We'll have to see if some other keypress (like Exit or Last) or some other key sequence gets out of there without deleting the recording. If so, then you can develop a habit of exiting another way and won't run the risk that this will happen again.

I've always had this problem with the 6416... the long delay to exit. Not sure if Charter has upgraded to A25 though.

I've always just hit stop, and did the extra button hops on the menu to delete or exit. It is an annoyance, if you don't want to wait for the box to finally pop up. Hope they do change this next time around.

That's what I do...hit "last" twice and it will take you back to live programming without having to choose to "delete/do not delete". Then I'll go into the recordings and delete the show if I don't want to save it.Huh ... I was trying it and found I had to hit Last three times.

I've been having a problem with the Comcast DCH 3416 since I got it in August or so. I have a Toshiba 37AV500U, connected via HDMI. I know how to get to the box settings by turning off the box, hitting menu, etc. The problem is that, if I try to change my resolution settings to 720P and 'Off', the settings do not save when the TV is turned off. If the box stays on, it flashes "DVI" when the TV turns on, the resolution light drops to 480i, then back up to 1080i. If the box was off and I turn the TV on first, it just goes back up to 1080i without flashing "DVI".

How can I make this box keep my settings?

Edit: Apologies if this has been answered previously. Googling hasn't led me to a precise answer, and I don't have time at the moment to read through 40+ pages of this thread, and 180 or so of the other. Thanks!

I have a Cox Cable DCH 3416 and have had it since last March.

I have never noticed a firmware update, probably because they never put in any new features in the 9 months I've had it.

But today I noticed some new things. I checked the firmware version, and it's not even listed on http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

I did the black/white admin screen to check my firmware version and it's 18.45 which isn't even listed on wikibook's firmware list.

Isn't that strange?

Some new things today on this unit are happening too. The red record light now lights up on the front panel of the box. This never happened in the 9 months I've had it. Also, when I push menu or guide while watching something, a little graphic pops up in the upper right corner saying "one moment please" that never was there before. The guide is almost 100% faster when switching times or days which is very nice.

The only other difference I've seen is now while viewing remaining space left on the hdd instead of telling me how many hours are left it now says how much percentage is being used, left, etc.

Well there is one other new thing too and that's if on the guide you have highlighted a show that's a brand new episode, a little red "new" graphic appears next to it's title header in the upper left corner of the screen where it displays the time and channel number/logo.

It seems the changes are nice but why isn't this firmware listed on the wikibooks reference? I also have not seen anyone else mention a new Cox firmware on any AVSForum or other website but I could have missed it.

Strange....

** ALSO **

They completely re-did the On Demand.

Well, not completely, but improved it a lot! When you go to load it a new "loading" graphic in the bottom right pops up saying "loading... please wait". The first time it took forever then had an error popup saying to call Cox. I have had OD mess up before, but never with a message like that. So I tried again, and it took a good 45 seconds to load but now it only takes a couple seconds.

OD has changed in many ways. On the main OD screen, the "advert" block on the right 1/2 of the screen is a shrunk-down image of the OD channel, or aka Channel 1 on Cox. So the main OD screen now has animation (in the form of a channel) and sound. Not a huge improvment, but still better than nothing moving and no sound like it was before.

Anything you select off the main OD screen goes to a regular nothing moving, no sound OD screen like before. OD is a LOT faster like the new program guide I mentioned before with this new update. And while watching an OD show, you have a graphical progress bar on the bottom you can bring up by hitting "Play" just like a normal DVR or live tv show with this Motorola box. This was never there before even when you would FF which was annoying because you would never know where you were at. Now you do know.

On a side note, I see Cox has added Christmas OD videos like the "fireplace" dvd. They have 2 others: snowman and evergreens. They're all in the FreeZone HD too which is very nice since Cox's HD OD is much better than regular HD in terms of PQ and AQ.

All in all, I am very pleased with these new firmware/OD updates Cox did. Why haven't I heard anything about it anywhere on the web though?

I have a Cox Cable DCH 3416 and have had it since last March.

I have never noticed a firmware update, probably because they never put in any new features in the 9 months I've had it.

But today I noticed some new things. I checked the firmware version, and it's not even listed on http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software

I did the black/white admin screen to check my firmware version and it's 18.45 which isn't even listed on wikibook's firmware list.

Isn't that strange?

Some new things today on this unit are happening too. The red record light now lights up on the front panel of the box. This never happened in the 9 months I've had it. Also, when I push menu or guide while watching something, a little graphic pops up in the upper right corner saying "one moment please" that never was there before. The guide is almost 100% faster when switching times or days which is very nice.

The only other difference I've seen is now while viewing remaining space left on the hdd instead of telling me how many hours are left it now says how much percentage is being used, left, etc.

Well there is one other new thing too and that's if on the guide you have highlighted a show that's a brand new episode, a little red "new" graphic appears next to it's title header in the upper left corner of the screen where it displays the time and channel number/logo.

It seems the changes are nice but why isn't this firmware listed on the wikibooks reference? I also have not seen anyone else mention a new Cox firmware on any AVSForum or other website but I could have missed it.

Strange....

** ALSO **

They completely re-did the On Demand.

Well, not completely, but improved it a lot! When you go to load it a new "loading" graphic in the bottom right pops up saying "loading... please wait". The first time it took forever then had an error popup saying to call Cox. I have had OD mess up before, but never with a message like that. So I tried again, and it took a good 45 seconds to load but now it only takes a couple seconds.

OD has changed in many ways. On the main OD screen, the "advert" block on the right 1/2 of the screen is a shrunk-down image of the OD channel, or aka Channel 1 on Cox. So the main OD screen now has animation (in the form of a channel) and sound. Not a huge improvment, but still better than nothing moving and no sound like it was before.

Anything you select off the main OD screen goes to a regular nothing moving, no sound OD screen like before. OD is a LOT faster like the new program guide I mentioned before with this new update. And while watching an OD show, you have a graphical progress bar on the bottom you can bring up by hitting "Play" just like a normal DVR or live tv show with this Motorola box. This was never there before even when you would FF which was annoying because you would never know where you were at. Now you do know.

On a side note, I see Cox has added Christmas OD videos like the "fireplace" dvd. They have 2 others: snowman and evergreens. They're all in the FreeZone HD too which is very nice since Cox's HD OD is much better than regular HD in terms of PQ and AQ.

All in all, I am very pleased with these new firmware/OD updates Cox did. Why haven't I heard anything about it anywhere on the web though?

I noticed the new software on my DVR this morning as well here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'm glad they re-enabled the "Rec" light. Mine lit up until the last update.

Haven't checked out the VOD yet to see if it changed.

I noticed the new software on my DVR this morning as well here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I'm glad they re-enabled the "Rec" light. Mine lit up until the last update.

Haven't checked out the VOD yet to see if it changed.

Yeah it will have changed for you too then since I'm in Tulsa as well.

The record light is nice and it was really stupid they ever disabled it. Accident or not, they should have brought it back asap and not waited this long.

Although they changed many things, as I detailed in my huge post, the best change is the guide and OD service being 2x as fast as ever.

It's very, very odd that there's not a single hit on Google.com when searching for this new firmware version. It's like it didn't exist until today basically.

Even cox.com or Google news searches show nothing about this new firmware/updates.

The updates are great but I still really miss my DTV TiVo's. Why the menu system on this Motorola DVR can't do WS is beyond me. Why we can't disable the stupid screensaver or change the super short time it pops up. There's countless other things too I like better about DTV dvr's and TiVo's. At least Cox is making improvments though.

Surprised no one else on AVSForum has mentioned these updates. I've checked virtually every forum on AVS relating to it all day and haven't found anything but my post.

Speaking of the record indicator, does anybody have both record indicators enabled? I noticed our DCH-6416 has two record indicators, but only the left one is used and only if there is a recording on both tuners or there is a recording on the tuner not currently being displayed. If there is a recording on the tuner currently being displayed, neither record indicator is lit. Instead, the front display shows REC and never goes away unless you swap tuners. IMO instead of replacing the front display with REC, they should utilize one of the record indicators and leave the front display alone. If there are recordings on both tuners, turn on both record indicators instead of lighting one record indicator and replacing the front display with REC.

http://i41.tinypic.com/5xsju9.jpg

Definitely agree with you and the 2x guide speed improvement. And when stopping a recorded program the new dialog seems more secure. Harder to delete something by accident..

Speaking of the record indicator, does anybody have both record indicators enabled? I noticed our DCH-6416 has two record indicators, but only the left one is used and only if there is a recording on both tuners or there is a recording on the tuner not currently being displayed. If there is a recording on the tuner currently being displayed, neither record indicator is lit. Instead, the front display shows REC and never goes away unless you swap tuners. IMO instead of replacing the front display with REC, they should utilize one of the record indicators and leave the front display alone. If there are recordings on both tuners, turn on both record indicators instead of lighting one record indicator and replacing the front display with REC.


What do you want, everything?! LOL It took them over a year to half fix the record light to come on period, it'll probably take another year for the second one. The 'REC' on the display annoys me also. I would much rather always have the time on there & just have 'REC' come on for a few seconds & go away.

Definitely agree with you and the 2x guide speed improvement. And when stopping a recorded program the new dialog seems more secure. Harder to delete something by accident..

Yeah that's the 1 thing I forgot to mention.

Now when you hit STOP on a recorded program, you actually have to go up to "delete". I don't like that though. Sure it may help prevent accidental deletes but I have never, ever, accidentally deleted something that way. It's a minor inconvenience to have to go up though.

All the other new features are welcome.

Our cable company must be behind on an older FW where the recording indicator works and just hasn't changed it. Since we signed up for digital cable back in June the one recording indicator has worked, just not the other. Maybe it is because they load DCT FW on it, or at least it seems to think it is a DCT model based on the information screen?

http://i40.tinypic.com/2j0lhqq.jpg

Does anyone know if they enabled use of an external hard drive?

Speaking of the record indicator, does anybody have both record indicators enabled? I noticed our DCH-6416 has two record indicators, but only the left one is used and only if there is a recording on both tuners or there is a recording on the tuner not currently being displayed. If there is a recording on the tuner currently being displayed, neither record indicator is lit. Instead, the front display shows REC and never goes away unless you swap tuners. IMO instead of replacing the front display with REC, they should utilize one of the record indicators and leave the front display alone. If there are recordings on both tuners, turn on both record indicators instead of lighting one record indicator and replacing the front display with REC.

http://i41.tinypic.com/5xsju9.jpg


I bet the second light corresponds to the other available hard drive slot inside (you can see it through the top). Since there is only one hard drive installed in our boxes, we only see one rec light. That's my guess.

Does anyone know if they enabled use of an external hard drive?

Bresnan says an external HDD can be plugged into the USB ports and it will automatically work. I have my doubts though based on other reports in this thread. I don't happen to have an external HDD to test it out either. I also asked about the eSATA port and they had no idea there even was one on there or what it is used for :rolleyes: I asked if I could plug an eSATA drive in and they said that is what the USB port is for. I again asked about the eSATA port and they said they have never heard of eSATA before :rolleyes: Take it for what it is worth...

Firmware 18.43 fixes the record lights on the DCH boxes. I believe that I-Guide always displays DCT, even in past DCH firmwares. You know it's a DCH firmware when the major version starts with 18.xx. DCT boxes start with 16.xx and Verizon's QIP boxes start with 19.xx.

I think in one of Motorola's firmware's, they wanted to add support for both record lights. Their firmware must of been strict change to look for a register on a variable named RecLED1 and RecLED2. Well I-Guide isn't programmed that way. It simply flips a status register to RecLED (no 1 or 2 appended to it). After complaints Motorola likely changed what it's firmware was looking for to RecLED and RecLED2. Now the first register matches what I-Guide is pushing to the hardware abstraction layer.

I-Guide needs an update to take advantage of passing a record light 1 and 2 status. I would like to see this as well. On older DCT boxes, they would most likely ignore the status of RecLED2, but you would have to make sure that the provision programmed into I-Guide wouldn't break something in those boxes or the Pace boxes that also run I-Guide.

USB ports do not work for hard drives. Eventually the eSATA port might work, but Motorola and Gemstar had made no effort to get this working. If you want to expand the hard drive space on a Motorola based conditional access cable plant, you need to get a PACE box. Pace actually has eSATA working.

Howdy,

I've got a 3416 box with an Atlas DVR-1056 remote, on Armstrong service.

Two, really three, problems I'd like some help with...

First, I want to tell the remote that when its in "cable" mode to only turn on/off the tv, but not the dvr. I tried the setup instructions found here: http : //en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote, but they didn't work for me.

Second, the 3416 seems to ignore the "delete when you need space" setting on my recordings. They don't delete automatically, and the box fills to 100% and I have to manually delete to make room. Is this a known bug? Is there a workaround / fix?

Finally, I run through the 160GB pretty quickly. Is there a way to expand this? External sata drive? Something else? (my guess based on reading in this thread here is "no" but I'm still hoping... :-)

Thanks for any help!

Mark

(edit, sorry about the non-hot url -- board restriction it seems)

I just want closed captioning without having to turn off the box.

Once you enable Closed Captioning, you need never turn off the box again; it'll remain on.

I just want closed captioning on for Pearl Jam, so I can understand what he's singing.

Howdy,

First, I want to tell the remote that when its in "cable" mode to only turn on/off the tv, but not the dvr. I tried the setup instructions found here: http : //en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote, but they didn't work for me.


Found instructions that worked (for the Atlas DVR-1056 remote):
They're in this manual:
http: //www.mediacomcc.com/pdf/AtlasDVR__Manual.pdf

simplifying a bit:
1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice, then release SETUP.
2. Enter 9 - 9 - 5.The last-selected device key will blink twice. Then press PWR once.
3. Press TV once, then press PWR once.
4. To save the settings and exit the program,press CBL once.Next press and hold SETUP until the CBL key blinks twice, then release SETUP.

You can add other devices to turn on/off, etc. etc. See the manual. The instructions above will set the remote to only turn on the tv when you hit the power button in 'cable' mode.

To undo it:
1. On the remote control, press and hold SETUP until the last-selected device key blinks twice, then release SETUP.
2. Enter 9 - 9 - 5.The last-selected device key will blink twice. Then press PWR once.
3. To clear the settings and exit the program, press and hold SETUP until the CBL key blinks twice, then release SETUP.

Hope that helps someone.

Mark

I'd also like the box to pass through the native HD resolution.

We can always dream.

For those wondering about the two record lights, they BOTH work now with firmware 18.45 I had talked about on the last page of this thread.

Neither of my Moto boxes had either one working for the 9 months I've had them, but they both have the new 18.45 firmware and both record lights work on both units now.

Cool. Are there any other fixes or features added to firmware 18.45? How about native resolution passthrough? eSATA support?

How about going back to the basics and fixing this simple but annoying graphic overlay centering problem. It appeared in I-Guide 73.xx and's been there since. It was not an issue on firmware 9.19 / I-Guide 71.44.

http://home.comcast.net/~cypherx/guidecntr1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~cypherx/guidecntr2.jpg

Has anyone successfully programmed the UR4U–MDVR–CHD remote that Charter Communications sends with the Motorola DCH3416 to have a Tuner swap function?

I've called charter, gone to charter, live chatted charter and the people I get to communicate with do not know.

I know the Motorola box has the function if only I could access it.

Has anyone successfully programmed the UR4U–MDVR–CHD remote that Charter Communications sends with the Motorola DCH3416 to have a Tuner swap function?

I've called charter, gone to charter, live chatted charter and the people I get to communicate with do not know.

I know the Motorola box has the function if only I could access it.

All the silver DCT remotes should have a Swap button under the PIP functions at the bottom - from what I've seen most of these will perform a tuner swap on the box on default programming

FYI #1
I've seen a new silver remote in circulation that looks like the most recent silver DCT remote they prefer to use with DVRs, the manual says it's an OCAP remote... what's striking is that it has the SETUP button in the upper left and having tested it you *can* program specialized functions (like the 30 second skip forward) - I don't have the wiki link but there's a how to use a motorola DVR wiki that gives the codes in the remote section

FYI #2
My job title has changed and I'm no longer in Tech Ops, I'm an internal IT guy now and I've been left very little time for anything outside of IT - as such I'll be posting even less and may not be able to answer PMs.

All the silver DCT remotes should have a Swap button under the PIP functions at the bottom - from what I've seen most of these will perform a tuner swap on the box on default programming

FYI #1
I've seen a new silver remote in circulation that looks like the most recent silver DCT remote they prefer to use with DVRs, the manual says it's an OCAP remote... what's striking is that it has the SETUP button in the upper left and having tested it you *can* program specialized functions (like the 30 second skip forward) - I don't have the wiki link but there's a how to use a motorola DVR wiki that gives the codes in the remote section

FYI #2
My job title has changed and I'm no longer in Tech Ops, I'm an internal IT guy now and I've been left very little time for anything outside of IT - as such I'll be posting even less and may not be able to answer PMs.

No setup button on this one, but I think the PIP swap button does work. thanks for the help.

Someone please fix it

http://home.comcast.net/~cypherx/guidecntr3.jpg

Another good reason to buy DLP! :D

Has anyone successfully programmed the UR4U–MDVR–CHD remote that Charter Communications sends with the Motorola DCH3416 to have a Tuner swap function?

I've called charter, gone to charter, live chatted charter and the people I get to communicate with do not know.

I know the Motorola box has the function if only I could access it.
I recall having the same problem initially. Make sure the remote is in cable mode, then press the Picture-In-Picture button to turn on that feature, and finally press the Swap button. If you leave PIP mode on, you should only have to press the Swap button when you want to change to the other tuner on the DVR (button only works when in Cable mode).

Is there a way to transfer a file (recording) from a DCH3200 to a PC? I want to archive some programs and prefer to keep all the quailty I can. I'm trying to avoid using a capture device on the component out as that would require decode and re-encode. Would be great if you could connect the DCH3200 to the PC via USB and simply see the DCH3200 as a storage device in Windows Explorer.

