (if it has a fan - I haven't looked inside).

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

Have you tried unplugging the box and letting it sit for an hour or two. If you are going to loose any recordings you have already lost them.

If that doesn't work you will have to wipe the box and start over, you may just have a bad/failing box.

nevkroeg

02-20-07, 09:51 AM

Have you tried unplugging the box and letting it sit for an hour or two. If you are going to loose any recordings you have already lost them.

If that doesn't work you will have to wipe the box and start over, you may just have a bad/failing box.

Thanks for the reply - yes I have left the box off (physically unplugged) for several hours and then tried powering it on again - same results, reboot... If I remove the drive and hook it up via the external SATA to a replacement box, would the recordings still be there (assuming its not the hard drive itself that is faulty)? Of course getting Suddenlink to allow me to do that would be a challenge in itself!! The Hard Disk Diagnostics page doesn't show any obvious errors..

lindend

02-20-07, 10:02 AM

Any Ideas? Unit works fine for 30 seconds or so then locks up and seems to reboot itself...

Sorry for the problems you're seeing. I have a couple of background questions.

1. When it first started to reboot, were you recording something?
2. Do you have series recordings set up?
3. Right before it crashes, does the record light activate?
3. Do you know what firmware revision you are using? I believe Suddenlink is at 9.25.

For further diagnosis, I'd appreciate it if you could do the following:

If you can access the RF Input cable, remove the cable and reboot the box. Wait about 5-10 minutes and let me know if the box doesn't reboot. You can re-connect the RF cable once this test is complete.

trabbic

02-20-07, 10:19 AM

Thanks for the reply - yes I have left the box off (physically unplugged) for several hours and then tried powering it on again - same results, reboot... If I remove the drive and hook it up via the external SATA to a replacement box, would the recordings still be there (assuming its not the hard drive itself that is faulty)? Of course getting Suddenlink to allow me to do that would be a challenge in itself!! The Hard Disk Diagnostics page doesn't show any obvious errors..

I don't know if the box will accept a Hard Drive from another box, but I doubt it. And I doubt your cable company would allow that anyway ;) .

Try disconnecting the coax from the back and see if that will allow you to be in diagnostics without crashing.

Also how are you connected to your TV, try using a composite cable instead, and see if that helps if it is still crashing, they have had some problems with the HDMI connection.

I am sure Linden will chime in with some ideas.

EDIT: Linden beat me to it... Don't people know not to call me while I am in the middle of posting! :)

nevkroeg

02-20-07, 12:05 PM

Answers to lindend's questions:-

1. I'm not sure if it was recording when it first started rebooting - I have some series recordings and am not sure if one of those was active...
2. Yes I do have series recordings...
3. Not that I can see...
4. 9.25 is correct

I tried disconnecting the RF cable and the system does NOT reboot - I left it for about 20 minutes...

HOWEVER... I figured out how to make it reboot, even with the RF disconnected.. If I go to diagnostics and select 'Content Listing'... voila... reboot... I guess this doesn't sound too promising with respect to being able to rescue my recordings... unless I can get to them via firewire maybe??

I didn't try switching from hdmi to composite as that requires a little more recabling work, but I figured the Content List issue would be a major clue... btw I have about 50% space available on the 'media' partition...

Thanks for your help!!!

lindend

02-20-07, 02:35 PM

I have it hooked up to my 4 year old (ancient) Hitachi HDTV via a HDMI to DVI cable and RCA audio. The audio output on the HD channels that are broadcasting in 5.1 seem to have a low audio output as if the center channel audio is missing.

As mentioned a little earlier in the thread, the RCA audio will be lower than the Motorola DVRs. Are you sure this isn't just a manifestation of the same issue? If not, I'll investigate.

Lindend, I noticed that you made a posting that there was a bug with eSATA and 9.21, what is the issue?

A very embarrassing oversight. :( Can't say anything more other than it wasn't a bug per se in the code and it won't happen again.

Should I remove the drive until a newer firmware is pushed to my box?

Unfortunately, yes. It will be a boat anchor until then and may significantly increase your boot times.

This was one of the reasons I requested the PACE to replace the Motorola.

Sorry. It is fixed in all subsequent releases (and even releases before this). 9.21 only has this issue but that isn't helping you because 9.21 is all you have.

Lindend, being a Software Engineer my self, it is refreshing to see you on this thread.

Thank you.

lindend

02-20-07, 03:08 PM

HOWEVER... I figured out how to make it reboot, even with the RF disconnected.. If I go to diagnostics and select 'Content Listing'... voila... reboot... I guess this doesn't sound too promising with respect to being able to rescue my recordings... unless I can get to them via firewire maybe??

This definitely isolates the cause of the reboots. I've never seen this happen before so I don't have any immediate suggestions.

I guess this doesn't sound too promising with respect to being able to rescue my recordings

By any chance do you have an external SATA drive connected? If not, then I think we may be looking at a reformat.

I didn't try switching from hdmi to composite as that requires a little more recabling work, but I figured the Content List issue would be a major clue.

Its is. No need to switch the video cables. They are not related to this problem.

nevkroeg

02-20-07, 03:31 PM

No external drive - how do I reformat?

Thanks for your feedback!!

lindend

02-20-07, 03:44 PM

No external drive - how do I reformat?

Before we take the drastic step of reformatting, lets see what else can be done.

1. Have you (or someone else) by chance swapped out the internal drive?
2. Did the drive come with any existing recordings on it?

As far as the reformatting key sequence, on the main diags page, press

Replay
MyDVR *
MyDVR *
MyDVR *
LIVE

*you may have a List key rather than a MyDVR key

and then follow the instructions to format the internal drive.

nevkroeg

02-20-07, 03:54 PM

The box is as-delivered by Suddenlink - it didn't have any recordings on when I got it. It's still 'sealed', but I don't know its history before it got to me...

I take it that the format will just format the media/indexes/whatever partitions and not the OS/Application-related partitions? Should a Windows/Firewire connection work with 9.25? Do you think it's even worthwhile trying to rescue the recordings that way? (I saw an earlier post about how to get the Windows/Firewire stuff to work, I think...)

lindend

02-20-07, 05:06 PM

The box is as-delivered by Suddenlink - it didn't have any recordings on when I got it. It's still 'sealed', but I don't know its history before it got to me...

Then its doubtful that someone swapped out the internal drive.

I take it that the format will just format the media/indexes/whatever partitions and not the OS/Application-related partitions?

The whole HDD will be wiped clean. The TDC775 runs the OS/applications from flash memory not the drive.

Should a Windows/Firewire connection work with 9.25?

No, the firewire port does not support HDDs right now (only the SATA port supports drives) and you'd only be able to see the files if you had a Linux PC.

Do you think it's even worthwhile trying to rescue the recordings that way? (I saw an earlier post about how to get the Windows/Firewire stuff to work, I think...)

I'd like to see the content on your HDD, but I think that will be too inconvenient for you as you can't watch TV while this investigation continues.

dmtown

02-21-07, 09:06 AM

As mentioned a little earlier in the thread, the RCA audio will be lower than the Motorola DVRs. Are you sure this isn't just a manifestation of the same issue? If not, I'll investigate.

I did not get a chance to investigate further because I had another problem with the box when I got home. :(

When I pushed the List button, no listing were present. The window layout was correct, but the only text in the window was in the upper left hand corner and it was garbage. The characters "p", "b", "c with a tail? (\0347)" and a "star" were displayed repeated 3 times in that order.

I powered down the box using the "20 second method", disconnected the eSATA, drive and then powered back up. The List button produced the same result. I went into diagnostics and went to the "content listing" and all the files were there. I did another power cycle with the same result.

I then tried the Menu button, selected DVR, and then My Recordings and to my surprise everything was listed as you would expect with the List button. I am currently in this state where the List button does not "work".

Any suggestions? Could this be a result of 9.21 and the eSATA drive?

lindend

02-21-07, 09:36 AM

When I pushed the List button, no listing were present. The window layout was correct, but the only text in the window was in the upper left hand corner and it was garbage. The characters "p", "b", "c with a tail? (\0347)" and a "star" were displayed repeated 3 times in that order.

Looks like a nationwide issue that affects both Pace and MOT boxes.

Similar comments can be found in the

Official 6412 AVS Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9832150#post9832150)

or this

DSL Reports Thread (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,17869326)

At this point, we don't believe it to be an issue with your particular firmware version. And before you ask, I unfortunately, don't have an estimate for a fix because its not our code that has the issue.

dmtown

02-21-07, 11:32 AM

At this point, we don't believe it to be an issue with your particular firmware version. And before you ask, I unfortunately, don't have an estimate for a fix because its not our code that has the issue.

