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.

Just signed up with Charter's TV side last week; we had been internet customers for years, but decided to save a few bucks and get two HD DVRs. Cancelled Dish Network.

The tech showed up with two DCH-3416s. Isn't that pretty old tech at this point? The hard drives in those things are laughably small; at least a few shows we can get on demand and not worry about recording them.

The recording flexibility leaves a lot to be desired. I just want to record a daily show at a specific time M-F, and there does not appear to be an option for this. I can set up reminders this way, but not recordings.

Are there newer and better boxes out there that they could give me? I'd kind of like to call them and request something specific, and not just complain about 2007-era junk. :) Thanks!

The recording flexibility leaves a lot to be desired. I just want to record a daily show at a specific time M-F, and there does not appear to be an option for this. I can set up reminders this way, but not recordings.


You can set a recording the way you want by setting a manual recording. While setting that up you can set it to record once a week, mon-fri or everyday, just go into advanced options while setting it up. Also as an FYI, the options you have for recording will not be changed if you get a different box. The DCT, DCH & DCX all use the same programming guide software. The only main differences are the age of the box, slight processing power & size of the hard drive (and the fact that the DCT series didn't use a cable card, which if anything cable cards cause more problems).

You can set a recording the way you want by setting a manual recording. While setting that up you can set it to record once a week, mon-fri or everyday, just go into advanced options while setting it up. Also as an FYI, the options you have for recording will not be changed if you get a different box. The DCT, DCH & DCX all use the same programming guide software. The only main differences are the age of the box, slight processing power & size of the hard drive (and the fact that the DCT series didn't use a cable card, which if anything cable cards cause more problems).

Thanks jon. I will give it a shot when I get home.

I just subscribed to Charter (Kalamazoo, MI) and received the DCH3416 box. I've read many of the posts here and understand I can't add an external hard drive to this box. I contacted customer service and they say a Moxi is available as a swap. Does anyone see a downside to swapping my current box for the Moxi? So far I like the current box except for the small hard drive. I've also considered purchasing my own Moxi but the 2 installers who have been here have tried to talk me out of it as they claim its hard to get the cablecards to work (also, anyone know what they charge to rent these cards?).
I also spoke to a different CSR and they said a DCX box could accept an external hard drive but from what I'm reading on this forum that does not seem to be correct.
Thanks for all the info in this thread!

I also spoke to a different CSR and they said a DCX box could accept an external hard drive but from what I'm reading on this forum that does not seem to be correct.

Unfortunately that CSR was wrong. At this time you can't add an external hard drive to any of the Moto DVRs.

At this time you can't add an external hard drive to any of the Moto DVRs.That is utter nonsense!!

The Motorola 16.74 firmware update in August 2009 (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=111563) enabled the external ports and eliminated the 160GB cap in the internal drive. (This was reported in this very thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17443801#post17443801) last October.)

FYI, here is a complete discussion (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=112018) on adding external hard disks to Motorola DVRs !!!

Has anyone confirmed it would work on Charter? Because the posts in your threads that I saw indicated the opposite, although they were a little old.

I decided to stop in the Charter office. The CSR talked to a tech and said that no external hard drives will currently work with any of their equipment. I also inquired about a Moxi and they said that although they have offered them in the past they no longer do because they have had too many issues with them. So at this point it looks like a waiting game - hopefully they enable the esata port at some time in the future.
Note: this info is for my area of Kalamazoo, MI. Maybe its different at other Charter locations.

That is utter nonsense!!

The Motorola 16.74 firmware update in August 2009 (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=111563) enabled the external ports and eliminated the 160GB cap in the internal drive. (This was reported in this very thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17443801#post17443801) last October.)

FYI, here is a complete discussion (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=112018) on adding external hard disks to Motorola DVRs !!!Unfortunately, no U.S. provider allows external drive expansion on Motorola DVRs, including those that use the 16.74 firmware.

no U.S. provider allows external drive expansion on Motorola DVRs, including those that use the 16.74 firmware.That's a more correct response than "you can't add an external hard drive to any of the Moto DVRs"!! It's a big world out there.

Unfortunately, no U.S. provider allows external drive expansion on Motorola DVRs, including those that use the 16.74 firmware.

Darn. That had me going for a minute.

I live in central Florida and picked up a DCH3416 at a yard sale for $1.
I know it will not currently work with Brighthouse, but I took it to their office and they will send a tech out next Saturday to install the correct Cable-Card.
Anyone else heard of this? Will it work? If it doesnt at least I can scavange to 160GB HD from the box.

I live in central Florida and picked up a DCH3416 at a yard sale for $1.
I know it will not currently work with Brighthouse, but I took it to their office and they will send a tech out next Saturday to install the correct Cable-Card.
Anyone else heard of this? Will it work? If it doesnt at least I can scavange to 160GB HD from the box.

Pretty sure you just bought yourself a 160GB harddrive for $1. I'd be surprised if the tech even attempts to install a new cable card for you. If you lived in Canada however you'd be all set. :D

they also took my comcast remote... i had bought originally, a comcast dvr and it came w/ a remote. when shaw came to hook it up after taking the "codes" etc off it to "register" it, it wouldn't grab a signal. the shaw guy took the comcast one away and gave me a good 6416, and let me keep the comcast remote, which i never had to reprogram at all; it just worked.
2 years later, my dvr has died and shaw replaced it with this POS 3416i, but the guy took my comcast remote claiming "you can't have this" to my wife and gave me that horrible shaw one. i went to Ebay and bought a new comcast for $5. i started programming it as it just showed today and the TV is set, the Yamaha 5.1 is set but... it won't take any of the codes for this POS Shaw Motorola 3416i. we were told by the shaw tech that this is the upgrade model?? from the 6416 i had, which i truly don't believe, but now that i got a comcast remote again which i love, i can't program it to run this POS 3416i. how do i get it to? i used the only codes on the chart that came with the remote, i tried using comcast's chart's formula that tells me how to search for a code, or check a code, but neither of those are working.

any ideas? i'm not a rookie with this stuff, but i am on your site and have known about AVS for some time, just not needed someone's help until now. i hope someone can.

i was able to set the cable box code with the AUX button instead. problem is that whenever i hit the OK button around the cursors after all is turned on, it defaults back to the CBL button. bit of a pain but it works... mostly.

i was able to set the cable box code with the AUX button instead. problem is that whenever i hit the OK button around the cursors after all is turned on, it defaults back to the CBL button. bit of a pain but it works... mostly.

I'm guessing your problem is that you can't change the Cable code on the remote? It probably just gives you the error solid blink right? You need to unlock the Cable button before you can reprogram it. Try pressing Cable-then hold Setup button till it blinks a few times-then press 9-8-2 and the Cable light should blink a few times letting you know it's unlocked, then program the Cable button with whatever code you used on the Aux button. Just make sure you reprogram the Aux button to a different code other then the same one as the cable box. If you don't & you press the All On button you'll turn on the cable box & TV & then turn the cable box back off again.

I just picked up a Samsung HDTV and want to know if it's possible to control the DCH6416 with the TV remote. The Charter remote is awful.

This evening, the wife went to watch her soap opera that she records daily and it wasn't recorded today. So, I start to investigate and find that there are icons missing from the Quick Menu and Main Menu. The DVR and HD icons are gone from the Quick Menu and there may be others missing as well. I think there was a DVR icon on the Main Menu, but I really can't remember. So, I have no way to get to the DVR menu now. Also, I don't remember seeing an icon with and Up arrow and an icon with a Down arrow on the Quick Menu before, but they're there now. Anyone have any idea what happened? Thanks.

The DVR and HD icons are gone from the Quick Menu and there may be others missing as well.Unplug the power for a minute then start it up again.

Unplug the power for a minute then start it up again.