Any one have any help on how to do this?

try the firewire thread.

So I just had my DCT3416 switched out for a DCH3416. The DCT had been locking up horribly and was progressively getting worse. Would have to unplug it 3-4 times a day. Anyway, now with the DCH3416 via HDMI directly to the TV I am getting audio dropouts maybe like 1 every min. Lasts maybe a second or two. Anybody else having this problem? The last box didn't have this issues so I don't believe it to be a TV problem.

From what I have seen it is only happening on the SD channels, although my girlfriend said she experienced it on HD as well. Only had the box for a couple days so we'll see. I know I may be able to run Component cables instead but I am worried about quality loss. Its Time Warner which is already compressed out the waazoo, so I would like not to lose any more. Anybody have a clue how to fix this issue? (already tried a second hdmi cable)

Is there any software in the works to replace I-Guide? Tivo software seems to be getting a little better but it is not available everywhere. I-Guide has been around for so long now. Where is the heralded J-Guide? Will it work on the Motorola 34xx boxes?

Does the DCT - 3412 I with the Comcast version of the firmware support the HDMI output connector?

I want to order a cable from Monoprice, but I want to be sure it's supported by the firmware.

Does the DCT - 3412 I with the Comcast version of the firmware support the HDMI output connector?

I want to order a cable from Monoprice, but I want to be sure it's supported by the firmware.

Yes it does. Ask Comcast for an HDMI cable - most Comcast offices will give you one for free.

Yes it does. Ask Comcast for an HDMI cable - most Comcast offices will give you one for free.

Thanks Paul.

Another silly question, but the connector in this box also carries the audio aswell, right? Most likely it does, but I wanted to ask just in case; to avoid any surprises, unlikely as it may seem.

I don't know about a 3412, but it is carried by the HDMI on my 3416. I just don't know if it's 5.1 or 2ch.

Thanks Paul.

Another silly question, but the connector in this box also carries the audio aswell, right? Most likely it does, but I wanted to ask just in case; to avoid any surprises, unlikely as it may seem.

Yes the audio is carried. If you have a receiver that has HDMI then connect the cable box to the receiver and use another HDMI cable to go to your TV (from the receiver). If you have a receiver without HDMI than you will need a separate cable for the sound (either coax of fiber optic).

Does the DCT - 3412 I with the Comcast version of the firmware support the HDMI output connector?

I want to order a cable from Monoprice, but I want to be sure it's supported by the firmware.

I wasn't able to get free HDMI cables from my provider, but I have two Motorola boxes connected via Monoprice cables which work very well. I've had no problems.

Pardon my ignorance if this has been brought up before, but: anyone have any experience with their DCH3416's video output kicking the bucket?

I turned my box back on last night after watching a movie, only to be treated to no picture on my TV. The box was outputting sound, but no video. I use an HDMI switch, since my TV only has one input, so I toggled the switch from Blu-ray player to TV again (thinking that maybe it just didn't take). Still, no dice.

Swapped the cables going into the switcher, and the Blu-ray player worked on both ports — switch is fine. I even swapped the cable coming out of my Blu-ray player with the one coming from the cable box. Still, no picture.

I unplugged the 3416 from the wall for a few moments, let it power back up and turned it on. I got video for a few seconds, but it was shaky/jittery, then turned to snow for a second, then nothing (at which point my TV tells me it's an invalid format).

I plan on bringing the box to the nearby service center to swap it out (the phone rep I talked to said it's no problem), but just wondering if anyone else has had this happen to them? I got the box in November '07, and I'm pretty sure it was new.

Thanks for any input!

When I record using the DCH 3416 it will occasionaly kind of blink and the picture takes on a green cast. This will last a few seconds and it will blink again and the picture color will be ok. This is noticed during playback.

Any ideas, comments, fixes etc?

CharterJames, from an earlier post, would this not work?
"Through trial and error I found the code it is 00109. The way it works with the Comcast remote is press cable, then press and hold setup until the cable light on the remote blinks twice, then release the setup button, enter 994 on the keypad, then press setup again and release the setup button then enter 00109 after that press the key you want for this functionality - I chose the "help" key. If you did all of this correctly the cable select button on the remote should blink twice. "

I really wish I could get this to work. I've been trying for months. The remote blinks afterwards as if I have done it correctly, but it doesn't work no matter which key I assign. Very frustrating...

I really wish I could get this to work. I've been trying for months. The remote blinks afterwards as if I have done it correctly, but it doesn't work no matter which key I assign. Very frustrating...

I posted the same problem a few months ago. I have comcast and cant get it to work. I think its the firmware. The front button on the box doesnt work ether. Attached is a pic of my firmware.

Brad

I posted the same problem a few months ago. I have comcast and cant get it to work. I think its the firmware. The front button on the box doesnt work ether. Attached is a pic of my firmware.

Brad
I have the same software and firmware.

I wonder if anyone has gotten this to work with the software and firmware and comcast.

Brad

I wonder if anyone has gotten this to work with the software and firmware and comcast.

Brad
I'm on the Comcast support chat right now. I'm asking them what the newest software and firmware version is for these receivers right now. I know they won't know squat, but I wanted to ask. I've been waiting for 15 minutes now...

Pathetic.

EDIT: Haha...they just came back and told me how to change the resolution manually. Thanks...

Update: I'm talking to a supervisor now. He seems to know a bit more, but not much. He knew that, when pushed, the format button causes the light on the DVR (on the right side of the display) to blink. Alight, the newest version of software for this receiver is: 75.58 - 9078 and newest firmware is: 18.34

I want it. I'm calling my local office to see where things are locally.

I've searched and read every post here that mentions firewire and can't find an answer to my problem. I appreciate any input offered.

I have a 6416 connected to a Mitsubishi DVHS (I can't remember the model number, but it's the cheaper one - doesn't do SVHS). I cannot seem to access the DHVS on the 6416. Is there any button you have to hit (or menu option to select) in order to activate the firewire port? The firewire light on the DVHS doesn't indicate that there is a connection (I know that my firewire cable is good from other uses. Also, I know that the DVHS is good as it works fine with an old Samsung STB that I have.). My cableco is Insight.

Thanks for your help.

-Reagan

I have a Charter-provided Motorola DCH6416. Will just any external eSATA expander drive work with it? If so, will it handle a 500 GB drive? A Charter tech has said an expander drive will work but it took her a while do dig up the answer when I asked.

Update: I'm talking to a supervisor now. He seems to know a bit more, but not much. He knew that, when pushed, the format button causes the light on the DVR (on the right side of the display) to blink. Alight, the newest version of software for this receiver is: 75.58 - 9078 and newest firmware is: 18.34

I want it. I'm calling my local office to see where things are locally.

As much as you may want it you're unfortunately not going to get it until they push it out to the boxes in your area. Chances are pretty good that anyone you talk to won't be able to give you a good solid answer either, as many times these dates get changed for various reasons.

Well, I've talked to insight and they said the firewire connections are not active. Nor will they activate them. So, it's time for me to do my homework and my a case to encourage insight to activate the firewire.

Are there any insight customers anywhere who have active firewire?

-R

As much as you may want it you're unfortunately not going to get it until they push it out to the boxes in your area. Chances are pretty good that anyone you talk to won't be able to give you a good solid answer either, as many times these dates get changed for various reasons.
Oh I know. I want it, but I ain't gonna get it anytime soon. I called them just for the heck of it. The local office had me on hold for 30 minutes trying to figure it out. I just put the phone down and gave up on waiting for info. I knew they wouldn't know what I was talking about. I just like to remind them at times they there are features I don't have, but want.

Well, I've talked to insight and they said the firewire connections are not active. Nor will they activate them. So, it's time for me to do my homework and my a case to encourage insight to activate the firewire.

Are there any insight customers anywhere who have active firewire?

-R

If that's the case Insight is in Violation of FCC mandates - there was a very big fuss about it when it happened - however due to 5c encryption most devices won't work over firewire unless they support the encryption.

So here's what I recommend

1) Call you local office back and request to speak to a customer service or Tech ops manager. Let them know you the issue you are having

2) see if you can verify the unit works with other 5c encrypted devices (just to make sure it's not your unit)

3) all else fails and your told Insight doesn't offer said boxes File a complaint the the franchise authority (should be listed on your bill) as well as the FCC.

CharterJames,

Thanks for all of the help. I've checked and my Mits (1100U) DVHS is 5c compliant. I'll be pursuing this in a friendly manner with Insight.

I wish I lived in Charter territory.

-R

I have a Charter-provided Motorola DCH6416. Will just any external eSATA expander drive work with it? If so, will it handle a 500 GB drive? A Charter tech has said an expander drive will work but it took her a while do dig up the answer when I asked.

It was my understanding that the Moto DVRs are NOT able to support an eSATA drive or any other type of external hard drive. I hope I'm wrong because it drives me crazy that my DVR is always too full to tape what I like after accommodating my wife's and kids' preferences.

Does anyone have an update on when, if ever, we should expect Charter to offer external hard drive capability with these DVRs?

Does anyone know if there is a way to use the rear inputs on a DCH6416 other than just turning off the box? The problem is that it only seems to display the inputs when the box is turned off. Well, as soon as a recording starts, the box turns on. Is there any way around this?

It was my understanding that the Moto DVRs are NOT able to support an eSATA drive or any other type of external hard drive. I hope I'm wrong because it drives me crazy that my DVR is always too full to tape what I like after accommodating my wife's and kids' preferences.

Does anyone have an update on when, if ever, we should expect Charter to offer external hard drive capability with these DVRs?


I have similar questions about Cox's version of the DCH3416. Anyone here tried connecting an esata drive to get more recording space? I called Cox and was told it would probably work, but they don't support it...doesn't overwhelm me with confidence.

When I record using the DCH 3416 it will occasionaly kind of blink and the picture takes on a green cast. This will last a few seconds and it will blink again and the picture color will be ok. This is noticed during playback.

Any ideas, comments, fixes etc?

Today, I noticed that in addition to above, it also went to black bars on both sides. So I had a greenish picture that was 4:3 in aspect ratio. This lasted for about 10 seconds, it blinked and all was well.

Still looking for ideas, suggestion etc.

Sometimes I get a solid green screen when playing back an SD recording, and pressing the dvr button would get rid of it. But it doesn't happen anymore. Switching between SD & HD channels fixes most problems (I have 4:3 override on though.).

newbie anticipating delivery panasonic TH58 pz800u and panasonic bd 35 bluray tomorrow. Currently have comcast motorola 3416 dvr and the silver urc-106 remote. I have read about setting codes and am unsure of which code to use to program so i can use my tv remote instead of the cable remote. Hate to sound stupid but i dont know if on the listed codes in my panny brochure what the dvr is as it lists cable converter, cable/pvr combo, etc. i assume i would want to use the panny remote with the vierra link, correct? thank you

So at 9 PM we have two recordings. Grey's Anatomy and The Office. The DVR automatically switches to Grey's Anatomy, but I want to watch The Office first, since it's only a half hour. By the time I'm done watching I should be able to skip all of the commercials in Grey's.

Well I was pushing swap at the bottom of the remote and the box just wouldn't swap. I thought well maybe it was because "Recording Started" was displayed on the screen. So I pushed Exit and then swap worked. I watched The Office in it's entirety, and then went to the "My DVR" menu to start Grey's. Oddly there were two instances of Grey's. One was one minute long with "This recording was interrupted while in progress. Some of the program may have been lost". The second entry of Grey's was the remaining 30 minutes that elapsed since it started. So I go to play the second entry of Grey's and it's playing back America's Best Dance Crew on MTV! WTF?!!!

So initially both tuners are tuned in and recording. One on Ch 231 for Grey's, and the other on Ch 232 for The Office. But how the hell did Ch 49 MTV get recorded in the entry labeled "Grey's Anatomy"? The first one minute long entry was in fact Grey's Anatomy, but worthless as it's only one minute.

So realizing this, I notice I need to start recording Grey's immediately so when the wife gets home late tonight she can at least watch a half hours worth. Well it just will not record! No matter how many times pushing the record button it would not do anything. The red recording dot was on Ch 231, but when you do a tuner swap it was taking me to Ch 49 MTV with the REC on the front display. So after deleting the bogus Grey's Anatomy entry in the My DVR menu, it finally let me record.

So that's one strange thing. Here's the next... We are recording Grey's and also Private Practice, which is back to back. Since I'm home I'm watching Grey's. When it's all but over a message pops up that says a recording will take place and I have to either OK it or Cancel it. Well I ok it. A minute later it switches back to the other recording. WHY?!! It shouldn't switch the live tuner because 1) it's still recording Grey's till 10:01, and 2) this same exact channel has a recording coming up next. So I have to swap back to watch the rest of Grey's. Then when the next show comes up the screen flashes and says "Your Recording has Started". Well duh, the recording never should of stopped because I have two shows back to back on the same channel.

These DVR's suck. Why is it screwing up? Additionally why does it switch the channel when a recording starts even if your already watching a channel that's currently recording? That doesn't make sense

I have similar questions about Cox's version of the DCH3416. Anyone here tried connecting an esata drive to get more recording space? I called Cox and was told it would probably work, but they don't support it...doesn't overwhelm me with confidence.
According to the Motorola website, NONE of the external connectors "are supported"! No SATA, USB, FireWire, etc. That begs the question; why the hell are they there? They say the "current software doesn't support it", and from what I have heard, users have been waiting for years for it to be supported!
http://broadband.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/broadband.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=19637&p_created=1177418267&p_sid=DzPgSCoj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ 9Mzg5LDM4OSZwX3Byb2RzPTU5MiZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9MS41OTImcF9jdj0 mcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1
http://broadband.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/broadband.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=19213&p_created=1174587838&p_sid=DzPgSCoj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ 9Mzg5LDM4OSZwX3Byb2RzPTU5MiZwX2NhdHM9JnBfcHY9MS41OTImcF9jdj0 mcF9wYWdlPTE*&p_li=&p_topview=1

I just installed a DCH3416 into my system, and have been playing with the DVR functionality. In my old location, I had a Scientific Atlanta box that would automatically jump back a preset number of seconds when you stop pressing the Fast Forward button. That way, when you're searching at a high speed, you don't have to rewind when you've blown by the portion you missed. Is there any way to get the DCH3416 to do something similar? Any help is appreciated.

These DVR's suck. Why is it screwing up? Additionally why does it switch the channel when a recording starts even if your already watching a channel that's currently recording? That doesn't make sense

Because, even though you are tuned into the recorded channel, it is recording it on the background tuner.

What the heck is a background tuner? Is that like the 2nd tuner?

It should be smart enough to realize, hey let's not interrupt this user because he's already on the channel that needs to record. IF the user wants to change channels after the recording begins, then display the message box asking what to do (or simply swap if the other tuner is free).

It really should be more efficient at it's resources.

If Tuner1 is recording ABC and Tuner2 is about to record FOX, and your already on FOX... it always forces you to switch to ABC on Tuner1 and then you have to manually swap back to FOX on Tuner2. What an incredibly horrible waste of time and programming. If I was in control, the I-Guide team would be FIRED.

I just installed a DCH3416 into my system, and have been playing with the DVR functionality. In my old location, I had a Scientific Atlanta box that would automatically jump back a preset number of seconds when you stop pressing the Fast Forward button. That way, when you're searching at a high speed, you don't have to rewind when you've blown by the portion you missed. Is there any way to get the DCH3416 to do something similar? Any help is appreciated.

Sorry, iGuide doesn't currently do this. Maybe someday. I can dream can't I? I almost always just use the preset skips, 30sec fwd, 5min fwd, 15sec back, 5min back.

newbie anticipating delivery panasonic TH58 pz800u and panasonic bd 35 bluray tomorrow. Currently have comcast motorola 3416 dvr and the silver urc-106 remote. I have read about setting codes and am unsure of which code to use to program so i can use my tv remote instead of the cable remote. Hate to sound stupid but i dont know if on the listed codes in my panny brochure what the dvr is as it lists cable converter, cable/pvr combo, etc. i assume i would want to use the panny remote with the vierra link, correct? thank you

Might be some trial & error. I'd try cable conv first, then cable/pvr next. Also although the boxes are made by Motorola if those codes don't work they used to be General Instruments or Jerrold. Enjoy the new TV.

Sorry, iGuide doesn't currently do this. Maybe someday. I can dream can't I? I almost always just use the preset skips, 30sec fwd, 5min fwd, 15sec back, 5min back.
The 3416 has those skip features? If so, are they on all units or does someone like Cox disable them? (I'm about to get one from Cox).

When FFwd'ing, can you see EACH FRAME like you can on a VCR, or does it FFwd by skipping frames? I had a DVD recorder once and I got rid of it because it did this. You'd totally skip over what you would be searching for because of the skipped frames! Since they are both digital recording (mpeg I guess), I'm wondering if the DVR has the same problem.
Thanks.

I just installed a DCH3416 into my system, and have been playing with the DVR functionality. In my old location, I had a Scientific Atlanta box that would automatically jump back a preset number of seconds when you stop pressing the Fast Forward button. That way, when you're searching at a high speed, you don't have to rewind when you've blown by the portion you missed. Is there any way to get the DCH3416 to do something similar? Any help is appreciated.

What I do is hit play once I see the material I want to view, which is almost always past the start. At this point, hit the page down button. That should go back in 15 second increments (or maybe it is 30 - I forget). It works for me with Charter cable.

The 3416 has those skip features? If so, are they on all units or does someone like Cox disable them? (I'm about to get one from Cox).

Yes these boxes are capable of doing this. I believe the 5min skip mainly depends on the firmware version, it became available with the a25 version (newest one) that still may not be available in all areas or on all cable systems, generally accessed via the "Page+/-" buttons. The 30sec skip must be programmed manually in the remote.