I have worked in a customer facing software engineer position for most of my career, I would never ask. :rolleyes:

Do you know if the iGuide software is bundled with the firmware? When I call Armstrong, I might ask if they can re-download an image to my box (and hopefully push for 9.29).

From a high level view do you think a HD format might have any affect on the problem?

I am just trying to avoid having to schedule a tech to come out and replace the box within a week of getting it. Which is what their tech support will do after they ask if they can remotely reboot the box to see if it fixes the problem.

lindend

02-21-07, 12:53 PM

Do you know if the iGuide software is bundled with the firmware?

It is. If you look at the Software/Hardware diags page (7), you can see what software is included in the firmware image.

From a high level view do you think a HD format might have any affect on the problem?

Based on the very limited info I have now, I don't think so.

trabbic

02-21-07, 01:08 PM

I am also having the problem with the My Dvr page, weird icons no listings. Click menu and my recordings and they are all there.

After some searching, it looks like this is nation wide and was caused by guide data somehow. People who have formatted or even done a hard reboot report that it is back to normal for a little while, then as the guide is loading it returns.

There are also reports from people in California who's boxes have fixed themselves (or been fixed by the Cable co.)

dmtown

02-22-07, 09:25 AM

I am also having the problem with the My Dvr page, weird icons no listings. Click menu and my recordings and they are all there.

I found out last night that if press Ok after pressing List then everything displays as expected. I added this sequence to my programmable remote to work around this issue.

dmtown

02-22-07, 09:37 AM

Lindend are there any issues with firmware 9.21 or above due to the U.S. Daylight Saving Time changes that take affect on March 11, 2007?

trabbic

02-22-07, 09:40 AM

Lindend are there any issues with firmware 9.21 or above due to the U.S. Daylight Saving Time changes that take affect on March 11, 2007?

GREAT question! I am dealing with this right now on my client's PC's.

It could be a MAJOR headache as far as series recordings go. (EDIT: or maybe not, i bet they control the time at the head end...)

Hopefully this will force Cable companies who are on old firmwares to move up to the latest...

jhawkfan31

02-22-07, 01:21 PM

When I start a Video on demand watching thru my AVR hooked up HDMI the sound comes thru fine but the picture just flashes on and off. It works fine when watching thru component. any ideas? thanks

Alaska Wolf

02-22-07, 04:35 PM

Lindend,

Have you made any progress regarding the problems with capture via the 1394 port?

Wolf

trabbic

02-22-07, 04:42 PM

When I start a Video on demand watching thru my AVR hooked up HDMI the sound comes thru fine but the picture just flashes on and off. It works fine when watching thru component. any ideas? thanks

This sounds just like what other people have been describing, it has been addressed in a firmware update, no reports yet if it has been fixed for sure.

Please read this WHOLE thread (i know it will take a while ;) )

9.29 AVS Release Highlights

Disclaimer: These are highlights from the release notes with issues that are relevant to AVS users.

1. The dreaded power button brightness has been lowered considerably. It is now also controllable via the front panel brightness settings. Play/record light are less bright too.

2. wildrock's loss of recordings on reboot should be fixed (fingers crossed).

3. Several HDMI/HDCP fixes (remotely possible this fixes wildrock/BillKen's VOD blanking, but we never could replicate the issue in our labs, so no promises on this one).

4. Analog PQ improvements.

5. HDMI diags page now reports accurate HDCP status.

6. Repeat button jumps to an invalid location (this may or may not fix trabbic's repeat button bug).

wildrock

02-22-07, 07:41 PM

This sounds just like what other people have been describing, it has been addressed in a firmware update, no reports yet if it has been fixed for sure.I just got through visiting my local cableco (read: paying my bill), and was talking about how the Pace was being received, and the csr mentioned this and some other problems they are having with the Tahoe rollout. So I had to tell her to put the pressure on the head end engineers to get the newest firmware rolled out, and she wouldn't have to deal so much with customer issues. She thought it was kinda odd that I knew as much as i did about the box (more than her), or that they had customers working with Pace to get the kinks out. My impression was that the csr's have little knowledge about the firmware issues, and she was trying to infer that they (Bresnan) should just dump the box. So of course I had to put in my 2 cents about how much better it was than the 6412pIII, and they just needed to push the firmware, and it would ease their problems.

And as to the VOD issue, yes it sounds just like the issues I have/had (they're sporadic). Waiting for 9.29+ to see if things clear up.

lindend

02-22-07, 09:28 PM

Have you made any progress regarding the problems with capture via the 1394 port?

Wolf,

As I mentioned via PM, we are working on trying to replicate this as we know it is a critical problem for you and other AVS users.

Just a little background on this problem. When we did our 1394 testing, we validated it worked on a variety of DVHS devices and 1394 TVs. We did some rudimentary testing with capturing on XP, but nowhere near as comprehensive as the DVHS and TV testing. Nothing surfaced during this limited Windows capture testing.

Now given the usage patterns that have subsequently emerged, it seems like more attention needs to be paid to Windows-based 1394 recording. Stuff is happening behind the scenes and trust me, the moment I have info, I'll let you know.

BTW, could you post the specs on your PC?

lindend

02-22-07, 09:30 PM

Lindend are there any issues with firmware 9.21 or above due to the U.S. Daylight Saving Time changes that take affect on March 11, 2007?

At this point in time, we don't think so. If I find out differently, I'll let you know.

lindend

02-22-07, 09:31 PM

L It looks like the current code set ends at HEX 40(Zoom). I would advise placing the discrete power commands well outside the current scope. IE, HEX 4A for Power On, HEX 4B for Power Off(as long as engineering says these aren't reserved for another future application.

Jason,

Thank you for going out of your way on this. I will update you on our progress with these discrete codes.

dahlheim

02-23-07, 09:25 AM

came home from work today, turned on the box, and a blue zero shows on the display. no signal to the TV. i pulled the power on the box, waited a bit and plugged it back in. same thing. :(

trabbic

02-23-07, 11:44 AM

Can you change the channel number?

I turned my box on today and it was on channel 1. I never go to channel one. Other people are reporting that the "My DVR" problem was fixed and it followed with a box reboot.

I also had no picture (sending signal via HDMI to DVI). I had to leave to go to lunch, but other people are reporting this same problem (in the MOTO threads).

I think that the fix might have changed my setting in the box. (MY DVI input does not accept a lot of resolutions, and is reporting that the signal is out of range.

I will report back in an hour or so, depending on how long my mother and fiance continue to talk about "save the date" cards. ;)

trabbic

02-23-07, 01:47 PM

I have confirmed my theory, the Box is working fine now, the box had been reset to the default settings, including the stuff in the TV guide setup, like time display and autotune, and audio settings.

I changed everything back in the display first and the box locked up, so I had to crash it and I lost a couple of recordings. I think that those recordings were done before the 9.29 upgrade, but I can't say for sure.

Oh yeah, and My DVR problem is fixed.

Hyperioni

02-23-07, 02:38 PM

I would like to add mine to the previous voices thanking lindend for his concern about the products he represents and have one question to ask.

What model/make and size of ESATA Hard drive does PACE recommend for use with this product. If the company cannot recommend a particular manufacturer which one was used for R&D testing and has been proven to work?

wildrock

02-23-07, 06:26 PM

scanpa

02-23-07, 06:53 PM

Ok, my box did the same odd thing that others' did today. I came home and the box was off (I didn't turn it off). I turned it on, and it showed a zero. I turned it off and on a few times, and it showed a one. So I went in and reset the Power menu--it seemed fine. Switched channels, and the TVGuide had reverted to default, all programming info gone. Went in and checked the settings, and put them back where I liked them, and I ca get channels. But the TVGuide doesn't show my DVR button, nor does the mini guide at the bottom of the screen. Hitting my "List" buttons doesn't bring up the dvr listing. So I don't know what is up. I can't pause or rewind a program. HD, SD and analog all work, but no buffering controls.

Diagnostics still show my firmware to be 9.26. I'll bet you're not having a good day today, are you Linden? :confused:

Your box needs to be re-authorized. (Full factory reset) When it downloaded your account settings from the headend, it did not authorize you for DVR service, so it will not be in the menu. If the full reset does not work, then call your cable company and ask them to check your account for all the correct service codes. After they make any changes to your account they will normally send a re-authorization signal to your STB.

wildrock

02-23-07, 07:29 PM

scanpa

02-23-07, 07:45 PM

I called Bresnan, and they confirmed they did a TVGuide software update this morning, and it totally blew out the dvr boxes, and were having network-wide problems. We did a reset from the head end and are waiting for the software to reload. The previous reload was not proceeding properly, the csr said. Supposedly they are seeding a new TVGuide fix, so it looks like we'll all just have to wait to see how it shakes out. They're going to give me a followup call in an hour to see if the software update loads properly.

