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Official DVICO TViX M6620N HD (ATSC/QAM) Tuner Topic - Page 57

post #1681 of 2099
10/5/12 at 10:19am
I think I found another problem. If you set an EPG recording event, the tuner won't work if the name of the schedule item doesn't match the name of the program you're trying to record. ABC has a nasty habit of using all capital letters and adding extra stuff to its program names, so my timer from last week had "(SEASON PREMIERE)", while this week's episode did not. As a result, I couldn't tune ABC at all; the screen just stayed black. The timer worked, but it was recording nothingness, so I stopped it. I know the station was working, because I was able to tune it on my TV. I was also able to tune ABC again 90 minutes later, after the program was over.

As a result, I deleted all my EPG timers for ABC and replaced them with manual ones. I'll see if the problem comes up the next time I have a program to record on ABC. More testing would probably be necessary to demonstrate that the mismatched program titles were the root of the problem, but I'd rather just have the timers work, since bugs aren't going to get fixed at this point, anyway. Hopefully this will help someone else avoid the problem.
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post #1682 of 2099
10/6/12 at 10:46am
Aleron--

Please do post results of your further tests. Your preliminary conclusion doesn't sound right to me, but I don't have experience with that problem.
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post #1683 of 2099
10/11/12 at 10:20pm
I've had three manual timers successfully record ABC programs this week, so while these successes don't necessarily mean that I accurately diagnosed the source of my problem last week, at least it hasn't surfaced when using manual timers, too (yet? ...).
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post #1684 of 2099
10/17/12 at 6:43am
What's the biggest harddrive I can use?

My TViX has started to become flaky:
- falls off the network. Annoying if I am streaming or copying to another device. Reboot fixes it but if recording, can't. If I go to the menu (the white background menu with the big icons, I can get into setup directly to fiddle with the network settings which does not fix the problem) when the network is offline, the box simply shuts off without saving stopping any recording it is doing.
- Couple of times the blue LED remains flashing
- Can't disk check (I used a PC with USB to do the disk check). Still can't do the disk check afterward.
- Can't check the server for firmware upgrades (but maybe his is really offline). I am on 2.10 so I know there aren't newer firmwares but the check fails.

I've been using fixed IP rather than DHCP. I reset the firmware and now on DHCP. Everything is otherwise generally working.

So I'm blaming the HD. Can I use the 3TB drives I see on sale every so often?

Thanks
Edited by dornanu - 10/17/12 at 12:19pm
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post #1685 of 2099
10/17/12 at 8:30am
No. The maximum supported drive size is 2 TB, and you must use SATA 2, IIRC. You have to put SATA 3 drives into SATA 2 mode, which can usually be accomplished by attaching a jumper, or something like that, I think.
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post #1686 of 2099
12/11/12 at 1:13pm
Thread Starter 
Hi All, been away for a while from this thread and missed some of the discussions. I've tried my best to talk the manufacturer into releasing the software code....that maybe an ongoing effort as there are issues involving protecting their IP..

In the meantime, I've noticed that the market for OTA DVR is not improving so I'm considering resuscitating the M6620N back from the dead. Thought I'd check with all you users to see what you think? No changes can be made unless I succeed in begging enough for them to relent on releasing the code, so what you have now is certain to be what you get.

Any input would be appreciated. smile.gif
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post #1687 of 2099
12/11/12 at 1:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kei Clark View Post

Hi All, been away for a while from this thread and missed some of the discussions. I've tried my best to talk the manufacturer into releasing the software code....that maybe an ongoing effort as there are issues involving protecting their IP..
In the meantime, I've noticed that the market for OTA DVR is not improving so I'm considering resuscitating the M6620N back from the dead. Thought I'd check with all you users to see what you think? No changes can be made unless I succeed in begging enough for them to relent on releasing the code, so what you have now is certain to be what you get.
Any input would be appreciated. smile.gif

It is true not much has changed and many have gone the TiVo way. Since TVGOS is going to heaven, the DTVPal DVR, CM7000 and several other items have increased sales on the TiVo. I wish you luck, but your road is mostly uphill right now.

