Mine just died. Looks like the power supply, but its not the fuse. Switcher circuit seems to have stopped switching.

For the most part it did it's job. Picture was always good. But it always had issues where it would forget channels especially if changing channels quickly. It's like the channel memory would get corrupt and it would then randomly jump around channels (like 8-10-45-15), or add/delete channels that weren't previously.. It was really weird. Not to mention the fact that you had to scan both cable and air in order for it to find any air stations. Never understood that.

So mine is dead. Reading on Amazon, I'm not the only one with this exact problem so I'm very inclined not to replace it with the same model.

Any other recommendations for an OTA tuner?

[edit] Nevermind, I searched and fond the HDTV STB Synopsis

turbo2ltr,

do u recommend any tuner ?

Mine just died. Looks like the power supply, but its not the fuse. Switcher circuit seems to have stopped switching.



Check the capacitors on the power supply to see if any are bulged. If you find one or more bulged caps, refer to this link for the fix:

http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7804

Check the capacitors on the power supply to see if any are bulged. If you find one or more bulged caps, refer to this link for the fix:

http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7804

dude thanx for the link.I bought the extended warranty with the tuner,if that doesn't work/they don't honer the warranty i will give it a try

Check the capacitors on the power supply to see if any are bulged. If you find one or more bulged caps, refer to this link for the fix:

http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7804



UPDATE,


Thanks mike for the link again.I replaced 2 caps and the tuner is back to life. that saved me a lot of money.I'm sure this will be helpful for a lot of members with the same issue

I have the Samsung DTB-H260F and it is working good. I was thnking of getting another ota tuner that was 1080i. I am deep deep fringe so sensitivity i need. Has anyone tried the sensitivity of the h260f vs Centronics(Digiwave 5000HD) or the Dtvpal dvr? I have no dvr at this time.

I know it isn't that many 1080 tuners to choose from but it would be good to have one very sensitive with more than one antenna input. I wish they made some with two inputs, sensitive and while wishing, a nice menu and guide in one box.

I will keep using my Samsung but i am going to have another antenna or two up on the tower and wanted to get another tuner for that antenna.

anyone here in South Jersey [near Voorhees, Cherry Hill]? i'm looking to unload my Samsung H260F. It's listed on craigslist right now. i don't want to ebay itdue to fees and shipping and would just like to deal personally. PM me if interested.

thanks.

Hi,

Finally got one of these the other day. I've needed one of these for a long time as I have been using projectors without tuners.

My local Best Buy had one on the shelf and it was open box so it was marked down from $179 to $169 but it never went lower.

A few days ago I asked them if they had the remote, box or manual and they couldn't find anything. So, I asked what the current price was and after a quick check with the manager they offered it for $50!!:eek:

Anyways... I'm loving it. I wish there was more stuff on TV that interests me but this gizmo gets a nice ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and 2 different PBS stations.

-Brian

Anyways... I'm loving it. I wish there was more stuff on TV that interests me but this gizmo gets a nice ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and 2 different PBS stations.

I feel the same way. Mine lets me watch some sports and a few things on TV in nice HD. I spend my money on DVDs that interest me.

Anybody know if this is possible? Searched through the manual but found no clues.

Anybody know if this is possible? Searched through the manual but found no clues.
I don't know if this will work, but many devices will reset if you hold down the power button when you plug in the AC power cord. It's worth a shot.

-ML

I feel the same way. Mine lets me watch some sports and a few things on TV in nice HD. I spend my money on DVDs that interest me.

I've been loving it since I got it in '07. Only issue was some overheating. Remembered the PS2 issue and tipped it on its side and it still runs like a champ.:D

Has anyone ever dug up the codes for this thing in order to use it with a universal learning remote? I know the remote can learn all the functions, just trying to find an easier way.

I just bought one of these used off eBay after some research... needed for projector setup... samsung tv tuner has been fantastic so hoping this will be too.

Any bugs I should look out for?

If you watch non-HD subchannels that are in 4:3 - you'll need to change the output format on the Samsung. Otherwise - no.

I bought my Samsung DTB-H260F back in Dec. 08 and its still working great. I use it almost every day. It has awesome picture quality.

I also use my DTB-H260 often. I usually use it only to schedule recordings and it has NEVER failed me. Has been a great piece of equipment since I bought it a few years ago.
I've never found universal remote codes for it though. I just used the learn function. Can Harmony remotes control this box?

