[ritterd]

My Moto STB died, so they brought me a new one. Its a new DCT6200. I have noticed that it has WAY more options than my old STB, including DVI. Problem is, I wasn't here when the cable guy set it up. He used the component cables, but I noticed there is a DVI output. I hooked up a DVI cable to the box and to my TV, but no picture. Is there a specific thing I need to do to enable the DVI port? Anything else special I should know about this box.


Thanks!

 

[jsb_hburg]

Hello,


Where are you located? What is the firmware version on the box?


You can find this by navigating through the Main Menu, Setup, Cable Box, and then See Configuration.


Firmware 7.07 is known to have enabled the DVI connection.

 

[ritterd]

I will need to check the firmware version, I am in Philadelphia.

 

[OakIris]

What Joe is probably getting at is that although the new STB boxes supplied by Comcast may have a DVI output, it may not necessarily be enabled. In some areas it has been, in others it hasn't, and you have to have the latest (I think) version of firmware - 7.07 - ??

 

[ritterd]

right, and I think I recall reading that in a previous post somewhere...when I get home I will check the version and report back.

 

[ritterd]

it's 5.03...I called comcast, and they said in the future they plan to enable...which will happen over the cable, as well as enable the PVR functionality of the box.

 

[Ken H]

7.07 is supposed to support DVI & Firewire.

 

[OakIris]

ritterd - sorry you don't have DVI enabled. And who knows what Comcast means by "it will be enabled in the future." I eagerly awaited the "soon to be available (2 months max)" cable modem service in my area for over a year before I gave up and went with DSL. This was 3 years ago; I hope they are better at delivering their promised services by now.



Comcast is supposed to be here tomorrow to deliver and install my HDTV set top box. I guess I'll soon find out whether or not DVI is enabled. I asked the customer service rep when I ordered the new box if I needed to supply any of the cables. She said "they bring everything that is needed." I'm hoping that they don't show up with just composite cables. If so, I guess I'll be making a trip to buy at least component cables (if I determine that the STP doesn't have DVI enabled.)

 

[DP1]

I just had Comcast installed in Denver. They brought out a 6200 and had component cables but nothing for digital audio.


Also, it's on firmware 5.03 so no DVI or Firewire enabling yet. I say "no" on DVI though I cant actually verify since I dont have a DVI capable display. But it seems pretty consistent that if you dont have ver. 7.07 it wont work.


Also, the original poster said model 6200 but thats not the PVR box which he also mentioned. The 6208 is the PVR model I believe.

 

[OakIris]

Quote:

Originally posted by DP1 I just had Comcast installed in Denver. They brought out a 6200 and had component cables but nothing for digital audio.

That's not good news - I live in Westminster so I guess that means no DVI for me, either. Well, I guess I can wait for it - like so many of the rest of us are waiting. Anyway, DP1, how does the HD broadcast look with the component cables?

Quote:

They brought out a 6200 and had component cables but nothing for digital audio.

DP1 - Did you go out and buy an optical cable then?

 

[DP1]

Oh it looks fine. I havent dont hardcore A/Bing with my DBS HD channels that are the same but casual observances show no difference.


As far as digital audio cables, I had different things laying around. I also believe the box had coaxial digital output too and in that regard you can just use a good video patchcord if whatever unit you're feeding it to has coaxial input.

 

[Nigel T]

DP1,


With the 6200, do you get the non HD Channels over to your HD TV or Projector using the component cable as well or do you have to switch back to S-Video or composite feeds to watch them?


At the moment I am using the S-Video from my JVC S-VHS for basic extended analog Comcast cable. I want to upgrade soon to get local HD channels for my Sanyo Z2 projector but not sure what happens to the non-HD channels such as Fox Sports and all the kid ones.


Thanks in advance.

 

[ritterd]

Nigel,


I get my SD channels just fine over the component cables


Oakiris,


Not having cable modem service available is a totally different animal than enabling DVI on a STB. Anyhow, when they installed it they used component cables.


What I don't understand is, what is the benefit to them in NOT enabling DVI? It shouldn't really make a difference.

