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Sony DHG-HDD250/500: Official Thread - Page 724

post #21691 of 28423
10/13/10 at 10:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bardot861 View Post

With all this complicated high tech analysis flying around - almost embarrassed to pass on what I hope is the end to my most recent loss of grid - . If you all re-call constant freeze-ups prompted my using 9012 tv guide reset to factory, etc. Whether that was over kill -it resulted in my original software 500 losing it's grid and reverting to Nov. 2003. After setting some manual recordings with allowance for 3 or 4 hour time difference (not to mention 7 years ) the front panel clock must have got right packet - or at least felt my pain- because after about a week it corrected itself. From that point on I started watching receipt of various packets -ie. lineup and lineup sel and noted while initially they did not increase much daily - after another week or two - it was quite noticeable that they were both on the increase - also - was very apparent that unit was receiving updated advertisements. After about three weeks still with no grid / no channel editor, etc. - decided to re-boot the dvr - as a last attempt to bring forward grid - before connecting up my just arrived Artec. After unit re-boot itself - and with only flashing dashes in place of panel clock - turning unit on via remote brought forth "Houston - we have liftoff..." er, I had back my grid. Within a few days fully populated. Can't wait for next crisis.
Thanks to all - particularly Mark and PossumGirl.
Barry

That's great. So how did you reboot the DVR? Front panel reset, or power unplug and plug? I have heard of people successfully doing what you did a couple of times before. I wonder if this is similar to the 123123123 thing we were talking about the other day. Something I'll put into my list of things to try next summer is to reset the DVR, and try to get the HostSUFlags to 0xee8, and then unplug and replug the DVR, and see if by chance the grid appears.

Mark
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post #21692 of 28423
10/14/10 at 5:50am
Now 2 days without ads or listings.

Yesterday HostSUFlag stayed on 0xe28 and VBIstate 0x03

Today it is 0xe68 and 0x04

Have not seen VBIState of 0x05 in two days.

Have plenty of EPP's and everything else on that screen is coming in during the last 2 days.

Clock sets had stopped yesterday, but they resumed during the night.

If it does not wake up in the next couple of hours, I will contact the local CBS
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post #21693 of 28423
10/14/10 at 5:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Now 2 days without ads or listings.

I checked last night..... full 8 days here . . .
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post #21694 of 28423
10/14/10 at 5:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mabuttra View Post

This has happened a couple of times on my analog DVR, and doing the "00000" zip code reset should fix it. This was the only time I have ever had to do that procedure. I never have had to do this on digital, because digital doesn't need a host channel to get listings, but analog does.

Mark

I thought I would try using advice given here before: leave it alone. So unit #1 is now back to its usual host, all bits are set, and I hope it stays there. Of course, #2 and #3 have wandered to KYW as I expected. I'll give them a day or two and see how they like it. I haven't checked #4, but it should drift too. I'll know soon if this is a recurring issue. Odd, but the inserter on to KYW is having a slow (50 per minute) packet day. I do feel that the power-on time is relative to when other events happen, just like a computer. Or should I say that some events are based on run time, not the clock time.
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post #21695 of 28423
10/14/10 at 9:54am
Lately although my grid is populating listings for the NBC HD channel on 5.1 the channel appears blank and black, so I'm having to record all my NBC programs not in HD on regular channel 5

My ABC, CBS and FOX HD channels still operate and record fine on 4.1, 7.1 and 13.1 though. Does anyone have any suggestions to remedy this problem? I tried contacting RIVO & Comcast but have received no replies.

My host channel is listed as: Host Chan: 1:0-7
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post #21696 of 28423
10/14/10 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mellygirl23 View Post

Lately although my grid is populating listings for the NBC HD channel on 5.1 the channel appears blank and black, so I'm having to record all my NBC programs not in HD on regular channel 5

I know this doesn't really fully remedy the problem, but in the meantime, if you're getting the correct time, can't you just set timer recordings from 5.1 manually?
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post #21697 of 28423
10/14/10 at 11:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mellygirl23 View Post

Lately although my grid is populating listings for the NBC HD channel on 5.1 the channel appears blank and black, so I'm having to record all my NBC programs not in HD on regular channel 5

My ABC, CBS and FOX HD channels still operate and record fine on 4.1, 7.1 and 13.1 though. Does anyone have any suggestions to remedy this problem? I tried contacting RIVO & Comcast but have received no replies.

