All, I have been given the Motorola DCX4300 as a replacement for my MOXI DVR. So far, I am less than impressed. The guide seems to not have as many features and the MOXI for looking up future programming. I am also struggling with seeing the DVR having to change channels to start a recording when I'm watching another channel. There is a reason why I am recording a show and I don't want to have to switch channels like that. Is that going to be changed anytime soon?

Is there a good guide for the DVR features? I got my DVR from Charter and the info they have is just for the box. The Guide used on this model does not show any of the info for DVR either.

Also, what is the status of being able to add additional storage?

Any replies would be helpful.

The wikibook has a section on macros; perhaps it's possible to program a macro that does thirty-second-skip forward and fifteen-second-skip back (or 15 back and then 30 forward), netting fifteen seconds forward.* There are rare occasions when I want to go fifteen seconds forward, so I just press two keys when that arises, and I've not tried programming a macro.

Depending on your firmware, you may already have a 5 min.> and a 5 min.<. If you have these, they are the page up and page down buttons. If they are NOT 5 min., they are probably 15 sec. each. Mine have gone back and forth between 5 min. and 15 sec., with the firmware changes.

Try this http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_15-Second_Back

Thank you all. No provision for a 15 MINUTE skip, but the 5 minute skip works well enough. I didn't even know that was on the Page up/down buttons! Thanks for the info. I've bookmarked that page for future reference. :)

Sorry, Bareyb; I misread your original question as a search for a fifteen-second skip, when you were actually asking about a fifteen-minute skip.

All, I have been given the Motorola DCX4300 as a replacement for my MOXI DVR. So far, I am less than impressed. The guide seems to not have as many features and the MOXI for looking up future programming. I am also struggling with seeing the DVR having to change channels to start a recording when I'm watching another channel. There is a reason why I am recording a show and I don't want to have to switch channels like that. Is that going to be changed anytime soon?

Is there a good guide for the DVR features? I got my DVR from Charter and the info they have is just for the box. The Guide used on this model does not show any of the info for DVR either.

Also, what is the status of being able to add additional storage?

Any replies would be helpful.

Try this:http://www.charter.com/customers/support.aspx?supportarticleid=2028

And this:http://www.charter.com/Customers/Support.aspx?MenuItem=2&category=expandingtopiclink1

Where are you located? Shaw technical support here in Vancouver hasn't got a clue about any of this. Couldn't even give me the firmware number, although he said "its Motorola's latest version."

I'm a recent subscriber to FIOS TV and have a Motorola QIP 6416-2. I am looking into the purchase of a DCT 6416 either a Phase III or a ????. On the Motorola web site it lists a DCH 6416. Can anyone explain the difference(s) between the QIP, DCT, and DCH versions of the 6416?

Also, are there different models of DCTs and DCH like there is of the QIP (-1 and -2) and, if so, what is the difference(s) between the models?

And, lastly, while the QIP does not have a CableCARD slot, it appears that both the DCT and DCH do. Does anyone know what FIOS TV features will be lost if a QIP is replaced by either a DCT or DCH with a Verizon CableCARD as, I think, that all of the 6416s are CableCARD 2.0 compliant?

Sorry if I posted this in the incorrect forum but I'm sort of new to this site and, although I've done some serious searching, this is the 1st posting that I've done. Please advise if this posting should be done to another forum. Thanks.

Where are you located? Shaw technical support here in Vancouver hasn't got a clue about any of this. Couldn't even give me the firmware number, although he said "its Motorola's latest version."

I'm in BC. Everyone under Shaw should be on 16.74 now, just check your firmware under menu->setup->cable box setup->configuration. Rollout of the external storage enabling will be in a month or two when they start selling the external 1TB PVR extender drive. AFAIK, just about any eSATA PVR extender drive should work but we will know more when they start flipping the switches (which should be done at no charge on request). CSRs are still out of the loop for the most part.

I'm in BC. Everyone under Shaw should be on 16.74 now, just check your firmware under menu->setup->cable box setup->configuration. Rollout of the external storage enabling will be in a month or two when they start selling the external 1TB PVR extender drive. AFAIK, just about any eSATA PVR extender drive should work but we will know more when they start flipping the switches (which should be done at no charge on request). CSRs are still out of the loop for the most part.
Thank you. I look forward to your confirmation about upgrading the HDD. With the NFL season coming, I've had to put in a second PVR to keep up.

I apologize in advance if this has been covered, but it would take me days to read/search through almost 2000 posts to find the answer. I recently changed my cabling from component to HDMI (well HDMI to my new A/V receiver, then HDMI to DVI for my TV. I wasn't getting any audio at first, then found out I had to change the DCT3416 setup menu from DVI to HDMI to get sound. However, every time I turn the box off, then back on, it resets to DVI and I loose audio until I go through the laborious process of the setup menu again. Does anyone know how to save the setup parameters?

I also have a few other questions:
I also changed the 4:3 setting from 480i to 480p. Is that optimal for a 1080i TV?
Under the HDMI section, I changed RGB to YCC 4 4 4. I assume that is better video quality?
Also under the HDMI menu, Auto does not get me sound, but either L-PCM or Passthrough does. I selected L-PCM since the volume is much higher than Passthrough and I only have a 2-channel large speaker stereo setup with this system.

Out of curiosity, is there any difference in volume hooking up a DCH-3416 via Digital Coax vs. Optical? I just swapped out a DCT-3416 and the both it, and the new DCH are hooked by digital coax to an Onkyo receiver. For some reason the volume on the DCH definitely seems lower. I've played around with the settings in the Comcast menu but they don't do anything seeing as I believe they only apply to TV-direct connections. Has anyone compared or noticed if I might get better volume hooking up via optical instead. I don't see how it would make a difference but you never know. Thanks.

