I saw someone saying in the other thread the the standby wont work with future recordings scheduled? That can't be????

Future recordings and series recordings cause the EPG to try to update the disk quite frequently which in turn may prevent the spin down. However, I don't think that is your issue.

If you are willing to lose existing content, you could format both disks and before configuring any future recordings or doing any linear recordings, go into standby and see if the drive will spin down. If you can't/won't do this, its understandable.

Bill,

I do have one question for you though. Is there any chance of a black version of the 778x being released that would integrate with some home theater stacks better and if not -

You know the drill. I can't comment on future products other than to say that we listen to our customers requests. ;)

How about just mailing me a spare silver faceplate then and I'll take care of the rest? ;)

My External HDD is working now (Mediacom changed a setting). Having the "SATA ENABLED NO" was not allowing it to work. Mediacom had disabled SATA in my area.

Congrats! Now, I'd like to know how you got MediaCom to "change a setting"?

I would check your box as well ttumlin. ;)

Is there any current indication to the user via diagnostics menu in the pace box of a CRC error rate that is going to cause problem?

No, right now there is no mechanism for you to see these errors.

Or is just a single CRC error too much? I know that you said a new firmware will hopefully have CRC error reporting diagnostics.

One CRC error shouldn't be detectable. But it all depends on what I/O operation is failing. If its just MPEG-2 data, a single error can be ignored. However, if the kernel is trying to do a critical operation, it can be fatal.

The symptoms to the end user can vary from nothing to temporary video loss, macroblocking to failure to boot. When the diags page is available, I hope you guys (and/or gals to be politically sensitive) post the CRC counts so I can better quantify the CRC counts to symptoms in the real world.

However, if the kernel is trying to do a critical operation, it can be fatal.


I had the DVR fail in a strange way that I wonder if anyone has saw before. I was recording a HD show and watching the other tuner. The tuner I was watching was 10-15 min behind real-time on a HD channel. The video froze and I tried to go live and it still was freezing. I changed channel to analog and that played but would freeze every few seconds. I tried a digital channel but any digital channel LD or HD would display a message that stated the channel could not be viewed right now and should be available shortly. I swapped to the recording tuner and it would keep playing a loop of video about 10 seconds long. I powered off and told it to cancel the recording program. I went to diags and it stated that the program ended cleanly. I tried to view the tuner again and same thing every digital channel wouldn't display with that message about waiting. The analog channels kept freezing every few seconds. I went to service menu and rebooted the box and everything returned to normal except no guide info of coarse. It has been over 24 hours and it has worked with no further lockups.

Could this failure be CRC error based?

I would check your box as well ttumlin. ;)

Mine still says SATA ENABLED NO.

Anyone tell me how to get MediaCom to enable it? The only customer service people i've reached don't seem to have a clue.

Thanks.

I recently got two TDC779X DVR's & added HDTV and DVR service to my package with Mediacom in northern Alabama.
One of them works just fine, but the second (despite having two Mediacom phone support people try) will not record.

If I push record on the remote, I get nothing; if I hit "List", I get a popup that says DVR service is not available or is currently disabled, call Mediacom.
"Swap" does nothing.
etc.

When I go to the DVR Status diagnostic page, it says DVR is authorized, but is not enabled.

Anything I can try before I return the box?
(I had to wait for these; hate to wait on a replacement unless I have to.)

Thanks for any help.

If you are willing to lose existing content, you could format both disks and before configuring any future recordings or doing any linear recordings, go into standby and see if the drive will spin down. If you can't/won't do this, its understandable.

I can't format the disks (too much to watch and not enough time). A strange thing happend that after Mediacom Hit my Box with the SATA enable my box, the HDD went to sleep that night. I got the animation on the next power cycle. I wanted to see what the power usage would be now that sleep look like it worked so I did a safe shutdown and attached a power meter and rebooted. Rebooting caused 3 recorded programs to be unwatchable MPEG len was changed to {0}. Two of the programs were on the external HDD and one was on the internal.

The box never has went to sleep again acording to no animations and sleep count in diags. I have rebooted the box through the diag menus and that reboot didn't hurt any further recordings. The internal driver appears to have lost over 30gigs of space so I may format it when I finish watching the last two recordings on it. Is there a way to tell which HDD a particular recording is on Internal/External?

I let the box sit for about 36 hours with only one non-series recording schedule and no more sleeps. I have now loaded up 16 series recordings so I will see what happens.

I am now scared of sleep since I lost recording the following safe reboot.

I recently got two TDC779X DVR's & added HDTV and DVR service to my package with Mediacom in northern Alabama.
One of them works just fine, but the second (despite having two Mediacom phone support people try) will not record....
When I go to the DVR Status diagnostic page, it says DVR is authorized, but is not enabled.

DVR functionality can be disabled for the following reasons:

1. DVR service has been disabled by your Cable company.
2. The HDD is non-functional or has other issues.
3. The box was disconnected by your cable company.
4. The HDD has overheated.
5. There are issues getting authorization status from the CableCARD.

Given the info you provided, I think we can rule out #1, #3 and #5. #2 and #4 are still a possibility.

Couple of questions:

1. Can you post the details for the DVR status page and the HDD status page?

2. Have you tried to reboot the box? If so, what were the results?

Is there a way to tell which HDD a particular recording is on Internal/External?

Not at the current time. Is this a feature you would find useful?

I am now scared of sleep since I lost recording the following safe reboot.

The loss of recordings after reboot is unrelated to sleeping/spinning the HDD down. What firmware release are you currently on?

Not at the current time. Is this a feature you would find useful?
Yes, If you want to disconnect a drive or format a drive you can watch all the programs on that drive first. Also the error checking function says it wipes contents so that would also be good to watch all programs on a drive before error checking it. Seems like a natural feature of the contents window.



The loss of recordings after reboot is unrelated to sleeping/spinning the HDD down. What firmware release are you currently on?

9.58 (It is on that screen shot I PM you on 1/14/08).

Thanks....

If I push record on the remote, I get nothing; if I hit "List", I get a popup that says DVR service is not available or is currently disabled, call Mediacom.
"Swap" does nothing.
etc.




These are the exact symptoms that affected my Motorola 6412 right before my cable company (Armstrong) swapped my box out for the Pace. They tried a several times remotely to try and reset the box without any success. They sent a tech out and I tried to convince him to go through a full factory reset, firmware reload, etc. but he really didn't want to wait around. I agreed to give the pace a go.

I'm guessing your problem is hardware related, but since the symptoms were the same on two different hardware platforms, maybe it was corrupt software?

Does anyone else experience very slow skip forward (~6-7 seconds) functions when watching a program that is being recorded? I believe this also occurs if watching a recorded program while another is recording, but I would have to verify. If skip is pressed multiple times, it almost seems as if the unit freezes.

Does anyone else experience very slow skip forward (~6-7 seconds) functions when watching a program that is being recorded? I believe this also occurs if watching a recorded program while another is recording, but I would have to verify. If skip is pressed multiple times, it almost seems as if the unit freezes.

Yes, I have the slow skip issue some times. I wish there was a feature to shut off the live tuner's to get faster trick play performance. I have noticed that using FFx3 is quicker to get through commercial because the 30sec skip is so slow some times and it gets so many presses behind I endup having to skip back a few time. It would be nice if the PACE allowed it to backup by a programmable amount when the FF is ended. Anybody know how to get different periods of skip like 1min instead of 30sec? I think some of the slowness is that for mulple stored skip presses it still stops every 30 secs to play some of the program.

I am used to Vista Media Center and it is instant skip forward and back by a programmable amount. I have a Sony DHG HDD500 and it runs TVGuide PVR software and it skips are much quicker (only a single tuner though). The SONY allows the user to set the amount to replay when exiting FF operation for various speeds.

I just came to cable (Armstrong) from DirectTV, and have a few questions about the TDC778X:

1. Is there a special cable to connect the external SATA drive? The one I use on my motherboard won't plug into the Tahoe port.

2. Can I set up the program menu to only show those channels I subscribe to? This was a great feature of my TIVO.

3. Is there a way to jump forward or back during playback? My TIVO could let me go in increments either way, and also instantly go to the beginning or end without having to FF or REW and wait a long time.

Help will be appreciated!

DVR functionality can be disabled for the following reasons:

1. DVR service has been disabled by your Cable company.
2. The HDD is non-functional or has other issues.
3. The box was disconnected by your cable company.
4. The HDD has overheated.
5. There are issues getting authorization status from the CableCARD.

Given the info you provided, I think we can rule out #1, #3 and #5. #2 and #4 are still a possibility.

Couple of questions:

1. Can you post the details for the DVR status page and the HDD status page?

2. Have you tried to reboot the box? If so, what were the results?


Thanks for you reply.
It appears the box can't find any drives!

Here are the details of the DVR Status page:

22 DVR STATUS

AUTHORIZED YES ENABLED NO
ENCODER STATUS QUALITY ERRORS
--------- -------- --------- --------
1 Idle N/A 0
2 Idle HIGH1 0


DRIVE TOT SIZE REM SIZE EST TIME LEFT
------ ---------- --------- ---------------

# CHECK DISK FAILURES : 0
# LINEAR RECORD REBOOTS : 0
# OVERFLOWS SINCE BOOT: 0




The HDD Status page:

23 HDD STATUS


NO HARD DISK(S) FOUND


This is after rebooting (removed power for about 60 sec, then reconnected power; is this a valid way to reboot?).

There is definitely a hard drive physically present in the box (I can see it through the ventilation holes), but apparently the box isn't seeing it?

Thanks for your help

NO HARD DISK(S) FOUND


As long as you see this, DVR functionality will not be available. The problem could range from a loose SATA cable to a damaged drive. Unfortunately, you'd have to open up the box to see if the cable is loose and that would void the warranty. At this point, I think you're going to have to return the box.

This is after rebooting (removed power for about 60 sec, then reconnected power; is this a valid way to reboot?).

If the HDD is not functional, its fine to reboot the box like this. Otherwise, I'd recommend the procedure described earlier on this thread and the 775 thread.

DVR functionality can be disabled for the following reasons:

1. DVR service has been disabled by your Cable company.
2. The HDD is non-functional or has other issues.
3. The box was disconnected by your cable company.
4. The HDD has overheated.
5. There are issues getting authorization status from the CableCARD.

Given the info you provided, I think we can rule out #1, #3 and #5. #2 and #4 are still a possibility.

Couple of questions:

1. Can you post the details for the DVR status page and the HDD status page?

2. Have you tried to reboot the box? If so, what were the results?

As long as you see this, DVR functionality will not be available. The problem could range from a loose SATA cable to a damaged drive. Unfortunately, you'd have to open up the box to see if the cable is loose and that would void the warranty. At this point, I think you're going to have to return the box.



If the HDD is not functional, its fine to reboot the box like this. Otherwise, I'd recommend the procedure described earlier on this thread and the 775 thread.


Do you mean reboot from diagnostics (via INFO + SELECT)?
Tried that with no effect.

Maybe the Mediacom guy will show (and maybe pigs will fly); he has another 38 minutes.

Thank you for all your help.

lindend, I fully understand "Its not a complete test run and should not be considered an endorsement of the product". That being said. Any chance you can tell me what Brand/Model/Size of drive you have installed in that Nexstar 3? I could always make use of it somewhere else if problems develop. Thank you. We could consider it an independent test from Iron Colonel Labs lol.


Got the nexstar 3 Monday, popped a 200 GB seagate in it I had laying around, and have not had a single issue yet. Seems to be working fine, knock on wood.

I just received the TDC779X from Mediacom and I cannot get the PIP to work. This box has that capability doesn't it (it's listed on the specs for the box on Pace's website), and there is a PIP On button on the Mediacom remote that came with the cable box. Could the cable company have deactivated the PIP for some reason? Is there some special setting that I might not have set? I didn't see anything about it. When I press the PIP button on the remote, nothing happens.

I have the box connected through component cables to my TV. Is there anything I could try?

Thanks!

Also, is the HDD size on this box 160GB like the Pace 775 model? I didn't see it listed in the specs.

I just received the TDC779X from Mediacom and I cannot get the PIP to work.

The hardware has PIP capabilities, but TV Guide does not support PIP functionality at the current time.

Also, is the HDD size on this box 160GB like the Pace 775 model? I didn't see it listed in the specs.

Yes, its 160GB. The feature set of the 779 is functionally identical to the 775 with the exception of the CableCARD in place of embedded security.

The hardware has PIP capabilities, but TV Guide does not support PIP functionality at the current time.



Yes, its 160GB. The feature set of the 779 is functionally identical to the 775 with the exception of the CableCARD in place of embedded security.
Thanks a lot. That sucks about the PIP though. Thanks!

The feature set of the 779 is functionally identical to the 775 with the exception of the CableCARD in place of embedded security.

My TV doesn't have a CableCARD slot, so I don't know much about that technology, but I thought the CableCARD's purpose were to replace cable boxes? So what is the CableCARD functionality on a cable box like the 779X? I guess I just don't get what the CableCARDs do then.

but I thought the CableCARD's purpose were to replace cable boxes?

No. CableCARDs are a removable conditional access technology. They are supported in a variety of devices including TVs and set top boxes.

So what is the CableCARD functionality on a cable box like the 779X?

They enable you to watch encrypted content (besides other things). In embedded boxes, there is equivalent technology on the system board. This chip is not removable and/or replaceable. The CableCARD is theoretically removable and hot pluggable.

I guess I just don't get what the CableCARDs do then.

The FCC wanted to foster competition and portability. To the end user, there should be no functional difference between embedded solution and a CableCARD solution.

Hi:

I have Pace 778X for a couple of weeks. Everything was working fine until two days ago. It stopped displaying guide - saying info not available. This also stopped all DVR functions. I called the tech a couple of time. Power cycling down dows not help. He can not even update the box from his end. They will send tech to my home sometimes next week. Meanwhile, is there anything I can do to get the Guide and the DVR function back.

Thanks for any help in advance.

jhaveri

New problems with my replaced box, if some of you remember I had my pace dvr replaced because it was squeaking. But now I am having re-occuring problems with the new one. First problem is sometimes (not always) if I rewind live tv watch a clip, then return the live tv the picture constantly has colored pixels and I have to change the channels to fix it (not very nice when watching sports). Second problem (which is happening right now) is there will suddenly be some sort of frame rate issue, the picture will jitter about every 3 seconds and I have yet to find a fix but it goes away eventually, still a nuisance.

Does anyone have any experience with the Slingbox Pro and the TDC779X ? I've searched the forum at Sling Community and this was the only concentrated thread of PACE users. Sling works fine getting video out to my remote computer stations (I have 3), but can't seem to find the IR codes. Sling setup has a couple PACE DVR models, but none of those work. I am an experienced Sling user, this is just a new setup with this DVR (previously was slinging with a Moto box). Anyway, with the PACE, I've moved the IR transmitter around on the front screen thinking I was missing a "hit" but if someone knows where the lens is that might help (but in general I think there should be another set of codes that need to be transmitted).

New problems with my replaced box, if some of you remember I had my pace dvr replaced because it was squeaking. But now I am having re-occuring problems with the new one. First problem is sometimes (not always) if I rewind live tv watch a clip, then return the live tv the picture constantly has colored pixels and I have to change the channels to fix it (not very nice when watching sports). Second problem (which is happening right now) is there will suddenly be some sort of frame rate issue, the picture will jitter about every 3 seconds and I have yet to find a fix but it goes away eventually, still a nuisance.

Happened here, the frame rate thing, on the first 778 Armstrong gave me after 1 week. When I tried rebooting it locked up and just kept trying to format the drive. You probably need a new one.

Second problem (which is happening right now) is there will suddenly be some sort of frame rate issue, the picture will jitter about every 3 seconds and I have yet to find a fix but it goes away eventually, still a nuisance.

What firmware release are you on?

What firmware release are you on?
I dont have a clue what firmware im on, could you tell me how to find it? and i figued out a "fix" i have to completely power down the box (unplug from wall) then it will work fine, but then my guide takes forever to retrieve all the data again.

I picked up the 778X this weekend to replace my Moto DVR so now I have 2 775's and the new 778X. I seem to be having the same issue that BillKen posted about a while back in post #12 on this thread. It seems that spontaneously I'm losing the premium channels (anything other than basic cable). It's happened twice yesterday after setting up and activating the box. I had to pull the plug on the box as it was frozen on the blank screen with the message that "You are not authorized for this service - Contact your cable provider".
I searched through this thread and didn't see a resolution. Sorry, but didn't write down the SW version. I can get that tonight. I'm on Buckeyecablevision out of Toledo Ohio if that helps. Thanks.

Got my 750 GB external Seagate HD replaced. This time I mounted it in a cooler location with a direct SATA connection to avoid overheating. I think the Nexstar 3 enclosure is fine for smaller / low-power disks, but don't want to take the chance of burning another one up in that enclosure. Since the enclosure only provides power and a direct eSATA connection anyway, I found another solution to do that with better cooling.