30 sec skip programming (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip)

When FFwd'ing, can you see EACH FRAME like you can on a VCR, or does it FFwd by skipping frames? I had a DVD recorder once and I got rid of it because it did this. You'd totally skip over what you would be searching for because of the skipped frames! Since they are both digital recording (mpeg I guess), I'm wondering if the DVR has the same problem.
Thanks.

There are 4 different speeds for FFwd'ing & Rewinding. Not sure but it may depend on what speed you're using on whether or not it drops frames or not, I very rarely use the FFwd & Rew because I almost always just use the skip buttons. Pretty sure the faster speeds do drop frames though.

Yes these boxes are capable of doing this. I believe the 5min skip mainly depends on the firmware version, it became available with the a25 version (newest one) that still may not be available in all areas or on all cable systems, generally accessed via the "Page+/-" buttons. The 30sec skip must be programmed manually in the remote.
Thanks for the info. Are these boxes user-firmware-upgradeable, or does Cox (or whichever provider) have to do it?

There are 4 different speeds for FFwd'ing & Rewinding. Not sure but it may depend on what speed you're using on whether or not it drops frames or not, I very rarely use the FFwd & Rew because I almost always just use the skip buttons.
So when you use the "skip" buttons, does it stop playing (as in no more visual) then skip, or does it continue in the Play mode and skip?

Pretty sure the faster speeds do drop frames though.
:mad: Does anyone know about this for sure, or could please check this? That's really annoying because it will totally skip over what you're looking for.

Thanks.

Sorry, iGuide doesn't currently do this. Maybe someday. I can dream can't I? I almost always just use the preset skips, 30sec fwd, 5min fwd, 15sec back, 5min back.
Thanks, Jon. I think I found the answer (based on your response). I'm using a Harmony remote, and the "Next Chapter" button is already mapped to the Motorola's "Advance" function, which does the 30-second advance. So, I think this will be a decent compromise.

Blindamood, it may depend on what firmware you have, but on Comcast, with most if not all current firmware, with a Moto box, if you hit FF3 or FF4, wait until you want to stop, and then hit "Play," it will roll back about 15 sec. If you are alert, and quick on the trigger, you will get it to restart where you want.

My DCT 6200 the third one crapped out yesterday took it back to the center and she gave me a 3416 in it's place. I tested the 1394 connection on my PC and I am still able to recored all the free HD channels FX HD, USA HD etc. Thank my lucky stars it still works my other unit both of the firewire ports crapped out so I was thinking I got hit with a new FW but to my surprise it was just a bad box.

Still able to record here in West Los Angeles, hooking the thing up was pretty painless, I just used what I had on the other box component and optical. To me the signal we get here is just not worthy of an HDMI connection and using the L&R analog connections makes it so I don't have to power on the AV receiver so I can still use the TV speakers. Recorded the Incredible's yesterday using the 3416's functions and it did a good job start to finish with no issues.

I wonder if I'm going to get charged more for this box? Anybody out there have the same experience as I did with TWC replacement HD box.

Jon, anyone? ;)


Yes these boxes are capable of doing this. I believe the 5min skip mainly depends on the firmware version, it became available with the a25 version (newest one) that still may not be available in all areas or on all cable systems, generally accessed via the "Page+/-" buttons. The 30sec skip must be programmed manually in the remote.
Thanks for the info. Are these boxes user-firmware-upgradeable, or does Cox (or whichever provider) have to do it?

There are 4 different speeds for FFwd'ing & Rewinding. Not sure but it may depend on what speed you're using on whether or not it drops frames or not, I very rarely use the FFwd & Rew because I almost always just use the skip buttons.
So when you use the "skip" buttons, does it stop playing (as in no more visual) then skip, or does it continue in the Play mode and skip?

Pretty sure the faster speeds do drop frames though.
:mad: Does anyone know about this for sure, or could please check this? That's really annoying because it will totally skip over what you're looking for.

Thanks.

The cable provider sends out whatever firmware the head end is currently using. Users cannot update it.

When using the 30sec skip, there is no blank frame, it freezes on a frame, then jumps ahead.

I find that I can spot what I am looking for in FF3, but may miss it in FF4.

I'll admit I've never understood how a display designed to show 30 (or 60) fps could possibly show frames at much higher speeds. And yet, when I FF a Laser Disc, it looks like all the frames are there, but when I FF a DVD in any one of my 4 DVD players, it distinctly looks like frames are missing. To my eye, on my Moto 6412, with Comcast, it doesn't look like frames are missing. But, I can't be certain, at that high speed.

I'll admit I've never understood how a display designed to show 30 (or 60) fps could possibly show frames at much higher speeds. And yet, when I FF a Laser Disc, it looks like all the frames are there, but when I FF a DVD in any one of my 4 DVD players, it distinctly looks like frames are missing. To my eye, on my Moto 6412, with Comcast, it doesn't look like frames are missing. But, I can't be certain, at that high speed.

Thanks for the info. If it's that hard to tell if it's skipping frames, then it's either not or it's not noticeable which is good.

Blindamood, it may depend on what firmware you have, but on Comcast, with most if not all current firmware, with a Moto box, if you hit FF3 or FF4, wait until you want to stop, and then hit "Play," it will roll back about 15 sec. If you are alert, and quick on the trigger, you will get it to restart where you want.
Thanks for the feedback. I do have Comcast, but have not checked the firmware. Mine definitely doesn't roll back, however.

Thanks for the info. If it's that hard to tell if it's skipping frames, then it's either not or it's not noticeable which is good.

Seems like that may be more based on the program (and not even a HD vs. SD thing). For example, when I FF/RWD some of Fox's reality shows like AMERICAN IDOL or SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, it seems like I'm getting every frame, but most other content seems to skip around (which is why I usually do fwd and bkwd skip - which are automatically programmed into HARMONY remotes).

Would love to have a25 firmware and a 5 min skip.

Would love to have a25 firmware and a 5 min skip.

You'll get it eventually. It was a much needed feature, not quite a 'skip to tick' like Tivo has, but not bad considering.

have new system, panasonic 58 pz800u, bd 35 bluray, and comcast with 3416 dvr. have noticed whwn using bluray player with any type disc that i have to increase volume from my comcast remote significantly. normal volume setting for tv is 15, need to increase volume to 30-33 for comparative volume when playing bluray. have audio set at auto, tried other settings. am i missing something? there appears to be no other options/settings to equalize this. thank you

everyone,

i just had a 6416 installed with my sony 52xbr6 tv and my onkyo 801 reciever.

i have an hdmi cable running from the 6416 to the tv, and then an optical cable from the 6416 sound output to the onkyo.

my problem is that i cannot adjust the volume with the universal remote that came with the 6416. the volume adjustment window pops up on the tv and goes up and down, however the actually volume does not change.

i have tried swapping out the optical cable for a digital coax and the same problem exists.

i have tried running the optical from the tv instead of the 6416, and the same problem exists.

i have tried running rca cables from the tv to the reciever and then the volume controls work.

any clues??? i would like to use the digital cables to get the best quality sound to the reciever.

thanks
tony

everyone,

i just had a 6416 installed with my sony 52xbr6 tv and my onkyo 801 reciever.

i have an hdmi cable running from the 6416 to the tv, and then an optical cable from the 6416 sound output to the onkyo.

my problem is that i cannot adjust the volume with the universal remote that came with the 6416. the volume adjustment window pops up on the tv and goes up and down, however the actually volume does not change.

i have tried swapping out the optical cable for a digital coax and the same problem exists.

i have tried running the optical from the tv instead of the 6416, and the same problem exists.

i have tried running rca cables from the tv to the reciever and then the volume controls work.

any clues??? i would like to use the digital cables to get the best quality sound to the reciever.

thanks
tony

Sounds like you have the remote to work the cable box volume. Try programming the Onkyo into the remote & set the remote to work the Onkyo volume.

It should say in the paper work that came with the remote how to program if for this. Otherwise check out your cable co's website, they should have remotes & programming procedures on there.

Thanks for the suggestion.

We did not receive a manual with the cable box as the installer did not have any. Will have to search the internet to find a pdf version.

When trying to operate the volume now using the cable box remote the volume indicator on the TV does go up and down. Is the lack of response due to the audio being pulled by the cable box before it goes into the TV? If this is true how come when I install the optical cable from the TV output to the reciever input I still had no volume control.

Thanks,
Tony

Thanks for the suggestion.

We did not receive a manual with the cable box as the installer did not have any. Will have to search the internet to find a pdf version.

When trying to operate the volume now using the cable box remote the volume indicator on the TV does go up and down. Is the lack of response due to the audio being pulled by the cable box before it goes into the TV? If this is true how come when I install the optical cable from the TV output to the reciever input I still had no volume control.

Thanks,
Tony

My Sony does not output sound on its coaxial/optical jack unless its ATSC tuner is doing the decoding. As long as I send it signal via HDMI, then it is getting an intermediate type signal that it process to a picture and sound but its tuner is not in play. Hence no output on the digital output. I suspect that is what you are experiencing. If you continue to use HDMI input, you can get volume control from the TV using its variable speaker output, but it will be L/R stereo not 5.1 Dolby.

Like has been said, you should be able to program your remote to control the receiver. Of course you will have to then tell the remote that you want it to control the receiver audio each time and not the TV audio. I did this, but it ended up confusing to many other family members, that I just use the receiver remote the few times that I am using receiver sound rather than TV sound.

I also have a DCH 6416 DVR, and the interesting thing when I set mine up, is I don't have the option of controlling volume through the DCH 6416. The volume is controlled by the tv. Maybe its s FW thing.

I also have a DCH 6416 DVR, and the interesting thing when I set mine up, is I don't have the option of controlling volume through the DCH 6416. The volume is controlled by the tv. Maybe its s FW thing.

What cable service and remote control do you have? This link below, may help you find how to program your DVR remote to control the volume. Look for your cable company and the style of remote you have, and it will [or should] give you the instructions to program your remote.

http://www.urcsupport.com/

I use my 6416 remote to control the volume, but I had to program it. :)

Tony et al talking about this volume issue: with Cox and their DCH3200 Motorola boxes there's a remote manual that talks about this two ways of controlling volume; either via TV volume or cable box volume. The TV volume is desirable because when controlling the box's volume you're not controlling output, you're controlling input which affects output. So if the volume is too low, it won't reach the threshold of stereo audio. This of course can also affect the audio on recordings (depending on how you record TV). By default, (once programed with the TV codes), the Cox/Motorola remote controls TV volume, not the box volume.

If you can't find this info, let me know and I can try and scan it, it's probably similar with the DCH3200 box .

To answer msmisfit's question:
"What cable service and remote control do you have?"

I am serviced by Time Warner Cable (Carlsbad, San Diego County, CA), but was actually served by Adelphia until they went bankrupt which then Time Warner took over. I have a Motorola DCH 6416 DVR. Anyways I was supplied with the Atlas 1055 remote (DVR w/ day key). I had a 26" Olevia at the time, when I got the DVR and the Atlas 1055, none of the codes would work with Olevia. So with that said, I sprung for a Sony RM-VL 600 remote with "learning" capabilities for about $25. I was able to program the Olevia with the Sony RM-VL 600 by using the "learning" function, and in the end, it works like a champ. I should also mention, the Sony RM-VL 600 remote have the proper code for Motorola set top boxes, but NOT Motorola DVRs. However I was able to to use the code for the Motorola STB portion on the "CBL" portion of the Sony RM-VL 600 remote and use the learning function for the DVR also on the "CBL" portion of the remote. Since then I upgraded, bought a Sony Bravia KDL-40s4100 for $899 at Circuit City. Needless to say all I had to do to program the Sony remote for the Bravia by using the code. Also works like a champ.

I am serviced by Time Warner Cable ...Yup.  My cable provider is Comcast, but I still know the feeling.

And what feeling would that be? lol

And what feeling would that be? lolYou said it yourself, Tom: it's the feeling that you're getting serviced.

I was supplied with the Atlas 1055 remote (DVR w/ day key). I had a 26" Olevia at the time, when I got the DVR and the Atlas 1055, none of the codes would work with Olevia. So with that said, I sprung for a Sony RM-VL 600 remote with "learning" capabilities for about $25. I was able to program the Olevia with the Sony RM-VL 600 by using the "learning" function, and in the end, it works like a champ. I should also mention, the Sony RM-VL 600 remote have the proper code for Motorola set top boxes, but NOT Motorola DVRs. However I was able to to use the code for the Motorola STB portion on the "CBL" portion of the Sony RM-VL 600 remote and use the learning function for the DVR also on the "CBL" portion of the remote. Since then I upgraded, bought a Sony Bravia KDL-40s4100 for $899 at Circuit City. Needless to say all I had to do to program the Sony remote for the Bravia by using the code. Also works like a champ.

Ahh... I see you had already solved your problem and were just commenting on how it had been in the past. Sorry, if you had already posted that, and I missed it.

I've been thinking about buying a Harmony remote [or preferably something cheaper] so I can program a commercial skip on my 6416 DVR. Only thing holding me back, is I'm afraid I'm not smart enough to make everything work. :o

You said it yourself, Tom: it's the feeling that you're getting serviced.

I'd rather get serviced than screwed. But either way being cable subscribers that we are, we're getting the service screwjob, lol.
It's COMCRAPTIC!!! lol

My 6416 for some reason didn't record 2 scheduled shows running at the same time.

This box is not as familiar to me as my Moxi was (died a couple of weeks ago, 6416 was brought as a replacement). So I've been muddling through the use of the new box and getting somewhat comfortable with it. I had all my series set up to record again, and this task was being met with success until last night.

I'd set up "24" for series recording and it bas been working correctly for at least 2 weeks. I also set up "Heroes" for series recording; the premiere was last night and it runs at the same time as "24." I changed over to NBC-HD (the other show was set to record on FOX-HD) just before the show came on and walked away, putting kids to bed, etc.

I got back with about 20 minutes left in the show and went to "My DVR" for a list of recorded shows. "Heroes" was there and in progress (still watching Heroes live, as well), but no "24." I confirmed "24" was set up to record the series, and recalled that the "Future Recordings" had shown both of these programs set to record as recently as yesterday morning. I then manually started recording "24" and managed to get 22 minutes of it as well as the full hour of "Heroes."

Before these episodes aired, I was showing about 20% of storage space in use.

Has anyone had a similar experience and/or know how to prevent this from happening again?

My 6416 for some reason didn't record 2 scheduled shows running at the same time.

This box is not as familiar to me as my Moxi was (died a couple of weeks ago, 6416 was brought as a replacement). So I've been muddling through the use of the new box and getting somewhat comfortable with it. I had all my series set up to record again, and this task was being met with success until last night.

I'd set up "24" for series recording and it bas been working correctly for at least 2 weeks. I also set up "Heroes" for series recording; the premiere was last night and it runs at the same time as "24." I changed over to NBC-HD (the other show was set to record on FOX-HD) just before the show came on and walked away, putting kids to bed, etc.

I got back with about 20 minutes left in the show and went to "My DVR" for a list of recorded shows. "Heroes" was there and in progress (still watching Heroes live, as well), but no "24." I confirmed "24" was set up to record the series, and recalled that the "Future Recordings" had shown both of these programs set to record as recently as yesterday morning. I then manually started recording "24" and managed to get 22 minutes of it as well as the full hour of "Heroes."

Before these episodes aired, I was showing about 20% of storage space in use.

Has anyone had a similar experience and/or know how to prevent this from happening again?

If you want to record two shows simultaneously AND watch a live program, you have to WATCH one of the shows being recorded.

In this case, I imagine the background tuner started recording Heroes before 24, and since you left the room, you didn't see the conflict screen that typically appears.

My experience is that if you have two shows set to record simultaneously and you're watching a live show, the box will ask if you would like to change channels to record or cancel the recording and continue watching the current channel.

My experience is that if you have two shows set to record simultaneously and you're watching a live show, the box will ask if you would like to change channels to record or cancel the recording and continue watching the current channel.

This is true. If you do nothing, it will change the channel, and begin to record. If you forced a channel change then, it would stop recording, but leave the beginning of the recording in the HDD.

If you want to record two shows simultaneously AND watch a live program, you have to WATCH one of the shows being recorded.

In this case, I imagine the background tuner started recording Heroes before 24, and since you left the room, you didn't see the conflict screen that typically appears.

My experience is that if you have two shows set to record simultaneously and you're watching a live show, the box will ask if you would like to change channels to record or cancel the recording and continue watching the current channel.
As stated, I manually tuned the channel to one of the shows scheduled to record before I walked away. That was the one that successfully recorded. And both shows were scheduled to begin at the exact same time (8pm in my case).

However the problem did not repeat itself this week since both shows recorded as expected. So the mystery remains.

I apologize if this has been answered, but I'm not sure how to search for it (ie keywords).

I have a DCT 6412 with Cox in So Cal. I'm running the HDMI to my Kuro 5020, output using 1080i. The left inch of the picture seems to be "underscan" and shows a repeat image of the inch of picture next to it. This is in "Full" mode on the TV, if I switch to Dot by Dot I get a green bar on the right (TV info of some sort) and more of the underscan on the left.

Is this a common issue with the Moto boxes?

Another user in the Kuro threads had the same problem with a 34XX box and used component instead of the HDMI to solve the problem. I'd prefer to stick with HDMI. I'm hoping it's just a bad box and I can switch it out, or perhaps Cox has the 6416's or even something newer? I just signed up with Cox last month (and got the TV yesterday).

Thanks for any help!
6

My 6416 for some reason didn't record 2 scheduled shows running at the same time.

This box is not as familiar to me as my Moxi was (died a couple of weeks ago, 6416 was brought as a replacement). So I've been muddling through the use of the new box and getting somewhat comfortable with it. I had all my series set up to record again, and this task was being met with success until last night.

I'd set up "24" for series recording and it bas been working correctly for at least 2 weeks. I also set up "Heroes" for series recording; the premiere was last night and it runs at the same time as "24." I changed over to NBC-HD (the other show was set to record on FOX-HD) just before the show came on and walked away, putting kids to bed, etc.