Out of curiosity, is there any difference in volume hooking up a DCH-3416 via Digital Coax vs. Optical?The actual signals are IDENTICAL. The only benefit of the optical is that, as there is no electrical connection, it can eliminate 'ground loops' in certain setups.

If you are getting no "hum" when using the digital, then there is no difference whatsoever in quality.

I figured as much. I'll leave it as is then.

Originally Posted by DCT6416UIIIuser
On some channels when the display shows the channel number the times, the rating etc, there is now a tab on the top right. It first has a "i" on it then n then On Demand with < > arrows on both ends of the tabs.

This is on Charter in mid Micigan. What are these all about?

"I believe it means that channel is available in On Demand as well."

If this is the intentions, I do not see how to implement it. I go to OnDemand, but do not see any connection.

Well looks like I'll be holding on to my DCH for a bit longer. I actually got eyes on a DCX-3400 today when I went to try to get a SDDVR for my girlfriend, but they wouldn't let me have it (the person that returned it hadn't even taken the plastic off the front display panel). I was informed that a lot of the initial users of that box have experience problems and customer service guy said there was actually a recall out on them to try to fix some of the bugs. He said they won't get any new ones for a while. Not sure if he was telling the truth or not but it sucks. I've been trying to swap out for one for weeks.

TV - SamsungHLP-5063WX/XAA
DVR - New MotorolaDCH-6416
DVD/AV - SamsungHT-WX70
BluRay - PS3
Service - Charter

Originally I had HDMI going from the DVR => DVD/AV => TV. The PS3 was out of the mix until I could pickup an HDMI switch. The problem was that my DVD/AV didn't like the 4:3 override. When I turned the system off and back on it would loose the override setting and do this horrible flickering for a bit while I reset the settings in the connection menu. I didn't want to do that every day so I got a new box (I thought the DVR was the problem at the time)

Got a new box, it did the same thing. Got some Component cables and a TOS digital audio. Now I have component to the TV and TOS to the DVD/AV. After about 20 minutes of watching TV, the screen will flicker then go black, then eventually the TV will display its normal blue screen like when it can't find an input.

I prefer the Component/TOS setup because that allows me to use the HDMI from the PS3 to the DVD/AV as well without having to use an HDMI switch. Any ideas about the flicker?

However, every time I turn the box off, then back on, it resets to DVI and I loose audio until I go through the laborious process of the setup menu again. Does anyone know how to save the setup parameters?

I had the same problem, see my post below. My problem was that my samsung receiver didn't like the 4:3 stretch setting. If I turned it off I was fine (but I hate the black bars) I wasn't able to fix that. But it doesn't happen with the hdmi going directly into the TV. You do want to make sure your not cutting the power to the DVR as that will wipe your setings.

Today Shaw started selling their PVR expander (a rebranded WD MyPVR 1TB eSata drive). People have been hooking them up and getting the Shaw CSRs to flip the "switches" and SUCCESS! Some people have reported success with 3rd party enclosures but Shaw is only officially supporting their own drives for now. Still no word on internal drives. Maybe someone with an external will do a swap and see if that works. Most CSRs are still out of the loop and to add to the confusion, Shaw has also started selling new Pace boxes so they may be suffering from info overload.

Quick update: plenty of 3rd party drives and enclosures seem to be working. Many times without contacting Shaw which seems to suggest they are "flipping the switches" system wide. The one thing that has been confirmed as not working is drives larger than 1TB.

Ironically, WD MyBook drives (nearly identical to the PVR expander sold by Shaw) do not seem to work. Something to do with the drive's/enclosure's power management.

I haven't had any luck searching for this, so hopefully not covered already.

I want to know if anyone has had any luck downloading videos from the internet, then somehow getting them to play on the DVR. My PC is not close enough to plug directly into my DCH6416 (on a different floor), so I'm thinking some sort of external usb/firewire storage. I've read enough on this thread already to know that I may not be able to connect a drive. Assuming that it does work though, any clues on how to get a video onto the drive and in what format so the DVR will recognize it?

Bit of background -- recently moved the entertainment center from one wall to another wall and used a different cable jack. The new jack was apparently faulty, as all channels had horrible reception. Got under the house and swapped the cables so we're now using the good one. Problem is that a week's worth of recordings are unwatchable. The wife isn't keen on watching tv shows on her computer screen so I'm looking for some way to get a new copy of the shows and play them on the TV for her.

Thanks for any ideas,

(Running Vista 32bit)

Burn them to disc on your computer, then play them on your DVD player. use RW discs, if you don't want to save them. You won't be able to put them on the HDD of your STB.

As was said probably the easiest way is to burn them to a disc. If you have an xbox360 or PS3 you could also stream the video content from your computer to the game console & watch on TV. You could also check your areas Ondemand section, some of your shows may be on there.

There is no way to xfer content to the DVR, only way to get stuff on there is to record it while it's being broadcast live.

anyone else encounter this problem? It freezes(along with the time) after 5-6 hours...Ive tried switching from component to hdmi, from power block straight to the wall adapter...not sure what else to do at this point except call comcast. They will probably give me an older cable box... Firmware is 22.35...I wonder if 22.37 fixes this problem?


D8f5d6C_fhY

I am getting 2 HD DVRs from Comcast and they will both be in the same room. I know that Tivo and DTV dvrs allow you to change one of the IR codes so that you won't have the problem of both DVRs being controlled with the same default code. Just want to find out if it is possible to manually change the IR remote codes on the Comcast DVRs from Motorola. I don't know what model I will be getting but suspect the 34xx or the 64xx for sure.

Another question, are these models able to have an external HD hooked to the back via Esata? If so, do you just need to power cycle them with the external drive hooked up?

Thanks in advance!

Just want to find out if it is possible to manually change the IR remote codes on the Comcast DVRs from Motorola.No, it is not.

Another question, are these models able to have an external HD hooked to the back via Esata?No, it is not. No Motorola DVR offers that capability.

No, it is not.