I also use my DTB-H260 often. I usually use it only to schedule recordings and it has NEVER failed me. Has been a great piece of equipment since I bought it a few years ago.
I've never found universal remote codes for it though. I just used the learn function. Can Harmony remotes control this box?
Harmony remotes can control this box. I use one regularly.

my Samsung DTB-H260F has been working quite well for getting the basic QAM channels like fox, abc, and nbc. I noticed today (after roughly a month of non use) that these channels are now coming in very poorly. alot cutting in and out and jittery video and sound. I even get a poor signal error occasionly. I have re scanned thinking maybe the channels have changed but the problem is still there. This is happening with all HD channels. I have the triple play package(with HD since i have one real comcast box on my main tv) with comcast of turnersville, NJ. Any Ideas why this is happening?

my Samsung DTB-H260F has been working quite well for getting the basic QAM channels like fox, abc, and nbc. I noticed today (after roughly a month of non use) that these channels are now coming in very poorly. alot cutting in and out and jittery video and sound. I even get a poor signal error occasionly. I have re scanned thinking maybe the channels have changed but the problem is still there. This is happening with all HD channels. I have the triple play package(with HD since i have one real comcast box on my main tv) with comcast of turnersville, NJ. Any Ideas why this is happening?

Has anything changed with your cable service lately? Added a TV? Added a splitter?

First I'd try another cable from the wall jack to your Sammy, next I'd try either hooking up your Comcast HD STB in place of the Sammy or your Sammy in place of your Comcast box to eliminate the run.

Just got my box... working great so far and picking up all ch as I get from the tv (also a Sammy tv from 2007, so likely the same chip)

my only problem is that the remote barely works... take 5 times pushing a button for it to work or have to be right up to the box.

Is this normal?? World a harmony remote fix this?

Just got my box... working great so far and picking up all ch as I get from the tv (also a Sammy tv from 2007, so likely the same chip)

my only problem is that the remote barely works... take 5 times pushing a button for it to work or have to be right up to the box.

Is this normal?? World a harmony remote fix this?

Harmony works fine for me.

scott s.
.

Sounds like really weak batteries.

that exactly what I thought but still the same with fresh batt

that exactly what I thought but still the same with fresh batt

If you're using a backlit HDTV try turning the backlight off/down. Or if it's got a light sensor you can turn off/cover up try that. Others have noted that those things mess up remote reception with certain other OTA boxes for some reason.

Just got my box... working great so far and picking up all ch as I get from the tv (also a Sammy tv from 2007, so likely the same chip)

my only problem is that the remote barely works... take 5 times pushing a button for it to work or have to be right up to the box.

Is this normal?? World a harmony remote fix this?

I noticed on mine the remote is kinda weak. You have to point it right at the box. There is no bouncing signals of walls with it. I don't have to push a button 5 times though.

figured it out, remote doesn't play well with my rack window :)

so far, box is awesome

Has anything changed with your cable service lately? Added a TV? Added a splitter?

First I'd try another cable from the wall jack to your Sammy, next I'd try either hooking up your Comcast HD STB in place of the Sammy or your Sammy in place of your Comcast box to eliminate the run.

I know the cable service has been changing (adding and moving channels) so not sure how that effects it but i haven't added or changed any components. However, and im not sure why, but i switched out a splitter (was only up to 500MHZ) and its working about 85% better but im still seeing some sputtering on certain HD channels but not all. I didn't see any improvement with the wall straight to the sammy but it is 100% better with comcast box hooked up.

I know the cable service has been changing (adding and moving channels) so not sure how that effects it but i haven't added or changed any components. However, and im not sure why, but i switched out a splitter (was only up to 500MHZ) and its working about 85% better but im still seeing some sputtering on certain HD channels but not all. I didn't see any improvement with the wall straight to the sammy but it is 100% better with comcast box hooked up.

These days - if you have ANY splitters that don't go to at least 800 MHz - replace them - doesn't matter whether you are on cable or OTA.