I still feel that this is not the best choice for a disk for this type of add-on to storage for the Pace CableCARD HD boxes, but right now do not have the change to try out other drives, like the Hitachi CinemaStar low-power streaming-optimized ones that I think would be a better choice. In any case, it would be nice to have the option of migrating files directly from one drive to another for purposes of being able to change out the disks without losing content. Lindend, can this be a feature request for a future firmware update?

Finally, it seems that the disk is very frequently written to, at least with some series recordings programmed in. With a plain-vanilla SATA drive like this, I hear the heads move all the time, and it is pretty annoying. It would be better if this were controllable, or if the Pace boxes had some sort of buffer to cut down on this type of head movement, as it can't be good for the drive at all (optimized or not). What options can we or you pursue to reduce head movement due to TV Guide updating, series recording checking, etc.? This noise happens even when no other activity like recording or playback is happening on the Pace box.

Thanks for your attention.

I picked up the 778X this weekend to replace my Moto DVR so now I have 2 775's and the new 778X. I seem to be having the same issue that BillKen posted about a while back in post #12 on this thread. It seems that spontaneously I'm losing the premium channels (anything other than basic cable). It's happened twice yesterday after setting up and activating the box. I had to pull the plug on the box as it was frozen on the blank screen with the message that "You are not authorized for this service - Contact your cable provider".
I searched through this thread and didn't see a resolution. Sorry, but didn't write down the SW version. I can get that tonight. I'm on Buckeyecablevision out of Toledo Ohio if that helps. Thanks.

Software version is 9.65 if that helps.

Lindend, can this be a feature request for a future firmware update?

I'll add it to the request queue.

What options can we or you pursue to reduce head movement due to TV Guide updating, series recording checking, etc.? This noise happens even when no other activity like recording or playback is happening on the Pace box.

I'm afraid this is working as designed. TVG records 24/7 unless you are in standby. The reason you don't notice the internal drive as much is its optimized for DVR applications.

Software version is 9.65 if that helps.

I guess even Lindend is stumped. I was hoping to find some help on this forum but that doesn't appear to be the case.

TVG records 24/7 unless you are in standby. The reason you don't notice the internal drive as much is its optimized for DVR applications.

A solution might be to change some of the logic used to select the destination for recording. Most people add an external disk to gain recording capacity. Right now you direct all traffic to the disk with the largest amount of unused space, I believe. An optimization that might work for most people would be to always use the internal disk for TVG, and use the disk with the most unused capacity for bulk recording.

I guess even Lindend is stumped. I was hoping to find some help on this forum but that doesn't appear to be the case.

No, not stumped, just very busy. Please give me at least a few hours to respond before assuming I've given up (remember, I'm not in tech support).

Anyways, it sounds like your CableCARD has not been properly paired and/or validated. A phone call to the right CSR should fix it.

How about this idea similar to, what?, ReadyBoost? on Vista-equipped computers..

Have a place where you can plug in a 2 or 4 GB memory stick to handle the repetitive disk-thrashing work.

Ok either my Pace DVR is possessed or my provider is doing some sort of maintenance because my box just turned off and on itself about 6 times :|

An optimization that might work for most people would be to always use the internal disk for TVG, and use the disk with the most unused capacity for bulk recording.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a bulk recording. Sorry, I can't get into design decisions and rationales in a public forum but there are sound technical reasons for the current implementation.

We have however heard your requests/suggestions on this topic.

I just came to cable (Armstrong) from DirectTV, and have a few questions about the TDC778X:

1. Is there a special cable to connect the external SATA drive? The one I use on my motherboard won't plug into the Tahoe port.

2. Can I set up the program menu to only show those channels I subscribe to? This was a great feature of my TIVO.

3. Is there a way to jump forward or back during playback? My TIVO could let me go in increments either way, and also instantly go to the beginning or end without having to FF or REW and wait a long time.

Help will be appreciated!

Any takers?

I'll take this one:
1. Is there a special cable to connect the external SATA drive? The one I use on my motherboard won't plug into the Tahoe port.


You need an eSATA cable. This is essentially just a SATA cable with keying and shape arranged to plug in to an external connector. If your external disk is also in an eSATA enclosure, it is likely that this cable came with the enclosure.

Now for this:
2. Can I set up the program menu to only show those channels I subscribe to? This was a great feature of my TIVO.

You only get the channels included in your cable provider's package, no doubt, but what I think you are saying is that you'd like to suppress listing of channels not of interest to you. Whether or not you are saying that, I would like to have this feature also. (I don't want to see listings for certain channels that have programming I never watch.)

Now for this:

You only get the channels included in your cable provider's package, no doubt, but what I think you are saying is that you'd like to suppress listing of channels not of interest to you. Whether or not you are saying that, I would like to have this feature also. (I don't want to see listings for certain channels that have programming I never watch.)

I get listings for all channels the Cable company has whether or not I pay for them. It really sucks having to scroll through all the channels that I don't get. When you select them the Pace tells you to press info to get ordering information. My SONY DVR with cable card lets me hide channels that the Cablecard detects so I don't have to deal with them.

I second the feature request to let the user hide channels or at least auto-hide all channels that the user is not authorized for.

I second the feature request to let the user hide channels or at least auto-hide all channels that the user is not authorized for.

The channels shown in the guide are controlled by the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) which is TV Guide in this case. Sorry, but this code is contributed by another company (TV Guide) and we can't modify it.

The most effective means of impacting the future software road map of TVG is to contact your cable company and let them know that you'd like to see that feature added.

I get listings for all channels the Cable company has whether or not I pay for them. It really sucks having to scroll through all the channels that I don't get. When you select them the Pace tells you to press info to get ordering information. My SONY DVR with cable card lets me hide channels that the Cablecard detects so I don't have to deal with them.

I second the feature request to let the user hide channels or at least auto-hide all channels that the user is not authorized for.

I also agree this would be a nice feature.

One way to accomplish this might be to add a favorites group within TVG and only include channels you want to see (or in this case the ones you subscribe to). I don't believe there is a quick short cut on a remote to get to a specific favorites list. If you have a fancy programmable remote, you could probably program a macro to get you to the list in one button press.

Now for this:

You only get the channels included in your cable provider's package, no doubt, but what I think you are saying is that you'd like to suppress listing of channels not of interest to you. Whether or not you are saying that, I would like to have this feature also. (I don't want to see listings for certain channels that have programming I never watch.)

You are correct. I only want to see those channels I select. I'll let my cable company know my vote for this feature.

Also, thanks for the eSATA cable reply. I'll try it out.

I'll add it to the request queue.


Is there a way for us to upgrade the firmware on the 778X ourselves, or do we have to replace it through the cable company?

Well you can do the button sequence but you will just get the firmware you already have on you box reloaded onto it.

Another bug to report:

I recorded a new HD channel that was added to my cable system before the Guide had a chance to fill in (took 3 days to get guide for the new channels). The new channel didn't have channel name information either.

Now I have a recorded show that shows up in the CONTENT LISTING menu but has no Name in the Application Data section. Without a name it doesn't show up in the regular DVR menu so I can watch it or delete it.

I am thinking that next time I reboot all my HDD contents will be deleted again because under HDD STATUS menu the following parameter has changed to:
FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES : 0 / 0
Last time I saw this all the recordings were deleted. Usually the second number matches the number of files in the contents listing. Both the internal and external HDD have 0 / 0 right now. When I record new shows that parameter stays 0 / 0.

UPDATE: Rebooting the DVR removed the noname file and restored the FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES value to be 0 / (#number of files on DVR).

The other information in Content listing for the bad file looks fine.
Application Data :


Metadata File Size : 5237
MPEG File Size: 4482662400 {4482662400 }
Trick File SIze: 6891744 {6891744}
Clean termination : Yes
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : HD
Recording started at : 01/30/2008 02:00:21
Recording ended at : 01/30/2008 03:00:14
Play time : 0:59:53
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_PERMITTED
Analog Copy Permit : NONE
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : 0
Recorded with build : 001-025-02-08
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 9980872
Disk full pauses : 0
Audio type : DOLBY_DIGITAL
Videio type : MPEG2
Stream timeouts : 0
Navigation timeouts : 0
Trim offset : 0
Byte offset : 0
Tuner source : 1
Record session time : 3593310
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 0
Gain Lock Count : 0

This problem occured the other day, I hadnt posted it yet because I thought it was just my provider messing with the service, but its still occuring, and only happens when my box is connection via HDMI.

There will be a white verticle line far left on the screen, almost off the screen, but not quite:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b49/SCEvan/100_0942.jpg

Also when watching channels in HD with the black bars on the left and right (only on some channels) there will be VERY annoying flickering at the top of the screen:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b49/SCEvan/100_0936.jpg

Its not the HDMI cable because I tested my other cable which I use with my PS3 and it has the same result, is it something inside of my HD box or does my cable provider just plain suck? (if thats the case I may have to switch providers)

Also there is about 2" missing from the right side of the guide. Ill take more pics if necessary.

Is there any way to do some sort of factory restore but still keep all my guide data?

Also when watching channels in HD with the black bars on the left and right (only on some channels) there will be VERY annoying flickering at the top of the screen:

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b49/SCEvan/100_0936.jpg

This looks like encoded VBI noise on an OTA HD channel. For analog broadcasts, there's several lines of VBI info that is unseen but contains things like closed captioned info. If these lines aren't ignored in the digitization process, you'll get this type of image. Often, this type of problem can only be seen via HDMI on a flat panel and not component.

Does this only happen on local HD channels or is it happening on all channels?

Also there is about 2" missing from the right side of the guide. Ill take more pics if necessary.

Please capture the image so I can comment. We've not seen a report of this before.

Now I have a recorded show that shows up in the CONTENT LISTING menu but has no Name in the Application Data section. Without a name it doesn't show up in the regular DVR menu so I can watch it or delete it.
.....
UPDATE: Rebooting the DVR removed the noname file and restored the FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES value to be 0 / (#number of files on DVR).

The other information in Content listing for the bad file looks fine.
[COLOR="Navy"][INDENT]Application Data :



I am unsure about something. You indicate that after a reboot, the recording was gone, but then you posted the diagnostics information for the recording. Does that mean that the recording isn't in MyDVR but still is in diagnostics or did you capture these details before the recording disappeared?

I am unsure about something. You indicate that after a reboot, the recording was gone, but then you posted the diagnostics information for the recording. Does that mean that the recording isn't in MyDVR but still is in diagnostics or did you capture these details before the recording disappeared?

I captured those diagnostics before rebooting. I went back and updated the post later with the update section for the reboot.

The recording is not in the diagnostics anymore after the reboot.

The recording was never in MyDVR (that was the issue).

This problem occured the other day, I hadnt posted it yet because I thought it was just my provider messing with the service, but its still occuring, and only happens when my box is connection via HDMI.

There will be a white verticle line far left on the screen, almost off the screen, but not quite:

Also when watching channels in HD with the black bars on the left and right (only on some channels) there will be VERY annoying flickering at the top of the screen:

Its not the HDMI cable because I tested my other cable which I use with my PS3 and it has the same result, is it something inside of my HD box or does my cable provider just plain suck? (if thats the case I may have to switch providers)

Also there is about 2" missing from the right side of the guide. Ill take more pics if necessary.

Is there any way to do some sort of factory restore but still keep all my guide data?


I'm not sure about the 2" missing from the guide data. But the other problems you describe can sometimes be fixed by adjusting the settings of your TV (if your TV has those settings). Oddly, as I type this, a commercial from Pizza Hut just aired with the noise at the top of the screen. That station just started doing HD a few days ago and hasn't worked out the kinks.

Many digital TVs these days can do double duty as both TVs and as monitors for your computer. If you try to use the entire screen as you would for a computer, you'll also see some things you shouldn't when you then try to use it as a TV. My Panasonic has a setting to zoom the picture just slightly so you don't see those areas the TV broadcasters don't intend for you to see. My advice? Pick up the manual, open it and find out how to change those settings. My particular TV had a non-standard interface for this and I didn't find those settings for a few weeks.

Also, when I would FF to get thru commercials on recorded shows, half the time when I would hit play it would start at the spot that I started to FF. This was VERY annoying. I would have to FF 2 or 3 times to get to where I wanted to be.

Anybody else seeing this? I had this happen multiple times last night when I was watching House after the SuperBowl. I think that if you FF at high speed then FR some because you over-shoot and then hit play it is way more likely to happen. I had been using the 30sec skip feature but I couldn't take how long it takes to jump through 4 min of comercials 8 presses so I switched to high-speed fast forward.

I hope these are issue that PACE can take care of and not in the TVGuide software:

a) When you are watching the program timeshifted that you are also recording, the PACE jumps to live TV when the recording finishes. This is very bad for sports like the SuperBowl because you see the score before you get there. Also, when you go back to the Recording list to watch the show where you left off, it has no memory you ever watched it yet, so you have to start FF from the beginning. It takes forever for a long show like the SuperBowl to catch up where you left off (towards the end).

b) When a scheduled recordings ends or starts any timeshifted or previously recorded program you are watching becomes choppy for 15-60seconds.

Feature requests:
1) Allow user to mark memory points in programs while watching them. (Very usefull for multiple views to remember where they left off.)
2) Allow user to jump to memory point including default marks for begging or end.
4) Allow user to configure custom skips for advance and replay (15s,30s, 1m, 1m30s, 2m)
5) Allow user to configure timeshift buffer size 30min, 1-3 hours.

I hope these are issue that PACE can take care of and not in the TVGuide software:

a) When you are watching the program timeshifted that you are also recording, the PACE jumps to live TV when the recording finishes. This is very bad for sports like the SuperBowl because you see the score before you get there. Also, when you go back to the Recording list to watch the show where you left off, it has no memory you ever watched it yet, so you have to start FF from the beginning. It takes forever for a long show like the SuperBowl to catch up where you left off (towards the end).

b) When a scheduled recordings ends or starts any timeshifted or previously recorded program you are watching becomes choppy for 15-60seconds.

Feature requests:
1) Allow user to mark memory points in programs while watching them. (Very usefull for multiple views to remember where they left off.)
2) Allow user to jump to memory point including default marks for begging or end.
4) Allow user to configure custom skips for advance and replay (15s,30s, 1m, 1m30s, 2m)
5) Allow user to configure timeshift buffer size 30min, 1-3 hours.

Add one for me:

6) The ability to hide channels I do not receive or do not want to watch so I can simplify the menu display.

It was said earlier in this thread that this is a function of the TVGuide menu, but I hooked my TiVo up to the digital cable box in the other room and it lets me do just this. I can easily mark only the channels I want to show in the onscreen TVGuide menu. I feel this should be doable with the 778X firmware as well.

Anybody else seeing this? I had this happen multiple times last night when I was watching House after the SuperBowl. I think that if you FF at high speed then FR some because you over-shoot and then hit play it is way more likely to happen. I had been using the 30sec skip feature but I couldn't take how long it takes to jump through 4 min of comercials 8 presses so I switched to high-speed fast forward.

I have this happen all the time. My understanding is this is fixed in newer firmware revisions. Good luck trying to convince your cable company to upgrade:mad:

Add one for me:

6) The ability to hide channels I do not receive or do not want to watch so I can simplify the menu display.

It was said earlier in this thread that this is a function of the TVGuide menu, but I hooked my TiVo up to the digital cable box in the other room and it lets me do just this. I can easily mark only the channels I want to show in the onscreen TVGuide menu. I feel this should be doable with the 778X firmware as well.

Lindend - Does the TVGuide API have methods to retreive a list of channels (so you can place a stub function between the Cable Card and TVGuide Software)? The SONY box I have has the TVGuide software and Sony allows you to setup the channel list on their software then the TVGuide API must provide a hook so SONY can proviode the channel list to TVGuide software.

SONY also allows the selection of time-shift buffer length and skip periods, so at least for the OTA/Cable card version of TVGOS there are hooks for these items.

I hope these are issue that PACE can take care of and not in the TVGuide software:

a) When you are watching the program timeshifted that you are also recording, the PACE jumps to live TV when the recording finishes.

Sorry, this is by design with TVG. Other EPGs running on our hardware don't have this behavior so its strictly a software design issue.

b) When a scheduled recordings ends or starts any timeshifted or previously recorded program you are watching becomes choppy for 15-60seconds.

This would be a bug in our code. Is this every time or just a specific set of channels/content?

1) Allow user to mark memory points in programs while watching them.

Our firmware API offers this feature already. However, its not supported in TVG right now. Other EPGs do offer it (although that doesn't help you right now or make you feel any better :( ).

2) Allow user to jump to memory point including default marks for begging or end.

Sorry, not supported in TVG (although its available in other EPGs).

4) Allow user to configure custom skips for advance and replay (15s,30s, 1m, 1m30s, 2m)

Sorry, TVG functionality.

5) Allow user to configure timeshift buffer size 30min, 1-3 hours.

Our firmware API permits the application to specify the time shift buffer size. I've seen other EPGs use a much larger buffer size.

For most the enhancements your interested, you're going to have to contact your cable company and let them know the features you'd like to see added. They all are technically possible.

Lindend - Does the TVGuide API have methods to retreive a list of channels (so you can place a stub function between the Cable Card and TVGuide Software)?

We expose the channel list to the EPG (in this case TVG). So we know the available channels but the GUI is controlled by the EPG.