No, it is not. No Motorola DVR offers that capability.

That is actually not true anymore. There is a new firmware release that will support eSATA on Motorola DVRs pre DCX. This is not widely deployed yet though by cable companies. For DCT its 16.74 and DCH its 18.74.

That is actually not true anymore. There is a new firmware release that will support eSATA on Motorola DVRs pre DCX. This is not widely deployed yet though by cable companies. For DCT its 16.74 and DCH its 18.74.

Well......

Charter swapped out my failing Moto DCT6416 yesterday (bad harddrive was failing).

They replaced it with a Moto DCH6416, Firmware version 18.45.

Is it possible that the eSata port is enabled? I would hate to buy an eSata Drive only to fiond out it is still disabled. :confused:

I am getting 2 HD DVRs from Comcast and they will both be in the same room. I know that Tivo and DTV dvrs allow you to change one of the IR codes so that you won't have the problem of both DVRs being controlled with the same default code. Just want to find out if it is possible to manually change the IR remote codes on the Comcast DVRs from Motorola. I don't know what model I will be getting but suspect the 34xx or the 64xx for sure.

The best you can hope for is that you get a DCX box and some other box (DCT or DCH). If your area uses the silver Comcast remote that will control both boxes, however the darker gray remote that comes with the DCX will only control that & not the other box.

That is actually not true anymore. There is a new firmware release that will support eSATA on Motorola DVRs pre DCX. This is not widely deployed yet though by cable companies. For DCT its 16.74 and DCH its 18.74.

Is there a link where Motorola has documented that the new firmware versions do support the eSata external drives?

See my posts on page 59. I am currently using a 1TB external esata drive on my 6416III and its doing fine, thank you very much. ;) To my knowledge, only Shaw in Western Canada currently has 16.74 in its boxes.

PS Dune fan?

I have a quick question for the owners of this HD=DVR. I made a thread about this, but I might as well post here too for the extra coverage. I am looking for a HD-DVR and it seems the Motorola model DCT6412 might suite my needs. But I want to make sure.


This is what I want to get.

- HD-DVR that can record upto 1080i
- Works with cable
- No service requirement (so no Tivo or Dish/Direct TV DVR's unless they are subscription free)
- Storage isn't too important. As long as it can hold at least 10 hours of HD recording.
- At least two tuners for dual simultaneous HD channel recording
- Has a QAM tuner (ATSC I assume?) -- This is the most important (see below).
- Output HDMI and Component. Doesn't need to be simultaneous though. Either or is fine as long as it has both.

I need one with a QAM tuner because right now I just have basic cable. My Samsung HDTV has a QAM tuner that picks up some HD channels. So the only way for me to record in HD is to get a HD-PVR with a QAM tuner.

Motorola DVRs only function in the United States if they are leased from the cable company.

That is actually not true anymore. There is a new firmware release that will support eSATA on Motorola DVRs pre DCX. This is not widely deployed yet though by cable companies. For DCT its 16.74 and DCH its 18.74.

Well......

Charter swapped out my failing Moto DCT6416 yesterday (bad harddrive was failing).

They replaced it with a Moto DCH6416, Firmware version 18.45.

Is it possible that the eSata port is enabled? I would hate to buy an eSata Drive only to fiond out it is still disabled. :confused:

See my posts on page 59. I am currently using a 1TB external esata drive on my 6416III and its doing fine, thank you very much. ;) To my knowledge, only Shaw in Western Canada currently has 16.74 in its boxes.

PS Dune fan?

Well I am becoming more confused, a normal state of mind for me. :rolleyes:

Charter delivered a new STB to replace my failing DCT6416.

The "new" box has no cablecard slot.
On the front panel it is labeled "DCH6416".
On the bottom it is labeled as model "DCH6416".
Under the Menu Cable Box Setup>Configuration Display it lists the model as "DCT", Software Version: 75.59. Firmware Version: 18.45.

So is it a "DCH" but Charter interfaces with it as a "DCT"? If so is the eSata interface still disabled? Anyone have a similar setup?

How does one distinguish a "Phase III" model?

Thanks!

P.S. The Fremen of every Sietch must unite! Kralizec, the Typhoon Struggle, is coming! ;)

Does the new box look different than the old one? You probably have a DCH so the firmware is different. The eSata interface is probably disabled still. Phase II machines don't have eSata or HDMI but do have DVI.

Does the new box look different than the old one? You probably have a DCH so the firmware is different. The eSata interface is probably disabled still. Phase II machines don't have eSata or HDMI but do have DVI.

It does look different. It does have HDMI but my old one did as well. This new one has a BLACK "4-way" directional menu control. Can the eSata interface be enabled/disabled remotely but Charter (if they would)?

It does look different. It does have HDMI but my old one did as well. This new one has a BLACK "4-way" directional menu control. Can the eSata interface be enabled/disabled remotely but Charter (if they would)?

You have a DCH. Shaw doesn't sell DCH's (even the DCT's are now end-of-line and they are selling only Pace boxes in most cities now) so I don't know if the firmware has been rolled out for them. Only with the correct firmware in place can your cable operator authorize the unit for external HDs. You can always ask Charter if they are going to upgrade the firmware in the future. At least you now know its possible.

Thanks, I will give them a call. I always like to have as much info as possible before calling to minimize any BS from an inexperienced CSR.

The "new" box has no cablecard slot.

Are you sure? Look on the back, and there should be a perforated, protruding cover for the part of the installed cable card that sticks out. But, it won't be a slot... This is what I have on the back of my DCH3200, a cable card non-DVR HD STB. I also have a serial number for the cable card, along with a bar code, on a sticker.

Are you sure? Look on the back, and there should be a perforated, protruding cover for the part of the installed cable card that sticks out. But, it won't be a slot... This is what I have on the back of my DCH3200, a cable card non-DVR HD STB. I also have a serial number for the cable card, along with a bar code, on a sticker.