I got back with about 20 minutes left in the show and went to "My DVR" for a list of recorded shows. "Heroes" was there and in progress (still watching Heroes live, as well), but no "24." I confirmed "24" was set up to record the series, and recalled that the "Future Recordings" had shown both of these programs set to record as recently as yesterday morning. I then manually started recording "24" and managed to get 22 minutes of it as well as the full hour of "Heroes."

Before these episodes aired, I was showing about 20% of storage space in use.

Has anyone had a similar experience and/or know how to prevent this from happening again?

These boxes do that every now and then. If I am watching a recorded show when new recordings start, I try to check and make sure that they are both recording. That way if it does happen again, I can catch it in tim e and not miss much of the show that did not start recording. The box will say both are recording, yet only one show is. To get it to record, you have to manually "end" the show that did not start recording and set it up again to record. Major pain, I know.

These boxes do that every now and then. If I am watching a recorded show when new recordings start, I try to check and make sure that they are both recording. That way if it does happen again, I can catch it in tim e and not miss much of the show that did not start recording. The box will say both are recording, yet only one show is. To get it to record, you have to manually "end" the show that did not start recording and set it up again to record. Major pain, I know.Good to know, thanks for the tip.

Alright, I've tried searching the thread for my issue and haven't had any luck, so I'm hoping someone can help.

I have a DCT6412 III from Insight running to my Denon AVR-1909, and I can't seem to get 5.1 audio over HDMI (or SPDIF while using HDMI for video).

If I use component video and coax for the audio, it works fine (Dolby lights up on the receiver and shows all speakers coming in). If I hook it up via HDMI, I only get PCM and the FL and FR speakers coming in. PCM would be fine, but I don't seem to be getting 5.1 with it.

I have the guide audio settings on advanced and matrix. In the power off menu under "Additional HDMI settings" I have to select "L-PCM" or I get NO audio. Neither the "pass through" or "auto" settings feed any audio.

I also tried just using coax for audio and HDMI for video, but it wont' output over coax while the HDMI is plugged in.

Any suggestions?

In reference to this, turns out its a very common issue with the 6412.

I went down to Cox and got a DCH3416 box in exchange and I can go dot by dot with no green line on the right and no shifted pixels on the left.

I apologize if this has been answered, but I'm not sure how to search for it (ie keywords).

I have a DCT 6412 with Cox in So Cal. I'm running the HDMI to my Kuro 5020, output using 1080i. The left inch of the picture seems to be "underscan" and shows a repeat image of the inch of picture next to it. This is in "Full" mode on the TV, if I switch to Dot by Dot I get a green bar on the right (TV info of some sort) and more of the underscan on the left.

Is this a common issue with the Moto boxes?

Another user in the Kuro threads had the same problem with a 34XX box and used component instead of the HDMI to solve the problem. I'd prefer to stick with HDMI. I'm hoping it's just a bad box and I can switch it out, or perhaps Cox has the 6416's or even something newer? I just signed up with Cox last month (and got the TV yesterday).

Thanks for any help!
6

I'm about to swap my old Motorola box for an HD DVR box and I don't know if I should get the 3416 or the 6412. Which one has all the recording problems where it won't record a program it's supposed to record? Which one has fewer problems? If anyone knows the Pros & Cons of each I'd appreciate it. If it matters, I'll be using the HDMI connection and a Pioneer PDP-5020FD.
Thanks.

The first two digits of the box say whether is supports analog or not. 34 is digital tuners only, 64 is analog and digital. the second two digits say what size the hard drive is in the box, 16 is 160GB, 12 is 120GB.

The first two digits of the box say whether is supports analog or not. 34 is digital tuners only, 64 is analog and digital. the second two digits say what size the hard drive is in the box, 16 is 160GB, 12 is 120GB.
If that's addressed to me, thanks, but I already knew that. ;) There's got to be more of a fundamental difference between them than just digital and analog. I'm wondering which one simply works better than the other, which has the most problems, etc. Thanks.

Clint,

I just picked up a 5020. The 6412 did not work properly via HDMI to my 5020 (see above). I went in and got a 3416 and it works great now.

So from my experience, go get the 3416.

so I have been looking for this answer for some time now and havent found it - so instead of starting a new topic I am posting here

the Motorola boxes from Comcast or other companies - so the color space settings - there is RGB and YCC, I know what these are so thats not the problem

if it is set to RGB does it output 0-255 or 15-235? via HDMI

If that's addressed to me, thanks, but I already knew that. ;) There's got to be more of a fundamental difference between them than just digital and analog. I'm wondering which one simply works better than the other, which has the most problems, etc. Thanks.

I have had both DVR's and they both have the same issues.

When I record using the DCH 3416 it will occasionaly kind of blink and the picture takes on a green cast. This will last a few seconds and it will blink again and the picture color will be ok. This is noticed during playback.

Any ideas, comments, fixes etc?


Had to get a different DCH3416 because mine stopped working . My second box does the same thing as above, except for several seconds instedad of just a few seconds. It always goes back to full screen and full color, but for maybe 15 seconds it has the black side bars (forgot to mention that orginally) and a greenish tint.

Really surprised to see both boxes do it.

Still looking for ideas or help.

Was hoping to get the new Moxi, but they are not available for us yet.

Clint,

I just picked up a 5020. The 6412 did not work properly via HDMI to my 5020 (see above). I went in and got a 3416 and it works great now.

So from my experience, go get the 3416.
Ok thanks for the info. ;) Do you think that was due to a problem with the one 6412, or is inherit with all 6412 boxes?

I have had both DVR's and they both have the same issues.
Such as...? Please elaborate. ;) Thanks.

Had to get a different DCH3416 because mine stopped working . My second box does the same thing as above, except for several seconds instedad of just a few seconds. It always goes back to full screen and full color, but for maybe 15 seconds it has the black side bars (forgot to mention that orginally) and a greenish tint.

Really surprised to see both boxes do it.

Still looking for ideas or help.

Was hoping to get the new Moxi, but they are not available for us yet.

Why are there so many problems with (both) these units? :confused: Do you guys think the problems are hardware-related, cable provider-related, or firmware-related? Sounds like a VCR is still the best way to go but you're stuck with SD recordings.

Is there such a thing as an "HD digital VCR"? A box, with a hard drive, that records HD programs? No BS with your cable co or any subscription. Just a box, with a hard drive, with an HD tuner, that records and plays back HD programs. Use it exactly like a VCR except instead of tape it uses a hard drive.

My 6416 for some reason didn't record 2 scheduled shows running at the same time.

This box is not as familiar to me as my Moxi was (died a couple of weeks ago, 6416 was brought as a replacement). So I've been muddling through the use of the new box and getting somewhat comfortable with it. I had all my series set up to record again, and this task was being met with success until last night.

I'd set up "24" for series recording and it bas been working correctly for at least 2 weeks. I also set up "Heroes" for series recording; the premiere was last night and it runs at the same time as "24." I changed over to NBC-HD (the other show was set to record on FOX-HD) just before the show came on and walked away, putting kids to bed, etc.

I got back with about 20 minutes left in the show and went to "My DVR" for a list of recorded shows. "Heroes" was there and in progress (still watching Heroes live, as well), but no "24." I confirmed "24" was set up to record the series, and recalled that the "Future Recordings" had shown both of these programs set to record as recently as yesterday morning. I then manually started recording "24" and managed to get 22 minutes of it as well as the full hour of "Heroes."

Before these episodes aired, I was showing about 20% of storage space in use.

Has anyone had a similar experience and/or know how to prevent this from happening again?

I've had the same issue that you've had and have lost an episode of "LOST", "The Mentalist" and last night's "Dollhouse" in the process. The latter occurred when I was watching the other HDTV last night (a.k.a. didn't have the HD DVR or HDTV that it's hooked up to on) and was DVR'ing "Flashpoint" and "Dollhouse". It recorded "Flashpoint" and not "Dollhouse".

I'm at a loss of what to do (I guess I'll watch last night's "Dollhouse" on FOX's Website. I still have 14% capacity left, so "Dollhouse" could have been recorded.

Is there such a thing as an "HD digital VCR"? A box, with a hard drive, that records HD programs? No BS with your cable co or any subscription. Just a box, with a hard drive, with an HD tuner, that records and plays back HD programs. Use it exactly like a VCR except instead of tape it uses a hard drive.

There is one box in the marketplace that meets that criteria. Check out the DTVPal HD DVR. It is OTA only and sell for about $250. It has two HD tuners so you can record two programs at the same time (while you watch another recorded program).

AVS Forums has two (large) threads with a lot of information about the DTVPal HD DVR.

so I have been looking for this answer for some time now and havent found it - so instead of starting a new topic I am posting here

the Motorola boxes from Comcast or other companies - so the color space settings - there is RGB and YCC, I know what these are so thats not the problem

if it is set to RGB does it output 0-255 or 15-235? via HDMI

no answer yet?

My 6412 will output DD 5.1 over digital coax, and digital optical, while it outputs DVI, and component. You have to select DVI or HDMI in the service menu. You could try just selecting DVI, while leaving your HDMI hooked up, and that might give you digital coax and optical outs. If that doesn't work, you would have to replace the HDMI with a DVI cable, and use an adapter on the display end, if you need to. That should work.

Alright, I've tried searching the thread for my issue and haven't had any luck, so I'm hoping someone can help.

I have a DCT6412 III from Insight running to my Denon AVR-1909, and I can't seem to get 5.1 audio over HDMI (or SPDIF while using HDMI for video).

If I use component video and coax for the audio, it works fine (Dolby lights up on the receiver and shows all speakers coming in). If I hook it up via HDMI, I only get PCM and the FL and FR speakers coming in. PCM would be fine, but I don't seem to be getting 5.1 with it.

I have the guide audio settings on advanced and matrix. In the power off menu under "Additional HDMI settings" I have to select "L-PCM" or I get NO audio. Neither the "pass through" or "auto" settings feed any audio.

I also tried just using coax for audio and HDMI for video, but it wont' output over coax while the HDMI is plugged in.

Any suggestions?

There is one box in the marketplace that meets that criteria. Check out the DTVPal HD DVR. It is OTA only and sell for about $250. It has two HD tuners so you can record two programs at the same time (while you watch another recorded program).

AVS Forums has two (large) threads with a lot of information about the DTVPal HD DVR.
Thanks, but I'm looking for one that works with cable.

no answer yet?

I think somewhere in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1053444) you may find your answer. Sorry I can't be more specific. I remember a discussion about that a few days ago. So try a "Search this thread" for 0-255, 15-235, 16-235 and colorspace. I think if the boxes are set to RGB they can be set to either. But that may depend on the box.

yea I have been active in that thread for some time since I have that TV - I think it is about the settings for the TV but not specific to the motorola boxes

yea I have been active in that thread for some time since I have that TV - I think it is about the settings for the TV but not specific to the motorola boxes
I don't know if this will help, but I just now found the thread, it's the 5020/6020 Display Settings thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15734635#post15734635 starting at that post.

There is one box in the marketplace that meets that criteria. Check out the DTVPal HD DVR. I took Clint's inquiry to be with regard to a recorder that would work with (HD) cable service. The DTVPal doesn't. It is OTA only.

There are two options: The TiVo HD with lifetime service is about $700, and there is no monthly subscription fee. The Moxi HD DVR runs about $800. However, both require CableCARDs to decrypt encrypted programming, and you will pay your cable company a monthly fee for decryption. So far, no cable company is willing to sell you decryption for life, at any price.

There isn't, and won't be, a DVR that takes HD inputs, like HDMI, and writes that data to a hard drive for later playback. Or, at least, if the price of such technology ever decreases to the point where there ever is, it will have so many restrictions (see "CCI flags") that you'll be far more frustrated with it than you would be with renting CableCARDs.

From doing a search of this thread for "native resolution" I gather that the Motos still can't be configured to output native resoultion of the input signal. Is this correct?

Also do firmware upgrades just happen automatically or do we have to do them manually?

thanks.

UPDATE: I just called Comcast 800 number and they said that they do have DCH3416s but couldn't verifiy if those are available in my area (montgomery county, MD). Looking at the DCH 3416 manual it seems that these boxes have pretty much the same set up options as the DCT3416, which is what I have, but they seem to have a button on the front that allows one to change the output resolution on the fly. Is that correct? Anyone know if these DCH's are available in Montgomeray county? I can't check right now because the local office is closed.
thanks again for any responses.

No native resolution yet. However it is shown in the manual for the upcoming DCX series. No one knows when the DCX will be available.

The DCH does have the format button on the front. You can also program EFC code 00109 to an unused button on the remote to switch resolutions from the comfort of your couch.

I do this all the time to manually match channel resolution to output resolution (ie, ABC, Fox, ESPN, etc.. 720p, others 1080i). Some may call me crazy, but I can tell a difference, especially when there is text on the screen (scores, credits, graphics, etc..). I find that SD channels look crisp at 1080i vs. 720p. Sometimes however the box gets confused and auto switches SD to 720p. The way to fix it is turn the box off go into the config menu and change it from 1080i to 720p and then back.

No native resolution yet. However it is shown in the manual for the upcoming DCX series. No one knows when the DCX will be available.

The DCH does have the format button on the front. You can also program EFC code 00109 to an unused button on the remote to switch resolutions from the comfort of your couch.

I do this all the time to manually match channel resolution to output resolution (ie, ABC, Fox, ESPN, etc.. 720p, others 1080i). Some may call me crazy, but I can tell a difference, especially when there is text on the screen (scores, credits, graphics, etc..). I find that SD channels look crisp at 1080i vs. 720p. Sometimes however the box gets confused and auto switches SD to 720p. The way to fix it is turn the box off go into the config menu and change it from 1080i to 720p and then back.

Hmm. So how often does the DCH get confused? When it does it seems you are in the same predicament as with the DCTs where you have to enter the set up menu by turning the device off.

Also do you know the ir or hex codes for the DCH--especially the format button? I use a pronto, rather than the Moto, remote.

thx

I've been having a weird issue since I got my 3416. I have a Harmony 890 and when I turn on the system, the DVR becomes unresponsive for about 15 seconds. I can't change channels or access the guide. I've checked all my delay settings and I haven't seen anything that would cause this. Is anyone experiencing this?

From doing a search of this thread for "native resolution" I gather that the Motos still can't be configured to output native resoultion of the input signal. Is this correct?

Also do firmware upgrades just happen automatically or do we have to do them manually?

thanks.

UPDATE: I just called Comcast 800 number and they said that they do have DCH3416s but couldn't verifiy if those are available in my area (montgomery county, MD). Looking at the DCH 3416 manual it seems that these boxes have pretty much the same set up options as the DCT3416, which is what I have, but they seem to have a button on the front that allows one to change the output resolution on the fly. Is that correct? Anyone know if these DCH's are available in Montgomeray county? I can't check right now because the local office is closed.
thanks again for any responses.

The DCH boxes are available in Montgomery County, MD since I have one DCH3416 (recorder with 160GB hard drive) and three DCH3200 boxes.

Aside from the switch on the front of the box you can program the remote to change the resolution.

Through trial and error I found the code it is 00109. The way it works with the Comcast remote is press cable, then press and hold setup until the cable light on the remote blinks twice, then release the setup button, enter 994 on the keypad, then press setup again and release the setup button then enter 00109 after that press the key you want for this functionality - I chose the "help" key. If you did all of this correctly the cable select button on the remote should blink twice.

The DCH boxes are available in Montgomery County, MD since I have one DCH3416 (recorder with 160GB hard drive) and three DCH3200 boxes.

Aside from the switch on the front of the box you can program the remote to change the resolution.

Thanks for that info. I would hope, however, that there is a hex code that could be programmed into my pronto so that I would not have to do a macro to mimic pushing all those buttons as you describe. I don't know if the 19 code you mention would work directly. Have you seen anywhere a list of DCH ir codes?

Thanks for that info. I would hope, however, that there is a hex code that could be programmed into my pronto so that I would not have to do a macro to mimic pushing all those buttons as you describe. I don't know if the 19 code you mention would work directly. Have you seen anywhere a list of DCH ir codes?Jack, the key sequence that PaulGo described isn't the way to send the code; it's the way to program a button on the Comcast remote so that it will send the code when you press it after that.  Once you've done the programming, just pressing the button cycles the output among 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i on HD channels; what it does on SD channels varies according to the setting of the box's "4:3 override" option.

So whatever IR frequency is sent by the button after you've programmed it for code 00109 can be learned by your learning remote without using a macro.

Jack, the key sequence that PaulGo described isn't the way to send the code; it's the way to program a button on the Comcast remote so that it will send the code when you press it after that.* Once you've done the programming, just pressing the button cycles the output among 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i on HD channels; what it does on SD channels varies according to the setting of the box's "4:3 override" option.

So whatever IR frequency is sent by the button after you've programmed it for code 00109 can be learned by your learning remote without using a macro.

Thanks for the clarification. Still in my experience it is far better to get the hex codes rather than have the remote learn a code from another remote. The learning option often results in a lot of garbage getting added into the code and that can result in unstable operation. As a last resort I'll do it that way but it would be nice if I could get the codes. I'm searching around now to see if I get lucky.

This is a massive thread. I've read a lot but still unable to find what I'm looking for, or at least some info on it.


I did some reading around the net and someone mentioned these boxes being able to send DVR'd shows to other DVR's on the same network.

I know this requires the ethernet port, is the port only for cable modem access or does it allow data to be transferred IF enabled?

