Official AVS Comcast / Cableco Moto 5100 / 6200 Topic!

Always one step ahead of the rest of us aren't you Ken!

Here in Montclair, NJ area I got the upgrade sometime overnight and aside from the fact that my Comcast Cable internet connection isn't working this morning (hmmm...) everything appears to have gone smoothly.

The PQ has improved noticeably on nearly all stations, including the horrible non-digital 1-99 which are now watchable. I have the new 4:3 override option set to 480i so now when non HD channels are tuned, the picture is automatically stretched to fill the screen. No more turning off the DCT-5100 to change the menu settings, it's done automatically.

The HD PQ looked great before and still does from the limitted exposure I've had to it this morning.

The new software version is: 51.00-1132.
The new firmware version is: 00.

You know, Comcast gets ripped a lot in forums around the internet for its poor customer service, etc., well I think they deserve some big kudos for getting a fix so quickly for the DCT-5100. It appears to me that they want to be leaders in the HD cable industry and I applaud them for taking such big steps so quickly. I'm hoping it'll be a happy marriage.

Holy Cow, my Comcast internet connection is hosed, too (I'm using my dial-up backup). I'll check the 5100 box soon...
-Dave

The promised 5100 software update occured during the night. There is now an additional setting in the set-top menu called 4:3 override which lets you choose 480i, 480p and off. The off setting is the way the software has worked up until today (ie. black bars on component non-HD and lousy picture on all other outputs (coax, composite and s-video) with no visible cable guide menus. The 480i and 480p settings now show full screen HD-channels on components. But also the other outputs show a much sharper image with access to the cable guide menus. Also noticed that the extra video signal on non-component analog channels is gone so no need to overscan .

no problem with broadband cable internet after update.

firmware version on diagnostic page -d8 code modules(not cable guide menu) is 2.40.

No cable internet this AM. Will check 5100 when I get home from work.

Got my box about a month ago.. got the new firmware about a week ago...
Im in Aston, PA.

First, COMCAST NEEDS TO SUPPLY ALL OF THEIR INSTALLERS WITH COMPONENT CABLES!! I have had 3 friends, including me, who had the installer try to hook up their box with Composite cables... I laughed at the dude when he tried this, and said "Yo, thats no going to provide the best pic, you need RGB component cables... tell your boss to order some"... and then I proceeded to hook up my monster and bettercables..... I also used a monster OPTICAL for sound....

SECOND, the sound output is WAY TO LOW on the HD and DIgital channels...
WHen I change to channel 1-100, my receiver is blarring!!! I have to crank the volume down....... Does anyone else experience this? Is this only happening on Optical out? I have an onkyo txsr600

anyways, the install dude installed like 5 boxes at other peoples houses before he got to my house, and after I SHOWED HIM HOW TO INSTALL IT, he was blown away by the picture (the breeders cup happened to be on, and was in 1080i hd).... he said he couldnt get anyone else's HD to work it seemed...
I have a 57" Sony KP57hw40....

Next, I am not certain of this yet, but you might have to take the 5100 out of the looop if you plan on playing xbox live.... I think the internal modem (even though its disabled) might be conflicting with my linksys cable modem....

Also, how do i set the Time to display on the box???? With the new firmware...

Anyways, so far I give comcast a b+

GET CBS and HDNET SOON and you get a A-

Rouge1,

No problem here with X-Box Live and I have a Linksys router also.

Also no problem with audio disparity/fluctuation.

You can get the time by going into the Settings selection on the main menu (with the box on) and choosing the display time to yes instead of no.

Oh, my cable modem was back about 7-7:30. Checked a couple of other forums on-line and it seems that Comcast was doing some node switching and a lot of people were down for a while.

How 'plasma friendly' is the 5100? Have they made any effort at all to avoid burn in?

How would a STB help a plasma avoid burn in? I thought all you could do is adjust contranst and brightness properly and not display static images for long periods of time.

I haven't tried it yet, but it appears that the download should make the 5100 much more plasma-friendly, by allowing you to zoom non-HD (i.e., 4:3) material to fill the screen.

To those of you who have had a chance to play with the upgraded 5100 - what's the best video output for the non-HD pictures? Are you using the component output into the HD video inputs on your displays? Or, is it better to use the composite, S-video, or coax? Or, for non-HD analog channels (1-99) is it better to bypass the box altogether and use the cable line directly into the display tuner?

Thank

IMHO a 'plasma friendly' GUI could have the following as options:

- provide a low brightness or transparent graphic option for onscreen controls (i.e. compare the channel logo for Sci Fi channel with TNN or the History Channel).

- automatically hide onscreen controls after a set period

- provide a screensaver if a static menu screen is left in place for too long.

A really advanced GUI could also build in an orbiter type function that would gradually change the location of the OSD over time.

Steven--I now see no difference between the 5100's non-component analog channels and a direct cable input into the monitor. (using 4:3 overide set to 480i). Both look as good as analog channels can IMHO. My setup does not currently allow me to use components for anything other than 1080i.

No upgrade in Montgomery County, MD last night.