And I'm cable only. I do have a spare 500GB hard drive.
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post #1688 of 2099
12/11/12 at 4:26pm
I'd certainly be happy to see new functionality added to these units in the future. I'm still pleased with my purchase, but having the option of viewing closed captions or whatever else open-source developers might come up with would be welcome.
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post #1689 of 2099
12/12/12 at 8:31am
Hi Kei,

I'm not sure what you are asking. Are you asking if there is still a market for these units? Are you planning on getting Minevox/Dvico to produce more units, but with the same software we have now?

I have two units (one in NH, one in NY) and am very pleased with them despite their shortcomings. Having said that, I just downloaded a FLV file a couple of days ago that the unit won't play, so down the road I see a problem if it can't keep up with the latest codecs.

Count me in on software development if you get sources!

Paul
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post #1690 of 2099
12/12/12 at 12:14pm
Hi Kei,

I've owned an M6620N since late 2009 and am very happy with it. If you are asking if anyone would purchase another I definitely would. The only reason I haven't bought 1-3 more since that time is only due to lack of cash.
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post #1691 of 2099
12/12/12 at 2:28pm
Hi Kei--

I'm actually thinking about buying an M6620N right now (Christmas gift to myself) from an internet retailer. What's mainly holding me back is that it seems like if the thing dies on me in a month or so, I'm left with an expensive piece of junk, no mfr warranty/support. So I too am very curious what you mean by you are "considering resuscitating" it.

Please enlighten all of us!
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post #1692 of 2099
12/12/12 at 3:56pm
I think the 6620N and the Tivo Premiere are the only two viable dual tuner options. Add the stipulation of no monthly fee and it's only the 6620N. I've recommended all my OTA friends that if they want to record, this is it. I know of at least one who is trying to by a 6620N now.

I've augmented my home with a M6500A with a tuner as well. The two devices with fixed IPs, set up network shares, etc work disturbingly well together. I've got a couple of Patriot PBOs as viewers as well. So overall I'm pretty happy with my set up.

I wouldn't mind a new model with some more features (I'm not sure what new features I would want). However, if my 6620N dies, I have little doubt that I would have to buy another. There simply is no other option.

Are you looking for a feature request list? Other than the many bugs and limitations listed before, I suggest:

- DLNA support
- remote keyboard support if they can fix the youtube player (I haven't seen anything play in a long time)
- bah, just make it cheaper so the purchase is more of a no-brainer
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post #1693 of 2099
12/12/12 at 5:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.H View Post

Hi Kei,
I'm not sure what you are asking. Are you asking if there is still a market for these units? Are you planning on getting Minevox/Dvico to produce more units, but with the same software we have now?

Yes, I'm basically asking if the software as it stands will be adequate as not much more will be done by DVICO.

Quote:
I have two units (one in NH, one in NY) and am very pleased with them despite their shortcomings. Having said that, I just downloaded a FLV file a couple of days ago that the unit won't play, so down the road I see a problem if it can't keep up with the latest codecs.

My understanding about FLV files is that some are encrypted and must first be converted before they can be played. I've seen that a few times on files downloaded from some sites.
Quote:
Count me in on software development if you get sources!
Paul

Counted! wink.gif Actually, I'm getting better response this time on this. Because many of the original engineers left, the sales staff doesn't quite know what data in their servers is pertinent to the ATSC module, but they are willing to work with me on it.
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post #1694 of 2099
12/12/12 at 5:15pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Goes to 11 View Post

Hi Kei--
I'm actually thinking about buying an M6620N right now (Christmas gift to myself) from an internet retailer. What's mainly holding me back is that it seems like if the thing dies on me in a month or so, I'm left with an expensive piece of junk, no mfr warranty/support. So I too am very curious what you mean by you are "considering resuscitating" it.
Please enlighten all of us!

Well, I'm not just a typical "internet retailer". wink.gif We keep spares and do know how to perform replacement part repairs so I've never left a customer in a lurch without a solution (that I'm aware of). The units come with full 1 1/2 year warranty. I decided to stop selling the units when the original ION TV problems cropped up, but that seems to have gotten resolved (at least in my market, but feedback is appreciated) and we were told that no more work would be done to the software. The reason I may reverse my decision and bring them back to the US market is that I continue to get calls from customers that are looking for a fee-free solution and their options are actually shrinking instead of expanding.
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post #1695 of 2099
12/12/12 at 7:25pm
ION still deadly here in New York City.
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post #1696 of 2099
12/12/12 at 9:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dornanu View Post

- DLNA support

That will (thankfully, IMO) never happen, as getting licensed for DLNA requires the manufacturer to agree to restrictive DRM schemes that the TViX doesn't employ. Its simple FTP/SMB/NFS options are far more open and flexible for manipulating the DVR's stored files.

