Sony DHG-HDD250/500: Official Thread - Page 834

Is it digital data or analog (legacy data)? If legacy, the 9012 VBI G* test will display the counters when tuned to the host channel.

If you are getting legacy data, just wait until tomorrow. If digital, the wait will be longer.

Right, my bad in confusing 753 diagnostic screens for ID of s/w version with its location under Sony regular menu System screens. In any event, all three of my units indicate 1.21 since Comcast switch to "all digital QAM" Memorial day w/e, but have been stagnant so what would really be helpful is info as asked to Marc re: what other ways there may be to check for TVGOS data flow in the diagnostics (or otherwise). Although I'm not a techie would think all those screens and #'s under the 753 diagnostics show us something worthwhile for actually, you know, doing a diagnostic.

Thx.

Sorry, but don't understand answer. I get Cable only, which is now only digital QAM, i.e., no OTA and not otherwise rec'v analog....I understand VBI doesn't apply to digital data (right?), so is there any other way to see data flow outside of the *G test?

I have no way to give an accurate answer since all my TVGOS data is analog and I use .13 firmware. You have some different diag screens.

I also have no virtual channels or cable cards.

(almost to 25,000 posts)

Understood, thx for trying and your other comments! Perhaps Mark will have an answer when he's next online...

If you go to the 753 menu, and there is a [2] to the right of the GMT clock, then you are not getting any data. If there is a [3] to the right of the GMT clock, and the clock shows the correct GMT time (local time + 4 hours), then you are getting data. If there is a [3] by the clock, then you can scroll down 3 screens to the ATSC slicer screen. If you have counts in the Since Cold column that is good. You may even see active counts in the CurrChan column if you are tuned to your host channel.

Mark

I would have been right on the first part. I would have guessed right on the second part. I find the ClockSet channel is corrected faster than the host. The DHG is still the best toy I have. BTW, the slicer data is the same with .13 firmware too.

Thx! Joe had previously told me about [2] vs [3] by clock, but was unaware about seeing data flow via the ATSC slicer screen. If you have counts in the Since Cold column that is good. You may even see active counts in the CurrChan column if you are tuned to your host channel. Is the ATSC slicer screen, however, relevant/active if signal is digital QAM? Again, I'm a non-techie, but thought QAM and ATSC were two different types of signals, and in the "all digital" Comcast world I now have only QAM.

That is a valid question about QAM vs. ATSC, but the Sony doesn't seem to care. Some people have found that you have to run the G* Test on your host channel before the live counts in the Currchan column will increment, but if you see the SinceCold counts change after the unit is off for a while, that is a very good sign.

Mark

Appreciate the clarification. Also understand from an earlier post host channel won't show up in the diagnostics 753 screens in non-OTA, v1.21 world, so all you're suggesting is having DHG tuned to the local CBS affiliate that is supposed to be transmitting data, correct?

If CBS transmits the data, then that is where you have to tune to. Actually the host channel will show up when you get a grid. Then it will go away after three days. It will come back again when the DHG collects all of the grid building data, and go away again after three days. This cycle will repeat. I have a host channel set about 3/4 of the time.

Mark

Hello experts. One of my faithful 500s no longer 'turns on' with the remote or front panel button. The front panel has clock. I did the TVGOS two-button reset and the front panel cycled all the normal readouts 1.2.3.4. 5 6 and Welcome. but I can no longer get it to power on or output to TV. I also unplugged it. No change.
Anyone know what this means? We did have some power outages this week from storms.

Amazing how long these HDDs have marched on thru these many years. I have one 500 and one 250 still working fine. and another 250 that tunes but has no hard drive function. thanks.

Marc,

Again, appreciate the info. Also have an "out of the blue" sorta DHG related ? as well.

I'm upgrading one of my TV sets from a 2001 50" rear projection Toshiba HDTV to either a 65" Samsung D8000 (fell in love with picture in store) or perhaps an ES8000. Was planning to keep using the DHG along with a 2001 Yamaha natural sound receiver RX-V2500 (no HDMI, component cables)...So, wondering if you'd know whether I'm doing myself a disservice (as to pix quality):

(a) by continuing to use (i) my DHG and (ii) old Yamaha receiver with this newer TV (does the DHG and component cables degrade video quality such that a laymen would notice)?

