- Why there is no Menu on Composite in DTB-H260F? Is it a bandwidth limitation?
- Are there any devices allowing to convert 3-cable Component Out to 1 Composite Out? Will using such device with DTB-H260F allow to see Menus / Program Guide on analog CRT TV?
- Anyone knows the exact difference btw H260F and H261F?
- Is it possible to upgrade H260F firmware via its USB-2 port? Is such upgrade available?

- Why there is no Menu on Composite in DTB-H260F? Is it a bandwidth limitation?

It was Samsung's choice to not include the on screen menus via composite. Probably because they assumed most users would be utilizing the component or HDMI outs for a HD monitor, and using the composite outs for a VCR or DVD recorder, in which case you would not want on screen content displayed. For instance, if you had timers set, would you want to be recording the warning message that the channel is about to change?[/QUOTE]

- Are there any devices allowing to convert 3-cable Component Out to 1 Composite Out? Will using such device with DTB-H260F allow to see Menus / Program Guide on analog CRT TV?

There may be. But I'll be willing to bet a converter box would cost less.

- Anyone knows the exact difference btw H260F and H261F?

If I knew I would share. Does anyone own a 261? Can you even buy one?

- Is it possible to upgrade H260F firmware via its USB-2 port? Is such upgrade available?

No. I've called Samsung on this, and they made it very clear to me that they do not ever plan on releasing a software update.

What are people using to record content? Are there any easy solutions or do I need to get a Tivo and pay every month?

- On DTB-H260F its possible to see Program Guide in B/W 480i, if you connect Green Component Out to TV's Composite In. Should I use an A/B Video Switch or a simple RCA-to-2xRCA Adaptor to connect both Composite and Green Component Out from DTB-H260F to analog TV's Composite In via one cable?
- Can 3-wire RCA Cable pass 1080i HD signal to HDTV, or a 3-wire Component Cable is different from it - in what? Are connectors & Jack sizes identical, or can they be identical?

- On DTB-H260F its possible to see Program Guide in B/W 480i, if you connect Green Component Out to TV's Composite In. Should I use an A/B Video Switch or a simple RCA-to-2xRCA Adaptor to connect both Composite and Green Component Out from DTB-H260F to analog TV's Composite In via one cable?

I don't think mixing the signals would produce favorable results... but I've been wrong before. I guess you have to experiment.

- Can 3-wire RCA Cable pass 1080i HD signal to HDTV, or a 3-wire Component Cable is different from it - in what? Are connectors & Jack sizes identical, or can they be identical?

You can do that. I've done it on my TV, and I've done it on a friends 42" LCD, and both times the image looked fine. Connectors (RCA type) are the same on both type of cables. I believe the only difference between composite/L-audio/R-audio and component cables of same quality is the color of the ends.

What are people using to record content? Are there any easy solutions or do I need to get a Tivo and pay every month?

VCR or DVD recorder. But if you are going to pay for a DTB-H260F and then a decent recorder, you may as well get a DTV-Pal DVR so you can record in HD.

VCR or DVD recorder. But if you are going to pay for a DTB-H260F and then a decent recorder, you may as well get a DTV-Pal DVR so you can record in HD.
Well, that DTV-Pal DVR looks like what I've been looking for for years! I'll have to look closer at that.

- On DTB-H260F its possible to see Program Guide in B/W 480i, if you connect Green Component Out to TV's Composite In. Should I use an A/B Video Switch or a simple RCA-to-2xRCA Adaptor to connect both Composite and Green Component Out from DTB-H260F to analog TV's Composite In via one cable?
- Can 3-wire RCA Cable pass 1080i HD signal to HDTV, or a 3-wire Component Cable is different from it - in what? Are connectors & Jack sizes identical, or can they be identical?

Don't use a Y-adapter to connect two outputs because the driver circuits will compete with each other to set the output voltage, and that could cause damage.

If by "3-wire RCA Cable" you mean audio/video cable (with red, white and yellow connectors), it might work OK. Impedance matching is important for video signals, but not for (analog) audio; however, A/V cables of recent manufacture probably just use similar coaxial cable for all three parts and thus would be equivalent to 3-wire component video cable except for the connector colors. It won't hurt to try it and see how it looks.

Well, that DTV-Pal DVR looks like what I've been looking for for years! I'll have to look closer at that.Yes, do that. Make sure you read the threads on it here carefully before deciding.

There's a reason why TiVo costs more - you get what you pay for.

But if you are going to pay for a DTB-H260F and then a decent recorder...You wouldn't have a dependable way to change channels when recording from the Samsung anyway.

No - if done correctly, 2 antennas = twice the gain

What happens to the gain if the signals are not in phase?

- Is DTB-H260F running hot? Does it have an internal fan? What's its expected life span anyway?
- How long a store like BB would usually keep a demo tuner working before replacing it, and how long it can last after that?
- Does Samsung honor warranty, if unit purchased of EBay? I guess, they can find the warranty expire period from the unit's Serial number, if its sale receipt is not available;
- Can I record an HDTV Show via H260F Component Out into a PC, while watching it via the tuner's Composite Out on an CRT? What PC card would be best for HDTV recording, preferably with H264 encoding chip and HDMI or Component In?

What are people using to record content? Are there any easy solutions or do I need to get a Tivo and pay every month?
I have the H260F connected to my projector. I use a USB ATSC tuner on a computer and record to external hard disks. Playback on the computer or on a Western Digital TV Media Player connected to the projector.

- Is DTB-H260F running hot? Does it have an internal fan? What's its expected life span anyway?
- How long a store like BB would usually keep a demo tuner working before replacing it, and how long it can last after that?
How can anyone answer this? Look-if you buy it used...it's used!:confused:
- Does Samsung honor warranty, if purchased of EBay?
Of course not!:o
I guess, they can find the warranty expire period from the unit's Serial number, if its sale receipt is not available;
Look zamar-if you buy on eBay it's as-is, where-is, buyer beware!:)

If your that concerned, keep an eye out for a new one on eBay. I just bought one on Saturday without all the worries you describe.

I wonder, why some people try to answer questions, they have no idea of - just to look smart? They look just opposite. People visit this forum to get valuable specific information, not just lacking knowledge empty words one consider a common sense when it is not. Nobody asks here for common sense opinions, only for particular, often insider, expert or geek type information. If you don't know - let someone else to answer. Because not only you waste forum space, but also an expert may not notice important for many people questions after such empty posts, or may consider them already covered unless asked again.

I have the H260F connected to my projector. I use a USB ATSC tuner on a computer and record to external hard disks. Playback on the computer or on a Western Digital TV Media Player connected to the projector.
Thanks, R. Which USB tuner do you use, Pinnacle, Hauppage, ...? I tried the Pinnacle one a few years back but had no luck.

I wonder, why some people try to answer questions, they have no idea of - just to look smart? They look just opposite. People visit this forum to get valuable specific information, not just lacking knowledge empty words one consider a common sense when it is not. Nobody asks here for common sense opinions, only for particular, often insider, expert or geek type information. If you don't know - let someone else to answer. Because not only you waste forum space, but also an expert may not notice important for many people questions after such empty posts, or may consider them already covered unless asked again.

But he does make some good points. :)

In general, most anything on ebay or like sites will not have a mfr's warranty.

I don't know about Samsung but most mfr's will not honor warranties under a number of circumstances:
- not purchased NEW
- not purchased from an "authorized" reseller, NEW or not
- item not intended for US distribution (or whatever region you are in)

Some mfr's don't care and will honor any warranty on any product as long as:
- item never registered before
- item never been in for service before

I know of several people who purchased KNOWN brand new factory sealed and US market items from both ebay and even online retailers (not Samsung products) and the warranties were not honored by the mfr cuz they were not purchased from an "authorized" reseller.

One of the tricks to getting around this is to register your item with the mfr and list it as "gift" when they ask which retailer you purchased it from. Again, some mfr's accept this while others will not.

That's the price we pay for saving $$$$ using such sites. ;)

Samsung DTB-H260F owners: is the Receiver running hot when tuning an HDTV Channel or outputting SD and HD at the same time? Does it have an internal fan (you can hear it)? Any problems with recording its Component output to a PC?

zamar, I had a Sammy 260 at one time so take my comments as you wish.

1. Mine did not run hot. Maybe a little warm but nothing to worry about in regards to product life. I tuned HD channels all the time and outputted both SD and HD at the same time.
2. No internal fan.
3. I didn't record via component but did experiment running component to my TV and it worked fine.
4. Sounds like toby10 covered warranties pretty well.
5. The Sammy box is about the most expensive of it's type and IMO it shows, IOW it's a good product.

I haven't read this whole thread but I haven't really seen many problems related to constant use. Just guessing but sometimes it seems if a product is going to fail it does so early on and once past that point it just keeps chugging along. I understand your concern but IMO with something like a converter box I wouldn't worry so much about use as I would with something mechanical like a DVD player or VCR.

Thanks jjeff. I know that SA HD Cable boxes are running pretty hot despite having a noisy fan, and their proper ventilation is a major concern for SA. Same is true for some popular HD FTA Sat boxes: Sonicview recently added a fan to its HD box to cut warranty costs. Your observation sounds surprising: there shouldn't be such a big difference btw boxes of the same generation, as chip voltages are the same. Unless real time signal decryption requires a lot more juice. So my concern is: if a demo Receiver runs 12/7 in a store for 6 month, and then goes on EBay due to the Chain's policy, what's it expected life span going to be? I know, some companies like HP and Apple honor warranty based on serial number. It would be nice to clarify, if Samsung does.

Thanks jjeff. I know that SA HD Cable boxes are running pretty hot despite having a noisy fan, and their proper ventilation is a major concern for SA. Same is true for some popular HD FTA Sat boxes: Sonicview recently added a fan to its HD box to cut warranty costs. Your observation sounds surprising: there shouldn't be such a big difference btw boxes of the same generation, as chip voltages are the same. Unless real time signal decryption requires a lot more juice. So my concern was: if a demo Receiver runs 12/7 in a store for 6 month, and then goes on EBay due based on the Chain policy, what its expected life span is going to be? I know, some companies like HP and Apple honor warranty based on serial number. It would be nice to clarify, if Samsung does.

I'd contact Samsung on the warranty issue.

Thanks, R. Which USB tuner do you use, Pinnacle, Hauppage, ...? I tried the Pinnacle one a few years back but had no luck.
I have a Hauppauge 950, about a year old. I get pretty good reception on the PBS station (which is the one I mostly care about). Reception on most other stations leaves something to be desired. I'd upgrade if better models came out. BTW, I read in November that the Pinnacle PCTV operation was being sold to Hauppauge.

Has anyone ever figured out the cause and a solution to the problem of having this unit spontaneously add and/or lose channels?

Thanks jjeff. I know that SA HD Cable boxes are running pretty hot despite having a noisy fan, and their proper ventilation is a major concern for SA. Same is true for some popular HD FTA Sat boxes: Sonicview recently added a fan to its HD box to cut warranty costs. Your observation sounds surprising: there shouldn't be such a big difference btw boxes of the same generation, as chip voltages are the same. Unless real time signal decryption requires a lot more juice. So my concern is: if a demo Receiver runs 12/7 in a store for 6 month, and then goes on EBay due to the Chain's policy, what's it expected life span going to be? I know, some companies like HP and Apple honor warranty based on serial number. It would be nice to clarify, if Samsung does.

Are the SA boxes you're talking about DVRs? That could sure explain why they run hot. If not it must be a ventilation issue. I've tried several CECBs and they can very quite a bit in how warm they get. A DS box ran very warm(plastic case and very few holes), my CMs run just warm and my Zenith runs cool. I think ventilation/design has a big thing to do with it. The Sammy has a nice metal case and plenty of ventilation holes so it doesn't run that warm.

Has anyone ever figured out the cause and a solution to the problem of having this unit spontaneously add and/or lose channels?

If a station adds a subchannel, or takes one away, that would be one reason. I've never heard of or experienced it happening any other way.

Has anyone ever figured out the cause and a solution to the problem of having this unit spontaneously add and/or lose channels?

Mind happen one time lost all channels and have to rescan. And last night I lost some channels for like a minute or so and came right back. The signal was good when it happen. So I didn't think it was a big deal, As long as it work.

Hi,

I just bought the Samsung HDTV Tuner DTB-H260F from Best Buy. When I set the local time, I have the Daylight Saving Time set to Yes. I live in Houston and I set the time zone to Central, but the local time always show one hour ahead of the actual time.

Is this a bug within this unit?

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

Also can this unit firmware can be update by the end-user using the USB port in the back and where can I get the firmware update ?

Thank you in advance

Hi,

I just bought the Samsung HDTV Tuner DTB-H260F from Best Buy. When I set the local time, I have the Daylight Saving Time set to Yes. I live in Houston and I set the time zone to Central, but the local time always show one hour ahead of the actual time.

Is this a bug within this unit?

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

Also can this unit firmware can be update by the end-user using the USB port in the back and where can I get the firmware update ?

Thank you in advance

There is no consumer up-datable FW upgrade available. You could check your units build date which I'd guess is the latest based on your recent purchase.

