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Official AVS Motorola DCX series HD DVR Topic! - Page 45

post #1321 of 4641
2/6/10 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DCT6416UIIIuser View Post

This the remote that I have, the one on the left, theUR4U-MCVR-CHD2

http://www.charter.com/Customers/Sup...dingtopiclink2 Click on the Equipment, User Guides & Diagrams to get there

Under the picture you will see the users guide and also an interactive users guide. I have read and re-read those as well as searched on line, as well as played for over an hour trying to make it accept commands to keys, with no luck.

Let me know what you find!

You're right. This remote does not include the capability to re-program (i.e. re-assign) any keys to meet your own needs. It only allows you to set up the main device buttons to match your equipment, to do basic things like ON/OFF, volume, etc. But the DVR-related functions, those do appear to be hard-coded and not re-assignable.

However they also present two Atlas remotes plus a Motorola-Charter remote, all of which DO have a SETUP button, suggesting they can be programmed and keys re-assigned. Have you called Charter to see if they can provide you with one of these... for free?


Quote:


And yes, the "silver Comcast" remote will allow programming of forward and reverse skip, changing the resolution, and leave the DVR on when turning off the TV.

True... and also with the 4-device Atlas remotes (which are from Universal Electronics) as shown, and the 5-device Atlas remotes being given out here from TWC/LA.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #1322 of 4641
2/6/10 at 6:24pm
It is only remote I can get from our office.
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post #1323 of 4641
2/9/10 at 9:48am
Hello! I'm considering driving over to Comcast and asking them to switch my DCH3416 with a DCX box. I found an older post (see below) that explains some of the differences. My question to those who have upgraded -- is it worth the trouble? THANKS!

Quote:
Originally Posted by DSperber View Post

You mean than the DCX3400? I'll assume you're asking about the DCH3416 dual-tuner DVR (which looks identical to the DCH3200 single-tuner STB-only that has no hard drive).

They look similar, but the DCX is actually about 2" less wide than the DCH (when sitting horizontally on a shelf). It's also about 2 1/2" less deep (front panel to back panel). Almost exactly the same height.

The DCX has an all-enclosed black chassis body, with no grill holes to allow heat to escape. They obviously are using components inside which consume less power or just generate less heat. In contrast, the DCH has grill holes all around.

The totally closed body of the DCX also results in reduced noise levels (mine is essentially completely silent unless I put my head right on it).

The DCH has a much sleeker and high-readability front panel display, with colored LEDs to make it more attractive and easy to see. Some users feel this is too much, but I like it.

From a technical improvement, the DCX seems to be getting distributed with either a 250GB or 320GB hard drive, depending on provider. This contrasts to the 160GB hard drive in the DCH.

The DCX supports the option of "native" resolution to your HDTV over HDMI/component, depending on what the display can accept and what the source program is delivered at. Or, you can set the output of the DCX to be just one resolution and the box will up-convert or down-convert as necessary. In contrast the DCH has only the fixed option (e.g. 1080i for everything), with other resolutions converted to that one output as needed. Or, if you want to watch 720p in 720p and 1080i in 1080i you can always just manually reset the DCH to be whatever fixed rate you want to match the program you're about to watch. The DCX does that automatically for you... through "native".

The DCX also supports delivering 1080p (24fps/30fps) to the HDTV via HDMI, although I don't know how much cable-provided content there is of this type.

Otherwise, iGuide and other software is identical in both boxes.
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post #1324 of 4641
2/9/10 at 9:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SSUNBRN View Post

Hello! I'm considering driving over to Comcast and asking them to switch my DCH3416 with a DCX box. I found an older post (see below) that explains some of the differences. My question to those who have upgraded -- is it worth the trouble? THANKS!

