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Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575 - Page 235

post #7021 of 23893
10/16/09 at 5:58pm
Apologize in advance if this issue has been addressed elsewhere but I have not been able to find a good explanation. I have a WS TV so have my 2160A set to 16:9 AR and things work perfectly when recording to HDD and playing back. WS programs show up as WS and 4:3 show up with appropriate PB bars.

However, when dubbing said programs to DVD and playing back on a DVD-V on a 4:3 screen I get odd looking results. I basically get a horizontally squished WS image on my 4:3 TV (fills entire screen with no bars). The vertical AR is maintained, but squeezed to fill the screen -- makes people look tall/narrow. A 4:3 program recorded to the HDD and dubbed to DVD shows up on the 4:3 TV with the original PB as displayed on the WS, but has a second set of still thinner PB next to those, further squeezing the picture horizontally with the vertical AR maintained. I have played with the DVD-V playback screen AR settings with no discernible difference.

It occurred to me while writing this that maybe setting the DVDRs AR to 4:3 before dubbing might solve the problem??? Thoughts? It is confusing to read that "this DVDR ONLY records in 4:3" in the manual, but get WS AR display. I've read the posts on the various scaling that occurs. In any case -- ideas?
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #7022 of 23893
10/17/09 at 6:53am
Thread Starter 


The 2160 (A?) refurbs are back at J&R, $159.99, free shipping.

Might be 2008 originals but more likely the 2009 "A" version, but no problem with the A cuz the FW Bug is dead!

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post #7023 of 23893
10/17/09 at 9:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post



The 2160 (A?) refurbs are back at J&R, $159.99, free shipping.

Might be 2008 originals but more likely the 2009 "A" version, but no problem with the A cuz the FW Bug is dead!


temptation......... not sure I can justify yet "ANOTHER" one... Limited quantity, by the way...
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post #7024 of 23893
10/17/09 at 9:32am
Oh come on, unless you've got more than Digado theirs always room for one more
I should talk, at last count I had ~ a dozen DVDRs, which truthfully are mostly just sipping power since the majority of my time shifting is done via my Tivo HD, while my DVDRs are basically just for archiving the Tivo recordings, and a fine job they do at that.
My fathers already talking about another 2160a, just in case his workhorse 3575 starts having problems
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post #7025 of 23893
10/17/09 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by axw View Post

Apologize in advance if this issue has been addressed elsewhere but I have not been able to find a good explanation. I have a WS TV so have my 2160A set to 16:9 AR and things work perfectly when recording to HDD and playing back. WS programs show up as WS and 4:3 show up with appropriate PB bars.

However, when dubbing said programs to DVD and playing back on a DVD-V on a 4:3 screen I get odd looking results. I basically get a horizontally squished WS image on my 4:3 TV (fills entire screen with no bars). The vertical AR is maintained, but squeezed to fill the screen -- makes people look tall/narrow. A 4:3 program recorded to the HDD and dubbed to DVD shows up on the 4:3 TV with the original PB as displayed on the WS, but has a second set of still thinner PB next to those, further squeezing the picture horizontally with the vertical AR maintained. I have played with the DVD-V playback screen AR settings with no discernible difference.

It occurred to me while writing this that maybe setting the DVDRs AR to 4:3 before dubbing might solve the problem??? Thoughts? It is confusing to read that "this DVDR ONLY records in 4:3" in the manual, but get WS AR display. I've read the posts on the various scaling that occurs. In any case -- ideas?

Do an Internet search for "anamorphic flag". Most DVD recorders don't set it, even when they should know to do so (as in this case). You may have to resort to something like recording to DVD-RW, loading the image into your computer, changing the anamorphic flag, then re-burning the image to DVD-R. A program called IFOedit may help you change the flag. Read this: http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?t=59409
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post #7026 of 23893
10/17/09 at 10:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

I should talk, at last count I had ~ a dozen DVDRs, which truthfully are mostly just sipping power since the majority of my time shifting is done via my Tivo HD..