SONY also allows the selection of time-shift buffer length and skip periods, so at least for the OTA/Cable card version of TVGOS there are hooks for these items.

See previous post. The time shift buffer (TSB) size is controllable at the lower (below the EPG levels). Other EPGs running on our box have larger TSBs.

We expose the channel list to the EPG (in this case TVG). So we know the available channels but the GUI is controlled by the EPG.


Would it be possible to add a feature to edit the channel list you expose to the EPG in the PACE USER SETTINGS MENU?

I want to thank you again for your support on this forum.

Do you have any idea how to get feature requests to Gemstar? My cable company isn't savvy enough to understand these kinds of feature requests. Would the phone numbers for TVGOS be the same company as the EPG for your unit?

This would be a bug in our code. Is this every time or just a specific set of channels/content?


I always have both tuners on HD channels with the show being recorded is HD and the show being watched is HD. I think it happens 100% of the time.

Also, sometimes maybe 1 out of 15 times, while watching a program it will get choppy and I have to press pause or replay and everything will play fine after that.

Can anything be done about the delay the 30 second skip feature has? Can anything be done about speeding up multiple presses of the 30 skip feature?

I have the pace TDC 779X with the latest firmware. I am on Mediacom in Havana, FL.

I purchased an AZiO ENC211SU31 2.5" eSATA & USB 2.0 External Enclosure from new egg to mount my unused laptop sata hard drive and use it on the DVR box.

Everything works fine when connected to USB 2.0 on a computer, but when I shut down, unplug power, connect drive and power supply, reconnect power...The box comes back up fine, but in the diagnostics page, I only have my internal hard drive, the second drive spot says "unknown." When I check to see if SATA is enabled, it says Yes.

I do not have another eSATA device at this time to trouble shoot and eliminate the issue, nor do I have another cable, even though the one that came with the enclosure looks top notch.

Is there a known issue with this enclosure? I formated the hard drive when I had it connected to a computer with NTFS. Should I format it another way?

If this enclosure is indeed not compatible is there another 2.5" eSATA enclosure that anyone is using that is known to work. I do not need another back up drive, but would hate to waste a 200gb drive and not use it. Some people have had luck with the Vantec Nexstar 3, and there is a 2.5" version of that so I am wondering if that would work.

Thanks in Advance!

subscribing.....

Is there a known issue with this enclosure? I formated the hard drive when I had it connected to a computer with NTFS. Should I format it another way?

NTFS is fine. Its just going to get reformatted anyway if the device is detected.

I believe I outlined the things to check earlier in this thread the first of which is to verify that the cable is fitting properly into the housing on the enclosure.

Last night I had two series recordings scheduled for 9:00 pm. Both were highlighted in the program guide. I was watching the station which a recording was scheduled. When the program I was watching started, I got the message notification. About 15 minutes in, I noticed only one recording indicator light. The other recording had not started. In the guide it was not highlighted any longer. Anyone else ever see anything like this or know why it would occur?

Setup: I am watching a program and recording it but I am behind real-time. The recording part ends and when I get to the end of the show, but not the end of the recording I press info then goto delete the recording while it is playing.

A popup box comes up with a Service Error has occured gives me a 1800 number to call and says report code "NH". I have had this box come up at least 3 times now.

If I change channels then go to the list of recording and it deletes fine.

Note: I refer to Sleep as standby mode with HDD spindown.

I formatted both internal and external drives to fix the sleep issue. The DVR did sleep twice after the formatting (dash box around the display at power-up.) and the DVR STATUS “# STANDBY SPINDOWS : 4” went up by two each time it slept. The power consumption was 35 watts instead of the non-sleeping 39-40 watts in standby.

The next few weeks I never saw the 35 watts power consumption and no more dash box at start-up. The “DVR STATUS “# STANDBY SPINDOWS : 50” went up to 50 not sure when or if it ever slept. The external drive always became cooler over night when the DVR was in standby except when the “FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES” display went to “0 / 0”, the external HDD was warm even after all evening in standby.

What is the “FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES” display showing? Why does having the second digit be 0 instead of the count of the programs on the drive cause drive activity in standby?

Rebooting the PACE fixes the “FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES” display and allowed the unit to sleep again. But the first time waking up from sleep the dashes were shown around the edges but then were replaced with “---“ in the middle of the display. The unit took 30sec or so to come on. It apparently self rebooted. All the guide data was gone. The “# STANDBY SPINDOWS” went from 50 to 71 in that one evening (21 spindowns). The next evening the unit entered sleep again and this time woke up fine and the “# STANDBY SPINDOWS” count went from 71 to 80 (9 spindowns). Is this normal for the counts to change so much in one evening?

Does the newer firmware have any fixes for drive spindowns (I have 9.58). Does the TVG version matter? My STV Version is 20 with Concurrent version 23-95.

No. CableCARDs are a removable conditional access technology. They are supported in a variety of devices including TVs and set top boxes.



They enable you to watch encrypted content (besides other things). In embedded boxes, there is equivalent technology on the system board. This chip is not removable and/or replaceable. The CableCARD is theoretically removable and hot pluggable.



The FCC wanted to foster competition and portability. To the end user, there should be no functional difference between embedded solution and a CableCARD solution.
Lindend,

I was interested in your reply about cablecards. My HD TV has a cable card slot. When I asked my cable provider GCI Alaska they said they don't provide cable cards. When I lived in Houston last year Road Runner said they could provide cable cards, which would give me cable access like premium channels but not Pay-Per-View access.

I am wondering if the cable card in the pace tdc778x could be removed from the unit and put into the TV. The reason I would like to do this is I have a tv where I don't need the DVR function, but I would like the HD digital signal.

Thanks

Hi I have two pace tcd778x hd dvr in my house and I am wondering how I get the system to go sleep. I have seen several threads on this message board about spin down. When I turn off the system it never seems to go to sleep. It is a rather loud noise if you have the unit in a bedroom.

Is there a manual for this unit? I see threads talking about error messages. Is there some sort of system level interation mode?

Thanks

Lindend,

I was interested in your reply about cablecards. My HD TV has a cable card slot. When I asked my cable provider GCI Alaska they said they don't provide cable cards.

GCI is apparently giving SOME people cable cards. Do you live in a remote area?

http://www.anchoragehd.tv/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=164

Is there a manual for this unit?
Thanks

Please see the OP of this thread. It has links to all the manuals.

Lindend,
When I lived in Houston last year Road Runner said they could provide cable cards, which would give me cable access like premium channels but not Pay-Per-View access.

That would still be the case with any CableCARD in your TV right now.

I am wondering if the cable card in the pace tdc778x could be removed from the unit and put into the TV. The reason I would like to do this is I have a tv where I don't need the DVR function, but I would like the HD digital signal.

Thanks

Removing the CableCARD from the box is theoretically possible, but this is an unsupported operation. There are back office servers to update every time the card attached to a device so you can't flop it between two devices. I think you'd have better luck getting an extra card (assuming they are available for rent separately at your location).

Setup: I am watching a program and recording it but I am behind real-time. The recording part ends and when I get to the end of the show, but not the end of the recording I press info then goto delete the recording while it is playing.

A popup box comes up with a Service Error has occured gives me a 1800 number to call and says report code "NH". I have had this box come up at least 3 times now.

If I change channels then go to the list of recording and it deletes fine.

TVG typically shows the error code "NH" when a recording fails to start. However, based on your description, I don't think that is the case. I will have to try this tomorrow and see why this is happening.

Does this happen on all channels or just some channels?
Does it happen on PPV channels?

Does this happen on all channels or just some channels?
Does it happen on PPV channels?

I have been on encrypted HD channels when it has happened, not sure if that means it doesn't happen on non-encrypted HD channels but recordings on HDNet Movies and HBOHD have lots of extra previews at the end of the recording so I am more likely to delete them before the end is reached.

I don't ever watch the Normal PPV channels only the VOD channels which you don't allow us to record:(

I can't create series recording for Knight Rider on Sunday evening. I can't even go to the following week and set a series recording. It is like the show has a hidden marking that declares it not a series.

Anybody else try to set a series recording on Knight Rider?

Microsoft Media Center is doing the same thing.

I know that it is a TVGuide issue but how can we get feedback to them?

I've been using the 778X with Armstrong now for several weeks and have noticed two problems:

1. I have had movies/programs recorded that have cut off the last 4-5 minutes of the program. The TVG is accurate.

2. During playback of recordings I have been experiencing audio blackouts for several seconds and pixellating (not necessarily at the same time). These occur randomly, and occur on both HD and regular channel recordings.

The Armstrong tech came in last week and said the signal levels were fine.

Should I have Armstrong swap the recorder?

I've been using the 778X with Armstrong now for several weeks and have noticed two problems:

1. I have had movies/programs recorded that have cut off the last 4-5 minutes of the program. The TVG is accurate.

2. During playback of recordings I have been experiencing audio blackouts for several seconds and pixellating (not necessarily at the same time). These occur randomly, and occur on both HD and regular channel recordings.

The Armstrong tech came in last week and said the signal levels were fine.

Should I have Armstrong swap the recorder?

Chudman,

I also have Armstrong and if you look at my posts, I have had a bunch of issues since they switched me to the Pace box. It seems most of these issues have been handled with some of the recent Pace firmware updates that Armstrong has not implemented. A couple others on this in these forums seem very happy with Armstrong/Pace combination.

I've been through a couple rounds with Armstrong support and service myself. From what I gather during my conversations, they have few complaints from Pace users. This leads me to believe users are living with the quarks and not providing them the feedback level to get their attention, or that it is indeed the box itself. I suggested that they look into newer firmware, but they don't want to take one user seriously.

I'm going to swap out my box when I have an opportunity to do so. They have offered to replace it with the Motorola model that I previously had (before it died) or a new Pace box. I'm still in debate on which route to go, as both seem to have some advantages.

1. I have had movies/programs recorded that have cut off the last 4-5 minutes of the program. The TVG is accurate.


TVG has an option to end each scheduled recording several minutes early or late. Have you verified that this hasn't been configured to end early? If it isn't, can you edit the scheduled recording and force it to end several minutes late and see what happens?

TVG has an option to end each scheduled recording several minutes early or late. Have you verified that this hasn't been configured to end early? If it isn't, can you edit the scheduled recording and force it to end several minutes late and see what happens?

It is set to stop recording on time. I'll try the late ending solution and see if that works without conflicting with other scheduled recordings.

I also have Armstrong and if you look at my posts, I have had a bunch of issues since they switched me to the Pace box.

I don't have any experience with other cable recorders since I came to Armstrong from DirectTV with a TiVo box. The pixelization and skip problems then were few and far between, and were mostly weather driven.

Perhaps the Armstrong system is glitchy. I have used their ZBZoom internet service for 5+ years with solid performance so I thought their cable TV would also be more reliable then it seems to be at present.

Hi, I haven't posted in awhile, the last one concerning using a dvhs recorder with firewire to record hdtv from my pace box.
I have since tried it and while everything seemed to work right (ie. all the right lights lit. ) However, when I tried playback nothing displayed. the dvhs tape light that was on when recording was off during playback.
The dvhs recorder is a mitsubishi (not a D theater player.) and I think is designed to record only over the air broadcasts from the built in tv hd tuner.
Can you recommend a dvhs recorder that would be compatible? or am I doing it wrong.

I'm going to be returning a 775 to my cable provider tomorrow to exchange it for the 778. I've had issues with this 775. Most lately macro-blocking and studdering on DVR playback of HD content. I have 2 other 778's with no issue so making the final switch. Question is this. I have a SeaGate FreeAgent Pro 500 GB eSata/USB drive connected to the 775 currently. What do I need to know about making this switch and moving the external drive to the 778? I suspect I just need to make sure both are powered down before connecting it to the 778 but do I power up the drive first and then the new 778 and hope the 778 recognizes it and reformats it? Hoping not to run into any issues with the switch. Thanks.

I'm going to be returning a 775 to my cable provider tomorrow to exchange it for the 778. I've had issues with this 775. Most lately macro-blocking and studdering on DVR playback of HD content. I have 2 other 778's with no issue so making the final switch. Question is this. I have a SeaGate FreeAgent Pro 500 GB eSata/USB drive connected to the 775 currently. What do I need to know about making this switch and moving the external drive to the 778? I suspect I just need to make sure both are powered down before connecting it to the 778 but do I power up the drive first and then the new 778 and hope the 778 recognizes it and reformats it? Hoping not to run into any issues with the switch. Thanks.

I would not hook that HDD up to the new unit until your try its performance first with it internal HDD. Your shuttering might becaused by the eSata/USB combo drives errant firmware. There is new firmware that makes the Seagate FeeAgent Pro drive have about 3/4 less errors. Have you tried your current 775 without the External HDD?

Link to eSata/USB combo issue. link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12448321#post12448321)

External Drive Adding/Removing link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12548929#post12548929).

Thanks for the reply. I've checked Seagates website but don't find a firmware download or insructions to upgrade it. Do you know where it's available?
And no, I haven't tried the 775 without the HD recently since buying the Seagate.

Do you know where it's available?
And no, I haven't tried the 775 without the HD recently since buying the Seagate.

I am not advocating the firmware as a fix for your situation. You should use the DVR without the external HDD first and benchmark your performance.

You don't like to read this forum do you?? Here is my post on this forum. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12833184#post12833184) Update has to be done via USB on a windows 2000/xp computer (not vista).

Here is Lindend's response: link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12854768#post12854768)

PS - It is not quicker for me to go back through the posts to get you these links. There is a lot of valuable information in this thread and it doesn't take long to read 12 pages of posts.

You don't like to read this forum do you??

Well I searched initially but these tired aging eyes didn't find the post you sent me to bt thanks for redirecting me.
I did the steps to update the firmware and installed the Java Runtime environment and the Oxford Semiconductor Uploader but when I ran the scan of the USB bus I got the following error:
"Unknown Exception TheInstance.Scan USBBus();"
Removed and added the drive several times via USB and still got the same Exception Error. So naturally couldn't go any further.
I have been running the 775 tonight without the FreeAgent Pro and so far no errors with both tuners recording and playing a third which tells me my issue more than likely is the external eSATA drive. Just not sure how to get past the Runtime Exception error. I guess my next step is to call Seagate support. That is unless you have another suggestion.
Thanks for your patience.

I did the steps to update the firmware and installed the Java Runtime environment and the Oxford Semiconductor Uploader but when I ran the scan of the USB bus I got the following error:
"Unknown Exception TheInstance.Scan USBBus();"

Just not sure how to get past the Runtime Exception error. I guess my next step is to call Seagate support. That is unless you have another suggestion.
Thanks for your patience.
I don't know if Seagate will help you. They are not making the firmware easily available for some reason.

Your best bet is to install the updater on another computer (do you have another computer, friends computer, work computer, or laptop)?

What OS did you try to install the updater on?
Are you log on as an administrator?
Did you reboot after the installs?

Did you try to uninstall the updater and JAVA and try again?

I don't think this next step is the answer... but will throw it out to you.
If you have watched all the programs recorded on that HDD then mount it in Disk Manager remove all the partitions and partition it as one big primary partition and quick format it as NTFS then retry. The PACE DVR partitions and formats the Drive as a Linux drive not readable in windows.

Your best bet is to install the updater on another computer (do you have another computer, are friends computer, work computer, or laptop)?
What OS did you try to install the updater on?
Are you log on as an administrator?
Did you reboot after the installs?
Did you try to uninstall the updater and JAVA and try again?


Yup. Have another computer with a clean install of WinXP that I can try it on. I'm planning on trying that today.
The computer I tried it on is running WinXP Pro but I suspect there is something funky going on the USB so not going to attempt it again there. I was logged in as the Admin and did reboot. The instructions mentioned something about a Java Updater app running in the tray giving messages to update the version. Never got the app or the requests for updates. Did reboot a couple times just to be sure but I think the best best is to try the other machine. It has WinXP Home installed but that should be OK.
If that doesn't work I'll look into the repartitioning.
Thanks again.

Yup. Have another computer with a clean install of WinXP that I can try it on. I'm planning on trying that today.


Well, at least was able to update the firmware this time. Doing it on the computer with the clean install of WinXP did the trick. Running some multiple recordings of HD content today to see if it helped any. Not getting my hopes up but who knows. Thanks.

What is the “FRAGMENTED/MAX FILES” display showing? Why does having the second digit be 0 instead of the count of the programs on the drive cause drive activity in standby?

It shows the percentage of files that could be theoretically optimized from a disk layout perspective. If disk house keeping routines are running in the background, this number may be invalid (i.e. 0).

Is this normal for the counts to change so much in one evening?

No. Sounds like the drive is spinning down and something is waking it back up periodically. I will have to investigate this as we've not seen reports of this occurring before.

Does the newer firmware have any fixes for drive spindowns (I have 9.58).

No.

Does the TVG version matter? My STV Version is 20 with Concurrent version 23-95.

Not at the current time. If the EPG does a lot of disk maintenance in standby (i.e. update series/future recording guide data), then that could cause the drive to spin up occasionally and may account for some of the spin up/down activity you are seeing. But I don't think that could explain it completely (i.e. it MIGHT account for one or two occurrences).

