Pace CableCARD HD Boxes (TDC779X, TDC778X and DC757X) [Text View] - Page 4

lindend

10-02-08, 08:28 PM

Since I posted this info a long time ago, I just wanted to remind everyone that I'm not an official support person for Pace. I'm in software engineering and I help out here unofficially. Consequently, there are a number of questions/topics I can't respond to. Specifically, I can't comment in a public forum or via PM on unannounced or future products, provide details about specific cable providers nor can I provide official support responses for issues you would like to report and/or want fixed.

If you need an official response, you will need to contact Pace technical support directly. You can be sure that I read everything that is posted here and the information is logged, but there are issues that I can't respond to. Hopefully, everyone understands and can appreciate these guidelines.

lindend

10-02-08, 08:31 PM

Therefore, to draw this process to a close, if you want a discrete code for something, please post by 12PM EST on Sunday, October 4, 2008.

At that point, I'll tabulate all the requests and let you know which ones made the cut.

I haven't seen any posts for additional discrete codes. Consequently, I'll be posting a list of what codes made the cut and we can decide what the discrete code should be for the function(s) in question.

WhatHappend

10-02-08, 10:09 PM

I have noticed that the 1080i output of the PACE has irregular motion. It is like it is out of sync with original filming. The audio is at times delayed from the Video in 1080i mode. This is for CBS HD and NBC HD prime time programming.

If I disable the 1080i output mode in the user configuration screen the 720p output doesn't suffer from the motion irregularities. I have changed the TV de-interfacer from film mode on/off/auto and nothing makes the 1080i recordings play back with smooth motion (without doing something to the PACE unit).

If I turn off 1080i on the PACE and watch the show in 720p then re-enable 1080i, the audio and video will be normal.

Has anyone else noticed this annoying delayed audio issue?

Has anyone else noticed the shuttering 1080i playback on NBC and CBS HD recorded shows?

WhatHappend

10-02-08, 10:13 PM

I haven't seen any posts for additional discrete codes. Consequently, I'll be posting a list of what codes made the cut and we can decide what the discrete code should be for the function(s) in question.

Do you have discrete codes for enabling 1080i and 720p resolutions on the list? If not, can you add them?

LarryDS

10-06-08, 10:35 PM

I recently obtained my first DVR from Mediacom a TDC779X. I am located in the Pacific Time Zone & the programming quide and the time display on the faceplate are Eastern. I cannot find a clock set anywhere. What am I doing wrong?

lindend

10-07-08, 08:34 PM

Do you have discrete codes for enabling 1080i and 720p resolutions on the list? If not, can you add them?

I'll add it to the request list.

WhatHappend

10-08-08, 01:07 AM

LarryDS

10-10-08, 01:02 AM

Did you contact your cable company? The time information comes from them.

Thank you for the reply. Called the cable company and was told to take it back to the local office or have a service call to replace. I think not. Turned the unit off & unplugged from wall. Also requested a service change. Took a couple hours to get the menu system back. But it came back with Pacific Time. So I don't know if unplugging did it or the change of service.

WhatHappend

10-10-08, 01:38 AM

New bug to report.

Last night my remote actions started to be duplicated while in VOD menus or in the guide. Most noticeable on arrow key presses and page +/-.

Note that channel entry is fine, channel up/down is fine, info key is fine.

For the duplicated actions the first action happens quick then 1 second later 1 or 2 more of the same actions happen again. This makes navigating the Guide or doing searches, selecting a recorded show to watch, selecting a VOD program almost impossible.

Using the keys on the face plate of the DVR work fine. I have tried my Harmony remote and the Mediacom remote pn 1056B01 (designed with UEI) and both behave the same way.

I know when the cable card was locked up in the past there were issues with remote control of the DVR. But this time everything else appears to be functioning fine other then the remote having a mind of its own. And when that remote weirdness happened the remote was working weird in the diag menus too, but this time the remote works fine in the diag menus.

Since the front panel controls work fine and the remote works fine in the diag menus, I am assuming that this has to be a PACE bug and not a TV guide or VOD provider issue.

Sitting over night in standby didn't fix this issue. I will reboot. (Rebooting cleared the issue, as expected).

Is this a known issue?

The multiple remote key press bug happened again. But this time the multiple presses happend in the diag menu too. Had to reboot to clear the issue.

SCEvan

10-10-08, 11:42 PM

I have noticed that the 1080i output of the PACE has irregular motion. It is like it is out of sync with original filming. The audio is at times delayed from the Video in 1080i mode. This is for CBS HD and NBC HD prime time programming.

The only audio problems I have is audio dropouts, and its very random when it occurs. I do however still have problems with the video somewhat like you mentioned, jittery picture except its on every channel.

BillKen

10-13-08, 01:52 PM

I haven't seen any posts for additional discrete codes. Consequently, I'll be posting a list of what codes made the cut and we can decide what the discrete code should be for the function(s) in question.

Any word yet Lindend? My wife just mentioned how she's growing weary of trying to do the CC menu button on/off dance at 5am when she's trying to hop on her treadmill. ;)

BillKen

10-20-08, 09:52 PM

*bumping for Lindend* You still around? :)

WhatHappend

10-21-08, 01:39 AM

Lindend,

I have been noticing a lot of macro-blocking on HD recordings around fast motion in scenes lately (1-2 months). I was thinking it was the cable companies fault. I am now 100% positive it is the PACE DVR. I recorded Boston Legal tonight and it was on ABC at 720p. I was having really bad macro blocking as the camera panned. The 2 tuners were tuned to other HD channels as I was watching the recording. I went back and forth over the problem scenes and the exact amount of macro blocking would change. I set both tuner to a SD digital channel and went back and watched all of the same scenes that were macro-blocking and they were clean (no blocking). So having the internal tuner on StarzHD, and ABC HD was causing the macro blocking. StarzHD is encrypted, so involves the MCard.

I am puzzled how the macro blocking would be on just the parts of the image that are moving fast and other portions of the scene are fine. On my MediaCenter PC, if I try to record two HD shows and watch a recorded HD program it will shutter or freeze for a second then play again. It will never marco block just a portion of the scene with high motion.

I am thinking this is either a Cable Card bandwidth issue with the decryption of StarzHD with the other HD streams going on or a HDD eSATA bandwidth issue. I have the 500GB Seagate 7200 RPM SATA/300 16MB cache HDD in a Vantec NexStar3 enclosure. MyDvr shows my drives are 32% Full.

lindend

10-21-08, 02:14 PM

Bill,

*bumping for Lindend* You still around? :)

I'm still here, just very busy. Sorry for the lack of a quick reply.

Don't have a progress update right now. When one is available, I'll post an update.

mark_in_ohio

10-22-08, 08:55 PM

Howdy,

I just got my TDC778x & HD programming. I have Armstrong cable service. TV is a new RCA L40FHD380, hooked up with an hdmi cable to the tdc778x.

I'm a newbie to all this HD stuff, and wanted to know if the following things are normal or not. I've been using Tivo with analog cable for years.

First, the tdc778x is kinda noisy... louder than my old series 2 tivo and louder than the two laptops I own. Sounds like either a fan or perhaps a loud hard drive noise. Is that normal? The unit is clearly used, so I'm not sure if it was a return or something. Its a constant humming noise, extremely noticable in a quiet room and just barely audible / distinguishable when watching tv at a normal volume.

Second, I was recording a local HD station (PBS, channel 113) and the recording was full of horizontal bars of digital noise & the audio was broken up. If I watched the same channel at the same time on the other tuner (using the swap button), there was an occasional bar of digital noise, but nothing at all like on the tuner the recording was happening on (this was while it was recording, btw). Other HD stations on the 'bad' tuner seemed to work fine. I'd have put it down to a bad channel, except that one tuner seemed to handle it fairly well and the other tuner was unwatchable. Is that type of behavior normal?

Appreciate the help. I'm new to these forums and did look around and try some searches to see if I could get answers that way, but didn't come up with anything.

Thanks!

Mark

lindend

10-22-08, 08:57 PM

StarzHD is encrypted, so involves the MCard.

Both encrypted and unencrypted content flow through the MCard.

I am puzzled how the macro blocking would be on just the parts of the image that are moving fast and other portions of the scene are fine.

I can't say definitively that the problem was how the content was encoded but if the macro blocking closely tracks fast motion, that would be my initial investigation path. Do you have any friends that recorded the same content? If so, did they see the same thing?

I am thinking this is either a Cable Card bandwidth issue with the decryption of StarzHD with the other HD streams going on or a HDD eSATA bandwidth issue.

Both the MCard and the eSATA drive support data bursts far in excess of a single stream. Our investigation into your previous reports of the MCard going into a reset loop indicate errors processing the transport stream (not sure if its the MCard or the host or potentially both at fault). However, errors could also contribute to macroblocking.

WhatHappend

10-22-08, 09:31 PM

I can't say definitively that the problem was how the content was encoded but if the macro blocking closely tracks fast motion, that would be my initial investigation path. Do you have any friends that recorded the same content? If so, did they see the same thing?

Both the MCard and the eSATA drive support data bursts far in excess of a single stream. Our investigation into your previous reports of the MCard going into a reset loop indicate errors processing the transport stream (not sure if its the MCard or the host or potentially both at fault). However, errors could also contribute to macroblocking.

Lindend, Thanks for taking the time to respond. But I think I must have done a bad job of explaining myself.

If I had both tuners changed to the same SD digital channel (low bitrate), the same recording that was macro blocking when the tuners were on the HD channel now plays with no macro blocking (so the cable signal has to be clear because I am watching the same recording off the HDD either way). I am not watching the internal tuners at the time I am watching the recording. So the recording that is stored on the DVR HDD is clean. But when viewing that recording with the tuner left on HD channels (one being encrypted) the recording macro blocks on the fast motion portions of the scene.) I am talking about a line of blocks that just follows some ones hand or head that is in motion on the image.

I also have the same show recorded via OTA (same channel) on my HTPC and it has no macro blocking.

BillKen

10-23-08, 11:33 AM

jivetrky

10-24-08, 02:43 PM

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there's any chance the 779x would be able to take a RCA digital input and output to analog RCA stereo? or will it only passthrough audio?

BuckeyeBoss

10-25-08, 04:17 PM

Anyone know how to get the PIP to work on the TDC778x?

It only has 1 HDMI output, do I have to use component outputs for the PIP? Or should I be able to use the HDMI for both tuners at once?

I have it hooked up to a Pioneer Kuro 5010, thanks.

WhatHappend

10-25-08, 05:00 PM

WhatHappend

10-25-08, 05:02 PM

I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there's any chance the 779x would be able to take a RCA digital input and output to analog RCA stereo? or will it only passthrough audio?
Pass-through only, otherwise how the hell would it know what to do? You would have to have complicated setup menus that would describe all the conversions you wanted or didn't want to do.

BuckeyeBoss

10-25-08, 06:54 PM

If you have a cable company that uses the TVGuide menu system there is no PIP function on the Box.

In my 5010 Manual, it says, "The multiscreen function cannot display images from the same input source or two external input sources at the same time."

And the TV seems to want me to use cable A and B for the split screens.

Does this mean it only works with coax hooked up to the TV? NOT with HDMI?

WhatHappend

10-25-08, 11:02 PM

Does this mean it only works with coax hooked up to the TV? NOT with HDMI?

Most TVs require one source of PIP to be via coax. My TV can PIP HDTV HDMI and another TV channel via COAX.

But internal to some DVRs, they can do PIP (it doesn't' use your tv's pip capability.) Microsoft's UltimateTV did this. The PACE internals support this PIP capability, I believe, but the TVGuide interface that most US cable companies run on the PACE does not support PIP.

lindend

10-26-08, 08:12 AM

The PACE internals support this PIP capability I believe but the TVGuide interface that most US cable companies run on the PACE does not support PIP.

WhatHappened has summarized the situation accurately with one caveat. Not all Pace boxes are PIP capable but the 779 and 775 are PIP capable.

BuckeyeBoss

10-26-08, 11:25 AM

WhatHappened has summarized the situation accurately with one caveat. Not all Pace boxes are PIP capable but the 779 and 775 are PIP capable.

Thanks guys. My cable does use TV Guide's system. I'm thinking of getting a splitter to put right after the cable comes out of the wall, then running one coax to the cable box with an HDMI input to the TV and the other coax to the back of the TV for PIP. Would this degrade the signal much?

WhatHappend

10-26-08, 12:46 PM

Thanks guys. My cable does use TV Guide's system. I'm thinking of getting a splitter to put right after the cable comes out of the wall, then running one coax to the cable box with an HDMI input to the TV and the other coax to the back of the TV for PIP. Would this degrade the signal much?
No one can give you a defenite answer to that question except your cable provider. We could give you a educated guess if you go through every channel and check the signal level in the diag. menu (in dBmV) and check the SNR. Then post the lowest and highest levels seen. A good quality splitter that goes up to 1 GHz with quality RG6 cables with compression fittings drops the signal level 3.5dBm.

WhatHappend

10-26-08, 12:56 PM

If I had both tuners changed to the same SD digital channel (low bitrate), the same recording that was macro blocking when the tuners were on the HD channel now plays with no macro blocking (so the cable signal has to be clear because I am watching the same recording off the HDD either way). I am not watching the internal tuners at the time I am watching the recording. So the recording that is stored on the DVR HDD is clean. But when viewing that recording with the tuner left on HD channels (one being encrypted) the recording macro blocks on the fast motion portions of the scene.) I am talking about a line of blocks that just follows some ones hand or head that is in motion on the image.

I also have the same show recorded via OTA (same channel) on my HTPC and it has no macro blocking.

Lindend,

Did you have any further comments on this issue? Does it seem like a HDD bandwidth issue?

Did you get the video example I PM to you? If so, did you see the macro blocking I am talking about?

Thanks...

Ergin Guney

10-27-08, 12:35 AM

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.

I've just started using a Pace TDC779X box (Astound Broadband, San Francisco Bay Area). I, too, have been having the pixellation and stuttering (and even lock-up) problems that others here have been reporting.

I decided to give this hard disk reformat a try. I was surprised to notice that the "reformatting" of the hard disk took no more than a couple of seconds. I'll be stating the obvious, but a sector-by-sector reformat certainly can't be that quick. So, is this just a "quick format" (i.e., just clear the FAT)? And, if so, this is not a meaningful thing to try for a user who suspects bad sectors on the hard drive; am I wrong? It's really just a "delete all" to allow the box to start with a clean slate.

lindend

10-27-08, 02:07 PM

Did you get the video example I PM to you?

Yes, I replied to your PM. Did you see my response?

If so, did you see the macro blocking I am talking about?

This is an interesting problem. Could you post the content listing diags for the recording that macroblocks during high motion scenes? In particular, I'd like to know the bitrate of the recording.

lindend

10-27-08, 02:16 PM

So, is this just a "quick format" (i.e., just clear the FAT)?

Its not a FAT filesystem. Can't get into specifics, but the format is multi-phase and you only see the first part in diags.

And, if so, this is not a meaningful thing to try for a user who suspects bad sectors on the hard drive; am I wrong? It's really just a "delete all" to allow the box to start with a clean slate.

No, its a reformat that can eliminate filesystem issue(s) which cause older firmware releases to macroblock, experience a/v breakups and video loss etc. It is more than just deleting all the content on the drive. The latest firmware releases handle these error conditions better.

WhatHappend

10-27-08, 02:39 PM

Yes, I replied to your PM. Did you see my response?
No I didn't get the PM. Can you go to your sent messages on AVS and try to send it again??

This is an interesting problem. Could you post the content listing diags for the recording that macroblocks during high motion scenes? In particular, I'd like to know the bitrate of the recording.
Ok, I will post that later. I do know there were no issues with the recording (clean termination, 0 discontinuities). I have also been getting some recordings with the format left blank (usually HD or SD). Is the format significant?

Just FYI, I have seen this on a bunch of recordings (most every HD recording). My routine is to now after I see macro blocking change both tuners to PBS SD digital (if I am not recording something) and then resume the playback.

Ergin Guney

10-27-08, 02:44 PM

No, its a reformat that can eliminate filesystem issue(s) which cause older firmware releases to macroblock, experience a/v breakups and video loss etc. It is more than just deleting all the content on the drive. The latest firmware releases handle these error conditions better.

Hmmm... Since I tried the reformat and my macroblocking and stuttering hasn't improved, I guess I either don't have the latest version of the firmware, or I have a box with a different kind of problem. I looked through this entire thread a while back but it escapes me now: Could you quickly remind me what the most current firmware version number is?

And, by the way, I can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you're giving us here. With the technical knowledge of the tech support people of cable companies what it is (i.e., way below me even before I read this thread), good samaritans like you are the only hope of a lot of users out there. Many thanks for what you're doing!

WhatHappend

10-27-08, 03:29 PM

I looked through this entire thread a while back but it escapes me now: Could you quickly remind me what the most current firmware version number is?