Al Gore would not be pleased (as he rides back in his private jet to his huge, energy-consuming mansion).
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post #7027 of 23893
10/17/09 at 10:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

Oh come on, unless you've got more than Digado theirs always room for one more

Last week I found a Magnavox ZV450MW8 listed on Craig's List. This turned out to be a little-used refurbished model originally manufactured in March 2007 (the first month "digital" tuners were required in tuner-equipped devices manufactured for sale in the US). I couldn't help but purchase this machine at a bargain price. It's now set up to the raw Comcast coax cable. It's clear QAM tuner seems reliable with around 115 clear QAM sub-channels. It has made a number of timer recordings, dubbed from VHS to DVD, etc. At first it dubbed internally from DVD to VHS but it has now balked at that arrangement. The initial workaround is dubbing from an external Sony DVD player. Perhaps I'll figure out what's amiss with the DVD to VHS dubbing.

I also have the later version of this Magnavox, a little-used ZV450MW8A manufactured in August 2008. This is another good clear QAM recorder, somewhat more user friendly than the earlier machine. This 450 "A" version was found several months ago on Craig's List. That recorder was also purchased at a bargain price.

I've yet to visit Craig's List today. I wonder what's listed? In a little while I'll go over there--just to browse--REALLY--browsing doesn't cost anything...

Craig's List update: What did I find at Craig's List in Portland? One seller is still attempting to unload a Panasonic DMR-EZ47V combo recorder. The seller writes "I paid $400 less than a year ago. Comes with remote, orginal box, manual and latest firmware installed. $200.00." Last weekend Craig's List in Seattle had a like new Panasonic DMR-EH75 VHS/HDD/DVD recorder at $230 with PRICE NEGOTIABLE!
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post #7028 of 23893
10/17/09 at 10:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jjeff View Post

Oh come on, unless you've got more than Digado theirs always room for one more
I should talk, at last count I had ~ a dozen DVDRs, which truthfully are mostly just sipping power since the majority of my time shifting is done via my Tivo HD, while my DVDRs are basically just for archiving the Tivo recordings, and a fine job they do at that.
My fathers already talking about another 2160a, just in case his workhorse 3575 starts having problems

I dunno, I thought it might be unseemly to order another one before the 30 day return policy runs out on the 'extra' one I just picked up...

I definitely understand the heir & a spare philosophy... when it comes to these gizmos, snooze ya lose ...
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post #7029 of 23893
10/17/09 at 12:28pm
I've noticed some people talking about cable tuning problems. I have a strange OTA tuner problem.

This has been going on for a month or so. I've posted in my local OTA forum, and nobody else has the problem.

The Subs on channel 13 are mixed up on both my Magnavox H2160 and my Philips 3575

Both machines show 13.1 as Kids, 13.2 as Spanish and 13.3 as PBS

The Tivo still has them correct: 31.1 PBS, 13.2 Kids and 13.3 Spanish.

I've rescanned, I've unplugged for 10 minutes and rescanned. Problem still shows on both machines

I've given up, and reprogrammed my scheduled recording to use the incorrect sub channel. But I'd like to know what's going on!

Any thoughts?
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post #7030 of 23893
10/17/09 at 12:40pm
Thread Starter 
Your TV has an Integrated tuner, in which all channels, analog and digital, are tuned in sequence. The 3575 and 2160 have hybrid tuners, where you have to switch between the analog and digitaql tuners.

They sometimes interpret PSIP data in the digital stream differently. I don't think either is "incorrect" but just "different."

You've done what you need to do... set timer programs for the actual channels your 3575 and 2160 are seeing... I don't think you can change how the DVDRs interpret the data stream and place the channels in a specific channel slot.

Edit: You're actually lucky if your TV and DVDRs have ANY subchannel numbers that match. As an example, in my analog cable feed, my TV has CBS, NBC and ABC HD channels in 89-721, 89-723 and 89-733.