For me, it was worth the trouble simply for the added disk space. I happened to get a 250G. I don't know if Portland has the higher capacity models, but I would consider exchanging for one of those. I now think 500G is about the comfortable minimum needed, especially if you go on vacation for a week or so.
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post #1325 of 4641
2/9/10 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by crossbeaux View Post

For me, it was worth the trouble simply for the added disk space. I happened to get a 250G. I don't know if Portland has the higher capacity models, but I would consider exchanging for one of those. I now think 500G is about the comfortable minimum needed, especially if you go on vacation for a week or so.

Thats odd, Time Warner Cable of North San Diego County, CA (ex-Adelphia area) division gave me a DCX 3400 DVR with a 320GB. You would think all DCXs would have the same storage space.
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post #1326 of 4641
2/9/10 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wellman View Post

Thats odd, Time Warner Cable of North San Diego County, CA (ex-Adelphia area) division gave me a DCX 3400 DVR with a 320GB. You would think all DCXs would have the same storage space.

Nope. There are 250G and 320G models.
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post #1327 of 4641
2/9/10 at 11:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSperber View Post

You mean than the DCX3400? I'll assume you're asking about the DCH3416 dual-tuner DVR (which looks identical to the DCH3200 single-tuner STB-only that has no hard drive).

They look similar, but the DCX is actually about 2" less wide than the DCH (when sitting horizontally on a shelf). It's also about 2 1/2" less deep (front panel to back panel). Almost exactly the same height.

The DCX has an all-enclosed black chassis body, with no grill holes to allow heat to escape. They obviously are using components inside which consume less power or just generate less heat. In contrast, the DCH has grill holes all around.

The totally closed body of the DCX also results in reduced noise levels (mine is essentially completely silent unless I put my head right on it).

The DCH has a much sleeker and high-readability front panel display, with colored LEDs to make it more attractive and easy to see. Some users feel this is too much, but I like it.

From a technical improvement, the DCX seems to be getting distributed with either a 250GB or 320GB hard drive, depending on provider. This contrasts to the 160GB hard drive in the DCH.

The DCX supports the option of "native" resolution to your HDTV over HDMI/component, depending on what the display can accept and what the source program is delivered at. Or, you can set the output of the DCX to be just one resolution and the box will up-convert or down-convert as necessary. In contrast the DCH has only the fixed option (e.g. 1080i for everything), with other resolutions converted to that one output as needed. Or, if you want to watch 720p in 720p and 1080i in 1080i you can always just manually reset the DCH to be whatever fixed rate you want to match the program you're about to watch. The DCX does that automatically for you... through "native".

The DCX also supports delivering 1080p (24fps/30fps) to the HDTV via HDMI, although I don't know how much cable-provided content there is of this type.

Otherwise, iGuide and other software is identical in both boxes.

That's a great list of the differences. I recently switched to the DCX3400 from the DCH3416 and here are a few other differences. Hopefully someone will compile and maintain a complete list:

- The DCX3400 uses a "cool" white LED for the display, as opposed to the DCH3416 which uses an amber colored LED. I really like the look of the white LED. It is easier on the eyes and less distracting near the TV.

- I find the DCX3400 far more responsive to the remote control. For instance, with the DCH3416 I had to point my remote (same remote, just better reception in the STB) almost directly at the box. With the DCX3400 it is far more forgiving.

- The DCX3400 has a little "Rec" indicator when it is recording, as opposed to the DCH3416 that users a red "dot".

There are probably some other minor differences I am not thinking of, but I'll post these as I notice them.

In summary, I HIGHLY recommend upgrading to this box from the 3416. The biggest draw of course is the additional storage capacity. In my case Comcast is using the 320GB drive so that's double the recording time.

Take that along with the more responsive IR reception, better display (white) and MUCH cooler operating temperature (the 3416 runs HOT to the touch, the 3400 is very cool and silent), and you have a winner. Now if they can just work out some of the bugs on these boxes (not specific to the 3400) and software that would be great.
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post #1328 of 4641
2/9/10 at 1:03pm
I made the switch from 3416 to DCX 3400 2 weeks ago, on Comcast service in the Atlanta area. My observations:

Pros:

Bigger HDD - 320gb means I haven't made it over 30% full yet, recording everything in HD. Everyone mentions this, but I'm really enjoying recording everything in HD, rather than just some of the content that makes the best use of it.