The first post has the links to the FW threads with versions listed there. BTW - if you see the Dashboard when you enter diag. menu you have the latest general FW.

WhatHappend

10-27-08, 03:39 PM

WhatHappened has summarized the situation accurately with one caveat. Not all Pace boxes are PIP capable but the 779 and 775 are PIP capable.

lindend,

Are you saying the 778 is not PIP capable? The PACE web site says this about the 778 Dual High Definition decode for PIP http://www.pace.com/corporate/products/productDetails.asp?nav=products&productID=DCABLE-TDC778X%20Tahoe

lindend

10-27-08, 04:14 PM

Can you go to your sent messages on AVS and try to send it again??

Its not there.:mad: My machine crashed just after I responded. Don't think that can account for you not getting the response, but oh well.

I can summarize the response, We see the issue and we're investigating (hence my query on the bitrate).

I have also been getting some recordings with the format left blank (usually HD or SD). Is the format significant?

If the recording is done on the background tuner, the content type may be unknown. Nothing to worry about.

WhatHappend

10-28-08, 12:10 AM

This is an interesting problem. Could you post the content listing diags for the recording that macroblocks during high motion scenes? In particular, I'd like to know the bitrate of the recording.

Looking at the bit-rate it is one of the lowest bitrate network recordings I make (ABC is 720P).

The diag menu CONTENT LISTINGS:
Application Data :
Boston Legal

Metadata File Size : 5577
MPEG File Size: 62296698880 {62296698880}
Trick File SIze: 6665600 {6665600}
Clean termination : Yes
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : UNKNOWN
Recording started at : 10/21/2008 02:02:15
Recording ended at : 10/21/2008 03:00:09
Play time : 0:57:54
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_PERMITTED
Analog Copy Permit : NONE
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : 0
Recorded with build : 001-045
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 14495992
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 : 3475120
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 0
Gain Lock Count : 0
Location : EXTERNAL

jefflong

10-28-08, 11:40 AM

Its not a FAT filesystem. Can't get into specifics, but the format is multi-phase and you only see the first part in diags.

No, its a reformat that can eliminate filesystem issue(s) which cause older firmware releases to macroblock, experience a/v breakups and video loss etc. It is more than just deleting all the content on the drive. The latest firmware releases handle these error conditions better.

lindend, which versions of the firmware handle these error conditions better (I don't see anything in the release notes indicating this)? I'm not very happy with the quality I'm getting out of version 9.65 and if I had some ammo to use with the cable company maybe they would push a newer version. Thanks

lindend

10-28-08, 11:53 AM

Jeff,

lindend, which versions of the firmware handle these error conditions better (I don't see anything in the release notes indicating this)?

Given that you mentioned, 9.65, does this mean you have a 778?

I looked through the notes and you're right. Its not explicitly mentioned. However, the fixes are highlighted in the 775 notes (look for things such as video loss after 15 seconds etc.). Looks to be a mistake on my part, but I'll confirm and get back to you.

WhatHappend

10-28-08, 12:13 PM

I looked through the notes and you're right. Its not explicitly mentioned. However, the fixes are highlighted in the 775 notes (look for things such as video loss after 15 seconds etc.). Looks to be a mistake on my part, but I'll confirm and get back to you.

Jeff, here is a link to the 775 release note that he is referring to: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=866125

lindend

10-28-08, 03:36 PM

lindend,

Are you saying the 778 is not PIP capable? The PACE web site says this ..

The web site has been updated. Thanks for pointing this out.

GrundleBear

11-01-08, 07:56 PM

He Guys im a noob here....and im in depserate neef of help before I start pulling my hair out

I just got the Pace 779 hd dvr box and is being used on a
Panasonic th-50px80u viera television. When i went to set up everything I plugged the cables in, the hdmi cable (the one cable comp gave) into hdmi slot 1, the box itself worked fine...the guide worked and i got all the channels
when i went to put the tv on hdmi 1, i just get a black screen and this happens if i plug it into hdmi 2 and 3. just a black screen. do not know what the problem is, right now i can only view tv on "TV" mode and when i go to the hd channels, they dont come in "hd" but just regular quality. any info would be great, i have no idea what to do. i called panasonic and they suggested i get a new cable. i went out and bought a 53 dollar cable and still i have the same results ahhhhhhhhh

WhatHappend

11-02-08, 12:51 AM

GrundleBear

11-02-08, 01:39 PM

yes, ive tried EVERYTHING, in the pace user settings evrything is set to "NO" other than 720p

GrundleBear

11-02-08, 01:42 PM

if i hook it up with component cables it works (but i get no sound as the compnent cables i have are only for video i guess??) but the hdmi just shows the black screen

BillKen

11-02-08, 09:03 PM

Hey Linden,

Have you had any reports of CC just dropping out on the 778? For the most part - we have CC turned on all the time on our 778 in our basement (since my wife watches that TV while running on her treadmill in the morning - and I mostly game on that TV at night).

Anyway - we've been noticing that the CC just stops working every few days - requiring a reboot of the 778 to get it working again. Going into the menu and turning it off then on again does not work.

Just wondered if this was an issue you were aware of or not.

Bill

WhatHappend

11-04-08, 01:41 AM

I can summarize the response, We see the issue and we're investigating (hence my query on the bitrate).

I don't know what about Boston Legal makes this issue much more apparent but it has happened 3 weeks in a row where the Boston Legal recording macro-blocks during motion unless I change the tuners to a SD digital channel.

The channels that the tuners are on when I view that recording are ABCHD and STARZHD.

Has PACE been able to reproduce this issue? (I know it hasn't been reported that long ago).

lindend

11-05-08, 02:51 PM

Has PACE been able to reproduce this issue? (I know it hasn't been reported that long ago).

Not at this point, but we are narrowing down the potential problem areas based on your video capture.

usg990a

11-10-08, 04:11 PM

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?

Lindend,

Thanks for the reply. I've been away for a while and have not had a chance to mess with things. Actaully, the 779X is still running TV-Guide IPG (Firmware 9.56 - S/W 74.64-3337). Wondering if there is a way to query the power status (i.e. standby or on) through firewire.

Also wondering if you can advise if Suddenlink is using newer firmware? Tech Support said they where not aware of any newer version but I think that the person just may not have known given that you listed firmware 10.57-10.61for Suddenlink on 5/15/08 (although that's running passport echo).

WhatHappend

11-17-08, 11:07 PM

Not at this point, but we are narrowing down the potential problem areas based on your video capture.

lindend,

I was wondering if you could update me on the status of the video shuttering on the current recording you are viewing when another timed recording starts or stops? I reported this quite a while ago.

You are watching a previously recorded show.
Tuner 1 & 2 are recording other channels.
Tuner 1 or 2 recording ends.
The show you are watching shutters for a few seconds.

All shows recorded and viewed are HD.

usg990a

11-21-08, 09:19 PM

Lindend,

Thanks for the reply. I've been away for a while and have not had a chance to mess with things. Actaully, the 779X is still running TV-Guide IPG (Firmware 9.56 - S/W 74.64-3337). Wondering if there is a way to query the power status (i.e. standby or on) through firewire.

Also wondering if you can advise if Suddenlink is using newer firmware? Tech Support said they where not aware of any newer version but I think that the person just may not have known given that you listed firmware 10.57-10.61for Suddenlink on 5/15/08 (although that's running passport echo).

Lindend,

Looks like Suddenlink (Dallas, TX Area) just deployed firmware 11.58 for the 779X. Any specific details on what fixes are included?

Mac59

11-22-08, 01:29 AM

I am using a Pace Miami (757x?) without the record feature enabled to receive HDTV from Mediacom Cable Service. I am on my second box and a Mediacom technician has verified signal connections. However, after 24 to 36 hours of operation (significant portions in standby) several channels become unavailable. I can unplug the Pace and restart (hard reboot) and everything is restored for another 24+ hours.

When the channels are unavailable I get a message on the screen "Channel is temporarily unavailable, Please try again later". But several hours later the message remains. Unless I reboot. I have tried to determine which channels and they seem to be mostly the local ones in SD but I cant be sure of that. Some channels in SD that are not local remain.

the Pace is connected to the TV via Component cables. The record function is not active. The diagnostics page shows:
SW Version (DENA) 10.70
HW Version 0x00000001
Serial No PAYF00038009

CableCard SW Ver 2.65 (0x09010007)
CableCard HW Ver P=MCPOD
V=01.00
R=07
PaceReference 001-617-001-178-4-1

Does anyone know if this box is usable or do I need to give up and go Moto?

Any help or advice is greatly apreciated. I am capable of diagnostics but there is little user information available and my experience with Mediacom CSR hasnt been good so far.

lindend

11-23-08, 08:27 PM

When the channels are unavailable I get a message on the screen "Channel is temporarily unavailable, Please try again later". n available and my experience with Mediacom CSR hasnt been good so far.

Please capture details for the following diagnostics pages:

1. CableCARD (Page 8)
2. Inband Tuner
3. OOB (out of band) tuner
4. Current channel status.

Also, do you have an eSATA drive connected?

Instructions for entering and exiting diagnostics can be found earlier on this thread.

lindend

11-23-08, 08:27 PM

lindend,

I was wondering if you could update me on the status of the video shuttering on the current recording you are viewing when another timed recording starts or stops?

I don't have an update at the current time, but we are investigating a lead.

Mac59

11-24-08, 04:16 AM

Please capture details for the following diagnostics pages:

1. CableCARD (Page 8)
2. Inband Tuner
3. OOB (out of band) tuner
4. Current channel status.

Also, do you have an eSATA drive connected?

Instructions for entering and exiting diagnostics can be found earlier on this thread.

At the time I captured this data everything is working. I will capture again when it quits as I am sure it will again soon. But here goes:

CableCard Status (Page 9 in my list)
Connection Present
Validation State Valid
Object Name McblCard
Software Version 2.65 (0x09010007)
Manufacturer ID Motorola
Hardware Version P=Mcpod v=01.00 r=07
Card Ready Yes
Operating Mode NPH
CableCard ID 000-003-840-917-3
Host ID 047-000-624-561-2
Data 322-666-369-53

In Band Status (Page 04 here)
Tuner selected Tuner 1
Data No TSID 0
Carrier Lock Yes Sym Rate (kbps) 5361
PCR Lock Yes Pre RS BER 0.00e+00
SNR 37.0 GOOD
Modulation Mode QAM 256
Short Term Errors 0
Long Term Errors 154010
Tuned Frequency (khz) 117000
Signal Level (dBmv) 4.6
Tuned AGC (0-100%) 36
Avg Data Rate 0
Peak Data Rate 0

OOB Status (Page 03 here)
Data Yes
Emm data No
Emm Provide ID 0x001
Carrier Lock Yes
SNR 18.8 FAIR
Frequency (khz) 075250
Modulation QPSK
Signal Level (dBmv) -5.0
Sync Losses 0
Acquisition Attempts 1
Avg Data Rate 22520
Peak Data Rate 30672
Sym Rate (kbps) 1024
Tuner AGC (0-100%) 66
>Hunt Mode 075250

Current Channel Status (Page 8 Here)
Tuner Selected Tuner 1
Tuner Frequency 117000 khz Chan Number 2
Modulation Mode QAM 256 Encrypted Yes
Chan Status Unauth Connected Yes
Preview No PCR Lock Yes
Curr Next CCI 0x00
Purchasable No No APS 0x00
Purchased No No RC 0x00
Epoch Number 0x20 0x20 CIT 0x00
Epoch Status 0x00 0x00 DRM 0x00
Auth reason 0x00 0x00 RS 0x00
Service Number 0 Service ID 0x000000
Parental Control Status Not Available
Mute Status No

I do not have an eSATA drive connected. Thats for another day after I get the basics working.

I will post new data after I capture it when the system is not working.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Mac

**edit- As of Nov 24 its still operating properly. This is the longest continuous operation I have seen in 3 months. Will update as apropriate.

Mac59

11-25-08, 04:37 PM

Linden, it quit again. Ran for two full days this time. But it has stopped and I have captured the data you requested. Thanks for helping with this.

Displayed message:

"One Moment Please"
"this Channel Should be Available Shortly"

Heres the data with changed data in red:

CableCard Status (Page 9 in my list)
Connection Present
Validation State Valid
Object Name McblCard
Software Version 2.65 (0x09010007)
Manufacturer ID Motorola
Hardware Version P=MCPOD v=01.00 r=07
Card Ready Yes
Operating Mode NPH
CableCard ID 000-003-840-917-3
Host ID 047-000-624-561-2
Data 322-666-369-53

In Band Status (Page 04 here)
Tuner selected Tuner 1
Data No TSID 0
Carrier Lock Yes Sym Rate (kbps) 5361
PCR Lock No Pre RS BER
SNR [COLOR="red"]27.1 POOR
Modulation Mode QAM 256
Short Term Errors 16203902
Long Term Errors 2531303728
Tuned Frequency (khz) 117000
Signal Level (dBmv) 8.0
Tuned AGC (0-100%) 23
Avg Data Rate 0
Peak Data Rate 0

OOB Status (Page 03 here)
Data Yes
EMM data Yes
Emm Provide ID 0x001
Carrier Lock Yes
SNR 18.9 FAIR
Frequency (khz) 075250
Modulation QPSK
Signal Level (dBmv) -1.6
Sync Losses 7
Acquisition Attempts 12
Avg Data Rate 26456
Peak Data Rate 30672
Sym Rate (kbps) 1024
Tuner AGC (0-100%) 56
>Hunt Mode 075250

Current Channel Status (08)
Tuner Selected Tuner 1
Tuner Frequency 117000 khz Chan Number [empty]
Modulation Mode [empty] Encrypted [empty]
Chan Status [empty] Connected Yes
Preview [empty] PCR Lock [empty]
Curr Next CCI [empty]
Purchasable [empty] [empty] APS [empty]
Purchased [empty] [empty] RC [empty]
Epoch Number [empty] [empty] CIT [empty]
Epoch Status [empty] [empty] DRM [empty]
Auth reason [empty] [empty] RS [empty]
Service Number [empty] Service ID [empty]
Parental Control Status [empty]
Mute Status Yes

I still do not have an eSATA connected.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

lindend

11-25-08, 06:06 PM

Signal Level (dBmv) 8.0

It looks like something happened to your signal (or at least the box is having problems with the signal). If you reboot your box in that state, do the signal readings return to normal or do they remain problematic?

Mac59

11-25-08, 06:22 PM

Linden,

I am pretty sure they will return to normal but I will reboot and see.

Is there a particular procedure you would like me to use for reboot? Usually, Ijust unplug AC power, wait a few seconds and restore power. the channels return immediatley. Of course, TV Guide has to download again but in the past all channels function.

If I dont hear otherwise from you I will reboot by removing power as described.

Thanks again for your help.

Mac59

11-25-08, 08:39 PM

It looks like something happened to your signal (or at least the box is having problems with the signal). If you reboot your box in that state, do the signal readings return to normal or do they remain problematic?

I rebooted by unplugging and replugging AC power. Everything came back to normal.

CableCard Status (Page 9 in my list)
Connection Present
Validation State Valid
Object Name McblCard
Software Version 2.65 (0x09010007)
Manufacturer ID Motorola
Hardware Version P=MCPOD v=01.00 r=07
Card Ready Yes
Operating Mode NPH
CableCard ID 000-003-840-917-3
Host ID 047-000-624-561-2
Data 322-666-369-53

In Band Status (Page 04 here)
Tuner selected Tuner 1
Data No TSID 0
Carrier Lock Yes Sym Rate (kbps) 5361
PCR Lock Yes Pre RS BER 0.00e+00
SNR 37.9 GOOD
Modulation Mode QAM 256
Short Term Errors 0
Long Term Errors 0
Tuned Frequency (khz) 117000
Signal Level (dBmv) 6.6
Tuned AGC (0-100%) 30
Avg Data Rate 0
Peak Data Rate 0

OOB Status (Page 03 here)
Data Yes
EMM data No
Emm Provide ID 0x001
Carrier Lock Yes
SNR 19.2 FAIR
Frequency (khz) 075250
Modulation QPSK
Signal Level (dBmv) -2.0
Sync Losses 0
Acquisition Attempts 1
Avg Data Rate 22528
Peak Data Rate 33768
Sym Rate (kbps) 1024
Tuner AGC (0-100%) 56
>Hunt Mode 075250

Current Channel Status (08)
Tuner Selected Tuner 1
Tuner Frequency 117000 khz Chan Number 2
Modulation Mode QAM 256 Encrypted Yes
Chan Status Unauth Connected Yes
Preview No PCR Lock Yes
Curr Next CCI 0x00
Purchasable No No APS 0x00
Purchased No No RC 0x00
Epoch Number 0x20 0x20 CIT 0x00
Epoch Status 0x00 0x00 DRM 0x00
Auth reason 0x00 0x00 RS 0x00
Service Number 0 Service ID 0x000000
Parental Control Status Not Available
Mute Status No

I do not have an eSATA drive connected. .

