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Sony DHG-HDD250/500: Official Thread - Page 349

post #10441 of 28423
10/8/07 at 6:17pm
Well, even my DVR has begun to exhibit problems.

I was unable to get any of my digital channels to work (other than the ones that are unencrypted). I thought I would try rebooting the DVR, and it didn't help. This caused my clock to initially be blank, but then it grabbed the time, but was about 40 minutes slow. I tried running the TV Guide G* factory test while tuned to my normal host channel. This failed the VBI test, and didn't set the correct time.

I suspect that this is a cablecard issue (but I hate calling Charter, since they won't have a clue what a cablecard is - let alone how to send a "hit" to it). They will probably send a tech who will be just about as clueless. Ugh.

I might try emailing the local host channel and have them check their G* equipment to see if the VBI failure is caused on their end. I really suspect that Charter is the source of the problem, though.
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post #10442 of 28423
10/8/07 at 6:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by spiff72 View Post

Well, even my DVR has begun to exhibit problems.

I was unable to get any of my digital channels to work (other than the ones that are unencrypted). I thought I would try rebooting the DVR, and it didn't help. This caused my clock to initially be blank, but then it grabbed the time, but was about 40 minutes slow. I tried running the TV Guide G* factory test while tuned to my normal host channel. This failed the VBI test, and didn't set the correct time.

I suspect that this is a cablecard issue (but I hate calling Charter, since they won't have a clue what a cablecard is - let alone how to send a "hit" to it). They will probably send a tech who will be just about as clueless. Ugh.

I might try emailing the local host channel and have them check their G* equipment to see if the VBI failure is caused on their end. I really suspect that Charter is the source of the problem, though.

Mr. Wizard.

This is all about Cable Labs. They started to
send out new encryption algorithms starting
around Labor Day - for me. The first three
weeks of September where terrible here in
the Comcast New England Area. Even some of
Comcast's OWN BOXES where rejecting the
Cable Labs upgrade.

I moved my problems so high up the Comcast
tech support chain - I got my own dedicated
tech with direct phone number. That is how I
started to get two-way cards installed. The area
Manager had to APPROVE installation of the two-way
cards that have only been out --- here --- since
August. In a two week span - I had Comcast techs
here 7 days out of 10 business days.

At one point - They even had me contact SONY
tech support to tell them - BY LAW - as a certified
CableCard Licensee - that they must update the
FW in the DVR to be compatible with the new
Cable Labs encryption algorithms. Sony gave me
an OPEN case number. SO FAR NOTHING from
Sony.

But once Cable Labs had all the Cable Cards in
the region updated - all the CableCards settled
down and they have all worked now for 2+ weeks.

While the upgrades were going on - I could not go
48 hours without the CableCard loosing the Encryption
Keys.
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post #10443 of 28423
10/8/07 at 6:45pm
Crap - guess I will be calling Charter. I did check some of the other cablecards in my house (one in a Sony TV), and it is working fine. The CC's in my Tivo were busy recording network programming, so I chould check to see if they were getting the premium channels correctly.
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post #10444 of 28423
10/8/07 at 6:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by spiff72 View Post

Crap - guess I will be calling Charter. I did check some of the other cablecards in my house (one in a Sony TV), and it is working fine. The CC's in my Tivo were busy recording network programming, so I chould check to see if they were getting the premium channels correctly.

In all honesty - you have to live through
the upgrade for however long it takes in
your area.

Some of your cards might accept the upgrade
and others will either DROP the KEYS or QUIT
all together.

I have 5 SONY DVRs with 5 CableCards. All 5
were hiccuping to the upgrade and eventually
2 out of 5 locked up and DIED from the upgrade.
That is how I ended up with 2 new RED CableCards.

I also had one COMCAST Cable Box REJECT the
upgrade and LOCK UP. It was a FUN FUN FUN
two weeks.