Thanks for the reply. I tried it, but it didn't fix the problem. I guess I'll be calling Charter.

Yesterday afternoon at work, I went to Charter's web site and thought I'd use their tech support chat feature to ask about the problem. After I explained the problem, the tech asked me for the last four digits of my SS number and the security code that's on my bill. Not having a bill in front of me, I couldn't give it to her, so she couldn't continue the conversation. However, she did say that there was an outage reported in my area. Maybe true, maybe not, but when I got home yesterday, all of the icons were back.

So I just upgraded my basic Comcast cable to an HD DVR and unfortunately got an old DCT6400 model with NO HDMI output. The tech said I could go to a Comcast location and exchange for an HDMI box if I liked. Also, I have only recorded 2 HD programs for a total of 5.5 hours and my drive is 44% full. I'm assuming this means I have only a 100GB drive.

Is there a specific model I should be looking for when I do the exchange? What is the biggest capacity/best HDDVR?

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.

Does anyone know where detailed instructions on doing this can be found? Thanks.

What I've been waiting for...
Cogeco (Oakville, Ontario) just downloaded firmware version 16.75 Oct 19 2009 to my DCT6216.
Using a standard esata enclosure I connected a 120g drive which had previously been running in my DCT6216. The following error popped up:
"The use of an external drive is not authorized on your account. Please contact your provider." Not unexpected.
The 2nd HDD shows up properly on the D13 Status menu, with 0B remaining.

Based on previous posts on this firmware, I'll now look into installing a much larger internal HDD.

Well, looks like my 6416 just crapped out on me. Started making clicking noises from the power supply side of the box, and there was some kind of fluid leaking out(capacitor fluid?), time to call Charter.

We recently got a DCH6416 from Charter. The picture looks fine when it's working, but the box has odd, spontaneous reboot behavior. Occasionally (meaning several times an hour) the box will turn itself off and after a few seconds start again. When it turns itself off it loses all channel and programming information, and slowly starts to get it back before it spontaneously reboots again, loses info, wash, rinse, repeat.

The cable guy who installed it saw this behavior and attributed it to "hits" or downloads, and that the pattern would continue for "quite a while," not to worry. After 48 hours I'm not sure sure this is normal, and believe I either have a defective box, signal loss, interference, or some other explanation.

The TV worked fine with a previous, standard box, meaning no noticeable signal loss, etc. Our TV in the bedroom has a built-in tuner, and I never saw problems with signal loss of poor quality.

Any ideas?

We just returned to Comcast after several years with DISH. This DCT6412 seems to have very little storage space. Much less than I remember when I last had Comcast. I have about 8 hours of SD recorded and I'm at 51%. I recorded on 3hr HD show tha ate up about 40% of my storage. Is there something wrong with my DVR? Motorola says I should be able to record 90 hours of SD. I'm going to go to the local office to swap it on Monday. Is there a better HD DVR available? I'm really missing my DISH VIP722.

Perry

Are you sure it's all in SD? 8 hours would be about 50% for HD, on a 6412. But, it would hold a LOT more SD. The newest Moto HD DVR is the DCX3400. It comes in 250, 320, and 500GB versions. My local Comcast office seems to get only the 250GB ones, but that's twice as much as 120GB!

Are you sure it's all in SD? 8 hours would be about 50% for HD, on a 6412. But, it would hold a LOT more SD. The newest Moto HD DVR is the DCX3400. It comes in 250, 320, and 500GB versions. My local Comcast office seems to get only the 250GB ones, but that's twice as much as 120GB!

I double checked and they are all SD. Channel 11, 68 and a few others in the 0-99 range. I learned my lesson about recording HD when a 3hr program took nearly half the hard drive. I'll see if our local office has the DCX3400. Thanks for the help.

Found out how to remove DVR display graphic when watching slo mo or still frame on 6416 ? Just hit "Exit" button after starting slo mo or still frame playback. Before I figured it out the graphic would always intrude on what I was trying to see. I didn't realize I could love my DVR more than I already did (save for wanting more recording space).

Scotty

Found out how to remove DVR display graphic when watching slo mo or still frame on 6416 ?

Hey! That's awesome. Thanks for the tip. I can't tell you how many times that graphic has gotten in the way of something important, like a runner getting tagged while sliding into third base!

I've got a Motorola DCT 6412 III connected via HDMI to a Denon AVR-591. I also have the coaxial digital audio cable connected between the same two devices. I can't seem to get any audio over the coax cable. Is it possible that the presence of the HDMI cable prevents an audio signal from being sent over coax by the 6412?

Hey! That's awesome. Thanks for the tip. I can't tell you how many times that graphic has gotten in the way of something important, like a runner getting tagged while sliding into third base!

Also comes in handy when viewing bustlines & derrieres !!:D

Scotty

Our Motorola DCT3416 HD DVR was updated to the new A28 I-Guide software last Wednesday (Comcast in Denver Metro region). Since that time, on two separate occasions the DVR malfunctioned while recording. Both times the recording suddenly stopped, started again, then stopped again, resulting in a partial recording and a "1 minute" recording. The remainder of the show failed to record. In the DVR history, the entry for the affected recordings reads "Not recorded due to a fatal hardware error" (or words to that effect).

Anybody else have something like this happen? Would trading the box in for a new one be worthwhile?

I've had a DCT 6412 do things like this to me before. It may have something to do with the new software. Have you called customer service to have the box "reset"? I would try that first before trading it in.

In the DVR history, the entry for the affected recordings reads "Not recorded due to a fatal hardware error" (or words to that effect).

Anybody else have something like this happen? Would trading the box in for a new one be worthwhile?

I've seen that error in the history a couple of times when a show did not record. I did not see the 1 minute recording at all. I had similar issues with A25 although I did not have a history to back it up.

From what I have surmised it happens when something is scheduled on the hidden tuner when the viewed tuner is already recording the same channel. Since I overlap recordings often I am more susceptible to this than probably most, or so I think.

In my opinion exchanging the box would not help. It's a combination of a software glitch and viewing habits. If it happens again maybe take note of what was scheduled to record before and when the error happened. As a habit now I don't leave either tuner on the channel I am scheduled to record. So far it works but is a hassle. I've doing this since before A28.

I've seen that error in the history a couple of times when a show did not record. I did not see the 1 minute recording at all. I had similar issues with A25 although I did not have a history to back it up.

From what I have surmised it happens when something is scheduled on the hidden tuner when the viewed tuner is already recording the same channel. Since I overlap recordings often I am more susceptible to this than probably most, or so I think.

In my opinion exchanging the box would not help. It's a combination of a software glitch and viewing habits. If it happens again maybe take note of what was scheduled to record before and when the error happened. As a habit now I don't leave either tuner on the channel I am scheduled to record. So far it works but is a hassle. I've doing this since before A28.

I can tell you the circumstances around the recording errors, but if it's going to happen every time these conditions are met, then I doubt this DVR will be in the household much longer. The first time it happened was Sunday afternoon. I had a football game and a baseball game recording and was tuner-swapping between the two events. I had them set to record because (a) I wanted to be sure I didn't run into problems with the short HD buffer size on these boxes and (b) someone else who had to be away that day might want to see either or both games. There was no indication on the screen of anything going wrong that I noticed, until I looked in the playlist to see how much disk space was available and saw a number significantly lower than I expected. I then saw that booth games were listed twice in the list, with the first recording ending at exactly the same time, and the second recording being listed at "1 minute." The time the recordings ended was a good half-hour earlier than I noticed the problem. I restarted both recordings, but the short HD buffer size meant losing a significant piece of both events. Again, there was nothing on-screen to suggest anything went wrong.

