Just wanted to start a thread similar to the Moxi BMC90xx for people to put their questions and answers for Motorola DCT and DCH DVR boxes. With these boxes the last two numbers are indicative of Hard drive size as so:

xx08 = 80 gig
xx12 = 120 gig
xx16 = 160 gig

The majority of Motorola DVRs will be one of the following:

Motorola DCT 34xx (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dct3400_settop.asp)
Motorola DCT 64xx (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dct6400_settop.asp)
Motorola DCH 34xx (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp)
Motorola DCH 64xx (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch6416_settop.asp)

Other Usefull Links
TV Guide "I-guide" interactive Demo (http://www.i-guide.tv/)
Charter Remote Page (http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/)
Motorola's Digital Video information Section (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/dvs_tv_video.asp)

**To my knowledge no system has enabled the USB or eSATA ports on these DVRs for external hard drives.**


Please Note: This thread is not in any way, shape or form, official representation for Charter Communications. All opinions are those of the respective posters etc. This thread does not encourage any activities that may be construed as Hacking or Cable Thieft.

This is by no means a Charter only thread

A lot of info about these here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

im glad we have a separate thread for this now

While I work for Charter in Digital Operations as a DAC (Digital Controller) Administrator and as a Digital Operations Troubleshooter. -This is by no means a Charter only threadComcast representatives have stated on this forum that Motorola recently released a firmware to support encrypted eSATA drive expansion. It was also stated that Motorola has no intention of ever supporting USB drive expansion.

Have you heard anything about that firmware, or the possibility of Charter using it this year or next?

Comcast representatives have stated on this forum that Motorola recently released a firmware to support encrypted eSATA drive expansion. It was also stated that Motorola has no intention of ever supporting USB drive expansion.

Have you heard anything about that firmware, or the possibility of Charter using it this year or next?

I've pushed some of our higher management on that issue, especially since the Moxi platform supports expansion - afterall it's much more difficult to market a service if the most availible format (6416) doesn't have all core features of the older boxes (BMC90xx)

Generally there are two ways of controlling the box hardware - one by having tags that are associated with features or authorizations or directly in the firmware. I have yet to find a "tag" for turning on or off the USB and eSATA like you would the Serial port on the old boxes (if turned off it was set up for moto diagnostics, if turned on it was availible for TIVO and other serial based control) As such I figured there's a Firmware control for it - with Comcast gurus pointing to eSATA as firmware controlled, USB would most likely be the same.

The general documentation implies that USB *could* be used for external hard drives in the same manner of the moxi - but given performance I can see why might might opt to only put eSATA out for expansion. - it's kinda like the DOCSIS modem - they've been building them into the DCTs and DCHs since the phase I 5200s - but I've yet to see them enabled so they could be provisioned and used for data. - More than likely they built that hardware in should a platform like the Moxi require a data connection.

The manuals for the boxes show the USB ports and icons for Hard drives, keyboards, joysticks, printers etc - and then spins it in our direction saying features may be MSO dependent.

In the mean time the only uses I've found for a DCT/DCH usb port have been powering decorative lights (I used to keep a USB Lava Lamp on one here at work) and other devices (USB battery chargers are great!)

Definitely let me know if you hear of a comcast system using eSATA - and I'll definitely post here if I hear of a base firmware that supports eSATA in usage.

I have the DCH 3416 and am generally pleased with it. It seems to start recording programs about 1 or 2 minutes late. I think the clock is wrong, but doesn't the cable company (TWC in SoCal) control the clock? Also, I set it to record the series Weeds, and indicated only first run programs, but it's recording it every time it airs. Any solutions?

I have the DCH 3416 and am generally pleased with it. It seems to start recording programs about 1 or 2 minutes late. I think the clock is wrong, but doesn't the cable company (TWC in SoCal) control the clock? Also, I set it to record the series Weeds, and indicated only first run programs, but it's recording it every time it airs. Any solutions?

In a Motorola system the time is synched by the DAC - a specialized "digital controller" server which coordinates and manages many aspects of the video equipment, particularly the boxes. Generally most systems will sync their DAC with a time server, but sometimes that time server can fail and no one will notice it (or they have not sync'd it) You might be able to get someone's attention to this if you talk to you're local office's technicial department.

You can also work around this by adjusting your Start Recording time - In your series options select the recording and go to Modify - then go to View All Settings - Here you'll see an option to set the recording to Start OnTime - or anywhere from 1 to 15 minutes early.

Remember if you've got any back to back shows you might want to set them to end earlier too so you don't tie up both tuners.



With the "Record First Run" - there are several possibile reasons why it might keep recording

1) If the recording is set to Record Programs on "All Channels" (in the All settings) - This would give duplicates in the case of episodes airing on two different channels - particularly if there's an HD feed and an SD feed

2) Watching and Deleting the first instance while the "first run" is still up - The box is reliant on the guide to tell it if an episode is a repeat - if the guide does not say an episode is a repeat, it will re-record it unless you already have one of the same title. So say if Weed's airs Saturday at 10pm and Sunday at 1am is a repeat of the new episode - if you watched it and deleted it at 10pm - it's likely to re-record it at 1am.

3) Gremlins - I joke about this, but occasionally the 34xx/64xx series will act a little "wonky" - I've seen it incorrectly report 100% usage, quit recording shows it should have - start recording shows it shouldn't (like in your case)

Generally a power-cycle will clear up some of this behavoir in the short term -and it doesn't seem to be particular to a box or model (My first DCT6416 PIII did all three of the above, my current DCH6416 has done none of it - but I have a co-worker who's had those same problems on a DCH6416 but never had them on his DCT6416) - if this drives you too batty, let your local office know and get it swapped out with a different box.

Getting the box "Cold Initialized" may also clear out such bugs - a cold init wipes all existing firmware and reloads it - HOWEVER be warned this means you'll also lose your Screensaver settings, PIN codes, Favorites etc. DVR settings are not affected by this (they aren't stored in the same memory as the firmware)

Also for anyone experiencing the false 100% error - if you'd rather not power cycle you can also delete any one title to "reset" the counter.

With the "Record First Run" - there are several possibile reasons why it might keep recording

2) Watching and Deleting the first instance while the "first run" is still up - The box is reliant on the guide to tell it if an episode is a repeat - if the guide does not say an episode is a repeat, it will re-record it unless you already have one of the same title. So say if Weed's airs Saturday at 10pm and Sunday at 1am is a repeat of the new episode - if you watched it and deleted it at 10pm - it's likely to re-record it at 1am.


This is exactly what happens on my Comcast DCH3416. As soon as you delete the first recording, if there's another showing of the same episode, it records it. The guide info the box uses if horrible at differentiating between true new episodes and re-runs of that same episode in the near future. Very annoying.

This is exactly what happens on my Comcast DCH3416. As soon as you delete the first recording, if there's another showing of the same episode, it records it. The guide info the box uses if horrible at differentiating between true new episodes and re-runs of that same episode in the near future. Very annoying.

I've noticed there seems to be no perfect listing for information - TV Guide's I-guide is complained about for not having much info on who's in a title and only recently started doing info for Repeat or first run. I've also noticed that frequently titles will get confused - for example "Dark Water" - I-guide would list the new (Americian) version while the channel was showing the origional Japaneese version (IMHO the better version)

Tribune (who does the data for Moxi's guide as well as many websites) tends to suffer from similar but different innacuracies.

I've even had a customer who had Dish and our box on an AB switch and would complain about both of them being inacurate :eek:

It's gotten better in the last few years, I think alot of programmers are working more with TVG to get it right, but there will always be errors and some are intentional as some sneaky programmers want to "fool" your DVR into watching their show.

Biggest thing I can recommend is not to immediately watch and delete a show in a major series - give it a few days so the extra "first run" showings will air. Showtime particularly doesn't like to call an episode a "repeat" until the next episode airs (I'm a big Dexter fan myself :cool:)

In the mean time the only uses I've found for a DCT/DCH usb port have been powering decorative lights (I used to keep a USB Lava Lamp on one here at work) and other devices (USB battery chargers are great!)
I have a USB-powered laptop "fan pad" plugged into a port on my Moxi. It's cooling a ChannelVision stereo modulator that tends to get hot.

That's one of the best uses for the rear ports - I know the Digeo NOC had advised some of Charter's customers (through our techs) to use USB fans for when the box gets too hot

the DCT 6416 isn't too bad about heat, but I've noticed the DCH6416 gets WAY hotter on top - I'd like to think it's because it's disappiating the heat better (the DCH boxes are Mesh / Grill type airholes on three sides) - but if the metal gets that hot, that means the boxes *HAVE* to be generating more heat.

Under Stress Testing (stacking 2 DCHs with a couple of DCTs and a moxi with all running) none of them crashed, so I don't think many customers will experience overheating (I'm rough on these suckers!)

But for all those people who've returned boxes with melted wax in the top grill - you definitely don't want to be setting anything that melts easy on top of a DCH!

Biggest thing I can recommend is not to immediately watch and delete a show in a major series - give it a few days so the extra "first run" showings will air. Showtime particularly doesn't like to call an episode a "repeat" until the next episode airs (I'm a big Dexter fan myself :cool:)

Given these boxes only have 160GB HD (20 HD hours), not a viable solution. ;)

so is there any connection that will allow for recorded shows to be transfered to pc other than using a video card capable of video capturing while the show is being watched/recorded?

so is there any connection that will allow for recorded shows to be transfered to pc other than using a video card capable of video capturing while the show is being watched/recorded?

So far as I've found - no
The MPAA has put alot of pressure on MSOs (Cable Companies) as well as box providers to ensure that there's no passing of digital programming without encryption and that raw MPEG feeds and files are not allowed to be directly accessed.

Hard drives are not only encrypted, but keyed by the hardware ids so that only the box that partitioned it will be able to read the content within. furthermore attaching any drive not provsioned by the box will reformat the drive to it's encrypted format. (And in the case of the these boxes if you were to do this internally it would repartition it to a single 160 gig partition)

For now I've heard the eSATA should be availible in the immediate future - most likley once the base firmware is upgraded - but again, unless someone dares to incur the wrath of the MPAA, it will probably reformat the external into an encrypted partition that can only be read by the box it was formatted on. (As is the case with the BMC 90xx Moxi series on Digeo's 4.1 software)

So far as I've found - no
The MPAA has put alot of pressure on MSOs (Cable Companies) as well as box providers to ensure that there's no passing of digital programming without encryption and that raw MPEG feeds and files are not allowed to be directly accessed.

Hard drives are not only encrypted, but keyed by the hardware ids so that only the box that partitioned it will be able to read the content within. furthermore attaching any drive not provsioned by the box will reformat the drive to it's encrypted format. (And in the case of the these boxes if you were to do this internally it would repartition it to a single 160 gig partition)

For now I've heard the eSATA should be availible in the immediate future - most likley once the base firmware is upgraded - but again, unless someone dares to incur the wrath of the MPAA, it will probably reformat the external into an encrypted partition that can only be read by the box it was formatted on. (As is the case with the BMC 90xx Moxi series on Digeo's 4.1 software)

I'm out in Comcast land, and on the current firmware on my 6412 III box, I can only get the unit to recognize there are 2 drives installed. My external drive is a Seagate eSata 320GB unit. The problem is the STB will not format the drive at all for use. Hopefully, this is fixed in the near future.

That's because the E-Sata port is not enabled. It's a DRM issue. Maybe it will get resolved, maybe it won't......

recently switched from Moxi to the DCH6416

Here are some issues I am having.
1) I set up series recordings to record only new episodes, but get repeats anyways. (I see was covered above)
2) I set up to keep only a certain # of episodes (ie, I record Seinfeld but keep only 1 ep) except it keeps multiple episodes no matter what the setting is.


What I would like to see is the ability to search for a subject or actor/actress. Instead all you can do searches for are show titles
Any idea why this is happening? Any way to fix it?

The search is not as full featured as most would like to see it - particularly those who migrated from the Moxi DVR platform to the 6416.

I'll see if I can get someone @ TVG and push development suggestions

On the episodes, are you setting a keep number in the advanced options? What's your delete settings? (delete as I need space etc etc)

I know the box uses the guide for recording criteria, so if a channel marks something as new (even if it isn't) you'll record it. you can also get duplicates if you tell it to record from all channels (say Stienfield is on both the local SD and HD channel - you'd get both if you tell it to record from all channels)

sometimes the 6416 will get a little confused on DVR settings - it will incorrectly report 100% usage or it will have your series options but no show the program is to be recorded in the guide. I've learned not to fully trust the DVR and to double check my recordings in the guide.

Again, I'll see if I can get some answers from TVG on these issues. In the mean time I've noticed powercycling will frequently "jostle" the box into working better.

I have it set to record
1) new and repeats of Seinfeld
2) save 1 episode
3) delete as I need space

To me, I think it should record one episode and if I don't watch it then delete it as it records another but only keeping one episode on the hard drive at all times.

Of course, I used to have Directv with Tivo then had the Moxi when I switched to Charter. I know that's how the Tivo used to function. I understand the whole if the guide reports it as new the 6416 will think it is new. Some channels are notorious for that. Comedy Central, E!, VH1.

Right now, even though I have it set to record only new episodes of Inside the NFL it will record it every time it's on. Had the same issue with Hard Knocks. Just minor annoyances I guess.

Another thing that was happening for awhile but no longer is that I would go into the future recordings and delete those that were duplicates and for whatever reason I would only be allowed to delete two. If I tried to delete a third show one of the previous two would go from the red circle with line through (not recording) back to full red circle (going to record)
:confused:

I have it set to record
1) new and repeats of Seinfeld
2) save 1 episode
3) delete as I need space

To me, I think it should record one episode and if I don't watch it then delete it as it records another but only keeping one episode on the hard drive at all times.

Of course, I used to have Directv with Tivo then had the Moxi when I switched to Charter. I know that's how the Tivo used to function. I understand the whole if the guide reports it as new the 6416 will think it is new. Some channels are notorious for that. Comedy Central, E!, VH1.

Right now, even though I have it set to record only new episodes of Inside the NFL it will record it every time it's on. Had the same issue with Hard Knocks. Just minor annoyances I guess.

Another thing that was happening for awhile but no longer is that I would go into the future recordings and delete those that were duplicates and for whatever reason I would only be allowed to delete two. If I tried to delete a third show one of the previous two would go from the red circle with line through (not recording) back to full red circle (going to record)
:confused:


I'd agree with you on the first settings - that should record whatever next episode is there and record over it as soon as the next episode is there - definitely confusing - I've run into a few times on my box where it just seems to no longer want to record what it's been told - it seems particularly fond of it when we get into 10 to 15 different series... (usually in the fall when my Wife picks up all the CSIs in addition to my Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs and Ham on the Street... then add in Dr Who and Dexter... I guess it's a good thing that "Blade: The Series" didn't go on again or that would be there too *L*

Well, I had deleted Seinfeld after it wasn't working properly and went and set it up again after posting above. It does seem to be working like it should.

I do have a question, since I seem to compare the moxi and now this to the Tivo. Would a Tivo work with Charter service? I see that leasing a cable card is only $1.50 a month and Tivo service is $13 - $16 a month. I'm paying $15 for Charter dvr service so it's not much of a price difference other than my initial purchase of the Tivo box.

The TIVO Series III / HD works well, I assume this is what you're talking about since you mentioned cable card lease - the big thing when planning is assume you'll need 2 cards - I've fought with a few and they don't seem to like the M-Module (Multistream cable card) so I've had to resort to using two cards - one to authorize each tuner.

Picture quality has been good and of course you'll need to make sure you can hook it up to the Ethernet as well as RF network.

The biggest issues I've seen with them are getting the cards installed to begin with (with a TIVO you want to install the first card, send the pairing signal, give it about 5 to 10 minutes to update, then test - *then* repeat with second card) and with Channel Authorization (CCI authos require a CableCARD id, host ID and Data ID... many installers and techs forget to get that information or it does not get set up in the system correctly.)

Of course for now There's No VOD with Card... probably won't be for a while and you may have issues with SDV once it's out and common (Switched Digital Video)

Digeo/Moxi is working on a CableCARD DVR which should be in markets in time for the Holiday Shopping season... (initial release was slated for this fall, but being mid-September they are now saying the magic phrase "Before Christmas")


TIVO Series II is way lower on the intial equipment investment - being Free after rebate in many online retail outlets, however this box requires a connection to a cable box - so you're looking at at least one normal box if not two unless you are only recording analog.

Yeah, if I go with Tivo it would be the HDTivo or series III. For now I will most likely stick with this motorola, but since I keep comparing everything to my old Tivo I wanted to make sure that was an option for me. Who knows, maybe Motorola will put out an update that will correct some of the issues I have with this unit.

Thanks for all your help CharterJames

The TIVO Series III / HD works well, I assume this is what you're talking about since you mentioned cable card lease - the big thing when planning is assume you'll need 2 cards - I've fought with a few and they don't seem to like the M-Module (Multistream cable card) so I've had to resort to using two cards - one to authorize each tuner.


Only the TiVoHD supports M-Cards for now. Supposedly, this will be fixed with a software upgrade for the Series III sometime in the future. However, there doesn't appear to be any major issues authorizing M-cards from what i have read.

I looked at the Tivos but became concerned about the digital switching issue. I'm not an expert on it, but as I undestood what I read, some cable companies are beginning to use (or are considering using in the future) a new digital switching system to save bandwidth. It involves moving the location of certain channels around to match demand to available bandwidth, and if your set top box or dvr isn't capable of communicating with the cable system's central computers, it won't be able to find the channels as they shift around. Again, based only on what I read (not any expertise or knowledge of my own), Tivo does not currently have the technology to function properly with a cable system that uses the digital switching, although Tivo apparently says they are working on a fix. I was concerned that I might be buying a $600 paperweight (up front box cost plus 3 year pre-paid service) if I were to buy a TivoHD only to have it unable to locate channels on my cable system.

Is there any way to program the Charter 6416's remote to perform the "30 second skip" as I have read can be done with Comcast's model?

Is there any way to program the Charter 6416's remote to perform the "30 second skip" as I have read can be done with Comcast's model?

I find the 30 sec skip very useful for skipping quickly through commercials. Much less frustrating than FF and dealing with the remote lag when pressing play.

Give it a try--instructions here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote

Add 30-Second Skip
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the i-Guide software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent. A good choice is the 'A / Lock' button since many users don't need that function; you can feel both the '15-second-back' and '30-second-skip' buttons with one finger and move between them without looking. Another option is to reprogram the '15-second back' button, since PgDn already provides that functionality.

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00173.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

Discovered new feature on the DCH 3416. I was not aware of this from anything else I read, but if you hit "pause," and then while it's paused, hit the FF key, it will go into slow motion, and the picture is very clear. Same think if you hit the RW key. Very nice feature which the Moxi could not do. In addition to the 30 second skip, is there anyway to program in a 15 minute skip function which Moxi did have? It's perfect for skipping half-time and resuming a movie where you left off.

In addition to the 30 second skip, is there anyway to program in a 15 minute skip function which Moxi did have? It's perfect for skipping half-time and resuming a movie where you left off.

You have to do it with a macro. Effectively, you program the 30 second skip 30 times for a 15 minute skip. The instructions of how to do that are in the same wiki stated above.

I find the 30 sec skip very useful for skipping quickly through commercials. Much less frustrating than FF and dealing with the remote lag when pressing play.

Give it a try--instructions here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote

Add 30-Second Skip
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the i-Guide software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent. A good choice is the 'A / Lock' button since many users don't need that function; you can feel both the '15-second-back' and '30-second-skip' buttons with one finger and move between them without looking. Another option is to reprogram the '15-second back' button, since PgDn already provides that functionality.

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00173.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.


Where is the "setup" button? I don't seem to have one on mine. :confused:

Where is the "setup" button? I don't seem to have one on mine. :confused:

Exactly. We have the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 remote; no "setup" button. Tried wiki directions substituting the "OK/SEL" button for "setup", but no go. CharterJames, any thoughts?

http://www.universalremote.com/images/product_page/UR4U_MDVR_CHD2/image_UR4U_MDVR_CHD2.jpg

Yes, that it the remote I have

Exactly. We have the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 remote; no "setup" button. Tried wiki directions substituting the "OK/SEL" button for "setup", but no go. CharterJames, any thoughts?