I hope you weren't rude to the technician, it does seem like you were coming off as a bit of a jerk by your quote. Most installers this is their first time hooking up anything HD. Most don't care if they have A/V cables or overpriced MonsterCable. They deal with what they are given and work from there. How long was the class you took on Home Theater? Oh, you didn't take a class, you probably learned most of your knowledge from experience and this forum. Well it doesn't seem like you treated this guy fairly, Even if he did hook-up 5 previous 5100's that is no where near enough to get him to learn all of the different connections, and setups avail. on the market.

I've heard all of the stories about the members of this forum, getting their 5100 installed and most have had inexpeirenced technicians, but non of them seemed to have disrespected the technician when he was there. They were all aware that this was a NEW service and since they were on this forum they knew what to expect, and most made it easy for the installer and even took the time out to educate the technician while he was there, without being disrespectful.

We know we need to supply component cables, We know we need to train the installers more intensely, I know alot of things that should be done, but the installers have to be willing to learn, and most of what NEEDS to be learned cannot be taught in a classroom, it can only be learned by experience. It seems like you were trying "flex your Home theater knowledge muscles" to this guy, because you knew that he was going to bring only A/V cables. Laughing at him, and disrespecting him will not help you if and when you have a service issue.

Well, I have customers that said to me "My Plasma TV is 24ft away from my equipment can't you just give me 4 sets of A/V 6ft cables and I'll barrel the sets together!" Now I DIDN'T say "YO! Thats gonna give you a crappy picture, you need to go back to your wife and ask her to buy you some 24ft long Monster RGB Component Cables!" I did explained to him why, how, & where to look for such a piece of equipment, and didn't make him feel incompetant.

Its not that easy for the technician to go back to his "boss" / supervisor, and say "Gimme some Component Cables!" It just doesn't work that way we will eventually have them, it just takes some time.

Nothing I learned about HDTV or Home Theater was taught to me by Comcast. I learned by experience, thats why I hold training classes on HD, Cable Modem/Computer, and new technology for my fellow technicians.

As a rule assume that the installer won't have the correct equipment, have your cables, have the area where the box is being installed easily accessable, the TV pulled out, anything that you think will make it easier for him, and I assure you the expeience will not be that bad.

BTW South Jersey Did NOT get the upgrade yet.

cjh-- Good points. Don't lose faith in your average customer!

Here in Baltimore County, I can report that the 5100 download fixed EVERYTHING on my 5100. My VOD works now, the auto switching between 1080i and 480i works flawlessly, and the OSD works on all channels. In my very humble opinion, I think the 5100 is just about ready for full roll out once CBS is on-line. CBS would complete the package to get the big 3 networks.

Regardless, this product is everything I expected now and it rocks. I will promote it to everyone I know that has compatible equipment.

- Adam

Got the upgrade today in Princeton, NJ. The new software version is: 51.00-1132. Everything looks good athough can't see the big impovement over channels 1-99.
P.S. The tech who did install at my house on Nov-15 was excelent and had component cables with him. Whole install took no more the 15 minutes with about 10 minutes me trying to switch my TV into HDTV mode.

Hello team, I want to be like you guys.

Having my comcast HD installed next weekend.
I haven't been able to feed my PJ anything other 480P DVDs and HTPC (768P)..
For those of you with the Comcast Motorola 5100, has anyone tried using their firewire port to output info yet????

I anything I need to prepare for to make my install a success??

Ok, here's the deal. The "update" occured at 12:30 am this morning in West Orange, NJ. Here's my observations.
1- I no longer have to switch inputs in order to view HD channels, it, the box, switches automatically.
2- I can now see the "info bar" as I surf all channels, analogue and HD.
3- Some changes were made to the cable box configuration and they are as follows.
a)The S/W Version changed from 51.00-1096 to 51.00-1132
b)Firmware Version changed from 04 to 00

The 1-99 channles still bite, channel 2 the worst. It did not affect my internet router. Thats it for now. So far I like what I see..its an improvement.

Mr. Mayor

mzk4c3,

Sorry to bum you out, but, your firewire dream will remain just that. While the 5100 has the 'option', it is a factory hardware option and the 5100's distributed by Comcast are fire-wire-less. Until someone is daring enough to open the box and solder a jack in there (I do wonder if all it is missing is a jack - - because the punchout on the casing is there and the PC board is there) - which I do not think Comcast would appreciate considering its their property - I guess you will be waiting like the rest of us.

- Adam

OK folks, I confused (not unusual)

I got the 5100 last week from Comcast Sellersville (PA) office, and had to switch manually between 1080i, 720P, 480i, and 480p to get HD on my TV. It now appears that there was a software upgrade last weekend, as I now see a few more options on the menu display. Like before the upgrade, I can only get the onscreen guide when the 5100 is set to 480i. But, does the 5100 automatically now switch to the correct HD resolution when you tune to a HD channel (720p for ABC, 1080i for PBS, HBO, etc.)? Those channels look very good, but I'm not positive I'm getting the highest resolution possible. When I set the 5100 to 720p or 1080i manually, I seem to get more audio dropouts and occasional pixellation on the HD channels. Finally, should I use the 16:9 setting on the 5100 menu since I have a Sony 34XBR800 widescreeen TV?