As for the ION problem, I promptly removed the network from my channel listings as soon as I did a channel scan, and I've never been brave enough to add it again and risk it causing glitches. It honestly doesn't bother me as much as the lack of CC support, as shows with hard-to-hear dialogue or momentary signal interruptions are easier to watch with captions, and it's a pain to run PC software on the files to extract the CC to SRT before watching programs. Despite that shortcoming, this is now the best free-to-use DVR on the market it seems, so it's a pity these units are getting harder to find. I may yet have to pick up a spare before they vanish from the market completely, but I am a little surprised that more of the DHG refugees aren't coming this way. I guess they're so used to TVGoS that TiVo seems like the only alternative they can stomach.
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post #1697 of 2099
12/12/12 at 10:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kei Clark View Post

Well, I'm not just a typical "internet retailer". wink.gif We keep spares and do know how to perform replacement part repairs so I've never left a customer in a lurch without a solution (that I'm aware of). The units come with full 1 1/2 year warranty. I decided to stop selling the units when the original ION TV problems cropped up, but that seems to have gotten resolved (at least in my market, but feedback is appreciated) and we were told that no more work would be done to the software. The reason I may reverse my decision and bring them back to the US market is that I continue to get calls from customers that are looking for a fee-free solution and their options are actually shrinking instead of expanding.

Kei, I'm not clever enough to figure out who the "we" is in your atypical retailing operation. Anyway, last week when I first started considering this option I was looking at $349 with a 2 TB drive included. As of tonight, the same website has the price increased to $475. I should have pounced when I first thought of it, $475 is just too much for me to pay for a product which has been orphaned by an unheard-of manufacturer.

[Edit] I just laid off the eggnog for a few minutes and got a little more clever, and managed to Google up Digital Connection.
Edited by Goes to 11 - 12/12/12 at 10:51pm
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post #1698 of 2099
12/13/12 at 3:56am
Quote:
I decided to stop selling the units when the original ION TV problems cropped up
What problems? confused.gif
I looked into this some time back, but need a memory refresh. What are/were the biggest issues with these other than they were discontinued?

Kei Clark;
Your web site still has the 7/12 availability date listed. wink.gif

.
Edited by videobruce - 12/13/12 at 4:57am
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post #1699 of 2099
12/13/12 at 4:22am
Separate question; is there a down-loadable copy of the full user manual (256 pages according to Wiki) for this XBMC available?? All I could find are smaller guides;

BTW, these are still on eBay for $320 delivered, but show only a ATSC tuner.

.
Edited by videobruce - 12/13/12 at 5:04am
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post #1700 of 2099
12/13/12 at 5:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

BTW, these are still on eBay for $320 delivered, but show only a ATSC tuner.
.

There are several (from Korea) for $200.

No cable card slot and many cable feeds strip the PSIP. This makes manual recordings display as end time, not start time. My unit, with 500GB drive, is in a box. The "bbs/forum" was removed by DVICO, which wasn't so great anyhow. But it does work.
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post #1701 of 2099
12/13/12 at 7:45am
Quote:
There are several (from Korea) for $200
But those are the DTB (?) versions with no ATSC tuner. That one from DC lists a QAM tuner.
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post #1702 of 2099
12/13/12 at 8:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

But those are the DTB (?) versions with no ATSC tuner. That one from DC lists a QAM tuner.
You're right, I missed that. This puts it above the Walmart mom price level.
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post #1703 of 2099
12/13/12 at 12:46pm
If you still want one, Media Concept USA is one of the other authorized American resellers along with Kei Clark's Digital Connection. MCU sells these on eBay for $350, and they sell them for $325 on their site (or $300 for ones without the WiFi antenna accessory). The main reason to buy from Kei Clark originally was for the warranty service (as MCU doesn't offer it), but since DVICo is on the way out, a warranty probably won't help much at this point. The 6620 is the one you want for ATSC. The 6640 is the one with a DVB tuner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

What are/were the biggest issues with these other than they were discontinued?
  1. They can't view closed captions unless you run a PC program to extract them to SRT from the recorded files, which you can do over SMB if you don't want to copy the entire program to your PC first.
  2. ION stations that transmit the AirBox service (encrypted MPEG-4 channels that require renting a box from ION to receive) will crash the unit and make it turn off when it populates the PSIP guide. If your local ION affiliate has the AirBox service, you must remove ION and all its sub-channels (qubo and ION Life) from your channel listings to use the unit, meaning that you can never watch or record anything on those channels with the DVR (although you could still watch them with the tuner in your TV).
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post #1704 of 2099
12/13/12 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.H View Post

ION still deadly here in New York City.