There isn't one - for setting up the remote you hold down the function and the OK/Sel until the function binks and use chnl up or chnl down to cycle through codes - the device should cut off when the right code is there (helping note - you can slowly work your way back one at a time once it's cut off and hit the power button to turn it back on and make sure you have the right code) - once you have the correct one hit the Function button again to program

Unfortunately like most universal remotes (Particularly the ones we've had) most the time the setup button if there is one won't control the menu options on a TV etc (I've used about 4 different ones on my magnavox and only one would do it)

For DCT box setup hitting Menu twice (first time brings up quick menu) takes you into the full box menu.

As for the instructions on the 30 second skip, those are definitely not written for this model - per my post I'm taking it up with MFG - you can hit their website at www.universalremote.com - most of our remotes are from Universal

Only the TiVoHD supports M-Cards for now. Supposedly, this will be fixed with a software upgrade for the Series III sometime in the future. However, there doesn't appear to be any major issues authorizing M-cards from what i have read.

One of the TIVO III developers assured me that support for the M Card was developed, tested and released - however given the lack of success I've seen with it, I'd say something isn't quite there. - the M Card will autho just fine, it just won't authorize both tuners with one card... which is the whole point of M-Card VS pre 7/07 Standard cards.

I looked at the Tivos but became concerned about the digital switching issue. I'm not an expert on it, but as I undestood what I read, some cable companies are beginning to use (or are considering using in the future) a new digital switching system to save bandwidth. It involves moving the location of certain channels around to match demand to available bandwidth, and if your set top box or dvr isn't capable of communicating with the cable system's central computers, it won't be able to find the channels as they shift around. Again, based only on what I read (not any expertise or knowledge of my own), Tivo does not currently have the technology to function properly with a cable system that uses the digital switching, although Tivo apparently says they are working on a fix. I was concerned that I might be buying a $600 paperweight (up front box cost plus 3 year pre-paid service) if I were to buy a TivoHD only to have it unable to locate channels on my cable system.


As I understand it, TIVO is in the process of setting up a USB attachment that will give the SIII (and HD) the functionality it needs for 2 way support of SDV.

Nutshell for SDV - it's a VOD like system for "live" streams - in VOD the box requests a title from the menu and a series of Video servers will stream it out and your box is sent to a hidden virtual channel where you can view the stream.

In SDV, the idea is to save bandwidth by showing only the channels being watched.... Let's take the MLB channels for example - most of thier traffic occurs between 7pm and 1am. Then you also have a large number of kids channels that get most of their traffic from 6am to 7pm. We'd put them all in a switched system and the box would tell the system - Hey I want to watch "Noggin" - so the system sees where it's streaming Noggin out at and switched you there. But if no one is watching "Noggin" that space might be used for someone watching the Cubs play baseball... If one person is streaming the channel, all the system has to do is add all future requests to the same channel...

The big thing is it needs that 2 way ability and the program that will talk back and forth to tell us what you are watching and when you are no longer watching it.

The good news is Charter isn't jumping on this wildly... Time Warner seems to be the front runner on this technology (and I imagine we are all to happy to let them swim out and find all the sharks before we jump in the ocean...)


So the TIVO shouldn't become a $600 paperweight just because of SDV - unless of course you're one of the unlucky souls in a system that is diving into that shark infested water... Hopefully by the time SDV becomes widespread TIVO will have the equipment in place to work with it.

Is there any way to program the Charter 6416's remote to perform the "30 second skip" as I have read can be done with Comcast's model?

I'm not aware of any 30 second skip feature availible on a 64xx 32xx series... Thought I greatly miss that feature (we had it when Moxi first rolled, then they changed it due to media pressure, then 4.1 allowed users to change the time to their preference)

I've noticed that instant replay is duplicated in the page down button... but Page up doesn't give you a quick jump forward - for now I'll say no - but I'll see if I can get any info from the remote MFG to see if such a code can be programmed on the ABCD buttons

Comcast representatives have stated on this forum that Motorola recently released a firmware to support encrypted eSATA drive expansion. It was also stated that Motorola has no intention of ever supporting USB drive expansion.

Have you heard anything about that firmware, or the possibility of Charter using it this year or next?

I have not heard anything on that, though I'd hit several major people in the Charter Digital/Technicial operations about getting it ASAP as we currently have moxi's and 6416s and Marketing simply pushes both as "DVR Service" - so alot of CSRs etc don't really know the differences... having a *major* feature such as external expansion on one, but not another is to me a definite issue.

I do know there are plans to upgrade the guide soon The Current I-guide is A-24... and there have been bugs since going to the I-guide (A23 was the first version) platform. How soon it is before we see A25, I don't know, but I know when we upgrade the Guide we tend to also upgrade VOD apps and base firmware. Currently my biggest beef with A24 is memory fragmentation on the boxes - this can cause VOD errors on the oldest boxes which have the least memory... and the only resolution for such errors is to power cycle the box. I'm pretty certain this is a limitation of the A24 guide as the problem seems to be happening on at least 2 different VOD platforms.

I find the 30 sec skip very useful for skipping quickly through commercials. Much less frustrating than FF and dealing with the remote lag when pressing play.

Give it a try--instructions here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote

Add 30-Second Skip
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the i-Guide software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent. A good choice is the 'A / Lock' button since many users don't need that function; you can feel both the '15-second-back' and '30-second-skip' buttons with one finger and move between them without looking. Another option is to reprogram the '15-second back' button, since PgDn already provides that functionality.

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00173.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

I'm having no luck doing this with a UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 - I even got a fresh one and checked out a few other options. - Looking at the instructions this isn't intented for our most common "Silver" remotes.

I've sent an email to the remote MFG to see if there is a way to correctly program this function on the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 (which also uses the same codes as the Explorer 8000 one for most functions)

Does Charter have any plans to activate the PIP function on the 6416? Is it activated on any of the cable systems?

One of the TIVO III developers assured me that support for the M Card was developed, tested and released - however given the lack of success I've seen with it, I'd say something isn't quite there. - the M Card will autho just fine, it just won't authorize both tuners with one card... which is the whole point of M-Card VS pre 7/07 Standard cards.

Only the TiVo HD has achieved M-UDCP host certification (for M-cards). The S3 hasn't been certified yet thus the current software doesn't support M-cards in multistream mode. I think the confusion may be that the TiVo HD is considered part of the "S3" platform. But it is not the same as a Series III TiVo. Why TiVo had to make the names so confusing is beyond me.

Does Charter have any plans to activate the PIP function on the 6416? Is it activated on any of the cable systems?

The 6416 does not have a PIP function, the PIP options on the remote is for TVs that support PIP.

Only the TiVo HD has achieved M-UDCP host certification (for M-cards). The S3 hasn't been certified yet thus the current software doesn't support M-cards in multistream mode. I think the confusion may be that the TiVo HD is considered part of the "S3" platform. But it is not the same as a Series III TiVo. Why TiVo had to make the names so confusing is beyond me.

Ahhh, Actually I think the confusion might be certfication VS someone @ TIVO telling me that in their test labs they got it working ;) - I wasn't aware SIII wasn't certified. I was simply told by one of thier lab gurus who monitored TIVO Community forums when I posted the issues I had there of what they tested with their "lab" DAC. - and to be completely fair to them, they said "in theory" that it should work

I'd love to get a my hands on an HD for testing, however unless a customer in my area gets one and invites me over, chances are, I won't

CharterJames, Thanks for clarifying the PIP question. The Motorola site lists "HD Picture-in-Picture capable" for the 64XX series. Too bad it is not capable, as that would be a nice feature.

CharterJames, Thanks for clarifying the PIP question. The Motorola site lists "HD Picture-in-Picture capable" for the 64XX series. Too bad it is not capable, as that would be a nice feature.

No problem - I would like to think that functionality is built into the dual tuner boxes, but I think we'll have to wait on TV Guide to either set up the guide functionality or some sort of Moto firmware to unlock any box based PIP. Given my experience with Box based Closed Captioning, I think I'll stick with the TV PIP functionality for now.

I know I got some giggles last week, as I keep a computer attached to my HD LCD - it's more of a toy than a real media center... I use it for my MMORPG Guid Teamspeak Server and occasionally to play music or videos through my home theater setup. We wanted to keep an eye on the news so we had that in the PIP window and the computer in the background... Then when my buddy brought over his machine I had him use the connections to LAN game with a Music choice channel on the HT (in in the window)


On the Subject of PIP - it's my understanding that the RCA inputs on this series DO work... but for now they only serve as a "pass through" input when the box is off. Of course that's pretty lame considering if you turn off the 6416 you can't record.

Anyone else have problems with blank recordings happening randomly? I had this happen on the older Motorola 2 tuner HD-DVR, so was just upgraded to the DCH6416. Recordings seemed fine, then this weekend a game I recorded was blank. The recording takes up space on the DVR, but the screen is blank/black and I can't FF past time stamp 0:00.

On another note, I have a Harmony remote and was able to download the 30 sec skip feature when I set up the remote online, and it works on the new box just like it worked on the old one. For about a year, that functionality was turned off, but then suddenly the button started working again. Love it for NFL games - right after a tackle you can jump to the next snap.

Anyone else have problems with blank recordings happening randomly? I had this happen on the older Motorola 2 tuner HD-DVR, so was just upgraded to the DCH6416. Recordings seemed fine, then this weekend a game I recorded was blank. The recording takes up space on the DVR, but the screen is blank/black and I can't FF past time stamp 0:00.

On another note, I have a Harmony remote and was able to download the 30 sec skip feature when I set up the remote online, and it works on the new box just like it worked on the old one. For about a year, that functionality was turned off, but then suddenly the button started working again. Love it for NFL games - right after a tackle you can jump to the next snap.

Have you powercycled it? I'm curious to know if it might just be one of those odd programming glitches that incorrectly report recording percentage etc - The only other thing I would think it might be would be a failure of the second tuner, but that would be very odd for you get to two boxes in a row with the same problem.

Hello. I have a DCH 6416. First try at using the front panel A/V inputs to display digicam pics. No joy. Do I need to activate somehow? Does
Charter need to do? Do they function at all? Thanks.

Hello. I have a DCH 6416. First try at using the front panel A/V inputs to display digicam pics. No joy. Do I need to activate somehow? Does
Charter need to do? Do they function at all? Thanks.

As I understand it the AV RCA inputs only work as a pass-through - they will pass signal through only when the box is turned off. Try it with the box turned off - if that doesn't work try the rear inputs (front may be disabled entirely) if neither work while the unit is turned off then they are completely disabled.

I've not experimented with this, as most people aren't interested in using them while the box is turned off. The USB does not function for any sort of input at this time.

I've got an odd issue with my Comcast DCT6416-III. I have tried connecting the box to my TV via HDMI, which it is supposed to support. TV is a Mitsubishi WD-52725. Unfortunately for some strange reason, any time I turn my TV off and back on, I get nothing but static on the HDMI input until I unplug and replug the HDMI cable and then it works fine. I thought it was the TV and had them send out a tech. The tech brought in an upscaling HDMI DVD player and it did not have the same problem. I have replaced my old cable box with a new one (I think, I've swapped boxes several times but I'm pretty certain I have for this too). None of it seems to have really made a difference, though. Any ideas?

Check with Mitsubishi. Perhaps they have some way to apply an update that will resolve the issue.

nm

Has anyone had an issue with the season pass recording the first week on the HD channel then the following week switching to the SD channel even tho I have told it to ONLY record on this channel? ie Prison Break on 704 in HD but it recorded on 4 in SD...total PITA

Nope, that's never happened to me.

Any update on getting esata drives working on the 6416? I just hooked up a new Seagate 320gig esata drive tonight and it powers up the hard drive, but I don't seem to see additional space. I have rebooted my dvr as well.

I didn't see any options in the menu for formatting an external drive or adding it for recording space.

James, any news on when this will be enabled or how this should work? I am on Charter with a 6416 III.

I just got my DHC3416 from Cox in California, great set, but too little HD space.
So I got an external 400GB HD with SATA, firewire and usb2.0

So now I ordered an SATA to eSATA cable and hopefully after I plug it in it should work.

Any advice?

I just got my DHC3416 from Cox in California, great set, but too little HD space.
So I got an external 400GB HD with SATA, firewire and usb2.0

So now I ordered an SATA to eSATA cable and hopefully after I plug it in it should work.

Any advice?

I apologize for telling you this, The eSATA port is not active on ANY Motorola STB. Maybe you could get a refund for your purchases.:D:D

Thanks for the reply.
I read on this forum (or maybe another one) that someone with a Motorola box had just plugged theirs in and it started formatting and working, so maybe it is determined by the particular market?
Worth a shot. If not I can always use the external HD on my laptop... :)

What do the firewire ports and USB 2.0 ports do?

Thanks for the reply.
I read on this forum (or maybe another one) that someone with a Motorola box had just plugged theirs in and it started formatting and working, so maybe it is determined by the particular market?
Worth a shot. If not I can always use the external HD on my laptop... :)

What do the firewire ports and USB 2.0 ports do?

I wish this really worked. I called Charter Tech support and they said that the USB port should be enabled for external hard drives. I told them that I've read on the forums that this doesn't work and they kept telling me that it should work. I tried the diagnostics menu (CBL, then power button, then OK/SEL). Going down to d11 (Interface/Port Status) page it shows my USB external Hard drive.

So I am stuck with an external hard drive that I just bought for this and can't use. I don't see why Motorola enabled this for the Moxi but not the DCH.

If anyone knows anything else about this, please post. Thanks

I'm having no luck doing this with a UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 - I even got a fresh one and checked out a few other options. - Looking at the instructions this isn't intented for our most common "Silver" remotes.

I've sent an email to the remote MFG to see if there is a way to correctly program this function on the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 (which also uses the same codes as the Explorer 8000 one for most functions)

In the owners manual of the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 remote it says that the A,B,C,D buttons are pre set by your cable provider. So apparently we have four buttons that could be real useful (especially the 30 second skip) but Charter refuses to set them up. Or am I missing something here??:confused::mad:

Personally I would like to move the mute button above the vulume up/down and put the 30 second skip where the mute button was. Right above the replay button.

I've got an odd issue with my Comcast DCT6416-III. I have tried connecting the box to my TV via HDMI, which it is supposed to support. TV is a Mitsubishi WD-52725. Unfortunately for some strange reason, any time I turn my TV off and back on, I get nothing but static on the HDMI input until I unplug and replug the HDMI cable and then it works fine. I thought it was the TV and had them send out a tech. The tech brought in an upscaling HDMI DVD player and it did not have the same problem. I have replaced my old cable box with a new one (I think, I've swapped boxes several times but I'm pretty certain I have for this too). None of it seems to have really made a difference, though. Any ideas?

Bicker's on the nose with this one - If it happens over several box swapouts, it's not the box, I'm pretty certain you're probably looking at a firmware issue on the TV (possibly an issue with the TV's HDMI input) - with luck it's just a quick flash update - either way if it's under warranty, have them check it out

I wish this really worked. I called Charter Tech support and they said that the USB port should be enabled for external hard drives. I told them that I've read on the forums that this doesn't work and they kept telling me that it should work. I tried the diagnostics menu (CBL, then power button, then OK/SEL). Going down to d11 (Interface/Port Status) page it shows my USB external Hard drive.

So I am stuck with an external hard drive that I just bought for this and can't use. I don't see why Motorola enabled this for the Moxi but not the DCH.

If anyone knows anything else about this, please post. Thanks

If Charter support told you it was enabled, they probably confused your 6416 with the Moxi. As I understand it the Digeo platform has the encryption done correctly with the 9012 - and it seems moto doesn't want to go with USB, but doesn't have the proper level of encryption to turn loose with eSATA.

As for Moto and Moxi - Moto made the 9012/9022 moxi series, but the functions are controlled by Digeo's software, so it was largely Digeo's choice to unlock it (once they had encryption the MPAA approved of) - from what I can tell, it appears that Motorola sees the Digeo Moxi as competition to their series - since they didn't put nearly as much resources into making these as they did the 6416s. I'm curious to know who's making the new Moxi boxes (which comply with the FCC's 7/07 ruling)

Any update on getting esata drives working on the 6416? I just hooked up a new Seagate 320gig esata drive tonight and it powers up the hard drive, but I don't seem to see additional space. I have rebooted my dvr as well.

I didn't see any options in the menu for formatting an external drive or adding it for recording space.

James, any news on when this will be enabled or how this should work? I am on Charter with a 6416 III.

No news as of yet, I'm waiting for specs on the A25 version of TV guide and what matching features will come out on the Firmware side. (generally when the guide gets updated we get updated base firmware and VOD applications.)

In the owners manual of the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 remote it says that the A,B,C,D buttons are pre set by your cable provider. So apparently we have four buttons that could be real useful (especially the 30 second skip) but Charter refuses to set them up. Or am I missing something here??:confused::mad:

Personally I would like to move the mute button above the vulume up/down and put the 30 second skip where the mute button was. Right above the replay button.

The A / B / C / D buttons are generally user programmable for Macros - however to date that pretty much means you can only tell it to tune to a specific channel (not a true multi-function macro) I just got back from vacation and I don't see a reply from Universal Remote, so I'll hit them again

Thanks for the reply.
I read on this forum (or maybe another one) that someone with a Motorola box had just plugged theirs in and it started formatting and working, so maybe it is determined by the particular market?
Worth a shot. If not I can always use the external HD on my laptop... :)

What do the firewire ports and USB 2.0 ports do?

I've read posts where people have popped in IDE hard drives into the box itself - but nothing external - if you happen to find anything like that on external - drop a link here, I'd love to read up on it!!!! :D


The Firewire ports are for digital output - there's no guide overlay at all (no channel bar, no guide input etc etc) and it *only* works with equipment which has the correct (5c I believe) encryption setup (I think there are some special drivers for using computers) - So far most people feel it's more trouble than it's worth - so I usually direct Firewire questions to the forums dedicated to pulling firewire video from boxes. the MPAA is doing everything it can to keep the ability to record in digital format away from the consumer... of course there's always analog ;)

In Theory USB ports should support USB card readers, various input devices (Joysticks, Keyboards etc) and Hard Drive expansion - however to date I've seen no actual firmware in public usage that supported those functions on a DCT 64xx/34xx (Card Readers and HDs are supported by BMC 90xx boxes depending on software version)

'bout the only use I've found for them is powering gadgets (I use mine at home for a USB battery charger and a USB fan to cool my entertainment center - at work I have a USB lava Lamp)

Has anyone had an issue with the season pass recording the first week on the HD channel then the following week switching to the SD channel even tho I have told it to ONLY record on this channel? ie Prison Break on 704 in HD but it recorded on 4 in SD...total PITA

Could be one of those quirks the A24 guide likes to do (so far I've seen false reporting of usage and dropping recording it *should* have done) - see if a powercycle puts it back in-line. I'm hoping these will go away with A25... seems like the last 2 versions of I-guide have been pretty buggy...

Hello. I have a question. Basically its for all around performance wise. First off my tv is a Samsung LN-T3253H and I have the Motorola DCT6416 III. Currently have it hooked up through HDMI. Here is the kicker. As far as the 4:3 override goes. People are suggesting to set it on 480i. When I select that. I get a mode not supported by my tv. Im assuming its a Samsung issue over HDMI since I have there latest 32 inch tv out. So I set it to 480p. Working great now. But should I go back to component to get the 480i? Would it look better like people are suggesting by going with 480i since the tv itself can scale better? What do you guys think? Technically using hdmi right now. Im thinking theres more scaling going on than there needs to be. Since sd tv is 480i content and im choosing 480p. I could be wrong?

Hello. I have a question. Basically its for all around performance wise. First off my tv is a Samsung LN-T3253H and I have the Motorola DCT6416 III. Currently have it hooked up through HDMI. Here is the kicker. As far as the 4:3 override goes. People are suggesting to set it on 480i. When I select that. I get a mode not supported by my tv. Im assuming its a Samsung issue over HDMI since I have there latest 32 inch tv out. So I set it to 480p. Working great now. But should I go back to component to get the 480i? Would it look better like people are suggesting by going with 480i since the tv itself can scale better? What do you guys think? Technically using hdmi right now. Im thinking theres more scaling going on than there needs to be. Since sd tv is 480i content and im choosing 480p. I could be wrong?