Does this only happen on local HD channels or is it happening on all channels?

Please capture the image so I can comment. We've not seen a report of this before.

It only happens on HD channels, and here the image of the cut off guide (on the right side) and it is only cut off via HDMI and while tuned into HD channels.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b49/SCEvan/100_0956.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b49/SCEvan/100_0954.jpg

I'm thinking about just keeping the box for now since there seems to be no problems via component, and hopefully resolve the issues later down the road.

It only happens on HD channels, and here the image of the cut off guide (on the right side) and it is only cut off via HDMI and while tuned into HD channels.

I'm thinking about just keeping the box for now since there seems to be no problems via component, and hopefully resolve the issues later down the road.

I would say your TV has an issue with its HDMI input. Does it happen for 720p and 1080i resolutions? If it is only one of the two then you can go into the PACE user config menu and only leave the resolution checked (720p or 1080i) that doesn't have the issue. I am thinking your TV might have a weird native resolution and may have a mode that chops some of the screen so it doesn't have to scale. I have a Dynex LCD in the house that has 900 lines of resolution and it will chop in one of its zoom settings and 1080 -> 900 chop (lose 10% if vertcle image) could cause the issue you show. This wouldn't happen on the analog inputs since it always has to go through a A/D conversion and they just scale it to the TV's native resolution.

What is the native resolution of your tv? Is it a LCD? What brand/model number?

Since my main 52" TV is a native 720p, I only have 720p checked on the PACE. This is so I don't have to wait for the TV to lock the new resolution after each channel change.

I would say your TV has an issue with its HDMI input. Does it happen for 720p and 1080i resolutions? If it is only one of the two then you can go into the PACE user config menu and only leave the resolution checked (720p or 1080i) that doesn't have the issue. I am thinking your TV might have a weird native resolution and may have a mode that chops some of the screen so it doesn't have to scale. I have a Dynex LCD in the house that has 900 lines of resolution and it will chop in one of its zoom settings and 1080 -> 900 chop (lose 10% if vertcle image) could cause the issue you show. This wouldn't happen on the analog inputs since it always has to go through a A/D conversion and they just scale it to the TV's native resolution.

What is the native resolution of your tv? Is it a LCD? What brand/model number?

Since my main 52" TV is a native 720p, I only have 720p checked on the PACE. This is so I don't have to wait for the TV to lock the new resolution after each channel change.

I doubt its the TV, because I've had no problems with my playstation 3 via HDMI. Its a Samsung LNT4661 LCD 1080p tv http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=tv&type=tv&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LNT4661FX/XAC

I doubt its the TV, because I've had no problems with my playstation 3 via HDMI. Its a Samsung LNT4661 LCD 1080p tv http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=tv&type=tv&subtype=lcd&model_cd=LNT4661FX/XAC

Did you use your remote's PSIZE button and try different settings (Just Scan, 16:9, Zoom, 4:3, etc.) ?

Have you tried different resolutions yet? Have you look at your HDMI information in the PACE service menu?

Your TV series has a lot of known HDMI issues. Quote below from this link. (http://www.amazon.com/review/R16QJF7J19ULMG)
1.) The entire 2007 Samsung 1080p LCD lineup is suffering from HDMI handshake issues. This is the LN-Txxxx line. This is not just video-game related, but reported units giving trouble include the Playstation 3, XBOX 360 Elite, HTPCs, and various STBs. Also reports from people with drops/flashes:

Reviewer's source AVSForum Official Samsung LN-TXX61F/65F/66F Owner's Thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=847465)

Hi,

I have a Pace TDC779X from Mediacom and LG 47LBX LCD TV connected via HDMI. When I have auto pillarbox off on the PACE and aspect ratio set by program on the LG TV , many SD programs are incorrectly identified as being 16x9 and then stretched to the wide screen. I don't like the stretched look. Is this the channel or the cable system incorrectly identifying the aspect ratio of the program ? Anyhow, If I set the Pace to auto pillarbox on, everything is good until an SD station broadcasts a show which was originally broadcast in 16x9 aspect ratio. Then the show displays correctly but with a black boarder on top, bottom and sides. The sides is from the Pace auto pillarbox on, the top and bottom from the program.

Is there a way to turn auto pillarbox on and off from the remote control without going to the Pace setup menu?

Hi,

I have a Pace TDC779X from Mediacom and LG 47LBX LCD TV connected via HDMI. When I have auto pillarbox off on the PACE and aspect ratio set by program on the LG TV , many SD programs are incorrectly identified as being 16x9 and then stretched to the wide screen. I don't like the stretched look. Is this the channel or the cable system incorrectly identifying the aspect ratio of the program ? Anyhow, If I set the Pace to auto pillarbox on, everything is good until an SD station broadcasts a show which was originally broadcast in 16x9 aspect ratio. Then the show displays correctly but with a black boarder on top, bottom and sides. The sides is from the Pace auto pillarbox on, the top and bottom from the program.

Is there a way to turn auto pillarbox on and off from the remote control without going to the Pace setup menu?

That is what auto pillar box is for. It streches 4:3 channels or displays them with Pillars on the sides. No device can detect the SD letterboxed shows that I have ever heard of. Most TV have a zoom mode that zoom the entire picture so get rid of the top/bottom and sidebars when a letterbox SD channel is watched. The ASPECT ("#") button on my PACE remote also has a zoom that will remove the letterboxs that are around the entire image.

Did you use your remote's PSIZE button and try different settings (Just Scan, 16:9, Zoom, 4:3, etc.) ?

Have you tried different resolutions yet? Have you look at your HDMI information in the PACE service menu?

Your TV series has a lot of known HDMI issues. Quote below from this link. (http://www.amazon.com/review/R16QJF7J19ULMG)


Reviewer's source AVSForum Official Samsung LN-TXX61F/65F/66F Owner's Thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=847465)

WTH is HDMI handshake issue?

How do I access the service menu?

WTH is HDMI handshake issue?

How do I access the service menu?

Diagnostic menu: Press power off and then ok/select button within 5 seconds.
HDMI status is option 21 (interface status) -> HDMI

You will see the "perf resolution" and "supp resolution".

HDMI handshaking is when the devices negotiate the others capabilities (like resolutions, encryption, audio modes). There is a EEPROM on your TV that stores this information. I screwed my TV's HDMI parameters up when my Video card over-heated. This prevented my Media Center PC from using the HDMI connection until I was able to rewrite the correct information.

You might want to look at Diag menu 05 "AV STATUS". It will tell you the current HD output mode.

Diagnostic menu: Press power off and then ok/select button within 5 seconds.
HDMI status is option 21 (interface status) -> HDMI

You will see the "perf resolution" and "supp resolution".

HDMI handshaking is when the devices negotiate the others capabilities (like resolutions, encryption, audio modes). There is a EEPROM on your TV that stores this information. I screwed my TV's HDMI parameters up when my Video card over-heated. This prevented my Media Center PC from using the HDMI connection until I was able to rewrite the correct information.

You might want to look at Diag menu 05 "AV STATUS". It will tell you the current HD output mode.

So, I changed my picture size (on my tv) to 16:9 (was previously Just Scan) and it basically fixed all picture issues Ive had with HDMI, fixed the missing image on the right side of the guide, fixed the white vertical line on the far left of the screen, fixed the flickering at the top of the screen, so thanks for your help (I know feel like an IDIOT) :D

Now my only real issues are audio dropouts(im guessing audio dropouts could be fixed with some sort of firmware !?), and this dang universal remote my cable provider gave me which wont allow me to control TV and HD STB simultaneously :mad:, if I turn off the box (which I only do if I wont be home for awhile) it turns off my tv (if it were on) or turns my tv on (if it were off) and also turns my stereo on and off. Once again thanks for your help, im an idiot.

and this dang universal remote my cable provider gave me which wont allow me to control TV and HD STB simultaneously :mad:, if I turn off the box (which I only do if I wont be home for awhile) it turns off my tv (if it were on) or turns my tv on (if it were off) and also turns my stereo on and off. Once again thanks for your help, im an idiot.

You are required to buy a Harmony Univ. remote made by logitech if you own a nice TV like yours.:cool: I love my Harmony remote and don't use the cable companies remote.:)

You are welcome......

Now my only real issues are audio dropouts(im guessing audio dropouts

Are you using HDMI for the audio? If you can use SPDIF then the audio drops will disappear. I am using SPDIF and don't have any audio drop outs.

You are required to buy a Harmony Univ. remote made by logitech if you own a nice TV like yours.:cool: I love my Harmony remote and don't use the cable companies remote.:)

You are welcome......

Too expensive, plus it wont work with my playstation 3.

Are you using HDMI for the audio? If you can use SPDIF then the audio drops will disappear. I am using SPDIF and don't have any audio drop outs.

I use HDMI for audio to my TV, but I also get audio dropouts with my HD STB directly connected to my stereo via optical cable. Now that I think about it even further I think I only get audio drop-outs through my stereo. I would have to look into it abit more.

I have a 778 attached to my bedroom TV. It never spins down, and the noise is unbearable. I have two more of the same units on other TV's and none of them ever seem to spin down.

Should the unit get quiter when in the off position?

I have a 778 attached to my bedroom TV. It never spins down, and the noise is unbearable. I have two more of the same units on other TV's and none of them ever seem to spin down.

Should the unit get quiter when in the off position?

How full is your HDD (i.e. what does MyDVR screen report for free space)?

Also, what is the firmware release on your box?

Lindend,

My DVR has not changed its spindown count in the diag menus for a week. But the external HDD has been spinning down when the DVR is off. The internal HDD reported temp is also cooler when the unit has been off over-night.

I have not seen the square box around the display at power on or the 35 Watts of power consumption (I have a power meter always attached to the DVR.)

My question is if there is a spindown mode of the HDD separate from like a sleep mode of the CPU? The standby spindown count seems to indicate the lower power mode that saves 5 watts (not very low power, must be a non-EarthWatts power supply).

My HDD has 90% free. But my count has been 0 / 0 for a week know. It has never went into the lower power mode with the count being 0 / 0. I know that you indicated 0 / 0 could happen during disk house keeping operation but can it get stuck disk house keeping forever? Can a stuck disk house keeping routine prevent low power mode but still allow the drives to spin down?

lindend:

I'm running 9.65 and the release notes say:

2. Time bar jumps around during trick operations.

Is this supposed to be fixed in 9.65 or is this a known problem as I seem to have problems with the trick buttons (30 second skip and instant replay) losing track of where they are in a show when trying to watch something from disk while it still being recorded (seems to happen when the recording finishes).

Also, the highest fast forward/rewind speeds still don't seem fast enough.

And another question, last night I was watching and suddenly all of my channels seemed to be skipping entire frames every few seconds (on both tuners). Diagnostics didn't indicate anything out of the ordinary from what I could tell. The problem seemed to slowly get better over an hour or two. Any ideas?

Thanks

Is this supposed to be fixed in 9.65 or is this a known problem as I seem to have problems with the trick buttons (30 second skip and instant replay) losing track of where they are in a show when trying to watch something from disk while it still being recorded (seems to happen when the recording finishes).

What your describing is different than the fix in that release. Is there particular content that this happens on and does it happen all the time or occasionally?

Also, the highest fast forward/rewind speeds still don't seem fast enough.

I'm afraid there's not much we can do about that in our firmware releases. We're going as fast as TV Guide requests. This would fall under an enhancement request to TV Guide and the associated process that was discussed earlier in the thread.

And another question, last night I was watching and suddenly all of my channels seemed to be skipping entire frames every few seconds (on both tuners). Diagnostics didn't indicate anything out of the ordinary from what I could tell. The problem seemed to slowly get better over an hour or two. Any ideas?

No ideas right now.

I think I found a solution to the irritating frame-skipping problem. I change channels to National Geographic-HD at 720p, then switch to a 1080i HD channel. It doesn't occur often, but it annoyed the heck out of me when it did.

It appears for some reason, the PACE box gets confused at times.

Try it and see if you get the same results the next time it happens to you.

And another question, last night I was watching and suddenly all of my channels seemed to be skipping entire frames every few seconds (on both tuners). Diagnostics didn't indicate anything out of the ordinary from what I could tell. The problem seemed to slowly get better over an hour or two. Any ideas?
Thanks

That's happened to me twice before, I had to completely power down the system (unplug the power) to fix it.

I seem to have problems with the trick buttons (30 second skip and instant replay)

I'm using the 778X with the Armstrong remote (UEI Atlas OCAP DVR/PVR). Can anyone tell me how to do the 30 sec skip?

If the Armstrong remote doesn't have that function is there another remote I can buy for this?

TIA.

I'm using the 778X with the Armstrong remote (UEI Atlas OCAP DVR/PVR). Can anyone tell me how to do the 30 sec skip?

If the Armstrong remote doesn't have that function is there another remote I can buy for this?

TIA.

This should do it for you:

30 Second Skip:

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 (for 30 second Skip) (on older remotes drop the 00 and just enter 173 – try the 00173 first. Can't hurt anything.)
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip
(I use the yellow "A" button just under the volume control)

This should do it for you:

30 Second Skip:

Worked like a champ! Thanks!

Are there any other "secret" codes??

There's a similar routine for creating an "mute/un-mute" button for the cable box's built in mute/un-mute function. Needed that with the Motorola boxes because ti was the only way to un-mute them if you turned on the TV with a scheduled recording in progress. Apparently the Pace box doesn't need this though as adjusting the volume appears to take them out of mute. That's all I had though but glad the skip function works for you. I don't know what we'd do without it. Certainly beats fast forward.

Yes, the 30 second skip is a great feature. I had to use a hack to enable it on my TiVo as well.

I suspect there is some issue with the advertisers and the cable/satellite service providers that discourages the hardware manufacturers from offering it as a standard feature. You see the commercials even when fast-forwarding, but not with the skip!

My Pace DVR had been running for 13 days of System Uptime.
- I noticed that some remote functions were causing two presses. Example channel up went to channels up. One up press in Diag menu caused the selection to move two up. But number presses were fine.
- I went to watch a recorded HD Movie and every two seconds the picture went black and the sound cut out.
- I stopped the show and all the digital tuned channel didn't work and would say they will be available shortly or something like that in an info box.
- The analog channels would work like the recorded movie I tried to watch with going black every two seconds with no audio.
- The system info screen Showed System Free: 1135 After boot it is 1344 and some times up to 1672 KB
- The In Band status looked good with no short term errors for HD digital channels and signal said "GOOD".

- A reboot restored the system to working condition.

My external HDD has not spun down for a 2-3 days and I don't know what is wrong.

The Standby Spindown count is not incrementing but that as not stopped it from spinning down before.
I did notice that the Average Defrag and Max Defrag times are huge again. I have seen this before (when the internal HDD was pretty full). If these times are in milliseconds it looks like the max defragmentation time has been 26 hours???? My 500 GB external + internal (no files) are 26% Full.

Average Defrag (MS) : 24051725
Max Defrag (MS) : 96206849

Can defragmentation be disabled?
I would prefer user initiated defragmentation like the HDD menu look like you can do but when I have tried it in the past it didn't do anything. (Using replay, list, list, list, live then select DEFRAGMENTATION)

I have a Pace TDC779X that is provided by my cable company. I recently installed it to replace a non-DVR Motorola box. I've recently upgraded my amp to an Onkyo 805 AV receiver so that I can use HDMI connections from my HD DVD and Blu-ray players and the Pace DVR and then output them to a HDMI-capable projector in my home theater. Problem is, I can't get 5.1-channel audio output via HDMI from my Pace DVR. It is only sending a 2-channel signal to my amplifier, even though the cable program indicates Dolby 5.1. When I use the digital optical connection, I get Dolby 5.1, no problem. Does the Pace box support Dolby 5.1 via HDMI? Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

Armstrong replaced my Motorolla box with a PACE TDC778X. When I have composite video hooked up it defaults to a 16:9 view when watching an HD Movie channel that is broadcasted in widescreen. When I have the HDMI video hooked up it defaults to a 4:3 view on the same channel, same movie. I switched HDMI cables (as well as HDMI inputs on the TV) with the one I am using for my PS3 and it made no difference. I went into the Power Menu and made sure that the aspect was set to 16:9 and that all formats 480i,480p,720p,1080i were turned on. I have a Sony KDL-52XBR4. Enclosed is a screenshot of the AV Status, HDMI Status, and an example. Any suggestions would be great. Picture and Sound quality is fine it is just that it is in 4:3 mode for 16:9 broadcasts and then even smaller when you switch to a 4:3 broadcast. I should also state that I did a Reset Configuration from the Power Menu (when you have the box off and hold in the menu button) as well as a system reboot (hold info and select) as well as unplugged for 30 seconds

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Armstrong replaced my Motorolla box with a PACE TDC778X. When I have composite video hooked up it defaults to a 16:9 view when watching an HD Movie channel that is broadcasted in widescreen. When I have the HDMI video hooked up it defaults to a 4:3 view on the same channel, same movie. I switched HDMI cables (as well as HDMI inputs on the TV) with the one I am using for my PS3 and it made no difference. I went into the Power Menu and made sure that the aspect was set to 16:9 and that all formats 480i,480p,720p,1080i were turned on. I have a Sony KDL-52XBR4. Enclosed is a screenshot of the AV Status, HDMI Status, and an example. Any suggestions would be great. Picture and Sound quality is fine it is just that it is in 4:3 mode for 16:9 broadcasts and then even smaller when you switch to a 4:3 broadcast.