Hi,

I just bought the Samsung HDTV Tuner DTB-H260F from Best Buy. When I set the local time, I have the Daylight Saving Time set to Yes. I live in Houston and I set the time zone to Central, but the local time always show one hour ahead of the actual time.

Is this a bug within this unit?

Anyone else experiencing this problem?

Also can this unit firmware can be update by the end-user using the USB port in the back and where can I get the firmware update ?

Thank you in advance

Turn off the DST until DST starts.
Not a bug.
Samsung has not released any FW Updates.

If a station adds a subchannel, or takes one away, that would be one reason. I've never heard of or experienced it happening any other way.

It happens all the time to me. If I flip thru the channels too fast that seems to cause it. It also happens spontaneously. It drops channels I've set and adds cheannels I've deleted. Does anyone know why or what to do to stop it?

It happens all the time to me. If I flip thru the channels too fast that seems to cause it. It also happens spontaneously. It drops channels I've set and adds cheannels I've deleted. Does anyone know why or what to do to stop it?

Mine has never actually added or deleted a ch, but every now and then it puts ch's into my "favorites" that I specifically excluded from "favorites".
But never the other way (removing ch's from favorites).

Why? Not a clue! :p

I have one of these already I been looking for an extra to hook up to my PVR anyone know where the best place to pick one of these up for the cheapest is. Any idea or links are greatly appreciated.

I got one from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. They were the cheapest and had them in stock unlike other places.

I got it for the receiverless HDTV in my bedroom. Since there's a refrigerator on the other side of the wall between it and the stations, I had to put the antenna on the floor. Now it works great.

I got one from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. They were the cheapest and had them in stock unlike other places.

I got it for the receiverless HDTV in my bedroom. Since there's a refrigerator on the other side of the wall between it and the stations, I had to put the antenna on the floor. Now it works great.

Ya I checked Amazon all they have is used for the same price I can get a new one for so kind of a bust there. I remember when they first came out I got one from Circuit City for $130. Now I can't get one for under $150.

Ya I checked Amazon all they have is used for the same price I can get a new one for so kind of a bust there. I remember when they first came out I got one from Circuit City for $130. Now I can't get one for under $150.

*IF* you can find one at a CC store it may well be 50% off now. ;)

*IF* you can find one at a CC store it may well be 50% off now. ;)

50% off what? The real MSRP or the liquidators inflated MSRP?:rolleyes::)

You can take your chances on Ebay, sometimes there's reasonable deals on DTB-H260F's.

Ya I checked Amazon all they have is used for the same price I can get a new one for so kind of a bust there. I remember when they first came out I got one from Circuit City for $130. Now I can't get one for under $150.

Are they still making them? The places that were selling them for $130 were all out. I saw prices up to $180 so I thought I'd live with $150 from someone who actually had them in stock.

I figure HD ATSC receivers are on their way out since all HDTV's made recently have receivers and those who have the ones without wouldn't have waited this long to get one (like I did).

50% off what? The real MSRP or the liquidators inflated MSRP?:rolleyes::)

You can take your chances on Ebay, sometimes there's reasonable deals on DTB-H260F's.

Dunno. :D

But at full MSRP of $179 you might be able to pick one up for $90. I know many are buying up another popular product at CC closing sales as mentioned in another forum. The MSRP is being used as the base price, but you have to watch the final sale figures at the checkout as the % off can deviate from the listed % off on the sign.

Bring a calculator. ;)

Are they still making them? The places that were selling them for $130 were all out. I saw prices up to $180 so I thought I'd live with $150 from someone who actually had them in stock.

I figure HD ATSC receivers are on their way out since all HDTV's made recently have receivers and those who have the ones without wouldn't have waited this long to get one (like I did).

The need for such boxes has always been a niche market with very few mfr's making very few models to choose from. But the reasons for needing or wanting these boxes is far more varied than just not having a DTV OTA tuner in the TV.

If all you want is OTA HD and you have an ATSC tuner in your tv then you do not "need" it. But there are other advantages to having a STB Digital HD tuner, if you need/desire these benefits:

- Some TV's do not have any tuners (like HD Monitors or projectors)
- Selectable Resolution Output to better match TV's native resolution
- Better OTA reception (varies)
- QAM tuner
- SD output to DVR
- Digital Audio (surround DD 5.1 & PLII) to your AVR
- TV lacking digital audio output to AVR (surround)
- STB location convenience: if your tv and AV gear are not right next to each other (even if your TV has digital audio output) it may not be easy to run audio back to your AVR from your TV. This comes in very handy if your AV gear is on one wall and your TV is on another wall. All AV inputs (cable, sat, OTA, DVD player, VCR, DVR, gaming console, etc...) can all be connected to a single AVR then run ONE set of cables to TV (component or HDMI).

*IF* you can find one at a CC store it may well be 50% off now. ;)Yeah - maybe you can get one of those hollowed out, "fake" display models. ;)

Yeah - maybe you can get one of those hollowed out, "fake" display models. ;)

Uh huh. :D

But there are other advantages to having a STB Digital HD tuner, if you need/desire these benefits:

- Some TV's do not have any tuners (like HD Monitors or projectors)
- Selectable Resolution Output to better match TV's native resolution
- Better OTA reception (varies)
- QAM tuner
- SD output to DVR
- Digital Audio (surround DD 5.1 & PLII) to your AVR
- TV lacking digital audio output to AVR (surround)
- STB location convenience: if your tv and AV gear are not right next to each other (even if your TV has digital audio output) it may not be easy to run audio back to your AVR from your TV. This comes in very handy if your AV gear is on one wall and your TV is on another wall. All AV inputs (cable, sat, OTA, DVD player, VCR, DVR, gaming console, etc...) can all be connected to a single AVR then run ONE set of cables to TV (component or HDMI).

Another use is as a 2nd HD tuner for a TV with a built in ATSC tuner for Picture-In-Picture function with the same or different antenna source.

-ML

The need for such boxes has always been a niche market with very few mfr's making very few models to choose from. But the reasons for needing or wanting these boxes is far more varied than just not having a DTV OTA tuner in the TV.

If all you want is OTA HD and you have an ATSC tuner in your tv then you do not "need" it. But there are other advantages to having a STB Digital HD tuner, if you need/desire these benefits:

- Some TV's do not have any tuners (like HD Monitors or projectors)
- Selectable Resolution Output to better match TV's native resolution
- Better OTA reception (varies)
- QAM tuner
- SD output to DVR
- Digital Audio (surround DD 5.1 & PLII) to your AVR
- TV lacking digital audio output to AVR (surround)
- STB location convenience: if your tv and AV gear are not right next to each other (even if your TV has digital audio output) it may not be easy to run audio back to your AVR from your TV. This comes in very handy if your AV gear is on one wall and your TV is on another wall. All AV inputs (cable, sat, OTA, DVD player, VCR, DVR, gaming console, etc...) can all be connected to a single AVR then run ONE set of cables to TV (component or HDMI).


Agreed what you said above and I have a 32" Polarid LCD with a Picture in Picture display and dual tuner NSTC and ASTC but I use the 260 as a 2nd HD tuner and I use a 2nd antenna hook to the 260, so I don't have to do rescan all the time as I have 2 different station use same DT RF 19 and they cancel out each other.

Willie

Yeah - maybe you can get one of those hollowed out, "fake" display models. ;)

No those have a sign next to it that say it "Not for sale it is vendor owned" :D
How the CL store doing I have been to Racine store it getting preety clean out.

Willie

The CC here? They went out with the first wave of closings.

Agreed what you said above and I have a 32" Polarid LCD with a Picture in Picture display and dual tuner NSTC and ASTC but I use the 260 as a 2nd HD tuner and I use a 2nd antenna hook to the 260, so I don't have to do rescan all the time as I have 2 different station use same DT RF 19 and they cancel out each other.

Willie

mlmahon, Willie: Thanks, I shall add those to the list. :D

The CC here? They went out with the first wave of closings.

Yeah, same here. The liquidators concentrate remaining stock into the better performing stores and regions to squeeze out as much $$$ as they can.

mlmahon, Willie: Thanks, I shall add those to the list. :D
Just remember...Think outside the BOX.:D

Yeah, same here. The liquidators concentrate remaining stock into the better performing stores and regions to squeeze out as much $$$ as they can.Ah, so that would explain why they didn't have anything worth a damn in this store other than well-worn floor models when they were clearing it out.

Ah, so that would explain why they didn't have anything worth a damn in this store other than well-worn floor models when they were clearing it out.

Yup. With another popular product discussed on another forum some stores have no stock at all while other locations have tons of product.

Our CC stores in this region were picked clean before mid January.

Ah, so that would explain why they didn't have anything worth a damn in this store other than well-worn floor models when they were clearing it out.

I didn't know that CL was on the chopping block on 1 st round . After they shut all the store down last month then reopen to liquidate stock I see it was still CC people there and The one in Racine was still open as of last week and the one in Brookfield, WI store was still open yet which I think I am going over there today and see if they still have Samsung H260F at good price and the brand new store under construction in Kenosha well guess they won't be opening soon as there is a sign out front that say comming soon.

Willie

Do owners of the Samsung DTB-H260F ATSC tuner, like it or hate it? There are so many pages to this thread, I don't know where to start. I have a Winegard HD 7084P on a rotor. I canceled the ole' satellite so when I send the box back I'm gonna need a tuner.

It's decent. My only real gripe is that you have to manually adjust aspect ratios. If your display doesn't do Component (720P / 1080i) or HDMI , you will not be able to see the menues on the composite / s-video outputs. In that case , you would be better off with a $60 CECB.

In our house the DTB-H260F is the preferred tuner. It does output on-screen menus via component only, but that includes the 480i setting. So if your older analog TV has component, you will be able to enjoy a clearer picture than any of the CECB's.
The main gripe I've seen about this box is that when a 4:3 image is being broadcast in HD (16:9 format), there is no good setting to make the image fill a 4:3 screen. If you have a 16:9 screen, this is less of an issue.
If you have a HDTV without an ATSC tuner, then this is pretty much the only box to buy.
A little mentioned feature of the 260 is the event timer in the guide. While basic, it can be set to change channels when a show comes on, just by clicking on the show in the guide.

Do owners of the Samsung DTB-H260F ATSC tuner, like it or hate it? There are so many pages to this thread, I don't know where to start. I have a Winegard HD 7084P on a rotor. I canceled the ole' satellite so when I send the box back I'm gonna need a tuner.
The aspect issue isn't that big of a thing...it comes into play mostly on the digital sub-channels where the broadcaster may be broadcasting a stretched signal. There are a few details that could be different about the design, but all in all it is a pretty good (fairly sensitive) receiver.

What Scooper said about it being necessary to have a HDMI or component connection to be able to use the menus is correct. Being as you state you will need a receiver I'm guessing you're using a display panel with some decent connectivity. I'm using a Pannsonic 9uk pro panel and running the 260 receiver via component...it works fine. It's channel scanning isn't the greatest in that once you scan for channels to add another channel you have to manually enter it or either do another complete scan....subsequent scans erase earlier scans.

My 260 has been up and running for a bit over two years now with no problems to speak of.

Another option is to find an older, surplus Samsung HD satellite receiver with OTA capabilities...most will have either DVI and component connections. The SIR-TS360 is a good one with DVI and component connections. A later model is the TS451...which can de-code channels in the clear on cable. Both of these have pretty good hd receivers (thought I think the 260 is a bit hotter of a receiver) With any of these satellite receivers be sure it has (or you have access to) the access card...without it you may not be able to set up OTA reception. One other point is that the 260 does not receive analog signals...the satellite receivers do. Used satellite receivers will run 1/2 to 2/3 the price of a 260.

Best wishes,
Ed

PS... DUH, just realized that you may very well be needing a tuner because of the digital transition. If your television is a standard 4:3 CRT or whatever with s-video or less, then the 260 won't really give you your money's worth...you would indeed be better off with a CECB just as Scooper suggested. Some of these boxes might just have a newer (more sensitive) receiver, too. I could've went in and deleted what I wrote about the connectivity but figured it might help somebody else.

Having said all of that...any of these boxes will pretty much work with a standard definition or HD television.

I've got a Mitsubishi 55413 (RPTV). It's older but I've had it ISF calibrated 3 years running so I'm not ready to part with it. I've just been using the Dish Network VIP211 but now that I've canceled Dish...I've got to send it back to them. So when i send it back...no more HD until I get another tuner. I just didn't know if the Samsung (if I can find one) is better than the Winegard unit or maybe a Coby unit?

I've got a Mitsubishi 55413 (RPTV). It's older but I've had it ISF calibrated 3 years running so I'm not ready to part with it. I've just been using the Dish Network VIP211 but now that I've canceled Dish...I've got to send it back to them. So when i send it back...no more HD until I get another tuner. I just didn't know if the Samsung (if I can find one) is better than the Winegard unit or maybe a Coby unit?

I would get the Samsung unit if I remember right the Wingard don't have HDMI output. I use the Samsung as 2nd tuner as I have Picture in Picture TV set and I also use Samsung to tune to different market as I have 4 market and I am lucky as I am in middle of X. So if you do get a newer TV set in futrue and you will have multi video input and use the Samsung as 2nd tuner.