Many older HDTVs can't accept a 480i signal via HDMI. I am not familiar with your tv so I won't say yes or no if it is the root problem.

Hello. I have a question. Basically its for all around performance wise. First off my tv is a Samsung LN-T3253H and I have the Motorola DCT6416 III. Currently have it hooked up through HDMI. Here is the kicker. As far as the 4:3 override goes. People are suggesting to set it on 480i. When I select that. I get a mode not supported by my tv. Im assuming its a Samsung issue over HDMI since I have there latest 32 inch tv out. So I set it to 480p. Working great now. But should I go back to component to get the 480i? Would it look better like people are suggesting by going with 480i since the tv itself can scale better? What do you guys think? Technically using hdmi right now. Im thinking theres more scaling going on than there needs to be. Since sd tv is 480i content and im choosing 480p. I could be wrong?

One of my co-workers uses a Samsung similar to yours and noticed the same thing - As noted above, given the "newer" connection of HDMI, not all TVs will accept the 480i on HDMI, and that's what he indicated.

You can try the component and let the TV convert it - but in all honesty, what most of the geeks working at the cable company do is try every option and check out a few analog channels, a few digital channels and a few HD channels and see if any of them really stand out as better - if you find a setup that does - stick to it - if not, go with what's most convenient.

I'm using HDMI in 1080i with a 480p overide like you mentioned and it looks great on my HDLCD.

I know we've discussed the 6416's tendency to drop programs, what my wife noticed this morning is that the only series that are dropping are all SD CBS (WBTV Charlotte in my instance) - Every series she's had problems with -
NCIS, CSI, Criminal Minds, Numb3rs, Survivor, Big Brother...

The most recent reboot to see if we could get it to behave she noticed that Bones (Fox) was not affected... I've also never had problems with any of my stuff on SciFi, Discovery or Food Network.

I'm having her try a few of them on HD (there's so many given all the CSIs that doing it all in HD would not work too well, especially given it's rare we can watch TV uninterupted)

Here CBS is channel 2. So What I'm wondering is if anyone else has either noticed a similar issue with either Channel 2 or CBS... I'd love to be able to pin this to something more specific than the box randomly not wanting to do alot of series! (especially since the more proof I have, the more likely TVG/Moto will admit to a bug)

I will have to give component a shot at 480i for sure. Question for ya. I see your using 480p override as well. Do you leave the tv in 16:9 mode within your actual tv settings while using the 480p override? Or do you set it to 4:3 mode for sd content?

One of my co-workers uses a Samsung similar to yours and noticed the same thing - As noted above, given the "newer" connection of HDMI, not all TVs will accept the 480i on HDMI, and that's what he indicated.

You can try the component and let the TV convert it - but in all honesty, what most of the geeks working at the cable company do is try every option and check out a few analog channels, a few digital channels and a few HD channels and see if any of them really stand out as better - if you find a setup that does - stick to it - if not, go with what's most convenient.

I'm using HDMI in 1080i with a 480p overide like you mentioned and it looks great on my HDLCD.

I will have to give component a shot at 480i for sure. Question for ya. I see your using 480p override as well. Do you leave the tv in 16:9 mode within your actual tv settings while using the 480p override? Or do you set it to 4:3 mode for sd content?

I leave mine in 16:9 - SD picture will pretty much remain unaltered - with my TV I use the Picture Mode to adjust it from there (letting the TV extend my picture in SD and changing it back to "full" on the TV when I'm on a HD program that's in 16:9 format)

Since I have the box set to 16:9 720p for hd and 4:3 480p override. On 480p with the override on. Do people look short and fat to you? I also have my actual tv in 16:9 mode as well. Basically what im asking is. Is it optimal to leave my tv always in 16:9 mode along with the box set to 16:9? Even for hd channels just to leave my tv in 16:9 mode? I was thinking since 4:3 480p override is on. Its stretching the picture and making people look short and fat.

I leave mine in 16:9 - SD picture will pretty much remain unaltered - with my TV I use the Picture Mode to adjust it from there (letting the TV extend my picture in SD and changing it back to "full" on the TV when I'm on a HD program that's in 16:9 format)

I was thinking since 4:3 480p override is on. Its stretching the picture and making people look short and fat.

Your thinking is correct there

Hi;

I have a Comcast Moto DVR. Not sure if it is 6412 or a 64whatever.

1) I have noticed a couple of times, over the last couple of days, that either the display on the STB says "REC" or the red light in the upper right corner of the display (that would indicate that the DVR is recording) are going but nothing was scheduled and nothing was actually recording. I was able to hit "swap" on the remote for the REC problem and the display on the STB would then show a channel number and the REC would be gone. In the red light instance, I could never get it to go off, although nothing was being recorded.

NOTE If I start recording a show in the middle (instead of pre-programming through the guide) and nothing else is recording, I get the REC without the red light. I have to hit "Swap" to use the other tuner to watch another channel live. If two shows are recording I get the REC and the light and of course can not watch a third channel, without cancelling one recording. This sounds normal but not the above paragraph.

2) Last night, I noticed that the display (Menu, guide and so on) from the STB on my TV (65" Mitsu) was showing a funky black background - light green text instead of the blue background - white text. Powering down the STB and restarting fixed that.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Id like to know if there is a way to set the remote so it can change the aspect ratio. I have a d62u and it set to dot to dot mode for 1080i but I have a few channels that are 4:3 1080i. I would like to be able to switch to stretch without having to use the tv remote. I just want to use the dvr remote it has a aspect button.

I don't believe aspect ratio is a control available with the DVR remote.

Last night, I noticed that the display (Menu, guide and so on) from the STB on my TV (65" Mitsu) was showing a funky black background - light green text instead of the blue background - white text. Powering down the STB and restarting fixed that.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

I know TVG A24 seems to have some odd quirks that go away on reset - but it almost sounds like someone switched your color scheme in the guide setup (the description sounds like "Evergreen" which is what I often put mine on) - I often change colors of the guide as a way of telling if someone initialized my box while I'm gone (Cold inits wipe personal settings like timers, Favorites, Color, Screen Saver etc)

another thing that might skew the colors green is if you have a loose connection on one of your Component input cables - but I think if that was the case you'd noticed everything had green tints to it and not just the guide.

Id like to know if there is a way to set the remote so it can change the aspect ratio. I have a d62u and it set to dot to dot mode for 1080i but I have a few channels that are 4:3 1080i. I would like to be able to switch to stretch without having to use the tv remote. I just want to use the dvr remote it has a aspect button.

Some Remotes have a botton marked for ASPECT, however At this time I think they are *supposed* to be a control for changing the aspect on the TV and not the cable box. So far the only way I've seen to change the aspect on the box is to power - menu into the settings.

I know TVG A24 seems to have some odd quirks that go away on reset - but it almost sounds like someone switched your color scheme in the guide setup (the description sounds like "Evergreen" which is what I often put mine on) - I often change colors of the guide as a way of telling if someone initialized my box while I'm gone (Cold inits wipe personal settings like timers, Favorites, Color, Screen Saver etc)

another thing that might skew the colors green is if you have a loose connection on one of your Component input cables - but I think if that was the case you'd noticed everything had green tints to it and not just the guide.

Thanks James:

No the color wasn't a real color selection. The colors were fuzzy and ill defined and in some cases, you could see some of the TV picture through them when it should be opaque.

My guess is that the box is going bad.

Dave

Thanks James:

No the color wasn't a real color selection. The colors were fuzzy and ill defined and in some cases, you could see some of the TV picture through them when it should be opaque.

My guess is that the box is going bad.

Dave

Either the box, the cable connecting the box or the connection hardware -
might be worth trying connecting by a different cable just to see if it improves, but you're probably right, it's very likely to be the box.

Either the box, the cable connecting the box or the connection hardware - might be worth trying connecting by a different cable just to see if it improves, but you're probably right, it's very likely to be the box.

The TV is a 2001 model that we just had a convergence box replaced in, so everytime that we have an issue (such as this) my wife fears that the TV is going bad. Even with the scary green-black STB text display, I turned to ESPN HD and the picture was as stunning as ever, so maybe that convinced her that its not the TV. I may be worng but I would also think that if it were a cable, the HD would not look as sharp but it was flat-out impressive.

Thanks again

Id like to know if there is a way to set the remote so it can change the aspect ratio. I have a d62u and it set to dot to dot mode for 1080i but I have a few channels that are 4:3 1080i. I would like to be able to switch to stretch without having to use the tv remote. I just want to use the dvr remote it has a aspect button.

The answer to your question is a definite "maybe".

First, your DVR remote must be key-programmable. I believe this was covered earlier in this thread, but if your remote has a "setup" button at the top, then it is programmable. If not, skip the rest of this. But you can get a programmable remote for 10 to 15 bucks on ebay--search for "Comcast remote", get a new one with the five extra PIP buttons on the bottom.

Next, you must use a device code for your TV that accepts a signal ("aspect" in your case). Try this device code--0688--which is for a Sharp HDTV. Check it for volume and mute. Check the "TV/VCR" button. That button should cycle through your TV inputs, but, if it does not work, then either the device code is wrong, or the input function is not yet programmed. If volume and mute works, keep going.

Next, you must find an advanced code that works for aspect. The key codes that are supplied with the remote are limited to basic functions, and aspect is not one of them. Try this. Set the TV device code to 0688. With the mode set to TV, watch the TV screen and enter the following key sequence--Setup 00234 (tap the Setup key, do not hold it down). This will send a signal to your TV which may be your aspect code. If the key sequence works, repeat it again to change the aspect. If this works or not, let us know, and I will give you the rest.

Any news on the Motorola DCH 3416 30 second skip. This is driving me nuts not having this feature since my last DVR had it.

I recently turned in my old Motorola DCT6412 (2nd gen) box to my Comcast office and upgraded to the newer DCH3416. The old box had a DVI connection that I connected to my JVCHDTV for digital video. I know the DVI output on the 6412 only gave me digital video. I used the optical digital out, connected to my Denon receiver for 5.1 audio.
The newer DCH3416 box has a HDMI output (video and audio) When I connected the HDMI out to the HDMI in on my tv, all I get is just video....no sound. I set my JVC tv to digital sound in....but still no sound. I do know that if I want 5.1 audio I still need to get that from optical or coaxial out of cable box to my receiver....but I am trying to get regular sound (2.0) out of my HDMI. What do I need to do to get audio along with video from this connection.

Any news on the Motorola DCH 3416 30 second skip. This is driving me nuts not having this feature since my last DVR had it.

Depends on your remote if you've got something like a UR4U / UR5 (see below) then no - it does not support this function - this remote by Universal Remote does not have the ability to have any special function programmed into it to do this either (per Universal's engineers) - The UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 is our new "Standard" remote and has the day arrows between the volume and channel controls. This is the older Explorer 8000 style remote

http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/IMAGES/thumb/EXPLORER8000.jpg

On the other hand if you have this remote (apparently common for comcast users) you should be able to follow the instructions posted earlier and have no problem.

http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/IMAGES/thumb/MKT47A.jpg

I recently turned in my old Motorola DCT6412 (2nd gen) box to my Comcast office and upgraded to the newer DCH3416. The old box had a DVI connection that I connected to my JVCHDTV for digital video. I know the DVI output on the 6412 only gave me digital video. I used the optical digital out, connected to my Denon receiver for 5.1 audio.
The newer DCH3416 box has a HDMI output (video and audio) When I connected the HDMI out to the HDMI in on my tv, all I get is just video....no sound. I set my JVC tv to digital sound in....but still no sound. I do know that if I want 5.1 audio I still need to get that from optical or coaxial out of cable box to my receiver....but I am trying to get regular sound (2.0) out of my HDMI. What do I need to do to get audio along with video from this connection.

Powercycle once or twice - if that doesn't resolve it power down the box and hit Select - this should give you the user menu with resolutions - I think when the HDMI is plugged in you have audio options.

Go into your system menu and try the different options on your Audio - usually I set it to

Default Audio Track: Channel Default
Optimal Stereo: YES (unless your using cable box for volume control)
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Light
Stereo Output Matrix

This should give you good sound output over both HDMI and Optical so you can use HDMI for TV and Optical for Receiver

Another option would be if your using the Receiver for HDMI switching, in which case you'd just need to do HDMI to the Receiver and HDMI from the receiver to the TV - however with that setup you'll have to have the Receiver on to get your video input.

Last but not least, you can alway run RCA audio (but the HDMI should work great, I'm pretty much doing what you are trying to do at home - Optical to my pioneer receiver and HDMI to the TV... but the TV's volume is so low I really don't use it without the receiver.)

The TV is a 2001 model that we just had a convergence box replaced in, so everytime that we have an issue (such as this) my wife fears that the TV is going bad. Even with the scary green-black STB text display, I turned to ESPN HD and the picture was as stunning as ever, so maybe that convinced her that its not the TV. I may be worng but I would also think that if it were a cable, the HD would not look as sharp but it was flat-out impressive.

Thanks again

your probably right on that - I like to cover as many bases as possible and generaly if your getting a picture but the color is off it's often the cable or the set - but it can easily be the box too

Depends on your remote if you've got something like a UR4U / UR5 (see below) then no - it does not support this function - this remote by Universal Remote does not have the ability to have any special function programmed into it to do this either (per Universal's engineers) - The UR4U-MDVR-CHD2 is our new "Standard" remote and has the day arrows between the volume and channel controls. This is the older Explorer 8000 style remote

http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/IMAGES/thumb/EXPLORER8000.jpg

On the other hand if you have this remote (apparently common for comcast users) you should be able to follow the instructions posted earlier and have no problem.

http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/IMAGES/thumb/MKT47A.jpg

Yes I have the UR4U-MDVR-CHD2. It just seems like I upgraded to HD and a new HD cable box, but I am going backwards on technology as far as features like the 30 second skip. My old DVR had this feature and now I get a new box and it doesn't have it. What gives. I will have to check the Dish Network and Direct TV DVR and see if they have it. I have been thinking of a switch for quite some time. Maybe the lack of this feature will finally push me over the edge. Direct TV has a whole lot more HD channels anyway.

I recently turned in my old Motorola DCT6412 (2nd gen) box to my Comcast office and upgraded to the newer DCH3416. The old box had a DVI connection that I connected to my JVCHDTV for digital video. I know the DVI output on the 6412 only gave me digital video. I used the optical digital out, connected to my Denon receiver for 5.1 audio.
The newer DCH3416 box has a HDMI output (video and audio) When I connected the HDMI out to the HDMI in on my tv, all I get is just video....no sound. I set my JVC tv to digital sound in....but still no sound. I do know that if I want 5.1 audio I still need to get that from optical or coaxial out of cable box to my receiver....but I am trying to get regular sound (2.0) out of my HDMI. What do I need to do to get audio along with video from this connection.

You will be surprised to find out how many ways you can have a "no sound" problem without an equuipment failure.

Normally, you just plug in the HDMI cable and you have sound. The box will deliver AC3 or PCM digital sound over the cable (no analog), but you need to have settings in both your TV and cable box correct, or the sound may not come out of the speakers.

TV first. I am not familiar with JVC TVs, but normally "digital sound in" means to use the coax or optical input for your sound input. This disables the digital sound on the HDMI input. So, do not select it. Also, some TVs allow you to kill the HDMI sound so that it does not interfere with the sound from your audio system. Look for such a setting in the TV menu. One last word of caution. Some TVs with multiple HDMI inputs will have one of those inputs coupled with a pair of audio jacks for separate analog sound. This is to be used with an input device that has a DVI output, and requires a DVI to HDMI adapter or cable. The HDMI sound might be disabled on this input.

Cable box next. There are special settings for HDMI that were not present in the older boxes with DVI connectors. Leave the TV on, and go to the main menu of the cable box--box power off-Menu--and look for "Additional HDMI settings". Right arrow into this and you will see several options.

"HDMI/DVI Mode" refers to the type of input on your TV. In your case, this must be set to HDMI, or you will get no sound.

"Color Space" refers to the gamut of NTSC colors the box will use. If your TV has "wide color" or something like this, then RGB will probably be the best setting. Otherwise, use YCC, which is the color space used in all previous models of the Motorola box. Some TVs will produce weird colors if you make the wrong choice. This setting will not affect sound, but you need to know that it is here so as to optimize the picture.

Finally, you get to "Audio Output". Here you can choose PCM, auto, or pass thru. I believe auto works for everyone--I think this allows the box to query the TV about whether to send AC3 or PCM). These settings will not affect the optical output of the cable box going to your sound system.

You are finished with the HDMI settings. Turn off the cable box, then turn it back on. Also, make the settings in the Guide Menu as provided by CharterJames.

You should now have sound. Do not forget to turn up the volume. Use your TV remote for this, in case the cable box remote is not yet programmed correctly.

You will be surprised to find out how many ways you can have a "no sound" problem without an equuipment failure.

Thanks Einride, you gave me something to check out tonight. Appreciate the ideas.

Powercycle once or twice - if that doesn't resolve it power down the box and hit Select - this should give you the user menu with resolutions - I think when the HDMI is plugged in you have audio options.

Go into your system menu and try the different options on your Audio - usually I set it to

Default Audio Track: Channel Default
Optimal Stereo: YES (unless your using cable box for volume control)
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Light
Stereo Output Matrix


Appreciate your advice CharterJames. I will check these tips out.
Thanks guys

Any news on the Motorola DCH 3416 30 second skip. This is driving me nuts not having this feature since my last DVR had it.

Perhaps someone with a DCH3416 can comment on this definitively, as I have a DCT6416 from Charter. I found out that the DCT6416 30 second skip function was intact, just not available on the UR4U. I bought a Logitech programmable remote and the function is there as "Advance". I initially tested it with a cheap Radio Shack remote that was programmable before I bought the Harmony 720 because I understand that this function is indeed blocked in certain markets. So you might not have to give up just yet on this DVR!

Perhaps someone with a DCH3416 can comment on this definitively, as I have a DCT6416 from Charter. I found out that the DCT6416 30 second skip function was intact, just not available on the UR4U. I bought a Logitech programmable remote and the function is there as "Advance". I initially tested it with a cheap Radio Shack remote that was programmable before I bought the Harmony 720 because I understand that this function is indeed blocked in certain markets. So you might not have to give up just yet on this DVR!

I have a programable remote of my own. Maybe I could buy a remote that has that feature and use it to program my remote and then return the remote. Anyone got a suggestion on which remote to buy?:)

I have a programable remote of my own. Maybe I could buy a remote that has that feature and use it to program my remote and then return the remote. Anyone got a suggestion on which remote to buy?:)
Have you tried programming this into your remote or can you only do that in learn mode from another? Earlier in this thread is a post with the code sequence for programming this. You could just get a Radio Shack "All in One" for $5, program it and have your's learn from it if you can't program it directly.

I have a programable remote of my own. Maybe I could buy a remote that has that feature and use it to program my remote and then return the remote. Anyone got a suggestion on which remote to buy?:)

The UR10 from Universal Remotes is pretty programable, I'm not sure if they would support this feature but I know I got one to replace a moxi remote (which is not easy...) and it's RF capable if you ever need to relocate the equipment (just need the Blaster unit)

I was just answering a PM similar to this and was wondering other than the Comcast remote - anyone know of remotes that have the additional feature options and codes to set them up?

The UR10 from Universal Remotes is pretty programable, I'm not sure if they would support this feature but I know I got one to replace a moxi remote (which is not easy...) and it's RF capable if you ever need to relocate the equipment (just need the Blaster unit)

I was just answering a PM similar to this and was wondering other than the Comcast remote - anyone know of remotes that have the additional feature options and codes to set them up?

The One for All remotes http://www.ofausa.com/ will all work. They range from simple to extravagant, and are available from Bestbuy, Circuit City, Walmart, home improvement stores, drug stores. Look for something like 4-for-All, 5-for-All, etc. The Comcast remote is made by this company. Radio Shack remotes are made by them. And X10 sells a model that includes a radio transmitter that will dim your lights and can operate all brands of X10-type controlers. Device codes and programming codes are shared by all of them.

But seriously, the Comcast remote is custom designed for Motorola DVRs, and works well for the task. The one to get looks like the picture you posted, but has five additional buttons on the bottom.