My Samsung died today - had it for almost 2 years. The unit just won't power on anymore. :(
After leaving it unplugged for awhile, then plugging it back in, the power light does come on for a split second, then goes off again. Will try out the warranty center, but, given that I bought it on ebay almost 2 years ago, it looks like the money I "saved" on this by not getting cable is now going to be going to another hd tuner unit. I've been out of the market for so long - I'm not sure what they sell if anything anymore..

wow. just called samsung warranty on this and they are going to refund a pro-rated amount to my bank acct. They didn't tell me how much it would be though and I have to wonder if they offered it because of my 2 other samsung hdtvs and a home theater system is entered in the system for me (one of the hdtv's broke - out of warranty... called it in too )

Check KenH's sticky (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095) thread, I think the Centronics seems to be currently the most popular HD tuner.
Ya today I just threw away my last Cyberhome mini DVD player. I started with 3 several years ago and slowly they all died. The symptom was the same with all, when pushing the power button the power light would go red for a brief second and then go off. Probably a power supply problem, but for $16.99 each(black Friday specials) they aren't even worth the time to take the cover off, not that that would do any good.

I've been having trouble with my HT set up, so I was looking for a replacement unit, too.

All I came up with was a Tivo HD. I found some very interesting tuners but they require a PC to interface with the display/TV. Now, I'm still interested in those because I'd like to build an HTPC but if you don't want an HTPC, then the pickings are slim.

Today, I proved the problems do not lie in my SAMSUNG. I hooked the tuner directly to the display and it synch's up first time and every time. The problem is in my receiver.

I've been having trouble with my HT set up, so I was looking for a replacement unit, too.

All I came up with was a Tivo HD. I found some very interesting tuners but they require a PC to interface with the display/TV. Now, I'm still interested in those because I'd like to build an HTPC but if you don't want an HTPC, then the pickings are slim.

Today, I proved the problems do not lie in my SAMSUNG. I hooked the tuner directly to the display and it synch's up first time and every time. The problem is in my receiver.

As noted directly above, see the sticky topic linked. There are at least 4 current Digital TV tuners available at this time with full HDTV & Dolby Digital output, with the most popular going for $100.

My Samsung died today - had it for almost 2 years. The unit just won't power on anymore. :(
After leaving it unplugged for awhile, then plugging it back in, the power light does come on for a split second, then goes off again. Will try out the warranty center, but, given that I bought it on ebay almost 2 years ago, it looks like the money I "saved" on this by not getting cable is now going to be going to another hd tuner unit. I've been out of the market for so long - I'm not sure what they sell if anything anymore..

Since most cable bills are around $80 a month these days and the Samsung H260F cost $160 you still came out ahead. Mine will be two years old this December. I sure hope it doesn't go out with football season right around the corner.

As noted directly above, see the sticky topic linked. There are at least 4 current Digital TV tuners available at this time with full HDTV & Dolby Digital output, with the most popular going for $100.

Thank you. Your link was so subtle on my screen, I did not notice it. It is great to know I have options.

So, Samsung sent me ~90 bucks.

For those of you that are able to see the light for a split second before malfunctioning, read this. With a little handiwork, could be worth it.

http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7804

I've had my H260F for a few years and am quite happy with it. But it has a nasty problem of forgetting all the channels. I can do an auto search for channels and get 30+ channels. But if I go back to the EPG 15 minutes later the guide is empty except for the channel I'm currently watching. The channel listings come back one at a time taking about 10 seconds for each channel.

Some times the channel list lasts for an hour or so, sometimes it's gone in 15 minutes. After doing a channel search shouldn't the list remain until another search is done? Is there a coin cell battery in there somewhere that keeps the channel list in volatile memory? Anyone else having this problem?


(Samsung DTB-H260F hooked to a 37" Olevia via HDMI)

So, Samsung sent me ~90 bucks.

For those of you that are able to see the light for a split second before malfunctioning, read this. With a little handiwork, could be worth it.

http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7804
I was able to successfully replace the bad capacitor. Spent ~32 cents on the new cap and 7 bucks for the soldering iron kit at radio shack. SUCCESS!

I've had my H260F for a few years and am quite happy with it. But it has a nasty problem of forgetting all the channels. I can do an auto search for channels and get 30+ channels. But if I go back to the EPG 15 minutes later the guide is empty except for the channel I'm currently watching. The channel listings come back one at a time taking about 10 seconds for each channel.

Some times the channel list lasts for an hour or so, sometimes it's gone in 15 minutes. After doing a channel search shouldn't the list remain until another search is done? Is there a coin cell battery in there somewhere that keeps the channel list in volatile memory? Anyone else having this problem?