Better tuners - maybe this is just my eyes, but I'm seeing a more vibrant picture with the DCX. In a non-subjective measure, I have a lot of cable splits in the line to my media cabinet, and was completely losing 2 HD channels with another 3-4 being broken up to unwatchable due to the degraded signal quality. Just swapping the DCX in for the DCT, I got all of those channels back without any persistent break-ups in the picture or sound. Swapping boxes was much easier than re-wiring the house or trying to boost the signal.

More options for controlling the output to the TV - Mentioned above, although I have a HDMI handshake issue that is resetting everything back to stock every time I power on the system. I haven't read back through this thread to try find a fix for my set-up. It will be nice when I resolve the issue, though.

Cons:

Guide/DVR issues - I'm experiencing even more of the glitchy guide and DVR behavior that convinced me to ditch the DCT. Not what I was looking for. I understand that this seems to be more of a systemic/software issue, but it is frustrating to set up recordings and come back to find that the DVR just didnt record, or had a runaway recording that ran for 6 hours. Last week, the programmed recordings showed that it was going to record the same airing of Parks and Rec three times on the same channel. It ended up only recording once, but the recording ran for 95 minutes, recording the next 2 shows, which were programmed to record separately. I ended up with one 95 minute recording labeled Parks and Rec. It seems completely random. I did see an earlier post from last fall that pointed out that this was not a set and forget device, advising users to rely on VCRs as back-up to this box. Later posts seem to reflect that a software update fixed this sort of issue, but I haven't dug in far enough to figure out why my box is still doing it.


All in all, I'm happy with the switch, and really enjoy the improvements, but I'm going to need to find a fix for the DVR issues if I'm keeping this box and not replacing it with another DCX.
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post #1329 of 4641
2/9/10 at 3:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Devil98 View Post

I made the switch from 3416 to DCX 3400 2 weeks ago, on Comcast service in the Atlanta area. My observations:

Pros:

Bigger HDD - 320gb means I haven't made it over 30% full yet, recording everything in HD. Everyone mentions this, but I'm really enjoying recording everything in HD, rather than just some of the content that makes the best use of it.

Better tuners - maybe this is just my eyes, but I'm seeing a more vibrant picture with the DCX. In a non-subjective measure, I have a lot of cable splits in the line to my media cabinet, and was completely losing 2 HD channels with another 3-4 being broken up to unwatchable due to the degraded signal quality. Just swapping the DCX in for the DCT, I got all of those channels back without any persistent break-ups in the picture or sound. Swapping boxes was much easier than re-wiring the house or trying to boost the signal.

More options for controlling the output to the TV - Mentioned above, although I have a HDMI handshake issue that is resetting everything back to stock every time I power on the system. I haven't read back through this thread to try find a fix for my set-up. It will be nice when I resolve the issue, though.

Cons:

Guide/DVR issues - I'm experiencing even more of the glitchy guide and DVR behavior that convinced me to ditch the DCT. Not what I was looking for. I understand that this seems to be more of a systemic/software issue, but it is frustrating to set up recordings and come back to find that the DVR just didnt record, or had a runaway recording that ran for 6 hours. Last week, the programmed recordings showed that it was going to record the same airing of Parks and Rec three times on the same channel. It ended up only recording once, but the recording ran for 95 minutes, recording the next 2 shows, which were programmed to record separately. I ended up with one 95 minute recording labeled Parks and Rec. It seems completely random. I did see an earlier post from last fall that pointed out that this was not a set and forget device, advising users to rely on VCRs as back-up to this box. Later posts seem to reflect that a software update fixed this sort of issue, but I haven't dug in far enough to figure out why my box is still doing it.