Glad I picked up some dvd's to watch this weekend.

Should only take about 10 - 20 min total for the STB to download all 3 layers:

1. STB Software and BIOS updates
2. EPG / DVR Software
3. STB Firmware

STB reboot's after doing a self test

then it will do the following (about 5 - 10 Min)

Download STB Time
Download STB Account settings
Build Menus - Activate access settings

(will take up to 48 hours to complete)

Download TvGuide Data

webwide

02-23-07, 09:00 PM

Our box was screwing up, and I had not read this thread for a couple of days, and the WAF was going through the floor, so we swapped boxes this afternoon. The new box was basically giving us nothing but basic cable, no DVR functions worked, no pause. So we called Suddenlink and the CSR sent a reset signal. Then I got the blue 0. Also, the remote doesn't work, period, so I can't bring up the reformat screen. So we called Suddenlink again and the CSR tole me that her supervisor said to unplug the Pace box until noon tomorrow, and maybe that would fix it. Obviously she had no clue about the nationwide issues.

So, what now? Just wait?

dmtown

02-23-07, 09:22 PM

When I got home today, my List button problem was gone. Unfortunately so were two HD shows. They both showed {0} for the MPEG size in the diags menu. The uptime of the box was ~17 hours, and I did not power cycle it. Looks like Armstrong pushed the iGuide fix and I got caught by the "corrupt file on reboot problem" and they left me at 9.21. :(

wildrock

02-23-07, 10:01 PM

My box is running fine now after the head end reboot. I haven't put it through all of the paces :rolleyes: yet, but the dvr listings are up fine, and the vod works. I'll check out all the other details later. Somebody's working overtime tonight.

RealWing

02-24-07, 11:42 AM

Linden

I'm not sure if you needed any more info on lost recordings or not? I have not experienced any lost recordings until a recent power failure. I had 6 recordings and lost 4 of the 6 after the power failure. The power went off and then quickly recyled on and off a couple of times (auto line reclosure), then off for ~ 2 hrs and then back on. The next day I had lost the 4 recordings.

lindend

02-24-07, 09:02 PM

What model/make and size of ESATA Hard drive does PACE recommend for use with this product. If the company cannot recommend a particular manufacturer which one was used for R&D testing and has been proven to work?

I don't believe we officially recommend any particular eSATA drive(s), but we've tested the TDC775 with Seagate and Maxtor eSATA drives (both companies make DVR specific eSATA drives of varying sizes).

We have no official size recommendation for the drives, but I can say we've not tested a drive bigger than 750gb (bigger drives should work though). Just remember, that I advise everyone to reformat their eSATA drives when you are upgraded to a firmware release of 9.29 or later. See the 9.29 release notes post for the reasons why.

lindend

02-24-07, 09:20 PM

Linden

I'm not sure if you needed any more info on lost recordings or not?

Depends on what firmware revision you are using. We believe the problem is fixed in 9.29 or later firmware releases. If you're seeing the issue on older firmeware releases, no need for additional bug reports.

If anyone sees a lost recording after a reboot on 9.29, please post the details.

RealWing

02-24-07, 09:22 PM

wildrock

02-24-07, 09:26 PM

Linden, any comments on the TVGuide software snafu yesterday?

lindend

02-24-07, 10:39 PM

Linden, any comments on the TVGuide software snafu yesterday?

At this point, I'm not up to date on all the details of what happened. When I have the complete story, I'll let you guys know.

trabbic

02-25-07, 01:01 AM

Depends on what firmware revision you are using. We believe the problem is fixed in 9.29 or later firmware releases. If you're seeing the issue on older firmeware releases, no need for additional bug reports.

If anyone sees a lost recording after a reboot on 9.29, please post the details.

I had some lost recordings after a crash.(I am running 9.29) But the crash was after all this TV guide crap.

I already deleted the recordings, I will let you know if I get any more lost recordings.

webwide

02-25-07, 08:35 AM

I just went through two Pace boxes which were DOA after the 9.29 upgrade. A reset brought them back to Channel 0 and everything stopped, no reboot, no IR remote access. Suddenlink just swapped for a Moto 6416 and all seems to be well.

lindend

02-25-07, 09:25 AM

I just went through two Pace boxes which were DOA after the 9.29 upgrade.

Webwide,

How you do you know your box was being upgraded to 9.29? According to my records, Suddenlink is still on 9.25 and with all that was going on last week, I'm not aware of any site that was also upgrading firmware releases.

I am still gathering info and will post details about what happened as soon as feasible.

webwide

02-25-07, 10:15 AM

Webwide,

How you do you know your box was being upgraded to 9.29? According to my records, Suddenlink is still on 9.25 and with all that was going on last week, I'm not aware of any site that was also upgrading firmware releases.

I am still gathering info and will post details about what happened as soon as feasible.

I am in an area served by Cebridge in Texas. They are part of SuddenLink, for almost a year now, but the backend merger details are still not worked out. For example, i still can't do any online account work at their site, have to go to the Cebridge site.

After my initial problems with the Pace box (gibberish characters, non-playing recordings, inaccurate disk % reports) I reformatted the drive per your earlier instructions. After that I checked the SW (or firmware?) version and saw 9.29. It did not fix any problems however, leading me to believe that I was already at that version level before.

lindend

02-25-07, 11:17 AM

Linden, any comments on the TVGuide software snafu yesterday?

This is my understanding of what happened:

1. As you all know, there was a nationwide issue with the guide that affected boxes from all manufacturers.

2. To fix this issue, all cable companies were given a set of instructions to clear up the problem from the headend (these instructions did not come from Pace but were generic instructions for all box types).

3. These instructions work on Motorola boxes, but won't work on the TDC775 (Tahoe) with certain firmware releases due to a bug in our firmware. The instructions should work fine on the TDC575D--aka Vegas.

4. If the original instructions are followed on the TDC775, the box will reboot and you'll see 0 on the front panel etc.

5. Pace has contacted each cable company and given alternate instructions to solve the original guide corruption problem without causing the front panel 0 issue.

My assumption is those here that have reported the problem of a non-functional box were issued the original instructions (#2) and not the Tahoe specific recovery steps (#5).

The issue revealed in #3 will be fixed in a future firmware release but should not impact your normal viewing experience.

lefort

02-25-07, 12:46 PM

We have a Pace box through Armstrong Cable in Youngstown, OH.
Software version 9.21
Pace ref # 0001-589-02-09-001-973
HW version 0x00000007
Serial # PATJ00048918
Hard drive model ST3160023AS

We were having significant problems with our 6412 not recording series or scheduled recordings and switched to this device. Now all of our recordings are recorded, however almost all of them have recording discontinuities where it seems like there is a stutter where the sound goes out, the picture becomes pixilated for about three seconds and then continues. Many times in an hour show these discontinuities may number three or more.

Recently, we just lost the majority of our HD recordings and none of the SD recordings. There was no apparent event associated with the loss of these recordings other than significant delays in the response time of the device. The device reported hard drives being 80% full and 5 HD programs that were 60 minutes each showed only one minute recored time but never played when we tried to play them. One night ago, at least two of these were watchable. I tried powering off the device and unplugging it and plugging it back in at which point and time the hard drive showed only 9% full and all of the HD recordings showed a {0} in the MPEG file size.

CSI:NY
MPEG File Size 5902434304 {0}
CSI
MPEG File Size 5376049152 {0}
Criminal Minds
MPEG File Size 5449449472 {0}

None of the other flags that you had mentioned in previous topics exist in my software version. There were several hard drive errors in the following screen.
Check Disk Failure 0
Linear Record Reboots 0
Overflow since boot 0
Total Overflow seen 1520
Total Encoder Errors 0
Readwrite Errors 2
Overhead Spindown 0
Standby Spindown 16

As you can imagine we are not very happy about losing our content as the main reason for switching manufacturers was because the other manufacturer wasn't even capturing the content. I hope that this information helps to work out any bugs. If you require further information please let me know. Thanks for your presence here in the forums and it is certainly refreshing to see a manufacturer's representative so readily available.

lindend

02-25-07, 04:30 PM

We were having significant problems with our 6412 not recording series or scheduled recordings and switched to this device. Now all of our recordings are recorded, however almost all of them have recording discontinuities where it seems like there is a stutter where the sound goes out, the picture becomes pixilated for about three seconds and then continues. Many times in an hour show these discontinuities may number three or more.