The second time it happened was yesterday, this time with only one recording set - a baseball game. I wasn't watching it live, but a relative was and she noticed the record indicator go off, back on for a minute, then go off. She restarted the recording, and an hour or so later it happened again. I believe she was switching between the game and other content (though I don't know if it was pre-recorded or live content on the other tuner). She tells me that each time this happened, she was using thepage-up and page-down kays to navigate in five-minute intervals (something I was not doing on Sunday). She also tells me that since the software update she occasionally gets a pop-up when pressing a button indicating that the action could not be completed and to call customer service if the problem persists. (I have not yet gotten that pop-up myself.) She's ignored the message since to this point nothing has seemed to go wrong when the messages appear.

Anyway, what these incidents have in common is that a recording is being watched as it record, with trick play being used (in my case it was tuner swap and 30-second skipping, in her case it was five-minute jumping). This is VERY common use with this box, so if it is not safe to use DVR functions with a recording in progress, then I may be looking to throw it out and move forward with only our DirecTV DVR's (we subscribe to both cable and satellite).

I have a (probably stupid) question, but would like to know something about all the menus that can be accessed on my 6412. For instance, if I go to the "Diagnostics" screen and set my audio out to "pass thru", does this override the audio output settings I have configured via the I-Guide menu (namely the "compression" and "stereo" settings)?
Thanks for any guidance, because with all these hidden menus and no documentation, I'd like to know if one menu is the "trump card" of the deck.

To follow up on my issue with recordings not finishing, I suspect that there may have been an issue on Comcast's end in the area. Early yesterday morning they apparently sent out a reset signal that caused our box to reboot (we didn't ask for one - it just happened). Since that time the DVR has been noticeably faster at responding to the remote, and at least to this point there have been no problems to speak of. It's too early to tell, but I'm hopeful the problem was a temporary issue in the area that has been addressed.

To follow up on my issue with recordings not finishing, I suspect that there may have been an issue on Comcast's end in the area. Early yesterday morning they apparently sent out a reset signal that caused our box to reboot (we didn't ask for one - it just happened). Since that time the DVR has been noticeably faster at responding to the remote, and at least to this point there have been no problems to speak of. It's too early to tell, but I'm hopeful the problem was a temporary issue in the area that has been addressed.

I had to unplug my box once due to the slow responses and my guide information stopped downloading. I have tried to duplicate your issue and have not been able. I like to know what to avoid if I can.

I have a (probably stupid) question, but would like to know something about all the menus that can be accessed on my 6412. For instance, if I go to the "Diagnostics" screen and set my audio out to "pass thru", does this override the audio output settings I have configured via the I-Guide menu (namely the "compression" and "stereo" settings)?
Thanks for any guidance, because with all these hidden menus and no documentation, I'd like to know if one menu is the "trump card" of the deck.

My understanding is that the i- guide settings only affect analog audio outputs. The other menu you mentioned affects digital output. If you are connecting to a stereo with dolby then leave on pass through or auto. If connected to a tv you may have some problems with audio dropping out on hd channels. If that happens changing to l-pcm may work better.

Thanks for the reply. As mine is hooked up to my Yammy receiver via hdmi, I,m not at all not clear if the "diagnostic screen" settings for hdmi (which I have set at passthru) simply negate any settings for the analog signals I made through the i-guide menu. I'm guessing they do, but these old tin-ears can't discern any difference in sound when I go from "pass-thru" to "auto".

None of the i-guide menu settings will make a difference on the hdmi output. I think the pass through or the auto are about the same. If it sounds good to you that's all that matters.

For a while there I had swapped my DCT-6412 for a Pace box that essentially had all the same features, same menus, and responded to the same remote control commands. One thing the Pace had that the DCT 6412 didn't have was a optical loop. That is, I could run the optical out from my TV to the optical in on the Pace box, and then the optical out from the Pace box to the optical in on my receiver.

IIRC correctly, those audio out settings on that "Diagnostics" menu you guys are talking about affected the bitstream I'd get when the signal "passed through" the Pace box. What I could never get it to do was pass a DD 5.1 signal from my TV through to my receiver.

So, the upshot is, I think those audio output menu settings don't have any impact at all on how the DCT 6412 behaves.

That is not a problem for me. We are presently watching TLC in DD HD 5.1, and the sound is correct and booming, thru the 5 speakers.

For a while there I had swapped my DCT-6412 for a Pace box that essentially had all the same features, same menus, and responded to the same remote control commands. One thing the Pace had that the DCT 6412 didn't have was a optical loop. That is, I could run the optical out from my TV to the optical in on the Pace box, and then the optical out from the Pace box to the optical in on my receiver.

IIRC correctly, those audio out settings on that "Diagnostics" menu you guys are talking about affected the bitstream I'd get when the signal "passed through" the Pace box. What I could never get it to do was pass a DD 5.1 signal from my TV through to my receiver.

So, the upshot is, I think those audio output menu settings don't have any impact at all on how the DCT 6412 behaves.

Looking at the definitions of the Moto manual for the DCX3400 it has the following definitions:

Auto will provide the digital audio format specified by the connected device when that device was first connected to the DCX3400
L-PCM designates that the DCX3400 will provide all audio in the Linear Pulse Code Modulation digital audio format.
Pass Through designates that the DCX3400 will provide the same digital audio format on the HDMI output as is provided with the program being viewed at the time.


This is all about how the set-top delivers the audio to the device (television or receiver) over the HDMI. From what I read into this, Auto is based on a self-discovery to determine the best audio and Pass Through is leaving the audio untouched. Pass Through seems to be best for a receiver that can support Dolby Digital 5.1. I did not see anything in the 6400 series manuals for this option in the user settings menus, but this is similar to other set-tops from Moto.

Herman, what model Pace box did you have? I never heard of a loop like that, and I am wondering what would be the purpose? Why not just run the optical from the TV straight to the receiver?

Herman, what model Pace box did you have? I never heard of a loop like that, and I am wondering what would be the purpose? Why not just run the optical from the TV straight to the receiver?

TDC779X. The old receiver I had at the time had only one optical input (and no HDMI input). I had a newer HDTV with an optical audio out. So, I ran the optical out from the TV into the Pace box, and then from the Pace box out to the receiver.

It turns out that I had remembered this incorrectly in post #1909 two days ago. What I was trying to do back then was to get the TV to output a DD5.1 bitstream via its optical cable. It turns out that the only way it'll do that is if I'm watching an over-the-air broadcast that has a DD5.1 audio signal.

But, what I was trying to do back then was get the DCT-6412 to send a DD5.1 audio stream via HDMI to my HDTV, and then pass through to the receiver via optical cable. It didn't work. Here's an excerpt from a post I made in that thread, a while back ...

Both the L-PCM and the Auto options caused my TV to report that it was receiving PCM. The passthrough option caused my TV to report that it was getting a Dolby Digital signal, but the TV wouldn't put out any sound over its optical output. There was a data stream generated along the optical cable, but when it got to my receiver it apparently didn't know what to do with it because, as I said, there was no audio!

Anyways, now I have a new receiver with HDMI inputs, so it's all moot! Sorry for all the confusion.

Hi,


I just purchased the new 3400 PVR, and noticed that the live tv buffer is only 20min on an HD channel, instead of 60min on the 3416.

I verified this on the 3416 model, that it still indeed buffers 59min on an HD channel.

This is a bit frustrating as I had paused a program and didn't get back within 20min, and found of course that it had dropped of the portion over 20min. This also affects being able to just hit record, if you have started to watch a show, found it interesting, and thought hey, I want to record this.

Motorola says buffer is controlled by cable company (SHAW)

Shaw says..."I dunno"...and they are looking into it. It's funny because they sell these boxes as being able to buffer 59min of live tv...even the insert in the 3400 mentions this.

Also, separate buffer bug on 3400...hitting record when the buffer is full does not appear to work...so you can't even record a buffered show.