My host channel is listed as: Host Chan: 1:0-7

Sounds to me like they moved channel 5.1 to a different RF channel. I would do a cable channel scan on the Sony, and see if it doesn't find channel 5.1 again. Off the top of my head, to do the scan go to Menu, System Preferences, CH +/- List, Scan... or something like that.

Mark
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post #21698 of 28423
10/14/10 at 11:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mabuttra View Post

Sounds to me like they moved channel 5.1 to a different RF channel. I would do a cable channel scan on the Sony, and see if it doesn't find channel 5.1 again. Off the top of my head, to do the scan go to Menu, System Preferences, CH +/- List, Scan... or something like that.

Mark

It could also be the turner in the DVR. I have a number of stations that come in fine on the TV tuner but record a black screen most of the time on the DVR. I believe it has to do with directional issues with the over the air (OTA) antenna. Ironically these are the stations that are physically closest, but are thus spread out in different directions from where the antenna is pointed.
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post #21699 of 28423
10/14/10 at 2:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mellygirl23 View Post

NBC HD channel on 5.1 the channel appears blank and black

Some folk on the Seattle, WA - Comcast list have noted this occuring when a trap is inserted for customers that are Comcast internet customers without signing up for even basic tv. Sometimes the engineering for a neighbor may result in an oversight that puts you behind your neighbor's trap as well.

You can quickly check for this condition by noting if 5.1, 5.2, 22.1 and 22.2 all seem to be missing. These are on the two RF channels that seem to be blocked by the trap. If you believe you are behind a trap, schedule a truck roll and get Comcast to provide the service you are paying for.
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post #21700 of 28423
10/14/10 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WS65711 View Post

So Mark and subako, following HP's line of thought, do you remember how many "total" channels appeared after the 123123123 command (that was issued when you didn't previously have a Grid). Was it equal to the number of channels you "normally" have available to you?

My "normal" number is 644 total channels. Although I don't recall checking, I believe I would have noticed if it were different because my routine for editing my channel list has me working from the bottom up.
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post #21701 of 28423
10/14/10 at 3:35pm
Just an update that doing an Auto Scan as recommended has corrected the problem Thank you so much for your help everyone!
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post #21702 of 28423
10/14/10 at 7:09pm
This should interest some.

The FCC changes the CableCARD rules, but not dramatically

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/14/t...-dramatically/

Most interesting, they will have to allow self installs.
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post #21703 of 28423
10/15/10 at 5:59am
Still no listings or ads here for 3 days now.

Local CBS KHOU says everything is perfect. They had 3 engineers look into. They suggested contacting Rovi.

We did have a odd power flicker on Tuesday that turned on one of those small digital picture frames on the same circuit as the Sony DVR. Nothing else in the house was affected.

Anyway, just did a front panel reset - so will see if that does anything.
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post #21704 of 28423
10/15/10 at 6:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Still “no listings” or “ads” here for 3 days now.

Local CBS KHOU says everything is perfect. They had 3 engineers look into. They suggested contacting Rovi.

We did have a odd power flicker on Tuesday that turned “on” one of those small digital picture frames on the same circuit as the Sony DVR. Nothing else in the house was affected.

Anyway, just did a front panel reset – so will see if that does anything.

I doubt Rovi can pick on you all the time. (but I don't rule it out) A power spike is more likely. The software inside the DHG for the guide is not so perfect. Tonight's prime time as example. If I look at NBC, starting from 8pm and at 9pm I see Dateline from 9pm to 11pm. If I start at 11pm and go back, I see Outlaw at 10pm. No wonder there is a stability problem with listings.
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post #21705 of 28423
10/15/10 at 9:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeKustra View Post

............... If I look at NBC, starting from 8pm and at 9pm I see Dateline from 9pm to 11pm. If I start at 11pm and go back, I see Outlaw at 10pm.............

I've noticed that type of stuff before. Even when sometimes scrolling forward shows "No Listing" but backing into that same timeslot actually shows the program name . . . . .
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post #21706 of 28423
10/15/10 at 10:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeKustra View Post

If I look at NBC, starting from 8pm and at 9pm I see Dateline from 9pm to 11pm. If I start at 11pm and go back, I see Outlaw at 10pm. No wonder there is a stability problem with listings.