These symptoms sound like a signal strenth issue. I helped BillKen with a similar issue earlier in this thread. We're going to need to see all the values from the Inband diagnostics page (4).

Does this happen when your watching live TV? Please verify this on both tuners.

Recently, we just lost the majority of our HD recordings and none of the SD recordings.

What is suspect caused this was your box affected by the national guide issue and your cable company reset it. As part of the reset, the box rebooted and you were exposed to the loss of recording bug in 9.21 on a reboot.

Unfortunately, this can happen with 9.21 (as I mentioned earlier, we believe this is fixed in 9.29).

lefort

02-25-07, 07:23 PM

post 2 Sorry for this

lefort

02-25-07, 07:23 PM

post 3 forum will not

lefort

02-25-07, 07:24 PM

post 4 let me post links

lefort

02-25-07, 07:24 PM

post 5 unless I have had 5 posts. SORRY

lefort

02-25-07, 07:25 PM

Click Here (www.mcmannis.net/screen4.htm) for a screen shot of the screen you asked for. The discontinuities happen only on recorded TV not while watching. We have had 6 different techs including the most senior tech from Armstrong out to diagnose our 6412. They all hooked little meters up to our cable jacks in multiple rooms. They all said emphatically that signal strength is not our problem.

As far as the loss of the recordings. We have been periodically loosing recordings since the acquisition of the PACE box. All of the recordings I mentioned in my last post were lost last night. Was watching two of them and fell asleep, this AM they could not be viewed. So unless box was hit by Armstrong last night after midnight then I don't think that is the issue.

lindend

02-25-07, 07:49 PM

Click Here (www.mcmannis.net/screen4.htm) for a screen shot of the screen you asked for.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to be able to access the link right now.

As far as the loss of the recordings. We have been periodically loosing recordings since the acquisition of the PACE box. All of the recordings I mentioned in my last post were lost last night. Was watching two of them and fell asleep, this AM they could not be viewed. So unless box was hit by Armstrong last night after midnight then I don't think that is the issue.

Are these recordings primarily digital or are some analog? The diags details for each recording should report analog/digital or SD content.

You can also use diags to find out how long your box is up. I'd be interesting in finding out if it rebooted.

lefort

02-25-07, 08:22 PM

I think link working now, You must have tried it while I was downloading a large file. The content was all digitial HD. Armstrong claims that everything is digital now, no analog.

I rebooted this AM in an effort to try to save the shows. So I am guessing that it would only show the reboot this am.

lindend

02-25-07, 08:45 PM

I think link working now,

You're right. Your signal is quite clean. My next question is are you sure there weren't issues with the MPEG2 content that you were watching (i.e. did the movies have discontinuities in them)? Do you know of someone that was able to record the content at the same you had issues?

Can you repeat the problem right now?

If so, can you record the problem content on both tuners?

I rebooted this AM in an effort to try to save the shows.

Were the programs unplayable before the AM reboot or after?

lefort

02-25-07, 09:10 PM

I am sure there were discontinuities in them as everything I record would have a couple little skips were audio and video would get out of sync and pixilated, this would last for about 2 seconds then fix itself. Actually was thinking of calling cable company for new box as this was such a frequent occurance. Not sure if anyone else I know has PACE DVR, in fact most people I know in this area do not have a DVR.

Have not had anything that I have tried to record today. I can record content on both tuners, frequently have both going at once. Have not tried to repeat. However, we have lost content before so I am sure it is repeatable.

Movies became unwatchable before I rebooted, after reboot no improvement.

lindend

02-25-07, 09:23 PM

I am sure there were discontinuities in them as everything I record would have a couple little skips were audio and video would get out of sync and pixilated, this would last for about 2 seconds then fix itself.

Given the symptoms you describe (lost recordings before a reboot, macroblocking on recorded content only), I am suspicious about the health of your HDD (or the filesystem on the HDD). If you are willing, can you reformat the HDD and see if the problem still occurs?

lefort

02-25-07, 09:49 PM

sure, How do I do that?

trabbic

02-25-07, 10:07 PM

lindend

02-25-07, 11:16 PM

sure, How do I do that?

In Diags main page,

press

Replay
MyDVR*
MyDVR
MyDVR
LIVE

MyDVR may be List key on your remote control.

This will bring up a menu that will let you format the drive.

lefort

02-25-07, 11:28 PM

It should be noted before doing this that the other remaining shows on the DVR are all in SD, None analog, None with discontinuities, or macroblocking, and all watchable. Does this add any extra info?

lindend

02-26-07, 10:02 AM

After my initial problems with the Pace box (gibberish characters, non-playing recordings, inaccurate disk % reports) I reformatted the drive per your earlier instructions. After that I checked the SW (or firmware?) version and saw 9.29. It did not fix any problems however, leading me to believe that I was already at that version level before.

Just found out that your site did in fact upgrade to 9.29 last week. I still suspect that the channel 0 problems you experienced were due to the fact that the upgrade happened simultaneously with the national guide issue and that created some issues.

This version of 9.29 being deployed in Suddenlink also has an upgraded guide which has lots of great fixes in it for several issues previously reported on this thread (can't provide release notes because we don't control this code but your cable company does have release notes for the guide fixes).

To pre-empt the inevitable questions, I can't say when other sites will roll out the 9.29 release with the upgraded guide.

lefort

02-26-07, 10:40 AM

Does Armstrong Cable in PA, OH have the 9.29 release?

BillKen

02-26-07, 10:46 AM

Does Armstrong Cable in PA, OH have the 9.29 release?
Nope - I'm in Butler County and Armstrong is STILL using 9.21 release. :mad:

pcarpenter

02-26-07, 03:55 PM

I am on Armstrong too in Medina, OH and we still have 9.21 as well. I'd sure like to get the update.

I'm having similar issues to what lefort is seeing. HD content seems to watch fine live, but recorded shows have errors in playback. So far, in about 3 weeks, I've not had an HD program of any length play back totally cleanly.

I've also had two instances of HD content "disappearing" for no apparent reason. SHows will sit on the DVR, and then at some point they just won't play anymore. The percent full indicator gets very wacked out when this happens. The last time, I lost about 5 shows, at which point it said I was 100% full (but it was no where near that in reality). After powering off/on those shows were gone and I had 14% full.

Perhaps all of us Armstrong people should contact customer support requesting the upgrades.

scanpa

02-26-07, 05:55 PM

lindend

02-26-07, 07:02 PM

Perhaps all of us Armstrong people should contact customer support requesting the upgrades.

This is a general comment about upgrades and not specific to Armstrong or any other cable company nor is this really Pace specific.

I understand everyone's desire to be on the latest and greatest firmware. If you're using XP, Microsoft just pushes down the latest fix and upgrade overnight no big deal. So this gets to be the mindset of most consumers. Constant upgrades aren't a big deal and are in fact to be expected.

However, you have to realize that more is involved for a cable company to upgrade firmware. For example, some sites perform an evaluation process with beta testers (I know that several of these testers have posted on this thread but others are anonymous). Your cable companies use this screening process to ensure that major issues are fixed before it reaches the mass market.

Other sites give the software to internal testers or do other tests to ensure quality. This is why you see various sites roll out the same firmware release at different points in time.

Now when a given firmware release has been widely deployed, your cable company gets to know understand the warts/bugs in that release and instructions on how to work around them. If/when a new release is done, some (hopefully most) of the old bugs will be fixed. But as we all know with software, new bugs will crop up and their tech support will have to be trained on them.

If the release is really bad (and I'm not saying 9.29 is bad, this is for example purposes only), they will be deluged with support calls (which costs $$$ and also results in unhappy customers). So taking the XP upgrade example, if you have a bad patch, you roll your XP back to the previous level, no big deal. Not so easy when you have hundreds/thousands of customers all calling at once that they can't record American Idol.

So to net this out, I understand your anxiousness to be on the latest and greatest release, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes that you aren't aware of. Trust me, I've seen the emails, your cable companies are hearing the message that you want to upgrade. :) There is just more to the upgrade process than is public knowledge.

dvdmth

02-26-07, 08:44 PM

If the release is really bad (and I'm not saying 9.29 is bad, this is for example purposes only), they will be deluged with support calls (which costs $$$ and also results in unhappy customers).
Like the TV Guide snafu from last week? It seems to me that they tried to fix the original (minor) problem too quickly and caused a much greater inconvenience for some people. Those who want quick fixes for problems, be careful what you wish for.

