Official Comcast 6412 w/ iGuide Discussion

[Glockdude]

This could explain to me why the first 6412 I had
looked great..and when they just replaced it with another 6412 (big surprise)
the picture just doesnt look as good. Very grainy.
No consistancy between units.

I think Comcast is aware of the problem with these units but
we as consumers have to make it a point to bitch over an over to them until
they fix it.
No more mister nice guy.

Originally Posted by gmwedding

So, I just double-checked, and here is a comparison of the calibration settings between the Pioneer PDP-4304 HDTV described above and a Sony DVD Player using component cables and the settings between the Motorola DCT-6412 via HDMI and the same Pio HDTV (the Pio retains different settings for each input device). I conclude the HDMI signal level being received by the TV is troubling. Are any other DCT-6412/Phase III users with well-calibrated HDTVs experiencing such differences?

DVD-PLAYER to PIONEER PDP-4304 (via Component)
Contrast -13
Brightness +1
Color -5
Tint -2
Sharpness +2

MOTOROLA DCT-6412 Phase III to PIONEER PDP-4304 (via HDMI)
Contrast +3
Brightness +6
Color -9
Tint -0
Sharpness +1

[mterzich]

Does anyone think that the remote that they are using could be agravating the problem with the slow response of the 6412. The reason that I am asking this question is that about 2 weeks ago, I reprogrammed my Harmony remote to delay longer on a key press since I would regularly overshoot the channel when pressing the up/down channel button. Since then, the slow response issue has been significantly better.

However, over the past two weeks, the 6412 has gone into NeverLand twice (lost audio, massive delays that never stop, and menus popping up on the screen indicating that the program can't be deleted). This has never occurred prior to reprogramming the Harmony.

Currently I have the Harmony programmed to the longest key press delay as possible but still have an occasional overshoot when I up/down channels and am wondering if the new timing may be finding a new hole in the software that is now causing the 6412 to get totally screwed up.

I'll be using the Comcast supplied remote this week to see if the problem gets better.

[ncaahoops]

Originally Posted by mterzich

Does anyone think that the remote that they are using could be agravating the problem with the slow response of the 6412. The reason that I am asking this question is that about 2 weeks ago, I reprogrammed my Harmony remote to delay longer on a key press since I would regularly overshoot the channel when pressing the up/down channel button. Since then, the slow response issue has been significantly better.

However, over the past two weeks, the 6412 has gone into NeverLand twice (lost audio, massive delays that never stop, and menus popping up on the screen indicating that the program can't be deleted). This has never occurred prior to reprogramming the Harmony.

Currently I have the Harmony programmed to the longest key press delay as possible but still have an occasional overshoot when I up/down channels and am wondering if the new timing may be finding a new hole in the software that is now causing the 6412 to get totally screwed up.

I'll be using the Comcast supplied remote this week to see if the problem gets better.

When it goes in slow-down mode I tried pressing buttons on the front of the box and they seem to be suffering from slow-down as well. I haven't tried the front of the box everytime there is a slowdown, so I don't know if it is always the case.

[mll]

I have also noticed a slow response of my 6412

The two rituals that I go thru that seem to help are:

1) Power off, reboot, power on. (Note it wil show the new shows as To Be Announced for a few hours) Rebooting seems to be achieved be pulling the power cord for a minute or so, or perhaps having ComCast sending a Reset signal from their main server. -- This seems to help in clearing up the DVR for a while and speeding it up. Nore: Many of us remember that to get a display back after power off, one needs to display a recorded show and then the DVR will normally display imcoming TV show.

2) If possible, switch to not display DTV while trying to contorl the DVR. My superstition is that the CPU can be busy when decoding the Digital signals, switching recording... and if I can Idle the CPU, etc. it can speed up the response to the Remote.

[twitchee3]

Originally Posted by mll

2) If possible, switch to not display DTV while trying to contorl the DVR. My superstition is that the CPU can be busy when decoding the Digital signals, switching recording... and if I can Idle the CPU, etc. it can speed up the response to the Remote.

Actually analog signals are more of a strain on the CPU of a DVR, since they have to be converted from analog to digital for recording to the DVR (which is in digital format), and then back to analog form to be sent over the analog display interfaces (component, s-video, or composite). Digital feeds are written to the hard drive as is, and then only converted from digital to analog for transmission over analog video interfaces, so with DTV there's actually one LESS step for the DVR to go through. And yes, because of the buffer, the DVR will do this to analog programming even if you aren't recording it.

[mterzich]

Originally Posted by ncaahoops

When it goes in slow-down mode I tried pressing buttons on the front of the box and they seem to be suffering from slow-down as well. I haven't tried the front of the box everytime there is a slowdown, so I don't know if it is always the case.

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

[scanpa]

Originally Posted by mterzich

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

New version of I-Guide will be out soon.

Also, Beta testing of the TiVo software starts next month.