My 3575 and 2160 both see these as 89.1, 89.2 and 89.3.
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post #7031 of 23893
10/17/09 at 12:42pm
In my market the 3575 and 2160 also require programming in the actual channel number instead of the virtual number.
None of my other tuners require this workaround but once one knows the trick it's not a problem. People have speculated it's a PSIP mapping problem, I'm also OTA only. I don't think it's a big deal, just a minor inconvenience.
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post #7032 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:21pm
Just got this love note in the mail from CC and I'm trying to decipher before I call them up and give them a piece of my mind. Need to figure out what, if any, implications there are to my 2160 recordings. Disappearing QAM is not mentioned -- perhaps they are finally converting those wayward analog channel lineup ? I can't quite tell if it means that the only way to get any channels will be through the adapter? (no more QAM?) Do you think this means we are not *allowed* to get additional STBoxes, and have to use the crappy, crippled adapter (or just that the adapters are going to be provided as a part of our 'service' but wont be able to tune in many stations). Not an exact quote but here are the basics :

Currently Digital Starter includes a standard digital converter and remote on the primary outlet. As of Nov 16, digital starter video service will include a standard digital converter or digital adapter on the primary outlet, digital adapters for up to 2 additional outlets, and up to 3 remotes. A customer may request more adapters for 1.99 per month + tax and fees. Digital adapters provide digital quality picture and sound for all channels on the limited basic and expanded service and certain digital starter channels. They do not provide access to pay per view, vod, program guide, premium channels, or two way interactive services.


Does this mean that the current analog lineup is going digital (many of our stations are only coming in on the analog tier), or.... does it mean that the only way to get ANY channels will be through an adapter (even the locals)? Also, does getting the adapters preclude getting an additional STB? I can't imagine they wouldn't rent one to me, but ... why would i want their crippled adapter (except that it's free?) If I need it for all - should I get extra adapters for the TV in addition to the recorders , or just get an extra STB for the recorder and a free adapter for the TV (to view a station while recording something 'good')? I can't tell if they are offering MORE (oh yeah) since previously they only offered ONE converter and now they will give the adapters as well... or if it means (more likely) that now you NEED to have these boxes. They're not saying that ... but I'm pretty sure that's the subtext.

Is this similar to the message you've been getting? I can't tell if this is the "digital conversion' you've all been talking about -- no INFORMATION was included on the postcard, just this legalese.
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post #7033 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by artwire View Post

Just got this love note in the mail from CC and I'm trying to decipher before I call them up and give them a piece of my mind. Need to figure out what, if any, implications there are to my 2160 recordings. Disappearing QAM is not mentioned -- perhaps they are finally converting those wayward analog channel lineup ? I can't quite tell if it means that the only way to get any channels will be through the adapter? (no more QAM?) Do you think this means we are not *allowed* to get additional STBoxes, and have to use the crappy, crippled adapter (or just that the adapters are going to be provided as a part of our 'service' but wont be able to tune in many stations). Not an exact quote but here are the basics :

Currently Digital Starter includes a standard digital converter and remote on the primary outlet. As of Nov 16, digital starter video service will include a standard digital converter or digital adapter on the primary outlet, digital adapters for up to 2 additional outlets, and up to 3 remotes. A customer may request more adapters for 1.99 per month + tax and fees. Digital adapters provide digital quality picture and sound for all channels on the limited basic and expanded service and certain digital starter channels. They do not provide access to pay per view, vod, program guide, premium channels, or two way interactive services.


Does this mean that the current analog lineup is going digital (many of our stations are only coming in on the analog tier), or.... does it mean that the only way to get ANY channels will be through an adapter (even the locals)? Also, does getting the adapters preclude getting an additional STB? I can't imagine they wouldn't rent one to me, but ... why would i want their crippled adapter (except that it's free?) If I need it for all - should I get extra adapters for the TV in addition to the recorders , or just get an extra STB for the recorder and a free adapter for the TV (to view a station while recording something 'good')? I can't tell if they are offering MORE (oh yeah) since previously they only offered ONE converter and now they will give the adapters as well... or if it means (more likely) that now you NEED to have these boxes. They're not saying that ... but I'm pretty sure that's the subtext.