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Play with your zoom/aspect settings on your TV. Other Sony's (like mine) have had some weird issues dealing with the aspect ratios presented by the cable box. If you can't get it working, let us know and I'll dig up what I have my Sony set to do.

[QUOTE=lindend;13171691]What your describing is different than the fix in that release. Is there particular content that this happens on and does it happen all the time or occasionally?

I haven't been able to nail down yet exactly when this happens or not yet. It did not happen the one time I tried replicating it on SD content.

Different time bar problem, any clue to the problem when you pause a show and the time bar says "To Be Announced" even though the Info button presents the right information? Only way to fix it seems to be to power cycle the box.

I can manually force the 16:9 resolution on the sony but anytime I switch inputs it resets, and it does not matter what HDMI input on the TV the DVR is hooked too and no other device (UPConvert Panasonic DVD and PS3 has issues) also the Motorolla box I had before had no issues. The settings on the TV are Full with Normal 4:3 when a 4:3 signal is sent and AutoWide when a 16:9 signal is sent. It is definately something with the box and not the TV, I have ruled out everything except the box but unfortunately do not now how or if there are settings with the DVR I can/should change.

Can defragmentation be disabled?

Not at the current time.

I would prefer user initiated defragmentation like the HDD menu

That would work for power users like yourself, but most users wouldn't do the manual defrag and that will have some side effects (most of which aren't obviously connected to defragging so they probably wouldn't even think to do the defrag).

look like you can do but when I have tried it in the past it didn't do anything. (Using replay, list, list, list, live then select DEFRAGMENTATION)

Actually, it did run. If there's nothing to do, it can complete in a few hundred milliseconds.

Just a brief update, but based on your earlier comments, we have been investigating the possibility that the defragger (or another task) is doing I/O while your box is in standby and this is preventing the spin down. We will keep you posted on our results.

I can manually force the 16:9 resolution on the sony but anytime I switch inputs it resets,

This bug is discussed in detail in this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11616613&highlight=aspect#post11616613) and others.

Please search through this thread for more background on the problem (just search for aspect).

This bug is discussed in detail in this and others.

Please search through this thread for more background on the problem (just search for aspect).

I have tried everything in the posts and nothing resolves the issue other than me manually having to force the aspect ratio on the tv to full zoom (the input still thinks that it is receiving a 4:3 ratio from the box however), is there a firmware update I am possibly missing.

is there a firmware update I am possibly missing.

As I mentioned in my post above, its a firmware bug and there is no work around until the next software release.

The box is actually sending out a 16x9 image, but there are some handshake issues that confuse some TVs into thinking its a 4x3 image.

As I mentioned in my post above, its a firmware bug and there is no work around until the next software release.

The box is actually sending out a 16x9 image, but there are some handshake issues that confuse some TVs into thinking its a 4x3 image.

So there is no reason for the cable company to come out and replace the box then, correct. Also do you know perhaps when the firmware will be released?

Hello,

Can users upgrade the firmware on the 779X themselves? or do they have to depend on the cable company to do it?

Have to "depend" on your cable company.

Hello,

Thanks for getting back to me about the firmware upgrade for the 779X. In my case I am going to have to depend upon Mediacomm, which does not seem to be familiar with the equipment they have.
Thanks again for getting back to meand have a great day!

I have tried everything in the posts and nothing resolves the issue other than me manually having to force the aspect ratio on the tv to full zoom (the input still thinks that it is receiving a 4:3 ratio from the box however), is there a firmware update I am possibly missing.

Slumpbuster, try these settings.

On the cable box have the Aspect set to 16:9, auto pillarbox turned off, and all resolutions enabled.

In your TV settings (probably under an item labeled Screen), set Wide Mode Full and Auto Wide Off.

Then when viewing an HD channel set your zoom/aspect to Full. Crud, I forgot to check what I have that set to when viewing an SD channel, try the various settings until you get a proper 4:3 picture (black pillars on the sides).

Hello,

Does anyone know if the USB port on the 779X will ever be used? I think that is would be very usefull to plug in a flash drive and/or a digital camera into the USB port and see pictures on your TV.
I talked to the tech support people at PACE and they told me that the software developers (TV Guide, etc) for their box need to create a application that could do this. So, is there a way there a way that the people on this forum could convince the software developers to provide such a function?

Regards,

Dave:)

I have a series recording of an SD channel that the lip sync has been way off in the last two days (at least). I also have a Motorola 3412 in the house and it has the same recording without any lip sync issues. Watching that channel live doesn't seem to show any lip sync issues and I haven't been around to see it while it is recording. Any ideas on this one?

Quick question, might be dumb but I thought it was worth asking. Is it safe to record for a long period of time? Im talking 10hrs straight (Jaws quadrilogy and a different movie) just wanted to make sure it wouldnt over work the hard drive or anything like that. Thanks for any responses.

Quick question, might be dumb but I thought it was worth asking. Is it safe to record for a long period of time? Im talking 10hrs straight (Jaws quadrilogy and a different movie) just wanted to make sure it wouldnt over work the hard drive or anything like that. Thanks for any responses.


Yes it is safe. The CSR at my CC say the leave their PACE DVR's on 24/7. The PACE is alway recording both tuners. If you are recording a show it is no different then watching TV.

I have a recording that turned out to only be around 6 mins and was supposed to be an entire movie. I am assuming that the high "Lock Counts" in the Content listing are the reason for the abbreviated recording but I have not seen anything posted here before.

Application Data :
Breach

Metadata File Size : 5744
MPEG File Size: 503316480 {503316480}
Trick File SIze: 318944 {318944}
Clean termination : Yes
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : HD
Recording started at : 02/09/2008 21:15:16
Recording ended at : 02/09/2008 23:15:19
Play time : 0:06:33
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_PERMITTED
Analog Copy Permit : NONE
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : 0
Recorded with build : 001-025-02-08
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 10172512
Disk full pauses : 0
Audio type : DOLBY_DIGITAL
Videio type : MPEG2
Stream timeouts : 0
Navigation timeouts : 0
Trim offset : 0
Byte offset : 0
Tuner source : 2
Record session time : 395370
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 769
Gain Lock Count : 759

I am assuming that the high "Lock Counts" in the Content listing are the reason for the abbreviated recording but I have not seen anything posted here before.


You're assumption is correct. This tracks the # of times the tuner lost lock (i.e. lost the incoming signal). Without a valid source signal, you're going to have issues. Do you see lots of macroblocking in the 6 minutes of the recording that you do have? Do you have any signal strength issues with the channel in question?

Do you see lots of macroblocking in the 6 minutes of the recording that you do have? Do you have any signal strength issues with the channel in question?

No macroblocking. The video was perfect for the 6min. The channel was HBOHD and I have no signal issues with any of my channels.

My external HDD has not spun down for a 2-3 days and I don't know what is wrong.
Well I finally rebooted again today at lunch (ext HDD wasn't spinning down) and the Ext HD was spun down when I returned home this evening. The DVR didn't do the square-box on the display and the spin-down count didn't increment in the menus.

Why does the DVR need to be periodically rebooted to spin-down the ext. HDD? I waited 10+ days and the HDD 2 files stayed 0 / 0 and the drive never spun down again.

Why does the ext HDD spin-down without the unit doing the square-box wakeup on next power up? Is that by design?

Why does the ext HDD spin-down without the spin-down counts incrementing? Are these counts just for the internal HDD?

Another unanswered question, does the square-box wake up indicate a system low power mode not just a HDD spin-down?

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks...

Hi again, another day another question/problem :)

Here's the scenario from last night. I started by watching the 8:00 basketball game in HD, everything is working perfectly. I had an HD series on another channel also set to record at 9 (or so). Around halftime (so roughly 9) I hit the Pause button on the basketball game and let it sit there for about 15 minutes. Once I realized the buffer was about to run out I hit the record button and then started to fast forward through halftime. After that I experienced pretty severe macroblocking (and audio dropouts) while watching the game until I "caught up" with the live feed at which point it seemed to stop. I later went back to check the recording of the game and found that the recording itself showed the macroblocking, although I'm not sure it was as severe. I have not viewed the other HD show I was recording at 9 yet.

When I go into the content listings diagnostics both shows indicate recording overflows (roughly 51 for the game and 3 for the other show). The only other thing that appeared odd is that the Content Type for the other show listed it as "Unknown" (instead of HD).

Any ideas on this problem?

When I go into the content listings diagnostics both shows indicate recording overflows (roughly 51 for the game and 3 for the other show).

That many overflows indicates that lots of information has been lost and will correspond to macroblocking. Unfortunately, it doesn't explain why the overflows occurred in the first place. Was this recording to an internal or an external drive?

The only other thing that appeared odd is that the Content Type for the other show listed it as "Unknown" (instead of HD).

If you have a 778, this would be expected on the background tuner. The 779 should properly detect the content type on either tuner.

That many overflows indicates that lots of information has been lost and will correspond to macroblocking. Unfortunately, it doesn't explain why the overflows occurred in the first place. Was this recording to an internal or an external drive?

If you have a 778, this would be expected on the background tuner. The 779 should properly detect the content type on either tuner.


This was on an internal drive, no external is attached.

Ok, it is a 778 so that is cool.

Ok, it is a 778 so that is cool.

Unknown vs. HD is just a diagnostics thing. It has no effect as far as playing back the recording so its nothing to worry about.

I am planning to feed extra tv's in addition to my main Sony KDF-E50A10. The Sony is connected via HDMI, everything is fine. Extra HD sets will be from the component out.

I tested the component out at the same time on my Vizio VX32L. On digital channels in the Mediacom HD tier, and with DVR playback, both sets look great. When I switched to an analog channel, the Sony was normal (4x3 for me, I don't use stretch mode), but the Vizio went to a horizontally "compressed" picture - like maybe 3x3 instead of 4x3. Pressing the aspect button on the DVR made the Vizio normal (4x3), and the Sony went to stretch. I can also solve this by putting the Vizio in stretch, but it doesn't look as good since it's stretching a horizontally compressed image.

The box also does some horizontal compression on the RF out to analog tv's when operated at the same time as the HDMI out.

Is there a solution for this? It's not a huge problem, just an annoyance I would like to eliminate.

Thanks, Tim

I noticed on the Pacemicro website that there is a 250GB DVR with 3 tuners - model # TDC850. However, it is not listed under products for the U.S. Is this model available to U.S. cable operators? If so, are any currently using it? If it isn't available, does anyone know why not?
- Thanks -

However, it is not listed under products for the U.S. Is this model available to U.S. cable operators?

No.

If so, are any currently using it? If it isn't available, does anyone know why not? Thanks -

That box is targeted at the European market. Cable boxes deployed in the US typically can't be used overseas as-is and visa-versa. Things like CableCARD, 708 captions only exist in and are relevant for U.S./North American markets.

That many overflows indicates that lots of information has been lost and will correspond to macroblocking. Unfortunately, it doesn't explain why the overflows occurred in the first place. Was this recording to an internal or an external drive?



If you have a 778, this would be expected on the background tuner. The 779 should properly detect the content type on either tuner.

This was on an internal drive, no external is attached.

Ok, it is a 778 so that is cool.

Hi Linden,

I finally had a chance to watch the show that had the 3 recording overflows. No real macro-blocking there, instead it seem to be dropping entire frames, lots of stuttering and audio dropouts during the portion that corresponded with the macro-blocking in the basketball game. So any new ideas on the source of these recording overflows? Bad box? Software problem? Cosmic rays?

So any new ideas on the source of these recording
overflows? Bad box? Software problem? Cosmic rays?

If this was a one time thing, I would be suspicious of the actual broadcast. Do you have any friends that recorded the OTA broadcast?

I had the DVR fail in a strange way that I wonder if anyone has saw before. I was recording a HD show and watching the other tuner. The tuner I was watching was 10-15 min behind real-time on a HD channel. The video froze and I tried to go live and it still was freezing. I changed channel to analog and that played but would freeze every few seconds. I tried a digital channel but any digital channel LD or HD would display a message that stated the channel could not be viewed right now and should be available shortly. I swapped to the recording tuner and it would keep playing a loop of video about 10 seconds long. I powered off and told it to cancel the recording program. I went to diags and it stated that the program ended cleanly. I tried to view the tuner again and same thing every digital channel wouldn't display with that message about waiting. The analog channels kept freezing every few seconds. I went to service menu and rebooted the box and everything returned to normal except no guide info of coarse. It has been over 24 hours and it has worked with no further lockups.


This DVR needs a code update. I had basically the same lockup tonight. I had tuner 1 & 2 on HD channels. I was watching a HD prevoiusly recorded program from the HDD. The video started to play for 6 seconds and go blank for 2-3 seconds continously. I quit the play back and both tuner were doing the exact same thing at the same time. I tuned both tuner to analog and the analog channels played for 6 seconds and went blank for 2-3 seconds (same). Trying to tune either or both tuner back to digital channels fails with the messsage box: "ONE MOMENT PLEASE, This Channel should be availble shortly."

IN Band status for digital channel looks fine:
Data NO TSID 0
Carrier Lock YES Sym Rate 5361
PCR Lock NO Pre RS BER 0.000e+00
SNR 34.9 - 35.2 GOOD
QAM 256
Short Term Errors 0
Signal Level -3.7
AGC 63

The Cable Card Status doesn't look good:
Connection NOT PRESENT
VALIDATION State n/a
[ALL ITEMS] n/a

APP CODE MODULES Missing the MCbleCard
P274cch_ 09.58 ENABLED 2264 FLASH 6295652

((AFTER REBOOT the following Module shows up))
MCblCard 02.01 ENABLED -- MCARD ----

CURR CHAN STATUS
Same Tuner 1 or 2
Chan Number 0
Chan Satus AUTH
Preview NO
Encrypted NO
Connected YES
PCR Lock NO

Digging further I found a status that is alternating at the same rate as the video blanking interval.
Under Interface Status
NON-PORTABLE HOST STATUS
( For 6 seconds It look like this )
HOST ID 047-000-041-883-5
PARING METHOD MMI
BRICK MODE NO
ER BIT ERRORS 203 (AFTER REBOOT 0)
TRANSPORT ERRORS 0
IPC STALLS 1 (0x0E) (AFTER REBOOT 0)
OPEN RESOURCES 0x000000000 (AFTER REBOOT 0x000080A2)
DOWNLOAD IN PROGRESS NO
MSO PHONE NUMBER UNKNOWN NUMBER

( For 2 Seconds following parameters change)
BRICK MODE YES (CABLECARD)
ER BIT ERRORS 204 (Increments by 1 when BRICK mode == YES)

Power off/on has no effect. (REBOOT fixes the issue)

I took pictures of all the diagnositcs screens if that is of any help.
I assume that it is a PACE firmware bug that is not able to re-initialize the cablecard after some sort of error has happend (exception in the Cable Card module?). The PACE DVR screens show that the Cable card is messed up, why cant it be re-initaialized?

Lindend, Have you been able to reproduce any of the bugs I have reported? Like this one, video shuttering when background recording is starting or stopping, screwed up analog audio bit rate, no HDD spin down, no low power mode when in standby (square box at next power up).

Thanks.....

If this was a one time thing, I would be suspicious of the actual broadcast. Do you have any friends that recorded the OTA broadcast?

A broadcast problem or a cable delivery problem? No, I don't know of anyone with it recorded. It just seems highly coincidental that the problem started somewhere when I paused/recorded the basketball game and then it went away after I caught up to live TV while watching it.

I can't say I've had other incidences quite like this one. I do intermittently get video glitches (mostly single partial lines of horizontal pixelation that last a second) and audio beeps that I never had with my Motorola 3412. Had the cable tech out 3 weeks ago complaining about those and he said my signal was "good" and didn't really have a clue why I was getting those (tried blaming it on a loose connection somewhere but that didn't make much sense since video is following a different path than my audio).

I assume that it is a PACE firmware bug that is not able to re-initialize the cablecard after some sort of error has happend (exception in the Cable Card module?).

Yes, there is a bug in this area on our HD CableCARD products.

The PACE DVR screens show that the Cable card is messed up, why cant it be re-initaialized?

A software bug but its not repeatable on demand and as you noted, its cured by a reboot. Can't get into specifics in a public forum (or via PM).

Like this one, video shuttering when background recording is starting or stopping,

Not yet.

screwed up analog audio bit rate

Yes. It will be fixed a future firmware update.

no HDD spin down

We've seen some oddities with spin down that are similar to the issues you reported. I will update you when/if a firmware release is available with these fixes so you can verify them.

There will also be some enhancements in diags to help in this area.

no low power mode when in standby (square box at next power up).

This is related to the HDD not spinning down.

A broadcast problem or a cable delivery problem? No, I don't know of anyone with it recorded. It just seems highly coincidental that the problem started somewhere when I paused/recorded the basketball game and then it went away after I caught up to live TV while watching it.