Any comments would be appreciated.

egl8

A couple of issues:

On installers:
1. Miatasm makes some good points regarding cable installers, but I have a counterpoint. Installers have a responsibility to make sure they are doing their job properly. Yes, it is ultimately Comcast's responsibility to train them, but some installers don't give a crap and make little effort. And how hard is it to ask for proper cables? "Hey, (Supervisor), we really need to get some more component cables to install these 5100's. People are complaining." Pretty easy.

2. Besides having no clue about their own products (this is more often true with contractors), some installers half-ass their work, cut corners, flat out lie to avoid work or responsibility, etc. There is no excuse for leaving cut cable, and bits of wire and shielding thrown all over a customers house. Or leaving a line hanging on the house without tacking it up. Personal experience.

3. While I have dealt with some nice installers, the one I have dealt with three times here in Chalfont, PA. was a nasty jerk the second he walked through the door, every single time. This is in spite of the fact that every single time he came, I had the tv pulled out and everything cleared out of the way. I asked him how his day was going, if they were overloaded with work, anything to get the guy to stopped huffing and puffing every time he had to do anything cable related beyond climbing a pole and turning it on. I even asked him if he wanted a drink each time he was here. Still, nasty, nasty, nasty.

4. I say all of this as a former cable installer who has seen it from the inside. There are plenty of good ones, but too many bad ones.

On the 5100:
1. Firmware 2.40
2. Bootloader 2.15
3. Software version 51.00-1132
4. 2-99 still look like crap through the component cables.
5. Digital and HD look slightly sharper.
6. Autodetection of signal working great. My tv can now stretch the non-HD channels and display guide again w/o switching inputs.

elg8:

choose 1080i
16x9
and 4:3 - 480i

and you should be good to go..
if you have a widescreen set...

elg8...

In addition to the advice by rouge1, make sure you are using component cables and your TV is set to the component input for those cables. This may be why you do not see the on screen display when on the HD channels, but you see it while on the other channels.

- Adam

How do you suggest doing this? I have sent 3 messages via the Comcast web site, each auto-acknowledged but none replied to. Is there a person at a snail mail address who should get our letters?

Good morning everyone.

Finally had the 5100 installed last night. Everything seems to be working great.


TV guide is available on both HD and non-HD channels.
VOD is working fine.
Picture quality on channels 1-99 are not bad, not quite as sharp as it was when viewing through the digital cable box, but not bad. In fact, after watching TV last night, I can't tell the difference. I must be lucky, evey Comcast tech tells me I have the best picture quality they've seen!
Channel shifting and guide selections are much faster!


There is one quirk I can't explain?

The original setup was like this:

Digital cable box connected to input 1 through component cables (I have a 55 Mitsu) and was viewed by changing input to Cable.
The HD sidecar was connected to the DTV component inputs on the TV and was viewed by going to the DTV input.

The 5100 is connected only to the DTV component input on the TV along with the appropriate audio connections.

Even thought there is nothing connected to the input 1 component plugs now, I can still switch the input on my remote to Cable (which is Input 1 on the back of the set) and get a picture on channels 1 -99 that are slightly better than viewing it through the DTV input.

How am I getting a signal through input 1 if nothing is connected to it?

Other than this, I'm very pleased with the whole thing!
Best of all, now due to the simplified operation of the remote, my wife is even happy!!

It's not unreasonable to expect someone to know what they're doing when installing something (it's their job). The guy should at least read the manual or handout for the product. The quick connect guide I got clearly explained how to hook up the 5100. You don't need training for it. 5 jobs are more than enough to figure out the connections needed. When I do a job, I make sure I know how to do the job before doing it. I wouldn't dream of doing a job without the proper knowledge and I expect the same of anyone doing work for me. You seem to be defending fellow technicians and making excuses for them. You don't need to. Installing a 5100 is not hard. 5 minutes of reading and you should have a very good idea of how to do it before even looking at the product (especially for a technician).

When I had the HDD200 side car installed, the technician knew exactly how to hook it up. He even had some very nice (thick) component cables with him. He did hem and haw about have to run a line into the basement, but after I firmly reminded him that it was his job to run the line and install the box and that it was the reason he was sent here, he got to work and did a nice job. I guess I'm a jerk too because I except someone to know how to do there job and do it without constantly complaining about it.

And to stay somewhat on topic, my 5100 was updated on November 21st. I'm in Jamison, PA (Warwick Township, Bucks County). Everything is working great just like the others have commented on. I still use my TV's turner for channels 1-99 though as they still look much better than on the 5100.

John

Flipped through the channels last night. Overall, my experience is the same as everyone else. VOD seems to be working fine now. Ch 2-11 have been improved, but Ch 2 continues to be horrible.

BTW, has anyone noticed increased red push from the 5100? I only get it on the component inputs from the 5100. All my other inputs are not pushing red as much. If it is the box, what's the model number of the Radio Shack attenuator?

Thanks in advance.

Pioneer SD533
Yamaha RXV620
Motorola 5100