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Mac59

11-27-08, 01:28 AM

Well, it did something again. this time there was still reception but lots of tiling and audio breakups. Now and then the picture would freeze. So, I looked at the diagnostics for in band, oob, and channel status. They had the same high signal level (7.8 db), high error rates (25000+), and BER of 1.2e-04.

So I left it powered on and removed the antenna cable temporarily. then reconnected the antenna cable. No change. High signal level, high error rates, etc.

So I unplugged the AC, waited about ten seconds and replugged it. after a minute or two it was back up and all was workign fine again. Signal level around 6 db, zero short term errors, BER of 0.00.

So, at this time I feel I have confirmed the problem is somewhere in the box and rebooting corrects it. But one of its ramifications is that it gives a false reading of signal level. Perhaps there is something spurious going on that the tuner locks to. But since I still had picture, with tiling, it wasnt far off channel.

Hope this helps.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Mac

lindend

11-27-08, 08:19 AM

Is there a particular procedure you would like me to use for reboot?

Sorry for the late response. The cleanest way to reboot is to go into diags and from the main page, press the INFO and the SELECT front panel keys (the same keys will work on the remote).

Failing that, go into standby, wait 30 seconds, then pull A/C power. On A DVR, both of these solutions allow the box to properly shut down the filesystem and eliminate any possibility of issues when you reboot (however, since you don't have an eSATA connected, it won't make a difference to you right now).

The next time this happens, I'd like for you to try method #1. I'm wondering if the power removal causes something to clear up that a software reset won't clean up.

lindend

11-27-08, 08:23 AM

So I unplugged the AC, waited about ten seconds and replugged it. after a minute or two it was back up and all was workign fine again. Signal level around 6 db, zero short term errors, BER of 0.00.

Be aware that the diags readings could really be +/4 from the actual level (i.e. its not a definitive #). So even under good conditions, your level might really be 10db, which is very close to the edge.

I am on my second box and a Mediacom technician has verified signal connections

What signal level did Mediacom find when they visited you?

Mac59

11-27-08, 09:03 PM

Sorry for the late response. The cleanest way to reboot is to go into diags and from the main page, press the INFO and the SELECT front panel keys (the same keys will work on the remote).

Failing that, go into standby, wait 30 seconds, then pull A/C power. On A DVR, both of these solutions allow the box to properly shut down the filesystem and eliminate any possibility of issues when you reboot (however, since you don't have an eSATA connected, it won't make a difference to you right now).

The next time this happens, I'd like for you to try method #1. I'm wondering if the power removal causes something to clear up that a software reset won't clean up.

OK, it happened again and I tried the software reboot. The result was the same as the power removal reboot. Channel was restored, signal level of 6.6 DB, error rates zero.

As a side note, the remote will not perform a software reboot. It is a Motorola remote (its what Mediacom gave me). So, I did it at the front panel. Also, it will only reboot if I am on the page select list (not the dashboard). Dont know if this is important or not.

Be aware that the diags readings could really be +/4 from the actual level (i.e. its not a definitive #). So even under good conditions, your level might really be 10db, which is very close to the edge.

What signal level did Mediacom find when they visited you?

Mediacom did not tell me what signal level they achieved. I do know they worked to adjust the signal level including changing some connectors and the taps where it enters the house. Also, I know from experience that Mediacom techs work to achieve signal levels at certain points in the band, not across the band.

My installation has a signal amplifier, several taps and a long cable run. Only the lower channels seem to drop out. Its possible the signal is too high at the lower end of band and ok the rest of the band.

I dont mind calling them back out but I am pretty sure they wont fix anything unless I give specific direction.

I am an electronics engineer and can perform or relay detailed information if that helps. But my field is digital and software. I do not have a decent RF meter. Usually use the built in meters of the box.

At the current time I think you are suspecting the box becomes overloaded by a high signal level (perhaps above 10 dBmv). But I am wondering why it doesnt clear itself. Also, reboot corrects the problem and gives acceptable level readings (8 db+ before reboot and 6db immediately after reboot) but clearly doesnt change the signal level this amount at that instant.

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving day. I really appreciate your help on this. Service above and beyond normal duty. Thank you.

Mac

lindend

11-27-08, 11:50 PM

Also, it will only reboot if I am on the page select list (not the dashboard). Dont know if this is important or not.

Doesn't matter. I guess my explanation of the main page wasn't clear, sorry. As long as you did the soft reboot, the test was successful.

I dont mind calling them back out but I am pretty sure they wont fix anything unless I give specific direction.

I can't say as I've ever seen signal strength issues cured by a reboot. I would normally say I'm suspicious of the box, but this is your second box. Probably would be useful if you could get the exact reading from your cable provider. Its possible that if you could a signal closer to 0, these problems might dissipate.

At the current time I think you are suspecting the box becomes overloaded by a high signal level (perhaps above 10 dBmv). But I am wondering why it doesnt clear itself. Also, reboot corrects the problem and gives acceptable level readings (8 db+ before reboot and 6db immediately after reboot) but clearly doesnt change the signal level this amount at that instant.

Indeed it is quite puzzling. I don't have an explanation right now.

What might be useful is to see if MediaCom will let you temporarily have two boxes in the house. If they do, we can see if they both go bad at the same time. In addition, we can reboot the one and leave the other up and see the signal level remains constant.

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving day.

Thanks for asking Mac. I had a great one. Hope yours was enjoyable.

Mac59

11-28-08, 01:09 AM

...

I can't say as I've ever seen signal strength issues cured by a reboot. I would normally say I'm suspicious of the box, but this is your second box. Probably would be useful if you could get the exact reading from your cable provider. Its possible that if you could a signal closer to 0, these problems might dissipate.

...

What might be useful is to see if MediaCom will let you temporarily have two boxes in the house. If they do, we can see if they both go bad at the same time. In addition, we can reboot the one and leave the other up and see the signal level remains constant.

...

Guess we are both stumped on this one. Here's my thoughts for the next steps.

1. Insert a splitter before the box. This will reduce the signal 6 db and give me a connection spot for a second box.

2. Rent a second box from Mediacom. Then we will have two boxes connected at one place at one time.

3. Make a list of signal strengths on several channels (say 2, 7, 9, 14, 23, 47, 802) on both boxes.

4. Wait and see.

Some annecdotal information (not methodically proven). We have tried two boxes now, one Tahoe, one Miami with similar (same) results. Mediacom tech verifying the signal level and changing wiring as he thought might work better had no apparent effect on box 1. Box 2 demostrates the same performance failure. It seems that time is the culprit. After reboot the box(s) seems to always operated fine for at least 20 or 24 hours. Sometimes the box(s) operates for as long as 36 hours. Two separate boxes at two separate times on the same signal connection seem to have the same characteristics.

I will post back when I have more results/observations.

Again, thanks for helping. Having a method to soft reboot without digging out the power wiring will be a help to my patience. So, already there are some positive results, lol.

Mac

lindend

11-28-08, 09:38 AM

We have tried two boxes now, one Tahoe, one Miami with similar (same) results.

I was assuming you had tried two Miamis, didn't realize you also had tried a DVR. Was it a Tahoe (775), or a Tahoe CableCARD (778) or a Tahoe Analog CableCARD (779)?

Mac59

11-28-08, 04:15 PM

I was assuming you had tried two Miamis, didn't realize you also had tried a DVR. Was it a Tahoe (775), or a Tahoe CableCARD (778) or a Tahoe Analog CableCARD (779)?

My records indicate it was a 778X. I no longer have it for verification. It did have a hard drive because I heard it spin up whenever I did a reboot.

Also, I am going by Mediacoms record for the model number of the current one. They changed it while I was gone and their CSR told me it was a Miami. I cannot hear any hard drive in there. The nameplate spot on the front of the box is blank.

If that is key information I can take apart the installation and find the model number of the current box. Might be doing that this weekend anyway.

I will help in any way you suggest.

Mac

Mac59

11-28-08, 07:36 PM

New information. Maybe it will help.

It went out again today. I checked and found the folowing:

1. Channels that did not work (2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, perhaps more) all showed signal levels of 7.4 to 7.8 db. Channels that did work showed 1.6 and down to -3.3 (I didnt check them all). Also, channels that did not work had high error rates and the SNR was qualified as POOR.
2. I removed the cable input and found there was no information in the lists You probably knew that but I thought it was somethign to check.
3. I inserted a signal splitter with the unused leg properly terminated and reconnected the remaining split input. The channels that didnt work, still didnt work but they reported lower signal levels. Signal levels of 3.6 and up to about 5.0 were reported on the channels that didnt work (note that this is not 6 db down from before!). The other channels reported signal levels as low as -10 db.
4. I did a software reboot and everything worked again. Checking the signal levels showed that channels that didnt work before now reported signal levels of 1.6 to 2.0 db and SNR was good. the channels that had always worked still work and still report signal levels of -1.0 down to -10 db.

I plan to leave the splitter in line and see if the problem returns.

At this time, it appears to me that either Mediacom or the box has some channels 13 to 15 db above other channels. The stronger channels may be overloading the box somehow. Once the box is overloaded it is unable to recover without a reboot. Further, once it is in overload I think it reports signal levels 3 to 4 db above actual.

I wasnt laboratory quality specific in my measurements and note taking. But the trend was clear. If you need specific readings I will be happy to provide them. Even if the box continues to work (with the splitter in line) I if it helps you track down design information.

Mac

WestCentralAR

11-30-08, 11:44 AM

I recently received a brand new Pace TDC779x STB as a replacement for a dead Motorola STB. The system setup information tells me the following:

Model: DCT
s/w: 74.64 - 3337
firmware: 11.36 (I know this is old, but it's all I have.)

Overall the STB is very nice, but I can not find an answer to two specific questions concerning programming. My cable company (Suddenlink) said it would work like the Aptiv guide, but better. I'm comparing the 779x with i-Guide and my old Motorola with Aptiv Echo in the following situations.

1) I have been accustomed to programming my Motorola to DVR all "news" from my local station no matter when it shows up in the schedule. This is especially useful when a football game or movie goes past the normal 10pm (CST) newscast and the guide shows the news at say, 10:30p that night, it's still recorded. I just set the Motorola to record "News", "All Show Times", "any day" and "first-run". That pretty much gets all the news on that channel. I have found no similar way to do this on the 779. Am I missing something?

2) I'm also a huge soccer (football) fan as well. I had my Motorola set to record "MLS Soccer" any time, any day, any channel and first-run. That got every match listed in the Aptiv guide. I also set it to record "English Premier", "FA World Cup" and "UEFA" the same way and always got all of the matches. With the 779x I don't even have a "series" option for games. Again, am I missing a programming step with the 779?

Since most of the soccer matches don't start at a specific time each week or even a specific day, plus they can be on Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU as well as several other stations and in no particular pattern, I'm sure I will miss a lot of the matches unless I spend a lot of time searching the websites or surfing the i-Guide for them. Not good.

It looks like the 779x choices to DVR a "show name" at "any time" and on "any channel" are missing. Any ideas on how to get around this limitation would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I miss the days to overwrite display on the Aptiv. That gave me plenty of warning if I needed to mark a file to keep or just let it be overwritten. The percentage is nice, but is of no real value since it gives me no idea as to when programs will begin to disappear.

Thanks.

Mac59

11-30-08, 04:55 PM

Linden,
It quit again today even though I have padded the signal by 6db. As I noted before, I inserted a two way splitter with one leg terminated in a termination resistor and the othe connected to the STB. I took the folowoing data when it quit:

In Band Status (Page 04 here)
Tuner selected Tuner 1
Data No TSID 0
Carrier Lock Yes Sym Rate (kbps) 5361
PCR Lock NO Pre RS BER 1.71e-03
SNR 35.3 GOOD
Modulation Mode QAM 256
Short Term Errors 2061702
Long Term Errors 566582074
Tuned Frequency (khz) 117000
Signal Level (dBmv) 2.2
Tuned AGC (0-100%) 43
Avg Data Rate 0
Peak Data Rate 0

OOB Status (Page 03 here)
Data Yes
EMM data No
Emm Provide ID 0x001
Carrier Lock Yes
SNR 19.2 FAIR
Frequency (khz) 075250
Modulation QPSK
Signal Level (dBmv) -8.3
Sync Losses 0
Acquisition Attempts 1
Avg Data Rate 17390
Peak Data Rate 31352
Sym Rate (kbps) 1024
Tuner AGC (0-100%) 80
>Hunt Mode 075250

I then did a software reboot (on diagnostics main page, press "info" and "select"). This restored operation as it has in the past. So, I took the following readings while it was working:

In Band Status (Page 04 here)
Tuner selected Tuner 1
Data No TSID 0
Carrier Lock Yes Sym Rate (kbps) 5361
PCR Lock NO Pre RS BER 0.0e-0.0
SNR 36.7 GOOD
Modulation Mode QAM 256
Short Term Errors 0
Long Term Errors 0
Tuned Frequency (khz) 117000
Signal Level (dBmv) 0.5
Tuned AGC (0-100%) 50
Avg Data Rate 0
Peak Data Rate 0

OOB Status (Page 03 here)
Data Yes
EMM data No
Emm Provide ID 0x001
Carrier Lock Yes
SNR 18.5 FAIR
Frequency (khz) 075250
Modulation QPSK
Signal Level (dBmv) -8.3
Sync Losses 0
Acquisition Attempts 1
Avg Data Rate 29016
Peak Data Rate 30288
Sym Rate (kbps) 1024
Tuner AGC (0-100%) 80
>Hunt Mode 075250

So it looks to me that signal level has little or no impact on the problem. Also, the box reports an artificially high (by 2 03 db) signal level when it is not working. Everything else seems consistent with a box that just gets tired and needs to be reboot. That is a nuisance though since it then has to download TV guide and I fear using it as a recorder.

As usual, any help you provide is greatly appreciated.

Mac

lindend

11-30-08, 05:48 PM

So it looks to me that signal level has little or no impact on the problem. Also, the box reports an artificially high (by 2 03 db) signal level when it is not working.

I'm going to have to do some investigation on this one. May not have a response for a while depending on what I find out.

One other thing to track is the errors. Can you see if the short/long term errors gradually increase over time or if there is a burst of errors that eventually manifests the symptoms?

Also, if you are able to get a DVR from Mediacom and it exhibits these symptoms, it would be useful to see if both tuners are encountering the errors.

Everything else seems consistent with a box that just gets tired and needs to be reboot.

Never heard of software getting tired, but I guess there is a first for everything. :D

Mac59

11-30-08, 07:09 PM

I'm going to have to do some investigation on this one. May not have a response for a while depending on what I find out.

One other thing to track is the errors. Can you see if the short/long term errors gradually increase over time or if there is a burst of errors that eventually manifests the symptoms?

Also, if you are able to get a DVR from Mediacom and it exhibits these symptoms, it would be useful to see if both tuners are encountering the errors.

Never heard of software getting tired, but I guess there is a first for everything. :D

Thank you for a prompt reply. I will get a DVR and watch the two for a few days. But I have checked errors while it is working. Short term errors usually stay low, (under ten, usually zero) until the box is near failing (I sometimes see tiling in the picture a short while before it fails) or failed.

Yeah, tired software is a new phenomena observed when memory "leaks out" and/or buffers fill up, lol. :D

I understand you might need a while to find this one. I would help more but documentation is very slim here. It would be nice if Pace could provide some for us "advanced amatures".

Thank you again.

Mac

lindend

12-01-08, 12:06 PM

I understand you might need a while to find this one.

Mac,

Not a lot of ideas right now. Where is the box currently located and could it be in an area with little ventilation? Was the other box located in that area also?

Roginator

12-02-08, 01:14 AM

I was having problems with my 778X. It's installed on a glass stand under the TV. It's a real static generator.

Anyway, it was acting very sluggish..accepting commands at about 1/10th the normal rate. I was tearing my hair out wondering what the problem was. I felt the power cord where it entered the DVR and found it was very loose. After pressing it in firmly - problem solved.

I'm surprised it worked at all.

LarryDS

12-02-08, 07:20 PM

Hi Lindend/All
My first attempt to attach an external drive apparently failed. I'd rather not experiment around and am seeking advice. I purchased a 500GB WD My Book USB/FIREWARE/eSATA. I utilized the drive attached to my laptop using the usb port while waiting for eSATA cables to come in the mail. I do not have any other device with eSATA inorder to verify the new cables/eSATA function on the harddrive. I verified in Diagnostics that 21 Interface Status\SATA\Sata Enabled\Yes.
I installed it by turning off the DVR and unplugged from wall. Attached the Drive to the esata connection on the DVR. Powered up the drive and the DVR and went into diagnostics. 23 HDD Status showed only Drive Number 1/1. From the previous posts I was expecting the drive to be "recognized" and to go into a format sequence. Also I have seen references to key sequences of Repeat/My DVR/Live. I do not see any of those keys on my DVR and only the Live key is on my remote control. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Larry

Found information elsewhere that indicates this device does not work on a PACE, but that a WD MyDVR expander does.