I can't say I've had other incidences quite like this one. I do intermittently get video glitches (mostly single partial lines of horizontal pixelation that last a second) and audio beeps that I never had with my Motorola 3412. Had the cable tech out 3 weeks ago complaining about those and he said my signal was "good" and didn't really have a clue why I was getting those (tried blaming it on a loose connection somewhere but that didn't make much sense since video is following a different path than my audio).

Now I'm more confused. I thought I had the TV program recorded on my 3412 so I went back to watch it on the 778 to see where it blew chunks but this time the visible errors were 1 audio dropout and very minor pixelation (instead of the stuttering/dropped frames). Does the 778 really vary that much in how it handles errors?

Turns out that I had the non-HD version of the show recorded on the 3412 and it didn't show any problems.

I was recording a HDNET concert. The concert is split into multiple files (6 total).

The first 5 have Clean termination == NO.
The play time is 0:00:00 for the once with with clean termination == NO.
The Lost and Gain lock counts are 0 for all 6 files.
The compact stat flag is 1 for 2 of the 6 files.

When I attempted to play file 2-5 (I only tried 2,5) a interesting jumble of various shows and macro blocking was displayed. Hitting stop has no effect. If I hit last or list the play back stops, the record show list is displayed but no button works and the unit reboots itself in a few seconds.

Is this a bug with clean termination == NO and the the player plays what ever is next on the HDD? The sizes of the files look ok as does their duration (minutes) displayed in the recording list.

File 1 shows 62min and plays (I have reached the end yet).
File 2 shows 2min
File 3-5 shows 1min
File 6 shows 7 min

File 2-5 Show "This recording was interrupted while in progress. Some of the program may have been lost."

I was recording a HDNET concert. The concert is split into multiple files (6 total).

The first 5 have Clean termination == NO.

Do you know if the box rebooted during the recording? If the recording wasn't cleanly terminated, the time duration info won't be accurate.

The only other scenario that might create split recordings was an EAS. Did an EAS take place during the program?

Do you know if the box rebooted during the recording? If the recording wasn't cleanly terminated, the time duration info won't be accurate.

The only other scenario that might create split recordings was an EAS. Did an EAS take place during the program?

I would say no to the EAS, since they do that during the afternoon of the first Wed of the month.

Did you catch that the recording was in 6 parts? The first 5 were Clean Terminated == NO. I wasn't awake during the recording but highly doubt the box rebooted 5 times during the recording.

Also the box was on the next AM and when the box starts a recording from the off state it turns back off at the end of the recording. So I would say the box didn't reboot even once.

Did you catch that the recording was in 6 parts? The first 5 were Clean Terminated == NO.

I've seen recordings broken into parts under two circumstances:

1. Reboot during the recording.
2. Failed attempts to start the recording (this can happen for a variety of reasons)

#2 won't cause the Clean Termination == NO. #1 will.

Repeated reboots during the recording session will cause it to be split into multiple parts in each boot cycle. But if you say it didn't reboot, I don't have a viable theory as to why this happened right now.

I've seen recordings broken into parts under two circumstances:

1. Reboot during the recording.
2. Failed attempts to start the recording (this can happen for a variety of reasons)

#2 won't cause the Clean Termination == NO. #1 will.

Repeated reboots during the recording session will cause it to be split into multiple parts in each boot cycle. But if you say it didn't reboot, I don't have a viable theory as to why this happened right now.

I have one more case of a split recording that I didn't report yet. It happed 3/11/08 while recording a movie. I assumed it was from signal interruption during recording. But that time the first part has counts (lost, gain) which == 1 and a clean termination. I still have that recording on the drive if you want me to look something up from it.

First part ends 15:08:48 (Duration 0:38:32)
Second part starts 15:09:20 (Duration 1:50:51)

So that would be a third way of getting a split recording? My logic is that 32 seconds between first part ending and second parts starting is not enough for a reboot and the first part recorded for over 38 mins doesn't sound like a failed recording start.

I am only trying to be helpful and I am hopeful PACE will be able to resolve these issues and make this a better product.

The recording end at time and play time must be updated during the termination since the concert parts 1-5 parts have Recording end times == start times and play times == 0:00:00? But the recording list time must be calculated from MPEG File Size?

Repeated reboots during the recording session will cause it to be split into multiple parts in each boot cycle. But if you say it didn't reboot, I don't have a viable theory as to why this happened right now.

I noticed a parameter under DVR STATUS that maybe means it rebooted 5 times?

# LINEAR RECORD REBOOTS : 5

It was 0 on 3/12, I have photos of all the diag screen I had taken for the last bug report, so I compared it.

Why didn't you ask me to check that parameter? Does it mean that it rebooted 5 times during that recording? If so, I wonder why? Cable company sending reboots?

Why didn't you ask me to check that parameter?

I forgot about that field. :(

Does it mean that it rebooted 5 times during that recording??

Somewhat. It means that 5 reboots were performed during ANY recording. However, that number seems like too much of a coincidence to be random.

If so, I wonder why?

Could be a bug in the EPG, could be a bug in our firmware (although I don't think so) or a reset could have been performed from the headend (although, again, I doubt that--especially 5 of them).

New user with hopefully a simple question. I just got a TDC779X from my cable company. I'm trying to use component video (my receiver does not support HDMI or DVI) but can get no picture to show. The picture will work via the composite video connection. Sound works fine. Ideas?

I have Armstrong and a Pace TDC778X with V9.02.

I am having 3 problems:
1. Audio dropout averaging around 3-5 seconds. This occurs live on different channels. The recorder actually records the dropouts.
2. Unit becomes totally unresponsive for 5-20 seconds. Then the queued button presses play out.
3. After using FF and then hitting Play the recording plays from the spot I started FFing from.

I've seen others in this thread report these problems. But I haven't seen any resolutions.

Armstrong should be here any minute. I'm wondering if I should just ask them to swap out the box for something else. If so what would be a good alternative that Armstrong provides?

I have Armstrong and a Pace TDC778X with V9.02.


How much content have you recorded? If you're at the point where you're considering swapping out the box, you may want to format your HDD first.

Also, forgot to ask, are you using an eSATA drive?

Just picked up a My DVR Expander for my PACE 778X. Installation went fine. No problems so far!

This DVR needs a code update. I had basically the same lockup tonight. I had tuner 1 & 2 on HD channels. I was watching a HD prevoiusly recorded program from the HDD. The video started to play for 6 seconds and go blank for 2-3 seconds continously. I quit the play back and both tuner were doing the exact same thing at the same time. I tuned both tuner to analog and the analog channels played for 6 seconds and went blank for 2-3 seconds (same). Trying to tune either or both tuner back to digital channels fails with the messsage box: "ONE MOMENT PLEASE, This Channel should be availble shortly."

I had this same thing happen tonight. And I frequently have HD channels that won't come in. I'm wondering if it's a signal strength issue or is it just the DVR. My cable is only split with a two-way splitter right now - if I run one cable directly into the back of my tv, all the family cable channels look much better.
I recently got high speed internet, so now the other cable goes to the cable modem. I would like to get a 3-way splitter so I can enjoy the family cable channels in better quality, but I'm afraid I'll lose too much signal.

1. What should my signal levels be?
2. I've heard about amplifiers you can buy that amplify signal.. can I use these with this DVR?
3. Do you still need those little filters (WHP-5/13) for your tvs when you have internet?

The cable company didn't provide the user manual with my 778, and I've scanned this thread, but haven't found the answer, so I'm going to ask...

What should I expect for capacity on my 778 as far as hours of shows? It seems as if a dozen or so one-hour shows fills it up. I presume it matters if the shows are HD? Is there a place to set a compression algorithym?

Thanks!

My unit was powered off since last night and in the morning was still off. By this evening the unit had powered itself on and tuned both tuners to the analog TV Guide channel. The front panel display showed the 19 (which is the channel # the tuner's were on) instead of the current time as I have it setup for. This is the first time I have seen this happen. One interesting note is that this morning while the unit was off the message icon was lit but this evening the icon was off and there were no messages to view?????

Please tell us that a new firmware is coming out (and available for all Cable operators) that will fix some of these issues.

The system up time shows 7 days so it didn't reboot or get reset.....

I recorded John Adams from HBO and when I went to play it tonight it poped up the "Delete recording" , "Don't delete recording" dialog.
The # linear recording reboots is still 5 so it didn't reboot.
The system Uptime is 8 days, which also means no reboot.
Firmware 09.58

The recordings list shows the correct show length (75min).

The diags Content listing shows:
Application Data :
John Adams

Metadata File Size : 5698
MPEG File Size: 3145728 {3145728}
Trick File SIze: 224 {224}
Clean termination : Yes
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : HD
Recording started at : 03/26/2008 03:30:13
Recording ended at : 03/26/2008 04:45:10
Play time : 0:00:01
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_PERMITTED
Analog Copy Permit : CGMS_COPY_PERMITTED
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : 0
Recorded with build : 001-025-02-08
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 12582912
Disk full pauses : 0
Audio type : DOLBY_DIGITAL
Videio type : MPEG2
Stream timeouts : 0
Navigation timeouts : 0
Trim offset : 0
Byte offset : 0
Tuner source : 2
Record session time : 760
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 0
Gain Lock Count : 0

What is going on???

The cable company didn't provide the user manual with my 778, and I've scanned this thread, but haven't found the answer, so I'm going to ask...

What should I expect for capacity on my 778 as far as hours of shows? It seems as if a dozen or so one-hour shows fills it up. I presume it matters if the shows are HD? Is there a place to set a compression algorithym?

Thanks!

User manual is linked in first post of topic.

Assuming you have the 160GB drive (like everyone else):
The diags screens show 153GB TOTAL Size == 113 hours SD or 30 hours HD

No consumer of the self DVR allows the recompression of HD material (that I have heard of).
Some DVR's allow changing the analog compression size but not the PACE.

Note: diags screens are discussed in previous posts.

I recorded John Adams from HBO and when

Trick File SIze: 224 {224}
Record session time : 760


The trick file size does not look good. Is this HBO HD or HBO SD?

The front panel display showed the 19 (which is the channel # the tuner's were on) instead of the current time as I have it setup for.

This sounds like a TVG bug (although I've never seen it reported).

One interesting note is that this morning while the unit was off the message icon was lit but this evening the icon was off and there were no messages to view?????

There is a bug in diags where the message indicator can get lit by accident.

Please tell us that a new firmware is coming out (and available for all Cable operators) that will fix some of these issues.

There will be a maintenance release that fixes some of the issues you've reported. Don't have a public availability date yet (and I can't tell you when your provider will chose to roll it out). When the release is available, I will post the info here.

The trick file size does not look good. Is this HBO HD or HBO SD?
HBO HD of course... SD is not worth watching.....

Any idea what happend to this recording?


I also thought this parameter looked wrong: "Record session time : 760"

So, one program, standard definition, shouldn't take 60% of the hard drive space? A one hour program?

What can I do to reset the internal hard drive? Is there something else I should do?

What can I do to reset the internal hard drive? Is there something else I should do?

If your box is saying that your DVR is 100% full you can try some of these steps

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#The_DVR_menu_erroneously_states_the_DVR_hard_drive_is_1 00.25_full

If none of those work you can then wipe the hard drive. You will lose your recordings though '

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

If your box is saying that your DVR is 100% full you can try some of these steps

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#The_DVR_menu_erroneously_states_the_DVR_hard_drive_is_1 00.25_full

If none of those work you can then wipe the hard drive. You will lose your recordings though '

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

I would wait for Lindend to respond. That wiki is for the Motorola DVR not the PACE. That is not the proceedure I used to reformat my internal HDD on the PACE. I did the same key sequence (From the diagnositics menu) replay, list, list, list, live; then I selected the "full format" option.

What can I do to reset the internal hard drive? Is there something else I should do?

Have you tried to reboot the box or delete the problem recording? I would try that before taking more drastic actions such as reformatting the drive.

HBO HD of course... SD is not worth watching.....

Any idea what happend to this recording?

We've never seen anything like this before. Did you watch the program when it was live? If so, did you see any issues?

I would wait for Lindend to respond. That wiki is for the Motorola DVR not the PACE.

The Pace boxes have the same button sequences as the Motorola DVRs do as you noted. Also the DVR full issue is related to the TV-Guide client and not Motorola or Pace hardware or software.

A DVR reset should always be your last resort, that is why i included the link to other troubleshooting first.

We've never seen anything like this before. Did you watch the program when it was live? If so, did you see any issues?
No, I didn't watch the live program. Wouldn't signal issues cause lock counts > 0?

Could PACE please change the button behavior while in the program guide and any TVGuide menu to make the channel +/- be the same as page +/-? All the other DVRs that I have used are that way. You use ch up for page up in the guide or any other list and ch down for page down in any guide display or list display.

There is no logical reason to be in the guide and want the ch up press to change the channel you were watching and exit the guide display. It makes the PACE DVR hard to use with a universal remote control.

I am guessing that the change might need to be done in the TVGuide software. Please submit feedback to them if that is the case.

No, I didn't watch the live program. Wouldn't signal issues cause lock counts > 0?

This isn't a case of signal loss. That is why its so puzzling. We were bouncing around some theories that potentially the stream either contained an invalid MPEG transport stream or invalid MPEG content. Its unlikely to be the former since the MPEG file size was so small. Can't really tell if it was the latter unless you watched it.

Have you ever seen this issue on HBO HD any other time?

I have 10 recorded shows on my HDD and in the last day or so 5 of them wont play. I looked at the CONTENT LISTING and the MPEG File Size : has {0} and the L+F state flag is UNKNOWN for the 5 that don't play. Some of these recordings are over 30 days old (From 2/22/08).

I thought that bug was fixed? I have firmware 9.58. What causes some files that were previously fine to become unplayable?

1. Is there a known way to reprogram the Universal Remote UR5U-6200L to perform a 30 second or 1 minute skip ahead, with the Pace TDC778x? I have seen posts about other remotes with this function, so I know the DVR is capable.

2. In the TDC778x manual, I noticed an open source s/w license. Have there been publicly developed software addons for this DVR? It would be great to update the programming search capabilities, and to set multiple record schedules for a single program title (e.g., always record new show, but also keep 3 reruns in storage).

xtexan

My unit was powered off since last night and in the morning was still off. By this evening the unit had powered itself on and tuned both tuners to the analog TV Guide channel. The front panel display showed the 19 (which is the channel # the tuner's were on) instead of the current time as I have it setup for. This is the first time I have seen this happen. One interesting note is that this morning while the unit was off the message icon was lit but this evening the icon was off and there were no messages to view?????

Please tell us that a new firmware is coming out (and available for all Cable operators) that will fix some of these issues.

The system up time shows 7 days so it didn't reboot or get reset.....

I was home today at noon and noticed the PACE turn on and flash "EAS"
and 19. When the flashing ended the 19 was left on the display. The unit was previously off and it was now left on with 19 on the display. Today is the first of the month so a noon EAS sounds likely.

Questions:
1) Why would the PACE turn on to do a EAS?
2) Is the EAS supposed to flash or alternate with the channel?
3) Why tune both tuners to the EAS broadcast?
4) My box didn't exhibit this behavior previously, did the cable company change how the EAS is done that is causing the new PACE behavior?

Why is the analog quality sub-par for the PACE? My SONY DVR has much better sound and image quality on analog channels. The PACE analog audio is lacking high frequency (is that due to the the 32KHz PCM choice)? The image quality of the pace is soft and looks heavily compressed even during live watching? Is the PACE compressing analog all the time, even during live viewing? The SONY allows the user to choose 3-4 quality modes for analog and it is settable per recording.

2. In the TDC778x manual, I noticed an open source s/w license. Have there been publicly developed software addons for this DVR? It would be great to update the programming search capabilities, and to set multiple record schedules for a single program title (e.g., always record new show, but also keep 3 reruns in storage).

The enhancements you're requesting require modifications to TV Guide and that software is not OpenSource/GPL. So I'm afraid the answer is no.

1) Why would the PACE turn on to do a EAS?

EAS will only appear if it is generated by the cable head end (DAC).

2) Is the EAS supposed to flash or alternate with the channel?

If done properly no. However, that can happen if the duration of the EAS is very short.

3) Why tune both tuners to the EAS broadcast?

That is how EAS is done on Motorola networks (I realize that this isn't logical, but that's what we must be compatible with).

4) My box didn't exhibit this behavior previously, did the cable company change how the EAS is done that is causing the new PACE behavior?

There are different types of EAS (channel override and forced tune). You could check to see if they generated an EAS and what type of EAS they used.

I am just about to throw the towel in on this DVR.

I had my DVR set to record a show at 8pm and another show on different channel at 9pm tonight. (non-overlapping recordings of 1 hour each)

When the Baseball games that I was watching live (on a different DVR tuner, SONY) ended I went to the DVR input on the TV and the screen had a message box that took up most of the screen that said my recordings have been paused/stopped because my HDD is full. There was a DVR button on the box so I hit ok/enter and the DVR list comes up and it shows I am only 17% full and the 9pm show is currently recording in disagreement with the previous message box.