Alaska Wolf

02-26-07, 08:53 PM

ANY progress on the Capture issue???

Anyone?

Wolf

Morganna

02-27-07, 08:33 AM

trabbic

02-27-07, 10:38 AM

lindend

02-27-07, 11:41 AM

I changed everything back in the display first and the box locked up, so I had to crash it and I lost a couple of recordings. I think that those recordings were done before the 9.29 upgrade, but I can't say for sure.

Trabbic,

Do you remember if any of the recordings were HD and how many minutes they were?

lindend

02-27-07, 11:51 AM

I am having a problem with the Pace box. When I am recording 2 shows, last night was Hereos and 24, both red recording lights were on. When I went to watch 24 it was not in the recording list. This happened last week with lost as well. It showed that it was recording, but it was not there. Then the next day it showed up on the list. Any ideas as to what could be causing this?

This version of the guide can get out of sync with the firmware when multiple recordings are done. If diagnostics shows that the recording exists, then at least you know the recording is present on your HDD and it will be viewable in the future.

The only for sure way I know to cure this immediately is to reboot (sometimes this requires multiple reboots) and the reboot will force the guide to synchronize its content listing with the actual content listing. Problem is before 9.29, a reboot can cause you to lose recording(s) so I'm not suggesting that anyone reboot in order to synchronize the listing.

Fortunately, this problem is significantly better with the next revision of the guide.

trabbic

02-27-07, 12:08 PM

Trabbic,

Do you remember if any of the recordings were HD and how many minutes they were?

Yes both recordings were HD. Star Trek: Enterprise is 60 minutes (not in listing until this morning, even after a reboot), Heroes, I recorded 63 minutes, to make sure we don't miss the end. (I think this was on tuner1).

We were watching a recorded show (also HD) and when we went to watch Heroes (while in the middle of recording) I noticed that Star Trek was not in the listing.

On another note, since we are talking about Star Trek on HD Net. I have HDCP communication problems with only this show. I have to turn off my TV and turn it back on when I am watching a recording of this show. Then it works fine. I have watched other HD net programing without problem, but this show gives me fits.

lindend

02-27-07, 12:23 PM

Yes both recordings were HD. Star Trek: Enterprise is 60 minutes (not in listing until this morning, even after a reboot), Heroes, I recorded 63 minutes, to make sure we don't miss the end. (I think this was on tuner1).

Are we talking about the same thing here? I thought you said those two recordings after the national outage were permanently gone and not present in the content listing?

On another note, since we are talking about Star Trek on HD Net. I have HDCP communication problems with only this show. I have to turn off my TV and turn it back on when I am watching a recording of this show. Then it works fine. I have watched other HD net programing without problem, but this show gives me fits.

When does Start Trek come on? Do you know what Copy Control Information (CCI) is associated with Star Trek when you record it? Is it copy freely?

trabbic

02-27-07, 12:34 PM

Are we talking about the same thing here? I thought you said those two recordings after the national outage were permanently gone and not present in the content listing?

Sorry for the confusion. I did loose a recording or two after the national outage, they were HD recordings (movies), not sure how long.

I also had last night the same problem as Morganna; where it was recording two shows (Heroes, and Star Trek), and Heroes was the only one that showed up in the DVR list. After the recording was finished, I rebooted the machine to see if I could restore the star Trek recording (because it was in the diag listing), and it did not show up. This morning when I checked it was there (in two pieces)

When does Start Trek come on? Do you know what Copy Control Information (CCI) is associated with Star Trek when you record it? Is it copy freely?

Star Trek comes on at different times:
Star Trek Showtimes (http://www.hd.net/program_search_results.html?keyword=Star%20Trek%3A%20Enterpr ise&whattosearch=title&refPage=series.html&searchType=literal)

I don't know the CCI for Star Trek, but I know that the lock icon is lit when I watch it. I will check and report back.

EDIT: it is CCI_Once. Also the recording is in one piece in the diags.

lefort

02-27-07, 09:45 PM

foleydc

02-27-07, 10:06 PM

I just had a three hour ordeal to get my box working again after the cable company messed it up. All I wanted to do was add the Shotime package and ended up with half my HD channels gone and 3 phone calls to tech support just to finally get my box working right again. No point in having a good box or software if the cable company is going to keep employing morons to screw it all up. That's the main reason I went to dish and the main one why I will eventually go back.

lindend

02-27-07, 10:55 PM

Lindend

I reformatted and still am getting macroblocking on HD recorded playback. My wife records a lot of stuff for the kids in SD and there seems to be not macroblocking issues with their programs. Also their SD stuff seems immune to magically dissapearing. Marcoblocking happens on both tunners. Any other advice?

I think the next couple of steps are:

1. See if it happens on time shift (i.e. pause at the beginning of the HD content, then watch the movie).

2. Rule out if there's macroblocking in the content. Only way to do this is to see if a friend can record the same content cleanly (may be a little tricky for you as you said earlier that you don't know anyone else with a DVR).

3. See if another machine in your house can record the content cleanly or if it also has macro-blocking issues.

If I remember right, someone else earlier on in the thread (BillKen?) had a similar issue that went away when his box was swapped out.

lindend

02-28-07, 08:59 AM

ANY progress on the Capture issue???

Wolf,,

I posted earlier and you may have missed it. Can you give us the specs on your PC?

Also, please us know what results you see when trying to capture:

1. HD content.
2. SD digital content
3. Music choice content.

Thanks.

BillKen

02-28-07, 10:39 AM

This is a general comment about upgrades and not specific to Armstrong or any other cable company nor is this really Pace specific.
....
So to net this out, I understand your anxiousness to be on the latest and greatest release, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes that you aren't aware of. Trust me, I've seen the emails, your cable companies are hearing the message that you want to upgrade. :) There is just more to the upgrade process than is public knowledge.
Just to verify what Linden said - I did speak with my friend at Armstrong yesterday and he told that there's no immediate plans to switch from firmware 9.21 and pretty much said what Linden did about there being a lot more to pushing a new firmware through than meets the eye.
I did however call customer support later on and requested that they get 9.29 pushed through soon and listed several of the issues with the Pace box that 9.29 apparently addresses. Who knows if it'll help but I'm sure if every Armstrong customer that's had issues with the box calls and tells them about it - it might.

wasylsmr

02-28-07, 02:55 PM

I am having an intermittent problem with this PACE DVR in relation to my TV and remote control. For no apparent reason, the remote stops being able to control the PACE box while the TV is turned on. I can be right in the middle of switching channels and the PACE box will just “freeze”. If I get a couple of inches away from the PACE DVR, I can eventually get it to turn one channel after pressing the button 8 -10 times. If the TV is powered off, (while the PACE DVR is in this "frozen" state) the remote is immediately able to control the PACE DVR again without problems. Once the TV is powered back on again, the problem returns.

Notes:
- I have found no regular patterns that might trigger this problem (i.e. time of day, usage, etc.)
- The TV is a Hewlett-Packard 37" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV, Model: LC3760N and never has had a problem with this remote control.
- I have reset and changed the remote controller codes for both the PACE DVR & the TV.
- The cable company (Armstrong) has replaced both the remote and the PACE box. Both times the unit worked for most of that day and then the problem returned.
- I have placed a piece of tape over the IR transmitter and receiver ports on the back of the PACE DVR

Does this sound like some type of IR interference/reflection problem?

Is there a PACE setting that I can check/change?

Any other thoughts/suggestions?

Thank-you.

lindend

02-28-07, 06:02 PM

Does this sound like some type of IR interference/reflection problem?

Yes.

Is there a PACE setting that I can check/change?

No.

Any other thoughts/suggestions?

Can you move the TV a little (i.e. put greater distance between it and the TDC775)?

Alaska Wolf

02-28-07, 07:05 PM

Any reason this would not work well with the Tahoe?

(Taken from ZipZoomFly)

Product Description Quantity UnitPrice ExtPrice
378903 Quantity Limit: 20
Vantec NexStar 3 NST-260SU-BK External 2.5in Hard Drive Enclosure (Black) Retail ***Free Shipping***
Remove $32.99 $32.99
101921 Quantity Limit: 20
Seagate Barracuda ES ST3750640NS 750GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200RPM Hard Drive w/16MB Buffer ***Free Shipping***
Remove $330.00 $330.00
For more information about tax, please click here. Subtotal: $362.99

wildrock

02-28-07, 07:18 PM

Alaska Wolf

02-28-07, 07:32 PM

If you're trying to put a 3.5" drive in a 2.5" case, you'll have a big problem. :rolleyes:

ARRRGH!