Any ideas, thoughts, fixes?

Thanks

Hi,


I just purchased the new 3400 PVR, and noticed that the live tv buffer is only 20min on an HD channel, instead of 60min on the 3416.

I verified this on the 3416 model, that it still indeed buffers 59min on an HD channel.

This is a bit frustrating as I had paused a program and didn't get back within 20min, and found of course that it had dropped of the portion over 20min. This also affects being able to just hit record, if you have started to watch a show, found it interesting, and thought hey, I want to record this.

Motorola says buffer is controlled by cable company (SHAW)

Shaw says..."I dunno"...and they are looking into it. It's funny because they sell these boxes as being able to buffer 59min of live tv...even the insert in the 3400 mentions this.

Also, separate buffer bug on 3400...hitting record when the buffer is full does not appear to work...so you can't even record a buffered show.

Any ideas, thoughts, fixes?

Thanks
Are you in Canada? In the US, we can't purchase the DVRs. Don't know if this makes a difference. With Comcast, I had a 3416 and its pause buffer was much, much less than 59 minutes for an HD channel (more like 10 minutes). With the DCX3400 Anyroom unit (500G drive), my pause buffer is a bit more. I believe it is related to hard disc size, but don't know for sure.

Hi,

Yes I'm in Canada. Being able to purchase/rent though shouldn't make a difference in the buffer size. And I don't think it's HDD size, as my 3416 has 120GB HDD and the buffer is 59min on an HD channel. My 3400 has 500GB HDD and the buffer is 20min on an HD channel.

Weird!

Shaw says it may be how the flash memory is using the buffer, but they don't explain why I can get 59min on an older 3416, but 20min on 3400. Seems pretty silly I can't pause for at least 59min on the newer box.

Thanks

Hi,

Yes I'm in Canada. Being able to purchase/rent though shouldn't make a difference in the buffer size. And I don't think it's HDD size, as my 3416 has 120GB HDD and the buffer is 59min on an HD channel. My 3400 has 500GB HDD and the buffer is 20min on an HD channel.

Weird!

Shaw says it may be how the flash memory is using the buffer, but they don't explain why I can get 59min on an older 3416, but 20min on 3400. Seems pretty silly I can't pause for at least 59min on the newer box.

Thanks
Beats me. But I've never heard of anyone getting 59 minutes of HD pause buffer on any of the motorola DVRs.

I've heard from a Comcast subscriber that on their 6400 series Motorola box they can enter the channel number for the SD version of a channel and when the box changes if they hit <enter> the box retunes to the HD version of the channel.

Has anyone heard of this? How is this programmed....via the DAC (NAS-RAC), via the iGuide software or something else.

I would like to have the boxes in my cable system do that.

I am the cable operator and have a ticket open with Motorola asking the same question.

Thanks
Paul

Hi,

I just got this feature on my PVR. Im with Shaw Cablesystems. This came along with a guide update, so I belive the guide software is where this comes from but don't quote me on it.

When I tune to an SD channel that has a HD equivalent, it says "watch in HD" within the info bar and I just have to press enter to go to that channel.

However, it doesn't do this for ALL equivalent HD channels, so its not 100%.

Any thoughts on my issue above? :-)

Thanks

I'll contact Rovi (who ovns the iGuide software many systems use and ask them.)

When I tune to an SD channel that has a HD equivalent, it says "watch in HD" within the info bar and I just have to press enter to go to that channel.

However, it doesn't do this for ALL equivalent HD channels, so its not 100%.


This is usually one of two reasons that I have seen:
- the companion HD channels is not airing the same program (for example the SD channel is a West coast feed but the HD is East coast so there is a 3 hour difference)
- the companion HD channels is airing the same program but it is not HD, or at least not coded as being in HD

It could also be that the source ids were not matched or cleaned up properly. We had a few channels where the source id changed so they would match.

Do you have examples of when it doesn't work?

Motorola told me that that is a feature of the iGuide software. I'm contacting Rovi to see if it's in version 25 or 28? In general to learn how it works. I did not see it in the V25A documentation?

This is usually one of two reasons that I have seen:
- the companion HD channels is not airing the same program (for example the SD channel is a West coast feed but the HD is East coast so there is a 3 hour difference)
- the companion HD channels is airing the same program but it is not HD, or at least not coded as being in HD

It could also be that the source ids were not matched or cleaned up properly. We had a few channels where the source id changed so they would match.

Do you have examples of when it doesn't work?

Hi CaptMorn2374,

Thanks for responding and trying to help...it's really nice when people recognize this is a community of not just take...but give as well. :)

I don't have an example currently, but I'll do some testing this weekend and let you know what I find.

The companion HD not being coded correctly sounds like a likely scenario for when it does not work.

I'm not too worried when it doesn't work, but I'm more concerned with my buffer issue I posted above.

Thanks!

Hi CaptMorn2374,

Thanks for responding and trying to help...it's really nice when people recognize this is a community of not just take...but give as well. :)

I don't have an example currently, but I'll do some testing this weekend and let you know what I find.

The companion HD not being coded correctly sounds like a likely scenario for when it does not work.

I'm not too worried when it doesn't work, but I'm more concerned with my buffer issue I posted above.

Thanks!

Sorry I thought the issue in question was with the Watch in HD feature. The way my posts are sorted your above is actually my below and I am directionally challenged To answer Paul I believe this is only available with A28.

I'll see what I can figure out with the buffer. At first it seemed to me it was a percentage of the hard drive. I had started some testing myself but never finished. I'll find those notes and follow up.

Well, I just got my new Charter cable installed Saturday (took nearly 6 hours, even though we had Charter about 3 years ago), with a 6416 DVR. I must say, I am very disappointed in Charter after leaving Dish with the cable setup. I'd still have Dish if they didn't keep losing channels, I was switching to Charter internet and phone, anyway, so went ahead and signed up for a new 2 year package with the works.

The guide setup sucks, I miss Dish's with the programmable favorite lists - is there a way to create those with Charter? I found the favorite channels, but all it does is scan through the ones I set up - I want to look at a list of only my favorite channels.

also, the 160 gb harddrive seems way too small. I recorded an HD football game, and it used up like 44% of the space. On my Dish VIP, I had like 10 games recorded, all in HD, plus room for other shows. Is this normal?

Thanks.

i've found the "favorites" to be a waste of time, like you describe.
As far as 1 game taking up 44%, that's not right. i'm guessing it didn't stop recording, so it recorded for the maximum amount of time allowed (like 1600 minute or something like that), that's why it's taking so much space.
Check to see how long the recording is.

My 6416 uses about 4% to 5.5% of space for every hour of recorded HD. Waaaayyyyy less in SD (who cares though).

Scotty

You can set up several favorites lists, name them, and then access the list by pressing guide first then fav. Each time you press fav it jumps to the next favorite list.

If you are not in the guide, fav will just change to the next channel in the default list.

We use this feature often especially when scheduling recordings as we don't use the series options very much.

There should be a favorites selection on the Quick Menu, and another on the Main Menu. It sounds like you're going into Setup and then Favorite Lists Setup. Then again, maybe the software is different for different cable providers?

I have the DCT 6412 and one hour of an HD recording takes up about 4% of the disc space.

Then again, maybe the software is different for different cable providers?


Yes; I have a 3416 and a 6416 from CableVision in Mexico City, and neither offer ANY favorites lists except one main one.

Btw, what is the life span of these decoders? these Motorola models are 3 or 4 years old and they're still pushing them as "the latest technology" ????? wtf.

And those of you who complain that these boxes aren't as flexible or feature-rich as Dish equipment ....... you're absolutely correct. And why is that? does anyone know why cable companies cannot provide equipment that's as technologically-advanced as the SAT companies???