Willie

Douglas-b - like Intheswamp said - what really matters is WHAT display are you feeding from the ATSC tuner ? If it is an HDTV - there probably isn't anything better available. If you have a regular NTSC TV without component video inputs - I'd suggest one of the CECBs - seriously. You really can't go wrong with any of them, since they all have to have a minimal level of features. Depending - yes, some of them WILL have a better tuner than the Samsung.

... It's channel scanning isn't the greatest in that once you scan for channels to add another channel you have to manually enter it or either do another complete scan....subsequent scans erase earlier scans.

Not so. It is possible to do a partial or bracket scan without erasing previous channels. See my post #2843 on page 95 of this thread for the explanation/procedure.:) (One of the many undocumented features in this tuner.)

I've got a Mitsubishi 55413 (RPTV). It's older but I've had it ISF calibrated 3 years running so I'm not ready to part with it. I've just been using the Dish Network VIP211 but now that I've canceled Dish...I've got to send it back to them. So when i send it back...no more HD until I get another tuner. I just didn't know if the Samsung (if I can find one) is better than the Winegard unit or maybe a Coby unit?

Yes -I'd definately suggest the Samsung in this case. And you're covered with component as well as the HDMI output. You also have TOSLINK Dolby Digital audio output on the Samsung as well if you have an A/V receiver.

Not so. It is possible to do a partial or bracket scan without erasing previous channels. See my post #2843 of this thread for the explanation/procedure.:)

I 2nd that, I have done that many times it great so that I can move the antenna and add chanel and not loose all other channels when I move the antenna back to get the other scaned channels.

Willie

Not so. It is possible to do a partial or bracket scan without erasing previous channels. See my post #2843 of this thread for the explanation/procedure.:)

Yea, I was a bit worried about that because I would have to scan at different directions with the rotor. Didn't really want it to erase channels every time.

That is..if I can find one. They must be in high demand.

Shrinking market - most new TVs come with adequate ATSC HDTV tuners . Don't be afraid to go online to get one. I would suggest a new one WITH remote , as it's useless without one.

That is..if I can find one. They must be in high demand.

Your local Best Buy should carry them. You won't regret it.


Willie

Not so. It is possible to do a partial or bracket scan without erasing previous channels. See my post #2843 on page 95 of this thread for the explanation/procedure.:) (One of the many undocumented features in this tuner.)
<chuckle> Well, I have actually done that in the past...by accident when I'd bump the scan button a second time when starting the scan...it'd result in a very short scan but still show the channels that had been scanned in previously. I never tried pursuing that "feature". I presume one could scan all the channels but one, interrupt the scan, and still have your previously scanned channels plus any new ones...in other words, I'm taking it that you can scan all channels but one and still preserve your earlier channels...correct?

Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Ed

<chuckle> Well, I have actually done that in the past...by accident when I'd bump the scan button a second time when starting the scan...it'd result in a very short scan but still show the channels that had been scanned in previously. I never tried pursuing that "feature". I presume one could scan all the channels but one, interrupt the scan, and still have your previously scanned channels plus any new ones...in other words, I'm taking it that you can scan all channels but one and still preserve your earlier channels...correct?

Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Ed
No, the channel list will be changed to add those channels detected and delete any listed but not detected in the bracket scan channel range.

You're Welcome.

-ML

Just so people know...this was a email responce from Best Buy-


"I'd like to apologize if it appears that we have the Samsung DTB-H260F available as I can understand this would be frustrating. We don't currently offer that model Samsung tuner online or in our stores."

Just so people know...this was a email responce from Best Buy-


"I'd like to apologize if it appears that we have the Samsung DTB-H260F available as I can understand this would be frustrating. We don't currently offer that model Samsung tuner online or in our stores."

I'm pretty sure the H260f has been discontinued with no known plans of a replacement from Samsung.
I'm sure some retailers probably still have some stock out there.

For those of you worried about the channel scanning and loosing your previous scanned channels, I don't think it is a big deal. If you use a rotor, aim your antenna where you will pick up the most channels, then scan for the channels. Then rotate the antenna to another direction and manually punch in the virtual channel number. Once it locks in on a signal it will automatically add that channel to the channel line up.

I have owned the H260f now for ~2 years now and love it. I am picking up stations that are 64 miles away with an omni-directional antenna (didn't want to use a rotor) from Radio Shack. I'm also in a multi-path area, and it does a great job with locking in on a signal with only 1 to 2 bars of strength.

My only complain is that the guide is slow for displaying the info. But if you flip through all the channels first really quick, and then hit the guide button, it displays the info a lot faster.

Just my $0.02 worth

For those of you worried about the channel scanning and loosing your previous scanned channels, I don't think it is a big deal. If you use a rotor, aim your antenna where you will pick up the most channels, then scan for the channels. Then rotate the antenna to another direction and manually punch in the virtual channel number. Once it locks in on a signal it will automatically add that channel to the channel line up.

I have owned the H260f now for ~2 years now and love it. I am picking up stations that are 64 miles away with an omni-directional antenna (didn't want to use a rotor) from Radio Shack. I'm also in a multi-path area, and it does a great job with locking in on a signal with only 1 to 2 bars of strength.

My only complain is that the guide is slow for displaying the info. But if you flip through all the channels first really quick, and then hit the guide button, it displays the info a lot faster.

Just my $0.02 worth

I'd echo the above - but when adding channels - punch in the REAL RF channel - not the virtual channel. After it's added, then you use the virtual channel.

Scooper, thanks for the correction on that. I got the two mixed up.

The RF channels and virtual channels get a little confusing at times. For those of you new to the digital OTA reception, I'll try to explain it. Someone may have to correct me on my explanation.

For analog channels, the RF and virtual frequencies are the same. But for the digital channels, the RF frequency is different. I believe they are different because the analog channel does not have enough bandwidth to carry both signals (analog and digital/HD). So they assign the digital channel to a different RF frequency/channel. For instance, channel 15 broadcast in analog and digital/HD. The assigned analog frequency is 15 and the assigned digital frequency is 19.

The H260f knows this info. It will only pick up digital channels. So when I punch in 19, it will lock in on that signal and automatically remap the channel to 15-1 and save it in the channel line-up as channel 15.

Scooper, thanks for the correction on that. I got the two mixed up.

The RF channels and virtual channels get a little confusing at times. For those of you new to the digital OTA reception, I'll try to explain it. Someone may have to correct me on my explanation.

For analog channels, the RF and virtual frequencies are the same. But for the digital channels, the RF frequency is different. I believe they are different because the analog channel does not have enough bandwidth to carry both signals (analog and digital/HD). So they assign the digital channel to a different RF frequency/channel. For instance, channel 15 broadcast in analog and digital/HD. The assigned analog frequency is 15 and the assigned digital frequency is 19.

The H260f knows this info. It will only pick up digital channels. So when I punch in 19, it will lock in on that signal and automatically remap the channel to 15-1 and save it in the channel line-up as channel 15.

That sounds right to me it is like that here locally for one of my stations I have to type in 19 to initially get the digital station 17-1 once it is locked though it adds it as the 17-1 and I don't lose anything that way. You can check lots of websites list the information and the correct numbers to type in and what stations they correspond to.

Hi,

My sister has a Sony KD27FS170 television with Channel Master 3671 antenna, Channel Master 7777 pre-amp, Channel Master antenna rotator, and an Antennas Direct 20 db variable attenuator. The antenna is mounted on the chimney; not sure how high it is; maybe 20-40 feet. There is one tall pecan tree beside her house. She is in Wilson NC. She has another TV in her bedroom with a converter box and an amplified antenna and it gets better reception in some ways; WRAL is rock solid w/the converter box, but the Sony has difficulty especially since WRAL went to their temporary antenna. When conditions are right, the Sony can get 12 from New Bern, but it is tough to get WRAL, WNCT and PBS consistently in the same antenna position. One day WRAL will be coming in strong in a certain antenna postion, the next it seems the antenna has to be moved quite a bit to pick it up. I was wondering if it would be possible to use the Samsung unit with this TV (or even a converter box) and if so would that improve the reception? I understand the boxes have the latest Tuner and the TV doesn't but my sister is beginning to think the TV is a piece of junk. Any input appreciated.

I would suggest either a Channel Master CM-7000 or Zenith DTT-901 CECB. The CM has the benefit of a better picture quality from it's S-video output and personally I'd give a very small nod to it's better reception too. The Zenith is much easier to find B&M and is slightly more refined/polished.
Either one is eligible for the $40 government coupon and should run less than $20 after coupon. Both are the newest generation tuners, oh and the CM has a much better guide than the next/now of the Zenith if that matters to her.
Neither of the boxes I mentioned are HD like the Sammy but they will both tune HD channels and should look quite good on her TV.

Hi,

My sister has a Sony KD27FS170 television with Channel Master 3671 antenna, Channel Master 7777 pre-amp, Channel Master antenna rotator, and an Antennas Direct 20 db variable attenuator. The antenna is mounted on the chimney; not sure how high it is; maybe 20-40 feet. There is one tall pecan tree beside her house. She is in Wilson NC. She has another TV in her bedroom with a converter box and an amplified antenna and it gets better reception in some ways; WRAL is rock solid w/the converter box, but the Sony has difficulty especially since WRAL went to their temporary antenna. When conditions are right, the Sony can get 12 from New Bern, but it is tough to get WRAL, WNCT and PBS consistently in the same antenna position. One day WRAL will be coming in strong in a certain antenna postion, the next it seems the antenna has to be moved quite a bit to pick it up. I was wondering if it would be possible to use the Samsung unit with this TV (or even a converter box) and if so would that improve the reception? I understand the boxes have the latest Tuner and the TV doesn't but my sister is beginning to think the TV is a piece of junk. Any input appreciated.

Have you tried the existing converter box on the Sony TV with the permanent antenna? The poor reception may be an issue of the antenna set-up, which may be causing reception issues for the Sony TV.

Whidbey, the Sony has a built-in digital tuner; it doesn't have a converter box.

Whidbey, the Sony has a built-in digital tuner; it doesn't have a converter box.

I know. I was trying to suggest eliminating the Sony tuner as the source of the reception problems.

Thanks, I just misunderstood your post.

I would suggest either a Channel Master CM-7000 or Zenith DTT-901 CECB. The CM has the benefit of a better picture quality from it's S-video output and personally I'd give a very small nod to it's better reception too. The Zenith is much easier to find B&M and is slightly more refined/polished.
Either one is eligible for the $40 government coupon and should run less than $20 after coupon. Both are the newest generation tuners, oh and the CM has a much better guide than the next/now of the Zenith if that matters to her.
Neither of the boxes I mentioned are HD like the Sammy but they will both tune HD channels and should look quite good on her TV.Uh, this is an HDTV forum, we don't recommend converter boxes for HDTV use.

In all likelyhood, it's an antenna issue.

Sorry if I was off topic; the TV is SD.

Sorry if I was off topic; the TV is SD.

The H260f is not recommended for SD 4:3 use. Unless you have an HD 16:9 tv/monitor/projector the H260f would be overkill in most any other applications.

Probably best to get a CECB DTV Coupon box in your case. ;)

Hi,

My sister has a Sony KD27FS170 television with Channel Master 3671 antenna, Channel Master 7777 pre-amp, Channel Master antenna rotator, and an Antennas Direct 20 db variable attenuator. The antenna is mounted on the chimney; not sure how high it is; maybe 20-40 feet. There is one tall pecan tree beside her house. She is in Wilson NC. She has another TV in her bedroom with a converter box and an amplified antenna and it gets better reception in some ways; WRAL is rock solid w/the converter box, but the Sony has difficulty especially since WRAL went to their temporary antenna. When conditions are right, the Sony can get 12 from New Bern, but it is tough to get WRAL, WNCT and PBS consistently in the same antenna position. One day WRAL will be coming in strong in a certain antenna postion, the next it seems the antenna has to be moved quite a bit to pick it up. I was wondering if it would be possible to use the Samsung unit with this TV (or even a converter box) and if so would that improve the reception? I understand the boxes have the latest Tuner and the TV doesn't but my sister is beginning to think the TV is a piece of junk. Any input appreciated.

Sam - tell your sister to wait until June when WRAL can move to channel 48 on top of their tower. I wouldn't even spend the money on a CECB if that Sony has a builtin ATSC tuner.

Sorry if I was off topic; the TV is SD.Yeah, I just looked it up. It's definitely 480i, but has a digital tuner.

I kind of thought it was. I think I looked at that set back in '06 but decided on a Panny LCD HDTV. My Panny has a noticeably weaker tuner than current CECBs which is why it may just be the older generation of the Sony. AFAIK the Sony has component inputs so the Sammy would work, it's just you probably wouldn't see much of a difference over a S-video SD CECB.
Sam_j, this is the SD CECB forum.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=186

Hi. I own the DTB-H260F and I like it. In the two months I've had it I had no problems with it. But is it considered to be reliable? I ask because at my local Best Buy there is an open box unit marked down to only $99. Now of course I can probably resell it on eBay for more than that, ... I would say the average price from a something not new in box is about $130 ..., but I am wondering would it make sense to hold on to it as a spare to the unit I have? Since I want to keep my tunerless HD Ready television a couple more years I will need some sort of ASTC tuner. There are cheap alternatives to the DTB-H260F if I am will to have a less quality pick, ... in fact I can use the tuner in my DVD recorder. But damn, $99 for a DTB-H260F sounds good. Thoughts?