Ahaa! I see said the blind man to his feaf wife! :o

Yes there is a cable-card with a cover on the back as you described. I had been looking for a "slot". Thanks!

Now if Charter would just enable an external eSata drive. But that does not seem likely based on all I have read. I contacted Charter with on-line chat and the CSR said that only the Charter Moxi STBs have external drives enabled and to contact my local office. But other posts indicate Charter is dis-continuing Moxi boxes. I will call tomorrow but is does not seem hopeful.... :(

Yes there is a cable-card with a cover on the back as you described. I had been looking for a "slot". Thanks!


When the tech delivered mine, I asked if it needed a cable card, and he said "No." I was surprised, but didn't see a slot. It was only when writing down all those serial numbers on the back that I noticed that covered card! :eek:

Now if Charter would just enable an external eSata drive. But that does not seem likely based on all I have read. I contacted Charter with on-line chat and the CSR said that only the Charter Moxi STBs have external drives enabled and to contact my local office. But other posts indicate Charter is dis-continuing Moxi boxes. I will call tomorrow but is does not seem hopeful.... :(

Well I called Charter (877 number). The CSR insists Charter has nothing to do with the Motorola DVR external storage, eSata or USB, being enabled or disabled. He stated it was a an "as-delivered" function of Motorola....hmmmm. He had no information on which firmware version did work but that some did. Sounded fishy to me... not that it was up to Motorola, as I can see where there may be DRM issues, but that Charter would not even know whether there was a firmware version that did support external storage and what thet version is.

Anyone know of a petition or SOMETHING to put pressure on Motorola or the cable providers to provide a mechamism for increased storage? Everyone knows that 160GB of storage is pathetic in an HD world and 1TB drives... except for Motorola and cable providers of course. :rolleyes:

Did you even read my post Muad Dib? Motorola has released a firmware version that will support Esata. The version listed(16.74 for DCT, 18.74 for DCH) is the only one that will support Esata, anything below will not. Its the first release and has some annoying bugs though.

Anyone know of a petition or SOMETHING to put pressure on Motorola or the cable providers to provide a mechamism for increased storage? Everyone knows that 160GB of storage is pathetic in an HD world and 1TB drives... except for Motorola and cable providers of course. :rolleyes:

If you find a petition let me know, I'll sign it. They're getting a little smarter at least about HD size, the newest box out (DCX3400) comes in 2 flavors, 250Gb & 320Gb. So at least now I can record about 40 hours & go away for a week during prime season & not have to miss any shows.

Motorola has provided the firmware. Its up to the cableco's to roll it out and each has their own agenda/issues. I will say that the current firmware is not 100% at the moment, at least for the 6416. I hope a "bug fix" release is done in the next few months.

Did you even read my post Muad Dib? Motorola has released a firmware version that will support Esata. The version listed(16.74 for DCT, 18.74 for DCH) is the only one that will support Esata, anything below will not. Its the first release and has some annoying bugs though.

I did read your post but at the time was sorting out exactly which model I had received as a replacement and whether it was "Phase III" or not. Thanks for the info!

Motorola has provided the firmware. Its up to the cableco's to roll it out and each has their own agenda/issues. I will say that the current firmware is not 100% at the moment, at least for the 6416. I hope a "bug fix" release is done in the next few months.

I am glad Motorola has at least made some progress toward external ports. Getting a box from Charter with the latest firmware may be like pulling hens' teeth though. Their 800 number never knows what is available from the local payment/service center. May have to do a 2 front assault... :D

I doubt Charter will make ANY with the new firmware available if they are buggy. I could live with some glitches without pestering them to death but I am probably not the "average" end-user.

Anyone know if the firmware can be updated remotely? Could be a moot point as Charter may not risk it even if it were possible.

Anyone know if the firmware can be updated remotely? Could be a moot point as Charter may not risk it even if it were possible.

Most firmware updates are done remotely. I just woke up on morning and my box was switched off (I always leave it on). All the guide settings were lost but the new firmware was there and all my recordings and scheduled recordings where still there.

I did read your post but at the time was sorting out exactly which model I had received as a replacement and whether it was "Phase III" or not. Thanks for the info!



I am glad Motorola has at least made some progress toward external ports. Getting a box from Charter with the latest firmware may be like pulling hens' teeth though. Their 800 number never knows what is available from the local payment/service center. May have to do a 2 front assault... :D

I doubt Charter will make ANY with the new firmware available if they are buggy. I could live with some glitches without pestering them to death but I am probably not the "average" end-user.

Anyone know if the firmware can be updated remotely? Could be a moot point as Charter may not risk it even if it were possible.


Good afternoon,

Firmware is dispersed on a per market basis. If you can pm me the following we can investigate any future updates.

Name:
Phone Number on Account:
Address:


George

Good afternoon,

Firmware is dispersed on a per market basis. If you can pm me the following we can investigate any future updates.

Name:
Phone Number on Account:
Address:


George

George,

I have PMed you with the requested details.

Thank you!

Starting with firmware 16.74 on the 6416III, it has been confirmed that you can upgrade the internal drive to greater than 160GB. The limit still appears to be 1TB. To do this, the drive MUST be formatted externally first by a 6416III. Still unknown if one of these externally formatted drives will work in a Phase II box or a 6412 but my guess is that it would as long as the firmware was at the same level.

Starting with firmware 16.74 on the 6416III, it has been confirmed that you can upgrade the internal drive to greater than 160GB. The limit still appears to be 1TB. To do this, the drive MUST be formatted externally first by a 6416III. Still unknown if one of these externally formatted drives will work in a Phase II box or a 6412 but my guess is that it would as long as the firmware was at the same level.

Well I have a DCH6416 with cablecard, HDMI, eSata and USB ports. So I assume it is a "Phase III". Firmware is v18.45.