All in all, I'm happy with the switch, and really enjoy the improvements, but I'm going to need to find a fix for the DVR issues if I'm keeping this box and not replacing it with another DCX.

Devil98, has Comcast updated the iGuide to version A28 in your area? All I know is when Time Warner in my area upgraded iGuide to A28, the DCX doesn't seem to "lock" when punching in remote commands. For the most part I've only had the "runaway recording" on the DCX a couple of times, and then since the software update with iGuide A28, it seems to have fixed those problems. Another pro at least IMHO, Devil98 is that the DCX supports native resolution, which lets my television do all the scaling and not the DCX.
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post #1330 of 4641
2/9/10 at 6:43pm
Did I or not read some place that the DCX does not activate the firewire port?

If I mis-read that what was my misunderstanding?
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post #1331 of 4641
2/9/10 at 10:28pm
Long story short -
I'm still having problems with missed recordings on a certain program & Comcast will exchange DVRs. However the person I've been dealing with notified me that they are sending out some firmware updates this week to all of their converters. I'm to see if there are any improvements after 2/11. I don't know how widespread this is but be on the lookout for possible changes.
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post #1332 of 4641
2/10/10 at 5:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DCT6416UIIIuser View Post

Did I or not read some place that the DCX does not activate the firewire port? If I mis-read that what was my misunderstanding?

While there are efforts underway to get that regulation changed, it is still in place, and AFAIK, the FireWire port on DCX boxes is operational, unless someone made an error locally.
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post #1333 of 4641
2/10/10 at 8:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bicker1 View Post

While there are efforts underway to get that regulation changed, it is still in place, and AFAIK, the FireWire port on DCX boxes is operational, unless someone made an error locally.

It's active but there is a firmware error that prevents you from recording anything from it. At best, you get a stuttering recording, at worst you get nothing. It's useless in it's current condition.
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post #1334 of 4641
2/10/10 at 10:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wellman View Post

Devil98, has Comcast updated the iGuide to version A28 in your area? All I know is when Time Warner in my area upgraded iGuide to A28, the DCX doesn't seem to "lock" when punching in remote commands. For the most part I've only had the "runaway recording" on the DCX a couple of times, and then since the software update with iGuide A28, it seems to have fixed those problems. Another pro at least IMHO, Devil98 is that the DCX supports native resolution, which lets my television do all the scaling and not the DCX.

Thanks for the feedback, Tom.

I checked the firmware and software versions last week when I first found this thread. FW was definitely 22.35. I believe that there was an A28 in the software identifier. Is that where I should be looking to determine guide version? I'll check tonight and post FW and SW versions.

From skimming through the more recent pages, it looks like TWC users with FW 22.37 have complaints about the FF/RW function, but the DVR issues are fixed/reduced. I can live with that trade-off and may start harrassing Comcast to get an answer on a firmware update.

If I can get to FW 22.37, I anticipate another problem. There are several mentions in this thread of utilizing the 30 second skip button as a means of avoiding FW/RW glitches. I used the wiki page ref'd in this thread (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_...ing_the_Remote ) to try reprogramming the dark grey remote that I received with the DCX, but cannot get 30 second skip or resolution change to map to the A/Lock button on the new remote. Is there any unique programming instruction for the darker grey remotes?

Finally, the resolution settings are what I was referring to in the pro bullet on output options. I run HDMI through an Onkyo 606 to a Samsung LN46A550, with the Samsung Anynet controlling power-up of the Onkyo, so that the Moto DCX is always on, but when the TV power is pushed, it wakes up the receiver. Somewhere in that handshake, the DCX settings reset everytime I power on the TV, so it isn't really a benefit to me. When it is, I plan to just set it to 1080i anyway, since the TV loses video for a few seconds everytime the resolution changes until it sorts it out and displays the new resolution in the upper left corner and shows the video feed. It's a personal preference to leave it at one resolution and maybe lose some image quality, just as I prefer to watch SD in 4:3, rather than stretch it.