(b) the D8000 got generally good reviews apart from what the writers call picture uniformity, i.e., " serious issue with picture uniformity. The deep black levels and accurate colors tend to diminish towards the edges of the picture" They say the ES8000 does a somewhat better job on this but wonder if I'll ever notice as my primary use is watching sports, network TV shows, and cable news with only an occasional blue ray disc, i.e., is ES8000 vs D8000 worth the extra money?

I'm not the type of guy likely to spend much time fixating on settings or stuff like calibration after making an hour or so of initial adjustments during first week I get this new toy, after that it'll all be turn it on and watch....appreciating all answers to these types of questions are ultimately subjective (apart from lab measurements you see in reviews), your opinion, if you feel comfortable providing it, would be much appreciated!

Thx,

Lee

Here's a thought. Sell the bad unit on ebay for parts. Then use the money to buy a UPS to power the other units. You should also check the RWY outputs just to be sure.

Maybe I missed it from reading all the recent posts, but I would be curious if anyone is receiving TVGOS from WCBS HD OTA (over the air) with an antenna or from any cable provider, (Cablevision, Time Warner, Service Electric, RCN, Verizon) in the tri-state area, i.e., NY CBS.

Just trying to eliminate all the variables in establishing why I can't get my units restarted since Memorial Day...THX!

You might try:
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1122914/tvgos-tv-guide-on-screen-devices/0_50

Not a real popular forum, but a good place for more information.

Much appreciated!

p.s. did you see my note from last night re: getting new TV and using DHG and older (non HDMI receiver) wondering if this affects pix quality?

I have a Sony 32EX700, over two years old. I set the DHG to 1080i and feed the TV via HDMI. I can't detect any issues. Smaller panels are not as prone to display problems. Bigger sets have a better chance to display something you don't like. I can understand feeding an older projector with component signals, but newer flat panels sets are like pizza. And this is not the proper thread to discuss TV's PQ. There are too many variables to be objective, but enough to have a debate. Just not here please.

Thx. If you don't mind can you suggest the thread on which I should raise this topic (honestly just not sure)? Also, per your reply assume your also using a stereo receiver from which you have HDMI output (my older Yamaha does not). Thx.

p.s. Figured since receiver feed was DHG that using this one was tangentially related

No one (in a double-blind test) can detect any difference between HDMI and Component video at 1080i.

I totally agree. I went HDMI for the audio since I had too many cables.

Can't answer #1. But two DHG units feed the TV via HDMI. One feeds an AVR (Yamaha RX-V867) via HDMI. I was using a JVC for all audio, but I needed more connections. My TV sends 5.1 out the optical port to the AVR if it's received from any input. I liked the JVC, but I got tired of the ABC switches for audio coax and fiber. It had a nicer front panel display too.

I somewhat prefer component due to its plug it in and it works feature, unlike HDMI where I have too often ended up with weird HDMI handshake problems.
1 cable is more convenient than 3+ though.

Nice picture of the guide on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-OTA-Cable-TV-Guide-HD-DVR-w-Remote-/330761970280?pt=US_DVRs_Hard_Drive_Recorders&hash=item4d02f32268&BackToListReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fmy.ebay.com%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI.dll%3FMyEbayBeta

Can't tell when it was taken. Plus the seller is in S NJ and the front panel shows WCBS.

Thx Joe, however, I've ruled out Philly CBS (A/C seller) as having issues, really ? is re: NYC CBS.

Last 3 days no listings from WCBS using comcast in Northern NJ. Whenever WCBS fails I do the 963...... force for KYW OTA and that usually gets my listings back, however it didn't work Saturday afternoon.

Thx for info; unfortunately, I"m stuck without OTA...and odd, but can't seem to regenerate grid off a Philly comcast CBS feed this past week even though a Bravia hooked to same service is getting TVGOS data.

Does the TV say where it is getting it's data? My EX700 gets V10 data from the internet which doesn't help the DHG. What model Sony?

Seems as if KYW lost TVGOS sometime last Wednesday 7/11, as both my TVGOS devices show full listings for Monday and Tuesday (today and tomorrow), almost complete listings for Wednesday, and then nothing. I'll try to find out more about what's going on, but the problem seems to have coincided with the sudden appearance of 3.2, CBSPLUS, a new subchannel on KYW.

Interesting; wonder if CBS is in process of changing to these new subchannels for transmitting the Rovi TVGOS data? I'm not technical so wonder if you would know if that is possible/likely?