Thanks for the info but that leaves it as a "Catch 22" based on what you have said does it not? If I had a DCH6416III that supported formatting external drives I would not need a larger internal drive.... ;) Hmmmm.....

I think the cablecos will have to support larger storage one way or another very soon. A hundred+ HD channels means little if the DVR can only store 20 hrs of HD. :rolleyes: What is that, 5 football games?

Oddly enough my area actually has competing cablecos, it helps if they have competition... (sort of like health insurance ;) )

I think Charter will come around. They just added 5 more HD channels, 3 of which I watcj frequently, so they are moving in the right direction...

George,

I have PMed you with the requested details.

Thank you!

Me too, no answer?

Me too, no answer?

No, not yet, but knowing Charter releasing a FW version that will allow their Moto boxes to support external drives will require a "policy" decision. :rolleyes:

I will placed a call to one of their competitors to see if they are moving more quickly...

No, not yet, but knowing Charter releasing a FW version that will allow their Moto boxes to support external drives will require a "policy" decision. :rolleyes:

I will placed a call to one of their competitors to see if they are moving more quickly...No cable operators in the U.S. support eSATA expansion with Motorola DVRs at this time. Don't expect that to change this year.

The 16.74 firmware has a few nasty issues with it. The guide % used is completely wrong; it usually lowballs the actual figure by quite a margin. If you use a 5400rpm drive, the skip ahead feature can't keep up with the remote. Worst of all I have had recordings missed and series programming disappear. Definitely need a 16.75 and fairly soon. Some of these bugs appear even if you have no external drive attached; they are just part and parcel of the firmware.

The 16.74 firmware has a few nasty issues with it. The guide % used is completely wrong; it usually lowballs the actual figure by quite a margin. If you use a 5400rpm drive, the skip ahead feature can't keep up with the remote. Worst of all I have had recordings missed and series programming disappear. Definitely need a 16.75 and fairly soon. Some of these bugs appear even if you have no external drive attached; they are just part and parcel of the firmware.

So EnergyOwner you are using a DCT with 16.74.

Has anyone confirmed that the same glitches are present in the DCH v18.74?

No cable operators in the U.S. support eSATA expansion with Motorola DVRs at this time. Don't expect that to change this year.

Leaving a bit of a chink in the major cablecos marketing armor isn't it? Especially if one of the more flexible noname local companies begins to offer it. :eek:

So EnergyOwner you are using a DCT with 16.74.

Has anyone confirmed that the same glitches are present in the DCH v18.74?

AFAIK, there are no DCH's on Shaw so that can't be confirmed. Sorry. Shaw is moving away from Motorola to Pace so I doubt there ever will be.

AFAIK, there are no DCH's on Shaw so that can't be confirmed. Sorry. Shaw is moving away from Motorola to Pace so I doubt there ever will be.

NP. Thanks for all your help and info! :cool:

No, not yet, but knowing Charter releasing a FW version that will allow their Moto boxes to support external drives will require a "policy" decision. :rolleyes:

I will placed a call to one of their competitors to see if they are moving more quickly...

FYI,

Well Charter responded. No big surprise. Maybe Knology has a better box.

From Charter:

"Good afternoon,

We have no plans in place to upgrade firmware at this time, maybe late 2010 according to the local engineering group.

George."

I was wondering if someone could help me with my Motorola 3416. I have a bunch of series set to record, but recently it has stopped recording some of these episodes. When I look into the reason, it says that the program was not recorded because it was in HD, and that this is a user option. I have searched to see how to change this "user option", but I can't find any place to change this.

Does anyone know how I can fix this?

Thanks,
Brian

DCH3416 series recording issue? (Comcast)
I had programmed "Survivor" as a series recording when the season started. The series recording list showed all regular episodes plus the reunion show. I had the series recording settings at only new episodes, view 1 episode, and save until space is needed. Suddenly, while watching the last recorded regular episode, it stopped abruptly and disappeared from the recordings list at about the same time that the reunion episode started recording. The DVR capacity was only at 46%. I then recalled that this very same thing also happened to me last year. Is there something wrong with my settings, or is this a major glitch?

I had the series recording settings at only new episodes, view 1 episode, and save until space is needed. Suddenly, while watching the last recorded regular episode, it stopped abruptly and disappeared from the recordings list at about the same time that the reunion episode started recording.You answered your own question ... its not "view 1 episode" - it is "save 1 episode".

Your machine erased the last episode in order to record another !! You told it you only wanted to save ONE.

Leave it at "save all episodes" - then you just have to watch and delete episodes faster than you record them so that you don't run out of disk space.

You answered your own question ... its not "view 1 episode" - it is "save 1 episode".

Your machine erased the last episode in order to record another !! You told it you only wanted to save ONE.

Leave it at "save all episodes" - then you just have to watch and delete episodes faster than you record them so that you don't run out of disk space.


Thanks for your response!
You are correct (I'm not in front of my TV now), and your answer is what I suspected, although it seems wrong since the last regular episode is different than the reunion show.

Need some help.
I've got Motorola Dch3416 DVR and I using it with Comcast Cable in San Jose, CA.
But recently something happened with my DVR. All channels are mixed up. Wrong program on the right channel.
Does anyone know if it is possible to somehow reset the box and fix this problem?
Thanks

Need some help.
I've got Motorola Dch3416 DVR and I using it with Comcast Cable in San Jose, CA.
But recently something happened with my DVR. All channels are mixed up. Wrong program on the right channel.
Does anyone know if it is possible to somehow reset the box and fix this problem?
ThanksRemove the power from the Moto for a minute, then restore. The box will reload the guide data over a period of a couple hours.

Remove the power from the Moto for a minute, then restore. The box will reload the guide data over a period of a couple hours.

With Comcast in Michigan, that would be over a couple of days...

Once in a while, the guide info put out IS scrambled, and a reboot won't fix it, but it's still worth a try.

Powering off the device DIDN'T work at all.
Still have this problem. All channels are mixed up.