Is this similar to the message you've been getting? I can't tell if this is the "digital conversion' you've all been talking about -- no INFORMATION was included on the postcard, just this legalese.

We received a similar notice only ours is for Nov. 30. What it means is that in return for giving up your ability to record the extended basic channels from a direct analog feed, those channels will be moved to the digital tier where you will need an STB or a DTA to view them. On our notice was included Animal Planet, Discovery and Lifetime in the first batch to go (my wife's favorite channels).
As for your STB question, you can rent as many STBs as you like. The first 2 DTAs are provided free of charge, though.
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post #7034 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:42pm
Thread Starter 
I wouldn't do anything until after the date they say things will or might change.

Since 2007, there've been many people inquiring here about getting a DVDR with digital tuner and asking if it would work because their cableco said they HAD TO HAVE one of the cableco boxes, with monthly fee, TO SEE ANYTHING!

No matter what anyone says, it's definitely not time to panic yet!

What I'd do: on or after the day things are supposed to change, I'd do an All-or-Nothing and "open all 135 digital channels for business" and see what happens!?
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post #7035 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:46pm
If you have "Digital Starter", you'll get one, free full-featured tuner (that's what they mean by "standard converter"), and two free DTA's (that's what they mean by "digital adapters").

The extended analogs are being abolished.

You'll need to use that "stndard" tuner on the recorder if you want to record from a tuner that can change channels on it's own - that's assuming it has a timer or reminder feature (the DTA's don't).
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post #7036 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:50pm
ok -- deep breaths.... you think this is for people with analog tv who will no longer be able to pick up their soon-to-be-digital channel switcherooo ? I thought it was more a "well, you have an HDcapable set but we're going to keep you from seeing our stations because we're encrypting them" move. Hmmm...

I really do hate these bozos. One would THINK that they should have been giving us digital stations on the digital tier to begin with, no? Anyway, thanks for the "stay calm' advice (and confirmation!) . I will re-scan and see what's still there. Just didn't want to miss out on my option to grab another moto stb before it's replaced with a p. o. s. adapter. I also was scratching my head trying to figure out how many more things will need to be plugged in. With the STB to 2160 I'm getting about 100 more digital stations that I'm apparently paying for but not able to see on the other tv and 2160 just using raw coax. The cable guy didn't even want to send me the first converter box when I asked for one -- he said I didn't need it. think he was peeved because by going up a service tier to dgital, my bill was cut in half. Crazy , huh?
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post #7037 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:53pm
Well, they might just be encrypting them, rather than getting rid of them completely at this point. So do as Wajo says and just wait and see before making any changes yet.

If they are just encrypting them, and they're keeping the analogs around, you will at least be able to pick those up - plus the local digitals.

You won't miss out on the standard tuner - as long as you're actually subscribing to "Digital Starter". If you're under what was formerly the "Extended Basic Analog" tier, you might not get that first, "standard" tuner free - most likely only the DTA's.
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post #7038 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rammitinski View Post

If you have "Digital Starter", you'll get one, free full-featured tuner (that's what they mean by "standard converter"), and two free DTA's (that's what they mean by "digital adapters").

The extended analogs are being abolished.

You'll need to use that "stndard" tuner on the recorder if you want to record from a tuner that can change channels on it's own - that's assuming it has a timer or reminder feature (the DTA's don't).

So conceivably the 'free' tuner that I'm now paying $3.99 for would no longer be charged -- and I could in fact ask for a second STB for the same price I'm paying now? Double hmmm. Abolishing the extended analogs wont be bad -- they are really fuzzy-- as long as they are still available as digital. And thanks for the reminder about timer programs -- the moto 3200 can switch stations -- DTA sounds like a loser all around.Thanks!
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post #7039 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pm123 View Post

I've noticed some people talking about cable tuning problems. I have a strange OTA tuner problem.