I'm also thinking that in the next year or two there may other DTB devices with the same capabilities as the DTB-H260F but priced much less. I always thought the DTB-H260F was overpriced for what it is, by at least 50%.


_Lazza

Hi. I own the DTB-H260F and I like it. In the two months I've had it I had no problems with it. But is it considered to be reliable? I ask because at my local Best Buy there is an open box unit marked down to only $99. Now of course I can probably resell it on eBay for more than that, ... I would say the average price from a something not new in box is about $130 ..., but I am wondering would it make sense to hold on to it as a spare to the unit I have? Since I want to keep my tunerless HD Ready television a couple more years I will need some sort of ASTC tuner. There are cheap alternatives to the DTB-H260F if I am will to have a less quality pick, ... in fact I can use the tuner in my DVD recorder. But damn, $99 for a DTB-H260F sounds good. Thoughts?

I'm also thinking that in the next year or two there may other DTB devices with the same capabilities as the DTB-H260F but priced much less. I always thought the DTB-H260F was overpriced for what it is, by at least 50%.


_Lazza

Had mine two years, used almost daily, no problems. But then who knows??? :eek:

I think just the opposite will (is) happening with H260f-like boxes. There is such a small and decreasing market for these types of standalone DTV/HD tuners with HD output that even Samsung is not planning a replacement for this very (now discontinued) H260f unit.

If remote is there and nothing rattles--also ask the manager about return policy and make sure he remembers you asked. I'd buy it, I've had mine since release and on everyday. It also will auto tune to a preselected show.

What other options are out there, other than to buy some sort of DVR or other unit that just happens to have a tuner inside it? Are there others? Do they have HDMI output?

What other options are out there, other than to buy some sort of DVR or other unit that just happens to have a tuner inside it? Are there others? Do they have HDMI output?

From another post I see something from Centronics coming out:

http://www.centronics.com/products/ATSC-Digital-Converter-Boxes

It will be interesting to see how well this product turns out.

...

Thanks for the responses guys. I have NEVER purchased an open box electronics item before. The open unit DTB-H260F has all the cables and the remote in the box. The box is dinged up but I've seen much worse. I'll ask what sort of return policy they have. I asked about warranty, which they said is the 1 year manufacturers warranty, but I am dubious of trusting a store clerk who isn't old enough to shave.


_Lazza

Has anyone got their Samsung to work with IR blaster, especially an IR blaster on a Panasonic DVD recorder? If so, what code did you use? Currently I have a DVD recorder with a tuner. But I am thinking of getting another and I am considering a tunerless model since I trust my Samsung and I have heard that some tuners found in DVD recorders can be problematic.

Thanks.


_Lazza

From another post I see something from Centronics coming out:

http://www.centronics.com/products/ATSC-Digital-Converter-Boxes

It will be interesting to see how well this product turns out.

...

Thanks for the responses guys. I have NEVER purchased an open box electronics item before. The open unit DTB-H260F has all the cables and the remote in the box. The box is dinged up but I've seen much worse. I'll ask what sort of return policy they have. I asked about warranty, which they said is the 1 year manufacturers warranty, but I am dubious of trusting a store clerk who isn't old enough to shave.


_Lazza
My BB experience with open box is 30 day return.

I have NEVER purchased an open box electronics item before. The open unit DTB-H260F has all the cables and the remote in the box. The box is dinged up but I've seen much worse. _Lazza

Mine was an open box from Best Buy. I bought it two years ago and have had no issues. I suspect a high number of these units get bought and then returned when the user isn't happy with their reception, though that number has probably dropped since the introduction of CECBs.

What other options are out there, other than to buy some sort of DVR or other unit that just happens to have a tuner inside it? Are there others? Do they have HDMI output?

Very few indeed. :D

When I started looking there were only three STB models that were even comparable in functions and features like the H260f. Even then, Samsung was the obvious leader of the pack with their H260f.

I hope I'm wrong about such speculation and we see even better STB tuner boxes with HD output from a dozen mfr's all for under $80. But I just don't think the market can support it. There must be a reason Samsung is pulling the market leader in this category, and I'd guess it is slumping sales for such a device.

When the leader gets out of the race it's probably no longer a race. :rolleyes:

Mine was an open box from Best Buy. I bought it two years ago and have had no issues. I suspect a high number of these units get bought and then returned when the user isn't happy with their reception, though that number has probably dropped since the introduction of CECBs.

Best Buy doesn't seem to carry or even *care* about the DTB-H260F. The open box unit is the only one the store had and it was dumped in the section where they carry cable/satellite STBs. Apparently it has been sitting there for at least 2-3 weeks.

I do think there is a niche market for units like the DTB-H260F. Folks will want something with more capabilities than what their CECB can offer. I suspect adding additional features (HDMI/component support) does not add significantly to the cost of these boxes yet it can give the potential consumer a perceived competitive advantage. And if only 1% of the CECB customers want to upgrade their boxes this equates to many, many thousands of units. As for Samsung getting out of the market, I hope this is because this electronics mega-giant doesn't want to involve itself with low ticket, niche items. None of the big name electronic companies have involved themselves in the STB market, or at least these items are not sold under their brand name.


_Lazza

What is the market? My experience was that the tuner in my TV was a better tuner than this Samsung unit. The Samsung is also very buggy - to the point that I will likely get rid of mine.

The only reason I bought one was because I wanted to reduce the number of wires running up the wall between my AV receiver and my TV. I wanted to reduce the wiring "clutter". It allows me to eliminate running the coax cable up to the TV and eliminate the audio output cable(s) from the TV back to the receiver.

Was this adequate justification? Probably not. You still have to hide the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV and the TV power cord. Whatever you do to hide those can be extended to cover the others.

There is no justification for putting out a unit that is not ROCK SOLID. Nothing makes up for buggy operation.

Live and learn.

If you think the 260 is buggy you don't even want to consider the Tivax LX-1000. I had one of those for about a week, it was one week too many. In comparison the Samsung was rock solid:D

What is the market? My experience was that the tuner in my TV was a better tuner than this Samsung unit. The Samsung is also very buggy - to the point that I will likely get rid of mine.

The only reason I bought one was because I wanted to reduce the number of wires running up the wall between my AV receiver and my TV. I wanted to reduce the wiring "clutter". It allows me to eliminate running the coax cable up to the TV and eliminate the audio output cable(s) from the TV back to the receiver.

Was this adequate justification? Probably not. You still have to hide the HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV and the TV power cord. Whatever you do to hide those can be extended to cover the others.

There is no justification for putting out a unit that is not ROCK SOLID. Nothing makes up for buggy operation.

Live and learn.

Location at my AV rack (opposite wall than my wall mounted TV) was my primary interest in the H260f as well. That and I have a monitor plasma with no tuners. :D

But my experience with the H260f is far different than yours. Mine has been "rock solid" in performance, never a problem. The one minor hiccup in H260f usage for me was it's HDMI output just didn't have enough power to output audio and video over a 50' HDMI cable to my TV without dropouts. But that was easily solved with Component output (which was the original plan anyway).

What is the market? As was stated before, a "niche" market to be sure. It started as a "niche" market and the "niche" is getting smaller. But most of this "niche" market would encompass:

- Some TV's do not have any tuners (like HD Monitors or projectors)
- Selectable Resolution Output to better match TV's native resolution
- Better OTA reception (varies)
- OTA and QAM tuner
- SD output to DVR
- Digital Audio (surround DD 5.1 & PLII) to your AVR
- TV lacking digital audio output to AVR (surround)
- Need second tuner (OTA and/or QAM) for Picture-in-Picture on TV
- Need second tuner for use with multiple antennas (no need to re-scan all ch’s)
- STB location convenience: if your tv and AV gear are not right next to each other (even if your TV has digital audio output) it may not be easy to run audio back to your AVR from your TV. This comes in very handy if your AV gear is on one wall and your TV is on another wall. All AV inputs (cable, sat, OTA, DVD player, VCR, DVR, gaming console, etc...) can all be connected to a single AVR then run ONE set of cables to TV (component or HDMI).

That's some niche! I think this niche will be filled with only a handful of products, with availability perhaps limited mostly to online purchases. The big electronics boys (Samsung, Sony, ..) won't bother with this stuff.

Speaking of problems with the DTB-H260F, I was unable to drive enough audio from my unit through my television speakers (I use plain ol' red and white audio cables). At max volume it would be just below comfortable listening volume, although this varied depending on the station. I had to hook up my stereo receiver to get enough volume. Not a bother, but I was surprised (and disappointed).


_Lazza

Toby10 - excellent points - the one about the TV not having digital audio out fits me. There is also more info on station strength / quality on the Sammy over my TV.

Some of your others are equally valid, however.

That's some niche! I think this niche will be filled with only a handful of products, with availability perhaps limited mostly to online purchases. The big electronics boys (Samsung, Sony, ..) won't bother with this stuff.

Speaking of problems with the DTB-H260F, I was unable to drive enough audio from my unit through my television speakers (I use plain ol' red and white audio cables). At max volume it would be just below comfortable listening volume, although this varied depending on the station. I had to hook up my stereo receiver to get enough volume. Not a bother, but I was surprised (and disappointed).


_Lazza


There is a volume control on the Sammy - normally it comes out of the box REAL QUIET. Kick it up to about 95 - 100 and you should be satisfied.

I'd keep my 260F as long as it keeps ticking on the strength of one feature: the program guide. I have not yet seen a television that pulls down that much program information so far into the future, or organizes it as well.

Still, it would be a lot better if you could just delete singular subchannels from the guide, without having to delete all of them.

That's some niche! I think this niche will be filled with only a handful of products, with availability perhaps limited mostly to online purchases. The big electronics boys (Samsung, Sony, ..) won't bother with this stuff.................._Lazza

Precisely my point. There were very few models offered in the past and quite possibly fewer models offered in the future. :eek:

There is a volume control on the Sammy - normally it comes out of the box REAL QUIET. Kick it up to about 95 - 100 and you should be satisfied.

LOL! When I first got the unit I thought it was kaput because I heard no audio whatsoever. Then I cranked up it up to 100 as you suggest. This is adequate for most but not all stations, hence the reason I hooked it to my stereo. Even so, why have an audio meter that ranges from 1-100 when anything under 95 is inaudible?

One other quibble I have with this unit, undoubtedly reported already, is the relative difficulty turning off/on the unit with the remote. You have to point the remote right in front of the little box. When I watch television by Harmony 550 turns on my television, the DTB-H260F, and my stereo receiver. Often the DTB-H260F does not turn on unless I remember to really focus the remote in front of it. A bit of pain.

But on a positive note, I agree with the other comments about the nice program guide that comes with this unit.


_Lazza

LOL! When I first got the unit I thought it was kaput because I heard no audio whatsoever. Then I cranked up it up to 100 as you suggest. This is adequate for most but not all stations, hence the reason I hooked it to my stereo. Even so, why have an audio meter that ranges from 1-100 when anything under 95 is inaudible?

One other quibble I have with this unit, undoubtedly reported already, is the relative difficulty turning off/on the unit with the remote. You have to point the remote right in front of the little box. When I watch television by Harmony 550 turns on my television, the DTB-H260F, and my stereo receiver. Often the DTB-H260F does not turn on unless I remember to really focus the remote in front of it. A bit of pain.

But on a positive note, I agree with the other comments about the nice program guide that comes with this unit.


_Lazza

Hmmmm...... my H260f volume is not like that at all going to my TV. I keep it's volume around 60% to normalize the volume with my cable box so that when I switch sources (cable/H260f) the volume is equal. My TV volume is also around 60%.

Dunno of the IR issues as I have an IR emitter going to all devices including the H260f.

After some experimenting I think now the volume control problem lies with my television and not the H260F. I have two digital tuners connected to my stereo: the H260F and a Philips 3576 DVD recorder. The volume level for the receiver is pretty much the same when switching between both tuners to watch the same program. When driving the audio from the H260F through my television the volume is MUCH less. I haven't tried connecting the audio from the 3576 through my television. At any rate, the H260F is probably innocent!


_Lazza

After some experimenting I think now the volume control problem lies with my television and not the H260F. I have two digital tuners connected to my stereo: the H260F and a Philips 3576 DVD recorder. The volume level for the receiver is pretty much the same when switching between both tuners to watch the same program. When driving the audio from the H260F through my television the volume is MUCH less. I haven't tried connecting the audio from the 3576 through my television. At any rate, the H260F is probably innocent!


_Lazza

Yeah, that makes more sense. :cool:

Try your TV's menu's, many TV's have audio input settings (sometimes including volume level) per input.