Still have this problem. All channels are mixed up.Maybe its too obvious but have you called Comcast??

Yeah, call Comcast. Also, if you know anyone with Comcast guide info in the area, ask them if they have the same problem. As of this afternoon, I didn't see it here in Michigan, so it's not a national problem, which they have had before.

I did. they said I need to activate my DVR box. Stupid, I bought it from them long time ago.

No, I pretty sure it's my DVR box. I have a second one in my living room which is just as good as usually.

I did. they said I need to activate my DVR box. Stupid, I bought it from them long time ago.No, I pretty sure it's my DVR box. I have a second one in my living room which is just as good as usually.You can't buy Motorola boxes from Comcast. Comcast will not activate any Motorola DVR except those they lease for STB+DVR fees.

DTC6416
platform 16.57
sep 4 2008 17:03:37

cox provider manchester ct
tccscc 16.57
echodct 31.23

acts like the hard drive is going, live tv is fine but recorded stuff is getting more jerky with major delays in play back. deleted a bunch of stuff but now it hardly stores more than (4) 1/2hr shows. basically everyday it wants to clear the saved shows, hour glass gives me "about 1 day"

getting worse exponentially every day now for past 5 days.

hard drive? go get a new box? just had tech out a 2 months ago to fix squirrel chew on ohw (overhead wire) from pole to house...

thx for any help.

My 6416 box has been wigging out when it records programs on HGTV, just a simple hour program, and it ends up recording 4+ hours worth of HD content on that channel. All instances of the program say, "recording interrupted." This has happened to me twice, and on the second time it took a good bit of programming I had on my box out to make room.

I really and starting to get fed up with this box, but I really don't have a whole lot of options with Charter. I'll have to check if they carry the new Moxi.

live tv is fine but recorded stuff is getting more jerky with major delays in play back.Not addressing your main issue but just pointing out that there is no such thing as "live TV" on this DVR ... EVERYTHING is played back from the hard disk - even "live" TV. The DVR automatically buffers the last ~30 minutes of TV and what you are watching is ALWAYS being played back from the hard disk.

Not addressing your main issue but just pointing out that there is no such thing as "live TV" on this DVR ... EVERYTHING is played back from the hard disk - even "live" TV. The DVR automatically buffers the last ~30 minutes of TV and what you are watching is ALWAYS being played back from the hard disk.

I understand everything passes through the box, but the live feed from cox that the dvr is passing through in a non recorded state is fine. my only issues are the recorded shows that we chose to play back, saved on the dvr's hard drive. there are 3 to 15 second delays in the play back and it happens about every 3 minutes or so

I understand [...] the live feed from cox that the dvr is passing through in a non recorded state is fine.You miss my point or misunderstand.

NOTHING is passed through the box in a "non recorded state". The "live feed" is being recorded all the time - what you see is being played back from the hard disk.

So, if you are having issues with "recorded" programs that you do not see on the "live feed", it is unlikely that the problem is the hard disk, per se, because EVERYTHING YOU SEE is being played back from the hard disk!!!

It is more likely a firmware issue. Have you tried resetting the DVR by removing power altogether for a couple of minutes?? The box will reload itself when powered back on (including the guide) and will likely work "better". If not, call your cableco.

You miss my point or misunderstand.

NOTHING is passed through the box in a "non recorded state". The "live feed" is being recorded all the time - what you see is being played back from the hard disk.

So, if you are having issues with "recorded" programs that you do not see on the "live feed", it is unlikely that the problem is the hard disk, per se, because EVERYTHING YOU SEE is being played back from the hard disk!!!

It is more likely a firmware issue. Have you tried resetting the DVR by removing power altogether for a couple of minutes?? The box will reload itself when powered back on (including the guide) and will likely work "better". If not, call your cableco.

Actually, there IS a true live TV mode. If you tune to a channel that isn't already being recorded or buffered, then what you see is passed through without being read from the hard drive. If, however, you then hit pause, rewind, etc., the DVR switched to time-shift mode and what you see comes from the hard drive. Once in time-shift mode, the DVR remains in that mode until you change the channel - even if you advance to live (at which point you'd be at the end of the buffer, but still watching from the buffer). When you change channels, if the channel you switch to is already being recorded or buffered, the box will simply select that tuner and go to the end of the live buffer (i.e. not truly live). The only way to get to truly live TV is to switch to a channel that is not already recording or buffering.

I can verify this because I have a regular cable box in addition to the DVR. If I tune both boxes to the same channel, they play back in sync with each other. If I then pause, then fast-forward to live, the DVR will stop advancing a couple of seconds behind where the other box is and will refuse to go any farther. Only by switching channels can I get the two back in sync.

Therefore, if the hard drive is having issues, you may still be able to get a clean picture when first tuning to a channel, but as soon as you start time-shifting the picture will start messing up (and will continue to mess up until you switch channels).

Actually, there IS a true live TV mode. If you tune to a channel that isn't already being recorded or buffered, then what you see is passed through without being read from the hard drive. If, however, you then hit pause, rewind, etc., the DVR switched to time-shift mode and what you see comes from the hard drive. Once in time-shift mode, the DVR remains in that mode until you change the channel - even if you advance to live (at which point you'd be at the end of the buffer, but still watching from the buffer). When you change channels, if the channel you switch to is already being recorded or buffered, the box will simply select that tuner and go to the end of the live buffer (i.e. not truly live). The only way to get to truly live TV is to switch to a channel that is not already recording or buffering.

I can verify this because I have a regular cable box in addition to the DVR. If I tune both boxes to the same channel, they play back in sync with each other. If I then pause, then fast-forward to live, the DVR will stop advancing a couple of seconds behind where the other box is and will refuse to go any farther. Only by switching channels can I get the two back in sync.

Therefore, if the hard drive is having issues, you may still be able to get a clean picture when first tuning to a channel, but as soon as you start time-shifting the picture will start messing up (and will continue to mess up until you switch channels).