WhatHappend

12-02-08, 08:58 PM

Mac59

12-03-08, 07:02 PM

Mac,

Not a lot of ideas right now. Where is the box currently located and could it be in an area with little ventilation? Was the other box located in that area also?

Sorry, I was away for a couple days. Not much new to report.

I dont think its a heat problem but here are answers. Yes, both boxes sat in the same place. They sit on a cabinet shelf right above a DVD player that is seldom used right now. The back of the cabinet is wide open to a 3 inch ventilation channel that stretches across the entire cabinet. I have never noticed any heat when I open the cabinet front.

I havent tried a third box yet. Wife says the power was shut off yesterday and everything is still working. I will post more when I know more.

Again, thanks for trying. It does give support I dont get anywhere else.

Mac

Mac59

12-04-08, 03:28 PM

Linden,

Its STILL WORKING!! I still have the 6 db signal reduction in place and it has only failed that first day. I looked today and the system status page says its been on for 2 days and 19 hours. The in band status says: SNR 37.2 db Signal level 3.2 dbmv, short term errors zero.

I have not rented a second DVR box because it is still working.

Not sure what this means. But it does leave this impression: The box seems stable most of the time if the signal isnt too large. No apparant degradation. But once it fails it is incapable of recovery.

I wil continue to post updates.

Mac

Mac59

12-05-08, 05:58 PM

Well, we have to acknowledge that reducing the signal level has helped a lot. Its still working today. Here is pertinent data.

System operating time. 3 days 20 Hr.
Channel 2 In band statistics.
SNR 36.7 db
Signal level 3.3 dBmv
AGC 40
BER 1.76e-06
Short Term Errors 2171
Long Term Errors 703018

Dont know if this information is helping you any. The system has gone out only once since we reduced the signal level of the input by 6 db.

I will continue to post information in hopes it is helping.

I am left wondering why the system doesnt recover when the signal is removed or reduced. Once it fails, the only way back is a reboot.

Mac

Mac59

12-07-08, 07:58 PM

Linden, its still working after 6 days since power reset reboot!!! I think we have to declare victory here. Thank you for the help. I will post back if things go sour.

I am left with a few inconsistencies and potential explanations.
1. When I first reduced the signal level and did a software reboot it only worked for 24 hours. Then, last Monday we had a short power outage (wifes vac popped the breaker). After that reboot it has operated without a reboot of any kind. My tentative conclusion is that the software reboot didnt clear the underlying problem but the hardware reboot did. With reduced signal levels it continues to operate.
2. It seems that whenever it gets to failure mode it cannot return without a reboot. Reducing signal levels, even removing signal levels, leaves it innoperable until it is rebooted. It seems to me that either a hardware buffer or a software buffer/counter does not get reset until there is a reboot. Number 1 above indicates this might be a hardware buffer.

But I am certainly happy with the box now and especially your assistance. Let me know if there is some way I can return the favor.

Mac

lindend

12-08-08, 10:15 AM

It seems that whenever it gets to failure mode it cannot return without a reboot. Reducing signal levels, even removing signal levels, leaves it innoperable until it is rebooted.

Mac,

These symptoms sound virtually identical to those reported by WhatHappened (i.e OMP and CableCARD becoming unavailable when the signal becomes marginal and has errors). However, your diagnostic capture did not indicate that the CableCARD was having problems. If your diags indicated that the MCard was having issues, then I'd feel pretty confident that it was the same issue he reported (and we've subsequently fixed)

cranky_monkey

12-09-08, 04:32 AM

Hi all,

I have a pace TDC779x from Bresnan Communications in Wyoming. A few weeks ago my box started acting weirdly in the sense that several channels became unavailable and also the channel numbering was mixed up. I called the CP to get it reset and everything worked fine for a couple of days, but ever since then the DVR service on my box keeps getting disabled.

I've called the CP several times about this and they've also switched out my box with a new one only to end up with the same problem. All they do is send a signal to reset the box which makes things work for a couple of hours. I got tired of calling them and started doing resets myself at home by going into the diagnostics main menu to absolutely no avail (stops working again after couple of hours). The firmware on my box is listed 11.51. My suspicion is that this version of the firmware is buggy since the problem is manifesting itself on two different boxes. Has any one else experienced this issue with their 779x?. I've searched through the forums but nobody else seems to be experiencing this issue.

Any thoughts or comments?

cableric

12-10-08, 11:05 AM

A fix will be rolled out shortly, but in the mean time there are two things you can do. Go into the user settings and turn off Hard Drive Sleep Mode, and make sure that Tuner 2 (hit swap) is not tuned to channel 1. This should prevent loss of DVR when the box is placed into stand-by.

In addition, when DVR service is lost a simple power cycle should restore the service...in this situation there is no need to call into customer support.

WhatHappend

12-10-08, 12:15 PM

Eric
Pace Americas, Inc.
(The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Pace Americas, Inc.)

Another Pace representative on the board, Welcome.

Can either of you Pace guys say if the upcoming FW release has a fix for single remote presses causing multiple actions on the PACE unit that I reported earlier?

My box is currently doing it again and this time it is doing it in the diagnostics menu and regular menus/guide (I have had this happen about 5 times in 5 months). The FF/RR/skip30/replay function seem un-affected. A reboot clears this issue. This time, the front panel remote icon indicator might show an extra remote icon illumination for the delayed extra presses.

But I have been having issues rebooting the Pace where it comes up with no channels, no vod, no DVR functionality. I use Mediacom automated send hit functionality and then channels will start working but it ussally takes another reboot or two to get DVR functionality back. This never used to happen. Without sending the "hit", multiple reboots don't seem to fix anything.

cableric

12-10-08, 01:53 PM

Another Pace representative on the board, Welcome.

Can either of you Pace guys say if the upcoming FW release has a fix for single remote presses causing multiple actions on the PACE unit that I reported earlier?

Hmmm, I have not heard of, or seen, this issue before. I'll defer to Linden on this one...

lindend

12-10-08, 02:46 PM

Can either of you Pace guys say if the upcoming FW release has a fix for single remote presses causing multiple actions on the PACE unit that I reported earlier?

In general, I can't comment on what fixes will/won't be present in the next service release. However, we have not replicated the duplicate key press issue as of yet so it is not currently in the build.

We have however conducted some field tests of the CableCARD going into N/A state that you reported and the tests have been positive.

In regard to your earlier request for a discrete key code to change resolutions, it will be 00109

More info here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13524611#post13524611).

WhatHappend

12-10-08, 02:56 PM

In regard to your earlier request for a discrete key code to change resolutions, it will be 00109

More info here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13524611#post13524611).

Pretty smart to duplicate the Motorola discrete code.
Now to contact Logitech and get them to add it to my remote profile.

Thanks...

WhatHappend

12-10-08, 03:03 PM

In general, I can't comment on what fixes will/won't be present in the next service release. However, we have not replicated the duplicate.

I am wondering if PACE has any PS3 controller around your office. I am wondering if the fact that I use the 779x USB port to charge PS3 controller might cause the duplicate remote key press issue. The Mot. DVR doesn't have any issues charging the PS3 controllers. The PS3 controller has to have a computer commuicate with it over USB to charge. A USB wall-wart that just outputs 5V on the USB won't charge them. The PACE unit charges them just fine. I am thinking maybe a interaction with the HDD sleep mode and charging a PS3 unit while the PACE is in standby might cause the issue.

I realize that is not a supported feature, but with the DVR always on sucking power is convenient for us PS3 owners and saves on the Power bill vs leaving the PS3 on to charge them.

cableric

12-10-08, 06:08 PM

SWEET! Linden, I'm totally going to buy a PS3 and expense it...I'll let you borrow the controllers for your tests...

(I wish...)

WhatHappend

12-10-08, 07:02 PM

SWEET! Linden, I'm totally going to buy a PS3 and expense it...I'll let you borrow the controllers for your tests...

(I wish...)

Seems like a good employee perk:) Maybe give it away to the PACE employee that solves the most customer issues on AVS.

Buying a $40 PS3 wireless SixAxis controller at Walmart might be better fit for the budget....

cranky_monkey

12-11-08, 01:52 AM

HDjunkie03

12-11-08, 04:10 PM

Cableric or Lindend,

Any light on the near horizon for the 778x ff and rw jumping problem when viewing either HD or SD content on an HD channel?

This has been around for almost a year and is well documented and lack of a solution is beyond intolerable.

HDjunkie03

bullfrog23414

12-12-08, 09:26 AM

I have a Pace 778x (Armstrong Cable) and just hooked up a Fantom GD1000EU external hard drive via eSATA. It is a 1TB drive, but when I look at the diagnostic menu, it says that the total capacity is 662GB. Obviously I was not expecting to see 1000GB on the menu, but I was expecting at least high 800's/low 900's. Does any one know if this STB has a maximum external drive capacity?

WhatHappend

12-12-08, 12:36 PM

It is a 1TB drive, but when I look at the diagnostic menu, it says that the total capacity is 662GB.

You are doing good at 662GB. What FW firmware version do you have?
Put "750" in the thread search function to see what is supported in 10.6X and earlier FW versions.

bullfrog23414

12-13-08, 08:49 AM

You are doing good at 662GB. What FW firmware version do you have?
Put "750" in the thread search function to see what is supported in 10.6X and earlier FW versions.

I called Pace. I guess there is new FW coming out in the 2nd quarter of 2009 to support bigger drives. I will say, I was very impressed with their CS. A real person answered after about 2 rings and was more than willing to connect me to one of their engineers so that I could get a real answer.

I'm currently running 10.65.

Mac59

12-15-08, 01:49 AM

Mac,

These symptoms sound virtually identical to those reported by WhatHappened (i.e OMP and CableCARD becoming unavailable when the signal becomes marginal and has errors). However, your diagnostic capture did not indicate that the CableCARD was having problems. If your diags indicated that the MCard was having issues, then I'd feel pretty confident that it was the same issue he reported (and we've subsequently fixed)

Linden,

Sorry it has taken me a while to get back to you on this. But I really dont have anything more to report. The system continues to operate just fine. Havent had to reboot since I reduced the signal level AND turned off the power for a reboot. Its been running now for 10 days+. I can run some tests and collect some data if it will help you in any way.

I will search this forum for the problem Whathappened reported but I have never seen problems in the CableCard status. Just in the In Band status.

But for now, I am happy with the box. Very happy considering I was on the verge of giving up.

Thanks for your help.

bal3wolf

12-17-08, 11:38 AM

Just got the TDC779X and i have no sound on the hdmi so im using the component right now our cable said it would be a few days if i wanted a new box. Is their any work around to getting the hdmi to work ? and what is the eithernet for any use reason i should plug it in ?

schaffer970

12-25-08, 01:20 PM

88 fingers

12-27-08, 11:21 AM

Hey ALL !! being digitally challenged I need some help and advice. I recently got a Pace TDC779X HD cable box, now I would like to add an expansion hard drive...and not getting very knowledgeable answers from my local cable company ( Mediacom ) I sought out and found this forum. From what I gather having read through the threads is an external esata is needed with a good cable and not a multi format drive...first question is then....where do I find one of these??? ( as most drives are multi format ) unless one buys an internal model and puts it into an enclosure??? could u good people who have a external performing well please let me know in what to invest ?? second question is in moving material off the box into a dvd burner...I have not tested this function yet and I am taking the lazy way here in hope u good folks can provide the answers for me...I assume one can utilize the composite video/audio rca jacks in back to provide a 480 signal to record to dvd or vcr...correct? and or utilize the firewire output ??

bal3wolf

12-27-08, 02:34 PM

Well i know i got a 1tb firewire and usb and it wont work on the pace so i emailed pace and heres what they sent me back for info.

Pace recommends Western Digital MyDVR Expander: 500GB: WDG1S5000 Pace recommends Seagate DVR Expander: 500GB: ST30500SCA109-RK Pace recommends iOmega DVR Expander: 500GB: 34172

Q: Why is my e-SATA drive not working?

No. Pace does not support USB / e-SATA combination drives.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=WDG1S5000&x=8&y=31

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822186124

lindend

12-30-08, 11:41 AM

Lindend, my box was upgraded to 12.49 a couple of days ago. Can you let us know what the upgrade fixed (looks like it solved the problem with not remembering the last channel used when the hard drive powers down - thanks!).

I'm out of the office for a while, but let me see if I can get the 12.49 details.

Not sure the HDD spin up was a proper fix a temporary workaround of the bug.

lindend

12-30-08, 11:45 AM

I assume one can utilize the composite video/audio rca jacks in back to provide a 480 signal to record to dvd or vcr...correct?

Correct.

and or utilize the firewire output ??

Yes, the firewire output can be used to record to a DVHS (this is the only way to save HD quality to an external device right now).

jlw5505

01-01-09, 01:54 PM

I desparately need help. I just go 2 new Pace 757X HD boxes to use with my Mediacom service. At one time or another over the past week, they both have worked, but it appears that when i remove the AC cord (when i was rearranging cables), the boxes are completely dead and won't power on. the ligh next to the power button powers to red, but will not turn green like it did previously. calls to mediacom and they cannot restart the box's as they do not get a return signal.
my basic question is when the AC power is applied to these boxes, should the power button go green, regardless of cable signal input or does the box need to program itself by recognizing the signal before it will turn green.

thanks jeff

schaffer970

01-01-09, 03:39 PM

Not sure about the lights, but the fact that Mediacom says they can't see your boxes would indicate that there's a problem with the cable wire coming into the boxes. I would double check that all of the cable connections are ok (double check the splitter as it sounds like both boxes are having problems).

jlw5505

01-01-09, 03:53 PM

thanks, both lines already have an amplifier at the entry to the house and i can hook up both cables to my TV's directly and get SD cable when i take the box out of the equation. i have a third Pace HD box with DVR on a 3rd outlet and it is working fine.... Mediacom was here last Saturday and had all boxes working until i was organizing cables when one lost its function. i then took the one that was working and tried it on the other outlet and vice versa and now neither will work. even when i put the one that was working back on it orignal outlet prior to switching... i am thoroughly confused and i am getting no support from my local mediacom office until a couple weeks from now for someone to come out again.

lindend

01-01-09, 11:27 PM

Jeff,

my basic question is when the AC power is applied to these boxes, should the power button go green, regardless of cable signal input or does the box need to program itself by recognizing the signal before it will turn green.

If you have any color light, then the box is getting power.

When the box comes out of standby, the power button will go from red to green. If you can't get of out standby, the button will remain red. Typically, this can happen if the box was not properly (or completely) initialized from the cable headend. If in fact that is the case, you cable provider will need to refresh and/or re-initialize the box.

There are other things to check. Do you have an eSATA drive hooked up? If so, remove it.

Can you exit standby via the power button on the front panel?
Can you get into diags via the front panel or the remote control?

jlw5505

01-02-09, 09:44 AM

Linden,
I have no eSATA attached,

i cannot exit standby via the power button. i cannot get into diagnostics or any menu buttons. the power button continually stays red. when i call mediacom, they say they cannot see the boxes.

yesterday, i also took this box to my 3rd cable outlet where i am currently running a Motorola HD box with DVR (DCH3416) and i could not get it to power up (go to green) either.

any more ideas??? thanks jeff

lindend

01-02-09, 10:32 AM

i cannot exit standby via the power button. i cannot get into diagnostics or any menu buttons. the power button continually stays red. when i call mediacom, they say they cannot see the boxes.

Does the box sound like its rebooting periodically (i.e. do you hear a click)?

If you disconnect it from the RF cable and then reboot, can you get out of standby?

jlw5505

01-02-09, 10:57 AM

No to both of your questions. i did just move it to another outlet and it has started downloading software from pace, not sure what it is doing or why it has started doing that. Mediacom is now here so maybe they did something but the guy does not know what might have happened. thanks jeff

lindend

01-05-09, 09:21 PM

No to both of your questions. i did just move it to another outlet and it has started downloading software from pace, not sure what it is doing or why it has started doing that.

There are two reasons for this:

1. Medicom have put a new image on the cable network and the box is downloading it.

2. Your flash memory is corrupt and the box is trying to download a valid image.

Given the symptoms you describe, #2 is a strong possibility. However, you say you aren't hearing clicks which would be consistent with a reboot and a new image being downloaded.

What's the current status?

lindend

01-06-09, 10:33 AM

Lindend, my box was upgraded to 12.49 a couple of days ago. Can you let us know what the upgrade fixed

The release notes thread has been updated with the requested info.

WhatHappend

01-06-09, 11:11 AM

The release notes thread has been updated with the requested info.

Strange. I would have thought that this issue from 10.6x would have been resolved in any new FW versions:

10. Diagnostics now displays CRC errors from the HDD.*
*This information is inaccurate in this build and should be ignored.