I, too, wonder the same thing. These cable boxes are not that new, but they're all that's available to us. The stores have a remarkably low selection of DVR's for sale. I think the company that makes them all is Scientific Atlanta. There must be a legal reason for all this.

I have the silver Comcast box with about 160 gig drive and I have two problems. (OK, actually there are a host of problems but for now...)

1. It is too loud. Now that I have a quiet home theater it is the loudest hum in the cabinet. I tried to put foam under the feet but the hum resonates in the cabinet and is really annoying.

2. I have a program that I can not erase. What's up with that?

Is the sound more of a whir than a hum? When the unit overheats, a fan comes on and makes a whirring noise. There's a metal grill, integral to the bottom panel, that covers the fan. I've had to cut that out (using tin snips) to increase air flow and reduce noise on units I've had in the past.

Foam under the feet?! I put small wooden blocks under the feet of mine to raise the unit about 3/4 inches. I hope you aren't blocking air flow with your foam. The purpose of the blocks is to increase air flow under and around the unit so it'll run cooler.

Do you have good air flow around the unit? There should be at least a small gap on all sides, top, and bottom. Is there an opening in the back of the cabinet to allow air flow? I even went so far as to install a small fan at one point, but that's no longer necessary for some reason. Does your unit feel warm to the touch on the top or bottom?

Call the cable company and have them remotely reset your unit. If you can't delete the recording after that, and you can't rid of the whirring noise, exchange the unit.

2. I have a program that I can not erase. What's up with that?

This may be a file system corruption issue. If so, you may have to reset the hard drive to correct the problem. You can do this, but it will erase all the recorded programs.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets

Is the sound more of a whir than a hum? When the unit overheats, a fan comes on and makes a whirring noise. There's a metal grill, integral to the bottom panel, that covers the fan. I've had to cut that out (using tin snips) to increase air flow and reduce noise on units I've had in the past.

Foam under the feet?! I put small wooden blocks under the feet of mine to raise the unit about 3/4 inches. I hope you aren't blocking air flow with your foam. The purpose of the blocks is to increase air flow under and around the unit so it'll run cooler.

Do you have good air flow around the unit? There should be at least a small gap on all sides, top, and bottom. Is there an opening in the back of the cabinet to allow air flow? I even went so far as to install a small fan at one point, but that's no longer necessary for some reason. Does your unit feel warm to the touch on the top or bottom?

Call the cable company and have them remotely reset your unit. If you can't delete the recording after that, and you can't rid of the whirring noise, exchange the unit.

Only foam under the feet to isolate the vibration. The ventilation is unobstructed. It is in a cabinet with a vent fan that draws in cool air and exhausts it out the top.

This may be a file system corruption issue. If so, you may have to reset the hard drive to correct the problem. You can do this, but it will erase all the recorded programs.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets

I don't want to lose the recorded programs for now so I'll pass on that solution. After I have seen all the programs I'm going to trade in the box for a black one with the bigger hard drive. I hope they are quieter.

This may be a file system corruption issue. If so, you may have to reset the hard drive to correct the problem. You can do this, but it will erase all the recorded programs.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets

I get this sometimes, and just unplugging the box for a minute and resetting that way will let me delete it when the dvr service reloads. I've found that the recording is gone but still listed for some reason as the percentage full does not go down when I do delete the "phantom" recording.

Hey all, I've been toying with the DCH3416 trying to get error-free .ts files using CapDVHS. I've found that I need to first record the program to the DVR (so that I can have more than once crack at recording it via firewire in case there are errors). I then need to set both turners to SD channels and make sure that nothing is scheduled to record during the time that I'm dumping the program via firewire.

But anyways, I've done quite a bit of testing and have settled on doing the following before dumping via firewire:
1. Make sure nothing is recording at all during the time that I'll be dumping via firewire.
2. Turn to channel 002 (b/c it's a SD channel, so I assume it's less taxing on the cable box).
3. Switch tuners (using the remote's PiP Swap button) and change that channel to 004 (again, b/c it's a SD channel)
4. Turn off the cable box for 30 seconds (this may be unneeded, but I'm a bit paranoid by all the issues I've had. I don't have solid evidence that this helps)
5. Turn the cable box back on and play back the DVR recording that I want to dump via firewire.
6. Record with CapDVHS

I've had very good results when I follow these instructions (I have the DCH3416).

Twice now my 3416 has awoken to do a scheduled program but has not recorded the program.If I turn it off and then on again manually, it starts recording. Shoul I replace it?

Stuff like this has happened to me in the past. Never could figure out if it was a software issue (the TV guide information being downloaded from the server incorrectly) or a hardware issue. I would call and have them do a hard reset. If that doesn't work, I'd suggest you swap out the unit for a another one.

Ok I have the 3400 and my issue is that when I have a series recording set to record shows in HD they get recorded on the SD channel. This only happens from what I have noticed so far with shows that air on Fox and Showtime. I have noticed (let's saying I'm wanting to record House in HD) that when I hit info it says nothing about it being in HD while let's say I hit info on Two and a Half Men and it says it's in HD. Even though House is in HD it just get's recorded on the SD channel every time even though I have the series recording set up on the HD channel.

Ok I have the 3400 and my issue is that when I have a series recording set to record shows in HD they get recorded on the SD channel. This only happens from what I have noticed so far with shows that air on Fox and Showtime. I have noticed (let's saying I'm wanting to record House in HD) that when I hit info it says nothing about it being in HD while let's say I hit info on Two and a Half Men and it says it's in HD. Even though House is in HD it just get's recorded on the SD channel every time even though I have the series recording set up on the HD channel.

There used to be a problem (maybe still is) that when an SD and HD version of the same channel had the same name, i.e. both the HD and SD version of Showtime were listed in the guide as SHO, for example, the box would get confused and record the episode on the wrong channel. Most cable companies now use different names for each channel, such as SHO and SHOHD. If your guide listing shows the same names for different channels, you should contact your local cable company and report the problem.

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago. It happened when the new shows came out for the season. The problem eventually got resolved after I reported it to the cable company. I don't know if it was the same-name issue mentioned by crossbeaux. The cable company said they thought it might be a bug in the TV Guide software.

Since you're reporting a recurrence, it would seem more likely that it's the same-name issue. Let us know, because I'm interested in understanding why this occurs.

Hey all, just an update on what I posted earlier about recording via firewire:

I have found no way to guarantee an error-free firewire recording. It appears that only Motorola can fix this via a firmware update. But, I am convinced that the liklihood of getting less/possibly no errors is increased by following my earlier directions.

I have also found that, even when errors persist, as long as I record each program twice, the errors are almost certainly not happening in the exact same place on both recordings (unless of course the error was part of the broadcast). So I can use VideoReDo to do a little cutting and splicing and end up with a perfect video. Obviously this takes some effort and I would only do so for recordings that I really want to keep.

BTW, no, you needn't watch each recording like a hawk to determine if any errors are occuring. When you use VideoReDo to cut out ads (or if you use its QuickStream Fix option), it tells you about any "Input Sequence Errors" or "Video Resync Frames Removed" or "Audio Resync Frames Removed", etc. When I see those messages, I typically have VideoReDo chop that same file in half and see if all the same errors persist. That allows me to narrow in on where the errors truly are. Once you have a pretty good idea of where the error(s) are, you can usually see the error(s) in VideoReDo's preview window. I'll then look for a good place to cut the video just before the error occurs. I'll load up the second recording in VideoRedo and grab the same part that is corrupted in the first recording (hopefully it is error-free in the second recording). VideoReDo's "Add to Joiner List" capability can then be used to create an error-free recording.

If anybody has any other methods for fixing stuff, I'd love to hear them.