(Samsung DTB-H260F hooked to a 37" Olevia via HDMI)

I'm not sure what the problem is. On my H260F the channel list stays on until I turn it off. When I turn it on I have to wait several seconds for each channel in the guide. I've had my H260F for two years.

I was able to successfully replace the bad capacitor. Spent ~32 cents on the new cap and 7 bucks for the soldering iron kit at radio shack. SUCCESS!

Congrats on getting your H260F working again. I hope mine doesn't go out. I have never soldered anything in my life. Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the reply Jedi Master. I guess I'll have to get out my can opener and see if there is a battery involved in storing the downloaded channels. It's pretty annoying having to do a channel search every 45 minutes.

I can do an auto search for channels and get 30+ channels. But if I go back to the EPG 15 minutes later the guide is empty except for the channel I'm currently watching. The channel listings come back one at a time taking about 10 seconds for each channel.
The behavior you describe may be normal. Is your box forgetting all channels scanned or is the EPG just empty when you go look at it? With my 260F (that I never turn off) the EPG is always empty when I initially pull up that menu, it takes a few minutes for the screen to populate with info. While all the channels are there, there's just no programming info. It pulls that in on the fly and there just doesn't seem to be a lot of storage room.

Now if your box is forgetting all channels and you have to do a complete scan for channels every so often, that might indicate a problem. But if the EPG is empty when you pull up that menu and it takes the box some time to pull in the data, that is normal, at least that's how it works here.

The behavior you describe may be normal. Is your box forgetting all channels scanned or is the EPG just empty when you go look at it? With my 260F (that I never turn off) the EPG is always empty when I initially pull up that menu, it takes a few minutes for the screen to populate with info. While all the channels are there, there's just no programming info. It pulls that in on the fly and there just doesn't seem to be a lot of storage room.

Now if your box is forgetting all channels and you have to do a complete scan for channels every so often, that might indicate a problem. But if the EPG is empty when you pull up that menu and it takes the box some time to pull in the data, that is normal, at least that's how it works here.

WhiteWhiskers - I think you are correct that the box doesn't have alot of memory. Everything you describe occurs with my box as well. It's just the way it is. I did manage to make it run out of memory once by pulling up the guide, scrolling ahead chronologically as far is it would go, then scrolling through all of the channels... a message came up and said it was out of memory. So, not even enough memory to support a fully populated guide.

WhiteWiskers, thanks for the input. When this problem occurs, and that is often, I bring up the EPG and it gives the channel number and program info for the channel I am currently on. All other spaces are blank. If I keep the EPG on screen, the channels and program info pop in one at a time taking several seconds each. So if I want to "see what's on" I have to wait, and wait, and wait until all 30+ channels repopulate the EPG.

The Olevia TV that I have the 260 hooked up to has a built in tuner. But I don't like the program guide as much, and it picks up only about half as many channels. But the EPG holds all the downloaded info until another scan is done. Even if that is weeks later.

If this problem is due to a lack of memory I sure wish you could just pop in a 2GB DIMM....

Thanks for the feedback gentleman. It is appreciated.

WhiteWiskers, thanks for the input. When this problem occurs, and that is often, I bring up the EPG and it gives the channel number and program info for the channel I am currently on. All other spaces are blank. If I keep the EPG on screen, the channels and program info pop in one at a time taking several seconds each. So if I want to "see what's on" I have to wait, and wait, and wait until all 30+ channels repopulate the EPG.
What you are describing is normal behavior for the Samsung box. Yes, it would be great if the thing would pull in the entire EPG for every channel scanned. Alas this is not the case....

I was able to successfully replace the bad capacitor. Spent ~32 cents on the new cap and 7 bucks for the soldering iron kit at radio shack. SUCCESS!

As luck would have it, my H260F failed when I needed it most-- with Cablevision pulling Fox transmissions in NY, no other way for me to see the NLCS or the WS.

Same symptoms; stopped powering up; blue light flicks for a moment; then nothing. The thing was working great for 3 years and it dies on me hours before Game 6.

The cap next to the heatsink looks swollen.

How difficult is it to replace these? I am none to good with a soldering iron. What are the "idiot's guide" steps to the replacement process?

As luck would have it, my H260F failed when I needed it most-- with Cablevision pulling Fox transmissions in NY, no other way for me to see the NLCS or the WS.

Same symptoms; stopped powering up; blue light flicks for a moment; then nothing. The thing was working great for 3 years and it dies on me hours before Game 6.