I hope that last version is not rolled out everywhere. I for one can disable spin down myself.

lindend

01-06-09, 02:31 PM

Strange. I would have thought that this issue from 10.6x would have been resolved in any new FW versions:

This is a different issue than the one you previously reported.

I hope that last version is not rolled out everywhere.

This is not likely to go national. The problem is tied to an EPG issue with a specific VOD client.

Sanders1958

01-10-09, 07:57 PM

I have a Pace HD DVR TDC778X. Does anyone know if there is a firewire or usb driver available to connect to a PC with Windows XP? Thanks!

Picklin

01-14-09, 07:30 PM

A few days ago I dropped DirecTV and signed up with Mediacom Cable in south Santa Rosa county in the panhandle of Florida. They supplied me with 2 identical DVR's - the TDC779X. I have some questions about these boxes that I did not see the answer to in the 29 pages of postings that I read, which btw was a chore in itself.

My first question is:

Does this model of receiver have a way to organize your list of dvr recordings? Having been with DirecTV for the past 6 years and owning my own Samsung TIVO boxes, I got used to the "folders" feature. On the TDC779X I see that you can sort your recordings by date, title, or channel but thats not what I'm referring to.

This picture shows exactly what I mean.
http://mysite.verizon.net/~fiosdvr/tivo/nowplaying9.jpg

As is, the way the TDC779X displays your recordings is very unorganized. For example, if I had 10 episodes of Naked Science they're all gonna be displayed in the same list as everything else.
http://i43.tinypic.com/2z4z52t.jpg

My second question is:

When connecting the HDMI output on my living room box to my Panasonic TH-50PX60X I get no picture or sound although the receiver says it is connected (see pics below). I've changed the TV's aspect and nothing. I've used a second HDMI cable and still nothing. So I decided to test this out with my bedroom box and everything works fine, even with both cables and all TV aspects. Is it possible that my living room box is bad? The same living room box also seems to turn itself off and on (reboot?) at random several times a day. The pictures below pertain to my HDMI problem.

Living room TDC779X
http://i39.tinypic.com/29xutti.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/264qknc.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2i3ch.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/33eu9dv.jpg

Bedroom TDC779X
http://i41.tinypic.com/29fftww.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/30c0xle.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2h2oabq.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2m68hh5.jpg

Sorry for all the pictures. I wanted to post links to the pics but since I don't have more than 3 postings it wouldn't let me. I'm new here and this is my first post. This is a great forum. I have looked at it over the years when I have had problems and/or curiosity about electronics that I have owned.

lindend

01-15-09, 03:24 PM

Does this model of receiver have a way to organize your list of dvr recordings?

The Electronic Program Guide (TV Guide (i.e. TVG) in your case) controls the organization of content. TVG does not provide folder organization in the release you are using. Other EPGs running on the same hardware provide this capability so its not a hardware restriction. Sorry.

I get no picture or sound although the receiver says it is connected (see pics below).

My initial thought was this behavior was caused by an HDCP failure. However, your diags would indicate otherwise. Does the video image appear for a few seconds and then go black? I see your display prefers 720p. Have you tried to force the output to be 1080i? If so, what were the results?

I've changed the TV's aspect and nothing. I've used a second HDMI cable and still nothing. So I decided to test this out with my bedroom box

Have you tried the bedroom machine in the living room?

Picklin

01-15-09, 05:42 PM

The Electronic Program Guide (TV Guide (i.e. TVG) in your case) controls the organization of content. TVG does not provide folder organization in the release you are using. Other EPGs running on the same hardware provide this capability so its not a hardware restriction. Sorry.

So as long as I'm with Mediacom and they continue to use TV Guide as their official EPG, I am stuck with it the way it is? :mad:

My initial thought was this behavior was caused by an HDCP failure. However, your diags would indicate otherwise. Does the video image appear for a few seconds and then go black? I see your display prefers 720p. Have you tried to force the output to be 1080i? If so, what were the results?

I've tried all the aspects with that living room box, and by manually changing it on my TV too and nothing. Not even for a second.

Have you tried the bedroom machine in the living room?
Yes. And it works fine with all options and 2 different cables tried. Thats what the pictures I posted were from.

And thats also why I'm wondering if my living room box is bad, because I had brought my bedroom box in there to test it on the same tv and it worked. But my living room box on same tv with all the same settings and 2 different cables tried, does not work. Plus, as previously mentioned, that living room box reboots at random several times a day.

toadtaste

01-16-09, 08:44 AM

So as long as I'm with Mediacom and they continue to use TV Guide as their official EPG, I am stuck with it the way it is?

Yep. You could go buy a Tivo HD or such though.

arrabyla30

01-16-09, 09:30 AM

Is it possible to control the Bypass function with a remote instead of having to use the button on the front of the box?

Thanks

lindend

01-18-09, 10:27 PM

Does anyone know if there is a firewire or usb driver available to connect to a PC with Windows XP? Thanks!

Please look at the 1394 capture thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695). There have been discussions in that thread on getting 1394 PC capture to work with Pace boxes.

Note: Pace tests and verifies 1394 support with DVHS and TV devices. CapDVHS is pretty flaky when capturing HD content. As far as we can tell, the bugs lie either in the app or XP/Vista.

BTW, I'm answering your question on the public thread rather than via the PM you sent. In general, I'd appreciate it if technical questions/issues were resolved on public threads, that way everyone has a record of the discussion.

Thanks.

REF3

01-20-09, 08:22 PM

I just got a new HDTV (Vizio VP504f) and had Suddenlink come out and give me an HDDVR - a TDC779X is what they delivered. I have the HDDVR connected to the TV via an HDMI cable and thats working great but I need help with the correct audio setup.

Currently I have the audio out (just a stereo set of A/V cables) going from the TV to my receiver and the TV speakers set to off. The sound though is very low so to hear well you have to turn it way up - which drastically increases the noise.

Should I run the sound from the HDDVR straight to receiver or keep it through the TV? I haven't tried switching yet, but I may. I looked through the TDC779X manual and really didn't find any information about how to hook up audio to run to a separate receiver when using HDMI. My receiver does not have an optical audio in so I'd have to use the same stereo RCA cables. I can't find anything in the settings about having to tell it to send audio out one or the other so I'm figuring it sends it down both all the time. I guess I'll switch it and see (hate digging behind there!).

I appreciate any help or suggestions (except "get a new receiver!" ;) - it's on the list but it'll have to wait for a while).

Ryan

adam856

01-21-09, 08:45 AM

I would run from cable box to receiver, and another to the TV incase you didn't want to use your stereo for sound.

lindend

01-27-09, 04:59 PM

WhatHappend,

I don't know what about Boston Legal makes this issue much more apparent but it has happened 3 weeks in a row where the Boston Legal recording macro-blocks during motion unless I change the tuners to a SD digital channel.

Are you still seeing this problem?

WhatHappend

01-27-09, 06:23 PM

WhatHappend,
Are you still seeing this problem?

Is that a trick question? (with Boston Legal being off the air?)

Yes, I see macro-blocking on HD programming playback all the time (just not Boston Legal anymore, because I have seen them all). I have to wait until two shows are not being recorded and set at least one tuner on a SD channel to get rid of it.

WhatHappend

01-27-09, 06:55 PM

WhatHappend,
Are you still seeing this problem?

It is funny you should ask about my problems.

I have been patiently waiting for a new version of code for the Pace for about 1 year now (still at 10.60).

I have signed another 1 year contract with Mediacom (I must need my head examined to do that with such a flaky DVR).

Mediacom has been doing everything possible on their end. I had them out last fall and showed them the high frequency roll off on the upper end of the digital channel band and the line-techs agreed with me that it was there but there were no easy or cheap fixes available. Well over XMAS they must have installed the equalizer line amp on my neighborhoods trunk. My levels are within 2dB across the entire frequency spectrum up to 800MHz.

Well now with RF being nice and flat with good SNR on all channels all the time I was hoping lockups with be in the past. This is not the case. The DVR still loses its IP address. The Cable card locks up. I am prevented from doing VOD and have to reboot the box.

By debugging a down-grade issue, I have more information about the cable card, IP address and VOD connection issues. I down-graded my cable package and my SONY DVR lost the extra channel immediatly, but the Pace box's cable card became locked up with the down grade command from Mediacom. I could reboot the PACE and the cable card would work again. But the channel that I dropped kept working (this part was cool :D). After rebooting I would get a IP Address about 1 out of 7 times. No matter what I did the DVR could not get a consistant IP address (reboots, hits from Mediacom). But even with an IP address I could not do VOD. I thought maybe the cable card could not communicate with Mediacom at all because they told me their system showed that the hits failed. But when Mediacom rolled out new HD channels the Cable card picked up those channels. Well my curiosity on whether the VOD A&E HD channel was ready yet got the best of me and I called Mediacom to trouble shoot the issue further. They wanted to swap boxes but I knew that wasn't the issue. I had them send the restart cable box command to the DVR and after the reboot the IP address was acquired and the extra movie channels were gone:(. Vod worked again. This tells me there are ways the CC can paritally work or be provisioned in a strange way to prevent IP address from being acuired. I wonder if the IP address and VOD not working issues can becaused by some headend sigals being sent by Mediacom? When the cablecard was in that state (about 3 weeks). Sometimes i could get a IP address (reboot the box 4 times in a row), but the DVR would start sending packets at a high rate that I have never seen before (by looking at the modem status page). It would open up a port too for connection to something without me trying to start any VOD. Caught in a provisioning loop?

As a side note: I have not seen the false DVR full condition in 3-4 months. Has some change been made? That doesn't seem posible with the information that 10.60 code contiains the guide's code too. Maybe a Headend change?

WhatHappend

01-29-09, 01:27 AM

I wish PACE was testing on Mediacom's system tonight (9pm - and still going).

SNR was good 36, Signal levels were solid > -3dBmV.

But short term errors on some SD digital and HD digital channels as > 30,000 at times and PCR lock was going in and out. The affected channels are tiling and going in and out.

I have rebooted the PACE DVR twice tonight due to the Cable Card locking up. My SONY DVR has not had a cable card lockup.

I wonder how Mediacom can have the modulation get screwed up on so many channels with out the power level or SNR being any different than normal?

Tonight the only place answering calls for Mediacom is a Philippines call center.

schaffer970

01-29-09, 04:03 PM

PPV Issue

Haven't really used PPV until I got a coupon for a free movie and decided to use it. It appears that there is a HDMI handshake issue that only shows up with PPV - not regular shows and not with recordings. What is happening is that approximately every 10 seconds there is a stutter (only way I know how to describe it) and then things continue on. My setup goes from the box to a Denon 889 to the TV (all HDMI). If I change things so that I have a direct HDMI connection from the box to the TV the problem goes away when using PPV. Why this occurs only with PPV and not any other time using the box, Denon, TV setup is a mystery to me. Any thoughts Linden?

lindend

01-29-09, 11:07 PM

Why this occurs only with PPV and not any other time using the box, Denon, TV setup is a mystery to me. Any thoughts Linden?

Let me know if HDCP is active on the PPV channel and not on the other channels. This info is in HDMI section on the interface status page.

schaffer970

01-30-09, 08:35 PM

WhatHappend

01-30-09, 10:38 PM

HDCP is disabled on regular channels. How can I see the diagnostics for a PPV channel? I started a free movie, made sure the problem was present, but when I did power/select I did not go to the diagnostics. Rather it seemed that the PPV show just turned off and no diagnostics. Is there another way to get to the diagnostics?

I think you have a terminology issue. You are saying PPV, but it think you are referring to VOD. PPV are normally just like any other channel on the cable system and you don't get to choose when to watch the show, but have to pay to watch it when it starts.

I don't know how you would get into diag. mode when a VOD is playing.

schaffer970

01-31-09, 12:54 AM

You are correct, what I am having a problem with is VOD. Thanks for setting me straight.

drhydro

02-17-09, 11:22 PM

Hey folks-
I've been having some difficulty with a DC757X- after quite a bit of back-and-forth, my cable folks (mediacom) figgered out that it twuz da box and traded me another one. Well, that was Friday... the new (to me) one turned out to be worse- kept resetting itself about every 20-30 minutes.
So today, I went out and traded it in for a TDC-779X DVR box. I've been trying to find a manual- I see the links in the OP, but the three manual links there only send me to Pace's home page. Diligent searching yields nothing.

Help?

WhatHappend

02-18-09, 01:59 AM

Noodles3

02-25-09, 06:37 PM

So I have been reading through the pages and pages of this thread and have a 778x and I'm trying to hook up an external HD to no avail. I have read that there is some issues with certain external HD's as well as some people reporting that Mediacom has disabled SATA, well mine in the diagnostics screen I think 23 says SATA Enabled but keeps showing up External = Unknown.

I have tried various reboots and such and no luck. Any Ideas and or links to verified working external drives or at least cases.

Oh and I'm using WDH1CS5000N 500GB Western Digital My Book Home with USB 2.0, Firewire, and eSATA

toadtaste

02-26-09, 09:11 AM

The Combo drives were known to be flaky at least a while ago. Your best bet would be to use an eSATA only drive. The external HD is active if you subscribe to the DVR package.

WhatHappend

02-26-09, 08:57 PM

I had recorded 3 back to back shows on ESPNHD and when I went to play them back the next day they had no audio. Other recorded shows had audio. Looking in the Diags, the shows were listed as Dolby Digital like the other HD shows I recorded.

I deleted those three episodes.

Then days later I recorded a repeat of some of those episodes. I left the DVR on until the next day (DVR won't shut off if it is recording). The recordings were on tuner2. When I watched live programs the next evening on tuner1 the audio was fine. When I swapped tuner to tuner2 (still on ESPNHD) there was no audio. Change channel to ESPN2HD, still no audio. I changed channel to CWHD then the audio was back. Then I changed to ESPNHD (and ESPN2HD) and there was audio. (Note the 2 episodes recorded had audio this time.)

Something about ESPNHD is causing the PACE to not output audio over HDMI. I am guessing that a HDMI handshake is to blame. Over night the TV is off so if the PACE tries to handshake with the TV it will not succeed. When I changed ESPN1 and ESPN2 the PACE didn't have to handshake with the TV because they are both 720p channels. When I went to CWHD at 1080i the PACE did a HDMI handshake which was successful(the TV is on) and the audio came back.

Lindend, has this been reported or seen before?

Setup,
I have PACE -> HDMI 3 to 1 switch -> Yamaha RXV663 HDMI AVR -> HDMI HDTV.
I have 720p and 1080i enabled in the PACE user menu.
AVR and TV are off over-night.

Noodles3

02-26-09, 11:19 PM

The Combo drives were known to be flaky at least a while ago. Your best bet would be to use an eSATA only drive. The external HD is active if you subscribe to the DVR package.

are there any good known working options? I paid $99 for the WD My Book and was hoping to stay around that price. I could go Internal HD with eSATA enclosure but I want to make sure it will work. The WD My DVR Expander is only eSATA but is basically the same as what I bought just $50 more expensive.

WhatHappend

02-26-09, 11:25 PM

are there any good known working options? I paid $99 for the WD My Book and was hoping to stay around that price. I could go Internal HD with eSATA enclosure but I want to make sure it will work. The WD My DVR Expander is only eSATA but is basically the same as what I bought just $50 more expensive.

No it is not the same. The eSata on the DVR Expander is a direct connection to the drive without a chipset in between that causes transfer errors on the eSata channel. What is $50 more for something that works and is tested by PACE. The My Book that I had was crap and had so many errors on the eSata interface it wouldn't work at all with the PACE.

Noodles3

02-27-09, 11:47 AM

No it is not the same. The eSata on the DVR Expander is a direct connection to the drive without a chipset in between that causes transfer errors on the eSata channel. What is $50 more for something that works and is tested by PACE. The My Book that I had was crap and had so many errors on the eSata interface it wouldn't work at all with the PACE.

Ahhh I getcha. good to know.

techweb

02-27-09, 12:55 PM

ScienceMan

02-27-09, 11:25 PM

Over a year ago, we had been looking at the maximum formatted capacity for both the internal and external connectors, assuming direct SATA connections. We got to this point:

There have been no firmware updates to address this issue. Our priority has been to address issues on tested/supported configurations first (i.e. like the problem that some users have with trick modes ending up in the wrong spot or the CRC info in diags being incorrect on the latest 779 firmware release).

If/when a fix is available, the release note thread will be updated with the details.

I am curious what the current state of the art is, and how much disk space can safely be added now to a 779X with the latest available firmware.

WIth the WD Green Power 2 TB drives routinely available now, and the same 1 TB drives now ridiculously cheap, it would seem a good time to revisit this thread.

Thank you very much.

lindend

03-01-09, 11:57 AM

Lindend, has this been reported or seen before?

We've seen a single report of this on the Aspen Embedded (TDC776D) but not on an MPEG-2 box. Haven't been able to replicate it on the TDC776D so far.

I will see if your scenario helps isolate the problem or if its a different problem.