I see the same thing and have seen it occasionally in the past. Probably due to late scheduling changes where a different program overlays what had been in that time slot. Outlaw just got cancelled, so it was there and now it's not!
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post #21707 of 28423
10/15/10 at 11:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Possumgirl View Post

I see the same thing and have seen it occasionally in the past. Probably due to late scheduling changes where a different program overlays what had been in that time slot. Outlaw just got cancelled, so it was there and now it's not!

Sadly, you are correct. I can see if something next week is wrong, but for tonight? That's bad. I guess I miss all the fun since I only do manual recordings. Or maybe that's a positive thing? Yeah, I saw it was cancelled. I have it on DVD recordings, but haven't had time to watch.
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post #21708 of 28423
10/15/10 at 11:12am
Pic 8868: About 5 hours ago I did the soft reset. That is the line 7000

After that followed the two 102 TVGOS resets. Odd to get that from a soft reset?

Still No Listings or ads that I see; but I think it may populate by sunset. We shall see?
LL
LL
LL
LL
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post #21709 of 28423
10/16/10 at 5:23am
Best I can tell as of late Friday.

Either the local station has turned off their inserter gizmo

or

My Sony DVR has said bye bye. (it still plays, records, and all that)


Since the Soft Reset did nothing - last night at 2:30am I did the "unplug for 5"


I really wish someone like Sony, Samsung, or Panasonic would buy out Rovi and make it a living breathing viable service/product. A great concept with stupid execution.
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post #21710 of 28423
10/16/10 at 5:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Best I can tell as of late Friday.

Either the local station has turned off their inserter gizmo

or

My Sony DVR has said bye bye. (it still plays, records, and all that)


Since the Soft Reset did nothing - last night at 2:30am I did the "unplug for 5"


I really wish someone like Sony, Samsung, or Panasonic would buy out Rovi and make it a living breathing viable service/product. A great concept with stupid execution.

I feel like an old friend has come back: only 50% listings for day8. They have been 100% since the middle of August. It is hard to find the specific problem when there are so many players in the game. You may be forced to the dark underworld where people like me only do manual recordings.
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post #21711 of 28423
10/16/10 at 6:14am
Saturday AM update:

Well the unplug has yielded little new results. It has reached 0x05 and 0xe68 and got two clock sets in the last 5 hours.

But still if you look at picture 8869 above, it is not creating any Stored Scheds or Shows. Something has gone Way Wacko with Rovi. But of course the local station says it's not their problem, and Rovi says it is perfect too.

One person with a Houston DTVPalDVR says his has gone wacko too. I am still waiting to hear back from other Houston peeps with Sony DVRs.

I viewed the Hard Drive Details (and all the others), under the 1234 menu. The hard drives have not changed in years - so that does not appear to be the problem.
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post #21712 of 28423
10/16/10 at 6:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Possumgirl View Post

Outlaw just got cancelled,

Watched it once for 20 or so minutes and gave up: it was so boring. Unfortunately it's not alone.

With the SONY's working nicely, it's a real shame to realize that there is almost nothing to watch.

This is the worst network schedule I can remember in my lifetime. There are almost no shows that I look forward to watching with any real interest.

Only look forward to a couple soon ending their season on AMC (Rubicon, Mad Men) and one or two on FX (Sons of Anarchy). And for those I can't use the SONY- which I only use with clear QAM.
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post #21713 of 28423
10/16/10 at 7:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Saturday AM update:

Well the unplug has yielded little new results. It has reached 0x05 and 0xe68 and got two clock sets in the last 5 hours.

But still if you look at picture 8869 above, it is not creating any Stored Scheds or Shows. Something has gone Way Wacko with Rovi. But of course the local station says it's not their problem, and Rovi says it is perfect too.

One person with a Houston DTVPalDVR says his has gone wacko too. I am still waiting to hear back from other Houston peeps with Sony DVRs.

I viewed the Hard Drive Details (and all the others), under the 1234 menu. The hard drives have not changed in years - so that does not appear to be the problem.

If it makes you feel any better, unit #2 (MyCBS) just did a reboot on its own. Nothing lost, and I should do a rescan since losing 12 channels last week. Yeah, there is some bad data out/in there.
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post #21714 of 28423
10/16/10 at 7:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Saturday AM update:

[...]
One person with a Houston DTVPalDVR says his has gone wacko too. I am still waiting to hear back from other Houston peeps with Sony DVRs.