I thought I'd post this update over here, too, just in case it helps other owners who have an HDMI handshake problem with this tuner. This is becoming "The Legendary Saga of Big Lag's AV Receiver" (at least in my mind it's legendary). ;-)

I have found a "cure" for the "HDMI handshake" problem between my receiver and my tuner. If I let the receiver boot up completely (this takes over 10 seconds) and then power-up the tuner, then they seem to do the HDMI handshake properly. I had Logitech set the remote to delay 15 seconds after powering on the receiver before sending the power on command to the tuner.

This does mean you have to keep the remote pointed at the system for a long time, however, it works.

It's amazing how often someone walks between the remote and the system just as that time-delayed power on command to the tuner is being beamed over.



Enjoy!

I thought I'd post this update over here, too, just in case it helps other owners who have an HDMI handshake problem with this tuner. This is becoming "The Legendary Saga of Big Lag's AV Receiver" (at least in my mind it's legendary). ;-)

I have found a "cure" for the "HDMI handshake" problem between my receiver and my tuner. If I let the receiver boot up completely (this takes over 10 seconds) and then power-up the tuner, then they seem to do the HDMI handshake properly. I had Logitech set the remote to delay 15 seconds after powering on the receiver before sending the power on command to the tuner.

This does mean you have to keep the remote pointed at the system for a long time, however, it works.

It's amazing how often someone walks between the remote and the system just as that time-delayed power on command to the tuner is being beamed over.



Enjoy!



That make sense now since the receiver and tuner is a mini-computer so the receiver need to complete boot up first before sending or receiving hanshake but in mean time the tuner is already booted up and sending the handshake but the receiver is still booting up and the handsaking is not happing until completely booted up and then when ready to do the handshake but the tuner gave up on the handshake while the receiver is booting up so now the the receiver don't see the tuner until the tuner turnoff and reboot while the reciever is still on.:cool:

Whew! I could barely read that, for sure could not say it, how did you ever type it all out? :)

I also have to start up my receiver (Onkyo 705) before I turn on the Samsung tuner. Otherwise, I get picture but no sound.

UPDATE:
My Samsung H260F is now 2 years old. I got one of the first shipments at my Circuit City. Too bad the stores haven't lasted as long as my H260F. I have left it on almost continuously for the past 2 years since it takes 12 seconds for it to come on. It has performed very well and is rock solid. I recently purcahsed a CM 7000 even though it is not HD it comes close with SVideo hook up on my Toshiba HDTV. I am starting to use the CM7000 more since it can get more stations, has quicker channel changes and quicker guide and still locks into all the stations.

My ideal tuner would be a Samsung that has the latest HD tuner chip, quick on time, quick channel changes, quick program guide and DVR capability for about $150. Then I would get rid of all the clutter on my video console with one box.

Is there anything better? My venerable Sony VPL-VW10HT projector would like to know.

For doing an HD signal - probably not. For doing an SD signal - the better recomended CECBs (Zenith,Insignia) might pull in a signal when the Samsung won't, but they will not display HDTV.

As far as *better*, there are HD tuners with better PQ (like the Sony DVR's, LG tuners and DVR's, and the Hisense/USDTV db2010), but not really reception-wise.

My best tuner is the zenith converter. But only low def.
Next is the DTV pal dvr which has reboots and bugs but still works well.
The Samsung 260F is below these.
Then far down the list is my LG 3420A that has lots of trouble with my multipath but the tuner is sensitive.

When there is a good HD tuner that matches the Zenith converter I want to get it yesterday, but I want a DVR with outputs like my old LG also. Otherwise I am forced to keep using it some.

Wrt this discussion of the sensitivity of the Samsung tuner, how does it compare to the current crop of tuners contained in LCD/plasma televisions? Is it very much brand dependent or do most television manufacturers source their tuners from one or two vendors? But even so, in most cases wouldn't upgrading one's OTA antenna be the most effective means of improving reception? For me it is not clear how much of signal reception is courtesy of the antenna, tuner (or the cabling in-between for that matter). I've check other threads where folks swap out tuners and get different results. But I suspect these are with stations that are on the edge, and the reception gained might be very tenuous.


_Lazza

...in most cases wouldn't upgrading one's OTA antenna be the most effective means of improving reception?...

One would think so, but not always. I have the DTB-H260F hooked up to a mammoth ChannelMaster 3671 on the roof. It doesn't do as well as my Zenith DTT900 CECB hooked up to an indoor silver sensor.

Some of the TVs seem to have outputs. Can they be used as tuners as well?

One would think so, but not always. I have the DTB-H260F hooked up to a mammoth ChannelMaster 3671 on the roof. It doesn't do as well as my Zenith DTT900 CECB hooked up to an indoor silver sensor.

But unless you swap the Zenith and the DTB-H260F you won't know where to give credit for the improved reception, no?


_Lazza

That make sense now since the receiver and tuner is a mini-computer so the receiver need to complete boot up first before sending or receiving hanshake but in mean time the tuner is already booted up and sending the handshake but the receiver is still booting up and the handsaking is not happing until completely booted up and then when ready to do the handshake but the tuner gave up on the handshake while the receiver is booting up so now the the receiver don't see the tuner until the tuner turnoff and reboot while the reciever is still on.:cool:

Well, I spoke too soon.

In the last two days I have had almost zero success in getting the system to power on and do the HDMI handshake.

I have lost channel 13. Simultaneously, the tuner added all the channel 18-n and 44-n. Why it adds channel previously deleted is unknown to me. Why it drops channels I have programmed in, is similarly unknown to me.

Well, I spoke too soon.

In the last two days I have had almost zero success in getting the system to power on and do the HDMI handshake.

I have lost channel 13. Simultaneously, the tuner added all the channel 18-n and 44-n. Why it adds channel previously deleted is unknown to me. Why it drops channels I have programmed in, is similarly unknown to me.

Best place to ask about the HDMI is go to the Digital Video & Audio page.

As for lost channel I have the same problem from time to time, As I am in middle of 4 different market with me in middle of a X. With one market in northwest and the other in southeast each has a Digital RF19 and it a battle with the 2 loose one and gain the other back when I move the antenna or I loose both as they battle for the RF19. As for new channel poping up most likely it a trop I once pick up a PBS channel with 7 sub-channel and it took away from one other progamed channel and I look up it in FCC database and it was from Carbondale, IL and then look up the map :eek: it was 333 miles away :eek: I had it for about hour. You going to have with any tuners if there a strong trop siginal if if it right it will override your program list and it may go away when the trop channel loose and you may get the other channel back.

Willie

Some of the TVs seem to have outputs. Can they be used as tuners as well?

The outputs on some digital TV can feed something like a VCR or DVD recorder but the TV needs to be ON and tuned to the channel you'd want to record. It also outputs things like the TVs OSD, so you don't want to be adjusting the volume when recording otherwise you'll record the volume OSD.

I was sitting watching the TV this morning, channel 28 and all its sub-channel just disappeared. I was watching a program and it just disappeared! The Tuner went to the next higher channel - from 28-4 up to 30-1. This was preceded by the complete loss of channel 13 two days before.

Signal strength on these channels is typically quite strong (80% or more of full scale).

I went into the Channel Manager to see if they had been deted by the computer (deleted by a computer glitch). Neither is even listed.

Is there anything better? My venerable Sony VPL-VW10HT projector would like to know.
My new Dish VIP722 DVR has an excellent and sensitive OTA tuner, that I can personally say from experience, is better than the Sammy.

My new Dish VIP722 DVR has an excellent and sensitive OTA tuner, that I can personally say from experience, is better than the Sammy.

Satellite is almost certainly blocked by trees here.

Satellite is almost certainly blocked by trees here.

UNless they're 200 feet+ tall - I wouldn't write it off...

This too has been happening to me as well. Use my 260 as QAM tuner with a Samsung HDTV (san QAM). One day all the channels of the NBC affiliate (3-1, 3-2, 3-3) are there
then suddenly gone. Has happened to other channels as well. Insight Cable re maps
the channels to there analog OTA (3 (NBC), 11(ABC), 32(CBS), 41(FOX) etc. Tried a rescan and still can't see 3-1(NBC) or the affiliate's other sub channel 3-3, only one
260 can find is 3-3 (weather service channel). Any thoughts?

Hello,

I have a DTB-H260F digital set top box. I subscribe to Time Warner cable and have the basic program that doesn't require a box. When I hook up the cable to my TV and run a scan I get over 78 channels. When I take this same cable and hook it up to my DTB-H260F I am only getting about 20 channels. What is wrong and how do I take care of this so I get the same amount of channels?

Rick

Hello,

I have a DTB-H260F digital set top box. I subscribe to Time Warner cable and have the basic program that doesn't require a box. When I hook up the cable to my TV and run a scan I get over 78 channels. When I take this same cable and hook it up to my DTB-H260F I am only getting about 20 channels. What is wrong and how do I take care of this so I get the same amount of channels?

Rick

Make sure that have it set to scan Cable and not ATSC? Other than that I wouldn't know what else it could be.

yes when I did the scan I said to scan cable

I have left it on almost continuously for the past 2 years since it takes 12 seconds for it to come on. It has performed very well and is rock solid...
I've been using mine constantly now that I've cancelled cable and rely on OTA ATSC exclusively. At least once a week the thing will crash. I'll be changing channels when suddenly the TV loses all signal from the box. Then the box cames back up but no channels will tune in. I have to power cycle and then everything is back to normal.

Hello,

I have a DTB-H260F digital set top box. I subscribe to Time Warner cable and have the basic program that doesn't require a box. When I hook up the cable to my TV and run a scan I get over 78 channels. When I take this same cable and hook it up to my DTB-H260F I am only getting about 20 channels. What is wrong and how do I take care of this so I get the same amount of channels?

Rick

Keep in mind that many of the "basic" ch's on cable are analog ch's and the H260f is a digital only tuner.
It is completely blind to any analog ch's (generally ch's 1 thru 69 are analog).

It will pass the analogs via it's RF/coax out, but it cannot tune them. ;)

My guess is that 58 ch's are analog and 20 ch's are digital on your cable co's "basic" system.

I will have to check about the analog ch issue. When I run auto tunning it comes up with 250 channesl but when I scrole through them I can only see about 20 channels.

I will have to check about the analog ch issue. When I run auto tunning it comes up with 250 channesl but when I scrole through them I can only see about 20 channels.

Your cable system carries both analog and digital channels. Your television only tunes in and adds the analog channels.

The Samsung box only knows about digital channels. The Samsung box will add all digital channels, whether they are encrypted or not. The people who made the box should have had a flag to block out encrypted channels as there's no point in adding an encrypted channel. Even though there are 250 digital channels on your cable system, only 20 are clearQAM which you can see.

I just called Time Warner Cable and they stated that the basic package is currently Analog but as of June they will be going to Digital. Looks like I will have to run my program scan again in June. Thanks for all the help.

Rick

I just called Time Warner Cable and they stated that the basic package is currently Analog but as of June they will be going to Digital. Looks like I will have to run my program scan again in June. Thanks for all the help.

Rick

TWC CSR's are known to be goofy and seldom understand their own systems. Try asking that same CSR about QAM ch's. ;)

This may be accurate info, but I'm highly skeptical of it for two reasons:
1. I believe all cable co's are federally mandated to carry basic ch's in analog till 2012? 2014? Something like that.
2. If they do go "all digital" then they must provide cable box's (converters) for any/all customers on any/all analog TV's in their home free of charge.

I hope you received accurate info, but I wouldn't count on it. :)

I just called Time Warner Cable and they stated that the basic package is currently Analog but as of June they will be going to Digital. Looks like I will have to run my program scan again in June. Thanks for all the help.

Rick

No! Re-read WhiteWhiskers' post.

You said you get about 20 channels - are you able to watch any channels on the Samsung? Are they HD? If so, you will most likely not get any additional channels in June. Most cable companies only provide the local channels in clear QAM. The Samsung box will not decrypt the other channels for you. If that's what you're looking for you will need to rent a set top box from the cable company.

No! Re-read WhiteWhiskers' post.

You said you get about 20 channels - are you able to watch any channels on the Samsung? Are they HD? If so, you will most likely not get any additional channels in June. Most cable companies only provide the local channels in clear QAM. The Samsung box will not decrypt the other channels for you. If that's what you're looking for you will need to rent a set top box from the cable company.

Uh huh. :cool:

rick12667: So, assuming your TWC CSR gave you accurate info (which I still seriously doubt) TWC is not going to put all 78 digital ch's in the "clear". Chances are your current 20 QAM ch's in the clear will probably be the same 20 ch's in the clear any time in the future. No more, no less. :(

Yes I do get the local HD channels. Kinda sucks that I will not get more channels in the future. It would of been nice to watch them down in my theater room without having to rent another box.

If you want to watch any analog channels you might be getting while using the Samsung with a tunerless display or projector, hook up an old VCR with an NTSC tuner in-between the Sammy and the display/projector, and use the Samsung's RF pass-through.

Otherwise, if your TV already has an NTSC tuner, then just use that with the pass-through and skip the VCR.