SCEvan

03-03-09, 09:48 PM

Does anyone know what the newest firmware is? Im sure my cable provider updated it lastnight (currently using 11.59) because the diagnostics menu looks different. My primary reason for asking this is my DVR is acting like utter crap now, buttons have been changed around (use to double click "guide" to access future DVR settings, now I have to go through the menu. Also very unresponsive fastforwarding commercials almost like its going in slow motion, and when a show ends the box just freezes for 30 seconds then asks if i wish to delete. :|

This box was a and odd hassle before with the picture jumping/skipping, now its just becoming a nuisance.

Roginator

03-03-09, 11:20 PM

ArtyFizzle

03-05-09, 01:21 PM

Hey everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has an idea as to why my TDC778X's fail to find the download channel when setting up brand new units out of the box... I'm a warehouse person/tech for Mediacom, and we recently got some brand new units in, but I've been having trouble getting them set up and initialized for the field. I hook them up and the loader screen comes up, and this is what I get...

Tuning to frequency LKC: Done
Checking available software : P240hcf_
Find Software Channel : Done
Find Download Channels : Failed

SAM message not received

At this point, the units shut down and reboot, and the cycle is repeated. Possible headend/firmware problem (says V0.11 at top of screen)? I've searched around for an answer, to no avail... any ideas? As a side note, I've never seen this problem with the TDC779X, or any other Pace boxes for that matter, they all seem to initialize just fine.

SCEvan

03-05-09, 11:05 PM

This may sound silly, but your symptoms sound a lot like mine.

Check to make sure the power cord is FIRMLY inserted into the DVR. Mine kept coming loose, so I finally wedged it in by bunching the cord against the back of the TV stand so it wouldn't work its way out again.

Question: do you use a My DVR Expander?

The power cord seems fine, and im not using a dvr expander, my box is just like when I got it from the cable company, + HDMI and optical audio cord.

Roginator

03-06-09, 03:06 AM

The power cord seems fine, and im not using a dvr expander, my box is just like when I got it from the cable company, + HDMI and optical audio cord.

Not that it has anything to do with your current problem, but PACE fixed the no-sound-over-HDMI bug a while back. You may be able to do away with your optical audio cord now.

SCEvan

03-06-09, 08:12 PM

Not that it has anything to do with your current problem, but PACE fixed the no-sound-over-HDMI bug a while back. You may be able to do away with your optical audio cord now.

I use HDMI for TV audio and Optical for surround sound on my stereo.

WhatHappend

03-06-09, 10:57 PM

I know that PACE as said the full screen false full warning is not their software bug (Here) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13548491#post13548491)but that of the Guide software on the box. I think this is incorrect. I am just about 99% sure the issue is PACES software. I know the guide has a false full issue, but this issue is different.

I had 4 shows to record 1 at 7pm and two at 8pm 1 at 9pm. Only the show at 7pm failed with the message. When the TV-Guide software bug hits you have to delete a show to fix the issue. In this case I didn't delete anything but the next shows recorded fine.

Proof:

I have not had the false full message since this fall when my DVR has been > 40% full, but I just had the issue tonight. The change is that with most shows in reruns, I have gotten my box down to 23% or so. I have a 500Gb external and the 160Gb internal drives.

660Gb * 0.23 ~ 152Gb. I contend that Paces software is comparing the non-expanded capacity with current used space. The free space on the internal drive is 153Gb when formated. This is more than a coincidence. The DVR list showed the correct free space when I followed the false full error screen to dvr list.

Lindend, can you experiment with this in the lab?

SCEvan

03-10-09, 01:49 AM

WhatHappend

03-10-09, 02:14 AM

Not sure if anyone can explain this anomaly but earlier I was recording 2 shows while watching one of them (I usually start watching a show about 20mins late to avoid commercials) when all of a sudden my box made a loud clicking noise and completely shutoff and turned back on about 3 minutes later. The display on the box looked odd too just displaying 4 lines like this - - - -

That sounds like a routine PACE DVR reboot. The "- - - -" display is normal during the reboot.

Think of it like when your computer get a blue screen and reboots. Usually I would have hints this was going to happen like very sluggish response to any remote activity like FF or 30sec skip. If your signal quality is not the best (do you ever see macro blocking on digital channels), it seems more likely to happen.

But some times the cable company does updates and sends the command to the box to reboot. If you called previously about a issue, they might have just gotten around to checking it out and updated some account setting for you and pushed the updates to the PACE.

ScienceMan

03-19-09, 12:50 AM

:(Over a year ago, we had been looking at the maximum formatted capacity for both the internal and external connectors, assuming direct SATA connections. We got to this point:

I am curious what the current state of the art is, and how much disk space can safely be added now to a 779X with the latest available firmware.

WIth the WD Green Power 2 TB drives routinely available now, and the same 1 TB drives now ridiculously cheap, it would seem a good time to revisit this thread.

Thank you very much.

No answer for a more than year-old question?

What is the maximum adressable formatted capacity of the SATA-connected port(s) on a Pace 779X? Is this dependent on firmware version?

Detroit made cars like you folks and the cable companies are supporting customers, and look where it got them!

WhatHappend

03-19-09, 02:11 AM

Lindend,

Is the next FW update going to address the HDMI audio getting stuck on 2 channel mode some times? This is really annoying.

It should be a 30min fix to add a setup item to set HDMI audio format just like HDMI video formats are set. The setup menu could have auto, DD5.1 (AC3) & PCM, PCM only.

The only ways to fix this issue now are:
1) Reboot the DVR with HDMI connect hooked up and all HDMI devices are on and on the correct inputs. (Not a good solution if you are recording.)
2) Turn off DVR enter Diag menu, Interface HDMI; Remove HDMI cable, Reattach HDMI cable; Turn off DVR; Turn on DVR. (This also is not an option if a current recording is happening. At least this option doesn't lose program guide.)

lindend

03-19-09, 05:53 PM

I know that PACE as said the full screen false full warning is not their software bug (Here) (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13548491#post13548491)but that of the Guide software on the box. I think this is incorrect. I am just about 99% sure the issue is PACES software.

The guide bug revolves around reporting false disk full if/when an error happens. I can't rule out the possibility of an underlying bug in the firmware, but the false warning is outside of our code.

I know the guide has a false full issue, but this issue is different.

I agree, this sounds different.

When the TV-Guide software bug hits you have to delete a show to fix the issue. In this case I didn't delete anything but the next shows recorded fine.

Actually, the opposite is true. If you are in false disk full state, deleting something usually won't help. Rarely, deleting a recording will get you out of the jackpot, but usually it won't.

Lindend, can you experiment with this in the lab?

I'll check into it.

lindend

03-19-09, 05:55 PM

It should be a 30min fix to add a setup item to set HDMI audio format just like HDMI video formats are set. The setup menu could have auto, DD5.1 (AC3) & PCM, PCM only.

This option exists in the latest firmware releases for all HD boxes.

Its called Audio Output mode and you can select Auto, L-PCM, and Passthrough.

WhatHappend

03-19-09, 05:59 PM

This option exists in the latest firmware releases for all HD boxes.

Its called Audio Output mode and you can select Auto, L-PCM, and Passthrough.

Sounds great:)

Is this in a FW version that is shipping anywhere yet? Or an upcomming version?

lindend

03-19-09, 06:02 PM

What is the maximum adressable formatted capacity of the SATA-connected port(s) on a Pace 779X? Is this dependent on firmware version?

Please see the first post in this thread. All Pace STBs that support eSATA currently have this limitation.

We have been testing > 750GB support and the testing has gone well. I will be updating the release notes thread when the fix becomes available.

Sorry, I can't get into reasons why its taken a while to roll out the fix in a public forum.

lindend

03-19-09, 06:09 PM

Sounds great:)

Is this in a FW version that is shipping anywhere yet? Or an upcomming version?

Its shipping on multiple boxes.

wdkerbow

03-23-09, 12:55 PM

Anyone know what's going on when the LED display has nothing but a number zero "0" and no picture? A power reset does nothing but after a few minutes, it goes back to this state. The box does not repsond to remote control signals, and the buttons on the front of the box do not respond to touches.

I am returning the box to the local office for a new one, but I was curious if anyone had a thought on what is going on?

Thanks!

lindend

03-23-09, 03:08 PM

Anyone know what's going on when the LED display has nothing but a number zero "0" and no picture?

Here are a couple of reasons that this can happen:

The box was not properly initialized and needs a refresh from the Cable Headend.
The box can't locate the channel lineup (usually related to item #1).
There are issues with flash memory in the box (very rare).

wdkerbow

03-23-09, 03:18 PM

Here are a couple of reasons that this can happen:

The box was not properly initialized and needs a refresh from the Cable Headend.
The box can't locate the channel lineup (usually related to item #1).
There are issues with flash memory in the box (very rare).

Thanks for the resppnse. I've had this box for about 7 months. It was working fine on Friday morning, and then in the afternoon it started doing this. I'm replacing it at the local office later today. Hopefully a new one will do the trick.

Roginator

03-26-09, 12:20 AM

I just realized that I haven't had the old problem of fast forwarding through commercials only to have it leap back to the starting point.

It's been at least a few weeks since I can recall seeing this nuisance bug.

Maybe it was fixed! yay!

techweb

03-27-09, 02:09 PM

I ran into the first problem with a 778 since I got it almost a year ago and the firmware was updated to 10.65. Somehow the DVR function became disabled, and I couldn't tune some channels. Attempting to access existing recordings resulted in a DVR unavailable message, and the DVR function was totally missing from both the quick menu and the main menu. A simple reboot wouldn't fix it, and I had to call the cable company to have them hit the box, which restored normal operation. After that reset, I could gain access existing recordings, series recordings were intact, but any scheduled single recordings were gone. Hopefully this will be a one-time thing.

Other than that, the 778 has been very reliable with no problems. The only other issue pertains to the annoying i-Guide series recording bug that's been around for years through various guide software versions and DVR platforms. Specifically, if two episodes of a series recording are scheduled back-to-back (uncommon, but it does happen), the box will record the first episode but then delete it when the second episode starts recording. Fortunately, this problem is easy to work around.

frackU

03-29-09, 12:12 PM

bigjon440

03-30-09, 02:39 PM

Hi, I am having an issue; I am not sure what is going on here. I have a Pace TDC778X, and I am trying to get my Vista Media Center to learn my remote, but media center says it cannot detect signal from the remote. Does the remote use a new IR protocol or something to that effect that would not allow my Media Center to learn it?

Anything posted to help is appreciated!

lindend

03-31-09, 05:45 PM

First, I had a probelm with many (maybe 15) short recording attempts showing up in "My Recordings." I deleted each one.

I'm afraid this is likely the source of your problem and I'm not sure you've solved it yet (see below).

I finally could see some of my old recordings, but only if I selected "View by channel," but NOT when I selected "View by date."

I've seen this behavior in TV Guide before, but only when you have a very large number (200+) recordings in your list. When this is the case, the guide doesn't show all the recordings in each view.

What I suggest you do is go to the content listings page in diagnostics and see how many recordings are truly there. If the number is large and you really can't delete them inside MyDVR, there are a few things we can try (i.e. delete TVGs data files and worse case, reformat). However, before any additional action is taken, lets get the total # of recordings and also try to delete as many as possible from MyDVR.

WhatHappend

03-31-09, 09:12 PM

New issue !

Today at lunch the DVR display was blank like after a reboot. The DVR wouldn't power up via the remote. The front panel power switch worked. There was no HDMI audio (typical after reboot with no HDMI sink on). Removing HDMI cable got HDMI back. All was well after lunch.

This evening DVR's Display was blank again and it was not recording two shows it was supposed to be recording. The remote was able to power up the DVR. The previous channel from lunch came up briefly and then the two recordings started. There was no guide information and the menus were not the correct onse that the provider usually down loads. There was no HDMI audio. Removing HDMI audio cable and re-inserting it caused the DVR to reboot.

After this reboot the recordings started again and this time the guide filled in and menus updated to the correct Mediacom menus.

What is going on? I have never seen the DVR reboot by itself 3 times in 5 hours.

frackU

03-31-09, 09:20 PM

You were right about the number of files, Linden -- there's more than 200 (I stopped counting). It's almost like they've continued reproducing while I wasn't looking, many fragments of the NCAA Tournament. However, NONE of these snippets show up in normal listings. I can only see them in content listings page of diagnostics. I already have deleted all of the recorded programs that show up in the normal listings.

Thanks for your reply and insight, Linden. I think I'll just format and hope this fixes the problem (though I have no idea why it occurred in the first place.). It would take a long time to deal with every hidden file. I've watched what I had saved that I really want to see, so now I won't lose anything very important. I'll let you know what happens.

frackU

04-01-09, 02:01 AM

I managed to format, but now I have NO DVR capability. Guess I have to call Medicom to have it reset. I hoped this would be quick and easy. Guess I should have done a little more research before trying to reformat. Maybe the box will come to its senses while I sleep.
Scott

Update: After another reboot (from unplugging), DVR capability was restored. Most evening programs have not been restored, yet. However, I was able to check South Park and see that my series program settings evidently were wiped out when I formatted.

Thanks for the information about the TV Guide bug (or limitation), Linden. That helped me know what to look for and to figure out what I had to do. I'm still curious what caused the proliferation of NCAA BB tourney recordings.

techweb

04-10-09, 01:02 PM

Roginator

04-12-09, 11:54 PM

I see Amazon has the 1TB My DVR Expander available for preorder now.

Sure hope the PACE boxes have... uh... kept pace.

pepperica

04-15-09, 11:37 PM

FORUM_USER

04-17-09, 01:35 PM

My 778 was just upgraded to 13.13 firmware from 10.65 (got a new version of i-Guide software too). Any major changes in this version? I notice that the channel 1 tuning bug with an EHD connected has been fixed. Has the 750GB EHD size limitation been eliminated in this version?

Update: 13.13 didn't last long. Box was just updated with 13.22 firmware overnight.

On my other DVR (Motorola 6412) with recorded shows, I am able to press the 30 second forward skip button six times quickly in succession to skip ahead three minutes. When I first received the Pace 778X DVR with 9.62 firmware, I would have to press the 30 second skip, wait for the DVR to catch up before pressing the 30 second skip again. Pressing the 30 second skip six times quickly in succession only skipped ahead 30 seconds instead of 3 minutes. I would have to repeat the cycle of "press and wait" six times in order to skip ahead 3 minutes. The Pace 10.65 firmware update corrected this problem. However, the problem is back again with the 13.22 firmware. Unless this is working as designed to force me to watch snippets of the commercials :). A new problem has also appeared with the 15 second replay function on both live tv and recorded shows. Pressing the 15 second replay button would sometimes only rewind it back 1-2 seconds.

Anyway, just my pet peeve with the current firmware. I know there are more important things. Thanks for listening.

techweb

04-20-09, 05:24 PM

On my other DVR (Motorola 6412) with recorded shows, I am able to press the 30 second forward skip button six times quickly in succession to skip ahead three minutes. When I first received the Pace 778X DVR with 9.62 firmware, I would have to press the 30 second skip, wait for the DVR to catch up before pressing the 30 second skip again. Pressing the 30 second skip six times quickly in succession only skipped ahead 30 seconds instead of 3 minutes. I would have to repeat the cycle of "press and wait" six times in order to skip ahead 3 minutes. The Pace 10.65 firmware update corrected this problem. However, the problem is back again with the 13.22 firmware. Unless this is working as designed to force me to watch snippets of the commercials :). A new problem has also appeared with the 15 second replay function on both live tv and recorded shows. Pressing the 15 second replay button would sometimes only rewind it back 1-2 seconds.

Anyway, just my pet peeve with the current firmware. I know there are more important things. Thanks for listening.
This annoying "feature" popped up in the 13.13 firmware I had briefly and persists in 13.22. Oh well, two steps forward and one step back.

Owlet

04-25-09, 06:49 AM

Hi. I have a question about pace 779. Should it turn off automatically when I turn off my Pioneer Elite TV? I turned HDMI control of the box to "on" in TV settings, but it doesn't turn off with the TV. Thanks.

Herman Trivilino

04-26-09, 01:48 PM

I turned HDMI control of the box to "on" in TV settings, but it doesn't turn off with the TV. Thanks.

If you have the TV's HDMI control turned on, that alone is not sufficient. The device connected to the TV (in this case the Pace box) must also have its HDMI control turned on.

I don't think these Pace boxes support HDMI control. I don't see anything in any of the menus, or in the documentation, that allows the user to turn on HDMI control.

WhatHappend

04-26-09, 03:41 PM

12.48-12.51 AVS Release Highlights

Disclaimer: These are highlights from the release notes with issues that are relevant to AVS users.

1. CableCARD infinite reset cycle.
2. Loss of DVR service if background tuner is on VOD channel*

*This release disables HDD spin up/down to solve item #2.

Assuming the release 12.56 is supposed to be the same as the above release, there must be a bug. The unit's HDD will go to sleep about once a week. When powered up the animation will play and the external HDD will be cold. But with this release even when the HDD are sleeping the last channel will be restored instead of channel 1.