If I was not an EE - familiar with all this network
junk - I would have been washed under the carpet
instead of getting the right answer that Cable Labs
was busy doing all the upgrades and it was beyond
Comcast's Control. All they could do was truck rolls
to replace the boxes and cards that were LOCKING UP.
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post #10445 of 28423
10/8/07 at 7:04pm
I called the support line (800-386-7380) and asked about my Sony receiving the new digital guide signal as it is up and running here in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is being transmitted from KPIX (CBS). The engineer looked up the Sony from a list and said that the Sony could receive the new guide, but only with a software "patch" of which they have right now and ready to go. He said that the Sony was new enough to get it. Older analog units will require a external "box". He said they are trying to get manufactures
to sign for the "patch" for the newer models so they can get the new guide. So I called Sony and they said they no nothing about a software "patch" and that I was S O L when analog shuts off (what do they know). Maybe to early yet. The guy at Sony even suggested that I update it myself...huh? How am I going to do that? I asked the TVGOS engineer why they could not send it with the guide data and he said they could, but would not be permanent. When the unit is rebooted, it would loose the "patch" Sounds like an external "box" for the Sony unless someone gets a copy of the software "patch" from TVGOS and figures out how to upgrade. Come on guys I know one of you can do it right?

Fox
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post #10446 of 28423
10/8/07 at 7:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fox200 View Post

I called the support line (800-386-7380) and asked about my Sony receiving the new digital guide signal as it is up and running here in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is being transmitted from KPIX (CBS). The engineer looked up the Sony from a list and said that the Sony could receive the new guide, but only with a software "patch" of which they have right now and ready to go. He said that the Sony was new enough to get it. Older analog units will require a external "box". He said they are trying to get manufactures
to sign for the "patch" for the newer models so they can get the new guide. So I called Sony and they said they no nothing about a software "patch" and that I was S O L when analog shuts off (what do they know). Maybe to early yet. The guy at Sony even suggested that I update it myself...huh? How am I going to do that? I asked the TVGOS engineer why they could not send it with the guide data and he said they could, but would not be permanent. When the unit is rebooted, it would loose the "patch" Sounds like an external "box" for the Sony unless someone gets a copy of the software "patch" from TVGOS and figures out how to upgrade. Come on guys I know one of you can do it right?

Fox

Doing software updates on the SONY DVR is trivial.
I have done all 5 of mine. BUT THE SOFTWARE has
to come from SONY.

I think you need to push the issue HIGHER up the
SONY Ladder. The average Sony Phone Tech knows
nothing. I had to go two levels up in the supervisor
chain to get anyone who knew something.
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post #10447 of 28423
10/8/07 at 8:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

Doing software updates on the SONY DVR is trivial.
I have done all 5 of mine. BUT THE SOFTWARE has
to come from SONY.

I think you need to push the issue HIGHER up the
SONY Ladder. The average Sony Phone Tech knows
nothing. I had to go two levels up in the supervisor
chain to get anyone who knew something.

May I ask how you upgraded your software?

Thanks
Fox
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post #10448 of 28423
10/8/07 at 8:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fox200 View Post

May I ask how you upgraded your software?

Thanks
Fox

The Software is loaded on a USB Thumb drive.

You plug it into the USB port and the BOX does
the rest.

Very Simple and Painless - but the Software has
to come from Sony so that the BOX recognizes it.
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post #10449 of 28423
10/8/07 at 8:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

The Software is loaded on a USB Thumb drive.

You plug it into the USB port and the BOX does
the rest.

Very Simple and Painless - but the Software has
to come from Sony so that the BOX recognizes it.

Thanks for your reply....
But if TVGOS has the patch for this software version why can't I obtain a copy from them and plug it into the USB for the upgrade? It is TVGOS who is responsible to keep the guide working right? Is Sony going to support software update for a discontinued product?

Fox
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post #10450 of 28423
10/8/07 at 9:09pm
I think the latest version of the sony software is posted somewhere in the middle of this thread.
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post #10451 of 28423
10/8/07 at 10:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

WRONG - ALL Cable Cards before July of this year are 1-Way.

That contradicts the CableCARD Primer written by CableLabs, which states:

"From the very early specifications and draft standards, the CableCARD module has been a two-way device. That is, it included the functionality to enable two-way communication on the cable plant. This two-way communication is necessary for a variety of advanced cable services including video on demand (VOD), switched digital video (SDV), interactive services and applications."