01921 Quantity Limit: 20
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Wolf

wildrock

02-28-07, 08:23 PM

ARRRGH!

01921 Quantity Limit: 20
Seagate Barracuda ES ST3750640NS 750GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s 7200RPM Hard Drive w/16MB Buffer ***Free Shipping***
Remove $330.00 $330.00
370895 Quantity Limit: 20
Vantec NexStar 3 NST-360SU-BL External 3.5in Hard Drive Enclosure (Blue) Retail ***Free Shipping***
Remove $37.99 $37.99
For more information about tax, please click here. Subtotal: $367.99

WolfOk, now that we got that straightened out, you need to get a case with an eSata port, not usb. I think pretty much any standard eSata case will do, as eSATA is just a sraight pin through to the drive, unless it's a multi interface case. And the Seagate should be fine.

Alaska Wolf

02-28-07, 09:01 PM

"Form and functionality collide with style in the NexStar 3 External SATA Hard Drive Enclosure from Vantec. With its mirror finish, sleek curves and bold colors, the Vantec NexStar 3 stands out from the crowd. The sturdy drive cage protects your hard drive while the aluminum case effectively draws away the heat, protecting your drive from overheating. The NexStar 3 features eSATA (external Serial ATA) and USB 2.0 interfaces offering speeds up to 3Gbps or 480Mbps respectively. This flexibility allows you to use your hard drive at its full performance where eSATA is available and still have the option of using USB where it's not. The NexStar 3 is an ideal way to store and transfer large amounts of data in an enclosure that matches your style! "

So it should be fine. I wish I could figure out how to get 1394 captures to work though!!!!!!

THAT is a much better solution for me.
Wolf

wildrock

02-28-07, 09:06 PM

That's good. I looked up the case on one site, and it only listed the usb. I'm not familiar with the VanTec.

trabbic

03-01-07, 09:26 AM

foleydc

03-01-07, 04:03 PM

Can you hook an external drive to a cable or sat box via USB, or is the transfer rate too slow to work effectively? I have mine hooked up via eSata, but was just wondering the difference.

lindend

03-01-07, 05:03 PM

lGentoo Linux and been failing at both. Linux keeps saying to press "Play" on the device

Simba7,

What application were you running under Gentoo that exhibited this behavior?

scanpa

03-01-07, 06:54 PM

Can you hook an external drive to a cable or sat box via USB, or is the transfer rate too slow to work effectively? I have mine hooked up via eSata, but was just wondering the difference.

eSata port only.

The USB port is for future applications that will allow use of a mouse or / and Keyboard and other input devices.

You can also use the USB port to power Fans and other Cooling devices that help to cool the STB.

Alaska Wolf

03-02-07, 05:08 AM

Wolf,,

I posted earlier and you may have missed it. Can you give us the specs on your PC?

Also, please us know what results you see when trying to capture:

1. HD content.
2. SD digital content
3. Music choice content.

Thanks.

Sorry I just saw this post. The forum interface has it's moments...

Lian-Li PC-86 USB

Enermax 431 FCA (W) With Active PFC
Asus P4T533-C
512 MB Kingston PC 1066@1136
P4 2.26@2.41 28.5C @idle
NEC 2510A DVDRW with modified firmware
Lite-On 48x CDRW
250GB Western Digital
ATI Radeon 9700 PRO
5Mbps Cable access
Sony CPD-540E/B Yes, it IS BLACK!
Sony SRS-150 speakers
Logitech Super Whizzbang MX-3200 Cordless Desktop
Cat warming device on monitor

I am gonna be real busy till Monday but WILL post the info you requested. And thanks!!!!

Wolf

wildrock

03-04-07, 02:43 AM

Hi Linden,

I've got a fairly new problem. Still at 9.26, but I haven't lost any recordings lately, even though I've had the going in to VOD digital video loss problem a few times (but without lockup). But the wierdest problem is that occasionally an HD recording will not play the audio track. Nor will it fast forward or pause. And if I stop the recording after a few minutes, and then start it again, it always starts form the beginning. I've had a few of these, but I thought the audio was a network problem so I just deleted them. But this one (King Kong), I tried a few other things, and discovered the problems I just described. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the recording was fine before I had the VOD glitch last night, and rebooted the box (normal reboot).

New problem on your radar? Or something you've seen? I'll hold on to this recording if you want some info on it.

lindend

03-04-07, 07:56 AM

Hi Linden,

New problem on your radar? Or something you've seen? I'll hold on to this recording if you want some info on it.

We've seen scattered reports of this problem. If/when it occurs, you won't have trick functionality. I do believe a fix for this issue is in a later firmware release.

You can safely delete the recording as once it occurs, there's nothing more to debug.

doobydolby

03-04-07, 01:33 PM

Linden,

I've browsed this entire thread and had a couple of questions.

1. Is the Tahoe compatible with HDMI switching devices built into A/V receivers?

2. What version of HDMI does the Tahoe utilize?

3. Can you set the Tahoe to output NATIVE resolution instead of fixed resolution?

Thanks.

lindend

03-04-07, 04:04 PM

1. Is the Tahoe compatible with HDMI switching devices built into A/V receivers?
2. What version of HDMI does the Tahoe utilize?
3. Can you set the Tahoe to output NATIVE resolution instead of fixed resolution?

1. It should be (assuming they are HDCP compliant).
2. 1.1.
3. Yes.

wasylsmr

03-05-07, 11:14 AM

Hyperioni

03-05-07, 08:57 PM

dvdmth

03-05-07, 09:04 PM

Ok, I finally got Armstrong to come out and hook up their HD service and even though I requested a Pace Tahoe, They brought out a Moto 6416. They said it was because the Tahoe doesn't have an analog tuner and my non HD locals are analog.... I thought I rememberd lindend asking someone if they're recording was analog or digital.... are they blowing smoke up my posterior?
There's no such thing as analog HD. All HD channels are digital by nature. Who told you that your HD locals were analog?

From what I read, the Tahoe has analog tuners, but the analog picture quality (supposedly) isn't as good as the 64xx Phase III boxes. I wouldn't know - I have neither box here (I have a Motorola 3416, which is all digital), although I am very interested in these Pace boxes (which is why I occasionally check this thread).

lindend

03-05-07, 10:12 PM

I thought I rememberd lindend asking someone if they're recording was analog or digital.... are they blowing smoke up my posterior?

While Tahoe is analog capable, some cable companies have chosen to deploy Tahoe only on their all digital networks. I believe most Armstrong sites are all digital, but from your description, your particular site has a couple of analog channels. Therefore, you aren't getting the intentional run around.

You may want to ask if/when an all digital channel map might be available in your area.

schaffer970

03-09-07, 10:09 AM

lindend, I just noticed something that I don't think is supposed to be happening. I have received two messages from my provider over the last two days (and they weren't for PPV boxing - yea!). I have the box off overnight when the messages come in and see the message icon. As soon as I turn on the box the message icon goes off. I don't know what would happen if the box was on and a message came in - would the icon come on? Anyway, it would seem to me that the message icon should stay on until you access the message whether the box is on or off. I have version .26.

scanpa

03-09-07, 12:17 PM

lindend

03-10-07, 07:24 PM

The Msg. Light is normaly also used as the RF bypass (mode on light) when the STB is in standby mode. This could be it.

Tahoe has a dedicated RF Bypass LED so that isn't the explantation.

I've never seen this reported before but I don't think this is expected behavior.

lindend

03-12-07, 10:14 PM

9.31 AVS Release Highlights

Disclaimer: These are highlights from the release notes with issues that are relevant to AVS users since 9.29.

1. Warm reset fix. This solves the problem where some Tahoe's got stuck with 0 on the front panel after a warm reset was attempted to cure the nationwide guide issue.

Note: Please don't ask me if site X is rolling or has rolled out 9.31. I can't comment on this. I also can't comment on whether or not you should request the update from your cable company.

Also note that there are two flavors of this release. One with the new guide and one with the older guide.

nh8556

03-13-07, 06:50 PM

Is there anywhere that we can get the full release notes?

dvdmth

03-13-07, 07:46 PM

Is there anywhere that we can get the full release notes?
I doubt it, unless some cable company decides to release details. I suspect some of the changes occur in areas that cannot be publicly discussed due to legal or other issues.

thatmonkey

03-13-07, 07:58 PM

Anyone else notice the link in the manual to request the source code?
From tdc775_manual.pdf:
"In compliance with the GPL and LGPL Pace makes the source code of the Linux software, libraries and associated utilities it uses, together with its modifications (if any), available to the public in source code form at "
URL DELETED
". You are free to use, modify and distribute the Linux software and any modifications as long as you comply with the terms of the GPL or LGPL referred to above."
I would have put the link here, but I am a troll so far.

lindend

03-13-07, 08:56 PM

Is there anywhere that we can get the full release notes?