The cap next to the heatsink looks swollen.

How difficult is it to replace these? I am none to good with a soldering iron. What are the "idiot's guide" steps to the replacement process?

Figured it out, disconnected the board and pulled it out of the chasis. Replacement caps on order. Great thread here and on the BadCaps site; thanks.

Samsung will send you a refund. I got $110 back when i called warranty repair and they said they no longer sell tuners.

Samsung will send you a refund. I got $110 back when i called warranty repair and they said they no longer sell tuners.

did you have to validate your purchase date? send the unit back?

What number did you contact?

I am none to good with a soldering iron. What are the "idiot's guide" steps to the replacement process?

1. Unplug it, wrap up the cord, put it in a box.
2. Take it to someone with soldering experience.

Don't take offense to the suggestion. If I were you I wouldn't use my only 260 as practice material.

They may give you your money back but you'd be out your box. Guess you could purchase another brand box, but if you really liked your 260 you might want to try fixing first. Guess if the repair didn't work you could always put the old cap back in and try getting your money back. As long as you don't totally hack the repair they may never know you tried fixing it. More than likely they just recycle the boxes anyway, not worth their time fixing them.

1. Unplug it, wrap up the cord, put it in a box.
2. Take it to someone with soldering experience.

Don't take offense to the suggestion. If I were you I wouldn't use my only 260 as practice material.

Success. Even I can do this. I've done some soldering before and this was not difficult. The hardest part was finding my soldering iron. The cap next to the heatsink was the culprit. 65 cents is all it took (although I probably have a lifetime of spare caps just in case others start to blow). Thanks a ton to the contributors to this thread. I've got the World Series back. As stated on the BadCaps.com, "this thread is money".

soldering was easy enough. Looks like you had it well in hand! FYI, if you call in Samsung, they will issue you a check. No proof of purchase was necessary for me - but they did already have me on record for another product.

And by the way, I bought my tuner on ebay 2-3 years ago so....it wouldn't hurt to try to call in samsung.

Anyone able to remote control this with their receiver's remote?? I've got a pioneer 9040 receiver but none of the ir codes work??

Dead thread??

Sounds like some of the boxes are starting to suffer premature capacitor failure, I'd guess the rest are being used but people aren't having issues with them. For a short while the 260 was the HD box to have. Best Buy even stocked them for a year or so which is where I got mine.

Mines been going 24/7 for years now. I use the Harmony remote and Logitech has the codes on their web site for it.

scott s.
.

So, if it is no longer THE box to have, and especially if it dies, what is the latest and greatest box to get?

Mine is not having power problems but has so many odd behaviours they are too numerous to mention.

Many boxes have been discontinued but the best thread to look would be this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095) one. I believe the Centronics ZAT502 HD seems to be the most popular HD box now.

Many boxes have been discontinued but the best thread to look would be this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=179095) one. I believe the Centronics ZAT502 HD seems to be the most popular HD box now.

Thanks for the tip. I ordered a Centronics. My Samsung misbehaves altogether too badly and too frequently. I tried to replace it with a EPVision PHD but I received a defective unit and returned it for a refund. I hope I have better luck this time.

My H260F is two years and two months old and it still works perfectly. I use it every day and its my only source of HD. I stayed up late Thursday night watching Free Willy on PBS with it. I turn it off when I'm not using it.

Anyone able to remote control this with their receiver's remote?? I've got a pioneer 9040 receiver but none of the ir codes work??

Works fine on my Yamaha AVR remote. I used the learn function not the code entry function.

Agh.. my pioneer doesn't have this function to learn. Dam it!!

Agh.. my pioneer doesn't have this function to learn. Dam it!!

I thought I read in here at some point that the H260f's IR remote was basically the same as another Samsung remote. DVR? TV? Can't remember.
The model # on the H260f is MF-59-002918 (8 might be a B, my eyes are not what they used to be), maybe try some google searches for that remote #, see if you find a product match.
Might find TV or DVR or whatever that is the same (or close enough) to find a Samsung code in your Pioneer's remote codes guide.

Thanks
Tried searching that number but didn't find an answer. I did search the thread and someone mentioned the code was the same as a sat receiver, but tried those codes and it's still not working... I guess I'm stuck buying the harmony

Called the Samsung number yesterday and they are sending my a check.

SWEEEET!!!