"... CableCARD modules always were designed to support two-way functionality, including the original CableCARD 1.0 interface specifications."
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post #10452 of 28423
10/9/07 at 5:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Erik Garci View Post

That contradicts the CableCARD Primer written by CableLabs, which states:

"From the very early specifications and draft standards, the CableCARD module has been a two-way device. That is, it included the functionality to enable two-way communication on the cable plant. This two-way communication is necessary for a variety of advanced cable services including video on demand (VOD), switched digital video (SDV), interactive services and applications."

"... CableCARD modules always were designed to support two-way functionality, including the original CableCARD 1.0 interface specifications."

You are right and the CableCard Primers is right. It allows
2-way communications with the Cable Plant. The NOC
[Network Operations Center] can address my CableCards
in my BOXES and they will talk back to report whatever it
is that the NOC has asked. Just because there is two-way
communications between the NOC and the CableCard - does
not mean it is a TWO-way Card. I know that is confusing.

Think of it this way - You are the end-user - what you get
is channels sent to you - that is one-way. When you interact
with the MSO servers - like requesting VOD - stop, play
or OK of extra charges - that is a two-way communications
between you and the MSO servers for APPLICATIONS. That
class of two way communications is way different that the
NOC asking your CableCard to send back its status. That
is called network management and the other with you in
the loop is call VALUE ADDED SERVICES.

Since end users can NEVER EVER access any of the Network
Management data - previous cards were one-way - pushing
channels to your TV.

The one-way or two-way I was referring to is the END-USER
communications for value added services and interactively.
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post #10453 of 28423
10/9/07 at 5:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by osu1991 View Post

I think the latest version of the sony software is posted somewhere in the middle of this thread.

YES - it is here - SOMEWHERE - Rather Hard to find in this HUGE thread
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post #10454 of 28423
10/9/07 at 5:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fox200 View Post

Thanks for your reply....
But if TVGOS has the patch for this software version why can't I obtain a copy from them and plug it into the USB for the upgrade? It is TVGOS who is responsible to keep the guide working right? Is Sony going to support software update for a discontinued product?

Fox

SONY's track record for supporting software updates
even for CURRENTLY shipping products is the WORST
in the industry. Their approach is to SELL you a new
model with the new feature.

The PS3 is the only product I have seen SONY provide
great FW updates for.
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post #10455 of 28423
10/9/07 at 6:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

SONY's track record for supporting software updates
even for CURRENTLY shipping products is the WORST
in the industry. Their approach is to SELL you a new
model with the new feature.

The PS3 is the only product I have seen SONY provide
great FW updates for.

Ok so how and where did you get the updated software then? How can the rest of us get it?

Thanks
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post #10456 of 28423
10/9/07 at 6:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by theratpatrol View Post

Ok so how and where did you get the updated software then? How can the rest of us get it?

Thanks

ON THIS FORUM SOMEWHERE???????????
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post #10457 of 28423
10/9/07 at 6:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by theratpatrol View Post

Ok so how and where did you get the updated software then? How can the rest of us get it?

Thanks

The LATEST DVR SOFTWARE update is available HERE

You must LOGIN as an ANONYMOUS user using your e-mail address.

The last released version is 1.2.13.

Check your version before doing any upgrade.

> MENU

> Preferences

> System

> System Menu
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post #10458 of 28423
10/9/07 at 7:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

You are right and the CableCard Primers is right.

I believe you have a narrow interpretation of those quotes. If the device had a signal return path for the network management piece, why in the world would the cable company or CableCards limit it to only ping/pong when they could sell PPV to those devices? I believe the Primer is closer to the truth in that the capability and functionality was present from the beginning, but the device producers did not have a consistent language to talk to every cable head-end, and therefore did not try to build the 2-way functionality...

The point about the 2005 two way certification for the TV was that I believe it was using the 1.0 specifications and card, and not the 2.0 multi-stream version...

Does not change anything in relation to the devices manufactured with only one-way in the design.

v/r,
C-F
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post #10459 of 28423
10/9/07 at 7:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

The one-way or two-way I was referring to is the END-USER communications for value added services and interactively.

The Primer mentions this example: "When a CableCARD 1.0 module is used with a two-way receiver (e.g., Samsung HLR5067C) that card supports all the necessary two-way functionality for VOD, SDV, and other interactive services."