Now even a stranger thing is that both record lights are lit on the face plate but the DVR lists doesn't show two shows recording only the 9pm show that is recording on tuner 2.

If I hit play on tuner 1 the play bar on the bottom doesn't show recording icon but it shows the current show name as "To Be Announced" and the play bars shows 8pm -- 10pm. The guide list shows that FOX 9 News is currently on that channel 9-10p. I can rewind the current tuner1 all the way back to the show that didn't record (or show up in the DVR list) due to the false disk full message (boy that is a slow process ~10min to rewind 2 hours). So the TVGuide software appears to be lost and has left a recording going but none of the on screen displays show that only the DVR front panel.

I am watching the 8pm current play back buffer now and the time is 10:03p and the playback bar still shows "To Be Announced" 8p 10p. Now the guide shows "Fox at 10" should be on that tuner. The runer 2 record light is now off.

Could this recent behavior be some Mediacom system issue? I found a post from a Mediacom person yesterday 4/1/08 that said this: System issue affecting Pace DCTs. Should be fixed later this week. I found it here Weird-dvr-issues (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20263581-Weird-dvr-issues)

Any Mediacom experts here that can maybe shed some light on the Mediacom system issues with PACE DVRs? Is PACE working on this with Mediacom?

I seem to be filling up this forum with BUGs lately. Any other Mediacom victims on this forum that are just not posting?

I sure hope PACE starts working some of these issues with Mediacom. It is ultimately PACE's name on this product. The false disk full message seems like it wouldn't be a TVGuide software issue but I am only guessing.

I look forward to any reply that explains how this unit could operate this way? Also explain how I am watching over two hours in the past on the play back buffer. Explain how the tuner 1 record LED is on and there is no shows listing in the DVR list.

I feel like a ALPHA tester of this product but unfortunately I am paying close to $150/month to be a tester....:confused:

Mediacom employees that may watch this forum please report these issues to your technical system operators.

Continuation of BUG report:

While watching the stale tuner 1 buffer when the play back time reached 8:30p, the playback bar shows "To Be Announced" 8:30p - 10:30p. So it appears that 2 hours is the maximum duration that the playback bar can display.

I can rewind back to 8:29 and the playback bar will jump back 1/2 hour. I am guess that part is by design.

It is now 10:50pm and I can still rewind back to 8pm on tuner 1 and the recording led is still lit.

After I watched the show I wanted to see from the extended playback buffer, I changed channels on tuner 1 and the recording LED went out. There is no show in the DVR list for the FOX channel.

DVR STATUS shows 76% remaining on external HDD (376GB) and 100% remaining on internal HDD (153GB). So the full message is bogus as expected.

Look at the recording starting date/time and ending date/time. As I post this it is only 4/2/2008 at 11:07PM :: The general Status page on the DVR agrees with the date/time in the Current GPS Time field.

The diag menu CONTENT LISTINGS shows a blank name recording as follows:
Application Data :


Metadata File Size : 5240
MPEG File Size: 18827182080 {18827182080}
Trick File SIze: 19737760 {19737760}
Clean termination : Yes
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : HD
Recording started at : 04/03/2008 01:00:12
Recording ended at : 04/03/2008 03:51:43
Play time : 2:51:30
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_PERMITTED
Analog Copy Permit : NONE
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : 0
Recorded with build : 001-025-02-08
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 14637264
Disk full pauses : 0
Audio type : DOLBY_DIGITAL
Videio type : MPEG2
Stream timeouts : 0
Navigation timeouts : 0
Trim offset : 0
Byte offset : 0
Tuner source : 1
Record session time : 10290930
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 0
Gain Lock Count : 0

How do I delete this recording? Hopefully short of a HDD format.....

While in the Diag menu for the previous post the screen went blank and the EAS started to flash with 19 on the display. The lower part of the screen showed the listing information for channel 19 (TV Guide channel). But no audio for the EAS message was heard and there was no picture on the screen.

When the EAS quit flashing the screen was left with the following message in the middle of the screen: "ONE MOMENT PLEASE", "This channel should be available shortly."

Tuning the channel away then back caused the TVGuide channel to display.

Today is the first Wed of the month so a 11PM EAS seems likely.

Does this point to a Mediacom EAS issue?

Note both tuners were changed to channel 19 and both had the ONE MOMEMT PLEASE message after the EAS quit flashing.

1) Why would the PACE turn on to do a EAS?
EAS will only appear if it is generated by the cable head end (DAC).


You missed my point. If the DVR is in standby, why wouldn't it ignore the EAS? Nobody is watching a DVR that is in standby.......

If PACE ignored this EAS then the DVR would have stayed in standby mode and the tuner's channel would have been left alone. Sounds like a use case that was messed up.

Look at the recording starting date/time and ending date/time. As I post this it is only 4/2/2008 at 11:07PM :: The general Status page on the DVR agrees with the date/time in the Current GPS Time field.

The diag menu CONTENT LISTINGS shows a blank name recording as follows:
Recording started at : 04/03/2008 01:00:12
Recording ended at : 04/03/2008 03:51:43
Play time : 2:51:30

I will give my own guess as to the what happend in the PACE DVR to cause this.

The TVGuide software sent a record now command to the PACE IO System with a end time of 4/3/2008 03:51:43 (I would guess the request was a bug by TVGuide Software). The PACE IO System checked and to record from the current time 4/2/2008 20:00:00 until the scheduled end time was going to exceed some internal maximum file allowed size and reported the DISK full event but started the recording (Even-though the HDD reports it has 75 hours remaining at HD quality (376GB), the PACE software can only record shows up to some certain size (160GB??) ).

Since the TVGuide Software really only wanted to record until 8PM it didn't know that the PACE IO system was still recording the scheduled show and that explains the recording bar not showing the RED icon and not warning me about a channel change on that tuner.

With a debug software load a scenario like above should be able to be verified by PACE. The PACE software would modify a TVGuide recording request and see what the units behavior was (does the out of space dialog come up, does the play back buffer allow long play back window, does RED LED on the play back bar go out of the TVGuide desired end recording time, Does the show title sow "To Be Announced", does the recording not show up in the DVR list.)

The false disk full message seems like it wouldn't be a TVGuide software issue but I am only guessing.


This unfortunately is a well known TVGuide bug. If you search through the Pace and Motorola threads, you'll see lots of hits. Normally, the only recourse when this happens is a reboot.

I have received a disk full message twice in the last week on 779X upon turning the box on. Each time the disk was really 36% full. When I tried to delete a program, the box would not respond to the X for delete. I had to unplug power wait , plug it back in, wait and good for another week till today. Mediacom phone support person said they did not have any info and could send out a technician which I have declined so far. Is this the "well known TVGuide bug" of which lindend speaks?

Is this the "well known TVGuide bug" of which lindend speaks?

Yes. :(

lindend, thanks for the answer. Unfortunately things have become worse. Now I get a message that the DVR Service is not available or disabled. Mediacom in Springfield MO sent a signal to my box that shut it down and rebooted it. That didn't work. Then their phone person said to try unplug, wait plug in , wait . That didn't work either.
Diagnostic 23 says no hdd(s) found. Screenshots of some diagnostic screens and the DVR not available message here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/u600213/Dvrstatus

They can send a technician of Friday ( its Sunday now) or I can take the box in for exchange which would lose my recordings. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Diagnostic 23 says no hdd(s) found. Screenshots of some diagnostic screens and the DVR not available message here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/u600213/Dvrstatus


Sounds like something is going wrong with your HDD. How many times have you rebooted the box and seen this happen?

If the HDD is indeed going bad/gone bad, the recordings are lost, so getting a replacement shouldn't be as traumatic.

Rebooted 2 times "by hand" and once from a hit by Mediacom yesterday after the 100% full nonsense, and 1 more time this AM 1 hr before taking the screen shots. Off to Mediacom when they open in the morning. thanks.

Just in case anyone is looking to expand the storage on their pace box, here is a great deal from Best Buy on the DVR expander:

My DVR Expander Sale (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1185271084416&skuId=8477105&type=product)

When combined with this 10% coupon:

10 Percent Off Coupon (https://moversguide.usps.com/img/coupon/bestbuy/200803_clientarea.gif)

I picked one up yesterday for $152.99 + tax. Now I just have to attach the unit later today to my TDC778X.

Robert


PS website say 2 days only, but I think that is only the free shipping offer. They are on sale all week in the stores.

Wow! Thanks for pointing this out! I just got one of those a week or so ago and Best Buy honored their price guarantee and is giving me $30 back!

Yay!

I had basically the same lockup tonight. I had tuner 1 & 2 on HD channels. I was watching a HD previously recorded program from the HDD. The video started to play for 6 seconds and go blank for 2-3 seconds continuously. I quit the play back and both tuner were doing the exact same thing at the same time. I tuned both tuner to analog and the analog channels played for 6 seconds and went blank for 2-3 seconds (same). Trying to tune either or both tuner back to digital channels fails with the message box: "ONE MOMENT PLEASE, This Channel should be available shortly."
The Cable Card Status doesn't look good:
Connection NOT PRESENT
VALIDATION State n/a
[ALL ITEMS] n/a


I had the lockup again last night 4/7/08 while recording a HD show. I don't know if this is significant but the show that was recording is listed in the content listing as "Video type : DIGICIPHER_II". Most shows are listed as MPEG2. Maybe the Cable Card's decoding of that video format is causing it to lockup.

NOTE: I was able to tune my SONY DVR to that channel when the PACE was flaking out and watch the program with no issues with its Mot. Cable card.

Any progress on this issue? This is a major bug in this DVR.

It as happened to me on 1/20, 3/15, 4/8 and probably on 3/8 (when I had the 700+ lock counts). This seems to be happening pretty frequently. This last time the box had only been up for 3 days since the last reboot.

The reason I feel the lock count issue was this same issue is that each time the unit loop back on itself it appears to bump the lock count. The show I was recording last night has a Lost Lock Count : 28 and Gain Lock Count 27. I was watching that show so I intervened and verified the issue was the same and stopped the recording and looked that the diagnostics before rebooting. Usually when a show has a real lost lock the show is split into another recording.

I don't know if this is significant but the show that was recording is listed in the content listing as "Video type : DIGICIPHER_II".

Don't think so, this is just a MPEG-2 variation. Won't cause a crash by itself.

NOTE: I was able to tune my SONY DVR to that channel when the PACE was flaking out and watch the program with no issues with its Mot. Cable card.

Do you know if it has a MOT M-Card (multi-stream) or an S-Card (single stream)?

Any progress on this issue? This is a major bug in this DVR.

As mentioned earlier, we have fixes for recovering the card when it gets into this state. However, we've not determined how/why the problem happens in the first place. I will keep you updated if/when we have more details or when the build with the fixes is available for deployment.

It as happened to me on 1/20, 3/15, 4/8 and probably on 3/8 (when I had the 700+ lock counts). This seems to be happening pretty frequently. This last time the box had only been up for 3 days since the last reboot.


Is the same program and/or channel that exhibits the problem?

lindend,

I just added a WD MyDVR Expander to my TDC778X (Armstrong Cable Svc.) and everything seems to be working fine. I just have a quick question:

Should the external hard drive shut off when the Pace box is off. I have had the hard drive on for 2 days now and unlike my other WD MyBook Essential hard drives (connected via usb to computers) the hard drive has remained on since inititally plugged in.

Thank you,
Robert

Do you know if it has a MOT M-Card (multi-stream) or an S-Card (single stream)?
I think it is a S-Card. Here is a photo of the card: CableCard (http://c7dl8q.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pwgDJAWoiaVY814vGp3lgp917gCMpweIxAXiP3FrLdmOkTu5xx9gqEQYxO qRONpEcCwh0e4AHc08/MediacomCableCard_Mot.JPG)



Is the same program and/or channel that exhibits the problem?
It happens on different channels, but I beleive it always happens on encrypted channels (and HD in my case because that is 99% of what I watch).

Robert,


Should the external hard drive shut off when the Pace box is off.

Please clarify off. If you mean putting the box into standby (i.e. hitting the power button), then the drive should remain powered. If you are physically removing power from the set top box, you can remove power from the HDD too.

Under normal circumstances, the drive should be powered on 24/7. When going into standby, the drive "should" spin down. It may not due to some of the issues/bugs discussed earlier in this thread, but that's a different issue.

Robert,
Please clarify off. If you mean putting the box into standby (i.e. hitting the power button), then the drive should remain powered. If you are physically removing power from the set top box, you can remove power from the HDD too.

Under normal circumstances, the drive should be powered on 24/7. When going into standby, the drive "should" spin down. It may not due to some of the issues/bugs discussed earlier in this thread, but that's a different issue.
Lindend, thak you for the explanation. I was speaking about the Pace box being in "Standby" mode. It appears as though it is working as intended.

Thanks again,
Robert

I think it is a S-Card.

It is an S-Card, so this isn't completely an apples to apples comparison with the problematic content. We're investigating.

Im baaaack :D anyways my PACE DVR has been working fairly well with the odd framerate issue since swapping out the first one. Just wondering if anyone knows where I can view a list of features I can program into the A,B,C,D buttons. The remote is UEI brand.

Hey Linden!



What are the commands to reformat the internal hard drive?
Can the internal drive be swapped for a 750GB and use an external 750GB at the same time?

What are the commands to reformat the internal hard drive?


They are described earlier in this thread. You format the drive via diagnostics main page with the following keys.

Repeat
MyDVR
MyDVR
MyDVR
Live

*MyDVR may be the LIVE key on your remote.

Can the internal drive be swapped for a 750GB and use an external 750GB at the same time?

If you do this, you will

1. Void the warranty
2. Lose temperature/overheat detection on the internal drive.

It may or may not work, but it is an unsupported operation.

1. Void the warrantyUnderstood. But it would be worth the risk for the storage space. Our TDC775 only cost us $224 so there's not a really lot at stake. ;)2. Lose temperature/overheat detection on the internal drive.Your diagnostics page says you are using the Seagate ST3160023AS drive which is just a stock Barracuda 7200.7 (http://www.seagate.com/support/disc/manuals/sata/cuda7200_sata_pm.pdf) drive.

How would it be different to swap it for a 750GB or even a 1TB drive from the same family? :confused:

OTOH, we tried to connect a 500GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 series ST3500641AS (http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=785e99f4fa74c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD ) in an external chassis to the eSATA port but the 775 could not see it at all?! What would be the problem there??

Your diagnostics page says you are using the Seagate ST3160023AS drive which is just a stock Barracuda 7200.7 (http://www.seagate.com/support/disc/manuals/sata/cuda7200_sata_pm.pdf) drive.

It doesn't have stock firmware. The firmware is optimized for DVR usage.

How would it be different to swap it for a 750GB or even a 1TB drive from the same family? :confused:

May work, but you're on your own from a tech support standpoint. I will tell you that we never have tested this scenario.

OTOH, we tried to connect a 500GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 series ST3500641AS (http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=785e99f4fa74c010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD ) in an external chassis to the eSATA port but the 775 could not see it at all?! What would be the problem there??

What model chasis?

BTW, since you talking about a 775, this discussion should be moved over to the 775 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=659367).

since you talking about a 775, this discussion should be moved over to the 775 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=659367).OK. :o

I had a different Cable card issue tonight. This time the Cable card task stayed running but the Validation State (was not VALID) and Card Ready == NO.

The unit would not allow me to watch any encrypted digitial channel. I could only watch the analog and Network HD digital feeds. The unit didn't get locked up like it has the other times when the Cable card task dissapears.

My other SONY DVR with the Single Stream Mot. cable card was working fine.

A reboot of the PACE cleared the issue.

Is this a known issue? Has it been addressed in firmware update since the 9.58 version that I have?

I had a different Cable card issue tonight. This time the Cable card task stayed running but the Validation State (was not VALID) and Card Ready == NO.

From your description, it does not sound like a software (or hardware bug) int the STB. When the validation state is INVALID, it should have a number right next to it. Did you by any chance get this info?

Card Ready == NO indicates that the card no longer believes that your box is authorized to decrypt content.

Both of these symptoms seem to point to either an issue in the MCard (extremely doubtful) or some type of network traffic from the cable headend that (temporarily) de-authorized/unpaired your box. Problem is, I need that error code to figure out why the card was unhappy.

From your description, it does not sound like a software (or hardware bug) int the STB. When the validation state is INVALID, it should have a number right next to it. Did you by any chance get this info?

Card Ready == NO indicates that the card no longer believes that your box is authorized to decrypt content.

Both of these symptoms seem to point to either an issue in the MCard (extremely doubtful) or some type of network traffic from the cable headend that (temporarily) de-authorized/unpaired your box. Problem is, I need that error code to figure out why the card was unhappy.

I don't recall any number. That is another thing to look for next time (I was going to take a picture, but you have never wanted them before and I was in a hurry, so I didn't.)

I am having same issue that some users have reported with HDMI and Surround. I have the psce 778x hooked up to a yamaha rx-v3800 reciever thru hdmi and the unit will not output surround sound. I hsve gone into disg screen and I am on firmware 09.02 and the av info states surround but it will output in any format except PCM PLII 2 channel stereo. Are there any resolves for this issue.

I had 3 series recordings scheduled to record tonight at the same time.