-Brian

Called the Samsung number yesterday and they are sending my a check.

SWEEEET!!!

-Brian

Please explain. You called which number and why are they sending you a check?

I believe Per a previous post he had a box with bad capacitors, commendable that Samsung would do anything about it well out of warranty:) I've seen a few other similar posts in the past that they compensated people with bad boxes.
I'd keep that in mind when purchasing anything Samsung in the future.

Yeah,

I bought a H260F last year. I called Samsung about it and they issued a $120 check.

Like most people.... I'll use the cash to buy some really, really, good capacitors to fix it.

-Brian

Well it finally happened, my box died yestereday. I keep the thing on all the time but turned it off to do some rearrangement of cables. When I tried to turn it back on the blue power light came on briefly but immediately went off. And that was it, neither the remote or button on front would power it up, it was totally dead.

I took the top cover off and sure enough, there was a burst 1000uF capacitor. I bought a replacement cap today, found a place that sold a Nichicon rated for 35 volts. Unsoldered the bad cap, soldered in the new cap, put it all back together, plugged it in, and the box powered right up, it was beautiful. Total cost: 45 cents and a 20 mile drive.

The DTB-H260F is all that's keeping me from buying a replacement television with built-in ATSC tuner. But as long as the Samsung box is working, I'm sticking with what I have. The flat panels are looking better and better all the time, I'm just not there yet....

I took the top cover off and sure enough, there was a burst 1000uF capacitor. I bought a replacement cap today, found a place that sold a Nichicon rated for 35 volts. Unsoldered the bad cap, soldered in the new cap, put it all back together, plugged it in, and the box powered right up, it was beautiful. Total cost: 45 cents and a 20 mile drive.For the win! Nice work.

Well, I gave up on this tuner. It has been the biggest PITA since day one. I ordered a Centronics tuner to replace it. It arrived today. I plugged it in, turned it on and BAM! - instant success.

Bye-bye, SAMSUNG, you piece of crap!

Well, I gave up on this tuner. It has been the biggest PITA since day one. I ordered a Centronics tuner to replace it. It arrived today. I plugged it in, turned it on and BAM! - instant success.

Bye-bye, SAMSUNG, you piece of crap!

On the other hand, mine has been rock solid and never had a single problem.

From what I remember the 260 isn't that great with multipath so if that's the issue the newer Centronics is a better choice.

From what I remember the 260 isn't that great with multipath so if that's the issue the newer Centronics is a better choice.

It wasn't a reception/interference issue, it was a lack of proper function. It would drop channels from the menu, spuriously add channels to the menu, stop working while changing channels, fail to synch up with AVR during start up, and more, too,... so many problems,... all in one little box.

I may take it to the range, put a spike through it and mount it on the living room wall as a reminder to the other electronic gizmos in my home that they should not mess with me. :-)

It wasn't a reception/interference issue, it was a lack of proper function. It would drop channels from the menu, spuriously add channels to the menu, stop working while changing channels, fail to synch up with AVR during start up, and more, too,... so many problems,... all in one little box.

I may take it to the range, put a bullet through it and mount it on the living room wall as a reminder to my other electronic gizmos in my home theater that they should not mess with me. :-)

I'll take your remote if you decide to do that - my is at least tempororily missing

People - I'm really serious - does anybody have a remote they aren't using, or have any suggestions for a replacement ? I seem to have lost mine ...

People - I'm really serious - does anybody have a remote they aren't using, or have any suggestions for a replacement ? I seem to have lost mine ...Have you tried a universal remote?

From what I've read nothing really controls a 260 other than maybe a learning remote. It's been that way from day one, not sure why.

Have you tried a universal remote?

I tried a GE from Ace Hardware - no code for the 260, and none of the Samsung codes worked either. May have to spend the money for a good Harmony from Tiger Direct.

Also called Samsung support and can't get an OEM remote there either.]

This one - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7097085&CatId=358

a Harmony 300i - looks good

I like how on the right side of that link Tiger Direct says "for only $50 more upgrade to this remote" Only $50 more:eek: IMO that's non a only, it's more than 100% more than the $39.99 linked one:rolleyes:
When I said learning remote I wasn't really thinking of a Harmony but yes if any universal remote would work it would be a Harmony, and the $39.99 is a great price:)

I like how on the right side of that link Tiger Direct says "for only $50 more upgrade to this remote" Only $50 more:eek: IMO that's non a only, it's more than 100% more than the $39.99 linked one:rolleyes:
When I said learning remote I wasn't really thinking of a Harmony but yes if any universal remote would work it would be a Harmony, and the $39.99 is a great price:)

I think I'll get one tomorrow - only 20 miles or so from home. Have some other running around to do in that part of town anyway.