I just found one on ebay for less than eight bucks delivered. Search for "Comcast remote"--there are many. Remember to get the one with 5 PIP buttons on the bottom. One of the buttons is labeled "Swap" and is already programmed to switch between the 2 tuners. The 30-second skip function must be added to one of the unused buttons.

There is a widely scattered community of programming instructions. For general instructions relating to Motorola DVRs, look here (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Remote_Control).

I do not (any longer) use Comcast. My provider is RCN, which uses Passport Echo software for their DVRs. The 30-second skip is disabled. But fast forward and reverse have speeds of 5X, 20X, and 60X. These are so fast that the there is an automatic 5, 10, and 20-second backup, respectively, whenever you push Play to stop a FF or Rev action--needed to get you closer to where you wanted to be.

Passport also has a FF and Rev advance-to-tick function. There are tick marks on the progress bar at each 15-minute mark. You can jump instantly to the next tick in FF by pressing the right guide navigation button. Similar for Rev. This can be repeated rapidly, so that you could advance (or go back) one hour of recorded or buffered time in about 2 seconds of button pushing. Also the buffers for unrecorded programming on the two tuners are 60-minutes long for both SD and HD.

Just thought I would throw that in, since the Thread topic is not labeled as provider-specific. I am very satisfied with Passport. Head and shoulders above I-guide, IMO. There are many more differences, but I have already gone on too long.

My DVR clock runs one minute slow...so I miss the beginning of everything I record! Can someone help me? Is there a way to manually set the time? Thank you.

My DVR clock runs one minute slow...so I miss the beginning of everything I record! Can someone help me? Is there a way to manually set the time? Thank you.

The DVR clock is controlled by the head end. You should report that time difference to your cable company so they can fix it. Another thing you can do is to manually set your DVR to start one minute early on each of you recordings, but you have to do that individually by program.

The One for All remotes http://www.ofausa.com/ will all work.

You know I've been eyeballing the Kameleon series for a long time...

Perhaps someone with a DCH3416 can comment on this definitively, as I have a DCT6416 from Charter. I found out that the DCT6416 30 second skip function was intact, just not available on the UR4U. I bought a Logitech programmable remote and the function is there as "Advance". I initially tested it with a cheap Radio Shack remote that was programmable before I bought the Harmony 720 because I understand that this function is indeed blocked in certain markets. So you might not have to give up just yet on this DVR!


I actually have an older "one for all" remote but I can't get it to work. I don't know the code. I think I will either go to radio shack or Walmart and see what I can pick up. Anyone have an exact model number that you know will work?

Perhaps someone with a DCH3416 can comment on this definitively, as I have a DCT6416 from Charter. I found out that the DCT6416 30 second skip function was intact, just not available on the UR4U. I bought a Logitech programmable remote and the function is there as "Advance". I initially tested it with a cheap Radio Shack remote that was programmable before I bought the Harmony 720 because I understand that this function is indeed blocked in certain markets. So you might not have to give up just yet on this DVR!
Yes, I was able to program a 30-second forward skip (found in Motorola thread) into the Comcast remote for my Motorola DCT3416 I.

Hiyman, Just to be clear, did you try the following sequence on your remote? This is from the wiki re: the Comcast silver remote, but it worked when I tried it with a Radio Shack "7 in 1" remote.


1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00173.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

Hiyman, Just to be clear, did you try the following sequence on your remote? This is from the wiki re: the Comcast silver remote, but it worked when I tried it with a Radio Shack "7 in 1" remote.

I have the remote from Universal without the setup button. I am trying to program an oneforall remote but I think it is to old. I also tried the sequence that you suggested on the oneforall, but it will not take the 00173. It will only take 4 numbers before it blinks twice.

hiyman, try 0173

hiyman, try 0173


That doesn't work either. I think its just to old.:) Time to go shopping I think.

Anyone know if the HDCP handshake issue has been resolved? I have a Denon 887 and can't get the HDMI Video to work even with the latest:( firmware and software updates!!!!!!!:(

That doesn't work either. I think its just to old.:) Time to go shopping I think.

The older models of OFA remotes use a 3-digit key code. Drop the leading 00 and use 173. But first, have you entered a device code that can control the other DVR functions?

Anyone know if the HDCP handshake issue has been resolved? I have a Denon 887 and can't get the HDMI Video to work even with the latest:( firmware and software updates!!!!!!!:(

I've not heard of that issue, I know HDMI handshake has worked on most models of receiver and TV. I know a new version of Moto firmware is due out as systems change to the A25 version of guide

I find the 30 sec skip very useful for skipping quickly through commercials. Much less frustrating than FF and dealing with the remote lag when pressing play.

Give it a try--instructions here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote

Add 30-Second Skip
The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the i-Guide software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent. A good choice is the 'A / Lock' button since many users don't need that function; you can feel both the '15-second-back' and '30-second-skip' buttons with one finger and move between them without looking. Another option is to reprogram the '15-second back' button, since PgDn already provides that functionality.

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00173.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

This will work for the following remotes
Atlas Series - Millenium Series

http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/IMAGES/thumb/ATLASXL.jpghttp://webpages.charter.net/remotes/IMAGES/thumb/MILLENIUM3.jpg

Press and Hold Setup the Cable Button (or LED @ top) Blinks 2 times
Type in code 994 - light will blink 2 times
Press (don't hold) Setup
Type in 173
Press button to map 30 second skip command to

The Instant replay is mapped to Page Down - so I recommend mapping the function to Page up

****do not confuse the Atlas series with the UR4 series - UR4 does not have a setup button and the manual will say UNIVERSAL REMOTE at the bottom***

At some point I think Universal Remote and OFA intergrated, I'm not 100% sure, but Remotes with UR in their name and no setup button so far seem to be UR and not compatible with the OFA trick.

Charter Remote Page (http://webpages.charter.net/remotes/) is a good resource if you need access to the remote's manual.





Here's another update - I've pulled all the function codes and tested them with a Millenium 4 style (which is my prefered remote)
The Page up and Page down buttons now to Skip and Replay (while retaining their guide function) I've reprogrammed LOCK to "My DVR" since I do all my locking in the menu. - Bypass allows me to switch Tuners now and for kicks I mapped P to PPV "preview" which shows what's currently on PPV during the current window.

To make things easier I created this little chart (it's a jpg so feel free to copy it) with all the functions and the instructions.
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3668/77874271ze0.jpg

Just got back from Walmart with a new One For All remote. Model #URC-4220 and it only cost about $9.00. After reading a couple of pages in the owners manual I realized that I didn't even have to program the remote for the Motorola cable box. It was already preset, and it actually had the replay and skip button. I put the batteries in and it worked like a charm. I programmed the skip button into my learning remote and now I am a happy camper. This would have been so easy if I would have known.

Thanks to all who helped me figure this out.

I hope this helps a few others out!!!

HI All, I just got a DCH6416 and already hcve an issue. I set it to record a couple shows last night in HD and it was fine, I watched the shows and deleted them and scheduled 3 more for today. Well when it came time to record my shows today it says there is no space left that I needed to delete some recordings to continue. I went into the DVR and it says 0% full, no shows recorded. I took all the scheduled shows off and tried to setup more but I got the same error message about space. I'm new to these DVR's so any help is appreciated. I don't see any settings menu or anything for the DVR itself.
Thanks,
Derek

Unplug the box and then plug it back in. That should reset it.

^^ Thanks Bobby

It allowed me to setup a manual recording and I'll see in 20 mins if it starts to record.

Weird thing though the guide data is incomplete now and all stations say to be determined. Does it take a longtime to get all the guide info? Its been 10 mins since I unplugged the power to reset it.

One more thing this thing has a 160GB HD in it how many HD hours can it record? I know the 120GB holds 20 hours so it should be about 26 or so I guess.

It takes the guide a bit of time to populate. In the first half hour or so you should see several hours out and then it continues to add. It may take a few days to get about 2 weeks out. This is the way it is with a loss of power.

The 120GB allows more like 15-16 hours of HD recording. The 160Gb is 1/3 larger so you might expect about 20 hours.

I've had a little talk with TV Guide after working with our lab and I've learned the root cause of most series recording issues (including the CBS issues in my market)

Effectively what's going on is if there's more than one SD channel that's airing the same program at the same time there's potential for the box to get hung up and not record the series.

Sometimes this might be a hidden virtual channel, other times it might be different feeds of the same channel (for example two different CBS feeds)

This issue IS resolved in TV Guide A25, which is due soon (but most MSOs are still testing...) however in the mean time I've noticed a few fixes

1) if the network has an HD feed - try recording the series in HD

2) if you notice two of the same feed (Two CBS networks etc) try clearing the series recording and setting it up on the other feed
you can also just set the existing one to record on all channels rather than "just this one" and it should work... But for example here, if you tell it to do a series on WBTV it won't, but if you hit WSPA (a Upstate SC feed)

Hello all,
I've been scouring the Internet trying to figure out how to map this function on my UR5U-8400A remote. I have a DCT3416 box. There is no setup button on my remote. Instead, the manual says to hold in CBL and Enter for three seconds to access any sort of programming.
Has anyone encountered the same quest, and had any success?
Any help is GREATLY appreciated....I'm about to throw this thing through the window.

Thanks,
Caleb
email: sodden_skier@hotmail.com

I don't think you can program this function into this remote. See post 108 above. It would appear that only the Atlas-Millenium series remotes from Charter are capable.

From what I understand, the box does have the capacity.
So, if I were to get the one-for-all remote, that should have the function. Then, if I were to get a learning remote, I could intercept the signal from the one-for-all and I'd have it made in the shade?

From what I understand, the box does have the capacity.
So, if I were to get the one-for-all remote, that should have the function. Then, if I were to get a learning remote, I could intercept the signal from the one-for-all and I'd have it made in the shade?

In theory all One-For-All made remotes should be able to use the setups outlined above - as well as many models of the better home theater universal remotes

I just purchased a Harmony 880 remote and it has the 30 sec skip preprogrammed in for my new DCH 3416. It was on page 3 or 4 of the device specific buttons and was labeled "Advance". This is a more expensive route than a cheap All-In-One but it works nice and if you were looking at a Harmony anyway... this is another reason to make the jump. The gf loves the remote and is faster on skip button than I am. :)

jeeter

Thanks for the tip! I just ordered a Harmony 880 off eBay for around $100.
From my experience with previous equipment and looking at other services, I think Dish Network has the only remote with the commercial skip button functional straight from the factory. I don't get it, but I'm glad there is a workaround (albeit an expensive one). It is notable that I have the Motorola DCT 3416 not the DCH 3416. Crossing my fingers....anyone have the same box or know if I'll have success?

Thanks again,
Caleb

Thanks for the tip! I just ordered a Harmony 880 off eBay for around $100.
From my experience with previous equipment and looking at other services, I think Dish Network has the only remote with the commercial skip button functional straight from the factory. I don't get it, but I'm glad there is a workaround (albeit an expensive one).
Thanks again,
Caleb

TIVO pushed that as a regular feature, as I understand it when Moxi first started launching there was *ALOT* of pressure from broadcasters (even lawsuits) to keep that feature off of Moxi (their skip defaulted to 30 seconds at the time and it was changed to 15 minutes) - apparently once Digeo updated the option for selectable timeframes there wasn't much to make a case against - since it wasn't defaulting to 30 seconds...

I'd like to see TV Guide take a few lessons from Digeo... I had expected some great improvements from then when they bought out DIVA (which was one of the earlier VOD systems and is STILL better looking and more reliable than the newer systems that are working with TV Guide now...) But Alas, for now TV Guide seems intent on being clunky and blah...

Still TVG reacts quicker to changes than any other guide I've seen (I can add / remove channels etc and it's pretty much instant... Digeo's guide can take up to 24 hours before they stream data for it...) - not that I wouldn't trade reaction time for more features and better interface.

With luck (and the forced FCC changes we are all going through) things will get better in the digital world!

Caleb - I have the DCT 3416I and the Harmony 720. I use the DVD shuttle control FF button ( >>| ) for a simulated 30 second skip. It works great!

EDIT: and one more thing, it just works that way after you walk through the initial setup (both the 880 and 720 have the same functions). No additional "customizing" required.

Has anyone had an issue with the season pass recording the first week on the HD channel then the following week switching to the SD channel even tho I have told it to ONLY record on this channel? ie Prison Break on 704 in HD but it recorded on 4 in SD...total PITA

This happens to me as well, does anyone know of a fix? Charter asked me to bring the box in to be replaced.

This happens to me as well, does anyone know of a fix? Charter asked me to bring the box in to be replaced.

There's a known TVG issue with Guide version A24.x (which all Charter and most other MSOs are on) - A25 is in testing but it's roll out depends on VOD side-applications - for example my market uses CCOR and the CCOR application for TVG A25 isn't fully tested and ready yet.

The bug essentually makes the box not record whenever the programming is duplicated on another channel (and the metadata uses the same program id) I've found setting the box to record the series on all channels will usually make it pick one if your completely missing the series and setting up manual recordings usually works as well.

It might not be as prevelant on another box, but it can happen on any DCT / DCH (Iguide) based DVR. So unless you swap over to a Moxi, you're probably going to see that issue.

Just a quick post here as I know alot of Charter customers frequent this forum -
Charter's offering a "Friends and Family" Special - 50% off the unlimited long distance. PM me if you'd like more details - offer isn't good to current Telephone subscribers (must not have had telephone for at least 30 days)

Does anyone know whether it's possible to remove a channel from the guide? I never watch half the channels and it just clutters up my guide. Thanks!

Does anyone know whether it's possible to remove a channel from the guide? I never watch half the channels and it just clutters up my guide. Thanks!

While this is a standard feature of the Moxi guide, this is not an availible feature with the I-guide system - 'bout the best you can do is to set up a favorites list of the ones you most frequently watch

Hello all. I have been searching (and searching) through the information warehouse here but can't find anything that helps with my question. I just hooked up my DCT 3416 with a digital optical audio out to my Denon 1706 AVR receiver (had been using audio cables out prior to today). When I press info, it shows the shows as DD5.1. But on the Denon, I've now lost the ability to choose 5.1 or 6.1 cinema audio or DTS. I only can select virtual or simulated 5ch stereo, which seriously de-emphasizes the center speaker. Do I need to reset something in the Moto setup to get the AVR to recognize it and give me back the control I had? I have audio setup as yes, advanced, light compression, and matrix. Thanks!

I recently was told that "matrix" is the wrong setting for 5.1... that the right setting is "stereo". :confused:

I recently was told that "matrix" is the wrong setting for 5.1... that the right setting is "stereo". :confused:

Of the four audio options available through the guide, only one setting applies to the digital output (both coax and optical), but not to digital sound over HDMI. That setting allows you to select either AC3 or PCM output. That must be set to AC3 to get 5.1 and Dolby sound to work.

All of the other options apply only to analog sound from the red and white jacks. The "matrix" setting is the equivalent of simulated surround sound. This works fairly well if your older model TV does not do its own simulated surround.

The "compression" sounds like a digital term, but it applies to analog only and means something like how wide the stereo field appears to be.

Digital output does not respond to the volume control of the Motorola boxes, so the volume is "fixed", regardless of the setting in the options. The digital output is, however, controlled by the "mute" function of the box.

For the HDMI output only, the digital sound responds to mute, but not to any settings in the guide options. To correctly set up HDMI sound, you must do so in the Motorola options, reached by turning off the box, then pressing Menu. There is an option for "Addiitonal HDMI" settings, where you must select "Auto" for sound format, otherwise 5.1 and Dolby will not work.

We use the analog audio outputs now, because we have only one digital audio input to our DD5.1 sound system, and that is occupied by the TiVo. So perhaps matrix is the best setting for us. I also played around with compression a bit. With it off, my wife cannot make out any of the dialog. With it on Heavy, she finds the sound marginally acceptable. So I guess "Heavy" is the best compression setting for us.

Anyone have these issues and if so is there a fix?

HDTV (channel 770) will occasionally record a black screen instead of the program.

HD channels freeze and you have to either change to a SDTV channel and then back to the HD channel to clear or reset/powercycle the unit.

I've spoken with Charter and they've had me reset the unit and said that they would sent out a new unit if the issue presists. I'm thinking this will be a firmware or software issue. Any suggestions?

Anyone have these issues and if so is there a fix?

HDTV (channel 770) will occasionally record a black screen instead of the program.

HD channels freeze and you have to either change to a SDTV channel and then back to the HD channel to clear or reset/powercycle the unit.

I've spoken with Charter and they've had me reset the unit and said that they would sent out a new unit if the issue presists. I'm thinking this will be a firmware or software issue. Any suggestions?

I can think of two possible causes

1) The Secondary Tuner has an issue - generally this would appen if your seeing most of your recordings go blank (total tuner failure) or just one type of programming (analog SD, Digital SD, HD) - depending on what tuner your using at the time it may or may not work... one way to force the tuner is to record to things at the same time and see if one's dead - you'll want to try two SDs, two Digitals and two HDs to see what happens. - since it seems specific to a channel, I lean towards #2

2) More than likely you've got a intermittint signal issue that happens on 770 - generally HDs tend to react to signal issues quicker than other channels.

3) General bug - the box did something wonky and it would record properly - powercycle should fix that - but if it's still happening it's more than likley a tuner issue or signal issue.

I have a DCH-3416 Motorola DVR and the hard drive never shuts off. Is this normal. I hope not since I really don't like listening to it when I am not using it.

I have a DCH-3416 Motorola DVR and the hard drive never shuts off. Is this normal. I hope not since I really don't like listening to it when I am not using it.

From what I've seen the DCH / DCT series DVRs all can be powered off, but they do not record in standby mode. The drive does not shut off unless the box is in standby mode.

This unfortunately seems normal for Motorola made DVRs (The Digeo Moxi / Motorola BMC 90XX series is also always on and does not even have an option to be powered off - only reset)

From what I've seen the DCH / DCT series DVRs all can be powered off, but they do not record in standby mode. The drive does not shut off unless the box is in standby mode.

This unfortunately seems normal for Motorola made DVRs (The Digeo Moxi / Motorola BMC 90XX series is also always on and does not even have an option to be powered off - only reset)

I do turn the box off when I am not using it, but the hard drive never shuts off. But any recordings I have set will record regardless if the box is on or off.

I do turn the box off when I am not using it, but the hard drive never shuts off. But any recordings I have set will record regardless if the box is on or off.

That must be a feature of the 34xx series then, I know the 64xx series cuts off completely and does not record - sounds like the 34 does more of an active standby

Question for ya. Just got a new DCH6416 from Charter today. Have it hooked up through hdmi. No surround sound system as of yet. Since i'm using the tv speakers for now. I have the audio set to tv speakers. And enabled srs from the actual tv remote to create a virtual srs. Do you suggest I change it to something like those settings at the bottom you suggested and turn off srs since matrix does the same thing?

Powercycle once or twice - if that doesn't resolve it power down the box and hit Select - this should give you the user menu with resolutions - I think when the HDMI is plugged in you have audio options.

Go into your system menu and try the different options on your Audio - usually I set it to

Default Audio Track: Channel Default
Optimal Stereo: YES (unless your using cable box for volume control)
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Light
Stereo Output Matrix

This should give you good sound output over both HDMI and Optical so you can use HDMI for TV and Optical for Receiver

Another option would be if your using the Receiver for HDMI switching, in which case you'd just need to do HDMI to the Receiver and HDMI from the receiver to the TV - however with that setup you'll have to have the Receiver on to get your video input.

Last but not least, you can alway run RCA audio (but the HDMI should work great, I'm pretty much doing what you are trying to do at home - Optical to my pioneer receiver and HDMI to the TV... but the TV's volume is so low I really don't use it without the receiver.)

Question for ya. Just got a new DCH6416 from Charter today. Have it hooked up through hdmi. No surround sound system as of yet. Since i'm using the tv speakers for now. I have the audio set to tv speakers. And enabled srs from the actual tv remote to create a virtual srs. Do you suggest I change it to something like those settings at the bottom you suggested and turn off srs since matrix does the same thing?

Try what you've got now for a while, till you're used to how it sounds, then try it the other way - see if you notice an improvement - if so, stick with it, if not go back...