Thanks again
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post #1335 of 4641
2/10/10 at 11:21am
You know Devil98, I couldn't tell ya where to find out what version of iGuide we got by checking the STB/DVR. All I know is that about a week ago I think we had iGuide version A23. Normally when you'd punch in a 3 digit, there would be no delay tuning into the channel. Than last Thursday, when punching in a 3 digit channel number, it took an extra 2 seconds to tune in. I didn't realize this but our TWC system is preparing to go to 4 digit channel numbers, and there was this 4 digit test channel, showing the VOD preview, but without the interactvie menu. Also, the DVR menu categorized each show by title and put it into folders. Then conferring with some trusted sources on hdtv.forsandiego.com, it turned out to be iGuide A28, not TWC Navigator as the TWC chat support mislead me. I took some pictures of it http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages...tml?1265312191. If you have features like these, you probably have iGuide A28.
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post #1336 of 4641
2/10/10 at 12:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wellman View Post

You know Devil98, I couldn't tell ya where to find out what version of iGuide we got by checking the STB/DVR. All I know is that about a week ago I think we had iGuide version A23. Normally when you'd punch in a 3 digit, there would be no delay tuning into the channel. Than last Thursday, when punching in a 3 digit channel number, it took an extra 2 seconds to tune in. I didn't realize this but our TWC system is preparing to go to 4 digit channel numbers, and there was this 4 digit test channel, showing the VOD preview, but without the interactvie menu. Also, the DVR menu categorized each show by title and put it into folders. Then conferring with some trusted sources on hdtv.forsandiego.com, it turned out to be iGuide A28, not TWC Navigator as the TWC chat support mislead me. I took some pictures of it http://hdtv.forsandiego.com/messages...tml?1265312191. If you have features like these, you probably have iGuide A28.


Interesting pics, Tom. Never seen anything like the folders, but the other features you called out don't look unfamiliar to me. May just be Comcast v. TWC differences, but I'll definitely check it out tonight and try to sort out the A28 thing.

Thanks,
Jason
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post #1337 of 4641
2/10/10 at 1:45pm
Hey Devil98, I just found out how to check on the version of iGuide on your STB/DVR.

Go to http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r236...-7844-A28p0209 and follow the instructions on the first post. It will tell you the software info. On my screen the software version is 78.40-a28.S5.r-5 with Firmware version 22.37

Hope this helps!
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post #1338 of 4641
2/10/10 at 4:08pm
This week I had another failure to record a series scheduled episode (happened to be Chuck a couple of nights ago). This hasn't happened often, maybe three times in the last year, but enough to confirm that we (me or wife or son) didn't cause the problem.

It is a DCX-3425. I can verify that the series priorities are correct, and that Chuck has higher precedence than any other Monday night series. In any case, there wasn't other scheduled recordings to conflict. The DVR didn't give any kind of indication that the episode wasn't going to be recorded, and nobody was viewing anything live, taking up a tuner (actually nobody used the DVR that night at all).

From reading back on this thread, it appears that I'm not alone, which is good and bad news. Good news - it's not just me. Bad news - sounds like there's still some bugs in the firmware or iGuide software. I can lookup and provide versions of each, if it makes a difference.

This is annoying. Very annoying.

I've had a few recordings that would be "stuck" part way through viewing (or at the beginning) and had to be deleted (luckily nothing so far that was all that critical - was able to find repeat showings to record). Looks like there's been a few reports of this particular problem, as well.

These problems don't occur that often, so it hasn't made the DVRs unusable. Most of the time everything works seamless. So it's a bit mystifying why these occasional failures happen, without any sort of detection or notification (such as when a short power failure occurs in the middle of a recording, and the guide has text explaining what happened).