This has been going on for a month or so. I've posted in my local OTA forum, and nobody else has the problem.

The Subs on channel 13 are mixed up on both my Magnavox H2160 and my Philips 3575

Both machines show 13.1 as Kids, 13.2 as Spanish and 13.3 as PBS

The Tivo still has them correct: 31.1 PBS, 13.2 Kids and 13.3 Spanish.

I've rescanned, I've unplugged for 10 minutes and rescanned. Problem still shows on both machines

I've given up, and reprogrammed my scheduled recording to use the incorrect sub channel. But I'd like to know what's going on!

Any thoughts?

Since you say the problem has been going on for "a month or so", I presume it used to be OK on the unit(s) you were using before that time. It sounds like the station has developed a problem with the PSIP information it is transmitting. A table may be missing or corrupted. Different tuners may use different defaults to work around the problem.
I would give the station a call, and try to get through to someone in broadcast engineering. You may find a sympathetic ear willing to look at the situation. At least, unlike the cable company, they have no incentive to try to block reception by any type of tuner. The station wants as many viewers as possible. I had a problem with audio on a local OTA PBS sub-channel. There was no sound on just one sub-channel on one of my TVs and DVDRs, but it was OK on others. I was not permitted to talk directly to an engineer, but the clerk did relay my problem. I got a message back, and she said that the engineer had not noticed anything wrong with the PSIP data, but he did re-boot the PSIP generator. When I next checked, all was well with all of the stations sub-channels on all my tuners.
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post #7040 of 23893
10/17/09 at 1:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by artwire View Post

Just didn't want to miss out on my option to grab another moto stb before it's replaced with a p. o. s. adapter.

Well, don't miss out on anything that might be free... you can always just store it for the future or whatever? You never know, these liars might be telling the truth this time... altho I think I see their noses getting longer with each message to subs! This is a great profit opportunity for them!
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post #7041 of 23893
10/17/09 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by stump69 View Post

We received a similar notice only ours is for Nov. 30. What it means is that in return for giving up your ability to record the extended basic channels from a direct analog feed, those channels will be moved to the digital tier where you will need an STB or a DTA to view them. On our notice was included Animal Planet, Discovery and Lifetime in the first batch to go (my wife's favorite channels).

They didn't specify any channels in this notice, but we have a huge line up that are still analog here, including the three you mentioned, and a range of stuff including Disney, oxygen, sci fi, food, national geo, MSNBC, CNN, all the stuff that does NOT come in via coax on digital tier, but does show up on the STB (and analog coax). Neither AMC or TCM comes in as analog OR digital without the STB box now, so I'm guessing not much will change on that encryption score. Maybe (ha!) we'll get more digital channels in the clear... but I'm kind of doubting it. We shall see. I wont rush, since I do have one box that can at least record stuff if we cant see it 'live'. My 6 mo 'introductory digital starter offer' expires around the same date -- so we're due for a conversation....
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post #7042 of 23893
10/17/09 at 2:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by artwire View Post

So conceivably the 'free' tuner that I'm now paying $3.99 for would no longer be charged -- and I could in fact ask for a second STB for the same price I'm paying now? Double hmmm. Abolishing the extended analogs wont be bad -- they are really fuzzy-- as long as they are still available. And thanks for the reminder about timer programs -- the moto 3200 can switch stations -- DTA sounds like a loser all around.Thanks!

The DTA's are very basic, indeed. Not much use, except to keep you getting the channels you're paying for (and exactly that only). In fact, they only have RF out.

Do you have Comcast? If so, and you actually have Digital Starter, you should at least be getting one, standard (On Demand-ready) tuner included (I shouldn't say *free*, because Starter always cost about 2-3 dollars more than Extended Basic).