Unfortunately, no U.S. provider allows external drive expansion on Motorola DVRs, including those that use the 16.74 firmware.
I didn't see this addressed yet but I'm using an external drive on my 6416 from Charter right now. It's not "officially" supported but if you plug one in, it'll detect it and offer to format it.

^ Huh, so I would guess charter turned that option on...What firmware version are you on? And what external drive are you using?

Please excuse me if this is a dumb question or if it has been answered in a previous post.

I see that the 6416 has analog recording capability while the 3416 is digital only.
What can the analog recording feature be used for.

Also, aside from the size and appearance of the box, is the 6416 an upgrade model to the 3416? What features does the 6416 have that the 3416 does not.

Thanks in advance for the info?

I'm no expert but the 6416 is designed to be used on cable systems that have both analog and digital signals. Once analog goes away completely, it really won't offer anything over the 3416.

The 6416 has dvi-d out and the 3416 has hdmi out.

The 6416 has HDMI out. http://www.motorola.com/Video-Solutions/US-EN/Products-and-Services/Video-Consumer-Premise-Equipment/Analog-Digital-Set-Tops/DCH6416_US-EN

DCH6416 has hdmi out, DCT6416 has dvi-d out. Not sure which one was referenced earlier, I went to the earlier model.

DCT6416 has HDMI out too. http://www.broadstripe.com/pdf/UserGuides/Motorola%20DCT6400%20User%20Guide.pdf

I swear I am not crazy, but crazy people usually do make that claim.

I think that PhaseIII has the HDMI and earlier Phases had the DVI-D. I don't know if earlier phases had the 160Gb hard drive.

Here is something on Motorola's web site for the 6400 series.

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Home-Digital-Video/ci.DCT6400_US_EN.alt

I'm sure you're right, with the 6200 series for instance. I guess I made an assumption that the OP was referring to either a current DCH or DCT 6416 Phase III. I have the latter and it has HDMI, though I choose to use its component ouput so that I can use the split screen function on my Panny plasma.

It's really a shame that Charter (or is it Motorola?) never deployed the split screen fxn within these boxes themselves.

http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Video-Solutions/_Documents/static%20files/DCT6400%20Data%20Sheet.pdf

http://www.motorola.com/consumers/Video-Solutions/US-EN/DCT6200_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=5b7e9e3eeed46110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD

BTW for those who might not know, XX12=120GB, XX16=160BG.

My DCT 6412 P3 only had DVI out.

My DCT 6412 P3 only had DVI out.

Well, there's validation! Last thing I had with DVI was a MOXI!

Do you guys know of any models of the 34 or 36 that work with the logitech revue run through an avr and are able to get a pic on the tv. Ive tried the dct 3416 dcx 3400 and one other and none work. They all have the hdcp issue. I have to run it straight to my tv and optical out to my avr.

Moto currently only allows two downstream devices through hdmi, the television being one of them. Future firmware may extend this but don't look for it any time soon.

http://simplygoogletv.com/2010/10/397/

I've been playing around with the hard drive in my DCH3416 and decided to hook up an external drive via the eSATA port on the back. The port is active and a message appeared on the screen that said "The use of external drives is not authorized with your account. Please disconnect the external drive and contact your provider. Alert 08"

I've always read that the port is inactive in the US, so I was surprised to see anything occur at all. I may call Comcast (SF Bay area) and see if they can authorize my drive. I've read that Shaw cable in Canada allows external drives and they have to get the serial number of the drive and authorize it before it is usable.

I understand that it's a long shot and that Comcast likely has an iron-clad policy refusing to support any external drives, but I figure it can't hurt to ask.

Here's a screenshot of the message:
eSATA_Not_Authorized.jpg (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/TNO821/eSATA_Not_Authorized.jpg)

BTW, I've done some reading on other websites and discovered how it is that some eBay auctions have 1 TB hard drives pre-formatted to work inside the 34xx and 64xx: These people are in an area that allows eSATA external drives and they merely format the drive externally via eSATA and then sell it. The formatted drives can be up to 1TB in size and they will work as either internal or external drives so long as the DVR's firmware isn't ancient (of course, if you're in an area that doesn't allow any external drives, your only choice is to use it as the internal drive).

I find that a little disappointing, as I was hoping somebody really clever had found a good way to read the IBM GPFS filesystem and extend the partition size. But I'm thinking that's a lot more unlikely, being that GPFS is not freely available and is rather esoteric. It's way more likely that someone merely did the eSATA format on one drive and then dd'd that formatted drive till the cows came home (a far less impressive feat, but still one that is beyond my grasp unless Comcast allows external drives).

Anyways, if anyone has any thoughts, I'm all ears.

I've read that Shaw cable in Canada [...] have to get the serial number of the drive and authorize it before it is usable.That's not true. ANY suitable eSATA drive simply works. You do not have to "authorize" or collect serial numbers, etc. Period.

PS. We can also swap out the internal drive as well and the DVR automatically formats "new" drives.

That's not true. ANY suitable eSATA drive simply works. You do not have to "authorize" or collect serial numbers, etc. Period.

PS. We can also swap out the internal drive as well and the DVR automatically formats "new" drives.

There were tons of messages about Shaw customers having to call with their serial number. A firmware update eventually removed that requirement. Or is that wrong? I am going by old message threads from a different site.

And I absolutely do not believe you can pop in a blank 1TB internal drive and end up with more than 160 GB of usable space. I can pop in a new internal drive (or any drive, even one with incompatible NTFS crap on it) and it'll format it too...but only to a maximum size of 160 GB. But that is old (and unhelpful) news.

Do you have any info that could be helpful in my trying to connect the internal drive to any PC and extend the partition to a full 1 TB? Any info about GPFS support would be particularly helpful.

Well, I called Comcast and asked about authorizing my external drive. The Comcast rep seemed to be a knowledgeable guy who instantly understood the situation, but unfortunately didn't have the answer I was hoping for.

Comcast still does not support the use of external drives and has no plans to do so in the future :(

Just thought I'd share.

Biggest drawback of the Comcast DVRs, IMO. Either swap it out for the latest model (DCX3400 which might have a 320GB or 500GB drive installed) or get a Tivo or Moxi instead. Both Tivo and Moxi can be upgraded to 2TB internally.

I've been having a problem with my Comcast DVR (DCH3416) where, at since their last software update, when I stop playing a recorded program, then delete it, the DVR resets the audio connection to my Onkyo receiver to all channel mono, from Dolby Digital. I have audio & video connected from the DVR via HDMI, with video going on my to TV via HDMI. Any suggestions? Or, anyone else see this???

I've been having a problem with my Comcast DVR (DCH3416) where, at since their last software update, when I stop playing a recorded program, then delete it, the DVR resets the audio connection to my Onkyo receiver to all channel mono, from Dolby Digital. I have audio & video connected from the DVR via HDMI, with video going on my to TV via HDMI. Any suggestions? Or, anyone else see this???

That sucks. I haven't seen this, but my HDMI goes straight from my DCH3416 to my TV (Sony XBR4). My Onkyo (905) gets the audio from my DCH3416 via digital coax (RCA connector). I do this so that I can set different TV picture settings on the Cable TV input, versus my Blu-ray player's input (and anybody with an Onkyo 905 or similar knows how broken the Reon implementation is on it). This setup works really well for me.

I've been having a problem with my Comcast DVR (DCH3416) where, at since their last software update, when I stop playing a recorded program, then delete it, the DVR resets the audio connection to my Onkyo receiver to all channel mono, from Dolby Digital. I have audio & video connected from the DVR via HDMI, with video going on my to TV via HDMI. Any suggestions? Or, anyone else see this???

Ever since a software update a few weeks ago, when I power it up I keep getting "dUI" on the display as my DCT6412 tries to do a HDMI handshake with my Denon AVR.

The only thing I can suggest to you is to turn off HDMI control on your receiver. I find that, in general, having HDMI control turned on will cause even greater handshake problems.