While I'm waiting for my Samsung to arrive I was wondering. Is there a way I can connect an OTA antenna and also cable (for clear QAM) to the Samsung? It only has one Cable/Antenna input. Or is it one or the other only?

While I'm waiting for my Samsung to arrive I was wondering. Is there a way I can connect an OTA antenna and also cable (for clear QAM) to the Samsung? It only has one Cable/Antenna input. Or is it one or the other only?

Yes, but you need a coax A/B switch so the signals do not interfere with each other. A simple splitter will not do.

Like this A/B:
http://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Coaxial-A-Switch/dp/B0002ZPIQ4

Or this A/B:
http://www.amazon.com/HIGH-ISOLATION-A-B-SWITCH/dp/B0002ZPIZK/ref=pd_cp_e_3?pf_rd_p=413863501&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0002ZPIQ4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=153FQ45GZ25DQH1CBTR8

Or this A/B (this is the one I use):
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-VH74-Deluxe-B-Switch/dp/B00009W3F3

There may be no agreement for TW to rebroadcast that station over their lines or something. It doesn't mean they're intentionally blocking it from you.

Can anyone confirm that the resolution switch on the back of the unit actually controls the format for HDMI output as well as component? The manual seems to state its only used for the YPbPr output. I'd check myself but I just disconnected this to install a new HD Tivo in its place and hooking it back up now would be a major PIA.

The reason I ask is because I experienced an HDMI problem resulting in no picture (analog "snow" actually if you'd believe it!) when switching channels with the HD Tivo that the 260 didn't exhibit. If the 260 really does use "native" over the HDMI regardless of the switch setting, I want to contact Tivo and let them know they have a HDMI negotiation bug.

Come to think of it, pretty sure I noticed on my RS1x's INFO screen at some point that the input format was 720p when tuned to FOX or ABC, but would still be nice if someone with a display which indicates the format could verify the HDMI output operates in native mode regardless of the switch setting.

Can anyone confirm that the resolution switch on the back of the unit actually controls the format for HDMI output as well as component? The manual seems to state its only used for the YPbPr output. I'd check myself but I just disconnected this to install a new HD Tivo in its place and hooking it back up now would be a major PIA.

The reason I ask is because I experienced an HDMI problem resulting in no picture (analog "snow" actually if you'd believe it!) when switching channels with the HD Tivo that the 260 didn't exhibit. If the 260 really does use "native" over the HDMI regardless of the switch setting, I want to contact Tivo and let them know they have a HDMI negotiation bug.

Come to think of it, pretty sure I noticed on my RS1x's INFO screen at some point that the input format was 720p when tuned to FOX or ABC, but would still be nice if someone with a display which indicates the format could verify the HDMI output operates in native mode.

HDMI is converted to whatever you choose with the selector.

Thanks, that makes sense. Maybe I was playing around with the output format on my BD or upconverting DVD player and that's where I recalled seeing the 720p indicated on my RS1x.

Is Ebay the only place to get this unit?

Any alternatives to this HDTV tuner?

Can someone recommend a good indoor antenna to go with the Samsung DTB-H260F.
Thanks.

Is Ebay the only place to get this unit?

Any alternatives to this HDTV tuner?

They are getting scarce, I only saw one used one on Amazon for $149.

Am alternative might be a Dish DTVPal DVR. Two tuners plus it records HD onto a hard drive, much like a Dish satellite service DVR. It costs $250 though.

Can someone recommend a good indoor antenna to go with the Samsung DTB-H260F.
Thanks.

reye - Antenna advice is better when it can be based on the geographical location rather than the box it's attached to. Any antenna will bring a signal into the DTB-H260F, even a paper clip can work in some instances.

For better antenna advice, try your local thread and ask people who live close to you. Or, try a site like tvfool.com or antennaweb to see what type of antenna you may need for your address.

Any alternatives to this HDTV tuner?

See the Official AVS HDTV STB Synopsis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095), a sticky post at the top of this forum. Check out the units listed in the first section. Some of them have their own threads in this forum.

Is Ebay the only place to get this unit?

Any alternatives to this HDTV tuner?Check the Centronics website for the ZAT502 HD - very reasonably-priced model which is brand new, so it's likely to have the most recent generation chip (although I think it's back-ordered right now).

I think everything else out their listed in the STB sticky is probably considerably older by now. I think the only things newer than the DTB-H260F might be the DTV Pal DVR, the TiVoHD and TiVoHD XL, but I could be wrong about that.

Thanks for the information. The Centronics product is on back order.

I think the DTVpal DVR is interesting. is that available from a Dish network retailer directly (without subscribing to their service)? That way I could record the PBS kids shows.

I called the local retailers about the DTV Pal DVR and it's not available. On the website (dtvpal.com) it says "prefer order yours now" - does that mean it's available? I called the customer service # but the persons there aren't much help.

I called the local retailers about the DTV Pal DVR and it's not available. On the website (dtvpal.com) it says "prefer order yours now" - does that mean it's available? I called the customer service # but the persons there aren't much help.

Ask here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1099071

How much better / different is the samsung 260 vs the older model SIR-T451

I have been offered a used SIR-T451 and wonder if I should buy it
or keep looking for a 260
or get a new cheaper model like a Kworld or ZET-502 or 140 DCT by coby

I just need a good OTA box for a sony CRT HD and donot use cable

Depends on how well you get the stations you want. If you want any "fringe" stations, I'd say go with something newer.

But if your stations are all within, say 40 miles, and you don't have any severe multipath problems, I don't see why the SIR-T451 wouldn't suffice. Its a 4th generation tuner, while the H260F is a 5th.

I would just say that if the price difference isn't that great, then I'd probably go with the newer models.

The ZAT502, though, is new, and more likely to have a newer, 6th gen. chip than any of those others, which I wouldn't think would have any newer than a 5th, because they've all been out awhile. But I'm not 100% sure of any of that, really.

TWC CSR's are known to be goofy and seldom understand their own systems. Try asking that same CSR about QAM ch's. ;)

This may be accurate info, but I'm highly skeptical of it for two reasons:
1. I believe all cable co's are federally mandated to carry basic ch's in analog till 2012? 2014? Something like that.
2. If they do go "all digital" then they must provide cable box's (converters) for any/all customers on any/all analog TV's in their home free of charge.

I hope you received accurate info, but I wouldn't count on it. :)

#1. is true for MSOs that keep any Analog; IOW, they don't go all-Digital. The date you are thinking of is 17 Feb. '12, probably changed to 12 June '12.
#2. is true except the boxes don't have to be free. However, free or fee is just an accounting game, as to whether they itemize the boxes or not, they still cost the customer $.

Forgive me if this has been covered but I could not find the answer via searching...

Will the HDMI port send the digital audio to my Denon receiver or will I need to connect an additional digital cable from this box to my a/v receiver AS WELL AS an HDMI cable for the video?

Most TVs (all TVs ?) do not pass through the DD, so you will probably need a TOSLINK cable to go from the Samsung to your A/V receiver. It maybe possible that your A/V receiver has an HDMI port and it can extract the audio and relay the video to your TV.

Forgive me if this has been covered but I could not find the answer via searching...

Will the HDMI port send the digital audio to my Denon receiver or will I need to connect an additional digital cable from this box to my a/v receiver AS WELL AS an HDMI cable for the video?

This tuner will send audio and video through the HDMI output.

Hello I've searched this entire thread and gave a quick look at the manual for this machine and it seems to have timers that rely on a guide? Am I correct in this or is there a manual type of timer that you can use to change the channel at a specific day+time... :confused:
I'm searching for a QAM capable STB to replace my Zinwell ZAT790 CECB since signals in my area aren't decent and mostly unreliable... my cable system went all digital recently and don't want to rent yet another of their boxes for a spare bedroom & I'm not sure if there would be any guide data coming thru the cable QAM signals...
Danka

Only timer I've seen is with guide. So much is dependent on the stations sending it out timely and correctly.

Only timer I've seen is with guide. So much is dependent on the stations sending it out timely and correctly.
That sucks... but i may have discounted this machine anyway: from what I've been reading the aspect ratio cannot be controlled on the composite/Svideo side [and no menu's on those either] and since I would connect this to a olde DVR [& a DVD recorder]with composite inputs for recording thats going to be problem recording 16:9 that need to be diplayed 4:3 letterbox... The TV is an old behemoth HDTV ready CRT and does have component inputs

I think I will never find the box i need or one that needs me... LOL

Hello I've searched this entire thread and gave a quick look at the manual for this machine and it seems to have timers that rely on a guide? Am I correct in this or is there a manual type of timer that you can use to change the channel at a specific day+time... :confused:
I'm searching for a QAM capable STB to replace my Zinwell ZAT790 CECB since signals in my area aren't decent and mostly unreliable... my cable system went all digital recently and don't want to rent yet another of their boxes for a spare bedroom & I'm not sure if there would be any guide data coming thru the cable QAM signals...
Danka

I only use OTA on this box and yes it is guide dependent to set the timer. But I'd guess even if you scrolled to "no program data" for a particular ch and time via the menu guide it would still switch to that ch at that time as requested.

If the H260f gets any guide data via QAM (and I dunno if it does) it might still be usable for your purpose but you would have to know what ch and time from another source to set the timer in QAM as you will only get "no program data" for all QAM ch's.

Maybe some QAM users can confirm if there is any guide present via QAM.

Well - even if you can live with the aspect issues - keep in mind that this Samsung can only do CLEAR QAM (i.e. - channels that are not encrypted by the cable company) - which are generally confined to your local broadcasters. And even then, cable companies are known to mix up their clear QAM channels so you have to rescan for channels every so often.

Probably you'll be forced to use the cable company's STB, whether you want to or not.

Well - even if you can live with the aspect issues - keep in mind that this Samsung can only do CLEAR QAM (i.e. - channels that are not encrypted by the cable company) - which are generally confined to your local broadcasters. And even then, cable companies are known to mix up their clear QAM channels so you have to rescan for channels every so often.

Probably you'll be forced to use the cable company's STB, whether you want to or not.
Yes most people know when they state QAM it is the Clear portion that is inferred...
And no, I don't have to be forced into using the cable company's box, when there are other options out there....

This receiver worked fine for me until yesterday. Now there are several channels that it will not pull in. My D*OTA receivers pull these stations in fine.

What other options do I have?

This receiver worked fine for me until yesterday. Now there are several channels that it will not pull in. My D*OTA receivers pull these stations in fine.

What other options do I have?

Did you do a full rescan? Some of your local's may have changed their actual ch location. Two changed in my market.

This receiver worked fine for me until yesterday. Now there are several channels that it will not pull in. My D*OTA receivers pull these stations in fine.

What other options do I have?

Did you do a full rescan? Some of your local's may have changed their actual ch location. Two changed in my market.
Do a re-scan. The unit will self-adjust when you tune into a specific channel but the re-scan will do it in one fell swoop.
I lost one channel but I'm not blaming it on the tuner

Do a re-scan. The unit will self-adjust when you tune into a specific channel but the re-scan will do it in one fell swoop.
I lost one channel but I'm not blaming it on the tuner

Yeah, I tried that, and both ch's that moved just would not tune in without a rescan.
Not a big deal, three remote button presses and 4 minutes to scan. ;)

I did do a full rescan 3 times.

Is this thing still available anywhere? Seems like Best Buy doesnt' carry it anymore and CC is long gone at this point.

Or is there a new model or something?

Is this thing still available anywhere? Seems like Best Buy doesnt' carry it anymore and CC is long gone at this point.

Or is there a new model or something?

This model has been discontinued.

I did do a full rescan 3 times.

Other than possible antenna issues (placement, rotation, connections, etc..) I don't know what else to suggest. :(

Try deleting all channels before rescanning.

If that doesn't work, seek assistance in the thread that is local to you as it is probably an antenna issue and you now don't have a strong enough signal on the "new" digital channel. There's a LOT of that going around since Friday.

Try deleting all channels before rescanning.

If that doesn't work, seek assistance in the thread that is local to you as it is probably an antenna issue and you now don't have a strong enough signal on the "new" digital channel. There's a LOT of that going around since Friday.

I will try the deleting part today. My other receivers all pick up this station fine and this one was usually stronger then them so the antenna is not the problem.

I will try the deleting part today. My other receivers all pick up this station fine and this one was usually stronger then them so the antenna is not the problem.

I believe you - but just to be sure you might want to disconnect the 260 and bring it to the location of one of your other receivers. Just to eliminate the possibility of a splitter problem or longer cable run, etc.

One of the other receivers is sitting right beside the Samsung. In fact this other receiver was the weak one of the bunch before.

Try deleting all channels before rescanning.

If that doesn't work, seek assistance in the thread that is local to you as it is probably an antenna issue and you now don't have a strong enough signal on the "new" digital channel. There's a LOT of that going around since Friday.

Or, the digital channel changed from one band, usually UHF, to VHF, and the antenna used was only UHF. This also happened quite a bit since Friday.

Maybe some QAM users can confirm if there is any guide present via QAM.

Back when I had cable, I've checked multiple times in any program guides showed up on any channel. None had them.