Right you are.

I had a discussion with an engineer at Ion (Los Angeles) to explain the problem I was experencing. They must have changed something because the channel scan does not pick up guide info from Ion anymore and doesn't crash attempting to do so.

However, when I switch to the station, the TViX crashes.

Guess it's time to speak to the engineer again.
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post #1705 of 2099
12/13/12 at 4:47pm
Kei,

IMO, the TVIX is all the hardware I need but it's crippled by the software.

I can give many examples (in order of my level of frustration with the issue):
Forced channel changing whenever a recording starts regardless of what your doing at the time.
The inability to delete a recording from the recording list with a single click (a separate delete menu via the system menu and then having to confirm is a really dumb idea).
Shuts down at the slightest offence:
PSIP/ION issues as already discussed.
Some JPG folder files (reason unknown).
Changing from icon or folder view to list view.
Jumpy control through menus (this is not just the problem with the remote as it behaves the same using my Harmony)
Allow one button direct access to network devices rather than the tiresome Movie- Change Drive- Select Device- Select folder process.
Some features that would push the TViX over the top:
Ability to record directly to a network device (NAS or server) rather than just attached drives.
A better channel guide (something from the internet would work).
User configurable internet streams, not just the default junk and Youtube.
An application interface to allow add-ons like Hulu, Netflix, HBO-GO and so on.
A selection of interface "skins" to improve the look of the menus.

Nice to have:
A warning when the drive is nearing capacity before it's actually full - an on-screen icon that shows percentage of capacity during channels changes when over 80% or something like that.
More consistency in screens: For example the icon view uses a 6-wide icon display and the folder icons are square but the folder view uses an 8-wide icon display and the icons are rectangular.
Allow the very cool TViXie style screens for more folders rather than just "movie" and "video" (allow user configuration of the folder names wold solve this).
More user configuration for most all features would really be great.

A lot of this could be very simply implemented with a user editable text configuration file.

IMO, if the above list was addressed, you could sell these by the truck load - but maybe that's just me.
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post #1706 of 2099
12/14/12 at 1:21am
Thread Starter 
oshunluvr, where to start....
Quote:
Forced channel changing whenever a recording starts regardless of what your doing at the time.

This is the least likely problem to have a solution. The feature of watching while recording was not originally available, and DVICO spent considerable time to implement it but getting the two parts to work seamlessly was just not in the cards.
Quote:
The inability to delete a recording from the recording list with a single click (a separate delete menu via the system menu and then having to confirm is a really dumb idea).

I believe this function is hardcoded into the SDK as pretty much all of Realtek's media players work in this manner. I'm not sure whats involved to alter it but I'm guessing it's not easy as I've not seen any players that work as you want.
Quote:
PSIP/ION issues as already discussed.

I spoke to the chief engineer at KPXN-TV today and sending him a box to see what is causing this. Will update all as we move to correct this problem.
Quote:
Some JPG folder files (reason unknown).

I'm not sure what this problem is as I don't recall it ever happening to me, and I use coverart. Can you elaborate? How are the jpg files generated?
Quote:
Changing from icon or folder view to list view.