Ever since a software update a few weeks ago, when I power it up I keep getting "dUI" on the display as my DCT6412 tries to do a HDMI handshake with my Denon AVR.

The only thing I can suggest to you is to turn off HDMI control on your receiver. I find that, in general, having HDMI control turned on will cause even greater handshake problems.

Yes I've noticed that too. But it goes away after a few seconds. When I turn on the tv and receiver to connect with the dvr, it takes several seconds to connect. And, I do have hdmi control on, I think.

Yes I've noticed that too. But it goes away after a few seconds.

This afternoon I had one of the digital music channels on (480i display). My wife turned the system off thinking we were ready to go out for dinner. But we weren't. So I turned it back on as I was finishing up a task in the other room. I wish I would have timed it, but it took several minutes before completing the HDMI handshake.

My connection takes almost one minute.

Wow! Anything more than 5 or 10 seconds for an HDMI handshake is really bad. You should provide details on what model number of cable box, TV, and A/V Receiver you have...Motorola may not be aware of that device combination causing so much trouble.

I wonder if the handshake would be any faster if you connected the HDMI directly from the cable box to your TV.

You could then get the Dolby Digital audio by running either a Toslink optical cable or a coax (RCA connector) cable from the cable box to your A/V Receiver.

*You won't lose any audio quality by doing this. Only Blu-ray and HD DVD benefit from the additional audio bandwidth provided by HDMI. The only downside is having to run one additional cable (and do a little reprogramming of your universal remote).

Wow! Anything more than 5 or 10 seconds for an HDMI handshake is really bad.

Today it took only a few seconds. It's hit or miss. It's a Motorola DCT-6412 III connected to a Denon AVR-591. There's also a severe lip-sync problem that's also hit or miss.

I wonder if the handshake would be any faster if you connected the HDMI directly from the cable box to your TV.

The TV is a Toshiba 40rv525u, and that makes things a lot worse. The screen will sometimes turn green and stay that way. It happens sometimes during boot-up, and it also happens sometimes when changing channels from a 1080i braodcast to a 480i, or vice-versa.

At least it used to be that way. I haven't tried it lately. It might be worth a try.

You could then get the Dolby Digital audio by running either a Toslink optical cable or a coax (RCA connector) cable from the cable box to your A/V Receiver.

*You won't lose any audio quality by doing this. Only Blu-ray and HD DVD benefit from the additional audio bandwidth provided by HDMI. The only downside is having to run one additional cable (and do a little reprogramming of your universal remote).

Yup. That's the standard work-around for these types of problems. In extreme cases we have to switch cables from HDMI to component video.

Anyone know if there is an update to make the Motorola DCT3416 Type I have 1080p?

I have this unit and it seems to only do 1080i. It's from Comcast.

If it doesn't do 1080p, anyone know which Comcast DVR can, or which box succeeds this one? (I have a 1080p tv now and would like the DVR to match.)

http://help.rcn.com/files/ONNET6907/converters/DCT3400.pdf

Also, the user manual doesn't say how to make this box get to a maintenance screen that can show stats such as db levels, etc.

Since my cable modem can show SNR, Downstream\Upstream power, etc., I would think the DCT3416 could as well. anyone know for sure? thanks

Anyone know if there is an update to make the Motorola DCT3416 Type I have 1080p?

I have this unit and it seems to only do 1080i. It's from Comcast.

If it doesn't do 1080p, anyone know which Comcast DVR can?

http://help.rcn.com/files/ONNET6907/converters/DCT3400.pdf

Also, the user manual doesn't say how to make this box get to a maintenance screen that can show stats such as db levels, etc.

Since my cable modem can show SNR, Downstream\Upstream power, etc., I would think the DCT3416 could as well. anyone know for sure? thanks

Why? The 3416 passes through the native resolution. No cable channel (or over-the-air network) broadcasts in 1080p, so what would be the point?

You can get to a maintenance screen by powering off the cable box and immediately pressing the Select button on the Comcast remote. It can show you the signal strength for the channel you were last on. (use the left arrow key to move back to the main menu that gives you a *ton* of options)

Why? The 3416 passes through the native resolution. No cable channel (or over-the-air network) broadcasts in 1080p, so what would be the point?


Ahh. Wasn't aware of that. Any idea when they will start broadcasting in 1080p?


You can get to a maintenance screen by powering off the cable box and immediately pressing the Select button on the Comcast remote. It can show you the signal strength for the channel you were last on. (use the left arrow key to move back to the main menu that gives you a *ton* of options)

Thanks. Sounds like what I was looking for. Going to test it now.


What about the data port? If I hook the dct3416 up to my home network, what will it allow me to do?

Ahh. Wasn't aware of that. Any idea when they will start broadcasting in 1080p?

When bandwidth grows on trees... :D

BD is the only way you will get 1080p, unless they stream it. It won't be on broadcast TV, because they aren't going to change the standards for that, having done it not long ago. It isn't likely to show up on cable, even for OnDemand, because it would take so much more bandwidth, and they are trying to cram MORE stuff on now, so not likely to do something that would make them carry less.

If I hook the dct3416 up to my home network, what will it allow me to do?Nothing.

Same with the USB and eSata ports (except in Canada where the eSata port is used for external storage).

Nothing.

Same with the USB and eSata ports (except in Canada where the eSata port is used for external storage).

Geez. That is what the ports could do 5 years ago.

I see nothing has changed....Not sure why they tease us like that.

I see nothing has changed....Not sure why they tease us like that.The use of the ports is up to your cableco, not Motorola !!

Take it up with Comcast.

My cableco (Shaw) enabled the eSata port and we are free to add any external expansion we want ... I have a 2TB drive external and 500GB internal.

The use of the ports is up to your cableco, not Motorola !!

Take it up with Comcast.

My cableco (Shaw) enabled the eSata port and we are free to add any external expansion we want ... I have a 2TB drive external and 500GB internal.
Yup. Comcast is the evil empire.

Yup. Comcast is the evil empire.

They are worse than that.

They are ratfarts!

My 6416 was acting fairly loopy last night. First it froze while I was watching a recording, then the screen went black. I unplugged the power and then plugged it back in, seemed to work fine for a bit then it restarted by itself two more times. Also, it seems like a new version of the guide came out, as my recordings are now sorted by folders.

My 6416 was acting fairly loopy last night. First it froze while I was watching a recording, then the screen went black. I unplugged the power and then plugged it back in, seemed to work fine for a bit then it restarted by itself two more times. Also, it seems like a new version of the guide came out, as my recordings are now sorted by folders.

It sounds like you just got yourself the A28 update. One of the cool new features is the ability to search for shows and set search recordings that will auto-record if your show ever appears on the schedule.

I was recently pleasantly surprised to find recordings of Adult Swim's Xtacles show thanks to that feature :)

One of the problems in the A28 update is that the firewire is a little bit buggy. If you leave a PC hooked up via the firewire port, your cable box will reboot whenever your PC goes into or wakes up from sleep mode. The cable box will also reboot whenever you plug or unplug the firewire cable. You can avoid this by first putting the cable box in Standby before plugging or unplugging the firewire.

In fact, when the cable box reboots, sometimes it will hang indefinitely unless you unplug the firewire cable (the hard drive sometimes refuses to spin up until the firewire is unplugged).

It sounds like you just got yourself the A28 update. One of the cool new features is the ability to search for shows and set search recordings that will auto-record if your show ever appears on the schedule.

How is this different from a series recording?

How is this different from a series recording?There doesn't have to be an episode in the Guide right now for you to set it.

How is this different from a series recording?

You can put in Auto-Searches for shows that aren't airing. If it ever airs, the Auto-Search will record it.