I don't know if this will help, but I just now found the thread, it's the 5020/6020 Display Settings thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15734635#post15734635 starting at that post.

it helps sorta - I can PM people talking about that - but it is not specific to the motorola boxes

but I am getting closer to the answer - thanks

UPDATE: I just called Comcast 800 number and they said that they do have DCH3416s but couldn't verifiy if those are available in my area (montgomery county, MD). Looking at the DCH 3416 manual it seems that these boxes have pretty much the same set up options as the DCT3416, which is what I have, but they seem to have a button on the front that allows one to change the output resolution on the fly. Is that correct? Anyone know if these DCH's are available in Montgomeray county?
Your post told me that there is a DCH3416 and a DCT3416, and now I'm also wondering how these two boxes differ. Cox here told me the "3416" is one of the DVR's I can get, but they didn't specify the prefix. I believe, I think, the DCH requires a cable card and that's what the "H" stands for "Host"? But there's got to be more differences than that. I know you can get the manuals at the Motorola website, but that's A LOT of reading to try and figure out how they differ, plus we all know manuals can leave out all kinds of information.

If it's any help Jack, I recently put a DCH3200 on a TV for my mother, and it has the output format on the front. So that may be common to the DCH prefix boxes. There's also the button on the Cox-supplied remote, but I don't know if it would be that way for Comcast.

I did some reading around the net and someone mentioned these boxes being able to send DVR'd shows to other DVR's on the same network.

I know this requires the ethernet port, is the port only for cable modem access or does it allow data to be transferred IF enabled?
I posted somewhere on this thread a few weeks back: according to the Motorola website, none of these rear USB, Ethernet, and eSATA are enabled! But I think someone here posted they got one of the connectors on theirs to work. It could be, might be that, it's dependant upon the provider and the firmware they use.

Your post told me that there is a DCH3416 and a DCT3416, and now I'm also wondering how these two boxes differ.According to other posts I've read on AVS Forum, the DCT models handle both analog and digital channels, while the DCH models handle only digital channels and are used in areas (such as mine) where all channels are available as digital transmissions, even if they also exist in analog.

Edit: that was incorrect. See Clint S.'s post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15832383#post15832383) farther along.
I believe, I think, the DCH requires a cable card and that's what the "H" stands for "Host"?The DCH3416 needs a card, but I thought the DCT models did as well.

No native resolution yet. However it is shown in the manual for the upcoming DCX series. No one knows when the DCX will be available.
That's ridiculous. Those things were shown as far back as the CES in 2007! Over a year ago at Motorola's site: http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail.jsp?globalObjectId=9066_8995_23&pageLocaleId=2026

I saw this at the DSLreports forum:

"CharterJames over at AVSForum doesn't expect to see these boxes in full swing until after Feb 2009. He just received notification from Motorola to order boxes for testing. He had a Motorola BMC9012 (moxi) for a good 6 months before they were allowed to launch those."

That post from from August 2008!


The DCH does have the format button on the front. You can also program EFC code 00109 to an unused button on the remote to switch resolutions from the comfort of your couch.
Your supplied remote didn't have the format button already on it? Or does the button you created perform a different type of function?


I do this all the time to manually match channel resolution to output resolution (ie, ABC, Fox, ESPN, etc.. 720p, others 1080i). Some may call me crazy, but I can tell a difference, especially when there is text on the screen (scores, credits, graphics, etc..). I find that SD channels look crisp at 1080i vs. 720p. Sometimes however the box gets confused and auto switches SD to 720p. The way to fix it is turn the box off go into the config menu and change it from 1080i to 720p and then back.
That's interesting. So you're saying that the box sometimes will forget the setting, and when that happens it circumvents your custom button's function on the remote where it no longer has the desired intent?

According to other posts I've read on AVS Forum, the DCT models handle both analog and digital channels, while the DCH models handle only digital channels and are used in areas (such as mine) where all channels are available as digital transmissions, even if they also exist in analog.
Actually, it's the "64xx" that means analog and digital, the 34xx is only digital. The DCH6400 and DCH6416 are both A & D, but the DCH3200 and DCH3416 are digital only. A little bit more info here, but not much. Still no details on the full specs. http://developer.motorola.com/docstools/specsheets/DCH_Host_Family.pdf I need a chart like that, that shows everything.

The DCH3416 needs a card, but I thought the DCT models did as well.
My parents have a DCT6200 or 6400 (box is totally VOID of any model #'s!) and it doesn't need a card. It does have a (empty) slot on the front labeled "Smart Card", but I think that's a media card slot, like maybe for CF and others.? Maybe it provides optional cable co services. :confused: I think it's a 6200 because it's not a DVR. http://www.motorola.com/Business/US-EN/Business+Product+and+Services/TV+Video+Distribution/Customer+Premises+Equipment+%28Set-tops%29/Analog-Digital+QAM+Set-tops/DCT6200_US-EN

They have a DCH3200 in the master bedroom and it has a card stuck in the rear of it.

The only other difference I see in that PDF (other than both D & A or digital only) is the 3200/3416 support "MoCA" (Multimedia over Coax Alliance), but only as "Optional".

I do know the DCT6200 does not have an HDMI connector....IF that's the box my parents have in their living room. I tried to test it on the new LCD I got for my mother, and I noticed the lack of one then.

DCH models need a card, DCT do not. As stated, 64XX have analog and digital tuners, 34XX have only digital.

Are you still around? ;)

Clint,

I just picked up a 5020. The 6412 did not work properly via HDMI to my 5020 (see above). I went in and got a 3416 and it works great now.

So from my experience, go get the 3416.

Ok thanks for the info. ;) Do you think that was due to a problem with the one 6412, or is inherit with all 6412 boxes?

Still wondering about this too....

I have had both DVR's and they both have the same issues.

Such as...? Please elaborate. ;) Thanks.

I've been having a weird issue since I got my 3416. I have a Harmony 890 and when I turn on the system, the DVR becomes unresponsive for about 15 seconds. I can't change channels or access the guide. I've checked all my delay settings and I haven't seen anything that would cause this. Is anyone experiencing this?
What kind of TV do you have? If it's LCD (and maybe plasma), you could be affected by that strange event that happens with some LCD TV's backlight (or something) interferes with the remote sensor window on your cable box. Your TV could be putting out more IR interference during that time. More info: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15515273#post15515273

I found some info on some of the DCT DVR line of boxes, DCT6208, 6412, 6416 and 3412. This is from Dec. 2006 so some of it may be inaccurate now, and it's also from Canada. I pasted it below. I also saw this: "The DCH line of set-tops are essentially DCT's with the internal security modules removed. Instead, they use a CableCARD."


DCT62XX
======
The format for the DCT62XX model number is as follows:
DCT62XX/YYYY
Where:
• DCT62XX indicates base configuration / standard features listed below.
• XX indicates the size of the optional factory installed internal HDD, as detailed below. If XX is 00, then the unit is PVR ready and DOES NOT have an internal hard disk drive. If XX is 08, then the unit has an internal 80 GB hard disk drive.
• YYYY represents a 4-digit designator indicating the options configuration. The YYYY in the model number descriptor follows the following scheme:
o 10YY series includes standard external module only
o 11YY series includes A/B switch
o 12YY series includes RF Bypass
o 2YYY series includes 128 MB of System DRAM

The options currently in circulation include:
1000 - Base model PVR (or PVR ready in the case of a 6200).
1100 - Base model + A/B switch.
1200 - Base model + RF Bypass.
2000 - 128 MB SDRAM PVR (or PVR ready in the case of a 6200).
2005 - 128 MB SDRAM w/Comcast logo.
2006 - 128 MB SDRAM w/Verizon logo (6200 only).
9999 - Developer box.

DCT62XX HDD options:
6200 - PVR Ready (supports external HDD).
6208 - 80 GB.
6212 - 120 GB. (NOTE: To my knowledge, this box has never been released).

DCT62XX Standard Features:
• 800 MIPS CPU
• 16MB flash
• 3 USB (one on front panel, 2 on rear panel)
• 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port (RJ 45)
• L/R audio and video in (both front and rear panels)
• Smart Card
• 12 button front panel, LED
• IR receiver
• S-Video
• Electrical SPDIF
• Optical SPDIF (Toslink)
• YPbPr component output
• IR blaster port
• Baseband audio / video out
• TVPASS renewable security connector
• Integrated Analog to MPEG Encoder
• Digital Visual Interface (DVI) output
• Dual 1394 (DTV, external hard disk drive)

DCT64XX
======
The format for the DCT64XX model number is as follows:
DCT64XX/YYYY
Where:
• DCT64XX indicates base configuration / standard features listed below.
• XX indicates the size of the factory installed internal HDD, as detailed below. If XX is 12, then the unit has an internal 120 GB hard disk drive. If XX is 16, then the unit has an internal 160 GB hard disk drive.
• YYYY represents a 4-digit designator indicating the options configuration. The YYYY in the model number descriptor follows the following scheme:
o The first digit “2” in 2YYY indicates the memory configuration of 16MB flash and 128MB System RAM
o 20YY series includes standard external module, only
o 23YY series includes standard external module and remod output option

The options currently in circulation include:
2000 - Base model - 128 MB System RAM, 16 MB Flash.
2005 - Base model with Comcast logo.
2006 - Base model with Verizon logo.
2300 - Base model - 128 MB System RAM, 16 MB Flash and remod output.
2305 - Base model with Comcast logo and remod output.
9999 - Developer.

DCT64XX HDD options:
6412 - 120 GB.
6416 - 160 GB.

DCT64XX Standard Features (Base model):
DCT64XX Phases 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 2.3
• Dual video plus DOCSIS tuners
• DVI and 1394 (2 - DTV, external hard disk drive)
• Dual analog to MPEG encoder
• 16MB flash, 128MB System RAM
• 2 USB (one on front panel, one on rear panel)
• 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port (RJ 45)
• L/R audio and video in (both front and rear panels)
• Smart card
• 12 button front panel, LED
• IR receiver
• S-Video Output
• Optical and Electrical SPDIF
• YPbPr component output
• IR blaster port
• Baseband audio / video out
• TVPASS renewable security connector
• Internal hard disk drive
• DOCSIS integrated Cable Modem

DCT64XX Phase 3
• Dual video plus DOCSIS tuners
• DVI/HDMI
• 1394 (2 - DTV, external hard disk drive)
• Dual analog to MPEG encoder
• 16MB flash, 128MB System RAM
• 2 USB (one on front panel, one on rear panel)
• 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port (RJ 45)
• L/R audio and video in (both front and rear panels)
• Smart card
• 12 button front panel, LED
• IR receiver
• S-Video Output
• Optical and Electrical SPDIF
• YPbPr component output
• IR blaster port
• Baseband audio / video out
• TVPASS renewable security connector
• Internal hard disk drive
• DOCSIS 2.0 integrated Cable Modem

DCT34XX
======
The format for the DCT34XX model number is as follows:
DCT34XX/YYYY
Where:
• DCT34XX indicates base configuration / standard features listed below.
• XX indicates the size of the factory installed internal HDD. If XX is 12, then the unit has an internal 120 GB hard disk drive. If XX is 16, then the unit has an internal 160 GB hard disk drive.
• YYYY represents a 4-digit designator indicating the options configuration as listed below. The YYYY in the model number descriptor follows the following scheme:
o The first digit "2" in 2YYY indicates the memory configuration of 16MB flash and 128MB System RAM
o 20YY series includes standard external module, only
o 23YY series includes standard external module and remod output option


The options currently in circulation include:
2000 - Base model - 128MB System RAM, 16MB Flash.
2005 - Base model with Comcast logo.
2300 - Base model - 128MB System RAM, 16MB Flash and remod output.
2305 - Base model with Comcast logo and remod output.
9999 - Developer.

DCT34XX HDD Options:
3412 - 120 GB
3416 - 160 GB

DCT34XX Standard features:
• Dual digital video plus DOCSIS tuners
• DVI/HDMI
• Serial ATA interface
• 1394 (2 - DTV, external hard disk drive)
• 16MB flash, 128MB System RAM
• 1 USB 2.0 (on rear panel)
• 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port (RJ 45)
• 12 button front panel, LED
• IR receiver
• S-Video Output
• L & R composite audio out
• Optical and Electrical SPDIF
• YPbPr component output
• IR blaster port
• Baseband audio / video out
• TVPASS renewable security connector
• Internal hard disk drive
• DOCSIS 2.0 integrated Cable Modem

No surprise, I'm finding errors in that info above. The first one, the DCT3400 (34xx) does indeed have L & R composite audio out. I've corrected that in the post. If anyone notices anymore errors, please point them out and I'll edit the post.

FYI, DCT34xx manual (http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Business/Products/TV%20Video%20Distribution/Set-tops/QAM%20Set-tops/All%20Digital%20QAM%20Set-tops/DCT3400/_Documents/Static%20Files/DCT3400_User_Guide_New.pdf?localeId=33), DCT3400 webpage (http://www.motorola.com/business/US-EN/DCT3400_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=512e9e3eeed46110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD), datasheet (http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Business/Products/TV%20Video%20Distribution/Set-tops/QAM%20Set-tops/All%20Digital%20QAM%20Set-tops/DCT3400/_Documents/Static%20Files/DCT3400.pdf?localeId=33).

For any newbies on this thread, the first post on the thread has more links.

And just to clarify: Yes: DCT and DCH are ostensibly the same, the main difference being that the DCH boxes comply with the separable security mandate (i.e., they have CableCARD) while the DCT does not. The DC_-3XXX denote the digital-only boxes, while DC_-6XXX denote the analog/digital boxes.

Your post told me that there is a DCH3416 and a DCT3416, and now I'm also wondering how these two boxes differ. Cox here told me the "3416" is one of the DVR's I can get, but they didn't specify the prefix. I believe, I think, the DCH requires a cable card and that's what the "H" stands for "Host"? But there's got to be more differences than that. I know you can get the manuals at the Motorola website, but that's A LOT of reading to try and figure out how they differ, plus we all know manuals can leave out all kinds of information.

If it's any help Jack, I recently put a DCH3200 on a TV for my mother, and it has the output format on the front. So that may be common to the DCH prefix boxes. There's also the button on the Cox-supplied remote, but I don't know if it would be that way for Comcast.


Yes there is only one manual for the DCH boxes so I'm pretty sure they all have the format button. The other differences don't really matter that much to me. I just want to make sure that I can pass the signal through with as little processing from the Moto as possible since I have an external video processor that will do a much better job which means better picture quality. I don't use this set up much which is why I don't care about the other features all that much. Mostly I use my other set up in which I have a Tivo.

I'm waiting for my local Comcast to open but I seriously doubt that they will have a DCX box but that would be sweet. I don't know why Moto has taken so long to fix their software so that the box can do native resoultion. I just hope they have a DCH box.

thanks.

I've been having a weird issue since I got my 3416. I have a Harmony 890 and when I turn on the system, the DVR becomes unresponsive for about 15 seconds. I can't change channels or access the guide. I've checked all my delay settings and I haven't seen anything that would cause this. Is anyone experiencing this?Based on my experience and what I've read, I'm betting you have an LCD or plasma screen. Sometimes when you turn the screen on, it's apparently giving off some interference that conflicts with the Harmony's (and other remotes) communication with the DVR. I've witnessed this behavior with the 6416 as well as the Moxi.

The easy fix is to put a small piece of masking tape over the remote sensor on the DVR, just big enough to cover it. Presto!

Based on my experience and what I've read, I'm betting you have an LCD or plasma screen. Sometimes when you turn the screen on, it's apparently giving off some interference that conflicts with the Harmony's (and other remotes) communication with the DVR. I've witnessed this behavior with the 6416 as well as the Moxi.

The easy fix is to put a small piece of masking tape over the remote sensor on the DVR, just big enough to cover it. Presto!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15832423#post15832423 ;)

I just want to make sure that I can pass the signal through with as little processing from the Moto as possible since I have an external video processor that will do a much better job which means better picture quality.
What kind of video processor are you using?

I'm waiting for my local Comcast to open but I seriously doubt that they will have a DCX box but that would be sweet. I don't know why Moto has taken so long to fix their software so that the box can do native resoultion. I just hope they have a DCH box.
Cox just told me their DVR's for this area are both DCH boxes.

What kind of TV do you have? If it's LCD (and maybe plasma), you could be affected by that strange event that happens with some LCD TV's backlight (or something) interferes with the remote sensor window on your cable box. Your TV could be putting out more IR interference during that time. More info: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15515273#post15515273

I have a Samsung LN52A650. I also figured it wasnt the cable box because I changed my settings to leave the cable box on all the time and it still goes unresponsive for about 15 - 30 seconds after I turn on the system. I was also thinking it could be the 14 seconds "power on delay" setting the Samsung needs before it starts taking more commands. I figured it was keeping the harmony busy until that time elapsed. The unresponsiveness also happens with my Pio Elite receiver as well. I will try the paper trick and see what happens.

I have a Samsung LN52A650. I also figured it wasnt the cable box because I changed my settings to leave the cable box on all the time and it still goes unresponsive for about 15 - 30 seconds after I turn on the system. I was also thinking it could be the 14 seconds "power on delay" setting the Samsung needs before it starts taking more commands. I figured it was keeping the harmony busy until that time elapsed. The unresponsiveness also happens with my Pio Elite receiver as well. I will try the paper trick and see what happens.
Remember, it may need white paper, or yellow Post-It notes, or masking tape, scotch tape, etc., and sometimes more than one layer. It depends on the TV and cable box as to what works best for what. In my case, one layer of plain white paper worked ok but not perfect, the second layer made it work perfectly for me. Hopefully that's your problem and one of 'em will fix it.

What kind of video processor are you using?


Currently I'm using a Crystalio II but I'm probably going to switch to a Lumagen Radiance XD soon.

I have had both DVR's and they both have the same issues.

Such as...? Please elaborate. ;) Thanks.

Showing a recording is recording, yet it does not show up on the "My Recordings" list. Not stopping the recording at the end of the show. (I have a brand new 3416, and Friday night at the end of Num3ers, it just kept recording. I noticed it 75 minutes into the recording and stopped it. Had I not noticed it and stopped the recording, it would have continued to record until it filled the hard drive.