No. The release notes are provided to your cable company. There's information in there that isn't intended for the general public.

I provide the highlights that I hope are useful to everyone here.

cypherstream

03-13-07, 10:25 PM

No. The release notes are provided to your cable company. There's information in there that isn't intended for the general public.

I provide the highlights that I hope are useful to everyone here.

Awe, come on, were not general public. You think the general public watches AVS forums all day talking techie and following topics regarding cable/dvr technology? Were elite, way more knowledgeable than the general public! The general public wouldn't care...... but everyone here does, and I think that stands out!

:-) Have a good evening!

BillKen

03-14-07, 11:07 AM

Hey Linden,

I just wanted to give you an update on the deal with the dropped VOD signal when using firmware 9.21 and a Samsung DLP tv with HDMI and Armstrong Cable.

I just helped a buddy install his new home theater and he got a Samsung HL-S5086W 50" DLP tv with 2 HDMI jacks (I have a HL-R5067W - older version with 1 HDMI). We set everything up using HDMI cables and all seemed well until he tried to use VOD. He's getting the exact same issue I was having before I swapped to component cables. He's also on Armstrong and we're both impatiently waiting for them to push 9.29 through. So now this issue has been replicated on 2 different Samsung DLP's - one newer and one older.

Anyway - have you heard of 9.29 (or 9.31 now I guess) actually fixing the dropped VOD issue over HDMI on the Samsung sets - or should we just get my buddy his component and audio cables now and ditch the HDMI until Armstrong sees fit to push one of the multiple firmware releases through that may (or may not) fix the issues their paying customers are having? (yes I'm very annoyed with Armstrong right now) ;)

schaffer970

03-14-07, 12:36 PM

Tahoe has a dedicated RF Bypass LED so that isn't the explantation.

I've never seen this reported before but I don't think this is expected behavior.
Got another message last night and looked to see what actually happens. Message light is on with the box off. Turn on the box on and the message light go off. Turn off the box and the message light comes back on. Turn on the box and the message light stays on. Looks like it goes off only on the first time turning on the box. I'm sure the engineers have figured this out but just wanted to update you on the actual behavior. And yes this is a really minor issue!

lindend

03-14-07, 02:38 PM

Hey Linden,

So now this issue has been replicated on 2 different Samsung DLP's - one newer and one older.

Thanks for the update. I've added it to our investigation notes.

Anyway - have you heard of 9.29 (or 9.31 now I guess) actually fixing the dropped VOD issue over HDMI on the Samsung sets

To my knowledge, 9.29 hasn't been deployed at a site where someone has reported this issue, so I can't say either way. However, I don't have a strong conviction that it will be fixed because as you know we never replicated the original issue.

- or should we just get my buddy his component and audio cables now and ditch the HDMI until Armstrong sees fit to push one of the multiple firmware releases through that may (or may not) fix the issues their paying customers are having? (yes I'm very annoyed with Armstrong right now) ;)

Until an updated release is available for him to try, I think component cables would be the best work around.

BillKen

03-15-07, 10:25 AM

Thanks Linden - my buddy just emailed me with what Armstrong supposedly did for his VOD issue. Does this sound like something that may work for mine?

Just to let you know, Armstrong was able to fix my VOD problem by sending a stronger signal and rebooting my Pace box remotely. I watched all of Poseidon last night without a glitch, so I won’t need the Component cables after all. I checked on the firmware version on my Pace box and it is version 9.21. I also explained to the tech person at Armstrong the problem you had, and she said she hadn’t heard of such a problem. It could be a difference in our TVs I guess. My VOD would consistently only last about 10 seconds and the screen would go black but there would be sound (no matter what video I selected). Maybe you want to try a different HDMI cable and call Armstrong?

fred k.

03-15-07, 02:47 PM

I am new.
Is there anyway I can see the channel number on the front display under the following scenario:
I am recording CHx and CHy simultaneously. I see 'REC' in the window, but have no information what channel is currently displayed on the TV.
If I am recording only 1 CH then I see the CH number used for display on the TV.

lindend

03-15-07, 05:05 PM

Armstrong was able to fix my VOD problem by sending a stronger signal and rebooting my Pace box remotely.

Increasing signal strength shouldn't make a difference. A reboot might help (similarly resetting the TV power might have helped your friend). It almost sounds as if your friend changed his HDMI cable. Is this the case? As I mentioned earlier, long HDMI cables have proven problematic with some manufacturer's displays (this issue is documented in the manual of the display if it has the issue).

fred k.

03-17-07, 01:46 AM

On 12/24/06 Linden wrote:
Its true that both Tahoe and the 6412 run TV Guide so the primary User Interface/User experience will, by definition, be very similar.

But Tahoe is by no means a clone. Here are a couple of significant (IMHO) software and hardware differences:

1. eSATA port is functional (as wildrock pointed out).
2. HDD spin down in standby (if you use it in your bedroom etc.).

So how do I implement HDD spindown?

lindend

03-17-07, 08:20 PM

So how do I implement HDD spindown?

Just go into standby (i.e. press the power button) and wait two minutes. The drive will automatically spin down.

You can tell if the drive has spun down if there is animation on your front panel display when you come out of standby.

Simba7

03-18-07, 04:33 AM

Lindend,

I can't remember what program I was using in Gentoo. Just about every program I would emerge said the same thing. It was getting severely annoying so I asked my wife to possibly get a Motorola box, but I'm not sure if we can.

I just wish it wasn't so damn complicated to get the Pace box to work properly with Firewire.

lindend

03-18-07, 08:46 AM

I just wish it wasn't so damn complicated to get the Pace box to work properly with Firewire.

What type of content did you try to record?

In our labs, with XP, CapDVHS seems stable with SD content, but doesn't work too well with HD and/or analog. As far as we can tell, we're feeding it a valid stream that works on DVHS and 1394 TVs, but it blows up anyway and since the source isn't available for the app, there's no way to know why.

Problem is, the app is several years old and judging from the comments on the AVS 1394 thread, it has stability issues with a number of set tops. Does anyone know if the author of this app has any patches and/or fixes?

a8vdeluxe

03-20-07, 09:43 AM

Threads seem to suggest we are screwed for capturing content to our pcs from firewire cable boxes. My CapDVHS says it's recording but playback is black with no sound. I'm usiing 3250 HD from time warner, and VLC for playback. VLC can no longer capture either. I can still record to DVHS, and transfer tape file to computer with no problems.

I filed a complaint wtih the FCC. The more we consolidtate the better chance we have for a solution. Here's link to FCC, and links to threads with same problems we are having.

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/arch...03695-p-15.html
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/show...40&page=4&pp=30

fred k.

03-20-07, 05:06 PM

Just go into standby (i.e. press the power button) and wait two minutes. The drive will automatically spin down.

You can tell if the drive has spun down if there is animation on your front panel display when you come out of standby.

Ok, I do not get the animation and I can hear the HDD spinning or is it a fan? I have Firmware 9.31 and S/W Ver 78.27-0515 in my TDC 775D.

Fred k.

lindend

03-20-07, 05:11 PM

I would advise placing the discrete power commands well outside the current scope. IE, HEX 4A for Power On, HEX 4B for Power Off(as long as engineering says these aren't reserved for another future application.

Jason,

Are there currently EFC codes defined for 0x4A and 0x4B? If so, do you know what they are?

lindend

03-21-07, 09:53 AM

Ok, I do not get the animation and I can hear the HDD spinning or is it a fan? I have Firmware 9.31 and S/W Ver 78.27-0515 in my TDC 775D.

Do you have Energy Save set to off in the Front Panel settings in the Power Menu. That will disable spin down.

dvdmth

03-21-07, 11:54 AM

Are there currently EFC codes defined for 0x4A and 0x4B? If so, do you know what they are?
Hex code 0x4A should (by my calculations) be EFC 160 (other possible values are 416, 672, and 928 ). Hex 0x4B should be EFC 156 (other possibilities are 412, 668, and 924).