Matrix has been my prefered setting with two different home theaters, however I've not had the advantage of newer TVs or Home theaters, so I definitely recommend playing with the different settings and see the pros and cons for each - if you feel one has better sound than the other, use it - afterall it's your system and it should sound right to you :D

My service is through Charter. I used to see the entire frame of the picture compressed into the right upper corner of the guide while surfing. Now, the guide simply overlays the screen with only the right upper corner of the frame of the current channel visible. This applies to both SD and HD channels. IIRC, HD channels always were like this, with the guide not completely covering the screen anyway. However, the SD channels were not.

I can't seem to find any user control in the menu that would account for this. Is this a software issue? Something from the headend? My S/W version is 74.53-3321 and Firmware is 16.35.

My brand new DCH6416 is connected to my Toshiba LCDTV, but for some reason the TV reports no signal when I switch the DCH6416 to 720p or 1080i. I know the TV supports both resolutions as my Xbox 360 and PC both output to the TV at those resolutions.

DCH6416 is hooked up via HDMI - any suggestions?

My brand new DCH6416 is connected to my Toshiba LCDTV, but for some reason the TV reports no signal when I switch the DCH6416 to 720p or 1080i. I know the TV supports both resolutions as my Xbox 360 and PC both output to the TV at those resolutions.

DCH6416 is hooked up via HDMI - any suggestions?

Have you tried connecting another device to the set's HDMI input? Or tried connecting the DCH via component?

Hi,

Yes, my PC runs extended desktop via HDMI at 720p or 1080i (which is configured by the PC, not the TV). The TV simply audoadjusts to whatever resolution the computer throws at it.

Component works too via my Wii, but I don't have a spare set of component cables to try with the cable box, but various experiments lead me to believe that that will work. =/ I think I may have just gotten a bad cable box since other people's HDMI have been working fine. Agree/disagree?

Hi,

Yes, my PC runs extended desktop via HDMI at 720p or 1080i (which is configured by the PC, not the TV). The TV simply audoadjusts to whatever resolution the computer throws at it.

Component works too via my Wii, but I don't have a spare set of component cables to try with the cable box, but various experiments lead me to believe that that will work. =/ I think I may have just gotten a bad cable box since other people's HDMI have been working fine. Agree/disagree?

It's the biggest advantage of leasing - free swaps :)

I will try with what your suggesting. Getting back to this.

Default Audio Track: Channel Default
Optimal Stereo: YES (unless your using cable box for volume control)
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Light (mine is set to Heavy)
Stereo Output Matrix (should it be set to Stereo instead of Matrix?)

Im still a bit confused on this. Should it really be set to Stereo instead? Since im using only the tv speakers? Im using HDMI. I apologize if im making this harder than what it sounds.


Try what you've got now for a while, till you're used to how it sounds, then try it the other way - see if you notice an improvement - if so, stick with it, if not go back...

Matrix has been my prefered setting with two different home theaters, however I've not had the advantage of newer TVs or Home theaters, so I definitely recommend playing with the different settings and see the pros and cons for each - if you feel one has better sound than the other, use it - afterall it's your system and it should sound right to you :D

I will try with what your suggesting. Getting back to this.

Default Audio Track: Channel Default
Optimal Stereo: YES (unless your using cable box for volume control)
Audio Output: Advanced
Compression: Light (mine is set to Heavy)
Stereo Output Matrix (should it be set to Stereo instead of Matrix?)

Im still a bit confused on this. Should it really be set to Stereo instead? Since im using only the tv speakers? Im using HDMI. I apologize if im making this harder than what it sounds.

What I'm saying is with my system and my ears, it sounds better on Matrix / light

I'm assuming you've tried Light Vs Heavy and noticed a difference and went when your preference - this is what I'm suggesting - try it on different settings

What I'm saying is I don't know how your Home theater / TV is going to process things, it might sound better to you on Stereo, It might sound better on Matrix / Heavy - the only way we'll find out is to try it :D

Hi,

Yes, my PC runs extended desktop via HDMI at 720p or 1080i (which is configured by the PC, not the TV). The TV simply audoadjusts to whatever resolution the computer throws at it.

Component works too via my Wii, but I don't have a spare set of component cables to try with the cable box, but various experiments lead me to believe that that will work. =/ I think I may have just gotten a bad cable box since other people's HDMI have been working fine. Agree/disagree?

TV should adjust to the resolution automatically on HDMI on these boxes, I know my 6416 takes a second when I first turn it on but after that it usually hits 1080i if I'm on an HD channel

My service is through Charter. I used to see the entire frame of the picture compressed into the right upper corner of the guide while surfing. Now, the guide simply overlays the screen with only the right upper corner of the frame of the current channel visible. This applies to both SD and HD channels. IIRC, HD channels always were like this, with the guide not completely covering the screen anyway. However, the SD channels were not.

I can't seem to find any user control in the menu that would account for this. Is this a software issue? Something from the headend? My S/W version is 74.53-3321 and Firmware is 16.35.

Hiyya Doc,
that sounds rather unusual - I'm assuming you're talking about the TV window that appears when activating the guide

I know the guide tends to float on HDs and not cover the entire screen because the guide is Overlayed in 420 - this causes one of three behavoirs

1) if the TV cannot support an overlay in a seperate resolution you get no guide / guide bars only on HD channels this is the reason why - you can get it back, but only if you set the box to 420

2) If the TV does support the overlay, any channel that's not in 420 will float the 420 in the middle (much like the SD commercials on HD channels)

3) and of course the final one - if the box is set to 420, everything looks "normal" however depending on settings it's either cropped 4:3 (and stretched by the TV) or it's Letterbox 4:3 (and possibly manipulated by the TV)

If you're seeing only the corner of the picture instead of the compressed picture the first thing I'm thinking of is something wonky in the box - if a powercycle doesn't fix the problem you can try something more drastic, however I don't like to give that technique in the open as it can be abused to get around PIN codes etc.

PM me for that trick (given our earlier converstations it wouldn't suprise me if you've already power cycled it) - I'm thinking either something went bad in the firmware or there's some sort of hardware problem preventing the compressed picture.

What I'm saying is I don't know how your Home theater / TV is going to process things, it might sound better to you on Stereo, It might sound better on Matrix / Heavy - the only way we'll find out is to try it :D

Do these audio settings on the 6416 actually control HDMI audio output or any digital output for that matter? I use optical cable into my AVR and they don't seem to make any difference, as opposed to the analog connections to my TV (which I rarely use), which they certainly do. I was looking at the Motorola manual and it speaks of HDMI settings in the "User Settings" of Auto, L-PCM and Pass Through, suggesting that would be the control one would have.

Do these audio settings on the 6416 actually control HDMI audio output or any digital output for that matter? I use optical cable into my AVR and they don't seem to make any difference, as opposed to the analog connections to my TV (which I rarely use), which they certainly do. I was looking at the Motorola manual and it speaks of HDMI settings in the "User Settings" of Auto, L-PCM and Pass Through, suggesting that would be the control one would have.

I believe they do, but sometimes the difference is so small it's not too noticable - I noticed a very big jump in volume level on light compression and the sound was better - but that was with system on the optical to a pioneer receiver - I can only guess that maybe the heavy compression was taking too much effort to process well - so light was faster and better sounding... then again the TV connected to the same box via HDMI has an extremely low volume... but since I don't use it, I haven't experimented to see what would increase the volume level

Got it. I actually came across another setting for Audio Output. Set to TV speakers. So, I put in on that and called it a day. Sounds great.

What I'm saying is with my system and my ears, it sounds better on Matrix / light

I'm assuming you've tried Light Vs Heavy and noticed a difference and went when your preference - this is what I'm suggesting - try it on different settings

What I'm saying is I don't know how your Home theater / TV is going to process things, it might sound better to you on Stereo, It might sound better on Matrix / Heavy - the only way we'll find out is to try it :D

I'm in the Maryville, Il. Charter service area. I called Charter to upgrade to
the DCH 6416 from the DCH 6200 so I could record programs. I was told
Charter don't have the DCH 6416. Any idea whats going on. I'm well satisfied
with the reception from the DCH 6200, I just to be able to record.
Thanks for you service.

I'm in the Maryville, Il. Charter service area. I called Charter to upgrade to
the DCH 6416 from the DCH 6200 so I could record programs. I was told
Charter don't have the DCH 6416. Any idea whats going on. I'm well satisfied
with the reception from the DCH 6200, I just to be able to record.
Thanks for you service.

Some Markets don't have DVR service yet, I know much of Coastal NC is that way, however you may have also gotten a CSR who doesn't know jack. Try again and just ask for DVR service - you should get a 6416 as we didn't launch any 12s (that I know of) and Moxi has become rare enough that most people have to ask for it

I have a DCT3416 and was wondering if anyone knows if it supports discrete power commands from a Harmony remote? I was thinking of getting one, but was thinking how it turns itself on when it records, so if I tried to turn it on when it was already on, it would turn off. Discrete power codes would solve this.

I'm not sure I understand, but basically I have my Harmony remote set to never turn my DCT-3416 off. Is that what you're asking?

I have a DCT3416 and was wondering if anyone knows if it supports discrete power commands from a Harmony remote? I was thinking of getting one, but was thinking how it turns itself on when it records, so if I tried to turn it on when it was already on, it would turn off. Discrete power codes would solve this.

If you are worried about your DVR being interrupted while recording.....don't worry....it will still record your show(s) without any issues. I have the Harmony 880 remote and have the same cable box as you. When I hit the "Watch TV" button, everything comes on for me (even if the cable box is on already recording - it will ask me if I want to continue recording and swap to the other tuner)

HTH

No, I know it won't disrupt my recordings, as it always asked for confirmation before you change channels or turn the DVR off. I want to make sure that when the DVR is on after it records something, when I hit the activity to watch TV, that since the box was on, it doesn't turn it off. Discrete power commands send only the command you need, on, or off, instead of a toggle, so if the DVR is already on, the remote won't shut it off. I have a much cheaper remote that can be set up to turn everything on, but if something's already on, or already off, it gets everything all out of sync. I wanted to know if the Harmony has the discrete power codes for the 3416,

No, I know it won't disrupt my recordings, as it always asked for confirmation before you change channels or turn the DVR off. I want to make sure that when the DVR is on after it records something, when I hit the activity to watch TV, that since the box was on, it doesn't turn it off. Discrete power commands send only the command you need, on, or off, instead of a toggle, so if the DVR is already on, the remote won't shut it off. I have a much cheaper remote that can be set up to turn everything on, but if something's already on, or already off, it gets everything all out of sync. I wanted to know if the Harmony has the discrete power codes for the 3416,


Yes, it does have the discrete codes. What we are saying here is that there is little reason to turn the 3416 off at all. I have my Harmony set up to disregard the power button on the Motorola. So, when I turn off the 'TV', the Harmony shuts the TV off, and the Denon receiver off, but leaves the DVR on.

Yes, it does have the discrete codes. What we are saying here is that there is little reason to turn the 3416 off at all. I have my Harmony set up to disregard the power button on the Motorola. So, when I turn off the 'TV', the Harmony shuts the TV off, and the Denon receiver off, but leaves the DVR on.

Probably not a bad idea to leave the 3416 on since the hard drive runs continuously anyway. Or at least mine does.

Moto DCT3416 series recording question
I am using this box with Charter in Stoughton, WI. The problem I am having is that when setting a series recording for an HD channel it invariably records the show on the SD channel.

For example channel 5 is the NBC SD channel and 738 is the NBC HD channel. If I set up the series recording for a show on channel 738 on Tue at 8:00 the box will record the correct show but on channel 5.

I am probably setting something wrong. Anyone has had a similar experience?

Posted this as a separate thread as well. Thanks.

There's a known TVG issue with Guide version A24.x (which all Charter and most other MSOs are on) - A25 is in testing but it's roll out depends on VOD side-applications - for example my market uses CCOR and the CCOR application for TVG A25 isn't fully tested and ready yet.

The bug essentually makes the box not record whenever the programming is duplicated on another channel (and the metadata uses the same program id) I've found setting the box to record the series on all channels will usually make it pick one if your completely missing the series and setting up manual recordings usually works as well.

It might not be as prevelant on another box, but it can happen on any DCT / DCH (Iguide) based DVR. So unless you swap over to a Moxi, you're probably going to see that issue.

I see. Time for Tivo. James, how is Charter lately about installing Cable cards?

Thanks.

There's a known TVG issue with Guide version A24.x (which all Charter and most other MSOs are on) - A25 is in testing but it's roll out depends on VOD side-applications - for example my market uses CCOR and the CCOR application for TVG A25 isn't fully tested and ready yet.

The bug essentually makes the box not record whenever the programming is duplicated on another channel (and the metadata uses the same program id) I've found setting the box to record the series on all channels will usually make it pick one if your completely missing the series and setting up manual recordings usually works as well.

It might not be as prevelant on another box, but it can happen on any DCT / DCH (Iguide) based DVR. So unless you swap over to a Moxi, you're probably going to see that issue.

I have been having this same issue. My local (Kalamazoo, MI) Charter representative indicated that a new DVR would fix the problem. Intuitively, this sound incorrect. Assuming that I was to replace my existing DCH 6416 with the same model would that fix the HD recording issue?

Has there been any indication of when the new version of the I-Guide will be released and rolled out by Charter?

Thanks to CharterJames for all your valuable posts!:)

My 6412 DVR with DVI is connected to DVI on my TV, and the resolution is set to 1080i, I used to change it to 720p occasionally, but have left it at 1080i for a while; now recently, the menu won't allow a change.

Also, when I sometimes move the DVR to an HDMI TV, using DVI-HDMI cable, the resolution is automatically changed to 720p, and again, it won't allow a change. I read that this can sometimes happen with DVI-HDMI cables, (handshaking issue), so I could try Component, and hope it sets it to 1080i, but still the resolution should be able to be changed as it used to be.

Does anyone else have this anomaly on their DVR?
If so, is Motorola working on a firmware fix for this?

Moto DCT3416 series recording question
I am using this box with Charter in Stoughton, WI. The problem I am having is that when setting a series recording for an HD channel it invariably records the show on the SD channel.

For example channel 5 is the NBC SD channel and 738 is the NBC HD channel. If I set up the series recording for a show on channel 738 on Tue at 8:00 the box will record the correct show but on channel 5.

I am probably setting something wrong. Anyone has had a similar experience?

Posted this as a separate thread as well. Thanks.

It sounds like in the advanced options you've elected for it to record on any channels the program is on - if not then you're bitten by the A24 bug too -

With I-Guide A24.x the recording options are handled by program tags - apparently even if the show is on a different channel, it it's the same show it has the same tag - as such the box can frequently screw up and either not record at all or record the incorrect channel.

I have this issue in my market particularly with CBS - the local SD CBS doesn't like to record Series - we have another CBS (out of market) which will do series just fine, as well as an HD which does - but for some reason the local SD doesn't.

Workarounds -
Try telling it to record that program on "All channels" - this should get it to default to one of the channels

If you absolutely want one particular program from one particular channel - start manually telling it to record instead of series recordings - it's annoying, but so far in my case it works.


A25 resolves this problem and to answer other posts there's no set schedule for deployment - primarly because we also have to have matching VOD applications for A25. I know my market won't see this till at least Q1 of 2008 as our VOD application is taking longer than other vendors.

I see. Time for Tivo. James, how is Charter lately about installing Cable cards?

Thanks.

Depends on the tech, the office and the Staff - if you were in my market I'd make sure you were taken care of (I've done several SIIIs) but it might take several calls and failures of other techs before they'd reached me.

If you go with TIVO here's my advice

1) When calling if the CSR gives you any flack about supporting TIVO just request a supervisor and let him know you're requesting 2 cable cards to be installed for your cable card device. (CSRs sometime tend to act like deer in headlights when confronted with things they don't understand... so frequently the less you tell them, the more likely you'll get what you need)

2) Have the TIVO connected and go ahead and do the initial programming for the zip code and channel guides (you'll have to redo these later, but it will make the cable install go better)

3) Do the CableCards 1 at a time - resist the urge to do them both at one time - trust me on this - this is where 90% of all techs fail.

process for install -

Insert Card - TIVO should go to cable card screen upon detection

Get the Card ID, Host ID and Data ID from the diagnostics screen

tech will need to call these in with the card for Validation -

someone in ops will send a cold init to the card (and hopefully put in the validation information correctly) - the TIVO usually gives an error (406 I think) which indicates it cannot reboot - this is normal. - after about 5 minutes you should be able to test the card and view your channels

repeat the process for the second card.





Cablecards are a mixed lot - we are required to support them - however at the same time, we are not required to support the equipment you buy to USE them. CableCards are made in different lots with different firmwares, some work better on some models than others. Most boxes should work on the newest cards without issue, but there are always exceptions.

Be prepared to get to know any cable card equipment you buy, you'll need to know how to troubleshoot it etc because all a tech can really do is insert cards, call in the information and check for signal problems.

If a cable card install doesn't work, request a tech hook up a box to verify that signal levels are good and you should be able to get a clear picture on your channels.

The good news is, generally once it's up and working, it stays that way!

My 6412 DVR with DVI is connected to DVI on my TV, and the resolution is set to 1080i, I used to change it to 720p occasionally, but have left it at 1080i for a while; now recently, the menu won't allow a change.

Also, when I sometimes move the DVR to an HDMI TV, using DVI-HDMI cable, the resolution is automatically changed to 720p, and again, it won't allow a change. I read that this can sometimes happen with DVI-HDMI cables, (handshaking issue), so I could try Component, and hope it sets it to 1080i, but still the resolution should be able to be changed as it used to be.

Does anyone else have this anomaly on their DVR?
If so, is Motorola working on a firmware fix for this?

Your changing the resolution on the box (power off, hit menu) correct?
Generally the only time a Moto box will change the resolution automatically is when the channel is set up in a different native resolution -

Example - I keep my box on 1080i - whenever I tune to SD, my TV will show the channel is in 480i - if I flip to most my HDs they will say 1080i unless I hit one of the ESPNs which are natively in 720p

The "record in all channels" option does not fix the problem for me. Only the SD version is being recorded. I am glad to see Charter has improved its procedures for installing Cablecards. I called in for an appt and found no resistance. When the HD Tivo initially came out I was given stern responses about Charter not (illegally) supporting Tivo.

BTW, not you personally James but doesn't Charter management finds a bit embarrassing renting out to customers an HD DVR box that can not schedule HD recordings? :)

Thanks for your kind and helpful responses in this forum.

The "record in all channels" option does not fix the problem for me. Only the SD version is being recorded. I am glad to see Charter has improved its procedures for installing Cablecards. I called in for an appt and found no resistance. When the HD Tivo initially came out I was given stern responses about Charter not (illegally) supporting Tivo.

BTW, not you personally James but doesn't Charter management finds a bit embarrassing renting out to customers an HD DVR box that can not schedule HD recordings? :)

Thanks for your kind and helpful responses in this forum.

In general I think most people in Tech Ops who are aware of the TV guide bugs are not too thrilled at the QA coming from TV Guide, it seems like every version since the intial launch of the I-Guide platform (compared to the previous "Blue" guide) has been riddled with bugs. The hardware is great, but I-guide is killing it. I'm not sure if it's reached critical embarrassment point - but I know there's a growing sentiment amoung tech ops management that these problems should never been seen outside of a test lab.

I do my best to help out :D

Your changing the resolution on the box (power off, hit menu) correct?
Generally the only time a Moto box will change the resolution automatically is when the channel is set up in a different native resolution -

Example - I keep my box on 1080i - whenever I tune to SD, my TV will show the channel is in 480i - if I flip to most my HDs they will say 1080i unless I hit one of the ESPNs which are natively in 720p
Right, I am talking about the box resolution. I am not talking about the channels' resolutions; the Moto boxes don't offer native output, anyway. It is either all 1080i or 720p, exept for the option of 4:3 Override, which I have set to 480i. The point is in the user settings, when the cursor is moved to the resolution line, pressing ok or moving the arrow to the right or left doesn't do anything anymore to allow for a change. Any ideas?

Any updates on eSATA functionality? A few specific questions:

- Does/will eSATA work only with the DCT6416, or does/will it also work for the 6412?

- What is the most recent "phase" and software version for the DCT6412, and how do I know if I have them?

- If I can get eSATA expansion enabled, will I still be able to record my DVR recordings to PC using firewire (capDVHS)?

- Any lists of eSATA drives compatible with the DCT64xx?