Cliff
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post #1339 of 4641
2/10/10 at 5:55pm
I had the same problem Monday night with Heroes. Despite my elimination of the 1 minute early recording (which hasn't been working out so well for other reasons), it happened again (and on the same series as last time). Fortunately I got home in time to see that it wasn't recording, and it was on the proper channel, so I started the recording manually and the buffer was only a couple of minutes short. It's still a pain.
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post #1340 of 4641
2/10/10 at 10:42pm
If our small forum group gets missed recordings I would think quite a few people in the general population must also get them. If these people called their cable companies I would think it would drive home a message that there is problem. I'm guessing most people just don't care if things work properly or not and therefore do not call to complain.
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post #1341 of 4641
2/11/10 at 7:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike99 View Post

If our small forum group gets missed recordings I would think quite a few people in the general population must also get them. If these people called their cable companies I would think it would drive home a message that there is problem. I'm guessing most people just don't care if things work properly or not and therefore do not call to complain.

I think it's the new version of the software causing problems. My area (Portland) was scheduled for the upgrade a week or so ago, according to a message on my box. But it was never delivered. I think Comcast realizes that release is buggy and canceled the release in other locations until they work out the bugs.
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post #1342 of 4641
2/11/10 at 7:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wellman View Post

Hey Devil98, I just found out how to check on the version of iGuide on your STB/DVR.

Go to http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r236...-7844-A28p0209 and follow the instructions on the first post. It will tell you the software info. On my screen the software version is 78.40-a28.S5.r-5 with Firmware version 22.37

Hope this helps!

Thanks again, Tom.

Welcome to Georgia, the Comcast World of Less. Or maybe it's the World of the Past. Either way, I'm showing the following:

FW: 22.35
SW: 75.59-a25p2-2.S1.r-8

I don't have enough experience with this box to put this in perspective, but based on the entries on the thread you linked, it seems like we are well behind the curve, even for Comcast customers. My neighborhood seems to be on the tail-end of a digital conversion/analog and QAM wipeout here in the greater Atlanta area, so I may have some hopes of getting newer SW and FW later this year when that rolls through. Since everything has recorded accurately since Thursday, I may just sit quietly and enjoy the added space and accurate FF/RW controls while I wait.

Thanks,
Jason
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post #1343 of 4641
2/11/10 at 8:30am
Devil98, it turns out you have iGuide A25. I know that feeling of being behind on things. Our Time Warner Cable North San Diego County Subdivision (which is a division of the TWC San Diego system) always seems to be behind the main TWC San Diego system. While 67 HD channels isn't bad, the main TWC sysyem has roughly 95 HD channels give or take (the number of HD channels include onDemand, locals, and premiums.) The thing is I don't subscribe premiums which are 13 HD channels.
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post #1344 of 4641
2/11/10 at 8:44am
I still have the 22.35 and A25 software. It's been that way for a while now. And I do get the occasional missed recording. In fact, my box got so screwed up it stopped buffering altogether, would not record, pause, etc. Doing a cold boot resolved the problem. In spite of that in general I like the box. The native setting is cool and the form factor is nice too. I'm hoping the new software fixes a bunch of stuff and I am looking forward to being able to setup recordings remotely.
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post #1345 of 4641
2/11/10 at 9:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSperber View Post

The issue with recording from the DCX3400 is not related to analog (e.g. S-video from DVR to VCR/PC). The issue relates to recording HD content, normally done via firewire from DVR to DVHS/PC. The firewire connection is "pure data", subject to 5C-limitations. And it is specifically here, on the subject of that firewire interface from DVR to recording devices, that some serious malfunction has crept into the DCX3400 firmware.

The HD input on this card is not firewire, but rather HDMI. So security here is determined by HDMI rules, not 5C rules.