A New Topic has been made for the Comcast 34xx & 64xx series STB with TiVo Software.

[Couch Patato]

We got the new I-Guid here a few weeks ago. It did NOT help with the remote delay!

It did not help me out at all. The biggest thing that made me mad is that you have to hit a button twice to get to what you have recorded. Insted of going strait to the list after punching My DVR. It goes to the page you used to have to get to by going thrue the menue & hitting DVR. That page that has all the DVR stuff comes up first. It's a real pain. Also You have to hit two buttons to get to the favorites list now to.

There is a new screen saver that would be good for those with CRT & plasma sets.

[Scarpad]

Originally Posted by Couch Patato

We got the new I-Guid here a few weeks ago. It did NOT help with the remote delay!

It did not help me out at all. The biggest thing that made me mad is that you have to hit a button twice to get to what you have recorded. Insted of going strait to the list after punching My DVR. It goes to the page you used to have to get to by going thrue the menue & hitting DVR. That page that has all the DVR stuff comes up first. It's a real pain. Also You have to hit two buttons to get to the favorites list now to.

There is a new screen saver that would be good for those with CRT & plasma sets.

I'm wondering if you decide to go to the Tivo Software is the monthly charge now going to be $12.95 plus the HD Box fee. If so you're looking at about $21.95 a month DVR Charge. Right now I pay $15 the 9.25 and 5.95 charge.

[BSparks294]

I completely agree that since I had my comcast hd unit replaced the picture is just not near as good. I go to the store and am amazed how the pics look in HD. Just makes me mad.

Are there any adjustments to the box that I should make certain have been done?

Thanks, Brad

[QZ1]

Originally Posted by Scarpad

I'm wondering if you decide to go to the Tivo Software is the monthly charge now going to be $12.95 plus the HD Box fee. If so you're looking at about $21.95 a month DVR Charge. Right now I pay $15 the 9.25 and 5.95 charge.

Not from what I heard. Supposedly, it will be $5 more.

You probably are paying $9.95 DVR + $5.25 STB = $15.20; so figure $20.20 + (fees and taxes) ~= $22.50/mo.

On a side note, in some areas, DVR nominally costs $9.95, because in those areas, like here, the first STB is included and not itemized. But in reality, that STB costs ~$5 (here it is $4.75), so, effectively, the DVR costs $15 + (fees and taxes), just like in your area.

[scanpa]

Originally Posted by QZ1

Not from what I heard. Supposedly, it will be $5 more.

You probably are paying $9.95 DVR + $5.25 STB = $15.20; so figure $20.20 + (fees and taxes) ~= $22.50/mo.

On a side note, in some areas, DVR nominally costs $9.95, because in those areas, like here, the first STB is included and not itemized. But in reality, that STB costs ~$5 (here it is $4.75), so, effectively, the DVR costs $15 + (fees and taxes), just like in your area.

Correct the TiVo software will be a upgraded DVR Service Tier that will cost $5.00 more then the current DVR Service cost of $9.95 Your STB seriel number will be added to a list that will allow you to download the TiVo software

This price has nothing to do with the charge for the STB. DVR service is seperate.

Most digital packages now include the STB cost.

[Ken H]

Originally Posted by mterzich

Does anyone think that the remote that they are using could be agravating the problem with the slow response of the 6412.

Not me. I have had issues with the OEM remote and after market remotes.

At times, I've seen the unit lock up with a single button push, so I don't think timing is the issue either.

[Ken H]

Originally Posted by BSparks294

I completely agree that since I had my comcast hd unit replaced the picture is just not near as good. I go to the store and am amazed how the pics look in HD. Just makes me mad.

Are there any adjustments to the box that I should make certain have been done?

Thanks, Brad

Turn the unit off and hit the Menu button. For HD, the output must be 720p or 1080i. Not 480p or 480i.

[Ken H]

Originally Posted by ncaahoops

When it goes in slow-down mode I tried pressing buttons on the front of the box and they seem to be suffering from slow-down as well.

I can confirm this.

[Ken H]

Originally Posted by mterzich

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

I've been told it's both hardware and software issues, but I have no details.

[scanpa]

Originally Posted by Ken H

I've been told it's both hardware and software issues, but I have no details.

Yes it is a CPU conflict with various currently used software and driver conflicts.

I know it was one of the bug fixes to be fixed in the new I-Guide version, however some people, some on here and others who are already testing it have all reported the same problems with stored remote and front panel key pres buffer cmds.

But this might be fixed in the new 14.xx series of DVR Firmware due out soon....

[ncaahoops]

Originally Posted by mterzich

Nothing works until it processes the last command. Sometimes it takes about a minute per channel change and then I hit the up/down arrow in frustration 10 times. Then I would have to wait for ten minutes for anything else to work. That is because each of the commands (whether from the front pannel or the remote) causes a interrupt and that command is queued.

