Hello everyone,

This forum is a goldmine. A fountain of useful knowledge.

I'm digusted (as many of you are) with Comcast and their horrible STB's. I don't want a DVR box but what I do want is an HD box with an HDMI port. What's the best box that Comcast can provide me?

I've talked to NUMEROUS installed/techs/reps and NO ONE has the answer. Is it the 6412 stage III (I believe this has a DVR)

Help!!

I've talked to NUMEROUS installed/techs/reps and NO ONE has the answer. Is it the 6412 stage III (I believe this has a DVR)The 641x and 341x series are the HDTV DVRs, where x=2 refers to the 120Gb version and x=6 refers to the 160Gb version. Those are the best boxes to get. In the near future, Comcast will offer this software (http://www.tivolovers.com/Photos/CES2007/) for the those boxes, which should make them some of the most functional and usable boxes available from any provider.

This new interface will not be offered on the standard HDTV STBs, the the latest of which is 6200. Most of the developments and improvements are coming to the HDTV DVRs rather than the STBs.

So basically I'll need to get the DVR box to have the best software. What's the firmware that I should look for in the 6412. I have read that firmware version 16.20 is good.

So basically I'll need to get the DVR box to have the best software.No great differences in the software now, but as noted above, that will change soon.

What's the firmware that I should look for in the 6412. I have read that firmware version 16.20 is good.You can't request firmware. You get whatever your particular cable system uses. Some cable companies are better than others about getting new firmware versions to customers. This firmware is downloaded from the cable company's server to the box when you plug it in.

Which box has the HDMI port? The one I have now has a DVR connection and I'd prefer the HDMI connection.

Current versions of all Motorola STBs and DVRs have HDMI. Motorola hasn't manufactured a box with DVI in more than a year.

Thank you. That helps. Comcast is just clueless and insists DVI is the only connetion available.

To be fair, it looks like the 6412 on Motorola's site DOES have a DVI port. Is there a newer model of the 6412?

To be fair, it looks like the 6412 on Motorola's site DOES have a DVI port. Is there a newer model of the 6412?Yes, Motorola hasn't updated that site in two years.

FCC mandate requires them to make a box with HDMI available.

Thanks for the help, bfdtv. It looks like Comcast/Motorola is bringing out a new series of STB's (DCH series). I don't know if my area has started simulcasting the 2-99 channels yet or I'd just go to the DCT3412. I've heard that SD channels are improved. I'm tempted to call Comcast and ask them but they'll probably have NO idea.

What would you recommend? I don't really need a DVR but it sounds as though it's necessary to get the better boxes...

The DCH series isn't shipping yet, but many Comcast areas should have them 2H 2007.

There isn't much difference between the 6200 and 641x at this point. Once the Tivo software upgrade is available, it will be a different story.

FYI, in Nashville, as of August `07, I've got a DCH3200 feeding my LCD. Pretty nice!

I am supposed to go in Monday and swap my SD box for a HD one. I dont want the DVR either. Is the DVR extra over the standard HD box?

All I want on the box mainly is a digital audio output, component, and hdmi. Do they offer something like this? Will I find optical or coaxial digital audio outputs on these boxes?

If the DVR box isnt any extra I guess I could get that, but i really have no use for the fucntionality.

And are any of comcast's HD channels broadcast in 1080P? or is 1080i the max?

I am supposed to go in Monday and swap my SD box for a HD one. I dont want the DVR either. Is the DVR extra over the standard HD box?

All I want on the box mainly is a digital audio output, component, and hdmi. Do they offer something like this? Will I find optical or coaxial digital audio outputs on these boxes?

If the DVR box isnt any extra I guess I could get that, but i really have no use for the fucntionality.

And are any of comcast's HD channels broadcast in 1080P? or is 1080i the max?

Schmiggy, if the same DCH3200 is available where you are, then that model has both component and HDMI output. The HDMI maxes out at 1080I; that STB doesn't upconvert beyond 1080I. The HDMI carries the audio channel but that box also has component and optical audio. Here's a link (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3200_settop.asp)for more information.

I believe that that the DVR box is extra $$.

Schmiggy, if the same DCH3200 is available where you are, then that model has both component and HDMI output. The HDMI maxes out at 1080I; that STB doesn't upconvert beyond 1080I. The HDMI carries the audio channel but that box also has component and optical audio. Here's a link (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3200_settop.asp)for more information.

I believe that that the DVR box is extra $$.
Thanks a lot Raz, a box like that would be perfect. Hopefully we have those in this area.

Apparently here comcast doesnt have that box =/

Their HD box doesnt have HDMI, only Component. Id have to go DVR to get HDMI, but I am not too worried about, my PS3 and upscalling dvd player will be using HDMI anyhow.

It has optical audio out though, so thats nice.

And they are on "back order" i guess, so its going to be like a week or two before I can get it. =/

Apparently here comcast doesnt have that box =/

Their HD box doesnt have HDMI, only Component. Id have to go DVR to get HDMI, but I am not too worried about, my PS3 and upscalling dvd player will be using HDMI anyhow.

It has optical audio out though, so thats nice.

And they are on "back order" i guess, so its going to be like a week or two before I can get it. =/All Comcast systems have boxes with HDMI. Motorola and Scientific Atlanta haven't shipped boxes without HDMI in more than a year, as noted above.

Comcast didn't throw out their older inventory, so they may not be able to guarantee over the phone that you will get a box with HDMI.

All Comcast systems have boxes with HDMI. Motorola and Scientific Atlanta haven't shipped boxes without HDMI in more than a year, as noted above.

Comcast didn't throw out their older inventory, so they may not be able to guarantee over the phone that you will get a box with HDMI.

I went in to the comcast local station, their HD boxes they showed me didnt have HDMI. So I dont know what the scoop is. But I looked right at it, and the clerk noted it too.