And from pages 9-10 of the user manual for this card: "Please note that HDMI contents with HDCP encryption cannot be recorded." In fact, it appears that you cannot even watch HD unless your display device is also HDCP-compliant, meaning connected by HDMI to the computer.

Since essentially everything other than local OTA channels delivered by your cable company through the DVR/STB equipment is encrypted, without delving further I would guess that the HDMI-input connectivity is not going to allow you to record much HD source of value.

Furthermore, HDMI delivery from DVR to this card is not "transport stream" HD. It is HDMI "display format" HD. Any recording by this product is some kind of re-compressed non-original format ("good, better, best", etc., depending on compression method and bitrate). Their MPEG-2 compression uses only 2.3GB/hour, and their so-called DVD-quality(?) compression uses 3.6GB/hour. Neither of these is close to the underlying 6-8GB/hour usually associated with the original "transport stream" MPEG-2.

Anyway, this card's usability (or lack thereof) via HDMI connection is not impacted at all by the DCX3400 firewire issue which affects recording on DVHS/PC via firewire connection. Which is not to say that you will not have straightforward HDCP limitations on what you can watch and record in HD through this product when connecting the DCX3400 (or any other similar Motorola STB/DVR) via HDMI.

The cable that comes with this card converts other cable formats to HDMI though. So for example, you could plug into the component output from the cable box and the card would receive the show thru the hdmi cable. Wouldn't this get around the encryption? I found a thread at the Green Button where people are saying they are using it to record from their cable boxes: http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/t/8...px?PageIndex=1. You don't get 5/1 audio, but that's fine with me.
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post #1346 of 4641
2/11/10 at 9:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphythefatcat View Post

The cable that comes with this card converts other cable formats to HDMI though. So for example, you could plug into the component output from the cable box and the card would receive the show thru the hdmi cable. Wouldn't this get around the encryption?

Probably would, but that's because once the DCX converts the digital content to analog (to go out component video) it knows you're no longer trying to pirate a 100% perfect digital copy of the source.

Conversion by some intermediate equipment from analog component input (i.e. the component video output of the DCX) back to digital-HDMI is not the pure original digital source. Acceptable, I'm sure, for recording purposes, but not what's on the firewire stream which is truly bit-identical to the original source which would get recorded to DVHS.
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post #1347 of 4641
2/11/10 at 10:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DSperber View Post

Probably would, but that's because once the DCX converts the digital content to analog (to go out component video) it knows you're no longer trying to pirate a 100% perfect digital copy of the source.

Conversion by some intermediate equipment from analog component input (i.e. the component video output of the DCX) back to digital-HDMI is not the pure original digital source. Acceptable, I'm sure, for recording purposes, but not what's on the firewire stream which is truly bit-identical to the original source which would get recorded to DVHS.

All too often I find myself living an old adage: Part of something is better than all of nothing!
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post #1348 of 4641
2/14/10 at 6:51am
I recorded a one hour show. The DVR info said the program was 60 minutes long, as expected. However at around the 15 minute mark the progress bar showed that it was 18 minutes long. Sure enough when it got to the 18 minute mark it showed "Delete/Don't Delete" message and that was the end of the show.

Anyone know how to work around this should it happen again?
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post #1349 of 4641
2/14/10 at 5:03pm
That has happened to me a few times, with my 6412. I think this may be due to a corrupted signal. That is to say, if you had been there to watch the program, you probably would have seen a frozen picture, or lots of breakup. This stuff doesn't get stored on the HDD, but the recording shows as being the length it was programmed for.
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post #1350 of 4641
2/15/10 at 3:24am
Is there a setting to have series recorded only in HD?

For example, I set up a series recording for "The Office" on NBC-HD. It's also shown on the CW HD channel and TBS HD. I went to "view all settings" and set it to record on "all channels".

But instead of showing future episodes being recorded on those other HD channels, it shows them being recorded on the analog versions of those channels.

Is there a default setting I can change to only record in the format of the original channel I used to set up the series recording?
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