In other words, you can use any CableCARD module, even as early as 1.0, and it supports all two-way communications that your host device might offer, such as VOD and SDV.
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post #10460 of 28423
10/9/07 at 7:52am
Thanks for the link to the latest firmware. Anyone know what's new in it or "better" about it?
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post #10461 of 28423
10/9/07 at 1:30pm
Downloading the FW from my Web server
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post #10462 of 28423
10/9/07 at 4:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by izzihd View Post

Thanks for the link to the latest firmware. Anyone know what's new in it or "better" about it?

As I recall, its only purpose was to correct TV compatibility problems so that is the only reason to install it.
My two DVRs have version 05 and 06, and have been performing perfectly, except for the occasional loss of scheduled program so I see no reason to upgrade.

Ray
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post #10463 of 28423
10/9/07 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwpower View Post

Hello everyone...first post here.

Two questions on my HHD500 unit:

(1) Anyone have insight into the INF codes at startup?

Was watching a program and all of a sudden the unit rebooted to an INF 0000080 error. I tried warm rebooting the device, but kept getting the same error. Then I decided to pull the power and upon reboot received an INF 11FFFF80 error. Ran through rebooting it a bunch of times, then decided to do some more tinkering.

I ran through the Clear NVM procedure, but it didn't seem to work as others have stated - it went right back to the Welcome display.

I then tried the Wipe Unit procedure and the same thing happened - the unit went right back to the Welcome display.

I'm following the procedure on Spiffspace.com.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Would running the firmware update help?
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post #10464 of 28423
10/9/07 at 4:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dspadoni View Post

Will start at a fixed fee of about $150, which you have to pay up front when making the service call to get a workorder number. This includes their return shipment, so it may be a bit higher depending on where you live. If the fix needs more labor and replacing hardware, that will cost more, but in that case they should call for your approval to do the added work.

Ouch....Thanks.

I hope I can find a way to fix this myself.
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post #10465 of 28423
10/9/07 at 5:23pm
...nevermind....

The firmware update doesn't launch for me since the unit doesn't get past the errors I've noted.

I'm tempted to yank the drives and see if they are working....has anyone done this? Basically, check the drives in a PC/linux box and/or replace them if they're bad. I would assume the drives are the first things to go south.

What brand/type are the drives?
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post #10466 of 28423
10/9/07 at 6:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by drhankz View Post

The LATEST DVR SOFTWARE update is available HERE

You must LOGIN as an ANONYMOUS user using your e-mail address.

The last released version is 1.2.13.

Check your version before doing any upgrade.

> MENU

> Preferences

> System

> System Menu

Software is for the 500... will it work for the 250?

thanks
Fox
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post #10467 of 28423
10/9/07 at 6:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fox200 View Post

Software is for the 500... will it work for the 250?

thanks
Fox

Does this upgrade also fix the 161-6 error and the problem with the unit not letting you watch a previously recorded program while one is recording. Wife is killing me right now since she can not watch Desperate Housewives since I have set the unit to record some programs tonight. Tried pulling the plug and it did not work. I am desperate.
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post #10468 of 28423
10/9/07 at 7:05pm
My DVR problems have resolved. I cold rebooted it last night before bed, and emailed my host channel. They rebooted the G* box for me, and when I got home from work, the time was correct, and the VBI test was passing for my typical host channel.

I then called Charter, and they sent a hit to my equipment (presumably all of it), and my channels came back as I watched the blank screen. It did take a bit of explanation regarding the cablecard vs. cablebox differences, but the hit worked.

Back up and running
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post #10469 of 28423
10/9/07 at 8:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fox200 View Post

Software is for the 500... will it work for the 250?

thanks
Fox

YES - all OS's are the same.
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post #10470 of 28423
10/9/07 at 8:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fox200 View Post

I called the support line (800-386-7380) and asked about my Sony receiving the new digital guide signal as it is up and running here in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is being transmitted from KPIX (CBS). The engineer looked up the Sony from a list and said that the Sony could receive the new guide, but only with a software "patch" of which they have right now and ready to go. He said that the Sony was new enough to get it. ... I asked the TVGOS engineer why they could not send it with the guide data and he said they could, but would not be permanent. When the unit is rebooted, it would loose the "patch" ...

Hmm, I wonder if that has any connection with the list of TVGOS codes in post #8075
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...91#post9227191,
in particular the "352747283 Save To Flash Memory" code?
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