The middle priority program recorded and the other two did not. The tuner 2 was tuned to the high priority show but the recording was not started. The lowest priority showed up in the guide with a record circle with a line through it.

I am sure this is TVGuide bug but some one has to send them this information. I am puzzled how people can enjoy using these PVR that you can't count on to record anything.

Having an external HDD is proving to be useless on this piece of junk. I had saved 3 concerts that I like watching on my DVR list and when I rebooted due to the Cable Card becoming invalid it toasted those recordings (try to play and it asks if you want to delete it). It left other recordings earlier and later. I am thinking that the recordings that you have stopped in the middle of before the reboot are the once that get screwed up.

PACE - please fix these bugs... I thought the screwed up recordings was supposed to be fixed in the 9.58 firmware I have. Maybe if PACE's employees were forced to use these boxes at home these issues would get resolved. I am sure they would contact TVGuide about the bugs if they missed show after show.

As far as I know, you can only record 2 programs at a time.

But TVGuide software has a very long way to go before it's considered really user-friendly.

As far as I know, you can only record 2 programs at a time.

But TVGuide software has a very long way to go before it's considered really user-friendly.

Why did one program record then and not two??? That was the point of the post. The prioities are to determine which two record but only 1 of 3 recorded and it should have been two.......

Got a problem..

When Mediacom recently introed the 778 (when they started digital simulcasting) they had a lot of problems. In the last couple of weeks, they downloaded some new software and things got measurably better, but there is still one particularly irritating problem.

The problem occurs when fast forwarding past commercials in recorded shows. When you want to stop and hit play to resume normal operation, the box jumps back to the time when you originally started. This can occur repeatedly. Eventually, the set locks in and resumes playing following the commercials (or other program material being skipped).

One symptom that often occurs at the same time is that the picture stutters, jerks and jumps during the fast forward. It doesn't move through the program material smoothly. Often when it is doing this, the forwarding speed slows down dramatically.

Sometimes you can fake the 778 out by forwrding in shorter increments, hitting play every minute or so, letting it play for a few seconds, and then fast forwarding again.
This behavior seems to happen more often with HD content.

To speculate, it seems like a pointer doesn't reset to the new location when fast forwarding. Consequently the drive jumps back to the last position of the pointer, the beginning of the fast forward.

Mediacom doesn't have a clue what's happening with the 778. They're too busy trying to cram too much programming down their small pipe. (Their HD performance is marginal at best, and now compression and bandwidth problems have moved into the digital 2-78 channel content. You can't view anything with any action in those channels without tiling clearly visible. But that's another story.)

The viewing setup is Mediacom cable, TDC778x, HDMI to Sony 1080p SXRD. 778x software - SW (DENA) 09.66; HW 0x00000001; CableCard SW 02.65 (0x09010007); HW P=MCPOD v=01.00 r=07; Pace Reference 001-106-02-11-001-141-2-5: TVG version 240; Tandberg version 3_70

Anyone have any thoughts on this fast forward problem?

Thanks.

I think this was reported earlier (fast forward jumping back to where you started), but I have the same problem fairly often as well. I haven't noticed it being more prevalent with HD.

I'm on GCI in Anchorage.

Picture quality isn't too bad, but I have noticed it breaking up on the spinning NBC peacock logo which involves a lot of motion.

So far I can ignore these small problems. (knock on wood)

I have a question in regards to the RF bypass option..

In my setup now i currently have a 2 way splitter prior to the Pace box.
One going into the DVR the other going into the TV. I do this because the wife sometimes will have the DVR scheduled to record two shows at the same time, and then we will watch something else (in SD :() via the TV tuner.

My question is.. Can I eliminate the splitter and utilize the RF bypass to accomplish the same thing? If so does the RF bypass need to be toggled on and off or is it a "set it and forget it" option??

New glitch?

I was watching PBS tonight when the picture started to break up - then went black. It came back on within a minute. Then 10-20 minutes later the same thing happened, but the picture was off for over a minute. I haven't seen this behavior before.

Now my message light is blinking, but there are no messages.

Does a slowly-blinking message light mean something different? (I have a My DVR Expander hooked up to the external SATA port.)

Update...

Mediacom downloaded new software overnight. Now it's at 10.51.

Don't know if it will have any effect on jump back problem.

Re. 479

Even with new software, it's still jumping back, and forward occasionally, and driving us nuts.

lindend, is this a Pace software or a TVG issue? Who should I get a Voodoo doll of?

Help... Please...

About 2 weeks ago I received my Pace 779X unit from Suddenlink. So far, I am loving it! I know from reading the thread that Firewire to PC is not explicitly support due to issues with how PCs interact through Firewire. So far, I have been able to use it quite successfully to capture video. I even found a Linux program panelctl (written originally for a Moto 6200) that can change the channel, bring up the guide and power down the unit to standby. By chance, does anyone know a way to query (via Firewire) the status of the device (i.e. standby or on)? Does the 779X have a function to output the device status over Firewire?

LindenD

RE the jump-back problem on a 778X STB.

Now it's exhibiting a new symptom. Sometimes if you ff forward and then hit play at some interim spot in the middle of the series of commercials, if you try to ff again the rest of the way, it bounces back to the original starting place, not the interim stopping point.

This is getting more and more bizzare.

If anyone has a hard reset code for the 778X, I'll give that a try.

Thanks.

I have found out that if I end the FF with a press of the FF instead of the play button the DVR wont jump back to the original FF start point. Note that you have to be on the max FF speed for and then one more press of FF goes to regular play. I then usually have to press RR to get to the right spot. GIVE IT A TRY AND POST IF IT WORKS FOR YOU.

Why can't this box have a CUE adjustment to back up a little at the end of FF based on speed of FF operation? My other two brands DVRs have this feature. They also have adjustable skip adjustments so you can set the forward skip to 1min and the back skip to 20sec and you don't need FF for comercial skipping.

About 2 weeks ago I received my Pace 779X unit from Suddenlink.

Given that you're a Suddenlink customer, my guess is your running Passport on your 779X. Am I correct? If so, could you repost on the Passport 779 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13742061#post13742061)?

I have found out that if I end the FF with a press of the FF instead of the play button the DVR wont jump back to the original FF start point. Note that you have to be on the max FF speed for and then one more press of FF goes to regular play. I then usually have to press RR to get to the right spot. GIVE IT A TRY AND POST IF IT WORKS FOR YOU.

Why can't this box have a CUE adjustment to back up a little at the end of FF based on speed of FF operation? My other two brands DVRs have this feature. They also have adjustable skip adjustments so you can set the forward skip to 1min and the back skip to 20sec and you don't need FF for comercial skipping.
Thanks for the suggestion. In doing so, your return along with a few earlier postings, tends to indicate that this is a more widespread problem than I had thought it was. Apparently it's not just our 778x.

I tried your suggestion last night, but unfortunately it didn't work. Even by cycling through the ff levels to return to play, it still jumped back the the starting point. This occured repeatedly.

One thing that i've just noted is that the problem seems to be more prevalent when ff'ing through high-def content. I watched a couple of SD programs I'd recorded and there were no problems last night. Perhaps the problem reflects a problem dealing with the accelerated stream of video data during the ff. This might also be reflected by the picture flow during an HD ff. It isn't smooth, but is jumpy, or seems to stutter.

Whatever, it's a real pain.

Thanks again.

2nd Request.

Does anyone have the factory reset procedure for the 778x?

If you don't want to put it in the open on the forum, just send me a PM.

Thanks.

hold down power and menu. Unplug the box and then plug it back in while still holding those buttons.

Mediacom downloaded new software overnight. Now it's at 10.51. Don't know if it will have any effect on jump back problem.

I just updated the 778 release notes thread. The only fix was a VOD related issue, so as you've found out, the jump back issue will not be resolved.

Now it's exhibiting a new symptom. Sometimes if you ff forward and then hit play at some interim spot in the middle of the series of commercials, if you try to ff again the rest of the way, it bounces back to the original starting place, not the interim stopping point.

Let me give you some background to this issue.

Some MPEG-2 content at a few sites may have time stamping errors. We relied on the content time stamps to be correct when performing trick functions. As a result, on older builds, if you were advancing forward or backwards in this type of content, you might notice the transport GUI time bar jump all over the place. Also, if you ended the FF/REW at a point where an invalid time stamp existed, you could end up in a seemingly random location in the content.

We've put in a number of fixes in this area to work around the errors/bugs in the content, but obviously, these workarounds are not yet bullet proof. I'd appreciate it if you could answer the following:

1. You mentioned earlier that the update before 10.51 improved things. Was the jumping around worse in earlier releases or worse now?

2. Have you noticed the problem being worse on certain types of content (HD or SD) or certain channel types?

3. Do the problems seem to occur around/near commercials?

lindend,

Sorry for the delay getting back to you.

In response to your 4/29 post...

1 - In my 4/21 post, I noted that I hadn't evaluated the new 10.51 software yet. since there I've found that it no effect on the ff problem, good or bad. Things are still acting up as they were before.

2 - I do have the impression that the problem is worse on HD content, although it has also occured on infrequently on SD content.

3 - I primarily note the problem when jumping commercials. I haven't noted it on other content, but I'm not normally jumping program content like commercials. I'll give it a try and let you know.

A couple of additional notes.

I've noticed that often while ff'ing, particularly HD content, the picture doesn't move smoothly. It stutters and jumps. Other times it moves smoothly. And sometimes the time bar doesn't track the time during ff's.

I 'm begging to wonder if there might be a processor capacity problem that might contribute to the problem, particularly when recording one or two HD shows, and viewing a third. Too much video data overloading the processor?

I also have seen the ff problem on another 778x box on the same Mediacom feed as my primary unit so it doesn't seem to be a bad box problem.

I also tried the box using component video instead of HDMI. Same problem.

Thanks for the help.

1 - In my 4/21 post, I noted that I hadn't evaluated the new 10.51 software yet. since there I've found that it no effect on the ff problem, good or bad.

Sorry, don't think you understood my question so I'll try to clarify. 10.51 had no fixes in this area so I didn't expect a change there. My question was regarding the release before 10.51. There should have been some differences in that release. Did you notice anything with it?

sometimes the time bar doesn't track the time during ff's.

This is most likely due to the timing errors in the content that I mentioned above. Previously, if time in the content jumped backward, the time bar would jump back too. Now, that erroneous info should be ignored. If its not, let us know.

I 'm begging to wonder if there might be a processor capacity problem that might contribute to the problem, particularly when recording one or two HD shows, and viewing a third. Too much video data overloading the processor?

Don't have enough info yet to arrive at that conclusion. It would be useful if you can conclusively determine if this only happens on HD and not SD content.

Also, it would be helpful if you could try to replicate it with recording HD on one tuner, SD on the other and playing back either SD or HD.

Hello,

I am new here and read through all of the post and did not see my issue brought up anywhere..I am hoping someone can help.

I Am using the Pace TDC778X Box with an external HD.

It has been working perfectly for weeks and has suddenly started this problem in the last few days.

First I will select a show from my DVR listing, then the screen will go black for a minute. After that the show will come up with "fast forward bar" but it will say To Be Determined or something as the show title. After that the screen will go black even when I switch back to LIVE TV those channels are now all black and do not display audio or video.

Selecting other DVR shows at this point does the same thing as the original show..

The only solution that has worked is to pull the plug, wait a few minutes and then try to watch the show on the DVR. At this point the show will work and play as normal. But its a crap shoot when you go to select the next show.. sometimes it will work, other times it does as described above.

I am not sure what to do anymore.. and I have a TON of shows on my box I want to watch so if I let them switch it my external hard drive will be reformatted or I will not be able to see my shows with the new box correct?

I am not sure what to do at this point, any help? I am using Buckeye Cable.

I also had problems with my first attempt to add an external HD (head noise, odd quirks in performance, overheating) that all boiled down to using the wrong external enclosure and drive. These are documented earlier in this forum thread.

Just an update to report that I have been running now happily for over a month with a Western Digital 1 TB AV "Green Power" drive in an Antec MX-1 external cooling enclosure with good results. Once in a while we will see some skips and pauses in playback, typically when both Pace tuners are recording another show and we are watching one previously recorded, but we saw that even with the original drive only as initially supplied.

The whole setup is much quieter and we have lots of space. (Even possible to run 2 such drives off of the SATA connectors available in the unit if an additional SATA-to-eSATA connector were to be added to run an additional drive in place of the original one - hint, Pace, hint.)

A 2 TB quiet smooth-running unit would dominate the market, I would think. So far we have not done that (it would probably void your warranty to open the unit and add the additional eSATA connector, but would otherwise work fine, I would think).

A 2 TB quiet smooth-running unit would dominate the market, I would think. So far we have not done that (it would probably void your warranty to open the unit and add the additional eSATA connector, but would otherwise work fine, I would think).

Its theoretically possible to swap out the internal drive for a larger drive. However, as documented in the 775 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=659367), not only would this void the warranty, but there are also some potential file system integrity issues with larger drives (basically, anything larger than 160GB isn't formatted correctly if you use the internal connector).

So to net this (swapped out internal drives) out, this is an untested configuration that may appear to work, but could result in data loss and other oddities.

Lindend,

Re. Post 491

1 - My question was regarding the release before 10.51. There should have been some differences in that release. Did you notice anything with it?

The previous software was 9.66, and all the trick ff problems occured with this version. I don't know when 9.66 was downloaded so it's impossible to tell what effect 9.66 had. Also, we changed from a 779x to the 778x during this period so we really don't have long term backward experience.

2 - I really haven't studied the tracking of the time bar in detail. I'll do that and let you know.

Coincidentally, I did notice this evening that when fast forwarding without stopping from the beginning through a previously recorded program, the time bar counted up to a commercial block, then stopped during the commercials. It picked up again when the program material started correctly adjusting for the time of the commercial block. This pattern repeated 2 or 3 more times. Then when the time bar got up to 29 minutes, it froze and didn't move through the remainder of the 60 minute program.

I restarted the show from the beginning using the info menu option and watched portions of it through to the end and found no problems with the recording.

3 - It would be useful if you can conclusively determine if this only happens on HD and not SD content.

Also, it would be helpful if you could try to replicate it with recording HD on one tuner, SD on the other and playing back either SD or HD.

I'll keep track of the program type info, then do some simultaneous HD and SD recording of the same show and let you know what I find out about the time bar and ff problems.

Thanks.

How about this for an idea...

Use a relatively small hard drive for recording shows, then at the conclusion of the show, automatically turn on the huge external drive - copy the program to it - and then turn the external drive off.

Hard drive speed and heat issues should be eliminated.

Maybe this is too simple an idea?

Tell me I'm not crazy!!!

I just recently purchased a Sony Bravia 32" HDTV. With this I decided to upgrade my Bresnan Communications Account to Include some HD Channels. With the upgrade, I got the TDC778x. The one thing I have noticed about this box compared to the Motorola Cable box I had before is a major Volume problem. With my TV's volume maxed out while watching anything with this box the volume just is not high enough.

I have read every post in this forum it seems, one which suggested programming my universal remote to turn the volume on the box up and not on the TV. So I did just that, the dvr box volume is now maxed out, but it did not really make too much of a difference as the volume was already set at about 80%.

The box is connected to my TV via HDMI. Is there something else I can do about this? Also, do I have to have the cable unplugged to get into the settings options? Any help in this area would be very much appreciated.

I'm almost ready to just take this box back to Bresnan in exchange for a non - dvr box. Its really annoying to have the volume cranked high and then switch to my xbox360 only to be scrambling for the remote to turn the volume of the TV back down to a normal level.

Thanks.

You're not crazy. This has been noted before. The issue is a bug in the Pace firmware for audio over HDMI. I believe a fix has been found at least for the 779x. The workaround until you get the new firmware would be to use component cables.

You're not crazy. This has been noted before. The issue is a bug in the Pace firmware for audio over HDMI. I believe a fix has been found at least for the 779x. The workaround until you get the new firmware would be to use component cables.

I may be wrong relative to the HDMI set up but with my 778 I found the same issue and was able to adjust it to some extent. The Pace Box has it's own volume setting but it's normally hidden with the cable companies default settings to have the TV's volume control take priority. If you're using the Universal remote you should be able to change the settings temporarily so you can adjust the Pace box volume. When I did mine I found the Pace volume turned quite a bit down. I put it up to maximum and then reset the settings for the volume control to only adjust the TV volume. Huge improvement. Worth trying. If your cable provider is like mine, it may be a long time before you see a firmware download even if Pace fixes the HDMI volume issue with a new release.
Hope this helps.

My software version updated to 10.60 and now 26 of my recordings that show up in the My DVR list won't play. They don't show up in the diagnostics screen either. Only the recordings made since the update (25 hours ago) work. The external HDD is not showing up in the diagnostics screen either. (Rebooting the DVR removed all 26 shows from the external HDD from the MyDVR list.)

DD 5.1 seems to work over HDMI if you reboot the PACE with the HDMI port connected to the TV.

Version has new Dashboard diag. display.

Is the bad CRC count the number in the () on the # Fail Boots under HDD Status?
If so, the internal drive lists 1 (3735928559)