Is there a way to add a channel manually with the 260? I had to do this with my HTPC using the MyHD card. So now there are two other OTA receivers setup right beside each other on the same splitter that will pull in this channel. The channel is 11.1 and my antenna is a CM4228.

Ken - the channel was UHF before, but it also stayed UHF.

Is there a way to add a channel manually with the 260? I had to do this with my HTPC using the MyHD card. So now there are two other OTA receivers setup right beside each other on the same splitter that will pull in this channel. The channel is 11.1 and my antenna is a CM4228.

Ken - the channel was UHF before, but it also stayed UHF.

Sure - just enter the OTA channel. If the 260 finds it, it will display the virtual channel as it tunes it in.

Sure - just enter the OTA channel. If the 260 finds it, it will display the virtual channel as it tunes it in.

is this really true? this guy (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16653542#post16653542) seems to disagree.

i was having the usual issue trying to resurrect a station that used to be UHF before the transition and is now VHF. i'm guessing i just have an antenna that is not very good at pulling in VHF. but it's hard to tell because the 260 shows ABSOLUTELY zero bars of signal strength even when i try to tune it in manually using the method you describe.

(in this particular case the physical channel is the same as the virtual channel, so that's not the issue.)

is this really true? this guy (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16653542#post16653542) seems to disagree.

i was having the usual issue trying to resurrect a station that used to be UHF before the transition and is now VHF. i'm guessing i just have an antenna that is not very good at pulling in VHF. but it's hard to tell because the 260 shows ABSOLUTELY zero bars of signal strength even when i try to tune it in manually using the method you describe.

(in this particular case the physical channel is the same as the virtual channel, so that's not the issue.)

Well - I have a 260, and this works just fine for me ...

It may depend if you actually have enough signal for the 260 to work with. It's not quite as good as the CECBs (just a tick less), and it does have all the bells and whistles regarding outputs (HD as well as SD, and a TOSLINK digital audio output as well). If your's isn't working, I'd look at your antenna / distribution system first.

ok - i'll fiddle around with my antenna situation a little and see if i can improve things at all.

I tried to manually add 11.1 (CBS), but it would not take. I even lost 13.1 (ABC). These are the two most watched stations so will need to get another receiver.

Any recommendations?

It may depend if you actually have enough signal for the 260 to work with.

update:

sure enough i had to get on the roof and put my junky antenna as high as it would go (top of my chimney) to get two bars (avg 2, range 0-3) on my missing local digital VHF-post-transition channel.

and yes, after i made the change, i simply pressed "7" and saw a picture. i did not *have* to rescan to get a signal on this previously unrecognized frequency (although later i did rescan of course).

[EDIT] update of the update:

note that in my area the channel under discussion above was transmitting its virtual channel on the same frequency as its physical channel.

adding other channels (where the physical channels and virtual channels are *not* the same, which is the case for a vast majority of stations) seems to require *knowing* the physical channel in advance.

(when scooper was saying you just enter the "OTA channel" in his post above (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16650352#post16650352), he was referring to what i call the "physical channel")

for instance, in my area, "channel 9" is actually transmitting on physical channel 30. after a scan, if for some reason the signal was too weak at the time of the scan but becomes stronger later, i can manually tune in channel 9 by pressing "3" "0" on the remote. then the tuner displays "9-1" and i get a picture. it automatically adds this channel and any sub-channels to the program manager. then later when i want to go back to this channel i can press "9" on the remote and it will take me back to this station. hopefully this is clear.

[EDIT] update of the update of the update

adding channels by physical number is nice and everything *unless* you already have added a channel with the same virtual channel number. in my example above, i was able to get virtual 9 by pressing "3" "0" on the remote. this only worked because i did not already have a virtual channel 30 in my channel manager. if i had, then pressing "3" "0" would just take me to *that* channel.

i can see potential for a lot of complex scenarios if you intend to add a lot of channels "by hand" - you would have to do some stations before others and i could easily see a situation (let's say two adjacent channels whose virtual numbers and physical numbers are themselves adjacent) where you simply cannot add all the channels you want manually.

i realize i'm not the first guy to ponder this (for instance i ran across this post from a few months ago http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15675206#post15675206 ) but for anyone following the saga of tuning in post-transition channels, it might be nice to have a recap.

end updates

one last peculiar observation- turning the unit upside down appears to affect (adversely) the usable signal strength on weak channels like the one under discussion. (i was doing this for reasons related to cables coming from opposite sides of the unit reaching as far as they would go - long story, but trust me it wasn't as insane an experiment as it sounds.)

If you want to manually add another RF channel that already has a mapped channel on the same number, enter the new RF channel followed by "-0". I think this will actually tune to the RF channel and remap it to its virtual channel number.

Mine died yesterday, and I can't find a new one anywhere. Now I can't watch HD channels on my HDTV. Does anyone know of any other set top box solutions other than going through my cable provider?

Mine died yesterday, and I can't find a new one anywhere. Now I can't watch HD channels on my HDTV. Does anyone know of any other set top box solutions other than going through my cable provider?

See the HDTV STB Synopsis at the top of this forum.

or PM me: i'm done with mine basically. nice box but i have little further use for it.

Has anybody figured out how to play audio only from those subchannels that only broadcast radio stations? I tried changing the audio setting from PCM to Dolby Digital but the results are always the same.

When I tune to a subchannel that is only playing audio, I hear 1 second of audio and then it goes silent for 4 seconds. And it continues this way. The box has always been this way, even when I had Comcast that had a dozen radio stations, none of them would play. Now I am using an antenna and a TV station came on the air with radio stations on some of the subchannels. The Samsung will not play audio only channels.

tonight i am experiencing the same thing. (but last night i could swear i was getting sound? maybe i was imagining it then.)

san francisco bay area by chance?

maybe it's the station.

New to the forums and learning a lot. I was just given a 42" plasma monitor with no tuner. So I need a tuner. I'm trying to decided between OTA or the clear QAM from the cable in my apartment.

Regarding the tuner, I'm considering either Samsung DTB-H260F, Centronics ZAT502 or PrimeDTV PHD-205LE.

To get the samsung, it looks like I'll have to do eBay.

My question is what are the benefits of going with the Samsung? Features, quality, etc?

Thanks.

Mine is so quirky, I would advise you to buy a newer model that has a robust warranty. If the new one does not meet your needs or is defective you will be able to return it for a refund.

New to the forums and learning a lot. I was just given a 42" plasma monitor with no tuner. So I need a tuner. I'm trying to decided between OTA or the clear QAM from the cable in my apartment.

Regarding the tuner, I'm considering either Samsung DTB-H260F, Centronics ZAT502 or PrimeDTV PHD-205LE.

To get the samsung, it looks like I'll have to do eBay.

My question is what are the benefits of going with the Samsung? Features, quality, etc?

Thanks.

The Samsung, when used as an OTA reciever, has a better program guide than either of the other models you mentioned.
I've owned the Samsung for about 3 years or so and so far the quirks have been few and far between. For me, most of the annoyances are the result of me having it hooked up to 4:3 TV, since the screen aspect ratio selections are limited. This should be less of an issue with a 16:9 monitor.

Hi guys - quick question about this box.

I just picked one up on Craigslist for cheap, and didn't really pay attention to the fact that it only has Component and HDMI outputs for HD. The monitor that I'm hooking it up to only has a free VGA port, so I've ordered an HDMI to VGA cable get the video up and running. However, is the box now going to think that the audio should be coming from the HDMI port as well, and bypass the LR output? I'm planning on using those to hook this into my receiver; is that going to be a huge pain in the ass, or is the LR audio always enabled?

When I had my 260f I had the HDMI hooked to my TV and the L&R audio hooked to my DVDR along with S-video. IOW L&R should always be active.

Hi guys - quick question about this box.

I just picked one up on Craigslist for cheap, and didn't really pay attention to the fact that it only has Component and HDMI outputs for HD. The monitor that I'm hooking it up to only has a free VGA port, so I've ordered an HDMI to VGA cable get the video up and running. However, is the box now going to think that the audio should be coming from the HDMI port as well, and bypass the LR output? I'm planning on using those to hook this into my receiver; is that going to be a huge pain in the ass, or is the LR audio always enabled?

HDMI to VGA? How's that going to work?

HDMI to VGA? How's that going to work?

I'll let you know when the cable comes...hopefully early next week.

HDMI to VGA? How's that going to work?

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=211191747&listingid=44807698

I have my DTB-H260F ATSC tuner hooked up to my plasma HDTV with a component to VGA cable and it works great. I bought my Samsung 10 months ago and I'm loving it. It saves me over a $1,000 a year in cable fees. I watch football in HD OTA all weekend for free.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=211191747&listingid=44807698

Much more common to go from component to VGA. It's pretty rare to have a TV that accepts a digital signal over VGA. Maybe this is being displayed on a computer monitor?

Much more common to go from component to VGA. It's pretty rare to have a TV that accepts a digital signal over VGA. Maybe this is being displayed on a computer monitor?

That is the case - I'm running this box into my computer monitor, which has VGA and DVI inputs (the DVI being used for the computer itself). Here's hoping it works!

Much more common to go from component to VGA. It's pretty rare to have a TV that accepts a digital signal over VGA. Maybe this is being displayed on a computer monitor?

Some old big flat screens lacked HDMI, but had VGA inputs.
Also, I can definitely see how this cable could be used to "repurpose" an old CRT computer monitor, for a garage or something.

That is the case - I'm running this box into my computer monitor, which has VGA and DVI inputs (the DVI being used for the computer itself). Here's hoping it works!

Let us know how it turns out.

Before i read through the thread i wanted to mention what my DTB-H260F is doing and see if anyone else has had this problem.

I like the DTB-H260F and the tv guide and always wanted 1080. One day i noticed when doing a scan, no channels found. When my surge protector reset itself one day, i noticed it scanned and found channels. Last night i was enjoying the tv and ota channels(i have cable also) and decided i would do a scan towards Nashville and Evansville. I found no channels again. So i pointed back up north where i get stuff at full 10 bars. Nothing found.

It is almost 1 year since i bought it. I can go and unplug it from the surge protector and line conditioner and see if it goes again but that will get old. Has anyone else had a problem like this and was it any cure? This doesn't always happen, just ever now but when it does, i never know when it will come back on and work.

Before i read through the thread i wanted to mention what my DTB-H260F is doing and see if anyone else has had this problem.

I like the DTB-H260F and the tv guide and always wanted 1080. One day i noticed when doing a scan, no channels found. When my surge protector reset itself one day, i noticed it scanned and found channels. Last night i was enjoying the tv and ota channels(i have cable also) and decided i would do a scan towards Nashville and Evansville. I found no channels again. So i pointed back up north where i get stuff at full 10 bars. Nothing found.

It is almost 1 year since i bought it. I can go and unplug it from the surge protector and line conditioner and see if it goes again but that will get old. Has anyone else had a problem like this and was it any cure? This doesn't always happen, just ever now but when it does, i never know when it will come back on and work.

You don't need to rescan every time you move your antenna. A better way to do this would be to scan with the antenna in the first position, then move the antenna and manually add the channels you expect to get (use the actual RF channels, not the virtual channels).

You don't need to rescan every time you move your antenna. A better way to do this would be to scan with the antenna in the first position, then move the antenna and manually add the channels you expect to get (use the actual RF channels, not the virtual channels).

Thanks, i will do this. I had thought of that and will do this. I have it unplugged now and hopefully that will help. I will see if it will lock in the channels when i plug it back in and i will start doing as you said and jot down the ch numbers down when i go in another direction and manually put them in. I just hope it works after i leave it unplugged a lil while and maybe it will.

It is almost 1 year since I bought it.Many people report they start having one kind of problem or another at right about the one year point with the H260F. I did too, and haven't really used mine since.

The guide looks nice, but the box is apparently pretty cheaply-made.

Many people report they start having one kind of problem or another at right about the one year point with the H260F. I did too, and haven't really used mine since.

The guide looks nice, but the box is apparently pretty cheaply-made.


It is right at a year for me. How long does the waranty run on these things? I bought mine from one call. I left mine off for 24 hours. I unplugged it while the power was on. Just trying to break connection or do anything. Now i just hooked it back up and it shows 0 channels. Now i might ch scan again tonight or a week from now and it works. When it fouls up is when i do another channel scan at times. Then nothing locks in or i can not manually put them in. I think it is the tuner itself but i thought, i can try another hdmi cable.

When CC was closing out, i saw these things 40 something dollars and did not dream i should pick another up. Now you look on ebay and these things are high. I will either need to get this one working and i can do like someone said and when it does lock in a scan, i can manaully put in other channels but who knows even then if it will stay working and on.

Is it any other tuner with 1080i that comes close to this tuner? Even if the tv guide wasn't good like this one, i can deal with that but need one to rely on. My plasma has no tuner built in.

Had mine for 2 1/2 years with no problem. I usually leave it running 24/7. At times it goes stupid (no signal) and I have to turn it off and restart it, then it is working again. Seems to run very hot, so make sure you aren't blocking air flow.

scott s.
.

............
Is it any other tuner with 1080i that comes close to this tuner? Even if the tv guide wasn't good like this one, i can deal with that but need one to rely on. My plasma has no tuner built in.