Hi I am new to this thread. I hope someone can help me and I apologize if this has been asked already. How do I use and access the A/V inputs on the back of the 6416? I briefly looked but didn't see this asked.

Are these the ports you're referring to?

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/3/455709.jpg

Everything you see on the left 2/3 of that photo are outputs.

I think some of the earlier DCTs had audio (but not video) inputs; they were intended for future features which never were developed, I believe.

Are these the ports you're referring to?

http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/3/455709.jpg

Everything you see on the left 2/3 of that photo are outputs.

I think some of the earlier DCTs had audio (but not video) inputs; they were intended for future features which never were developed, I believe.

No. There is one set of composite and analog L&R audio outs and right next to it there is one set of composite and analog L&R audio inputs.

Which Phase? I've had two versions of the DCT-64xx; one looked like the photo above. Another had two horizontal rows of ports. Neither had a port labeled as a video input.

I realize this question is asked to death, but I ask because in the setup screen, it shows the USB port to be both enabled AND active. (I only tested with a flash drive; didn't want to buy a harddrive if it won't work)


Can anyone tell me if, since the box shows it as enabled/active and identified my flash drive (it showed the name of the drive, etc) it's likely that I could use the USB port to expand my storage space?

My provider is Mediacom, BTW

Which Phase? I've had two versions of the DCT-64xx; one looked like the photo above. Another had two horizontal rows of ports. Neither had a port labeled as a video input.

The one with the 2 rows of 5 ports was the one with the Video input. Pretty sure it was never really active though.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikibooks/en/c/c5/DCT6412PIIback.jpg

Interesting... that's gotta be a PI, eh?

Ok, sorry, the more I learn the less I understand.

Originally had a DCT 6416 III now have a DCH 3416. The DCH has a format button on the front and the remote can be programmed to change the format also (I have done that).

Ok in the HDMI set up there is the 1080P, 720P, 480P and the 480I. Then there seems to be some interaction of this to the 4:3 overide setting .

I have a 1080P native resolution TV.

I would like some one to explain the use of the above controls, HDMI set up, the 4:3 overide, and the Format button.

Following that explanation, possibly a recommended setting. Frankly, I cannot see any differerece no matter where I set them.

Thanks in advance

4x3 override is what SD content will be displayed as - if set to OFF then the box will output the highest resolution supported or the resolution set one line above that says HDMI/YPbPr output and is probably set to 1080i and TV type should be set to 16x9 no matter what is you are using the HD channels or they will look stretched

if 4x3 override is set to OFF it will scale everything up to the resolution set for HDMI/YPbPr output - if it is set to Stretch (which IMO shouldnt be there) it will stretch all SD content to fill the screen (stupid to do IMO, it is 4x3 for a reason leave it that way or watch the HD channels) if it is set to 480i or 480p then it will output those resolutions for SD content

now there is aditional HDMI settings also and there is HDMI/DVI mode - use if you are using a DVI connection - color space RGB and YCC 4:4:4 - now this is what I am trying to get an answer to

if set to RGB will it output 0-255 or 16-235 colors - I need to know this - I would leave it alone if it works fine


the format button (in my case it is hard to push I have to use a pen to push it in because it goes in farther than my finger can push it) will change the resolution and cycle through them as you push the button - it is a shame that there isnt a Native option so it does this automatically

Ok, sorry, the more I learn the less I understand.

Originally had a DCT 6416 III now have a DCH 3416. The DCH has a format button on the front and the remote can be programmed to change the format also (I have done that).

Ok in the HDMI set up there is the 1080P, 720P, 480P and the 480I. Then there seems to be some interaction of this to the 4:3 overide setting .

I have a 1080P native resolution TV.

I would like some one to explain the use of the above controls, HDMI set up, the 4:3 overide, and the Format button.

Following that explanation, possibly a recommended setting. Frankly, I cannot see any differerece no matter where I set them.

Thanks in advance


The significance of the format button is related to the processing capabilities of your TV vs the Moto. In either case the signal has to be scaled and deinterlaced to 1080p so that your TV can display it. If the Moto is better than you should let it do the processing. If you TV is better than you should change the format to match the signal coming from the TV channel you are watching. For some of us this is very important because we have external video processors which are dedicated to doing video processing so they are (way) better at it than either the Moto or the TV. If you don't have one of these then it's not clear what you gain from changing the format output from the Moto. It might be that your TV is better at doing it than the Moto in which case you should see better picture quality if you change the format to match the format of the channel that you are watching.

Here is a picture of the inputs on the back of the 6416

The significance of the format button is related to the processing capabilities of your TV vs the Moto. In either case the signal has to be scaled and deinterlaced to 1080p so that your TV can display it. If the Moto is better than you should let it do the processing. If you TV is better than you should change the format to match the signal coming from the TV channel you are watching. For some of us this is very important because we have external video processors which are dedicated to doing video processing so they are (way) better at it than either the Moto or the TV. If you don't have one of these then it's not clear what you gain from changing the format output from the Moto. It might be that your TV is better at doing it than the Moto in which case you should see better picture quality if you change the format to match the format of the channel that you are watching.


Am I correct in assuming that no matter what is outputed by the box the TV still has to change it to 1080P for its native resolution?

So as I understand it, I will be either getting a 1080I, a 720P or a 480I signal from the cable to the box and then I can set it to any one of the four selectable outputs from the box. All must then be converted to 1080P by my TV. So what am I missing, why would I want to set it on 480I as that seems like I never would get HD. Or does this only work on SD channels. If so then why the 1080I, 720P and 480P positions?

Maybe I am answering my own questions. If my TV only can do either 1080I or 720P then those might be the best output for that TV?? Again what it logic of the 480P setting. Does anything get sent in 480P?

BTW, what are some brands of video processors and then what do you feed them into?

Am I correct in assuming that no matter what is outputted by the box the TV still has to change it to 1080P for its native resolution?

So as I understand it, I will be either getting a 1080I, a 720P or a 480I signal from the cable to the box and then I can set it to any one of the four selectable outputs from the box. All must then be converted to 1080P by my TV. So what am I missing, why would I want to set it on 480I as that seems like I never would get HD. Or does this only work on SD channels. If so then why the 1080I, 720P and 480P positions?

Maybe I am answering my own questions. If my TV only can do either 1080I or 720P then those might be the best output for that TV?? Again what it logic of the 480P setting. Does anything get sent in 480P?

Your TV is a fixed resolution device. That means that it cannot display the signal unless it is 1080p (since you said that it is a 1080p native resolution). The TV has electronics that will convert any signal (480i, 720p or 1080i) to 1080p. The Moto can convert incoming signals to 480p, 720p or 1080i. The incoming signals from various channels will be in either 480i, 720p, or 1080i. The 480i and the 1080i have to be deinterlaced (to make them p or progressive) and the 480i and 720p have to be rescaled to get them to 1080. If you set the Moto to 1080i it will have to scale the 480i signal and then your TV will have to deinterlace it. It will interlace and rescale a 720p signal. It will do nothing with a 1080i incoming signal and your TV will have to deinterlace it. In general the less processing that the incoming signal undergoes the better the PQ will be.

Both scaling and deinterlacing involve the application of various mathematical algorithms. In the case of upscaling (say from 480 to 1080) the algorithm has to add pixels. There are various ways to do this and not all algorithms are created equal.

It is not obvious a priori which scaler is better, the Moto or your TV. In any case, your TV will have to do deinterlacing of native 480i and 1080i signals since the Moto doesn't do that. In the case of 720p incoming, the moto (if set to output 1080i) will rescale and interlace and your TV will have to "re deinterlace."

So in theory it is probably better to let you TV do all the processing since there is absolutely no reason to interlace and then deinterlace a 720p signal. As I mentioned, the more the signal is processed the more chance there is that it will be degraded. On the other hand if you say that you do not notice any difference in PQ between the various output settings on the moto then it is probably not worth the hassle of having to switch its output to match the incoming signal each time you change from one channel to the other when the channels have different resolutions.

That is why it would be SO much better if the Motos had the capability to be configured in "native resolution" mode because then they would just pass through the signal regardless of which resolution it was.

There is an added wrinkle which doesn't really apply in your case. Some TVs will still reprocess the signal even if it sent in the native resolution of the TV. That is because there are other variables beside resolution and interlaced or deinterlaced and if all those other variables are not exactly as the TV is set to receive the TV will do processing. In the case of some plasmas (like the Pannys staring from the 9th generation) you can turn off those functions so that you ensure that no further processing (except perhaps color) is done. I don't know which TV you have so I don't know if yours can do this. In any case, it is not relevant for you since you don't have an external video processor. Just added it for a measure of completeness......:-)

Hope this is clear.

Some TVs will still reprocess the signal even if it sent in the native resolution of the TV. That is because there are other variables beside resolution and interlaced or deinterlaced and if all those other variables are not exactly as the TV is set to receive the TV will do processing. In the case of some plasmas (like the Pannys staring from the 9th generation) you can turn off those functions so that you ensure that no further processing (except perhaps color) is done. I don't know which TV you have so I don't know if yours can do this. In any case, it is not relevant for you since you don't have an external video processor. Just added it for a measure of completeness......:-)

Hope this is clear.

Hi, do you know which TV's do the reprocessing and which do not?

Hi, do you know which TV's do the reprocessing and which do not?

Other than the Pannys starting from the 9th gen (I think the new ones are already 10th or 11th gen), I do not know. That is not to say that they don't just that I do not know.

This is really only relevant if you have or are considering getting an external video processor. Even if your TV does not have the capability to turn off (most of) the internal processing it is still possible with an external VP to reconfigure the variables to the values that your TV requires (which will stop your TV from doing additional procesing) but it can be a real PITA to do that. Lots of trial and error and some of the real experts couldn't do it for some TVs with some connections (for example 7th gen Pannys with HDMI connection). It's a long story but probably not worth worrying about...unless you think you will get an external VP.

Jack D: Very clear and thanks.

So, I have my Moto set to 16:9

1080I

4:3 override set to 480I as this does not put the black bars on either side.

Now on NBC HD screen (55 inch) is full, CBS Hd screen is full, Fox cannot tell right now as more often than not they are not in HD here, other HD channels are full.

ABC HD is short on each edge by about 1 1/2 inches (black vertical bars that are about 1 1/2 wide) Truthfully, I never noticed them before and do not think they have been there, but where and why am I getting them?? The regular 4:3 vertical bars on either side are about 6 or 8 inches wide, so it is not those.

BTW, when receiving a SD channel from cable it is digital and 480I, then the TV (when it gets a 480I signal) maginifies it to "wide zoom" so that screen is full and not too distorted.

Thanks for the info. I am still learning and some of this is new to me. Until I get over my case of "funds-r-low" I will not be getting an external VP, although I would love one. :D

Jack D: Very clear and thanks.

So, I have my Moto set to 16:9

1080I

4:3 override set to 480I as this does not put the black bars on either side.

Now on NBC HD screen (55 inch) is full, CBS Hd screen is full, Fox cannot tell right now as more often than not they are not in HD here, other HD channels are full.

ABC HD is short on each edge by about 1 1/2 inches (black vertical bars that are about 1 1/2 wide) Truthfully, I never noticed them before and do not think they have been there, but where and why am I getting them?? The regular 4:3 vertical bars on either side are about 6 or 8 inches wide, so it is not those.

BTW, when receiving a SD channel from cable it is digital and 480I, then the TV (when it gets a 480I signal) maginifies it to "wide zoom" so that screen is full and not too distorted.


I'm not sure why you are getting bars on ABC. If I'm not mistaken NBC, CBS, and ABC all broadcast their "HD" signals in 1080i. Still they are all inconsistent. They do all sorts of weird stuff to cheat so that they can save bandwidth. The only programs you can be sure they won't cheat on are the big cash cows, like football and stuff like CSI.

You might try playing around with the overscan function on your TV to get rid of the bars. This just expands the picture to fill the screen but you will lose some of the image. I do this regularly for HD movies that are shot in 2.35:1 ratio (I think; it's called anamorphic) as otherwise there will be bars on the top and bottom of the picture. I prefer to lose some of the picture to get rid of the bars (better immersion from my point of view). Strecthing SD and anamorphic HD is done, again, by mathematical algorithms. Some are better than others. I do all this with my external VP but some TVs have pretty good overscan and "stretching" algos.

Thanks for the info. I am still learning and some of this is new to me. Until I get over my case of "funds-r-low" I will not be getting an external VP, although I would love one. :D

While you are in the "funds are low phase" you might want to invest some time over in the video processor forum. You will learn a lot by lurking. I'm not sure what the discussions are like now but a few years ago there were some extremely knowledgable and generous people over there who took the time to explain this stuff.

Getting way OT: The two best VPs on the market now are the Crystalio II and the Lumagen Radiance XD. They will cost you in the range of $3-4k. You have to be a bit crazy to put down that much money and it's not worth it for everyone. You have to make your own decision.

Have comcast silver remote, urc 106. I recently added bluray player to AUX on remote and now wish to eliminate this as bluray rarely used but is always on with "all on ". Sorry but I can't find instructions on how to undo this, help please. thank You

While you are in the "funds are low phase" you might want to invest some time over in the video processor forum. You will learn a lot by lurking. I'm not sure what the discussions are like now but a few years ago there were some extremely knowledgable and generous people over there who took the time to explain this stuff.

Thanks so much for the help and pointing me in the right directions. Much appreciated. :)

Currently I'm using a Crystalio II but I'm probably going to switch to a Lumagen Radiance XD soon.
Thanks.

Showing a recording is recording, yet it does not show up on the "My Recordings" list. Not stopping the recording at the end of the show. (I have a brand new 3416, and Friday night at the end of Num3ers, it just kept recording. I noticed it 75 minutes into the recording and stopped it. Had I not noticed it and stopped the recording, it would have continued to record until it filled the hard drive.
Thanks for the info. Wow, that's ridiculous (and yes, it IS ridiculous). Why would they allow such problematic products on the market. :confused: Sounds like these things need to be constantly babysitted to ensure they're recording when they should be recording, and that they are not recording when they should not.

I'm not sure why you are getting bars on ABC. If I'm not mistaken NBC, CBS, and ABC all broadcast their "HD" signals in 1080i.

ABC broadcasts in 720p.

I'm not sure why you are getting bars on ABC. If I'm not mistaken NBC, CBS, and ABC all broadcast their "HD" signals in 1080i. Still they are all inconsistent. They do all sorts of weird stuff to cheat so that they can save bandwidth. The only programs you can be sure they won't cheat on are the big cash cows, like football and stuff like CSI.

.

As was pointed out ABC is 720P, but it is being up sized to 1080P like all the rest, so would think it would fill the whole screen. Of all the HD channels, it is the only one that does that. From that I conclude that it might be something on their end. Especially since the TV is about 2 years old, I surely would have noticed it by now if it had been doing it all along. I feel quite sure that it is something recent, and since nothing has changed here, it could be the station or the cable provider that has changed something.

I do not know how it is done but our ABC, Fox and two SD channels from the ABC affiiate all show as being on the same frequency when you go into the diagnostic screen. It has been said by their tech people that those four channels are sent to this location's head end from a head end ocation about 40 miles away via a fiber optic cable. Tomorrow when I find a HD show on Fox, it will be intesting to see if it is shrunk also.

Actually, Replays can record from video inputs (composite or S-Video). No HD, of course, but they're cheap now on fleabay with the imminent demise of analog.

Yes, sorry, I left out "HD" from what I wrote. Fixed.

Will the DCT3400 provide simultaneous output on the HDMI and component outputs? If so, any restrictions on resolution selection, other?

Have comcast silver remote, urc 106. I recently added bluray player to AUX on remote and now wish to eliminate this as bluray rarely used but is always on with "all on ". Sorry but I can't find instructions on how to undo this, help please. thank You

Just put some other DVD player code in it's place. That will knock out your bluray player's code. I'm assuming you realize that the bluray player will no longer be controlled via the Comcast remote for any functions after doing this.

Will the DCT3400 provide simultaneous output on the HDMI and component outputs? If so, any restrictions on resolution selection, other?

Any combination of active outputs can be used at any time, whether it just be one like most use or all six of them (hdmi, component, composite, s-video, rf/coax or firewire). If just using component & hdmi you shouldn't have any issues between them.

I have been bugging Comcast for years to get Motorola to introduce Native Resolution pass through on their DCH/DCT set top product line. Every other HD device created allows this. Look at SA/Cisco, Pace, DirecTV, Dish Network, Tivo HD, Moxi, you name it. Why is Motorola the odd ball out on this? Well it really doesn't make any sense. I brought this to the attention of Insight CEO Michael Wilner on his blog site ( http://www.michaelsinsight.com/ ) over a year ago. He confirmed the bug with Motorola and an engineer. He was pushing for an update but that's the last I've ever heard about it.

The new DCX series DVR's should have the ability. In screen shots I've seen it appears as if you can select multiple resolutions. In my case I could "check off" 720p and 1080i, so that each channel will come across as it is intended.

I do notice when the resolution is 'triple converted' 720p>1080i>768p. Text is not as crisp (prevalent on scoreboards, credits, logo's, etc..), or motion is not as smooth (when progressive material is converted to interlaced and then back to progressive). I have a critical eye to this kind of thing though, so what I end up doing is manually change the resolution with the format button. You can program this to an unused key on the remote with EFC code 00109.

Anyone who cares about this should post about it on various forums (Comcast does read them), and also e-mail Comcast and Motorola. Perhaps we need a petition but I don't foresee petitions being successful with giant companies such as Comcast or Motorola, unless over a million signatures could be obtained. These companies do what they want. They could really care less what the customer wants. As long as their pockets continue to be lined, they have no motivation to improve. That's the complete opposite work ethic that I have myself. Even when things are going well at work, I still research and talk to people on what could we do to improve. Theres ALWAYS room for improvement. When you accomplish something that an end user finds useful, it's a good feeling. I guess Comcast or Motorola do not have these type of work ethics. In this economy it's these guys who should be unemployed, not the hard working automakers or manufacturing industries. Where is their dedication, strive, and pride in their work? Obviously they don't have any pride, or this major bug would of been fixed years ago. Not to mention it's easy to fix. Incoming channel resolution is always recognized correctly in the Brodcom chip and reported to the firmware on diagnostic page d10 Audio/Video Status next to Input Format.