Mediacom said that the disabling of HDD spin-down was not to fix Loss of DVR service but to fix the Cablecard lockup. Is this true?

When will we get HDD spin-down feature restored on the PACE units?

The version 12.56 VOD is much better (faster and reliable) than version 10.60 VOD that would quit working once a week.

Owlet

04-28-09, 12:01 AM

If you have the TV's HDMI control turned on, that alone is not sufficient. The device connected to the TV (in this case the Pace box) must also have its HDMI control turned on.

I don't think these Pace boxes support HDMI control. I don't see anything in any of the menus, or in the documentation, that allows the user to turn on HDMI control.

Well, I guess I'll have to keep turning the Pace box off separately.:rolleyes:

Owlet

04-28-09, 12:28 AM

How do you turn subtitles on and off on the Pace box? I just turned the box on and there was like a window with some settings, not the diagnostics that Linden talked about on the first page. And I went through them and there was a subtitles setting, and I turned them on. Now, I don't know what I did to get that window, and I don't know how to get it back and turn the subtitles off, because they look terrible!

WhatHappend

04-28-09, 01:18 AM

Owlet

04-28-09, 02:12 AM

Press power-off and then menu button with in 3 seconds. The user settings menu will appear.

Got it, thanks!:)

lindend

04-28-09, 08:37 AM

I see Amazon has the 1TB My DVR Expander available for preorder now.

Sure hope the PACE boxes have... uh... kept pace.

See my latest release notes posts. 1 TB support is starting to roll out across the product line.

lindend

04-28-09, 08:45 AM

Update: 13.13 didn't last long. Box was just updated with 13.22 firmware overnight.

13.43-13.52 (documented in the release notes section) will be the national release. They address some issues discovered during the 13.13 and 13.22 rollout.

WhatHappend

04-28-09, 11:34 AM

13.43-13.52 (documented in the release notes section) will be the national release. They address some issues discovered during the 13.13 and 13.22 rollout.

How is the 779x national version coming?

WhatHappend

04-28-09, 08:44 PM

Mediacom upgraded to 12.56 and this version is probably the buggest yet.

Looking at the release notes, it is not obvious why.

Night before last I noticed that the PACE rebooted on its own after my system was shut off. The RPTV bulb was already cooled down. So I just powered the pace back on after it's reboot finished. The display looked strange, and when I pressed channel up nothing happened. The unit was locked up and in 20-30 seconds it rebooted again. I repeated the same cycle again. The HDMI switch that the PACE was connected to was powered off (runs of of AVR power, no reason to have it on when the AVR is off.), I am not sure if on initial power on having a HDMI destination that is off could cause this constant reboot cycle.

Yesterday my 7pm recordings didn't start the RED led on the front panel but the LCD displayed "REC". From the past I know this means the CC card is probably locked up. I stopped the recordings and saw the channels will be available shortly stuff. I went to DashBoard and CC status was fine. Power back on channels still didn't work. To test the CC, I removed the CC and re-inserted the card and the channel all worked again. The new version appears to have locked-up CC without the CC status reflecting that issue.

Tonight - I was watching a recording when another recording ends. The play back shutters as aways with PACE. But then the audio cuts out. Skipping forward does not restore audio. Pressing stop and restarting the playback does fix the audio.

SangYuP

04-29-09, 10:37 PM

This option exists in the latest firmware releases for all HD boxes.

Its called Audio Output mode and you can select Auto, L-PCM, and Passthrough.

I have the 779 with fw 12.49 from Mediacom. How exactly do I get to the Audio Output mode to choose Auto, L-PCM, and passthrough. I'm not seeing this anywhere...

WhatHappend

04-30-09, 03:44 PM

I had my first VOD issue with 12.56

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Unable to Process Request
Please Call
Customer Service at
800 332-0245
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Non-Portable Host Status
Pairing Method: MMI
Brick Mode: NO
ER Bit Errors: 1
Tansport Errors: 0
IPC Stalls: 1 (0x0E)
Open Resources: 0x000080a2
Download in progress: no
total hotplugs: 1
Total resets: 3
completed downloads: 0
failed downloads: 0
download PID: 0x1fff
emm PID: 0x1503

Cable Card Status
Present/Valid/MCblCard/02.65 (0x0901007)/Motorola/p=MCPOD v=01.00 r=7/Yes/NPH/

Interactive Info
10.16.5.26/ 0x09613f/0x07d4/0x0027/RUNNING/6/72/7/SCP_IF_UP
SOCKET PORT STATE
00 5555 Opened
01-11 UNUSED

MAC FREQUENCY TABLE
Reportback 10400000 24 3 0
Current Chan 10400000 43 30 0
Service Chan 10400000 43 30 0
0 10400000 43 30 0

System Info
3 days, 12:22:25

Software and HW Ver
12.56/ 0x00000004/PAYP00011392/02.65 (0x09010007)/p=MCPOD v=01.00 r=7
Pace Reference
Build Type: production (0)
TVG Version: 240
SEACHANGE Version: 4_85

Herman Trivilino

05-04-09, 10:32 PM

I just picked up a couple of TDC778X's from Armstrong yesterday. I too discovered the auto aspect ratio problem with Toshiba's.

I recently installed a TDC779X at home, and also have a Toshiba TV, connected via HDMI. The "auto aspect problem" you refer to is probably what I'm also experiencing? When I switch from a channel broadcasting in 1080i to one broadcasting in 480i, the "Picture Size" on the TV automatically switches to "Full". Annoying.

I also wish that the guide and menu would not stretch and remain pillar box like on the Motorola.

Me, too.

so I can finally discard the component video cables.

The reason I switched the Motorola box for the Pace was because I would on occasion get the dreaded green screen when switching channels.

Because of the auto aspect ratio problem you mentioned, I've given up and re-installed my component cables, although the HDMI cable is still connected in case I want to switch over and use it on occasion. The remote control macro's used to turn the system on or off will reset it to component input so the next user can channel surf with less hassle.

Other advantages of the Pace box over the Motorola that I find useful are a working RF bypass, and the optical audio pass-through. Neither of these are worth the disadvantage of the shudder during playback, though, so I think I'll swap back to the Motorola soon.

My hope is that eventually analog will go away and cable box manufacturers won't have to worry about accommodating it -- maybe then the boxes will work properly.

SangYuP

05-11-09, 07:36 PM

I have the 779 with fw 12.49 from Mediacom. How exactly do I get to the Audio Output mode to choose Auto, L-PCM, and passthrough. I'm not seeing this anywhere...

Anyone?

Herman Trivilino

05-12-09, 12:11 AM

I have the 779 with fw 12.49 from Mediacom. How exactly do I get to the Audio Output mode to choose Auto, L-PCM, and passthrough. I'm not seeing this anywhere...

Me either. On the Motorola box I used to have I could select from these three options under the HDMI control menu. I see no way to do it on the Pace box.

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

lindend

05-12-09, 04:49 PM

Anyone?

I've updated the FAQ in the first post in this thread with instructions on how to enter/exit Pace User Settings.

WhatHappend

05-12-09, 05:20 PM

I've updated the FAQ in the first post in this thread with instructions on how to enter/exit Pace User Settings.

Linden, Are the options he is asking about in FW 12.49??? (Auto, L-PCM, and passthrough.) I have 12.56 and they don't exist yet. I thought that the future public FW releases (when ever that happens) would have the HDMI audio options.

I have the 779 with fw 12.49 from Mediacom. How exactly do I get to the Audio Output mode to choose Auto, L-PCM, and passthrough. I'm not seeing this anywhere...

SangYuP

05-12-09, 06:10 PM

I've updated the FAQ in the first post in this thread with instructions on how to enter/exit Pace User Settings.

I'm sorry I should have specified that I have already been in the user settings and I only see:

aspect ratio
resolution
closed caption
etc

I don't see anywhere for an audio option.

I've even gone into the diagnostics/dash page and I don't see anything. Again, I have 12.49 with Mediacom model 779.

lindend

05-12-09, 10:04 PM

I have 12.49 with Mediacom model 779.

The option to control this is under the HDMI section of Pace User Settings. What options do you see listed under HDMI?

WhatHappend

05-12-09, 11:37 PM

The option to control this is under the HDMI section of Pace User Settings. What options do you see listed under HDMI?

Version 12.56 Pace User Setting has no HDMI menu/settings.

Here is the complete menu contents:

TV Aspect Capability
TV Display Capability
Auto Pillarbox
Closed Captions
Front Panel Brightness
Hard Disk Sleep Mode
Restore Defatults

Lindend, I think you are confused with your versions.

lindend

05-13-09, 08:48 AM

I thought that the future public FW releases (when ever that happens) would have the HDMI audio options.

You are correct. Sorry for not being clearer. This functionality is only available in later (i.e. the latest maintenance) releases. I'll try to track down the specific builds when this feature became available and update the FAQ.

SangYuP

05-13-09, 05:19 PM

You are correct. Sorry for not being clearer. This functionality is only available in later (i.e. the latest maintenance) releases. I'll try to track down the specific builds when this feature became available and update the FAQ.

Okay, so the newest firmware version should have HDMI in this menu below.

TV Aspect Capability
TV Display Capability
Auto Pillarbox
Closed Captions
Front Panel Brightness
Hard Disk Sleep Mode
Restore Defatults

By the way, what is the latest version for the 779 model?

Herman Trivilino

05-14-09, 11:36 PM

I have the PACE TDC779X with firmware 11.53 and it has the exact same menu items.

BTW, how can I get a firmware upgrade? Or is this something my cable provider has to do? I live in Kingwood, Texas and have Suddenlink.

jjack1137

06-27-09, 07:23 PM

The box was/is in working order, it was unplugged directly from thew wall while powered on ( it cautions in the manual to power the unit down for SEC before unplugging it from the wall) i was unaware of this.

now it is completely non responsive and remains on standby. i have tried to power it on manually and with a remote with fresh batteries. i have done that again after unplugging it for a period of time and plugging it back in. it still remains on standby. Ive experienced this problem before and was able to fix it by troubleshooting it over the phone with someone from mediacom. but now they just want to send someone out to fix it 28 days from now!! I would like to fix it before then if possible.

rockman1_1

06-29-09, 07:49 PM

I went to play a several recordings and they all showed up as if they were at the end of the time-line. Choosing play from the beginning or trying to rewind didn't do anything.

I decided to to try and do a soft reboot and the DVR and I was posed with the question of if I wanted to format. I chose no for now hoping there may be a solution. Looks like I'm left with three of my 30 or so recordings. Anyway to get it to recognize the drive again? Anything else to try?

I haven't had any issues that I know of that would have cause any abnormal errors or shutdowns. Any explanations? Just a drive error?

zkelleyavs

07-15-09, 01:26 PM

I'm having a problem with my Pace DVR with Mediacom that might be related to a false full message, but is a little different from any reports I've found, so far.

First, I had a probelm with many (maybe 15) short recording attempts showing up in "My Recordings." I deleted each one. Then, all of my remaining recordings disappeared, so I had no recordings but the DVR showed 90% full. I still could record. After recording a few new programs, I finally could see some of my old recordings, but only if I selected "View by channel," but NOT when I selected "View by date." Now, each view option (by date, by channel, and by title) displays a completely different list of recordings!

I hoped to keep a few of my old recordings, but a took a chance on loosing data and did a "disc scan." After that, the box rebooted. Nothing changed; the problem with the different lists of recordings remained. I guess the next step is to format the disc, but I'll certainly delete all recordings and I'm still not sure this will help.

Has anyone else seen this "View by" bug for DVR recordings? What should I do about it? I've tried a disc scan, reboot, unplug & restart. Any chance a format will help?

Update: I'm still able to make new recording, but they show up scattered among the 3 different "View by" displays. It's really ridiculous! I'll have to try formatting after I've watched what I have. If formatting doesn't work, I'll have to return the Pace DVR; don't know what else to try.

My pace TDC779X just did the same thing the other day. It says it is 80% full but all the recordings are gone. I entered into the diagnostics "contents" menu and it shows them all, yet still nothing in the "list" screen, just very recent ones. I also have a Cavalry 1TB ESATA drive connected to my Mediacom Pace box. I have about 650 GB of recordings if I'm reading the diagnostics right. I don't understand why it sees all the recordings in the diagnostics menu, but not in the list. I requested a Pace box because I already had the 1TB ESATA drive with my old DVR and wanted to be able to use it. I have had the Pace box for about 3 months and truthfully I hate it. We went from Directv HD-DVR to this because we cant get a HD dish in our current location (too many trees). It's like comparing a Geo Metro to a Bentley in my eyes, but I have to live with it and it's not working. I hate how it doesn't group my recordings, I hate how it records re-runs even when set to only recod new programs, and I hate how it records shows I've already watched, deleted and have been re-recorded an additional 10 times.

Sorry about being so negative about this box, but my experience has left me with a bad taste in my mouth and now I'm ready to just say screw it and get something else, if I could switch back to Directv I would. Also, I hope pictures are allowed on the forum.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/zkelleybucket/POS%20Pace%20Box/071409_111900.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/zkelleybucket/POS%20Pace%20Box/071409_113500.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/zkelleybucket/POS%20Pace%20Box/071409_113600.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h72/zkelleybucket/POS%20Pace%20Box/071409_113700.jpg

grogger418

07-18-09, 08:45 PM

I'm afraid this is likely the source of your problem and I'm not sure you've solved it yet (see below).

I've seen this behavior in TV Guide before, but only when you have a very large number (200+) recordings in your list. When this is the case, the guide doesn't show all the recordings in each view.

What I suggest you do is go to the content listings page in diagnostics and see how many recordings are truly there. If the number is large and you really can't delete them inside MyDVR, there are a few things we can try (i.e. delete TVGs data files and worse case, reformat). However, before any additional action is taken, lets get the total # of recordings and also try to delete as many as possible from MyDVR.

I am having the same problem, and I have checked and there are a bunch of 1 minutes recordings (Didn't get the actual count, but sure it is greater that 200). I see you said something about deleting TVGs data files....How do I go about clearing these useless recordings that are making my MyDVR Listing not work right?

nitt4ever

07-20-09, 12:56 PM

I aplogize if this has been answered, but a quick thread search did not find it:

Does anyone know what color range the PACE TDC787X outputs? 0-255 or 16-235?

zkelleyavs

07-20-09, 03:19 PM

I've decided to just reformat everything, but the instructions listed earlier in the thread don't work on mine. I have the Pace TDC779X sw version 12.56 as posted above. There were no formatting options under the drive screens in the daignostics menu. Could somone tell me how to re-format the drives?

WhatHappend

07-20-09, 05:53 PM

WhatHappend

07-20-09, 05:56 PM

I aplogize if this has been answered, but a quick thread search did not find it:

Does anyone know what color range the PACE TDC787X outputs? 0-255 or 16-235?

All standard TV/Cable signals are 16-235. So that is the color ranges you will see from the HDMI output on all DVRs for TV signals.

nitt4ever

07-21-09, 07:14 AM

All standard TV/Cable signals are 16-235. So that is the color ranges you will see from the HDMI output on all DVRs for TV signals.

Thank you! I thought that was the case, but not positive.

WhatHappend

07-21-09, 01:10 PM

Lindend,

Has development of these DVR's been killed? The new version that you have talked about (later than 12.56) has never surfaced.

This 12.56 version has no HDD spin down and is wasting external HDD life and power.

My cable provider is saying that they have deployed the latest version PACE has to offer.

lamplighter

07-26-09, 08:57 PM

I have a pace TDC 778x and accidentially deleted a program I didnt watch..anyway to recover it..Thanks,Tom

WhatHappend

07-26-09, 11:49 PM

I have a pace TDC 778x and accidentially deleted a program I didnt watch..anyway to recover it..Thanks,Tom
No

lamplighter

07-27-09, 10:36 AM

WhatHappend

07-27-09, 11:14 AM

When I watch VOD the picture will blink blink a sec and then come back on.. then does it again thruout the program..the sound stays fine. The cable man saw this and had no idea what was going on..its very disturbing so that I dont even use VOD anymore. Also when I use the remote to surf theres a long pause between channels..in other words when I change to another channel it takes approx 3-5 secs for it so show up on the screen..any ideas or settings I can change..
Thanks,Tom

The pause between channel changes is pretty typical for HDMI connected devices. The HDMI devices handshake. If you don't like the pause for channel changes, go to the user setup menu on the PACE and only leave one resolution enabled (either 1080 or 720). Then the device won't have to change resolution duing channel changes.

Or you can connect with component cables (three color video cables) and still get HiDef with no delays.

One of the two previous changes might resolve your VOD issue as well.

lamplighter

07-27-09, 12:21 PM

Thanks for the info..but I dont see any settings in the cable setup for 1080 or 720..Tom

WhatHappend

07-27-09, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the info..but I dont see any settings in the cable setup for 1080 or 720..Tom

Have you even read post 1 yet?