I could tell that it was a station problem from your first post about this. Data coming in, HostSUFlags advancing, but no listing data. It sure sounds like a problem with their connection to Rovi. They have fixed this issue before, so it surprised me when they claimed that there wasn't a problem. Those three engineers probably turned on their TV Guide television, and verified that there were listings for yesterday, and declared that all was well.

Mark
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post #21715 of 28423
10/17/10 at 11:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Saturday AM update:

One person with a Houston DTVPalDVR says his has gone wacko too. I am still waiting to hear back from other Houston peeps with Sony DVRs.

HP,

My two DHGs (one 250, one 500) both have complete schedules up to 4 am Wednesday. After that both have no guide information. Looks like there's a problem with the transmission in Houston.

-phil
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post #21716 of 28423
10/17/10 at 3:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilB View Post

HP,

My two DHGs (one 250, one 500) both have complete schedules up to 4 am Wednesday. After that both have no guide information. Looks like there's a problem with the transmission in Houston.

-phil

That is correct. Neither the Sony DVR's nor the DTVpal DVR are working correctly in Houston; but so far neither KHOU or Rovi will fess up to it. I have had a few here in Houston contact me already. I expect more this next week as they discover the situation.

If you can send an email to both KHOU and Rovi, perhaps they will take an interest to fix it.
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post #21717 of 28423
10/17/10 at 3:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mabuttra View Post

I could tell that it was a station problem from your first post about this. Data coming in, HostSUFlags advancing, but no listing data. It sure sounds like a problem with their connection to Rovi. They have fixed this issue before, so it surprised me when they claimed that there wasn't a problem. Those three engineers probably turned on their TV Guide television, and verified that there were listings for yesterday, and declared that all was well.

Mark

Their engineers so far do not know? It appears that Rovi has sent them TS Reader to confirm output and that is the only tool they have. They have been unable to confirm they even have a grid to look at. They did state Rovi test their signal and confirm it was perfect. Clearly, neither has a clue what is going on.

I have sent detailed information to both Rovi and KHOU. This would require them to hook up the local inserter (encoder) direct to the Rovi source and by-pass the Corporate server - this has been the constant source of the problem since transition.
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post #21718 of 28423
10/17/10 at 6:50pm
I got to say I have the highest respect for you guys who continue to try and make these things work on a daily basis. If I was having this many issues with mine I would have given up a long time ago and gone to some other way to record shows.

With that being said, I am sad to say that I find myself using my two 500's less frequently now that I got DirecTV's whole home DVR (aka multi room viewing) installed a few weeks ago. Its pretty cool, I can see all of the recorded shows on both DVR's in one playlists and view them from anywhere in the house. Both DVR's basically talk to each other.

I don't think I'll ever get rid of my two 500's though. I'll use them for overflow recording when theres conflicts on the other two.

Sorry to get off topic, but in the meantime I hope all of you get your issues worked out and your Sonys working again.
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post #21719 of 28423
10/17/10 at 7:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HoustonPerson View Post

Saturday AM update:

Well the unplug has yielded little new results. It has reached 0x05 and 0xe68 and got two clock sets in the last 5 hours.

But still if you look at picture 8869 above, it is not creating any Stored Scheds or Shows. Something has gone Way Wacko with Rovi. But of course the local station says it's not their problem, and Rovi says it is perfect too.

One person with a Houston DTVPalDVR says his has gone wacko too. I am still waiting to hear back from other Houston peeps with Sony DVRs.

I viewed the Hard Drive Details (and all the others), under the 1234 menu. The hard drives have not changed in years - so that does not appear to be the problem.

Are you getting the local over the air channels? I can no longer tune over the air local channels in Houston. I have done a new scan and the Sony finds zero over the air channels. This started happing last week.
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post #21720 of 28423
10/17/10 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DvdJags View Post

Are you getting the local over the air channels? I can no longer tune over the air local channels in Houston. I have done a new scan and the Sony finds zero over the air channels. This started happing last week.

I believe a soft reset from the front panel will fix that problem. Turn off the DVR, and then press the TV Guide and Exit buttons simultaneously on the front panel. The DVR will reboot, and you should have your OTA stations back.

Mark
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