You should have seen how much better the PQ was when Comcast had unencrypted the HD expanded basic for a few days. It was staggering. The conversion process in the Moto box is horrible. Native pass through is needed desperately.

Hi, do you know which TV's do the reprocessing and which do not?

that might be hard to tell without test patterns

but I would assume that every Plasma that isnt a square pixel display does this - that is to say Plasmas that are not 1366x768 but rather 1024x746 or something like that that is a 4x3 ratio but on a 16x9 screen resulting in non-square pixels resulting in the image being precessed to fit the screen

so just because you have a plasma that says it is 1080p it could be 1280x1024 or something like that - thi sis getting less and less but there are still some out there mainly only under 50" like the 46" ones mainly

I have been bugging Comcast for years to get Motorola to introduce Native Resolution pass through on their DCH/DCT set top product line. Every other HD device created allows this. Look at SA/Cisco, Pace, DirecTV, Dish Network, Tivo HD, Moxi, you name it. Why is Motorola the odd ball out on this? Well it really doesn't make any sense. I brought this to the attention of Insight CEO Michael Wilner on his blog site ( http://www.michaelsinsight.com/ ) over a year ago. He confirmed the bug with Motorola and an engineer. He was pushing for an update but that's the last I've ever heard about it.

The new DCX series DVR's should have the ability. In screen shots I've seen it appears as if you can select multiple resolutions. In my case I could "check off" 720p and 1080i, so that each channel will come across as it is intended.

I do notice when the resolution is 'triple converted' 720p>1080i>768p. Text is not as crisp (prevalent on scoreboards, credits, logo's, etc..), or motion is not as smooth (when progressive material is converted to interlaced and then back to progressive). I have a critical eye to this kind of thing though, so what I end up doing is manually change the resolution with the format button. You can program this to an unused key on the remote with EFC code 00109.

Anyone who cares about this should post about it on various forums (Comcast does read them), and also e-mail Comcast and Motorola. Perhaps we need a petition but I don't foresee petitions being successful with giant companies such as Comcast or Motorola, unless over a million signatures could be obtained. These companies do what they want. They could really care less what the customer wants. As long as their pockets continue to be lined, they have no motivation to improve. That's the complete opposite work ethic that I have myself. Even when things are going well at work, I still research and talk to people on what could we do to improve. Theres ALWAYS room for improvement. When you accomplish something that an end user finds useful, it's a good feeling. I guess Comcast or Motorola do not have these type of work ethics. In this economy it's these guys who should be unemployed, not the hard working automakers or manufacturing industries. Where is their dedication, strive, and pride in their work? Obviously they don't have any pride, or this major bug would of been fixed years ago. Not to mention it's easy to fix. Incoming channel resolution is always recognized correctly in the Brodcom chip and reported to the firmware on diagnostic page d10 Audio/Video Status next to Input Format.

you are crazy if you think that Comcast (or Concast as it should be called) listens to anything that its customers say

I have been a Comcast customer since 1986 when they bought out Continental Cable Vision in the Metro Detroit area - according to Comcast I am "the longest single standing continuous customer on record in my state" many people have left and come back to them over the years but I have always been there

many times I have called comcast about problems with my service and many times they cant help me at all - most of the time I have a question that no one knows that answer to or they deny the problems that I am having saying it is defective equipment and I should have it swapped out but it dont fix the problem

if anyone from Comcast is here lets here about it - and not someone like comcast cares on twitter who is there only to make it seem like they care - but someone from Comcast that is at such a high enough level in the company that they can walk into the offices of corporate and present problems and get them fixed post here

anyone from Comcast that is here is here because comcast wants to make people think that they are listening to them - but if that were true then they woouldnt have these crappy motorola boxes anymore and we would have the Tivo software on them by now

I say F-you Comcast I have been waiting for 5 years for you to fix the problems with your service - like the DVR's that dont record things properly so you have to tell them to start early or end late - WTF why can the DVR just read the closed caption and know when the show starts and ends instead of reading the info about the show and deciding to record depending on what it says in the info section even if it is wrong - after the super bowl The Office was on, but since I dont watch sports ever I didnt know that The Office wasnt starting on time because of the game going over, so I missed the end of the episode causing me to break the law and download it from the internet (I cant buy it in HD as son as I can get it off **********, fix that problem and I will buy things) but if the DVR just checked the closed caption info it would have known that it wasnt correct and waited - further more when I already have a show recorded on my DVR it will record the same one even though it is already on the DVR!, it should know this and not record it

Cyberstream, Leftkidney,

My take is as follows: Moto doesn't have to care because it doesn't affect their bottom line. They have a big, fat contract with Comcast. So all they have to do is please is Comcast. Comcast doesn't really have to please its customers that much because there is not a whole lot of competition. I don't think Verizon is such a wonderful option. I've had horrible experiences with them from the old days when DSL was better than cable for Internet.

In any case, it does seem that the DCX series will finally do native resolution and the only question is how long it will take Comcast to adopt the DCX boxes. I'm not going to hold my breath on that.

Greetings,

I've been using CapDVHS to grab some stuff off of my DCT-6416. I've got RCN in the Boston area and am running Vista SP2 on an HP box.

Mostly it works amazingly great, but I do have trouble reading the output files. Windows Media Player won't read them at all. GOM Player does read them, usually, although sometimes I have to open the file a couple of times to get sound, and some files hardly ever play right, they just keep racing forward a few seconds at a time.

Now I've started trying to archive some shows onto DVD with Pinnacle Studio 12, which won't read them either. I downloaded Agile MP4 Video Converter, which converts between all kinds of video formats, and after re-writing it, Pinnacle reads the file just fine. However I would rather avoid this, because it costs money to register and it adds yet another step which is basically equivalent to the playing time of the file.

Is there some reason I'm not getting a clean file from CapDVHS? As far as I can tell, it doesn't really have any settings, you just get whatever comes.

Thanks for any ideas, and thanks for all the other info! This thread has been a big help in the two years or so I've had this box.

Just had another thought (don't you love how that works?) -- now that I have the drivers, could I just capture using Pinnacle?

cheers,
DaveO.

Anyone who cares about this should post about it on various forums (Comcast does read them),

Comcast can read? :eek: Do you have proof of this?



I have been a Comcast customer since 1986 when they bought out Continental Cable Vision in the Metro Detroit area - according to Comcast I am "the longest single standing continuous customer on record in my state" many people have left and come back to them over the years but I have always been there

I have been a customer of Comcast, and their predecessors, since April of 1981, no interruptions. Well, no interruptions from my end, anyway... ;)

Cyberstream, Leftkidney,

My take is as follows: Moto doesn't have to care because it doesn't affect their bottom line. They have a big, fat contract with Comcast. So all they have to do is please is Comcast. Comcast doesn't really have to please its customers that much because there is not a whole lot of competition. I don't think Verizon is such a wonderful option. I've had horrible experiences with them from the old days when DSL was better than cable for Internet.

In any case, it does seem that the DCX series will finally do native resolution and the only question is how long it will take Comcast to adopt the DCX boxes. I'm not going to hold my breath on that.

Hmm... doesn't affect their bottom line. Well maybe that's true. But when the devices were on the drawing board, what crackpot engineer forgot the native pass through, while every other set top manufacturer, including Tivo and the Motorola Moxi division, included pass through or multiple resolution selection? I'm a little suspicious why to this day Motorola is the only set top provider without it. IE) It sure didn't affect Pace or SA's bottom line when designing their set top box!

As for the DCX, that should be the way to go, but I would think a simple firmware update would bring that resolution setup screen to the DCH/DCT line. For now the DCX is vaporware, just like the Panasonic PCH-2180 DVR. Whether it's a new modernized DVR like the 250GB Panny or Moto, or updated software like Tivo on Moto, I compare it to Duke Nukem Forever. Duke Nukem Forever is a video game in development since 1998. Coincidentally like the title, the game appears to be in developmental stage forever. http://duke.a-13.net/ While this is a running joke in the computer industry, I apply this same pun to the Cable industry.

Alright, I've tried searching the thread for my issue and haven't had any luck, so I'm hoping someone can help.

I have a DCT6412 III from Insight running to my Denon AVR-1909, and I can't seem to get 5.1 audio over HDMI (or SPDIF while using HDMI for video).

If I use component video and coax for the audio, it works fine (Dolby lights up on the receiver and shows all speakers coming in). If I hook it up via HDMI, I only get PCM and the FL and FR speakers coming in. PCM would be fine, but I don't seem to be getting 5.1 with it.

I have the guide audio settings on advanced and matrix. In the power off menu under "Additional HDMI settings" I have to select "L-PCM" or I get NO audio. Neither the "pass through" or "auto" settings feed any audio.

I also tried just using coax for audio and HDMI for video, but it wont' output over coax while the HDMI is plugged in.

Any suggestions?

Update: My DCT6412 was just replaced with a DCH6416 and I'm still not having any luck.

Ideally I'd like to get bitstream audio over HDMI. However, if I set the HDMI audio mode to "pass through" or "auto" I get no audio at all. Setting it to L-PCM gets me two channel, but not 5.1.

Is anyone successfully sending 5.1 audio from these boxes over HDMI?

Update: My DCT6412 was just replaced with a DCH6416 and I'm still not having any luck.

Ideally I'd like to get bitstream audio over HDMI. However, if I set the HDMI audio mode to "pass through" or "auto" I get no audio at all. Setting it to L-PCM gets me two channel, but not 5.1.

Is anyone successfully sending 5.1 audio from these boxes over HDMI?

I have used HDMI for 5.1 audio before without any problem on my DCH3416. I don't use it anymore since with the HDMI going through my receiver, the SD video output kept changing back to 480.

In reference to my question about narrow black bars on my local ABC channel via cable box or QAM: the following has been found.

From help on another forum on this site, it appears as though the local channel is taking SD material and stretching it to near 16:9 format. Once on prime time where true HD is being broadcast the narrow bars are gone. This is why I had not noticed it before, because I seldom watch anything during the daytime when most programing is still in 4:3 format.

If anyone has not read the earlier posts, I am not talking about the wide bars usually found on a non HD brodcast but much narrower ones in the same place.

Hmm... doesn't affect their bottom line. Well maybe that's true. But when the devices were on the drawing board, what crackpot engineer forgot the native pass through, while every other set top manufacturer, including Tivo and the Motorola Moxi division, included pass through or multiple resolution selection? I'm a little suspicious why to this day Motorola is the only set top provider without it. IE) It sure didn't affect Pace or SA's bottom line when designing their set top box!

As for the DCX, that should be the way to go, but I would think a simple firmware update would bring that resolution setup screen to the DCH/DCT line. For now the DCX is vaporware, just like the Panasonic PCH-2180 DVR. Whether it's a new modernized DVR like the 250GB Panny or Moto, or updated software like Tivo on Moto, I compare it to Duke Nukem Forever. Duke Nukem Forever is a video game in development since 1998. Coincidentally like the title, the game appears to be in developmental stage forever. http://duke.a-13.net/ While this is a running joke in the computer industry, I apply this same pun to the Cable industry.

no no no, they probably never did that - Comcast or Motorola contacted each other and Comcast probably said "give us the cheapest one you got that barley works"

it probably would have been like this and people still decided to release it - yea this sony thing is fake but I can say that it applys to these motorola DVR's


http://www.theonion.com/content/video/sony_releases_new_stupid_piece_of

In reference to my question about narrow black bars on my local ABC channel via cable box or QAM: the following has been found.

From help on another forum on this site, it appears as though the local channel is taking SD material and stretching it to near 16:9 format. Once on prime time where true HD is being broadcast the narrow bars are gone.

Usually when that is done, it isn't stretched, it's zoomed a bit, producing the narrower black bars on the sides, and cutting off a little of the top an bottom. Unless you see definite distortion, it is this, not being stretched.

This technique is, unfortunately, getting rather common for showing 4x3 material on a HD 16x9 channel. Usually, the source is SD. But I have seen, rarely, some 4x3 HD done this way.

I just swapped my DCT 3416 for a DCH 3416. I followed PaulGo's method to set up the remote to control the format output. It works! I can cycle through format outputs while in couch potato position. So, about as good as you can do with the current Comcast Motos. Thanks for the info guys. It helped.

I just swapped my DCT 3416 for a DCH 3416. I followed PaulGo's method to set up the remote to control the format output. It works! I can cycle through format outputs while in couch potato position. So, about as good as you can do with the current Comcast Motos. Thanks for the info guys. It helped.

I altered mine also, but really do not see much difference no matter where I set it. Do you?

I altered mine also, but really do not see much difference no matter where I set it. Do you?

Yes I do notice a difference but I have a $3500 stand alone video processor in my system. So I want the VP to do as much of the processing as possible and the Moto to do as little as possible. The quality of the processing in your TV and the Moto box might not be that different.

I just swapped my DCT 3416 for a DCH 3416. I followed PaulGo's method to set up the remote to control the format output. It works! I can cycle through format outputs while in couch potato position. So, about as good as you can do with the current Comcast Motos. Thanks for the info guys. It helped.


Jack

Are you on Comcast. The reason I ask is Iam on Comcast and it doesnt work for me.

Thanks
Brad

Jack

Are you on Comcast. The reason I ask is Iam on Comcast and it doesnt work for me.

Thanks
Brad

Yes I'm on Comcast. What doesn't work for you? If you have a DCH box, it will have the "format" button/function. If you push the button on the front of the box it will cycle through the video output formats.

If you want to be able to do it from your remote you just have to follow PaulGo's instructions.

I altered mine also, but really do not see much difference no matter where I set it. Do you?

I do. For example, my DCH is hooked up to a Samsung plasma via HDMI.

Turn to A&E HD. With the box set at 1080i look closely at the A&E logo in the lower corner. There is normally text below that as well advertising another show. Keep a close eye on the edges of the letters. At 1080i the edges are blured, because A&E HD is a 720p channel, so it's an artifact of additional unnecessary conversion. Now change the Moto to output 720p. Notice the text is much sharper. You can now see the jaggies that make up the letters, like when looking closely to a computer LCD. This extra level of clarity and sharpness comes from the native resolution just passing through to the TV, and the TV does it's job.

I see the same effect on a 1080i channel if the box is set to 720p. For example, go to NBC HD when there's a sporting event on. Keep a close eye to the scoreboards and generated graphics. When switching from 720p to 1080i these graphics and text become much sharper. Again the clarity and sharpness really come to life if the resolution is set normal.

Now if you sit back a good distance from the TV, it's going to look good no matter what. But if you sit relatively close, like I do sometimes, or perhaps you have a very large TV in a smaller room, you would more likely notice the difference.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/Antialiased-zoom.png
Left Native / Right Converted
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Anti-aliased-diamonds.png

Yes I'm on Comcast. What doesn't work for you? If you have a DCH box, it will have the "format" button/function. If you push the button on the front of the box it will cycle through the video output formats.

If you want to be able to do it from your remote you just have to follow PaulGo's instructions.


I have tried the format button on the front and the remote. The only thing I can think of is the firmware we get here doesnt support this option.

Her is shot the firmware.

thanks
Brad

I have tried the format button on the front and the remote. The only thing I can think of is the firmware we get here doesnt support this option.

Her is shot the firmware.

thanks
Brad


It looks like you have a DCT unit from looking at that jpg. If so, just go to the CC office and swap it for a DCH model.

It looks like you have a DCT unit from looking at that jpg. If so, just go to the CC office and swap it for a DCH model.

Its a DCH

Here it is.

Brad

Its a DCH

Here it is.

Brad

Don't know then. Maybe you are correct that each Comcast area has different firmware loaded but why they would disable the format button is beyond me. I think you have the 46. I have the 34 but I don't see why that should make a difference.

Is there even a format button on the front of the DCH-
6416 ? I have the DCH-3416.

Also the I-Guide status page always says DCT even on DCH set tops. The give away is the firmware version.

Firmware starting in 16.xx is a DCT model.
Firmware starting in 18.xx is a DCH model.
Firmware starting in 19.xx is a QIP model.

I have firmware version 18.43 on my DCH-3416.
I-Guide S/W ver: 75.59 - a25p2-2.S1.r-8

135400
Is there even a format button on the front of the DCH-
6416 ? I have the DCH-3416.

Also the I-Guide status page always says DCT even on DCH set tops. The give away is the firmware version.

Firmware starting in 16.xx is a DCT model.
Firmware starting in 18.xx is a DCH model.
Firmware starting in 19.xx is a QIP model.

I have firmware version 18.43 on my DCH-3416.
I-Guide S/W ver: 75.59 - a25p2-2.S1.r-8

Here is a picture of the front with the format button its a DCH6416
135400


Thanks

Brad

So it just doesn't do anything then?

I guess it's your really old firmware version. Your box also doesn't have the Comcast logo silk screened in the lower right square next to the buttons.

There have been quite a few firmware revisions since the one you have. I wonder why your area hasn't pushed out an update? I chalk it up to employee negligence. In this economy, no one should be sleeping on the job.

So it just doesn't do anything then?

I guess it's your really old firmware version. Your box also doesn't have the Comcast logo silk screened in the lower right square next to the buttons.

There have been quite a few firmware revisions since the one you have. I wonder why your area hasn't pushed out an update? I chalk it up to employee negligence. In this economy, no one should be sleeping on the job.

+1. Comcast took over this system about 2 years ago. This firmware has been on the box since last summer. I guess someone is really sleeping:mad:

Brad

I have a few questions, one audio and one resolution - I'll just list them out below :)

1) I have the 6412 hooked up via analog to the TV for my wife and by optical to the receiver for some shows that I watch.