Although I have no idea of the actual electronics or engineering, I would tend to agree with this just because of another behavior.

When I'm watching live TV and then press pause, there's a delay - first it pauses, then the screen flashes it plays again for a second or two, then comes to rest on pause finally. This could be consistent with the signal switching from a live feed to the HD feed before pausing. The initial pause could be a RAM buffer.

when i watch tv and do not pause, record, rewind, etc, there is no problem.

the delay is so bad that my pioneer receiver acts like it's receiving audio for the first time after every delay, showing me my settings that i applied to that source (it's an optical, fyi)

how long do i unplug it?

My 6416 box has been wigging out when it records programs on HGTV, just a simple hour program, and it ends up recording 4+ hours worth of HD content on that channel. All instances of the program say, "recording interrupted." This has happened to me twice, and on the second time it took a good bit of programming I had on my box out to make room.

I have Charter's DCH 6416, and I suspect that's a problem with the cable signal on that channel, rather than the box. Are you in an area where they may be doing upgrading which could interfere with your reception?

Regardless, if it continues I'd call Charter about it. It would help them to know if you're having problems with any other channels at that time... if you're home. :)

Charter has a direct forum at Broadband Reports now, if you want a response or assistance from one of their techs.

Well my issue lately has been recording a show and watching it live as it records.
When I hit the 5 minute or 15 second back button I sometimes get a huge error popup that says something like sorry can't do that right now.
Which isn't the real problem, problem is that when this pops up it also stops the recording and forces me manually start recording the program again.
I have a 3416.
Anyone else see this?

Try turning the DVR off & then back on again with the power button, this may fix it. If that doesn't do it you can try pulling the power plug for about 30 seconds to reset it & plug it back in.

I'm going to try the plug, happened again duringthe grammies last night.

tried to rewind and I got a error message then it stopped recording.

I have a moto dch 3416 cable box from Comcast. I've had this box in the past and used it to get shows on my laptop. I have the newer version of this box (same model #) and I can't get the driver software to install. Whenever I try installing it says Windows could not find the drivers. I'm using Vista. Does anyone have newer drivers that I dont have or know whats wrong? I get my drivers from this site like i have in the past which is the comcast dot net site. Please help.

anyone?

Just to clarify i'm trying to record shows on my laptop from my dvr using the capdvhs program. The drivers wont install on my computer as it says they cannot find them even though I have selected the correct 'drivers' folder from the home dot comcast dot net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/#_Toc18569066

DCH3416 here. On one of these threads there was a code to put inot the remote to allow changing the output resolution of the box. My remote needs reprogramming and I cannot find that thread via the search function.

Anybody that can help? TIA

I keep getting the big pop-up also but I don't watch to many shows live. My main problem since Comcrap changed the software is my 30sec and five minute skips take forever and it jumps all over the place, usually back to the beggining of the show.

DCH3416 here. On one of these threads there was a code to put inot the remote to allow changing the output resolution of the box. My remote needs reprogramming and I cannot find that thread via the search function.

Anybody that can help? TIA

a) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
b) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
c) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
d) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
e) Type in the code 109 (or 00109 depending on your remote).
f) Press whatever button you want to map the Format command to (this can be any button). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

Today I turned on my 6412 and I'm missing the DVR option on my mini guide and I'm missing the DVR option in all other menus. I get an option to VCR record which does nothing and my DVR is gone?

Does anyone any an idea what happened??

Thanks!!

You can try power resetting it (pull power plug for 30 seconds & plug back in), call in for a box hit, but there's a good chance the hard drive just crapped out on you so you'll need to replace the DVR.

Today I turned on my 6412 and I'm missing the DVR option on my mini guide and I'm missing the DVR option in all other menus. I get an option to VCR record which does nothing and my DVR is gone?

Does anyone any an idea what happened??

Thanks!!

It appears the unit or hard drive over heated because of another cable box was on top of it. So I removed the other box and the DVR started working again.

A while back it was recommeded that the DVR not ever be turned off.
So I altered the programming of my remote "all on" key to only shut off the TV. I just had to get a new remote, and was just wondering if it is still recmmended that the DVR be left turned on all of the time. The booklet from Charter recommends turning it off to "save wear on the unit", but I have read that the HD never shuts off anyway, even in off mode.

What is the latest thinking? Does anybody know about the DCX3400 regarding same also, or should I post over there?

A while back it was recommeded that the DVR not ever be turned off. You misunderstood the point. Turning the DVR "OFF" with the remote does not interfere with the DVR operation - it is not actually "off" but in a reduced power consumption mode and the DVR will turn itself on when it needs to record a program and then shut itself off again in that mode. It will continue to do internal maintenance including firmware and guide updates.

Someone asked about removing the power altogether to a DVR when it is not being viewed. That is definitely not recommended! It will not record programs while unplugged ( :eek: ) or do the necessary internal updates.

You misunderstood the point. Turning the DVR "OFF" with the remote does not interfere with the DVR operation - it is not actually "off" but in a reduced power consumption mode and the DVR will turn itself on when it needs to record a program and then shut itself off again in that mode. It will continue to do internal maintenance including firmware and guide updates.

Someone asked about removing the power altogether to a DVR when it is not being viewed. That is definitely not recommended! It will not record programs while unplugged ( :eek: ) or do the necessary internal updates.

I knew that it does not shut down all together, or "interfere with the DVR operation". I realize if a recording is set it will awaken and record, as well as also receive updates in its off/ "sleep mode" I was asking if it was still recommended to leave it turned on, as it was felt by other posters that it kept it less "buggy". Also, I have never been able to find out if shutting it off does or does not stop the haard drive from running. By putting my hand on the DVR when "off" it feels to me like the HD is still running. Therefore, I do not see why Charter recommended shutting it "off"



What are your comments regarding the leaving it on for purposes of reliabiltiy/ "less buggy" of its memory/control functions. Seems illogical to me, but thought I would ask for another opinion.