It would be nice to get a hold of the I_GUIDE source and fix it for Comcast. I've been a programmer in the Siicon Valley for 25 years and this sure sounds like a problem of not protecting critical code and the link list of the TV Guide is getting corrupted or the interrupt handler is not saving and restoring all registers correctly (firmware problem).

Maybe they can open-source it :-)

[wareagle]

The problem of buffering commands is also present with the Microsoft guide software, so it may require a Motorola firmware change to resolve it.

[JC II]

On Sunday, as my nephew was watching one of the various children's channels, I looked up and noticed the whole screen had a blueish tint. Freaked me out a bit, and I hit channel up and then back down a few times, to no luck. Switched to one of the HD channels, and the picture went back to normal. I did not touch the connections at all. Any thoughts whether this might have been a cable box (Phase III) or TV issue are appreciated.

[QZ1]

Originally Posted by scanpa

Correct the TiVo software will be a upgraded DVR Service Tier that will cost $5.00 more then the current DVR Service cost of $9.95 Your STB seriel number will be added to a list that will allow you to download the TiVo software

This price has nothing to do with the charge for the STB. DVR service is seperate.

Most digital packages now include the STB cost.

Well, it has to do with it, to the extent that $15 is the effective total cost for the DVR and the IGuide service, that was my point.

Also. I have heard of areas that allow DVRs for Standard subs, and the fee is listed as DVR $15.

Regardless of how they itmemize or include the fees, doesn't the HD DVR cost Comcast 3x more than a Digital STB?

If so, $15 total vs. $5 seems logical, but that would mean that the IGuide service has no cost they are passing along, and that doesn't sound like Comcast.
Maybe it is less than 3x the cost to them?

[fender4645]

Originally Posted by JC II

On Sunday, as my nephew was watching one of the various children's channels, I looked up and noticed the whole screen had a blueish tint. Freaked me out a bit, and I hit channel up and then back down a few times, to no luck. Switched to one of the HD channels, and the picture went back to normal. I did not touch the connections at all. Any thoughts whether this might have been a cable box (Phase III) or TV issue are appreciated.

Was the "blueish" tint problem occuring on analog channels? It's possible the analog tuner in the box is going bad. Other then that, check you cables and make sure everything is seeded properly.

[Scarpad]

Originally Posted by QZ1

Well, it has to do with it, to the extent that $15 is the effective total cost for the DVR and the IGuide service, that was my point.

Also. I have heard of areas that allow DVRs for Standard subs, and the fee is listed as DVR $15.

Regardless of how they itmemize or include the fees, doesn't the HD DVR cost Comcast 3x more than a Digital STB?

If so, $15 total vs. $5 seems logical, but that would mean that the IGuide service has no cost they are passing along, and that doesn't sound like Comcast.
Maybe it is less than 3x the cost to them?

My bill always shows a $15 total for my HD DVR, I think it does Itemize it as a HDBOX 9.25 and DVR Service 4.75 or something like that, any how it is more than the D* DVR Fee.

[keenan]

My bill shows "DVR Service With HDTV-$9.95".

[HD Rookie]

Originally Posted by keenan

My bill shows "DVR Service With HDTV-$9.95".

Yep, same here. There are no additional $5 fees on my bill. My total bill is $26. $16 for basic service + $10 DVR fee.

[JC II]

Originally Posted by fender4645

Was the "blueish" tint problem occuring on analog channels? It's possible the analog tuner in the box is going bad. Other then that, check you cables and make sure everything is seeded properly.

Thanks for responding. The channel was digital, but not HD. Was one of the children's channels my nephew was watching. Went away after I switched to ESPNHD. I'll give the connections a check as well.

[Cucuy]

Originally Posted by Couch Patato

We got the new I-Guid here a few weeks ago. It did NOT help with the remote delay!

Originally Posted by Couch Patato

The biggest thing that made me mad is that you have to hit a button twice to get to what you have recorded. Insted of going strait to the list after punching My DVR. It goes to the page you used to have to get to by going thrue the menue & hitting DVR. That page that has all the DVR stuff comes up first. It's a real pain. Also You have to hit two buttons to get to the favorites list now to.

Sounds like my Dish's ViP 622. I guess the extra button press is going to make my finger muscles stronger

[keenan]

Originally Posted by HD Rookie

Yep, same here. There are no additional $5 fees on my bill. My total bill is $26. $16 for basic service + $10 DVR fee.

That's a screamin' deal, that's with Comcast? You have to spend around $60 or so in programming just to get a DVR out here in SF.

[Phil Tomaskovic]

Originally Posted by HD Rookie

Yep, same here. There are no additional $5 fees on my bill. My total bill is $26. $16 for basic service + $10 DVR fee.

Do you just get the local HD channels (abc, nbc, cbs, fox) for that or do you also get ESPN-HD, Discovery, etc?

[Ken H]

Please keep in mind that Comcast service and prices, in particular for HD and DVR, vary widely from area to area.

In other words, check the HDTV Locals Forum for details on your area.