 

[OakIris]

Quote:

Originally posted by ritterd: Not having cable modem service available is a totally different animal than enabling DVI on a STB.

Not sure what that means, ritterd. I don't think I said anything about cable modem service (I use DSL, myself. )


Anyway, the installer from Comcast came out Saturday and installed my new STB. He brought both component cables and an optical cable to hook up the sound to my A/V receiver - don't know why they didn't do the same for you, DP1. The installer couldn't tell me when DVI would be enabled.

Quote:

Originally posted by ritterd: What I don't understand is, what is the benefit to them in NOT enabling DVI? It shouldn't really make a difference.

I read another post here where someone said that Comcast didn't understand DVI very well and didn't want to have to offer tech support, etc.. Not sure why this would be a problem. Maybe they're trying to figure out how to charge us more for using the DVI connection.

 

[Nigel T]

Quote:

Originally posted by OakIris [ Anyway, the installer from Comcast came out Saturday and installed my new STB. He brought both component cables and an optical cable to hook up the sound to my A/V receiver - don't know why they didn't do the same for you, DP1. The installer couldn't tell me when DVI would be enabled.

I am glad you mentioned they also brought out an audio cable as I am getting hooked up to HD this Wednesday in time for the Superbowl and was going to buy one. Will wait for now. Comcast Rep couldn't guarantee that I was going to get the 6200 model. Will have to wait and see.

 

[DP1]

Quote:

Originally posted by OakIris :Anyway, the installer from Comcast came out Saturday and installed my new STB. He brought both component cables and an optical cable to hook up the sound to my A/V receiver - don't know why they didn't do the same for you, DP1.

Eh, he was just some kid basically and he appeared to be in a hurry..prolly had a hot date. Plus I already had my own cords (Componenet/optical) laid out for quick plug in hook up to make it easy enough for him to see that it worked as opposed to have to or want to climb behind the tv and/or receiver and whatnot to hook it up.


He would have otherwise wanted to do direct runs right to the tv I'm sure but I run all my stuff through Component switchers cuz of having 3 other HD stb's etc.


I did have a use for the set of Component cables he brought though. It just doesnt have anything to do with thier particular box.

 

[Nigel T]

DLP,


Did your 6200 come with the RF By-Pass option? I still have an analog TV at the back of my drop down screen that the kids use for general viewing. Not sure if you have to request this or maybe the installer has some in his truck.

 

[ritterd]

Quote:

Originally posted by OakIris Not sure what that means, ritterd. I don't think I said anything about cable modem service (I use DSL, myself. )

This is what you posted a few back



Quote:

And who knows what Comcast means by "it will be enabled in the future." I eagerly awaited the "soon to be available (2 months max)" cable modem service in my area for over a year before I gave up and went with DSL

What I mean is that laying out the infrastructure for cable modem service is far more difficult than enabling a DVI connection on a STB. My point being, the chance of cable modem service offerings being delayed, compared to delaying DVI output is comparing apples and oranges.

 

[Jeremyfr]

The 6200 is built for PVR functionality using external drives through firewire whether or not this will ever happen is anyones guess.


Next I have yet to see or hear of a single HD stb from Comcast come equipped with RF bypass, my best suggestion is a high quality 2 way splitter one line to the box, the other straight to regular tv. This is the same thing I do for PIP and it works fine.

 

[OakIris]

ritterd - Ooops - I stand corrected! Sorry - careless re-reading of my own posts! It may be comparing apples to oranges, but all I was trying to comment on was that Comcast seems to make promises of timely implementation of "new" technology (such as cable modem service or DVI) without being able to carry through.


Nigel T - I bought an optical cable prior to the installation of my new STB, figuring the installer wouldn't bring one, but he did.... so I returned the cable and exchanged it for a DVD movie, a CD and some cash. I guess I should have been patient and waited to see what cables were provided, but.... Strange that installers in the same metro area don't have the same cables to offer, (whether or not they are impatient to get to their hot date) but you are probably wise to wait and save the expense of buying unnecessary cables.