What are your comments regarding the leaving it on for purposes of reliabiltiy/ "less buggy" of its memory/control functions.It ought not make any difference but, that said, I never turn any of my three DVRs "OFF". :p

You misunderstood the point. Turning the DVR "OFF" with the remote does not interfere with the DVR operation - it is not actually "off" but in a reduced power consumption mode and the DVR will turn itself on when it needs to record a program and then shut itself off again in that mode. It will continue to do internal maintenance including firmware and guide updates.Note that "reduced power consumption mode" only saves 2 watts (ex: 30 vs 32 watts on DCH3416 or 39 vs 41 watts on DCT6416).

There is some discussion of this (leaving the unit on or turning it "off") in the 3400 thread. In the old days, before the DCX3400, it was always wise to leave the unit on all the time. I still do that with my DCX, mostly out of habit. Some others don't.

Note that "reduced power consumption mode" only saves 2 watts (ex: 30 vs 32 watts on DCH3416 or 39 vs 41 watts on DCT6416).That's 17.5kW hours over a year! :eek:

Hi~
I have the DCH 3416 with Charter with a black remote. I see a bunch of instructions on adding the 30 second skip, but its with a silver comcast remote. Is there a way to do this on my charter remote? Or on my URC WC7

Hi~
I have the DCH 3416 with Charter with a black remote. I see a bunch of instructions on adding the 30 second skip, but its with a silver comcast remote. Is there a way to do this on my charter remote? Or on my URC WC7

I figured out that the page + and page - buttons ony charter remote were the skip forward/backward commands, so I was able to program my universal remote. Is there a button on the charter remote that goes directly to my recordings? I'd like to have one button access to what we've recorded. Thanks.

I figured out that the page + and page - buttons ony charter remote were the skip forward/backward commands, so I was able to program my universal remote. Is there a button on the charter remote that goes directly to my recordings? I'd like to have one button access to what we've recorded. Thanks.

It's the "My DVR" button. You should be able to program it on your universal remote. I constantly use it on my Logitech remote.

It's the "My DVR" button. You should be able to program it on your universal remote. I constantly use it on my Logitech remote.

Apparently I need a new remote. Mine does not have a My DVR button, nor a setup button. I think it's an old remote for a non DVR box.

Apparently I need a new remote. Mine does not have a My DVR button, nor a setup button. I think it's an old remote for a non DVR box.

Trade it in at the Charter store for a new one if you need it to program your universal.

It's the "My DVR" button.It is sometimes labelled differently. For instance, on my Motorola DRC800 remote it is called "List".

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/images/drc800_remote.jpg

It is sometimes labelled differently. For instance, on my Motorola DRC800 remote it is called "List".

Thanks for the tip, though mine doesn't have that either.

I have a new question regarding series recordings and my DCH3416. We used to record UFC Fight Night, and UFC something else (i forget the name), but now when I find them in the menu, they are colored green, and it only allows me to record that specific show, and not all shows with that name. Why is that? The moxi would record them as a series.

Thanks for the tip, though mine doesn't have that either.

I have a new question regarding series recordings and my DCH3416. We used to record UFC Fight Night, and UFC something else (i forget the name), but now when I find them in the menu, they are colored green, and it only allows me to record that specific show, and not all shows with that name. Why is that? The moxi would record them as a series.

The green would indicate that it is sports program, that's all. The DCH/T/X DVRs don't have the ability to set up a customized series recording in which you could have it record all programs with the word UFC in the title or all movies starring a certain actor, etc. I'm not familiar with the UFC Fight Night program, but if that is a regularly scheduled series program, you should be able to record it and in the recording options specify a series recording with options for new programs only or not. You would then set up other series recordings for any other UFC programs that are also their own series.

If that doesn't work (i.e. you don't see the option to set up series recordings when you try to record), then perhaps the iGuide information doesn't list these as series, but rather as individual sporting events, like football games. You can't set up a series recording for CBS NFL football, for example, even though it's on every week during the season. However, an individual sporting event has another recording option available, allowing you to extend the recording time in case the game runs long.

I'm not familiar with the UFC Fight Night program, but if that is a regularly scheduled series program, you should be able to record it and in the recording options specify a series recording with options for new programs only or not. You would then set up other series recordings for any other UFC programs that are also their own series.

If that doesn't work (i.e. you don't see the option to set up series recordings when you try to record), then perhaps the iGuide information doesn't list these as series, but rather as individual sporting events, like football games.
Thanks for the info. On the moxi, we could record it as a series, but the option isn't available on this box. Odd.

Thanks for the info. On the moxi, we could record it as a series, but the option isn't available on this box. Odd.

I spoke (wrote) before actually trying it. The UFC programs don't seem to be a series to iGuide, nor do they seem to be a sporting event like a football game. They're treated more like a movie or one-time program. Weird.

I read people saying you don't have to turn the box off, but if I turn it off, it tells me it will stop recording, if it's currently recording something. I'm assuming it will also NOT record something that is scheduled if it's off? I have the DCH3416.

If I turn it off, it tells me it will stop recording, if it's currently recording something.That's correct. I'm assuming it will also NOT record something that is scheduled if it's off?If turned "off", the box will turn itself on in order to record scheduled programs and then shut off after it is done.

I've done some searching in here and on the net about upgrading the DRAM on the DCT3416 from 128MB to 256MB, or the flash memory from 16MB to 32MB. Has anyone done this?

I've done some searching in here and on the net about upgrading the DRAM on the DCT3416 from 128MB to 256MB, or the flash memory from 16MB to 32MB. Has anyone done this?Where on the net have you seen discussion about this?

Where on the net have you seen discussion about this?

Sorry I've searched and found nothing on that... just upgrading the hard drive which doesn't concern me at the moment.