I started playing around with the audio settings in the menu (using the various advanced settings), but that completely hosed up the audio on the TV. Got the proper volume on the TV back by changing it to "TV Speakers" again.

However, after I changed the setting I checked out Dolby Digital via optical to the receiver and it still sounded fine.

Since it looks like I'll need to keep the current settings for my wife, I was curious if the audio settings in the Setup/Menu of the 6412 apply only to the analog outputs. Are they supposed to affect the output of optical as well?

2) I tried the code to map a button for switching between 720p and 1080i, but I'm guessing this isn't working because I have a DCT 6412. I need a DCH for this button to work, correct?

Thanks!

I know #2 is because you have a DCT, not a DCH. I used to have the DCT-6412 but after it erased all of my recordings and locked up a great deal, I swapped it out. When I got the DCH I was pretty blown away with how much better SD channels look. SD channels look so much crisper with the DCH, and also the guide and channel changes are much quicker.

So the DCH will get you the format switching, better SD quality and faster UI navigation.

My auto tune setting was enabled, thus allowing a channel to be selected on the keypad by only entering the same number of digits as in the channel number, ie. channel 5 would only require entering the number 5 and the box will tune to channel 5. Without this enabled on must enter 005 to get it to change to that channel.

My DCH3416 just changed from being enabled to being disabled without anything being done on our part. This of course was not diagnosed by the phone tech support, and luckily was immediately thought of when I contacted the local office. Sure enough it was disabled and enabling it put us all back to "normal"

My question: How could this have just disabled itself?

Sometime sends out an update or a reset signal that wipes out all the user settings (including PINS). It happened to me once.

hi all , i have this Motorola DCT 34xx set top box and i am getting rid of comcast. is there a way to get my recorded shows off the dvr?

hi all , i have this Motorola DCT 34xx set top box and i am getting rid of comcast. is there a way to get my recorded shows off the dvr?

Follow these two guides:

http://replayguide.sourceforge.net/dct6412

http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire

But download drivers from the second link because they are updated.

how is the quality after conversion?

how is the quality after conversion?

There is no conversion. You just copy video from DVR to PC via firewire in real time (during playback) in original broadcast quality.

Yes I do notice a difference but I have a $3500 stand alone video processor in my system. So I want the VP to do as much of the processing as possible and the Moto to do as little as possible. The quality of the processing in your TV and the Moto box might not be that different.


Man, $3500 video processor. So what do you send the picture too, and how much does it cost. Not hung up on cost, just wondering what you gain?

Man, $3500 video processor. So what do you send the picture too, and how much does it cost. Not hung up on cost, just wondering what you gain?

Well since you asked: It's a long story but I just purchased a different VP (Radiance XD from Lumagen) which is now on my primary HT system. The primary system display is a 65 inch 1080p plasma and I use a TIVO instead of the Comcast box for TV. So my Crystalio II is relegated to the system with my crappy Moto box. The display device is a Panasonic 50 inch plasma (not 1080p since I bought it in early 2006).

External VPs are not for everyone. Obviously the cost is a big factor. For HD broadcast and BR Discs the improvement in PQ might be considered marginal by many people but for SD broadcasts and SD DVDs the improvements are huge. For SD DVDs it can be hard to tell sometimes if it is HD or SD. SD broadcasts are so crappy that I hardly ever watch them but when I do the external VP makes them bearable.

In addition to the obvious sharpness of the image that a good external VP will provide, it also has much better color and greyscale adjustments. Every TV needs to be adjusted out of the box and, usually, one can do a decent job with a calibration disc and the controls on the TV (although sometimes it will be necessary to access the service menu of the TV to get at all the necessary controls). The VP makes it much easier and, in most cases, will have more and better controls for doing such adjustments. With some effort or with a professional calibrator and his color meters, etc, the color and greyscale can be tuned to be as good as possible giving the most realistic picture that can be squeezed out of your monitor including the best detail in dark scenes (always a bit of a problem on plasmas--even the newer ones), etc.

A good VP will also have digital video noise reduction that will help reduce fuzziness and other subtle artifacts that become increasingly noticeable the larger the monitor. More generally, the larger the monitor the more one will notice visual artifacts created by mediocre video processing.

The bottom line effect of a good and well adjusted VP is to impart crystal clarity, realistic color, and a film like quality to the image that is usually not possible otherwise.

Finally, the external VP can be used as a video switcher. All video sources run through it so only one cable going to the monitor/TV. I prefer to spend the money on my surround processor doing sound. I don't want all the video upscaling/switching that so many surround processors offer now.

Like I say, it's not for everyone. I just happen to be an HT nut. ;-)

I have the COX DCH 3416 DVR connected to my A/V receiver with an HDMI connection. Although I can obtain the video signal through this connection,
there is no audio signal unless I use an optical connection from the DVR to the receiver. I thought the DVR sent both audio and video through HDMI?

I have the COX DCH 3416 DVR connected to my A/V receiver with an HDMI connection. Although I can obtain the video signal through this connection,
there is no audio signal unless I use an optical connection from the DVR to the receiver. I thought the DVR sent both audio and video through HDMI?
Problem fixed.

Problem fixed.
......How?

......How?

Yes, how. Maybe somebody else could benefit.

Yes, how. Maybe somebody else could benefit.
Yeah that's what I was thinking. Apparently he's "left the building", or doesn't want to share it. Maybe he'll be back.

the fix could be switching from DVI out to HDMI out in the STB's service menu. That would do it.

the fix could be switching from DVI out to HDMI out in the STB's service menu. That would do it.

But he said he was using the HDMI connection: "I have the COX DCH 3416 DVR connected to my A/V receiver with an HDMI connection".

I hooked up a DCH3200 from Cox using HDMI and the audio was fine. But I seem to remember hearing about some issue or problem when doing this with an A/V receiver.

Exactly. When the STB is set to output to DVI, the audio is not active, but otherwise DVI is the same as HDMI, so the video is output. Setting the service menu to output HDMI activates the audio portion too.

Exactly. When the STB is set to output to DVI, the audio is not active, but otherwise DVI is the same as HDMI, so the video is output. Setting the service menu to output HDMI activates the audio portion too.
Yeah I see what you're saying now. I didn't see that option in the DCH3200.

I have a 6412 P3, but I believe that DVI/HDMI is selectable in the service menu of all 34xxs and 64xxs, whether DCT or DCH. I don't know about the 3200.

I have tried the format button on the front and the remote. The only thing I can think of is the firmware we get here doesnt support this option.

Her is shot the firmware.

thanks
Brad

Update.

Last night I got a nice surprise. Comcast updated the firmware now 18.43 and now I can change the format on the fly.

Brad

A tech for Cox cable told me over the phone today to just plug in a eSATA drive and I will get more space. He couldn't give me any details though because it's "not supported". Anyone try this since the last update (Cox Orange County dch3416)? If it does work, does it delete any shows currently on the HDD?

I don't want to buy a drive if it won't work, but would love the extra space.

I do not recall reading anything about this being supported (or enabled) by any MSOs, for these boxes.

I have a moto DCH 6416 and I subscribe to digital and HD programing through Insight in Louisville, KY. I have two questions. On the 6416 there is an RF out connection...does this out put both analog & digital siginals? I know it doesn't out put the HD. Second, have others had problems with sound drop outs? My 6416 is connected to my Samsung 550 via HDMI. I have switched out the HDMI cable, so I know that's not the problem.
Any replys would be welcomed,
Ghpr13:)

I have a moto DCH 6416 and I subscribe to digital and HD programing through Insight in Louisville, KY. I have two questions. On the 6416 there is an RF out connection...does this out put both analog & digital siginals? I know it doesn't out put the HD.

I'm not sure about the DCH6416, but on a DCT6200 series, I tested it on a Toshiba LCD using on the RF. I was able to pick up all channels, including HD, but there was no on-screen data of any kind.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15445794#post15445794 (STB model on the posts should be 6200 and not 6400).

The 62xx and 64xx are both digital and analog boxes, so I assume that's output as well from the RF.
http://www.motorola.com/business/v/item.jsp?vgnextoid=0eae9e3eeed46110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD&localeId=33

I'm not sure about the DCH6416, but on a DCT6200 series, I tested it on a Toshiba LCD using on the RF. I was able to pick up all channels, including HD, but there was no on-screen data of any kind.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15445794#post15445794 (STB model on the posts should be 6200 and not 6400).

The 62xx and 64xx are both digital and analog boxes, so I assume that's output as well from the RF.
http://www.motorola.com/business/v/item.jsp?vgnextoid=0eae9e3eeed46110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD&localeId=33

Clint S.,
Thank you for your reply. I'm going to try some different connections today. Right now I'm really confused by this Moto STB. I nevered like this box since I got it. It has a number of problems with it. Many other subsribers to Insight have complained too, but Insight is the only cable company in Louisville, so were stuck with what they give us.
Any way, thanks again,
Ghpr13:)

Clint S.,
Thank you for your reply. I'm going to try some different connections today. Right now I'm really confused by this Moto STB. I nevered like this box since I got it. It has a number of problems with it. Many other subsribers to Insight have complained too, but Insight is the only cable company in Louisville, so were stuck with what they give us.
Any way, thanks again,
Ghpr13:)
If you don't need analog, maybe you can see if they have a DCH3416. They appear to be about the same except it is digital only.

I've been having some recording problems with my DCH6416, sometimes it'll "forget" to record a schedule program. The only time I've seen this happen is when I have a scheduled program on FOX and another channel at the same time. Usually, a little window will pop up telling me the box needs to switch to one of the two channels that need to be recorded in order to work. It happened tonight when it was supposed to record House and Big Bang Theory at the same time, after I finished BBT I went to check out House and no recording.

I've been having some recording problems with my DCH6416, sometimes it'll "forget" to record a schedule program. The only time I've seen this happen is when I have a scheduled program on FOX and another channel at the same time. Usually, a little window will pop up telling me the box needs to switch to one of the two channels that need to be recorded in order to work. It happened tonight when it was supposed to record House and Big Bang Theory at the same time, after I finished BBT I went to check out House and no recording.

I had this happen with my first DCH6416. I was told by a tech to try to record 2 programs at the same time manually, if both don't record then your HDD is fried and the box needs replacing.
Hope that helps you,
Ghpr13:)

I had this happen with my first DCH6416. I was told by a tech to try to record 2 programs at the same time manually, if both don't record then your HDD is fried and the box needs replacing.
Hope that helps you,
Ghpr13:)
I don't have any problems with manually recording two shows, it's just when they're scheduled to record that I encounter issues.

I've been having some recording problems with my DCH6416, sometimes it'll "forget" to record a schedule program. The only time I've seen this happen is when I have a scheduled program on FOX and another channel at the same time. Usually, a little window will pop up telling me the box needs to switch to one of the two channels that need to be recorded in order to work. It happened tonight when it was supposed to record House and Big Bang Theory at the same time, after I finished BBT I went to check out House and no recording.

I've found this occurring when the capacity on my DCH6416 is in the 70's or higher. However, it's very random as to when this occurs (sometimes it records both, other times it doesn't). Since I've finally worked my DVR down to 10-20%, I haven't had any more problems with scheduling two shows at the same time (series recording selected).

(pasted with some edits from a post in thread dedicated to my model of display. apologies for cross-posting)

today i replaced an old comcast motorola DCT 6412 with a "new" motorola DCH 3416 in hopes of getting it to sync with the DVI blade in my commercial panasonic plasma part # TY-FB11DD. unfortunately i get the same results that i used to get with the 6412: no sync. the display remains black and shows "no signal".

if i power the STB off and press menu on the remote i can use the front panel display on the STB to see what is happening after i press the down arrow a little, it just says YPPR OUT which indicates to me it does not think there is anything valid connected via its HDMI port.

the 3416 syncs fine with the same panasonic display via its regular HDMI port, so the STB does have some concept of HDCP.

the TY-FB11DD may be good and it may be installed correctly: i can get a DVDO VP30 to sync with it for instance. (at the very least i think this means the cable is not the issue.)

i have cycled power to the display and STB several times trying various combinations of soft (remote) and hard (removing power from the wall). i have experimented with the *order* in which devices are powered on.

i've googled the world hoping for a conclusive finding that motorola just won't support HDCP over DVI or just won't work with this kind of blade. (then i could just move on.) but i haven't found any such thing.

so for starters can anyone confirm it is possible to use an HDMI <-> DVI cable out of the back of a DCH 3416?

thanks in advance...

Usually when a handshake will not go through after a power cycle, it's a sign that the device connected isn't correctly decrypting the signal. As a general rule, most computer monitors where not designed with this ability (going back to DVI which suffers the same issue)

In theory you'd think if they put an HDMI connection on a monitor that it would correctly decrypt from cable boxes, however given how often this happens with DVI, I wouldn't be surpised.

But as a general rule of what I tell field techs, if a monitor / tv doesn't handshake, first powercycle the monitor while connected then if that doesn't work, powercycle the box - usually you'll only have to do this once.

Chances are changing boxes isn't likely to change the outcome - if there's an issue it's more than likely how your monitor is working the handshake - however you might just have a box issue. I'd try a different HDMI cable first though.

As I understand it the DCH 3400 and 6400 series should all have HDMI and they should all be enabled - there's no real hardware flags in the system that turn on or off the HDMI (unlike when the first 5200s came out with DVI)

That being said, any digital video connection has encryption on it, as such some units that cannot properly receive or handshake with the box may not work. Often this can be resolved by power cycling the equipment in place, however bear in mind alot of HDMI and DVI switching devices (particularly older home theaters) may not properly pass the encryption handshake - so the first thing I recommend if a Home theater or other device isn't passing video with a digitial connection is to bypass the device and go directly to the Display.

if that doesn't work, then I recommend power-cycling the just the TV (while connected to the box) - if it doesn't work try again - but if it won't work within three tries, chances are that's not the problem.

You may want to try power-cycling the box at that point - power cycling tends to bring the devices into sync - providing they are able to talk to each other.

As for HDMI settings in the power+menu options - you really have to try these on your own - Each Make and model of TV is different and depending on your make and model as well as your personal preferences in picture, what you prefer may be very different from what someone else may recommend.

These options only appear when the box is connected and passing video through HDMI.

(pasted with some edits from a post in thread dedicated to my model of display. apologies for cross-posting)

today i replaced an old comcast motorola DCT 6412 with a "new" motorola DCH 3416 in hopes of getting it to sync with the DVI blade in my commercial panasonic plasma part # TY-FB11DD. unfortunately i get the same results that i used to get with the 6412: no sync. the display remains black and shows "no signal".

if i power the STB off and press menu on the remote i can use the front panel display on the STB to see what is happening after i press the down arrow a little, it just says YPPR OUT which indicates to me it does not think there is anything valid connected via its HDMI port.

the 3416 syncs fine with the same panasonic display via its regular HDMI port, so the STB does have some concept of HDCP.

the TY-FB11DD may be good and it may be installed correctly: i can get a DVDO VP30 to sync with it for instance. (at the very least i think this means the cable is not the issue.)

i have cycled power to the display and STB several times trying various combinations of soft (remote) and hard (removing power from the wall). i have experimented with the *order* in which devices are powered on.

i've googled the world hoping for a conclusive finding that motorola just won't support HDCP over DVI or just won't work with this kind of blade. (then i could just move on.) but i haven't found any such thing.

so for starters can anyone confirm it is possible to use an HDMI <-> DVI cable out of the back of a DCH 3416?

thanks in advance...

Yes it will work. My last projector had DVI. I ran a HDMI-DVI cable. With box of press menu like you did but go down past the 16-9, 720p, 4/3 override then will see additional settings. Right arrow over and then down and change the DVI setting. I cant remember for sure but its something like that.

Brad

Anybody know if they're going to be coming out with a new motorola to replace the 6416 phase III anytime soon? I don't want to buy one if something better is coming out soon.

Anybody know if they're going to be coming out with a new motorola to replace the 6416 phase III anytime soon? I don't want to buy one if something better is coming out soon.
I didn't even know you could buy them. Where?

Yes it will work. My last projector had DVI. I ran a HDMI-DVI cable.

thanks for the reply. with your assurance that i wasn't completely wasting my time, i went and borrowed a PC (with DVI out) for a more informative diagnostic test: the DVI blade does sync with a PC.

so there's a little more evidence the motorola box (or comcast firmware) is messing up HDCP somehow.

i guess i'm just hoping for a miracle post from a person who has experience with this exact combination of TY-FB11DD plus motorola 34xx or 64xx. if i can't find one i have to assume i'm the first person to try it and the answer is "it doesn't work".

I didn't even know you could buy them. Where?

http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsServices/Television/Digital/Hardware-HDPVR.htm

Is it that outdated? What's replaced it?

http://www.shaw.ca/en-ca/ProductsServices/Television/Digital/Hardware-HDPVR.htm

Is it that outdated? What's replaced it?
Ah, Canada. I'm in the USA. I haven't seen anyone selling these in the USA. In fact I don't even think Motorola, etc., will allow the sales of them to anyone but cable co's. Even if someone in the USA bought that one, it wouldn't work without a cable card. (Does anyone know if Cox has the cable cards?) Even if they did, you'd still have to rent them, but it may be a little less than $17 a month for their DVR.

With all the problems I'm seeing from these Moto boxes, I'd wait as long as you can. It's pathetic a VCR is still the most reliable recording method....which of course is SD and NTSC only. But at least you won't miss any shows.

Yeah here the cable companies are so cheap they make you pay to own their soon to be outdated devices. Everything is like that, Internet, phone, satellite tv. Some allow you to lease the devices through a third company that charges 35% interest. But you still have to pay the whole thing off before you're through.

From what I've read the motorola product have a lot less problems than the Pace PVRs. Anyway, motorola is the only real choice so I'm just wondering if anybody knows if this model will be replaced any time soon.