Right, I am talking about the box resolution. I am not talking about the channels' resolutions; the Moto boxes don't offer native output, anyway. It is either all 1080i or 720p, exept for the option of 4:3 Override, which I have set to 480i. The point is in the user settings, when the cursor is moved to the resolution line, pressing ok or moving the arrow to the right or left doesn't do anything anymore to allow for a change. Any ideas?

If it's not allowing a change I'd say there's either an issue in the hardware or an issue in the firmware, I'll PM you with a trick to force a wipe and reload of the box.

EDIT
I tried PMing you - can't do that.
Email me at firstname.lastname@chartercom.com for instructions.

Any updates on eSATA functionality? A few specific questions:

- Does/will eSATA work only with the DCT6416, or does/will it also work for the 6412?

- What is the most recent "phase" and software version for the DCT6412, and how do I know if I have them?

- If I can get eSATA expansion enabled, will I still be able to record my DVR recordings to PC using firewire (capDVHS)?

- Any lists of eSATA drives compatible with the DCT64xx?

So far no update.
If the last firmware update was any indication all the DCH DVRs will run on the same firmware and all the DCT DVRs will run on it's own set of firmware, it's not likely they'll put on feature on one and not the other (As the 6416 and the 3416 are on both formats and the 6412 uses the same base firmware as the 6416)

eSATA should not affect Firewire. Phase is generally hardware - the latest and greatest for 64xx series would be the DCH 6416 (I don't think they've had to do a phase II of this one yet) Firmware wise, that depends on VOD vendor and Tv Guide version

As I have not heard of any system offering eSata I wouldn't know of any resources for "prefered" drives.

Great information so far....I run my 3416 through my receiver with hdmi. When I go into fast forward, or come out of fast fast forward in a recording, I hear a popping noise from the surround sound speakers. A second issue is that sometimes when it comes out of fast forward, the center channel (or possibly all three front channels) are at a lower level.

Any ideas of what might be causing this? Any settings on the DVR or even the AVR that I should be looking at?

Thanks

My DCT6412 doesn't have a SATA port, so I guess Cox Kansas has not rolled out the latest version yet. I see no point in pushing for an upgrade until SATA expansion is enabled. I've been happy with everything I've got except for the s..l..o..w menus and puny capacity.

Great information so far....I run my 3416 through my receiver with hdmi. When I go into fast forward, or come out of fast fast forward in a recording, I hear a popping noise from the surround sound speakers. A second issue is that sometimes when it comes out of fast forward, the center channel (or possibly all three front channels) are at a lower level.

Any ideas of what might be causing this? Any settings on the DVR or even the AVR that I should be looking at?

Thanks

That may well be something with how the audio is being processed, I know I've had alot of audio pops like that using my old KLH receiver on optical here in the office, but I don't have that problem with my newer pioneer receiver on the same box - then again it could be the audio settings - try changing your compression rate and see if your receiver finds it easier to handle a different compression level

...and Moxi has become rare enough that most people have to ask for it
First, thanks for sharing so much knowledge and help here, James. It's appreciated.

Regardig Moxi, I probably have missed seeing the info somewhere, but what is the future of Moxi and Charter? I'm in Southern IL about 60 miles east of St. Louis, and I've had my Moxi box for over two years now. After that software update some time ago, I like it! I don't want to lose it.

On another topic, is there any news on being able to schedule recordings remotely via the Web?

First, thanks for sharing so much knowledge and help here, James. It's appreciated.

Regardig Moxi, I probably have missed seeing the info somewhere, but what is the future of Moxi and Charter? I'm in Southern IL about 60 miles east of St. Louis, and I've had my Moxi box for over two years now. After that software update some time ago, I like it! I don't want to lose it.

On another topic, is there any news on being able to schedule recordings remotely via the Web?

Reguarding Moxi, while I have no official news, it's my option having worked for Charter for many years and seeing our past relationships with other member's of "Paul Allen's Wired World" that if and when Moxi launches a new MSO box, we'll probably be most likely to carry it... simply because when Mr. Allen tells Charter "Hey, this is a good box" they don't want to give him excuses on why we don't agree, after all we are His company too...

Reguardless of if I'm right or wrong, with the new OCAP mandates, Digeo's free to create any box they want and as support gets better and better on multistream two way cards and we start to get Java applications to allow for features like VOD (and SDV) on cableCARD equipment it will be a matter of taste. Personally I hope cableboxs are someday like phone equipment, sure you can buy a telephone from AT&T or Sprint... but you can also run down to Walmart and buy one that suits your wants, tastes and hopefully your budget.

For Charter customers, if you have a Moxi box and you have a Cable Modem (on the same account) you should be able to log into the www.charter.net portal with your email and hit the TV option - make sure to select digital for all channels availible.

If you don't have a Charter email and either don't have internet with us or have commercial internet services, all hope isn't lost - they are working on a solution sometime early 2008

For Charter customers, if you have a Moxi box and you have a Cable Modem (on the same account) you should be able to log into the charter.net portal with your email and hit the TV option - make sure to select digital for all channels availible.

If you don't have a Charter email and either don't have internet with us or have commercial internet services, all hope isn't lost - they are working on a solution sometime early 2008

I have Charter cable, internet, and phone service. Did you mean I should be able to schedule recordings through the portal? I don't see any way to do it, but I could be missing it somewhere. When you say "select digital" do you mean under "Select Your Service" in Settings?

I have Charter cable, internet, and phone service. Did you mean I should be able to schedule recordings through the portal? I don't see any way to do it, but I could be missing it somewhere. When you say "select digital" do you mean under "Select Your Service" in Settings?

Yep - for example when I log in it shows Charter Communications - Lenoir but if I hit the drop down box I get same thing with a - Digital on the end - that should give you access to all your channels.

Yep - for example when I log in it shows Charter Communications - Lenoir but if I hit the drop down box I get same thing with a - Digital on the end - that should give you access to all your channels.

I see all the channels, but I don't see any option to schedule a recording on the TV listings screen. Where is that supposed to be?

Great information so far....I run my 3416 through my receiver with hdmi. When I go into fast forward, or come out of fast fast forward in a recording, I hear a popping noise from the surround sound speakers. I sometimes notice that with my TiVo Series 3 running through my Samsung receiver via TOSLINK.

If it's not allowing a change I'd say there's either an issue in the hardware or an issue in the firmware, I'll PM you with a trick to force a wipe and reload of the box.
I have those instructions already, but thanks anyway. I know there is a 're-initialization', which I've done for a relative twice, and there is the 're-format/re-init.', which I've never done. We don't want to erase the DVR, too many shows to be watched. IIRC, the re-init. didn't erase any shows nor erase the 'Series Recs.' list, is that correct? If so, we could do that.

I see all the channels, but I don't see any option to schedule a recording on the TV listings screen. Where is that supposed to be?

If your logged in with an email that's on the same account as a moxi box you should have some option to associate a moxi box with it - someone else here who's done it might have to show a screen capture of the option - unfortunately my test moxi doesn't have an email associated with it and I don't use one @ home.

I may have to see if I can create a test login

****EDIT****
I just noticed which thread I'm on (I do both Moxi and DCT DVR threads as well as the thread for Charter - Charlotte NC market) The web scheduling is currently only availible for Moxi (BMC90xx) DVRs - the Motorola DCT/DCH series should become availible sometime 2008 (I'm told early 2008, however I know how often things like this can get delayed)

I have those instructions already, but thanks anyway. I know there is a 're-initialization', which I've done for a relative twice, and there is the 're-format/re-init.', which I've never done. We don't want to erase the DVR, too many shows to be watched. IIRC, the re-init. didn't erase any shows nor erase the 'Series Recs.' list, is that correct? If so, we could do that.

The Init will not erase the DVR - the only ways of erasing the DVR is either entering in the sequence with the remote OR as I've found with the DCH series (Cable Host) if you re-validate the cablecard you can wipe the DVR...

That may well be something with how the audio is being processed, I know I've had alot of audio pops like that using my old KLH receiver on optical here in the office, but I don't have that problem with my newer pioneer receiver on the same box - then again it could be the audio settings - try changing your compression rate and see if your receiver finds it easier to handle a different compression level

How do I change the compression level? I have seen settings under audio for auto, LPCM and passthrough I think.
Thanks again!

How do I change the compression level? I have seen settings under audio for auto, LPCM and passthrough I think.
Thanks again!

It's in the Main Menu inside the guide
Setup - Audio Setup

Default Audio Track
Optimal Stereo
Audio Output

Using Optical I generally set Audio Output to "Advanced" once you have it on there you'll have two more options

Compression
Stereo Output

From there you can set up your compression rate (None, Light, Heavy) and output (Mono, Stereo, Matrix)

I just noticed which thread I'm on (I do both Moxi and DCT DVR threads as well as the thread for Charter - Charlotte NC market) The web scheduling is currently only availible for Moxi (BMC90xx) DVRs - the Motorola DCT/DCH series should become availible sometime 2008 (I'm told early 2008, however I know how often things like this can get delayed)

Sorry, yes I do have Moxi, so I moved to talking about it in that thread.

It's in the Main Menu inside the guide
Setup - Audio Setup

Default Audio Track
Optimal Stereo
Audio Output

Using Optical I generally set Audio Output to "Advanced" once you have it on there you'll have two more options

Compression
Stereo Output

From there you can set up your compression rate (None, Light, Heavy) and output (Mono, Stereo, Matrix)


...and if you are using HDMI - same settings?
Thx.

...and if you are using HDMI - same settings?
Thx.

It may help - I recommend playing with these settings any time your using something other than just the RF out - but particularly if your using a home theater

Hiyya Doc,
that sounds rather unusual - I'm assuming you're talking about the TV window that appears when activating the guide

I know the guide tends to float on HDs and not cover the entire screen because the guide is Overlayed in 420 - this causes one of three behavoirs

1) if the TV cannot support an overlay in a seperate resolution you get no guide / guide bars only on HD channels this is the reason why - you can get it back, but only if you set the box to 420

2) If the TV does support the overlay, any channel that's not in 420 will float the 420 in the middle (much like the SD commercials on HD channels)

3) and of course the final one - if the box is set to 420, everything looks "normal" however depending on settings it's either cropped 4:3 (and stretched by the TV) or it's Letterbox 4:3 (and possibly manipulated by the TV)

If you're seeing only the corner of the picture instead of the compressed picture the first thing I'm thinking of is something wonky in the box - if a powercycle doesn't fix the problem you can try something more drastic, however I don't like to give that technique in the open as it can be abused to get around PIN codes etc.

PM me for that trick (given our earlier converstations it wouldn't suprise me if you've already power cycled it) - I'm thinking either something went bad in the firmware or there's some sort of hardware problem preventing the compressed picture.

I had the problem where the video wasn't squeezed in the upper corner and just overlayed over video, I recently just got a new HD tv, as I was on an analog CRT prior, and after a while, without doing anything that I noticed, the video is now squeezed in the upper corner when using Guide. I'm not sure what happened! I do now have it set to 1080i and I think 480p for the 3416 menu settings.

Now if only the guide could do widescreen and give another hour of PG info in the screen. :) (not to mention allowing an external HD!)

James,

Is there a way to program a shortcut to our favorites list with the remote for a 6416 so that we only have to push one button to bring up the favorites list? Here in Smyrna, GA, the PPV channels appear in the menu immediately after the HD channels, so when I am scrolling through the menu to see what's on in HD, I often wind up with PPV porn titles on the screen in front of my small kids. I called customer service and they said there is no way to eliminate the PPV channels from the menu. They suggested programming a favorites list with all of the other channels selected, but it takes an annoyingly large number of clicks to get to the favorites list -- menu, menu again, scroll to the heart and select, then select the favorites 1 list.

By the way, I wish Charter would move the racy PPV channels down a few notches so that they would appear on the menu screen only if you scrolled down farther to look for them on purpose.

James,

Is there a way to program a shortcut to our favorites list with the remote for a 6416 so that we only have to push one button to bring up the favorites list? Here in Smyrna, GA, the PPV channels appear in the menu immediately after the HD channels, so when I am scrolling through the menu to see what's on in HD, I often wind up with PPV porn titles on the screen in front of my small kids. I called customer service and they said there is no way to eliminate the PPV channels from the menu. They suggested programming a favorites list with all of the other channels selected, but it takes an annoyingly large number of clicks to get to the favorites list -- menu, menu again, scroll to the heart and select, then select the favorites 1 list.

By the way, I wish Charter would move the racy PPV channels down a few notches so that they would appear on the menu screen only if you scrolled down farther to look for them on purpose.

Once you have a favorites list you should be able to jump between the channels by hitting FAV - unfortunately this key isn't on the newer remotes. -so while it's an option it's a little useless unless you have a remote with the button or a more advanced remote than what we give with the boxes.

HOWEVER - if you go into the main menu and hit Parental Control - under the options to lock out specific TV and Program ratings, the bottom option allows you to set Adult titles to Show (default) or Hide - This should Replace any Adult Titles with "Adult Programming" as well as blank out their description.

As long as I'm on the topic:

PIN setup for all I-guide based boxes:

1) Set up a Purchase PIN
Menu, Menu (Main Menu), Setup, PINS Setup, Enter New Purchase PIN
I recommend using something non-identifying (you'd be amazed how many kids will try birthdays and last 4 SSNs to get past a purchase pin) and if you write it down, don't put it where anyone else can get to it or stumble upon it.

The Purchase PIN will come up whenever someone attempts to order any title (VOD or Pay Per View) that would incur a charge on your bill.

2) Set up a Ratings PIN and lock ratings you want to keep out
Menu, Menu (Main Menu), Parental Control
Again, same rules as before and this PIN should be DIFFERENT than your purchase PIN, this way if they do figure one out, they still can't buy anything without the other code.

When you lock down programming you can choose Movie Ratings and TV Ratings - I recommend locking both Adult and the TV-MA ratings - alot of adult content on VOD is rated as a program, not a movie, as such it carries the TV-MA rating. You can also choose to lock out entire Channels as well (I know alot of parents like to lock out MTV or other channels with content they do not want their kids viewing.) you can also opt to hide Adult content titles and descriptions - Which is one guide feature I have not seen on the Moxi guide - just the TV Guide based boxes.

3) TEST

Locked content should have a Padlock appearing on the grid listing and it should not allow the content to be pulled up for a description without entering the Parental Control lock. Once that's pulled up, if an order is made it should not allow order verification without first putting the Purchase Pin in

Run through your codes and try them out - you should be able to click on a locked program and it will request the Parental Control PIN when the channel comes up. You should be able to click on a title that has a dollar value and it should request the Purchase Pin before you can order it.

If you order a locked title in advance (Pay-Per-View) you only need to know the Purchase Pin at the time of order, however it won't let the box tune to it once it comes up without the Parental Control PIN. If you can't tune to it - it won't allow the order to fully go through.

PINS can be cleared if the box is Initialized, which wipes the box and reloads it, however it won't clear from a power outage (intentional or otherwise) - Check your PINS regularly just to make sure they haven't been cleared. -

One way to know if the box has been cleared is to change the Guide Color - if you notice the color change back to the default, chances are your PINS have been set back to default (none) as well.

When there is no guide data or the program is unrated the box will assume it should be blocked (this way they can't get around the restriction by power-cycling the box) - you can change this under the Parental Controls setup or if you are going to be watching TV for a while you can use the Master Lock option to unlock the box temporarly.

PINs keep you in control of who watches what! - Just remember each box keeps it's setup locally, so take the time to lock all the boxes you want to prevent unauthorized access to!

********************************************************

Each account has a PPV Credit limit. If you want to to be completely sure there are never any suprises, have it dropped to a level within your budget (I keep mine at $10 should we want to order a move once in a while, but low enough to keep a major spending spree from happening) -

VOD checks the credit limit immediately - so if you have a credit limit of $10 and attempt to order a $13.99 adult title, it will kick it out.

Pay-Per-View only checks once a day, so it will keep allowing orders (up to 10 titles) until it checks the limit and sees you've exceeded it. So with PPV, as long as the credit limit has not been exceeded you can order anything (even over the limit) until it does it's daily check.

Hello,

I have a DCH3416 DVR and it is hooked to my 32" Philips LCD with HDMI. I leave the DVR on all the time. Sometimes when I turn on the TV I get a flash of the picture then nothing but a green screen. The same TV works fine with the component cables. Usually to fix this I have to unplug the DVR and turn off the TV for a while then turn everything back on. Any ideas why this is happening?

Thanks,

It may help - I recommend playing with these settings any time your using something other than just the RF out - but particularly if your using a home theater

Hi,

Question for you....I have a DCT3416 HD DVR and connected it via HDMI to my new LG 47LBX however, the audio cuts out sometimes when changing the channels. I have to move the channel up or down a couple of times then back to the channel I want to watch to get the sound back in sync with the TV but there isnt a problem if I have the audio going out to my receiver via optical out instead of just via the HDMI. I tried several HDMI cables and had the same result.

I connected it to another TV, a 30" Sony CRT with the HDMI and did not have a problem. I did not have it connected for very long but I changed the channels up and down a bunch of times and the audio never cut out. Do you think its the TV that needs an update or is it the box that's at fault, maybe a new TV and old firmware on the box? Any suggestions/comments by anyone appreciated.
I have it connected right now with a HD DVR with the DVI output and the audio out of the cable box using rca cables connected to the TV and no problems so it's definetly something with the HDMI.

Hi,

Question for you....I have a DCT3416 HD DVR and connected it via HDMI to my new LG 47LBX however, the audio cuts out sometimes when changing the channels. I have to move the channel up or down a couple of times then back to the channel I want to watch to get the sound back in sync with the TV but there isnt a problem if I have the audio going out to my receiver via optical out instead of just via the HDMI. I tried several HDMI cables and had the same result.

I connected it to another TV, a 30" Sony CRT with the HDMI and did not have a problem. I did not have it connected for very long but I changed the channels up and down a bunch of times and the audio never cut out. Do you think its the TV that needs an update or is it the box that's at fault, maybe a new TV and old firmware on the box? Any suggestions/comments by anyone appreciated.
I have it connected right now with a HD DVR with the DVI output and the audio out of the cable box using rca cables connected to the TV and no problems so it's definetly something with the HDMI.

I'd say it's more how the hardware is designed to handle the audio - the Sony might have done better on your settings VS the LG - I've also found that Receivers tend to have less pauses, faster audio processing than TVs.

Again, you could chalk it up to how the box and it's current firmware handles the audio or you can chalk it up to the processing on the other end of the equation, but generally you can usually use the box settings to find something that gives good sound with minimal pauses or drops in audio

Hello,

I have a DCH3416 DVR and it is hooked to my 32" Philips LCD with HDMI. I leave the DVR on all the time. Sometimes when I turn on the TV I get a flash of the picture then nothing but a green screen. The same TV works fine with the component cables. Usually to fix this I have to unplug the DVR and turn off the TV for a while then turn everything back on. Any ideas why this is happening?

Thanks,

I've had the "green screen" issue since day 1 with this box (it's a "black screen" via component). I've been working with Comcast to fix, but no luck thus far.

What fw version are you running?

I'm sure this has to have been addressed before, but I've searched and can't find it.

The Moto site says: DCH3416
All-Digital, Host High Defintion DVR set-top with standard definition capability and ability to access content from other set-tops over existing cable infrastructure using optional MoCA™ home- networking interface.

Is this sharing of content actually live? how can I find out if it's in my area (I have Comcast)

The box hardware does have these capabilities, but it's unlikely that Comcast has them activated.

Just got back from Walmart with a new One For All remote. Model #URC-4220 and it only cost about $9.00. After reading a couple of pages in the owners manual I realized that I didn't even have to program the remote for the Motorola cable box. It was already preset, and it actually had the replay and skip button. I put the batteries in and it worked like a charm. I programmed the skip button into my learning remote and now I am a happy camper. This would have been so easy if I would have known.

Thanks to all who helped me figure this out.

I hope this helps a few others out!!!

Hi, I am hoping someone can give me some suggestions on getting the 30 second skip to work on my DCH6416. I have a leased box through Midcontinent Communications in North Dakota. I couldn't find a URC-4220 so I picked up a URC-6131n today ($20 at BB) but all I can get to work is the skip back function. Actually on the remote I have to use a button that looks like a rewind symbol to get it to skip back ( l<< ). The actual skip back button on the remote doesn't do anything. I tried to "re-assign" a key with the 173 and 0173 codes but didn't have any luck. Any suggestions, or am I SOL and my cable company has it disabled in their boxes? Has anyone else ran into this problem, where nothing you tried would work?