Unfortunately the market for such tuners is so small and so niche that there are very few makes & models to choose from.
A small enough market that (I think) Samsung never even replaced the H260f after discontinuing it.

I did more testing today. It seems the problem is not in the Sammy tuner. I changed hdmi cables, unhooked the power, cables, made sure everything was hooked in good and snug. So i decided to plug in my charter cable and scan. When i did the channels was rolling in and it had picked up 196 ch's and was only half way through. I stopped the search.

So i looked and the ch's came in great with the Sammy tuner and Charter cable. I then unhooked and went back to the Charter box. So i think i have probs with either my Channel Master 7777 preamp or my antenna system. I have to have my preamp to pick up stations. So i wish i had another preamp to rule that out, so more trouble shooting.

I do not think it is in my tuner. I'll find out soon.

When i changed the cables and did the test ota, it did not pick up any channels on the uhf antennas. I meant to say and only the cable tv. That did show me the tuner was working.

Is it any other tuner with 1080i that comes close to this tuner?
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095

At times it goes stupid (no signal) and I have to turn it off and restart it, then it is working again.Hmmmm. You might not consider that a "problem", but I have a feeling that some others might.

Well, it probably happens once every 3-4 months. I consider that acceptable. Better than Windows anyway. More of a problem for me is if you try to change through channels really fast I can get the same behavior -- it starts showing "no signal" and needs a reboot. Also, for me the guide takes what seems like a long time to populate, and until an entire page of the guide is populated you're kind of locked from inputting commands from the remote.

I bought this as a replacement for a SIR T-351, so maybe having that as my performance baseline colored my opinion.

scott s.
.

HDMI to VGA? How's that going to work?

Turns out it doesn't work. I feel like I got scammed here...what a piece of **** cable.

This leads me to my next question: will a component to VGA cable work? I don't want to get burned again...thanks!

Turns out it doesn't work. I feel like I got scammed here...what a piece of **** cable.

This leads me to my next question: will a component to VGA cable work? I don't want to get burned again...thanks!

Component to VGA (meaning a cable that has 3 RCA plugs on one end and a HD-15 on the other) works ONLY if your computer monitor accepts a Component video signal. Chances are it won't: the only devices I've seen that accepted a component signal on the VGA interface are older projectors and commercial monitors from NEC and Panasonic. Just because two Plugs are compatible with each others (you are are in the process of learning this) does NOT mean that the Signals sent over those interfaces are compatible.

Component to VGA (meaning a cable that has 3 RCA plugs on one end and a HD-15 on the other) works ONLY if your computer monitor accepts a Component video signal. Chances are it won't: the only devices I've seen that accepted a component signal on the VGA interface are older projectors and commercial monitors from NEC and Panasonic. Just because two Plugs are compatible with each others (you are are in the process of learning this) does NOT mean that the Signals sent over those interfaces are compatible.

Well crap...you're right, this is certainly a learning experience. Looks like it's time to sell the monitor and pick one up with a better input set than just single VGA and DVI connections.

Now, here's the thing that does confuse me though: this (or, one like it) is what I purchased: http://www.buy.com/prod/dekcell-hdmi-to-vga-hd15-cable/q/loc/101/211191747.html The description starts "This HDMI to VGA HD15 (Male) connects your HDMI-equipped device, HDTV (NOT FROM COMPUTER OR LAPTOP) to your monitor." The recommended uses then specifically includes "HDTV receivers". So, it sure seems to me that HDMI to VGA should work, in this case, in the first place.

That said, I don't want to screw around with it any more than I already have...and a new monitor would be nice, anyway.

Now - you CAN use an HDMI - DVI cable from the Samsung to a DIGITAL DVI display - those signals are the same - just arrainged different - I've done this several times with some Samsung LCD computer monitors.

Most other cables though - you need to look at www.svideo.com for various convertors.

Well crap...you're right, this is certainly a learning experience. Looks like it's time to sell the monitor and pick one up with a better input set than just single VGA and DVI connections.

Now, here's the thing that does confuse me though: this (or, one like it) is what I purchased: http://www.buy.com/prod/dekcell-hdmi-to-vga-hd15-cable/q/loc/101/211191747.html The description starts "This HDMI to VGA HD15 (Male) connects your HDMI-equipped device, HDTV (NOT FROM COMPUTER OR LAPTOP) to your monitor." The recommended uses then specifically includes "HDTV receivers". So, it sure seems to me that HDMI to VGA should work, in this case, in the first place.

That said, I don't want to screw around with it any more than I already have...and a new monitor would be nice, anyway.

HDMI to VGA needs something in the middle to do the conversion from the digital HDMI to the analog VGA since the TV is looking for an analog source via VGA it doesn't know what to do with a digital signal. If you use a HDMI to DVI your sticking with digital the whole way so that works because the TV is expecting a digital input and know what to do with it.

You might need to be able to do the HDCP handshake across the interface in order to get HD from a STB to a monitor.

scott s.
.

You might need to be able to do the HDCP handshake across the interface in order to get HD from a STB to a monitor.

scott s.
.

I used to have my Samsung DTB-H260F connected to a projector with a DVI input using an HDMI/DVI adapter from monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041902&p_id=2029&seq=1&format=2)with no HDCP problems.

I used to have my Samsung DTB-H260F connected to a projector with a DVI input using an HDMI/DVI adapter from monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041902&p_id=2029&seq=1&format=2)with no HDCP problems.

I would have just gone the HDMI/DVI route myself, except the only DVI input on the monitor is being used by the computer, and it'd be incredibly cumbersome to physically change the cable every time I wanted to switch between PC and TV. This has certainly been quite the learning experience...

I would have just gone the HDMI/DVI route myself, except the only DVI input on the monitor is being used by the computer, and it'd be incredibly cumbersome to physically change the cable every time I wanted to switch between PC and TV. This has certainly been quite the learning experience...

monoprice has an inexpensive DVI switch: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011004&p_id=4069&seq=1&format=2

Hello,

I have a few questions, if y'all don't mind.

1) Will this box pass the audio over HDMI as well, or just video?
2) Will this box output over HDMI and component at the same time, so I can watch the same channel on two different displays simultaneously?
3) Is it possible to control this box in any fashion without the remote? From pictures it appears that changing channels and such must be done by the remote. Just wanted to make sure.
4) I assume I can program a universal remote to control this tuner

Thanks for any help!

Hello,

I have a few questions, if y'all don't mind.

1) Will this box pass the audio over HDMI as well, or just video?
2) Will this box output over HDMI and component at the same time, so I can watch the same channel on two different displays simultaneously?
3) Is it possible to control this box in any fashion without the remote? From pictures it appears that changing channels and such must be done by the remote. Just wanted to make sure.
4) I assume I can program a universal remote to control this tuner

Thanks for any help!

1. yes - in DD or PCM
2. no - one or the other. However, the SD outputs are active with either set of HD outputs. On the flip side - you MUST use the HD outputs to see the menues, etc.
3. no. no remote = no way to control it. All you have is an on/off button on the front.
4. Haven't tried - I would assume it's probably possible.

4) I assume I can program a universal remote to control this tuner

Thanks for any help!

Depends on the remote, but any good one should work with it. If you're using some Dollar Tree remote, I don't know....but if you've got a Harmony or something, it should be pretty easy to set up.

Any learning capable Universal IR remote should work fine with it, but I'd bet very few have the codes for this box.
I use a Yamaha AVR remote to control the H260f and it works flawlessly.
But I did have to use the "learn" function where each button must be programmed separately, but I actually prefer this method anyway. ;)

The DTB-H260F is in the Harmony database. I've used my Harmony with it for a few years. I don't remember whether I had to "teach" the Harmony a few of the buttons, which I often have to do because many devices in the Harmony database have a few missing or incorrect buttons.

I'm using a Sony programmable universal remote RM-VL600 to control the DTB-H260F as well as my older Sony TV. It's been a really great remote, much better than what Samsung included with the STB. The buttons are big and easy to press.

I'm using a Sony programmable universal remote RM-VL600 to control the DTB-H260F as well as my older Sony TV. It's been a really great remote, much better than what Samsung included with the STB. The buttons are big and easy to press.

I use the same remote. The only drawback, and it might just be mine, is that when I press the "guide" button, it seems I have to be pointing directly at the unit, and even the sometimes it doesn't work. I usually just avoid the battle and access the guide through the menu. The good feature with this remote is the macros - you can set it up to access the signal strength with a single keystroke.

I have owner the DTB-H260F for almost 3 years now and it works like a charm. Not the most senstive or quickest boxes out there, but the picture and durability has impressed me. Wish I hadn't splurged on the $35 5-year Circuit City extended warranty. Anyway, this box is still the best picture qualtiy of any digital converter box currently, especially considering 3 years has passed. Remember 3 years ago a plasma HDTVs was in the $3k price range and some didn't even have tuners in them. HDTVs have come a long way.

Sounds good armand1. I've had my DTB-H260F for 11 months now and I feel the same way you do. It saves me a lot of money from not paying a cable bill.

What's the model number of Samsung Terrestrial NIM Tuner, used in DTB-H260F? Is there a link to this device and current line-up of Samsung NIMs on Samsung Electro-Mechanics site?

My Samsung DTB-H260F died. The blue power light stays on for about 10 seconds then goes out. Any idea how much it will cost to repair? Looks like replacement price is under $100 used, $191 new.

Does anyone know how to add a QAM channel if the auto-scan isn't finding any of them on the main number?

I'm trying to add 82-3, which works with my USB tuner in Windows 7, but the box isn't seeing it in auto-scan. Once I punch the 8, 2, and - keys on the remote, the box instantly goes back to the closest channel (80.something). Am I completely screwed out of receiving this channel?

Does anyone know how to add a QAM channel if the auto-scan isn't finding any of them on the main number?

I'm trying to add 82-3, which works with my USB tuner in Windows 7, but the box isn't seeing it in auto-scan. Once I punch the 8, 2, and - keys on the remote, the box instantly goes back to the closest channel (80.something). Am I completely screwed out of receiving this channel?

Does anyone know how to add a QAM channel if the auto-scan isn't finding any of them on the main number?

I'm trying to add 82-3, which works with my USB tuner in Windows 7, but the box isn't seeing it in auto-scan. Once I punch the 8, 2, and - keys on the remote, the box instantly goes back to the closest channel (80.something). Am I completely screwed out of receiving this channel?

I know this trick works for OTA, not sure about QAM.
Do you know what the "physical channel" is that you are trying to tune in? 82.3 may be just the virtual channel. When you choose 82.3, the tuner will first check for a signal, if nothing there, it will default back to the nearest as you described. The only way I've found to note the physical channel with this box was to be quick and note the channels that turned orange while a scan was being made.
Hope this helps.

I know this trick works for OTA, not sure about QAM.
Do you know what the "physical channel" is that you are trying to tune in? 82.3 may be just the virtual channel. When you choose 82.3, the tuner will first check for a signal, if nothing there, it will default back to the nearest as you described. The only way I've found to note the physical channel with this box was to be quick and note the channels that turned orange while a scan was being made.
Hope this helps.

82-3 is the physical channel. On OTA, or properly displayed QAM, it would be 21-1, but it isn't being broadcast with that mask. Like I said, it comes right in over a QAM USB tuner in Windows 7, but this box just will not pick it up. I've tried all three different kinds of cable scans, and none of them pick up a single channel in the 82 range - even though it does blink orange when it hits the number. After scanning, my main channel manager list still doesn't show a single 82 channel.

82-3 is the physical channel. On OTA, or properly displayed QAM, it would be 21-1, but it isn't being broadcast with that mask. Like I said, it comes right in over a QAM USB tuner in Windows 7, but this box just will not pick it up. I've tried all three different kinds of cable scans, and none of them pick up a single channel in the 82 range - even though it does blink orange when it hits the number. After scanning, my main channel manager list still doesn't show a single 82 channel.

Have you eliminated location as a cause? Have you tried the Samsung using the same cable as the USB and vice-versa? If not, it's possible you have a bad cable somewhere.

Have you eliminated location as a cause? Have you tried the Samsung using the same cable as the USB and vice-versa? If not, it's possible you have a bad cable somewhere.

...or too many splits

Yes - location and too many splits have both been eliminated. Tried the cable and connection I was using for Media Center - no luck. Bypassed the splitter altogether and went direct - no luck.

When scanning channels, 82 (as well as 83) both blink orange. However, not a single channel from either one of those numbers appears in the channel manager after scanning.

Is there a way to reset this box and completely wipe out the list of found/memorized channels? I know you can add/erase from favorites, but I want to wipe the list out altogether. Is that possible?

Is there a way to reset this box and completely wipe out the list of found/memorized channels?

Disconnect the antenna or cable from the RF input and do a channel scan. Then re-connect and do another scan to get the new list.

My Samsung DTB-H260F died. The blue power light stays on for about 10 seconds then goes out. Any idea how much it will cost to repair? Looks like replacement price is under $100 used, $191 new.

woow.same thing happen to my tuner tonight.discounted the tuner from the back ,and reconnected it few hours later .I hope some one have a solution for this