I think the one they give you is only SD-capable, though. Perhaps you're paying for an HD-ready tuner?
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post #7043 of 23893
10/17/09 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rammitinski View Post

The DTA's are very basic, indeed. Not much use, except to keep you getting the channels you're paying for (and exactly that only). In fact, they only have RF out.

Do you have Comcast? If so, and you actually have Digital Starter, you should at least be getting one, standard (On Demand-ready) tuner included (I shouldn't say *free*, because Starter always cost about 2-3 dollars more than Extended Basic).

I think the one they give you is only SD-capable, though. Perhaps you're paying for an HD-ready tuner?

I signed up for digital starter when I changed from analog service, but who knows what they actually gave me.As for the STB, I may have gotten a good one by mistake, but I like it - it is getting some HD and it has that timer reminder ability to set up recordings - but the only way to connect it to 2160 is via Svideo. (I think that's pretty much true of all recorders, though). The STB has HDMI and component out options as well as svideo, so I'm going to try to get the same model. Too much to remember flipping between different ones! My only complaint with it is that I have an overscan (or is it lack of overscan?) issue with HD stations showing static at the top when going through the 2160, so I generally don't record off of those.

I had a 20 yr old 'cable box' that stopped working years ago and they never took it back - I wonder if that's one of the charges (like 1.99 each) They make it tough to return stuff here, wont accept anything by mail, crummy hours, bad location etc, so not sure. I try to do my own setups without a service call, since invariably I ahve to redo things when they leave, anyway. Maybe a phone call (after Nov 15) will clarify, but for now, I think you guys are right... wait and see what I get before 'rocking the boat'
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post #7044 of 23893
10/17/09 at 3:14pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by artwire View Post

My only complaint with it is that I have an overscan (or is it lack of overscan?) issue with HD stations showing static at the top when going through the 2160, so I generally don't record off of those.

I can see a line with my 3575 or 2160 (don't remember which) if I set the HDMI output to the TV for 1080 (also don't remember if i or p), but the point is, your line may also be caused by the format you select for HDMi output from your 2160 to the TV?

480p is better in my system anyway... I just let my more-capable TV do the upconverting and scaling.
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post #7045 of 23893
10/17/09 at 3:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by wajo View Post

I can see a line with my 3575 or 2160 (don't remember which) if I set the HDMI output to the TV for 1080 (also don't remember if i or p), but the point is, your line may also be caused by the format you select for HDMi output from your 2160 to the TV?

480p is better in my system anyway... I just let my more-capable TV do the upconverting and scaling.

thought that might be it - but no joy -- it's there regardless of the set top box setting and regardless of the output on the 2160 (and regardless of the input on the TV -- first I thought it might be cause HDMI #3 is a game port that does not overscan on the tv). I swapped it for another input and it was the same. I haven't tried component cables instead of HDMI ... that's the only other thing I can think of, and will test that out tomorrow if I get a change. I doubt that's it, though, since I'm almost sure the lines seem to be RECORDING too. So maybe it has something to do with the svideo input, instead? Hmmm..

To get rid of it I just record the non HD version of the channel on the STB ... seems ok quality wise. This is also true of on demand to the 2160. HD ondemand gives the reflective line at the top, but regular on demand does not. (Since at least in theory I don't have HD service, maybe some switch needs to be flipped) But even public tv HD does this. That's all I can think of, unless there's a way to adjust the overscan that I haven't discovered? The tv only accepts up to 1080i so maybe that's got something to do with it.
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post #7046 of 23893
10/17/09 at 3:26pm
Thread Starter 
Overscan is a TV function and it might have a setting for it.

My Vizio LCD manual says I sholuld use HDMI 1 for regular HDMI and HDMI 2 for DVI, so you might also try the 2160 in HDMI 1 on your TV?

You can also try the two diff. HDMI Formats... I use YCbCr instead of RGB. If you try that and like it better, the Enhanced thing doesn't affect YCbCr, only RGB. If your TV is not YCbCr compatible, it auto-reverts to RGB, where the Enhanced option does play a role.