I also bought one of the silver Comcast remotes with the 5 buttons on the bottom referenced in post 95 off Ebay yesterday and am still hoping I can program in the 173 code into that one and get it to work when it arrives. I had the 30 second skip forward in my Dishnetwork DVRs and sure miss it.

Thanks.....Barry

EDIT: I just noticed when I hit the button to skip back 30 sec. I see an icon flash brightly on the receiver panel but when I push the opposite button that I would assume would be my skip forward I see the same flash on the rec. panel but it's not very bright. I'm thinking this is probably not a good sign?

Hi, I am hoping someone can give me some suggestions on getting the 30 second skip to work on my DCH6416. I have a leased box through Midcontinent Communications in North Dakota. I couldn't find a URC-4220 so I picked up a URC-6131n today ($20 at BB) but all I can get to work is the skip back function. Actually on the remote I have to use a button that looks like a rewind symbol to get it to skip back ( l<< ). The actual skip back button on the remote doesn't do anything. I tried to "re-assign" a key with the 173 and 0173 codes but didn't have any luck. Any suggestions, or am I SOL and my cable company has it disabled in their boxes? Has anyone else ran into this problem, where nothing you tried would work?

I also bought one of the silver Comcast remotes with the 5 buttons on the bottom referenced in post 95 off Ebay yesterday and am still hoping I can program in the 173 code into that one and get it to work when it arrives. I had the 30 second skip forward in my Dishnetwork DVRs and sure miss it.

Thanks.....Barry

EDIT: I just noticed when I hit the button to skip back 30 sec. I see an icon flash brightly on the receiver panel but when I push the opposite button that I would assume would be my skip forward I see the same flash on the rec. panel but it's not very bright. I'm thinking this is probably not a good sign?


The flash is usually an indication that a command was received, the dimmer light could be an indication that it received a command, but not one it knew what to do with... mind you this is *completely* speculation at this point.

If the remote is a ONA (One for All) type remote you should be able to use the instructions earlier posted (also on wikipedia) and be able to set custom commands as needed. I generally set page up for skip forward and page down for instant replay (which does not affect the page up and down functions for guide usage)

I've been running a DCT 6412 Phase I/II on RCN with Passport Echo guide for a few years now with no problems whatsoever, but it started acting strange last night. The first thing I noticed was that after hitting the DVR button, it took probably 10 seconds for the DVR menu to pop up. When attempting to watch a recorded program, the screen would become pixellated and then freeze up entirely, taking 10-20 seconds to respond to the remote. This happens on every recorded program I try to watch now. And when channel surfing, the screen often freezes up for a few seconds when switching between channels, and this is totally different than the normal delays with this box. I've tried rebooting the box, but it doesn't seem to help at all.

While I have no idea what's really wrong with it, if I had to guess, I'd say that the hard drive is either corrupted or is failing. Has anyone experienced this before? Is it something that can be fixed, or should I just try to get a new box?

The flash is usually an indication that a command was received, the dimmer light could be an indication that it received a command, but not one it knew what to do with... mind you this is *completely* speculation at this point.

If the remote is a ONA (One for All) type remote you should be able to use the instructions earlier posted (also on wikipedia) and be able to set custom commands as needed. I generally set page up for skip forward and page down for instant replay (which does not affect the page up and down functions for guide usage)

Thanks James. Yes, it's a One For All so I was hoping it would work out of the box like others here have reported but so far no luck. I did try the codes from Wikipedia but no luck with that either. When I get the Comcast remote I'll try the codes with that one and see if I can get it to work. If that works I'll probably get something like a URC RF20 and their PowerBlaster so I can control the receiver in the living room on the bedroom tv as well.

Thanks again, and I'll report back if I do get it to work.

Barry

I've been running a DCT 6412 Phase I/II on RCN with Passport Echo guide for a few years now with no problems whatsoever, but it started acting strange last night. The first thing I noticed was that after hitting the DVR button, it took probably 10 seconds for the DVR menu to pop up. When attempting to watch a recorded program, the screen would become pixellated and then freeze up entirely, taking 10-20 seconds to respond to the remote. This happens on every recorded program I try to watch now. And when channel surfing, the screen often freezes up for a few seconds when switching between channels, and this is totally different than the normal delays with this box. I've tried rebooting the box, but it doesn't seem to help at all.

While I have no idea what's really wrong with it, if I had to guess, I'd say that the hard drive is either corrupted or is failing. Has anyone experienced this before? Is it something that can be fixed, or should I just try to get a new box?

If a powercycle didn't help it sounds like something's either failing or about to fail on that box, I'd call in and request a box replacement

I'm sure this has to have been addressed before, but I've searched and can't find it.

The Moto site says: DCH3416
All-Digital, Host High Defintion DVR set-top with standard definition capability and ability to access content from other set-tops over existing cable infrastructure using optional MoCA™ home- networking interface.

Is this sharing of content actually live? how can I find out if it's in my area (I have Comcast)

It's not written into the firmware yet - ideally once the system is in place it will work on the "firewire over coax" principle - the ideas is all your equipment that's attached to the cable line would be registered to the same account number and that it would see this and talk together.

For the DCT/DCH series DVR you'd need to use the newer DCH 100/200 (SD) or DCH 5200 (HD) to be able to receive content from the DVR

Yes, that means there will be content sharing, but as I understand it, it won't allow the content to be replayed on anything other than another DVR or MoCA enabled box in the home.

Another perk of MoCA is it's supposed to also have WiFi accessories - the idea would be a MoCA cable modem / WiFi router might connect to other devices that would serve as antenna / repeaters to expand the range of your wireless network.

This is a question for Charter James:
I was a long time Moxi user, went thru a few units too over the years and the last time I was told the unit "failed" my local charter brought me a DCH 6416, after a few weeks of still having the same issues I called in for originally, they finally fixed the original problem which was not the Moxi.....But, now that I am stuck with the DCH6416, will there ever be the capability to plug in an additional hard drive? I have a 500 gig HD I had just added to the Moxi before they took it away that worked great, now it is rendered useless...And, I was told the Moxis were being phased out, can you comment on both of these items? I would love to get the Moxi back...FWIW

This is a question for Charter James:
I was a long time Moxi user, went thru a few units too over the years and the last time I was told the unit "failed" my local charter brought me a DCH 6416, after a few weeks of still having the same issues I called in for originally, they finally fixed the original problem which was not the Moxi.....But, now that I am stuck with the DCH6416, will there ever be the capability to plug in an additional hard drive? I have a 500 gig HD I had just added to the Moxi before they took it away that worked great, now it is rendered useless...And, I was told the Moxis were being phased out, can you comment on both of these items? I would love to get the Moxi back...FWIW

On the HD issue - this is something I know we are persuing - largely because it does suck that we've got one (limited quantity) DVR which supports external expansion and one that doesn't - it's my understanding that moto is inclined to go with eSATA over USB, but honestly at this point I have no particular news on when it will become a reality.

On Moxi - Generally the Moxi as you know it is being phased out largely because of the fact we cannot get any more in - the new FCC 7/07 compliant MSO boxes have not been released (so far as I know) and (as I was told) there was not enough supply of the Moxi coming out to meet with demand (as with tuners and moxi hardware, Motorola is more to blame in my opinion than Digeo)

That being said, Digeo is a "Wired World Company" - that's a clever way of saying "Paul Allen's calling most the shots" - Charter is ALSO part of Mr. Allen's digital empire... As such I fully expect (and look forward to) the new moxi boxes being used by Charter... as I just don't see the rest of the board of directors saying "No Paul, we aren't going to use your DVR company anymore"

Alot of techs and tech ops people don't particularly care of the moxi, largely because it seems to be the pickiest modem paired with the pickiest receiver - but most of them will admit the Digeo Interface is heck of alot better. Once you get it in that sweet spot for signal it's usually good to go. 'Course I quit using one because it looked like sh!t on the analogs when I upgraded to a HD LCD. again, more Motorola's fault than Digeo... the used the same low-grade tuners they used in their earlier HD boxes.

Simultaneous output question: if the 6416 is connected to the TV with Y,G,B cables, can the S-video output be used to output the same program to another device, or does connecting the component cable automaticaly disable the S-video output?

Both outputs are alive together.

Simultaneous output question: if the 6416 is connected to the TV with Y,G,B cables, can the S-video output be used to output the same program to another device, or does connecting the component cable automaticaly disable the S-video output?

Bobby is correct on that - unlike the Moxi - all the inputs can be used at one time, even if your in HD resolution and using S-Video - though you may lose guide overlays on HD channels

I've been running a DCT 6412 Phase I/II on RCN with Passport Echo guide for a few years now with no problems whatsoever, but it started acting strange last night. The first thing I noticed was that after hitting the DVR button, it took probably 10 seconds for the DVR menu to pop up. When attempting to watch a recorded program, the screen would become pixellated and then freeze up entirely, taking 10-20 seconds to respond to the remote. This happens on every recorded program I try to watch now. And when channel surfing, the screen often freezes up for a few seconds when switching between channels, and this is totally different than the normal delays with this box. I've tried rebooting the box, but it doesn't seem to help at all.

While I have no idea what's really wrong with it, if I had to guess, I'd say that the hard drive is either corrupted or is failing. Has anyone experienced this before? Is it something that can be fixed, or should I just try to get a new box?

Well, your my first instance I've heard of a 6416 running on Passport, usually Passport is used with SA boxes - though with the nature of DCH / Host boxes I suspect this will become more and more common -

The behavoir your describing sounds like some sort of corruption on the boxe's firmware - if rebooting didn't help you might want to try having your local MSO cold init the box - that should wipe all firmware and reload everything

Hi, I am hoping someone can give me some suggestions on getting the 30 second skip to work on my DCH6416. I have a leased box through Midcontinent Communications in North Dakota. I couldn't find a URC-4220 so I picked up a URC-6131n today ($20 at BB) but all I can get to work is the skip back function. Actually on the remote I have to use a button that looks like a rewind symbol to get it to skip back ( l<< ). The actual skip back button on the remote doesn't do anything. I tried to "re-assign" a key with the 173 and 0173 codes but didn't have any luck. Any suggestions, or am I SOL and my cable company has it disabled in their boxes? Has anyone else ran into this problem, where nothing you tried would work?

I also bought one of the silver Comcast remotes with the 5 buttons on the bottom referenced in post 95 off Ebay yesterday and am still hoping I can program in the 173 code into that one and get it to work when it arrives. I had the 30 second skip forward in my Dishnetwork DVRs and sure miss it.

Thanks.....Barry

EDIT: I just noticed when I hit the button to skip back 30 sec. I see an icon flash brightly on the receiver panel but when I push the opposite button that I would assume would be my skip forward I see the same flash on the rec. panel but it's not very bright. I'm thinking this is probably not a good sign?

SUCCESS!!! :D I received the silver Comcast remote today and it works! Finally I have my 30 second skip back. At first I thought it wasn't going to work until I realized I was typing in 0173 rather than 00173. Sure glad I kept trying it a few times till I realized my error.

Thanks to James and everyone who posts here.

Barry

I haven't read every response, so I apologize if this has already been suggested, but I went to ebay and bought the Comcast remote (for under $10) for the Moto and used the setup button to program the 30 sec skip. I use this remote exclusively even though I have Charter. Works great and I actually prefer this remote to the larger one the Moto came with. Hope this helps those of you Charter users frustrated with the lack of a 30 sec skip on your remote. Works perfect!

Thanks for all the great information in this thread. I have just received a 6416, I'm with CableOne, Mississippi Gulf Coast region. My question is this; can any of the ports on the 6416 - usb, sata, firewire, etc. - be used to either add additional hard drive storage or to connect to a PC or home network? Reading through the thread, it appears that they cannot, but at least one mention of the firewire port suggested that it can be used in some way.

Thanks,
Mark

Thanks for all the great information in this thread. I have just received a 6416, I'm with CableOne, Mississippi Gulf Coast region. My question is this; can any of the ports on the 6416 - usb, sata, firewire, etc. - be used to either add additional hard drive storage or to connect to a PC or home network? Reading through the thread, it appears that they cannot, but at least one mention of the firewire port suggested that it can be used in some way.

Thanks,
Mark

So far no external - Firewire can be used for Digital Video (but with no guide overlay) USBs are powered, but they aren't actively configured to run any devices (good for powering fans, lights etc)

So far no external - Firewire can be used for Digital Video (but with no guide overlay) USBs are powered, but they aren't actively configured to run any devices (good for powering fans, lights etc)Could you explain what you mean by "firewire can be used for digital video"?

Thanks,
Mark

Could you explain what you mean by "firewire can be used for digital video"?If you have a D-VHS VCR, you can copy digital/HD content from the DVR to the VCR via firewire.

It is pure and bitwise identical to the original content that was recorded on the DVR... but does not contain any DVR-produced graphics or onscreen Guide info, etc. Just the pure content.

All content available recordable on your DVR, be it OTA-HD or cable-HD or premium-HD, can be copied to D-VHS tape this way. You won't be able to make a second generation copy of that D-VHS tape recording (to a second D-VHS tape) if the content specifies "copy once" as it will with premium-HD programming.

You will NOT be able to make a D-VHS copy of "copy never" content, such as pay-per-view. But then you can't even record pay-per-view to your DVR.

So you can make at least one generation of D-VHS copy of EVERY program you can record to your DVR. And of course, as long as you don't delete the original DVR recording you can really make an infinite number of those first generation copies from DVR to D-VHS tape.

All via firewire.

Thanks for the explanation.

Well, your my first instance I've heard of a 6416 running on Passport, usually Passport is used with SA boxes - though with the nature of DCH / Host boxes I suspect this will become more and more common -

The behavoir your describing sounds like some sort of corruption on the boxe's firmware - if rebooting didn't help you might want to try having your local MSO cold init the box - that should wipe all firmware and reload everything

RCN replaced the iGuide with Passport Echo about a year ago. There were some serious issues in the first few months with VOD not functioning properly, and frequent audio dropouts, but a firmware upgrade or two has stabilized things. It's a night and day improvement over iGuide. I know that Comcast is still running iGuide, but I think I've heard of at least one other large operator that has rolled out Passport (TW, maybe?)

I've called in to have the box replaced. The problem has worsened, and if I put my ear up to the box when it's in the middle of pixellating and freezing up, I hear the familiar click-click-click sound of a hard drive that is failing. I'm not sure if it worked this way with iGuide, but with the Passport Echo software, the hard drive seems to record constantly, even when the box is switched "off." That's a lot of wear and tear on a hard drive that has been in service for 2-3 years.

Plus, this box is so old that it has a DVI port instead of HDMI, and it's inactive, at that. It will be nice to see if HDMI provides a clearer picture than component on my 42" Panasonic.

I previously have had five 6412's that had to be returned due to occasional freezing and video breakup during movies(all I watch). These are all SD, not HD. All of the DVR's developed problems after being used for awhile(deletions and new recordings). This last time(several months ago) they gave me a DCH 3416 and it has been far better but it is showing the same symptoms and appears like it's getting worse. Several techs have checked the lines(at my cost!) but only for signal level, not SNR. The lines were OK supposedly and they probably are since I tried a TIVO HD with cable cards for almost a month with no problems and signals levels were showing as in the 90's on it. I did run new RG6 cable to see if it would help- it didn't. Any ideas on what the issue might be or if this is common for the Motorola DVR's? Frankly I didn't care for the TIVO HD(too slow and disruptive when trying to simply manually set up recordings) but I sure get tired of watching over an hour or two of a movie and have to delete it before it ends due to the problems. Thanks.

Craig

I recently changed from a MOXI to a 3416 and I am having trouble with something the MOXI handled perfectly. I am trying to do a series record with a show whose initial airing has a conflict with two other series that air at the same time. The new series has multiple airings throughout the week, is there a way to set up a series recording so that the show is recorded at a time when there is no conflict?

Thanks in advance.

Just be sure that the program that has the multiple airings throughout the week is the lowest priority of the three. From there: It may not look like it, but it will work. What happens is that this third program will show up as a conflict in the guide, i.e., with a red circle with a slash through it, instead of as a red dot, like the other two programs. Then, once the time-slot during which the conflict existed passes, the 3416 will find the subsequent airings of the third program, and schedule the next one.

I have a question which will probably show my ignorance.
I have a sony dvr that has a 500g hard drive that is failing. Most dvr's do not have that much space some less than half. I will need to replace it. From reading here it appears that the advertised external hd capability of the dct3400 is not yet available. correct?
However I do want many of the features that this dvr has.
Is it possible to buy these units or must I get them through my cable provider.
If they do not offer it what options do I have.

It is currently saturday evening 5:00pm and the company's offices are closed.

thanks for the help.

My brother just got Charter HD Cable in Oconomowoc, WI with the DCH3416 box. We found some problem cabling in his home so I am wondering if it is normal for the 3416 to take a long time (over an hour) to update its channel guide after being powered off. This is very irritating.

Also, is the eSATA port usable yet?

Dan (TWC Milw, WI; SA8300HD/Passport)

It takes about three days for the program guide in my DCT-3416 to fully repopulate here.

None of the MSOs enable eSATA at this time, I believe.

My brother's DCH3416 on Charter search function does not work well. For example, I searched for NFL games and it only listed the SD Green Bay Packer game, not the HD broadcast and no other games for Sunday. Why is this?

TIA,
Danno

It takes about three days for the program guide in my DCT-3416 to fully repopulate here.

None of the MSOs enable eSATA at this time, I believe.

3 days! OMG! That is ridiculous.

Not really. The next few hours typically fills in within an hour or so, and the rest of the day's programming gets broadcast every few hours. Then two weeks worth of programming gets broadcast once every day or two, and sometimes it doesn't fill in completely the first time. So about three days.

You could get a TiVo. With TiVo, you control when you get program guide information, and can therefore get it on-demand. However, note that my TiVo typically only has two weeks worth of data, while I sometimes get up to as much as three weeks on my 3416.

I recently changed from a MOXI to a 3416 and I am having trouble with something the MOXI handled perfectly. I am trying to do a series record with a show whose initial airing has a conflict with two other series that air at the same time. The new series has multiple airings throughout the week, is there a way to set up a series recording so that the show is recorded at a time when there is no conflict?

Thanks in advance.

Not so much the 34/64 series as much as the I-guide software - there's bugs in A24 (the predominant version out there) that tends to have issues with duplicates on multiple channels - generally if a series appears and your priorities are set up well on the box you should get them without conflict when a repeat is aired - however you can often get around that by telling it to record on all channels and allow repeats - you'll probably get way too many copies- but you should miss anything - once A25 is out and common this shouldn't be an issue

I have a question which will probably show my ignorance.
I have a sony dvr that has a 500g hard drive that is failing. Most dvr's do not have that much space some less than half. I will need to replace it. From reading here it appears that the advertised external hd capability of the dct3400 is not yet available. correct?
However I do want many of the features that this dvr has.
Is it possible to buy these units or must I get them through my cable provider.
If they do not offer it what options do I have.

It is currently saturday evening 5:00pm and the company's offices are closed.

thanks for the help.


Generally a cablebox - DVR combo will only come from a cable company, unless you've got a TIVO SII / TIVO HD there's also the eventually to be released Cablecard based Moxi box

My brother just got Charter HD Cable in Oconomowoc, WI with the DCH3416 box. We found some problem cabling in his home so I am wondering if it is normal for the 3416 to take a long time (over an hour) to update its channel guide after being powered off. This is very irritating.

Also, is the eSATA port usable yet?

Dan (TWC Milw, WI; SA8300HD/Passport)


basic guide data (channel information, VOD, icons) should be loaded in 10 to 15 minutes - guide data for the first 6 hours within about 20... after that the rest fills in depending on how well the cacheing servers pick up and how detailed the schedule is (more small programs on a channel fill in slower than channels that are mostly movies etc) Generally two to three hours should give you 5 to 6 days or more of data, but it can take a little longer for the longer stuff...