You live 20 miles from TD and I live ~20 miles from Heartland America (http://www.heartlandamerica.com/electronics):D I'd take TD though.

People - I'm really serious - does anybody have a remote they aren't using, or have any suggestions for a replacement ? I seem to have lost mine ...

The best suggestion has been to bite the bullet and buy a Harmony remote.

On the other hand, mine has been rock solid and never had a single problem.

Same here. I've had mine for over two years and use it everyday.

I also try to be careful to not drop the remote because that is the only way to change channels is with the remote. I also try to keep plenty of AAA batterys in the house.

I have a Harmony 550 that I used to control my 260. Check the Logitech web site. You will see the 260 listed as a device they can control.

I have a Harmony 620 and it works well. You don't have to try to hit those tiny colored buttons on the 260 remote any more either once you set up the Harmony. The one thing I find a little confusing about Harmony is that there is an app you download for setup and you can use that, or you can go directly via the web to Logitech, and the setup user interface is a bit different depending on the method you use.

scott s.
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The original remote part number is: MF59-00291B
There are a couple of websites that have it for less than $15 but I have not tried them since mine still works.
http://www.samsungparts.com/Products/Parts_and_Accessories/PID-MF59-00291B.aspx?model=DTBH260F
http://www.encompassparts.com/products/?MF59-00291B

I picked up a Harmony 300i at the local COmpUsa / TigerDirect for $40. It seems to be a bit touchy on entering key numbers, but otherwise is OK.

The original remote part number is: MF59-00291B
There are a couple of websites that have it for less than $15 but I have not tried them since mine still works.
http://www.samsungparts.com/Products/Parts_and_Accessories/PID-MF59-00291B.aspx?model=DTBH260F
http://www.encompassparts.com/products/?MF59-00291B

In the past I bought a Toshiba remote to replace one that the batteries corroded and ate it up from this outfit with good results:

http://www.samsung.newremotecontrol.com/catalog_item.php?catnum=MF5900291B

scott s.
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I'm sure this has been covered (probably several times), but I dont want to have to read through this long of a thread, so could someone tell me please if this allows you to program your channels the way that you want, and if not, then what other box would you recommend? Thanks.

I'm sure this has been covered (probably several times), but I dont want to have to read through this long of a thread, so could someone tell me please if this allows you to program your channels the way that you want, and if not, then what other box would you recommend? Thanks.

What exactly do you mean ?

It will autoscan OTA ATSC and Clear QAM cable (even both on one scan), you can enter an RF channel and it will automap the virtual channel (if different).

I think it will let you do some auto-tuning programming, but I haven't worked with it THAT much.

I would get the OEM remote - and I did from one of the above links.

I'm sure this has been covered (probably several times), but I dont want to have to read through this long of a thread, so could someone tell me please if this allows you to program your channels the way that you want, and if not, then what other box would you recommend? Thanks.

The Samsung DTB-H260F tuner will scan and find all the available local channels - all of them. You can then go in and remove the ones you do not want to see when you use the "channel up" and "channel down" functions on your remote.

Does that answer what you were asking?

I have the religious channels removed from my channel list. :o

I have the religious channels removed from my channel list. :o

AMEN! ;)

And add the silly weather sub-ch's to the list of discarded ch's as well.

Also, if you manually remove scanned ch's for ch up/down surfing, you can still see those ch's if you tune them in manually.
Manual tune in can be done by typing in the ch # or by the list of ch's on the menu screen.

And add the silly weather sub-ch's to the list of discarded ch's as well.And the foreign (except for MHz Worldview and the Korean channels, which are the only ones to ever regularly subtitle their foreign-language programming in English here, and are the only ones showing any foreign programming that I actually find worth watching, anyway).

And the countless mirrors.

All I know is that, in a market as big and diverse as Chicago, a tuner with the ability to delete subchannels is a necessity. I probably block out well over half of them.