If you go to Component, don't forget to turn Progressive Scan ON (unless you also have a Composite or S-Vid output, in which case turning Progressive On shuts those two outputs off).
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post #7047 of 23893
10/17/09 at 3:53pm
I was at the local Comcast office the other day in Southern MD and they told me that my extended basic will roll-over to digital starter - same price. Our free STB and DTA's are still in the shipping box.

When I inquired about an HD STB, the senior lady behind the counter piped up and said if I have a new HDTV with QAM I can pick up most of the HD station without the HD STB......I almost fell over.

I kept my mouth shut about our 2160A.

Will check in a couple of weeks to see if she is still employed!

I have a question on the HDMI button on the 2160A remote. We have coax into 2160A and HDMI to a 720p HDTV. When we use the 2160A to watch TV the only thing the HDMI button does is cycle from 480 to 720 to 1080 on the display with each click, no change in picture. So I have no idea what resolution I am getting through the 2160A.
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post #7048 of 23893
10/17/09 at 3:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug Mac View Post

I was at the local Comcast office the other day in Southern MD and they told me that my extended basic will roll-over to digital starter - same price. Our free STB and DTA's are still in the shipping box.

When I inquired about an HD STB, the senior lady behind the counter piped up and said if I have a new HDTV with QAM I can pick up most of the HD station without the HD STB......I almost fell over.

I kept my mouth shut about our 2160A.

Will check in a couple of weeks to see if she is still employed!

I have a question on the HDMI button on the 2160A remote. We have coax into 2160A and HDMI to a 720p HDTV. When we use the 2160A to watch TV the only thing the HDMI button does is cycle from 480 to 720 to 1080 on the display with each click, no change in picture. So I have no idea what resolution I am getting through the 2160A.

That's great info... thanks for sharing!

On your HDMI, each press changes the format between the four HDMI resolutions, but it bypasses any your TV isn't capable of.

Most TVs should have a display that pops up (unless you turn that feature off, I guess) that shows the type of signal it's receiving (format, etc.) including RGB or YCbCr, audio, CC, etc. It's pretty brief but should be discernible.

The front panel display on the 2160 also shows the format being sent... also briefly.

There might also be a "Display" type button or menu option that shows what the TV is receiving and displaying?

You may or may not be able to actually see any diff. .. depends on if it's live TV (not much if any diff.) or a DVD (maybe a slight diff?). Some people say their diff. is "dramatic"... prob. depends on whether your on an antenna or cable (which is sent to you as a Composite signal to start with, so you 2160 and/or TV have to separate that crap into its video components, which loses some quality in the process). DVDs are made with YCBCr which is digital Component, so it's got the max. quality possible in our SDTV systems.
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post #7049 of 23893
10/17/09 at 4:19pm
Thread Starter 
A followup to my post above on HDMI... I was curious so I checked my Vizio 720p (768p) LCD re: what it shows when I select the diff. HDMI ouptuts on my 3575.

This LCD obviously can't display any HDTV format above 720p, but I notice the TV's "Guide" button, which shows the channel and the HDMI format, does display 1080i and 1080p when I select those outputs on the 3575.

When the manual says it "skips" those formats the TV doesn't support, not sure now what that means... even the 3575 FP shows 1080i and 1080p.

I also can't see any diff. between 720p, 1080i and 1080p ON LIVE TV, so I suspect the TV is just displaying the format it's RECEIVING, but it's really downconverting those 1080 signals to its native 720p???
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post #7050 of 23893
10/17/09 at 4:54pm
wajo, thanks for taking the time to explain the HDMI button

I need to play with the TV (LN19B650) and 2160A input displays. My orginal intent was to find HD channels on the 2160A that the B650 was not picking up.

As to the Comcast office, it is a franchise office. I have found the franchise's give you better info and deals than the big company.
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AVS › AVS Forum › Video Components › DVD Recorders (Standard Def) › Magnavox 537, 535, 533, 515, 513, 2160A, 2160, 2080 & Philips 3576, 3575