My bro has the 6416 that I posted about a few days ago (Charter). Thanks for the replies. But now a strange issue. Sometimes when he presses the INFO button the pop up box will state "no information is available". But then if he presses GUIDE, the GUIDE will show the channel information. Does this indicate a bad box that should be exchanged?

TIA,
Danno

Boy did I hit a gold mine when I found this fourm. As you can tell by my screen name I have a DCT6414III with a Sony LCoS rear projection 16:9 HDTV. Had the STB for 8 days now. First two days were Moxis, but one would not get VOD nor the HD channels and the second one would not work at all.

So far I had contacted Motorola and Charter many times to get questions answered, but most were either not answered or kind of vague.

So far here my questions that have got answered are:

The unit does not do PIP, even though it is advertised as such

Channels cannot be skipped like in a Moxi, which I had two of and would not work correctly, so I got hooked up with the 6416 which is what I wanted anyway to get the HDMI connection. We allegedly have a long waiting list for this unit.

A 30 second skip can be programmed if I get the right remote.

Several other confirmations also, as I read every post on this thread before posting.

My first three questions are:

I deleted all the old recordings that were on the STB as received and it shows zero percent used. As soon as I record even just a 1/2 hour progrm it shows 49% used and a second 1/2 hour program will raise it to about 52%.
What is taking up that 49% of initial space or is something wrong? Was told to power cycle it by Tech Support, but I had done power cycle for other reasons and knew that it would not cure it, and it did not.

Secondly there has been talk on here about analog channels, digital channels and HD channels. I think I can tell an HD channel, but how do I tell if a non-HD channel is analog or digital coming to the box? Is that what it is in reference to (signal coming to the box)?

Thirdly, I locked out all channels to remove the adult show descriptions (so when my grandkids are flipping channels, we don't have to go through that). However if I get up into the higher channels by using the up or down channel buttons , I get locked in lock up land, in that I cannot hit return as the return channel is also locked out. I cannot enter a low channel number to get out, as it wants me to enter a pin number and treats it as one.

So the only way I have found to get out is to hold up or down the channel select button until I get to an unlocked chanel and then I can enter a desired channel number.

This is dumb, and would be prevented by channel skip like is available on the Moxi or my TV.

Is there a better way?



I have some more question, but will see how we do on these. Thanks in advance.

Can someone please explain the differences in the compression settings? What does it do?

I just don't understand why one would want any compression at all. :confused:

I currently have my compression set to "None" and everything seems fine.

Thanks!

It's in the Main Menu inside the guide
Setup - Audio Setup

Default Audio Track
Optimal Stereo
Audio Output

Using Optical I generally set Audio Output to "Advanced" once you have it on there you'll have two more options

Compression
Stereo Output

From there you can set up your compression rate (None, Light, Heavy) and output (Mono, Stereo, Matrix)

I've done some searching and can't find a clear answer. I have a 6412 III set through Insight, and have ordered my first HDTV - Samsung 5884 plasma (1080p native). Obviously, I'd like to maximize picture quality, therefore my question involves output settings. Being that there exists channels in both 1080i and 720p, is it better to set the STB to 1080i or 720p? I guess this asks if it's better to convert a 720p signal to 1080i by the STB or vice versa.

Question number 2: for SD override, should I set it to 'off' to allow the STB to convert to 1080i/720p, or set it to 480i and allow my Plasma to handle the conversion duties?

I'm sure this topic has been tackled before, but I couldn't locate it. Thank you for your help.

My bro has the 6416 that I posted about a few days ago (Charter). Thanks for the replies. But now a strange issue. Sometimes when he presses the INFO button the pop up box will state "no information is available". But then if he presses GUIDE, the GUIDE will show the channel information. Does this indicate a bad box that should be exchanged?

TIA,
Danno

Mine is the same way, once in a while the info will be there but usually it's not. If I bring up the mini guide across the bottom of the screen by pressing ok/select and then hit info then the program info will be there. That's a little quicker/easier than going into the full guide.

Without at least Light Compression, my wife is unable to hear the dialog on most channels.

My bro has the 6416 that I posted about a few days ago (Charter). Thanks for the replies. But now a strange issue. Sometimes when he presses the INFO button the pop up box will state "no information is available". But then if he presses GUIDE, the GUIDE will show the channel information. Does this indicate a bad box that should be exchanged?

TIA,
Danno

Here's what I would try in this order:

1) Possible guide data / firmware load issue
You can usually resolve this by powercycling the box

2) Possible Remote issue (bad commands being sent)
Clean the LCD on the front of the box and the IR panel on the remote - try again if that doesn't work try a different remote (most motorola DCT/DCH remotes should work on all moto boxes except the Moxi) You can also try the remote on the problem box on another box.

3) if the problem isn't resolve at that point, I'd lean towards a box issue.

I deleted all the old recordings that were on the STB as received and it shows zero percent used. As soon as I record even just a 1/2 hour progrm it shows 49% used and a second 1/2 hour program will raise it to about 52%.
What is taking up that 49% of initial space or is something wrong? Was told to power cycle it by Tech Support, but I had done power cycle for other reasons and knew that it would not cure it, and it did not.

That is very odd, generally when I've seen incorrect percentages it will report 100% is used - generally An hour of Analog is about 2%, Digital is 1% and HD is 4%.. Does this happen every time you record something on a "cleared" hard drive or just certain channels / shows?

Sounds like there might be a hardware issue with the drive in the box.

Secondly there has been talk on here about analog channels, digital channels and HD channels. I think I can tell an HD channel, but how do I tell if a non-HD channel is analog or digital coming to the box? Is that what it is in reference to (signal coming to the box)?

Generally Analog is all channels under 99 - though I know know based from my own market that channels between 80 and 99 are now Digital - Generally if you look at a channel lineup or listing (online or paper) these will be listed as Basic and Expanded Basic

Digital (Standard Definition) channels are usually 100 and up excluding HDs - these require a converter box or digital tuner. Most Digitals are in packages / tiers - the general exception are the Music Choice and any Digitals that are local re-transmissions (we have some Digital PBS networks here) - Those tend to be "Clear QAM" - unencrypted channels anyone with a digital tuner and pick up.

HD channels require some form of HD tuner - either an HD tv with a Digital Tuner (which will pick up local HDs in addition to the digitals and Music Choices) or a Box - Most markets will have the locals, a few HD Movie channels (Starz!, Showtime, HBO and Cinemax) as well as a variety of premium HDs in a tier.



Thirdly, I locked out all channels to remove the adult show descriptions (so when my grandkids are flipping channels, we don't have to go through that). However if I get up into the higher channels by using the up or down channel buttons , I get locked in lock up land, in that I cannot hit return as the return channel is also locked out. I cannot enter a low channel number to get out, as it wants me to enter a pin number and treats it as one.

So the only way I have found to get out is to hold up or down the channel select button until I get to an unlocked chanel and then I can enter a desired channel number.

Channel Surfing with locks is very difficult - generally on a non-moxi people are encouraged to use the Guide and surf the descriptions rather than using channel up - the advantage here is being able to use page up and page down to view programming on several channels at a time as well as being able to see what's comeing up (rather than catching the end of a favorite movie etc and waiting to see what's next)

The alternative would be to go into the guide menu and set up a Favorites list of the channels you prefer to hit (of which I'm guessing are not likely to have alot of locked content) By pressing the FAV key you'll jump from Favorite to Favorite skipping all the other channels.

When the Kids are not around or asleep you can bypass the locks temporarly by going into the locks setup and hitting the master lock - this will give you 4 to 6 hours of unlocked viewing (you can manually re-enable the master lock if say your going to bed during this window and you don't want to risk any of the kids waking up and trying the remote)

I've done some searching and can't find a clear answer. I have a 6412 III set through Insight, and have ordered my first HDTV - Samsung 5884 plasma (1080p native). Obviously, I'd like to maximize picture quality, therefore my question involves output settings. Being that there exists channels in both 1080i and 720p, is it better to set the STB to 1080i or 720p? I guess this asks if it's better to convert a 720p signal to 1080i by the STB or vice versa.

Question number 2: for SD override, should I set it to 'off' to allow the STB to convert to 1080i/720p, or set it to 480i and allow my Plasma to handle the conversion duties?

I'm sure this topic has been tackled before, but I couldn't locate it. Thank you for your help.

Ultimately this will depend on how your TV works with the box - for example I figured a Progressive picture would be sharper than an Interlaced, so I kept my box on 720p - However my wife complained that the HDs were fuzzy - 1080i resolved this - on a customer TV I noticed the opposite - His TV was fuzzy on 1080i, clear as a bell on 720p

I recommend trying out both and seeing which one looks sharper to you - to really "dial it in" try different settings on your TV (color depth, warmth etc) compare it with your friends and family and get an idea what looks sharper overall.

Can someone please explain the differences in the compression settings? What does it do?

I just don't understand why one would want any compression at all. :confused:

I currently have my compression set to "None" and everything seems fine.

Thanks!

Compression adjusts the Compression ratio for the Audio signal, the higher the compression, the more data can come across in less time, however the caveat here is not all audio processing equipment can handle the speed or depth of higher encryption rates -

In theory heavy compression should give you the most detailed and accurate (as far a speed and synchronization) sound - but if your system can't keep up it will pause, skip, be out of sync or have other glitches... as such you can turn down the compression rate and have less detail, but at a speed your system can handle. - Mind you not all of this detail is required - alot of it is the "matrix" processing which mimics dolby for non-dolby programming and adds - Which can be done by the receiver in even cheap home theaters - some receivers will even do a BETTER job without the box's interpretation of "matrix"

Compression adjusts the Compression ratio for the Audio signal, the higher the compression, the more data can come across in less time, however the caveat here is not all audio processing equipment can handle the speed or depth of higher encryption rates -

In theory heavy compression should give you the most detailed and accurate (as far a speed and synchronization) sound - but if your system can't keep up it will pause, skip, be out of sync or have other glitches... as such you can turn down the compression rate and have less detail, but at a speed your system can handle. - Mind you not all of this detail is required - alot of it is the "matrix" processing which mimics dolby for non-dolby programming and adds - Which can be done by the receiver in even cheap home theaters - some receivers will even do a BETTER job without the box's interpretation of "matrix"

I'm not sure that this is the meaning of compression in this context. This is a setting on the STB. I don't imagine that you can change the compression rate of the audio being sent from the provider simply by modifying a setting on the STB.

I have my TV connected to the L/R analog audio outputs on my STB and noticed that the sound got louder as i raised the compression from none to heavy. I'm guessing this is referring to dynamic range compression.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_level_compression

In other words, with compression set to none, soft things are low volume and loud things are high volume (i.e. there is contrast between soft and loud). With high compression, EVERYTHING is loud (i.e. less contrast between soft and loud).

I'm not sure that this is the meaning of compression in this context. This is a setting on the STB. I don't imagine that you can change the compression rate of the audio being sent from the provider simply by modifying a setting on the STB.

I have my TV connected to the L/R analog audio outputs on my STB and noticed that the sound got louder as i raised the compression from none to heavy. I'm guessing this is referring to dynamic range compression.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_level_compression

In other words, with compression set to none, soft things are low volume and loud things are high volume (i.e. there is contrast between soft and loud). With high compression, EVERYTHING is loud (i.e. less contrast between soft and loud).

Excellent reading - definitely makes sense - and that would also explain the issues that some equipment experiences at different levels. I'm definitely able to reproduce your results and I'm inclined to agree with your assertion that the guide application is more likely to be controlling the contrast level between soft and loud than it is the transfer rate and depth of information

I happily stand corrected :)

Thanks for the infromation, Thomase! :D

I posted a question about this in other theads but only got one response (and that was a while ago).

I'm seeing a strange problem with my Comcast 3416. The bottom few rows of pixels from the image are transplanted to the top of the image for HD signals. It is only a few lines, so therefore it is not noticeable unless you have TV in a 1:1 pixel mode (sometimes called native, full pixel, 0% overscan, etc.). This is NOT to be confused with the closed captioning data in SD broacasts. This also manifests as lines at the top of the image. It is DEFINETLY lines from the bottom of the image. It is especially easy to see when viewing a background that has a different solid color at the bottom compared to the top. For example, if you are viewing an HD picture that consists of the top half solid red and the bottom half solid blue, you will see a very thin blue line at the top.

It goes away if the box is rebooted but eventually it starts happening again. It is definitely not a problem with the signal from the provider because it happens when playing back an HD recording from the hard drive. If I reboot, the replayed recording looks correct. After the "bug" shows up, the recording has the bottom lines of pixels transplanted to the top. So clearly this is a problem with the way the signal is sent from the box to the display.

I'll make one more note which is an important one. I have an HD DVR box, but not an HDTV. I just have a regular 27" crt connected to the DVR via s-video. If I tune to an HD channel, the box downconverts it to 480i letterbox over s-video. It is quite possible that this problem is very specific to my situation because I am a.) downconverting and b.) using s-video.

Has anyone else seen this?

I haven't figured out which sequence of repeatable events causes this to happen. I have never witnessed the change while watching an HD channel. It seems to only show up at some point after switching to an HD channel after coming out of standby or switching from an SD station.

Has anyone else seen this?

Edit: I'll admit that it only occurred to me that the problem could be related to HD->480i downconverting when I was almost done writing this post. At the beginning, I mentioned that you'll only see the problem with 0% overscan mode. I should rather say... if this problem is NOT limited to just HD->480i downconvert, I'd imagine that you won't see it on an HD set unless you have 0% overscan. With my particular setup, I see the transplanted scanlines within the inner letterboxed portion of the image on my SDTV. In other words, from top to bottom in order I see, 1.) top black letterbox bar, 2.) transplanted scan line(s), 3.) normal image, 4.) bottom black letterbox bar.

Have not figured out the quote and respond cut/paste yet on this forum, but found several things today:

1. Cured my HD capacity notice so far by doing a HDD reset. Capacity went to zero like always , but when I start a recording it shows 1%, instead of restarting at 49% like it was. Was in the diagnostic screen before this and it was showing about 1/2 of the HDD occupied also.


So far I am recording (as I type) two HD shows for about 25 minutes and have used up abot 4%. While I was typing this I went and cancelled and deleted one of the 1/2 hours of recording and the capacity went from 4% down to 2%, so it sure appears as though the HDD reset did the job.


2. Re: Analog, digital and HD designators.

2a. Still not sure, but on the lower channels the banner displays program rating on the banner and that is it. I do not have my surround system set up yet,but are these in stero/surround 4.1 or what? Cannot tell with just my TV speakers. However there is no indication of stero/surround. Is there a setting in settings or set up that could be changed?

2b. On what appear to be digital channels it shows program rating, then the the Dolby logo wtih the forward and backware D and then the letter "D" apparently for digital??. AFAIK, we only have two digital channels that I subscribe to.

2c. The HD channels show the rating, then the letters "HD" then Dolby logo front and backward Ds and then finally "5.1"

I also noticed that on one of the HD channels of a local station during a newcast the "HD" was not shown, even those I was on a designated HD channel. Apparently they were not broadcasting in HD digital, but apparently were still digital in 5.1 surround.

3. Re: No channel lock out, yes, I have already set up two favorite categories. HD and non HD. However if I press the "FAV" on the remote it always defaults to the HD favorite. Have not got that one figured out yet. Any feedback?

4. I think, I might be able to talk the local office into changing me to a Moxi. At least it would improve the channel surfing. But, what would I give up. I think at best it has DVI, but that is not too much of a problem.


5. Sony seems to do an excellant job of taking an analog 480i signal and turning it into an 16:9 picture. This was the case before I got the DVR, as I had no box. If I set the 4:3 bypass to 480i, the non digital channels seem the clearest. Is the 6416 just passing the 480i signal to the TV (does not seem like it, because the only connection is HDMI cable) I have put a splitter in line and ran test of 480i know analog and 480i through the HDMI from the box and cannot make up my mind if there is a difference. On 16:9 channels I am running 1080i and on 4:3 bypass, I currently running 480i. Any comments, anybody.

6. So it appears that all of the first 80+ channels are still being sent down the cable in an analog format. Is this a possible conclusion? When will they all become digital? Does the Feb 2008 affect this? What type of digital witll the be, SD digital, HD digital, or what?

7. Instruction book for 6416 from Charter says to shut off DVR each night. Lots of opposing opinion, some from tech support. What seems to be main thoughts on this forum?

In paragraphs above regarding digital , analog etc, those are my conclusions, and would like any comments as to whether they seem valid or if I have got it wrong.

I posted a question about this in other theads but only got one response (and that was a while ago).

I'm seeing a strange problem with my Comcast 3416. The bottom few rows of pixels from the image are transplanted to the top of the image for HD signals. It is only a few lines, so therefore it is not noticeable unless you have TV in a 1:1 pixel mode (sometimes called native, full pixel, 0% overscan, etc.). This is NOT to be confused with the closed captioning data in SD broacasts. This also manifests as lines at the top of the image. It is DEFINETLY lines from the bottom of the image. It is especially easy to see when viewing a background that has a different solid color at the bottom compared to the top. For example, if you are viewing an HD picture that consists of the top half solid red and the bottom half solid blue, you will see a very thin blue line at the top.

It goes away if the box is rebooted but eventually it starts happening again. It is definitely not a problem with the signal from the provider because it happens when playing back an HD recording from the hard drive. If I reboot, the replayed recording looks correct. After the "bug" shows up, the recording has the bottom lines of pixels transplanted to the top. So clearly this is a problem with the way the signal is sent from the box to the display.

I'll make one more note which is an important one. I have an HD DVR box, but not an HDTV. I just have a regular 27" crt connected to the DVR via s-video. If I tune to an HD channel, the box downconverts it to 480i letterbox over s-video. It is quite possible that this problem is very specific to my situation because I am a.) downconverting and b.) using s-video.

Has anyone else seen this?

I haven't figured out which sequence of repeatable events causes this to happen. I have never witnessed the change while watching an HD channel. It seems to only show up at some point after switching to an HD channel after coming out of standby or switching from an SD station.

Has anyone else seen this?

Edit: I'll admit that it only occurred to me that the problem could be related to HD->480i downconverting when I was almost done writing this post. At the beginning, I mentioned that you'll only see the problem with 0% overscan mode. I should rather say... if this problem is NOT limited to just HD->480i downconvert, I'd imagine that you won't see it on an HD set unless you have 0% overscan. With my particular setup, I see the transplanted scanlines within the inner letterboxed portion of the image on my SDTV. In other words, from top to bottom in order I see, 1.) top black letterbox bar, 2.) transplanted scan line(s), 3.) normal image, 4.) bottom black letterbox bar.

Still happens with coax. So its not just on s-video out. Although it could still be related to 1080i->480i downconversion.

I have Charter cable with a Motorola DCH6416 box. Can anyone tell my why there is not a digital output option for audio within the box settings? My only choices are optimal stereo which is already there and cannot be changed and then going to audio output which gives me a choice of tv speakers, stereo or advanced which is even more options for stereo/mono. I do know about powering off the box and hitting menu. Which those settings do nothing for my particular setup. For audio I only have a choice of auto, l-pcm and pass through. Using the power off and menu option. I have my box hooked up with hdmi for video and optical cable for audio. No Dolby Digital option anywhere in sight. This is the first dvr box I have ever used without a digital audio output option within the box settings. Someone did confirm to me the Moxi box has such an option. Because as it stands. My audio is completely crippled.

Look within your HDMI settings. I seem to remember that someone had this issue a while back and found a way there to bypass the HDMI audio for the digital output.

i am connecting a motorola 34XX hd/dvr to it via optical. i notice that irregardless of whether i am watching an HD or SD channel the audio signal registered by the receiver is dolbydigital... which i assume means that the motorola box "upgrades" it as otherwise it would be PCM.... the issue is that

a) on those SD channels with the upgraded sound, the receiver emits a humming noise that you can hear if you don't play the sound too loudly

b) since its sitting on dolbydigital, the various surround equalizer manipulations are "prohibited."

any similar experiences?

I cannot find anything with that. That is some great news. Because yes. I do need to kill the hdmi audio since I am using a optical cable. Please if you could be so kind and possibly dig some more info up on it. I would greatly appreciate it! I have been to many boards asking about this and this is the first time I have even got close to a response like this from someone like you.

Look within your HDMI settings. I seem to remember that someone had this issue a while back and found a way there to bypass the HDMI audio for the digital output.