Again, I've never had this happen before, but I often run in list view. I tried multiple times to crash the box, but could not. I tried both icon view and cover art view and no crashes. But I was able to get it to crash after I switched to HDTV and then to the file mode and then switch views. If others can verify this problem, I will put it on a list of bugs to fix.
Quote:
Ability to record directly to a network device (NAS or server) rather than just attached drives.
Asked already, this is a no go.
Quote:
A better channel guide (something from the internet would work).
Unlikely as the guide service costs are astronomical.
Quote:
User configurable internet streams, not just the default junk and Youtube.
Again, unlikely as I believe this is also stock Realtek SDK feature.
Quote:
An application interface to allow add-ons like Hulu, Netflix, HBO-GO and so on.
Never going to happen on a product that's not licensed.
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A selection of interface "skins" to improve the look of the menus.
That's already possible if you use a SATA drive where the image files will be stored.
Quote:
Nice to have:
A warning when the drive is nearing capacity before it's actually full - an on-screen icon that shows percentage of capacity during channels changes when over 80% or something like that.
More consistency in screens: For example the icon view uses a 6-wide icon display and the folder icons are square but the folder view uses an 8-wide icon display and the icons are rectangular.
Allow the very cool TViXie style screens for more folders rather than just "movie" and "video" (allow user configuration of the folder names wold solve this).
More user configuration for most all features would really be great.

Some of the above maybe possible with some Linux programming, but unlikely to be a priority.
Quote:
A lot of this could be very simply implemented with a user editable text configuration file.

Are you offering your programming services? wink.gif One thing I have found working with Sigma and Realtek is that NOTHING is ever easily implemented with their SDK.
Quote:
IMO, if the above list was addressed, you could sell these by the truck load - but maybe that's just me.

If the above list was easily addressable, you wouldn't be talking to me now because I would be retired and living in Tahiti. biggrin.gif
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post #1707 of 2099
12/14/12 at 5:58am
Quote:
If you still want one, Media Concept USA is one of the other authorized American resellers along with Kei Clark's Digital Connection. MCU sells these on eBay for $350, and they sell them for $325 on their site (or $300 for ones without the WiFi antenna accessory). The main reason to buy from Kei Clark originally was for the warranty service (as MCU doesn't offer it), but since DVICo is on the way out, a warranty probably won't help much at this point. The 6620 is the one you want for ATSC.
What differentiates models with just a ATSC tuner vs models with both ATSC & QAM? MCU only lists ATSC, DC lists both ATSC/QAM. confused.gif
Quote:
ION stations that transmit the AirBox service (encrypted MPEG-4 channels that require renting a box from ION to receive) will crash the unit and make it turn off when it populates the PSIP guide.
I doubt that is available here. Sounds as it's a large market 'thing'.
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post #1708 of 2099
12/14/12 at 8:01am
ATSC refers to how the bitstream is coded.
The 6620 supports both 8VSB (broadcast) and QAM (cable) modulation.
Think of ATSC as the recipe and 8VSB/QAM as microwave/stove.
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post #1709 of 2099
12/14/12 at 8:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.H View Post

ATSC refers to how the bitstream is coded.
The 6620 supports both 8VSB (broadcast) and QAM (cable) modulation.
Think of ATSC as the recipe and 8VSB/QAM as microwave/stove.
I like to think of ATSC and NTSC as a bunch of guys making up rules that are almost followed. That last "C" does mean committee. VSB, QAM, AM, FM, SSB, etc., are ways that stuff really works. Being old, I laugh when I see 480i used for analog TV when it's really 525i. I gave up that battle long ago, but I really miss the old VBI and XDS.
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post #1710 of 2099
12/14/12 at 8:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

Quote:
If you still want one, Media Concept USA is one of the other authorized American resellers along with Kei Clark's Digital Connection. MCU sells these on eBay for $350, and they sell them for $325 on their site (or $300 for ones without the WiFi antenna accessory). The main reason to buy from Kei Clark originally was for the warranty service (as MCU doesn't offer it), but since DVICo is on the way out, a warranty probably won't help much at this point. The 6620 is the one you want for ATSC.
What differentiates models with just a ATSC tuner vs models with both ATSC & QAM? MCU only lists ATSC, DC lists both ATSC/QAM. confused.gif
I'd guess they all have QAM as well as ATSC and the site just doesn't list the features correctly. Seems unlikely DVICo made two versions with different tuners but the same model #. Someone who knows for sure would need to confirm that, though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by videobruce View Post

Quote:
ION stations that transmit the AirBox service (encrypted MPEG-4 channels that require renting a box from ION to receive) will crash the unit and make it turn off when it populates the PSIP guide.
I doubt that is available here. Sounds as it's a large market 'thing'.
AirBox offers Spanish-language programming, so it's likely more common in states with large Hispanic populations.

HTH
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