Your answer is there. 7. How do I get into Pace User Settings?

lamplighter

07-27-09, 05:59 PM

Yes but I saw nothing to change from 1080 to 720

lamplighter

07-27-09, 06:24 PM

I saw something called a dashboard and then another menu with approx 25 different areas

WhatHappend

07-27-09, 06:29 PM

Yes but I saw nothing to change from 1080 to 720

Do you see "TV Display Capability" in that menu? Are in in the User Setting menu?

Have you read the manual? Look in section "Changing TV Display Capability".

Manual is linked in first post.

Image of the various resolutions choices is attached. When you are done only one should have a YES, (1080 or 720). This will cause the PACE to convert all resolutions to the selected resolution and not have to handshake all the time.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=148811&d=1248733671

WhatHappend

07-27-09, 06:32 PM

I saw something called a dashboard and then another menu with approx 25 different areas
You are in the wrong menu. You are in the Diagnostics menu (That is not the right place). Please read the Post one and the section I outlined carefully.

lamplighter

07-28-09, 08:28 AM

You are in the wrong menu. You are in the Diagnostics menu (That is not the right place). Please read the Post one and the section I outlined carefully.

Got it...thanks..I did see that but kept hitting the select button..changed to 1080i yes and left the others no..did seem to speed things up quite a bit...thanks for your help..Tom

Do you think 1080i would be better than 720p..im using a Sony 40" TV.

WhatHappend

07-28-09, 10:58 AM

Got it...thanks..I did see that but kept hitting the select button..changed to 1080i yes and left the others no..did seem to speed things up quite a bit...thanks for your help..Tom

Do you think 1080i would be better than 720p..im using a Sony 40" TV.

Depends on the native resolution of your display and whether you are prone to seeing interlacing errors.

If your display is native 720p, then 720p would be a good choice.
If your display is native 1080, and you don't watch sports much or don't see motion artifacts than 1080i would be a good choice.

If you watch sport or are prone to seeing motion blur, I would stick with 720p, because at only 40" you would have to sit closer than about 5-6' to notice the difference.

Did it fix your VOD issue?

lamplighter

07-28-09, 12:45 PM

Depends on the native resolution of your display and whether you are prone to seeing interlacing errors.

If your display is native 720p, then 720p would be a good choice.
If your display is native 1080, and you don't watch sports much or don't see motion artifacts than 1080i would be a good choice.

If you watch sport or are prone to seeing motion blur, I would stick with 720p, because at only 40" you would have to sit closer than about 5-6' to notice the difference.

Did it fix your VOD issue?

I tried the VOD it did not fix that problem.Guess Ill have to call Armstrong out.

lamplighter

07-29-09, 07:46 AM

I tried the VOD it did not fix that problem.Guess Ill have to call Armstrong out.

Could you explain what the sleep mode does..is this something worth using?

WhatHappend

07-29-09, 11:26 AM

Could you explain what the sleep mode does..is this something worth using?
If you have the 13.XX FW in your unit, then it should reduce the power consumption a little bit when the unit is turn off from the remote or front panel. The internal HDD should also last longer since the sleep spins down the HDD when the unit is off.

If you have an external HDD hooked up, it would even save you more power and also extend the life of your HDD significantly if it is in a non-fan cooled case. (assuming you turn your unit off when not in use.)

I have the 779x version and the sleep function is broken. I had to disable it since it didn't work any more with the 12.x release and was causing the box to lockup and other strange behavior.

lamplighter

07-30-09, 08:06 AM

If you have the 13.XX FW in your unit, then it should reduce the power consumption a little bit when the unit is turn off from the remote or front panel. The internal HDD should also last longer since the sleep spins down the HDD when the unit is off.

If you have an external HDD hooked up, it would even save you more power and also extend the life of your HDD significantly if it is in a non-fan cooled case. (assuming you turn your unit off when no in use.)

I have the 779x version and the sleep function is broken. I had to disable it since it didn't work any more with the 12.x release and was causing the box to lockup and other strange behavior.

Ok thanks...I never turn the box off so I wont fool with that..thanks for all the info

lamplighter

08-04-09, 11:22 AM

Is it possiable to move a saved program from the Pace 778x to a external hard drive.

WhatHappend

08-04-09, 11:24 AM

Is it possiable to move a saved program from the Pace 778x to a external hard drive.
No...

lamplighter

08-04-09, 11:32 AM

No...

How would I set it up to record to an external instead of the 778x

WhatHappend

08-04-09, 02:30 PM

How would I set it up to record to an external instead of the 778x

It records any new program and the temporary live TV buffer to the HDD with the most free space. Once you attach a large external HDD, the internal HDD doesn't record anymore shows until the external HDD free space is less than the free space on the internal HDD.

lamplighter

08-04-09, 04:17 PM

thanks,Tom

WhatHappend

08-05-09, 08:11 PM

Lindend,

Are you still out there?

I am very tired of the macro blocking noise in the right top of the screen issue that I sent you a video clip of and reported on this forum. What is the status of that issue? Last thing you posted about it was that based on the type of noise you had a limited number of things that could cause it. I was hopeful that a software update would have resolved this issue long ago. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14907485#post14907485

I talked to a cable company employee and he is having the same macro blocking issue with HD content on his PACE unit. He says the Motorola DVR doesn't have the issue.

Update on other issues
1 HDMI audio loss over-night:
Putting a HDMI joytech 3 to 1 switch on the output of the PACE DVR that is powered-up all the time fixes the HDMI audio loss issue and fixes HDMI changing to 2 channel PCM mode over-night. (Here is a link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15924525#post15924525 , http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16075054#post16075054 and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16167303#post16167303).

2. Random missed recordings and other really strange behavior over-night with FW 12.56.
Even though 12.56 eliminates the drive spin down (sleep) feature, having this option enabled causes strange behavior when the unit is powered off. Sometimes the unit would even do the "-" around the display when powered up like the sleep feature was still in the FW. Changing the user setting to disable the spin down feature has made the 12.56 FW behave like the 10.60 FW I previously had. (Link http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16345857#post16345857 , http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16360733#post16360733 and http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16373382#post16373382 )

Lindend,

Has development of these DVR's been killed? The new version that you have talked about (later than 12.56) has never surfaced.

This 12.56 version has no HDD spin down and is wasting external HDD life and power.

My cable provider is saying that they have deployed the latest version PACE has to offer.

lindend

08-09-09, 11:50 AM

Has development of these DVR's been killed?

No. We still actively support this hardware. Let me get some details on the current maintenance release and the next expected update. I may be a little behind on the release notes also.

Thanks for you patience.

Rob H46

10-10-09, 10:41 PM

I just wanted to thank everyone on this post! I have a 779x from Service Electric in the Lehigh Valley. After reading many pages on this topic I was able to correctly connect an external HHD to my box. Just wanted to say thank you for all posting your issues.

Rob
Allentown, PA

tangential

10-11-09, 09:34 AM

Mediacom just installed a (beat up, old) TDC779x for my wife.

It is connected via HDMI to a 50 Samsung 720P TV. The picture is fine and other than a really poor UI and a once daily reboot, it seems to be working.

It has 2 tuners and can record two streams simultaneously with no issues. I can even use the PIP SWAP button on the remote to switch between them.

I can't however get a PIP display to work. I've looked through the manual and can find any real reference to using PIP. (There's a brief discussion about it with regards to aspect ratio, but that's all.)

What do I need to to access the PIP?

Thanks,

John

WhatHappend

10-18-09, 02:51 AM

I have a recording that will not play back. It goes to black screen and the progress bar doesn't move. FF/RR, SKIP Forward, pause, play don't change the image or change to progress bar on the bottom of the play window.

Any idea what could have caused this? The recording is from a while ago, I just didn't get around to reporting it (waiting for some status on previous reported issues.) The recording was taking 3% of my recording space (~660 gBytes).

I think it will not play because of these line in the diag. menu:
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_NO_MORE
Analog Copy Permit : CGMS_NO_MORE

If so, who set the flags? (Mediacom?) Why put the recording on the HDD if the user won't be able to play it?

The Trick File size looks small, Avg. Bit Rate is "0", Recording Overflows and recorded build are unknown. In the HDMI status it shows HDMI CONSTRAIN "YES", is that an issue? It also Shows REPEATER "YES", did pace incorrectly not allow COPY_NO_MORE shows over HDMI connections with repeaters?

Here is the Diag->Content listing for the show:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Appliacation Data : The Patriot
Metadata File Size : 7649
MPEG File Size: 21247295488 {21247295488}
Trick File SIze: 8622432 {8622432}
Clean termination : NO
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : HD
Recording started at : 07/19/2009 03:30:11
Recording ended at : 07/19/2009 06:30:09
Play time : 2:59:58
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_NO_MORE
Analog Copy Permit : CGMS_NO_MORE
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : UNKNOWN
Recorded with build : Unknown
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 0
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 : 10798270
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 0
Gain Lock Count : 0
Location : EXTERNAL

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HDMI STATUS:
Device Info
device connected: 2a c3 7e 20 1 1 1 1
repeater: YES
hdcp supported: YES
pref resolution: 1080I
supp resolution: 480I 480P 720P 1080I
audio capable: YES ( PCM / AC3 )
sampling rates: 48K 96K 192K

a/v status video audio
enabled: YES YES
mute: NO YES

in video format: 720p
out video format: 720p
VIDEO CONSTRAINED: NONE
audio sample rate: 48KHz
audio format: AC3

hdcp status: disabled
hdcp scope: content activated
hdmi constrain: yes
hdcp counter: 16

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

PS - I am going to try the recording again next Saturday evening. I am going to record it on the PACE and SONY DHG DVR and see if it is only a PACE issue (both use Motorola Cable Cards).

WhatHappend

10-18-09, 03:00 AM

What do I need to to access the PIP?

A different cable company. The TvGuide software your cable company chooses to run on your PACE DVR doesn't support the PACE's PIP functionality.

See here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14943833#post14943833

WhatHappend

10-24-09, 11:55 PM

Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_NO_MORE
Analog Copy Permit : CGMS_NO_MORE

PS - I am going to try the recording again next Saturday evening. I am going to record it on the PACE and SONY DHG DVR and see if it is only a PACE issue (both use Motorola Cable Cards).

Now the same program re-recorded tonight works. The Copy Permit flag is CCI_COPY_PERMITTED. Does this mean that PACE doesn't work with the CCI_COPY_NO_MORE flag? From what I read, it should be able to play a recording, with that flag (CCI_COPY_NO_MORE), out a HDCP HDMI connection.

Lindend can you comment on this?

Here is the Diag->Content listing for the show:

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Appliacation Data : The Patriot
Metadata File Size : 5469
MPEG File Size: 212468545024 {212468545024}
Trick File SIze: 8605536 {8605536}
Clean termination : YES
Analog encoding : NO
Content type : HD
Recording started at : 10/25/2009 00:00:13
Recording ended at : 10/25/2009 03:00:09
Play time : 2:59:56
Digital Copy Permit : CCI_COPY_PERMITTED
Analog Copy Permit : NONE
Broadcast Flag : NO
Recording Overflows : 0
Recorded with build : 001-045-06-09
Discontinuities : 0
Avg. Bit Rate : 15907040
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 : 10796940
Compact state flag : 0
L+F state flag : 0
Lost Lock Count : 0
Gain Lock Count : 0
Location : EXTERNAL

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mussi

10-28-09, 04:52 AM

Just finished setting up my Denon 790 Receiver with PACE cable box TDC770D connected to SHARP Aquos LCD TV.

1. PS3--HDMI 1 Input (DVD)
2. PACE Cable box ---HDMI 3 Input (SAT/TV)
3. LCD TV --- HDMI OUTPUT

I have a small problem after I set everything up together.

If I attempt to increase or decrease the volume using my Denon Remote Control, my PACE Cable Box ALWAYS receive the IR signal from the Denon Remote Control and change my channels.

How do I stop this so that the PACE cable box stops receiving the signal from the Denon remote and change channels randomly?

Also, I just realized it happens when I pressed any buttons on other remotes such as the TV's.

I believe the all of the remotes are transmitting the same signal frequency.
Or do any of you guys have any other views on this?

Thanks for looking at my post.

lindend

10-28-09, 10:16 AM

If I attempt to increase or decrease the volume using my Denon Remote Control, my PACE Cable Box ALWAYS receive the IR signal from the Denon Remote Control and change my channels.

This sounds like an issue we are currently investigating. Who is your cable provider and do you know what firmware release is on your 770?

Wolfy3869

10-28-09, 12:18 PM

Hi Lindend,

I have a 779x with Mediacom in NW IL. About 3 weeks ago, we went to sit down and watch a show we have set up for weekly series recording, only to find out it wasn't there. Then, going to the series recording menu, they were still all in there like they should be, but going to the guide and advancing to where these shows air, there was no record icon on any of them. I was able to manually start recording something and that worked fine, but can't set anything up in advance to record.
Upon calling Mediacom, we were informed that this was something that was only affecting the Pace boxes, and our only solution was to manually set up each show each day to record. They offered no time table, or any other solution.
Is this something that will be fixed, or is it an indefinite problem? If so, I'm going to take the box back and have them give me one that works.
The firmware version is 12.56

Thanks for any help in the matter,

Mike

lindend

10-28-09, 02:04 PM

Does this mean that PACE doesn't work with the CCI_COPY_NO_MORE flag? From what I read, it should be able to play a recording, with that flag (CCI_COPY_NO_MORE), out a HDCP HDMI connection.

If HDCP is working on your display, those flags have no impact on your ability to play the content. If an HDCP connection can't be established and the value isn't copy freely, then your cable provider controls what will happen on your setup. They can either have it mute (go black) or constrain (i.e. reduce the effective pixels to roughly 480p resolution).

However, I'm not certain that this is the cause of your problem as the audio should play without incident (assuming you aren't using HDMI for audio also).

lindend

10-28-09, 02:11 PM

The Trick File size looks small,

I don't think this is the source of the issue. The recording did not terminate cleanly (i.e. I'm guessing the box rebooted during the recording?). If clean termination is no, lots of the fields will not contain valid values.

In the HDMI status it shows HDMI CONSTRAIN "YES", is that an issue?

Yep, that's not good. For whatever reason, there are issues establishing an HDCP connection with your display. It does make some sense now given your other descriptions.

If so, who set the flags? (Mediacom?)

The CCI flags can be set by a variety of sources (content creator, broadcaster, cable provider etc.). Can't say for sure in your particular case.

Why put the recording on the HDD if the user won't be able to play it?

Based on the symptoms I've seen, it actually should be playable, but the source of your issues might by HDCP related. What is your display type again?

WhatHappend

10-28-09, 02:33 PM

Based on the symptoms I've seen, it actually should be playable, but the source of your issues might by HDCP related. What is your display type again?

The DVR is connected to a 3-1 HDMI switch (Joytech HDMI Tri-Link) which is connected to a Yamaha Rx663 HDMI AVR which is connected to a JVC HD-52G886 display. I have a PS3 connected by the same path and it plays Bluray movies just fine at 1080i. If the HDCP was not working, PS3 playing Bluray would also not work.

The HDMI 3 to 1 switch is HDCP compliant.

Would a HDCP issue cause the playback progress bar not to move?

The AUDIO is connected via HDMI as well. But if the playback bar is not moving on the PACE, I don't see how the audio would work on a different connection. I have deleted that bad recording, so I can't test with it any longer.

Thanks.

mussi

10-28-09, 02:39 PM

This sounds like an issue we are currently investigating. Who is your cable provider and do you know what firmware release is on your 770?

So this problem has been bothering a number of members here too?

I live in Vancouver, Canada. My cable provider is SHAW.

How do I find out my Firmware on this cable box? I just set it up last night.

Do you and other members have any quick fix on this?

I am considering of getting a Harmony Universal Remote or use the remote that was provided from my cable provider as a universal.

Thanks

WhatHappend

10-30-09, 01:50 AM

In the HDMI status it shows HDMI CONSTRAIN "YES", is that an issue?

Yep, that's not good. For whatever reason, there are issues establishing an HDCP connection with your display. It does make some sense now given your other descriptions.

Lindend,

Are you sure about this (I have never seen a post with HDMI CONSTRAIN NO)? I rebooted the PACE plugged in directly to the JVC 52G886 and the HDMI CONSTRAIN is still "YES". I tried another HDMI TV a Dynex model and it also shows HDMI CONSTRAIN "YES". I tried 3 different HDMI cables (including a short 4ft cable). I even disconnected my component video cables from the back of the PACE in case it was detecting them and that was causing the HDMI constrain.

I think you may be remembering some hdmi detail wrong. Why would both tvs directly connected show HDCP Supported "YES". The HDCP Counter was 16 after 43 days while connected to the JVC. Doesn't a HDCP count > 0 imply it has used HDCP?

Can others look at their Diag -> interfaces -> HDMI page and scroll down and see what your HDMI CONSTRAIN reads?