I had forgotten that, back in August, I had set an Auto-Search for The Xtacles. It hadn't aired since Dec 2008 (to my knowledge), and the show only ever had two episodes (it never got picked up as a series...just a pair of pilots). I had no real expectation that it would air again, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it on my DVR last month. (and in HD, unlike the original airing!)

That's something that the old search could never have accomplished.

Has anyone connected the DVR's hard drive to a Linux computer, installed IBM' GPFS file-system drivers on Ubuntu and view the partitions on the DVR?

Has anyone connected the DVR's hard drive to a Linux computer, installed IBM' GPFS file-system drivers on Ubuntu and view the partitions on the DVR?

Nope, but I'd love to. If you have a link to the IBM GPFS Linux driver, I'll try it out this weekend.

I have a Motorola DCX3400 and my tv always says that I am getting 720p no matter what. I tried going into the DCX3400 menu to change this but I get a diagnostics page instead of a settings page. Did this get changed, or am I doing something wrong?

I have a Motorola DCX3400 and my tv always says that I am getting 720p no matter what. I tried going into the DCX3400 menu to change this but I get a diagnostics page instead of a settings page. Did this get changed, or am I doing something wrong?

Use Power>Menu instead of Power>Ok/Select to get to the settings.

Use Power>Menu instead of Power>Ok/Select to get to the settings.

Thanks...worked perfectly

Thanks...worked perfectly

Hi I just got a toshiba 40inch HDTV model 40rv525u. When I plug my cable box in using an hdmi I was told by Toshiba support that the tv MUST be on first then I turn the cable box on, otherwise I get a black screen. This is fine, however my cable box is also a DVR and in order to record shows the box must be on. Therefore, if I turn the tv off while a show is recording and then go to turn it back on, I have to turn the cable box off so I don't get a black screen. However, by turning the cable box off, I am canceling all recordings. Does anyone have any suggestions?

turning the cable box off, I am canceling all recordings.Turning the DVR "off" does *NOT* cancel future recordings!!

The DVR will turn itself "on" to record programs and turn itself "off" when done.

PS. If you try to turn the DVR "off" WHILE you are recording, it will protest.

Hi I just got a toshiba 40inch HDTV model 40rv525u. When I plug my cable box in using an hdmi I was told by Toshiba support that the tv MUST be on first then I turn the cable box on, otherwise I get a black screen.

I have the same TV, and I don't have to do that. Did you check it out to see if what they told you is true?

Hi I just got a toshiba 40inch HDTV model 40rv525u. When I plug my cable box in using an hdmi I was told by Toshiba support that the tv MUST be on first then I turn the cable box on, otherwise I get a black screen. This is fine, however my cable box is also a DVR and in order to record shows the box must be on. Therefore, if I turn the tv off while a show is recording and then go to turn it back on, I have to turn the cable box off so I don't get a black screen. However, by turning the cable box off, I am canceling all recordings. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I always leave my Cable box on. But in the past I have shut it down and it does not affect recordings. Just like avu said. I do get a blank screen every now and then for about 5 seconds or so. I wonder if I turned the cable box off and then turned the Tv on first if it would make a difference. I was thinking it had something to do with reciever.

Delete

Deleted

Here's something that I have not yet seen covered in this thread.

I have a Mit WS 48413 "HD ready" CRT RPTV (no HD tuner). The Mits has DVI input and will only accept a 1080i connection. It does not accept 720P.

I've connected my Cox Cable Motorola DCH3416 via HDMI to an Onkyo N708 AVR and then used an HDMI to DVI connector to the TV. It works great, OSD for the Onkyo and HD on the Mits.

However, the Moto DVR has this annoying habit of reverting to 720P every so often. Then it's back through settings>more settings>Audio & Video settings on the remote to get it back into 1080i.

Not all the time, about every third day. I even went into the advanced set-up menu on the Moto to force it into 1080i.

Any thoughts?

thanks in advance.

Sounds like a HDMI control issue. Your TV is probably too old to even have HDMI control, and I know the cable box doesn't. But your receiver may have this feature. If it does, then there should be some way to turn it off.

My 6416 was acting fairly loopy last night. First it froze while I was watching a recording, then the screen went black. I unplugged the power and then plugged it back in, seemed to work fine for a bit then it restarted by itself two more times. Also, it seems like a new version of the guide came out, as my recordings are now sorted by folders.

- Mine has finally become useless. I keep the SD Overide set to STRETCH because any other setting causes an 8 second delay when I switch from an HD channel to an SD channel or vice-versa. I hated this, but I learned to live with the STRETCH mode. Then, for some reason, it would randomly switch from STRETCH mode to 480i mode all by itself. So I would have to keep changing it back from time to time. I hated this, but I learned to live with it. Two days ago, it decided to switch to 480i everytime I turn it on in addtion to randomly switching. Even worse, it will no longer handshake with my Onkyo 906 AVR when it switches to 480i, nor will it handshake with the 906 when I turn the 906 off and back on. I just get a black screen and intermitten audio. The only way I can get the DVR to handshake with the AVR is to unplug the DVR and then plug it back in. This is unacceptable. has anyone else noticed this?

OK, when I call Verizon, they say this is a known issue with HDMI handshaking, and the fix is to use the component outs. Of course, I used the component outs when I first got FiOS, but switched to HDMI because I kept getting a distorted image for the first 15 minutes of use. So component out is a non-starter. What's wrong with this DVR? Verizon told me they'd send me another box, but I'm thinking this is due to the latest firmware update, so I doubt it'll get fixed. Any suggestions?

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OK, when I call Verizon, they say this is a known issue with HDMI handshaking, and the fix is to use the component outs. Of course, I used the component outs when I first got FiOS, but switched to HDMI because I kept getting a distorted image for the first 15 minutes of use. So component out is a non-starter. What's wrong with this DVR? Verizon told me they'd send me another box, but I'm thinking this is due to the latest firmware update, so I doubt it'll get fixed. Any suggestions?

Barring whatever handshake issues you might be experiencing, this sounds like a wonky box to me and less likely a FW issue in my limited experience. Other then losing what you might have stored on the HDD, I don't see what you have to lose by trying a new box.

For a few reasons, I've always used component outs directly to TV without issue. The fact that you had a problem with component outs further makes me question the DVR itself. BTW, are you running the HDMI through your AVR or directly to the TV? Similarly, how did you run the components?

Barring whatever handshake issues you might be experiencing, this sounds like a wonky box to me and less likely a FW issue in my limited experience. Other then losing what you might have stored on the HDD, I don't see what you have to lose by trying a new box.

For a few reasons, I've always used component outs directly to TV without issue. The fact that you had a problem with component outs further makes me question the DVR itself. BTW, are you running the HDMI through your AVR or directly to the TV? Similarly, how did you run the components?

- Thanks for the response. In both instances (component and HDMI), I ran the DVR video out thru the AVR to the TV. You're probabaly right about the box - this will be the second one that I've had to replace in a year. The first just died.

- Thanks for the response. In both instances (component and HDMI), I ran the DVR video out thru the AVR to the TV. You're probably right about the box - this will be the second one that I've had to replace in a year. The first just died.

You certainly have a quality AVR and running your system through it is one of the reasons I'm sure you got it in the first place, however, this whole HDMI thing is still kind of young and iffy IMHO, though apparently getting better. I'm finally planning on upgrading to an HDMI AVR in the near future and have been wondering what perils that might entail! Probably gonna stick with component to my Panny plasma (768p) regardless, as that's the only way I can use its PIP function. I have been looking at AVRs that have component out as an option though, just for that reason. What I don't know is if any of these AVR video processors might make 480i source material look any better than the Panny's vp already does with it. Otherwise, I don't see a compelling reason to run the DVR through it.

Sorry to hear about your bad luck with the boxes but it does make renting them more palatable when failures occur.