By the way, we don't even have any weather subchannels left here, anymore. I actually wish we still had them, as long as they're going to keep those slots opens and use them for something. Not that I ever watched them, but they've replaced them with regular-type (but again, worthless) programming with more movement, and stole even more bits from the main, HD channels to support them. The stationary weather channels only needed the most miniscule of bandwidth.

I picked up a Harmony 300i at the local COmpUsa / TigerDirect for $40. It seems to be a bit touchy on entering key numbers, but otherwise is OK.

I have the same remote and I find it is touchy too. For instance, when I press the Guide button, the guide will briefly display, then go away, as if I had hit the guide button twice. Sometimes it takes me a couple tries to get the guide to display.

Logitech has been very responsive to my questions since I bought this remote. They added new buttons for my TV within an hour to control Netflix. I'll bet they could adjust the length of time the remote is sending the signal to the Samsung... which is what I assume the issue is.

James

Update: My Samsung DTB-H260F is 5 years old today.
I was one of the first purchasers and bought it when it showed at my local Circuit City. Too bad I splurged $35 on the 5 year extended warranty, never needed it. Have been using it almost everyday and has worked flawlessly getting OTA reception with over 40 channels in the DC/Baltimore area. Unfortunately, over the holidays I bought a new Samsung LED TV and am getting rid of my tube TV and the tuner. This was probably one of the best tuners on the market with its HD capability and looks like it still is.

Update: My Samsung DTB-H260F is 5 years old today.
I was one of the first purchasers and bought it when it showed at my local Circuit City. Too bad I splurged $35 on the 5 year extended warranty, never needed it. Have been using it almost everyday and has worked flawlessly getting OTA reception with over 40 channels in the DC/Baltimore area. Unfortunately, over the holidays I bought a new Samsung LED TV and am getting rid of my tube TV and the tuner. This was probably one of the best tuners on the market with its HD capability and looks like it still is.

2yrs for me... same here love it. Outstanding product. Only gripes are the guide takes too long to load and the ir isnt the stongest.

A few months ago I was so sick that I could barely get out of bed and the old HDTV in my bedroom was my only entertainment. The Samsung H260F and rabbit ears was still hooked up and had been collecting dust. I hadn't even rescanned the channels since the NTSC shutdown years ago!

That was all I had to do. In two minutes I was watching awful daytime programs during my periods of consciousness.

Mine is also 5-years-old and still in daily use. I gave up on the guide long ago as it does take too long to load.

My Samsung DTB-H260F was 3 years old in December. Have been using it almost everyday and has worked flawlessly. My only complaint is the weak remote.

After you go through all the channels the guide will come right up. I still use mine all the time.

My Samsung DTB-H260F was 3 years old in December. Have been using it almost everyday and has worked flawlessly. My only complaint is the weak remote.

After you go through all the channels the guide will come right up. I still use mine all the time.

True the weak remote bothered me too, so I never used it. I used the Sony universal/learning remote which was less than $20. Worked much better, more responsive and from farther distances.

Hearing from others I think this tuner will last a long time, it already outlasted my TV. One thing I noticed when I first got my tuner was the heat coming from the back/right side of this box. I also noticed that the surface it was sitting on got warm to the touch (which means above 100F on the table). Looking closely the ventilation from the tuner's bottom was limited because it only sits about 1/8 inch or so above a flat surface. I attached a small anti slip bumper on the bottom so it can sit higher about 1/4 inch above a flat surface. This provides for more ventilation and cooling and probably helps in its durability. For those who want to keep their tuner for a long time I would suggest this.

My H260 also has reached 5 years of daily use this month. It was a rough start though. Not being able to find any in the local stores for several months, B&H still had a demo in stock for slightly reduced price, which I ordered. I think 'demo' should have stood for demolished. Inside the pristine outer box was a badly damaged original ship box. The rear panel was pushed in. But I didn't give up. I removed the 2 boards and straightened out the back panel, made sure the small crack in the power supply board wasn't causing any problems, fired the unit up and have been using it since. My SS T151 and T451 also still see use.

Still using mine daily, bought from CircuitCity online before they went bankrupt. I did have to replace the electrolytic caps on the power supply but thanks to this forum, that was pretty easy. I still have my T351, but the tuner in that one is not that great so I haven't used it in years (I have an ATSC tuner in an HD/DVR and a couple of CECBs if an emergency).

My Sammy is feeding my "classic" Pioneer Elite Pro CRT RPTV via a Denon 3311ci AVR.

scott s.
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