An EFC (also called an Advanced Code) is an encrypted version of the Hex code that is actually submitted by the remote in IR. EFC's are used mainly to program a UEI remote in more advanced ways (such as the 30-second skip feature used with Motorola boxes). A 3-digit EFC is first ANDed with 255 (which is why more than one EFC can be used for the same Hex code, as listed above). An algorithm is then used to convert the EFC into a raw Hex code, which is then transmitted. The device responding to the remote does not see the EFC - it only sees the Hex transmission.

lindend

03-21-07, 02:36 PM

Hex code 0x4A should (by my calculations) be EFC 160 (other possible values are 416, 672, and 928 ). Hex 0x4B should be EFC 156 (other possibilities are 412, 668, and 924).

Dvdmth,

Thanks. EFC 160 and 156 work as you expected.

jake65

03-23-07, 12:54 PM

Lindend,

I just got my tahoe installed yesterday. It appears that every once in awhile when switching to an HD channel, I get a screen full of what appears to be analog white static (complete with white noise) then the channel appears? Is this normal?

lindend

03-23-07, 03:57 PM

It appears that every once in awhile when switching to an HD channel, I get a screen full of what appears to be analog white static (complete with white noise) then the channel appears? Is this normal?

Jake,

Are you using HDMI? If so, what monitor are you using?

jake65

03-24-07, 08:23 AM

Jake,

Are you using HDMI? If so, what monitor are you using?

I am using HDMI. My tv is a Magnavox 37" lcd.

by the way how large is the hard drives in the vegas and tahoe?

lindend

03-24-07, 08:19 PM

I am using HDMI.

This is not normal, but it can happen if there is an HDCP bug (either in Tahoe and/or the LCD). Do you know how to get into diagnostics? If so, I'd like to find out if HDCP is active in your area (what cable company are you with?). If not, I posted instructions earlier in this thread.

To get to the HDMI page, chose the interface page on the main diagnostics screen, then select HDMI. Let me know if you see that HDCP is on for the HD channel in question.

Also, please let me know if you see the lock icon on the front panel when you tune to the HD channel.

by the way how large is the hard drives in the vegas and tahoe?

Vegas: 80GB
Tahoe: 160GB

The eSATA port is active on Tahoe so you can attach larger drives if you wish.

jake65

03-24-07, 10:47 PM

This is not normal, but it can happen if there is an HDCP bug (either in Tahoe and/or the LCD). Do you know how to get into diagnostics? If so, I'd like to find out if HDCP is active in your area (what cable company are you with?). If not, I posted instructions earlier in this thread.

To get to the HDMI page, chose the interface page on the main diagnostics screen, then select HDMI. Let me know if you see that HDCP is on for the HD channel in question.

Also, please let me know if you see the lock icon on the front panel when you tune to the HD channel.

Vegas: 80GB
Tahoe: 160GB

The eSATA port is active on Tahoe so you can attach larger drives if you wish.

Yes HDCP Status is "Enabled" in the diag screen

The lock light does come on select channels, mostly my locals.

what do i expect to get out of 160GB about 112 hour sd / 30 hours HD?

addtnl question...what should my signal strentgh (SNR) be at coming into my house?

Thanks

lindend

03-24-07, 10:58 PM

Yes HDCP Status is "Enabled" in the diag screen

If you tune to an HD channel that doesn't have the lock icon on, do you see HDCP active in diags?

The lock light does come on select channels, mostly my locals.

Tune to one of the HD locals where the lock icon comes on, then go to diags.
Select current channel status. On the right hand side of the page, there are a number of DRM (Digital Rights Management) fields listed. Please let me know the values for CCI, RCD, APS, DRM etc..

what do i expect to get out of 160GB about 112 hour sd / 30 hours HD?

Its just an approximation, but you can find out the estimated space details on the DVR page in diagnostics (this page will update based on the capacity of your configuration).

addtnl question...what should my signal strentgh (SNR) be at coming into my house?

Your focus should be more on BER value and signal strength. Is there something in particular that your are concerned about?

jake65

03-25-07, 08:49 PM

If you tune to an HD channel that doesn't have the lock icon on, do you see HDCP active in diags?

Tune to one of the HD locals where the lock icon comes on, then go to diags.
Select current channel status. On the right hand side of the page, there are a number of DRM (Digital Rights Management) fields listed. Please let me know the values for CCI, RCD, APS, DRM etc..

Its just an approximation, but you can find out the estimated space details on the DVR page in diagnostics (this page will update based on the capacity of your configuration).

Your focus should be more on BER value and signal strength. Is there something in particular that your are concerned about?

you ask, "If you tune to an HD channel that doesn't have the lock icon on, do you see HDCP active in diags?" no it does not. it says disabled.

all values are at 0x00 for the requested locked station

another thing i can add to this problem is today when i turned on my tv (the box was on all day) I had a message on my screen that said, "lost HDCP connection re-establishing press OK" (or something similiar) I pressed OK. not much happened, i still had the channel tuned in.

for what its worth, my firmware version is 9.21

thanks! i just had the vegas installed on another TV too. I just wish it had a bigger HDD. I just got rid of my DISH510 DVR which had about 100 hrs of record time. I was researching my options on what to request from my cable provider for the install. I can say because your great support here, and what I have read about the tahoe in this forum...that is why I personally request these over the Moto's.

is there anyway to get a 30 second skip on these things? i think thats one of the only 2 things i miss about the 510. that and the extra 50 hours.

lindend

03-25-07, 10:25 PM

for what its worth, my firmware version is 9.21

Ok, this explains some things. There is a bug in 9.21 where HDCP will be activated if the broadcast flag (aka RCD or Redistribution Control Descriptor) is present in the content. If there are no issues with HDCP between Tahoe and your display, the bug will be invisible to you. However, if there is problem establishing HDCP, you could see video noise or other oddities when the broadcast flag is active.

Problem should be fixed in 9.31 (along with improved HDCP support).

i just had the vegas installed on another TV too. I just wish it had a bigger HDD.

Vegas also has an eSATA port. At this point, in the 9.18 firmware, the eSATA port is not active. You may want to monitor the Vegas thread for future release note announcements just in case this ever changes. ;)

I can say because your great support here, and what I have read about the tahoe in this forum...that is why I personally request these over the Moto's.

Thank you for your kind comments.

is there anyway to get a 30 second skip on these things? i think thats one of the only 2 things i miss about the 510. that and the extra 50 hours.

Not with the Guide in the 9.21 firmware (Tahoe). However, the new guide associated with 9.31 (Tahoe) has restored this functionality and the procedure to program the EFC for 30 second skip is identical to the MOT boxes.

In Comcast markets, the 9.18 firmware (Vegas) has the new Guide and the 30 skip functionality is present. Other cable markets have the older guide with the 9.18 (Vegas) firmware and it doesn't have the 30 skip functionality. Basically, when the new guide is available on either platform, 30 second skip will be restored.

wildrock

03-25-07, 11:09 PM

Linden, how do you tell the new Guide from the old guide? Great news about the 30 sec skip! Tired of the old FFF-rewind guesstimate. Looking forward to 9.3.1. Still having the "going to VOD w/digital tuner flakeout then reboot w/HD movie loss syndrome" every couple of weeks.

jake65

03-26-07, 09:03 AM

Ok, this explains some things. There is a bug in 9.21 where HDCP will be activated if the broadcast flag (aka RCD or Redistribution Control Descriptor) is present in the content. If there are no issues with HDCP between Tahoe and your display, the bug will be invisible to you. However, if there is problem establishing HDCP, you could see video noise or other oddities when the broadcast flag is active.

Problem should be fixed in 9.31 (along with improved HDCP support).

Vegas also has an eSATA port. At this point, in the 9.18 firmware, the eSATA port is not active. You may want to monitor the Vegas thread for future release note announcements just in case this ever changes. ;)

Thank you for your kind comments.

Not with the Guide in the 9.21 firmware (Tahoe). .

In Comcast markets, the 9.18 firmware (Vegas) has the new Guide and the 30 However, the new guide associated with 9.31 (Tahoe) has restored this functionality and the procedure to program the EFC for 30 second skip is identical to the MOT boxesskip functionality is present. Other cable markets have the older guide with the 9.18 (Vegas) firmware and it doesn't have the 30 skip functionality. Basically, when the new guide is available on either platform, 30 second skip will be restored.

Thanks again!,

I was just wondering how one goes about getting a firmware update? is it done automatically by the cable company??

you said, "However, the new guide associated with 9.31 (Tahoe) has restored this functionality and the procedure to program the EFC for 30 second skip is identical to the MOT boxes"

is this easy to do. can you tell me, or is this a searchable item? in the mean time i will look.

So what your saying is that i will just deal with the error message, and few seconds of video noise, until 9.31? No harm to my monitor?

cool thanks!