Official SA 8300HD DVR Users Thread

[Mark Strube]

If you're referring to DVR - You're paying for the DVR box (the same charge as a digital box, I believe) and the DVR "service." The box allows you to get your digital and ondemand channels, and the added "service" of DVR allows you to record shows.

If you're referring to digital boxes... those show up on your bill as digital boxes, not "services". You can get service on any tv that you want without additional charges by using a basic analog connection. Also, you can get digital on any tv you want without additional charges by using your own QAM tuner, although I don't know how limited those are.

It'd be great to only have to pay for one box no matter how many you have... but that's never gonna happen. ;)

[Steely]

Well, first I'd switch to Road Runner... I used to have EarthLink but then I found out if I switch to RR, it's $34.95/mo for a year, and then $40/mo after that since we have digipic 2000. (you don't need dp2000 to get the 34.95 deal)

As far as I know, this is the most economical you can get:

DIGIPiC 1000 - $49.95
HD Package - $6.95
Digital Box - $7.95
HD DVR - $6.95
Road Runner - $34.95

TOTAL: $106.75 + taxes

I am considering switching from Earthlink and D*. Is this pricing still correct? Can I also get everything listed here except the HD Package? I just don't think I want to spend $6.95 for ESPNHD.

[gparris]

Yes, the pricing is good, however, you might get an even better price if you attempt some negotiation, IMO. :)

You will get INHD 1 and 2, which show sports, concerts,etc. as well in addition to HDNET and HDNET Movies, some of the best in high definition programming as well as ESPNHD for your $6.95, so don't write it out of the picture. :D

If you want to try the HD package, there is no charge for cancelling at any time.

[Steely]

With the all-in-one special going on this weekend, it was too good to pass up. I'm looking forward to the 8300HD DVR.

[Mark Strube]

In the month of September HDNet Movies is playing Blade Runner: The Director's Cut... that'd be enough for me to get the HD package!! :D

A problem I've noticed with my DVR - I regularily record Nothing But Trailers from HDNet... great to demo the home theater with, and I love movie trailers! Lots of times there will be audio dropouts in the recording playback... I figured it was just a signal problem. This time I decided to watch the show live (non-buffered) as it was being recorded. Not a single problem. Then, in the playback, during similar parts of the same trailers as the problems were last time... audio dropouts. Does even the 8300HD not have enough processor power to keep up with certain scenes using high bitrate or something? It's clearly a recorder issue since it didn't do any of this on live playback.

[Paul S.]

In the month of September HDNet Movies is playing Blade Runner: The Director's Cut... that'd be enough for me to get the HD package!! :D

A problem I've noticed with my DVR - I regularily record Nothing But Trailers from HDNet... great to demo the home theater with, and I love movie trailers! Lots of times there will be audio dropouts in the recording playback... I figured it was just a signal problem. This time I decided to watch the show live (non-buffered) as it was being recorded. Not a single problem. Then, in the playback, during similar parts of the same trailers as the problems were last time... audio dropouts. Does even the 8300HD not have enough processor power to keep up with certain scenes using high bitrate or something? It's clearly a recorder issue since it didn't do any of this on live playback.


I've talked about that before and got written off. I understand what you see/hear.

[Mark Strube]

Something else interesting... on the same recording, it doesn't ALWAYS drop out. Sometimes it plays thru perfectly. Sometimes it doesn't... but when it doesn't, it's always around the same point in the given recording. And I want to be clear - this wasn't present during live playback, so there's something up with the recorder or playback.

(It especially likes to drop out at the opening of the trailer for the new Zorro movie. [there's 2 trailers - I'm referring to the one that opens with a ringing bell] That part also happens to be full of fade ins & fade outs, and some killer DD5.1 FX. It always seems to like to drop out when there's "a lot" going on, if that makes any sense. But of course, when I watched it live, not one problem.)

[Steely]

Does the 8300HD come with any cables such as component? I can't use HDMI as my HTPC will be using that.

[mhz40]

A while back, I received a fairly cheap set of componet cables with the box. They were eventually replaced with some mid-grade units from BB for around $30. Not sure if they are included anymore...

[Mark Strube]

Every HD box I've gotten from TWC came with free component cables. Cheap, but worked great. However I have gone thru 2 defective cables from them. (One didn't work, the other had a fine line thru the picture all the time.) I since only use mid-grade cables from eBay, and have a couple extra pairs of TWC's wires laying around.

[Mrtanner]

Something else interesting... on the same recording, it doesn't ALWAYS drop out. Sometimes it plays thru perfectly. Sometimes it doesn't... but when it doesn't, it's always around the same point in the given recording. And I want to be clear - this wasn't present during live playback, so there's something up with the recorder or playback.

(It especially likes to drop out at the opening of the trailer for the new Zorro movie.

It could be your receiver taking a second or two to switch between 2-channel and DD 5.1.

I'm not familiar with the trailers program, but my theory is this. You have a narrator, or some studio chatter going on that is not in 5.1 - Then the trailer starts and the audio switches to DD 5.1 Your receiver may take a second to recognize this switch resulting in a drop-out.

If my theory is correct, if you experience the drop out, after the sound comes on, you should be able to quickly back up to the start of the trailer (but no further) and play it without the drop-out because your receiver is already in DD 5.1 mode.

[Mark Strube]

No... the entire program is in 5.1. In fact, everything on HDNet, even if it's not in true 5.1 audio, is upconverted.

Also, your theory would not explain why the drop-outs aren't present when watching live... and if you rewind something, that kills the sound signal, so the receiver would have to switch again anyways. (And if the program was switching sound modes for different trailers, which it doesn't, it would have about 5 seconds lead-in since they include the green "approved for all audiences" screen before each trailer.)

[kevbeck122]

Finally got one.. they had around 10 in stock today :)

I like it for the most part... SD analog looks worse, though, than the 3510. Only other issue I have with it is that I wish I could use the 5.1 audio from the HDMI cable and output it to my receiver using the optical out on my TV. That way I could also watch OTA in 5.1 without disconnecting cables. I'm assuming it has to do with that firmware upgrade to allow for the audio menu, because people in other TWC markets have had success with what I'm trying to do.

[Mark Strube]

SD analog looks worse, though, than the 3510.

What settings are you using on the box? I've found if I just let it upscale everything to 1080i it does a much better job than my tv.

[kevbeck122]

The SD digital channels look closer to DVD quality now. The 3510 softens the picture up, but the 8300 seems to make everything more sharp, so I see more fuzz in the analog channels.

Right now I have SD channels set for 480p and the HD channels in 720p and 1080i. I didn't see any difference when I set it to output only 1080i.

[Carmmond]

I have a question that has I can't find in all the postings in this thread. I gust got our first HD DVR (8300) and can't get into the setup menus per instructions in the owners manual (press GUIDE and INFO). Can anyone tell me what I need to push to get into all the menus? Maybe we could make a sticky post of all the commands for new owners of this box?

[mhz40]

I have a question that has I can't find in all the postings in this thread. I gust got our first HD DVR (8300) and can't get into the setup menus per instructions in the owners manual (press GUIDE and INFO). Can anyone tell me what I need to push to get into all the menus? Maybe we could make a sticky post of all the commands for new owners of this box?
Are you confusing Settings and Diagnostics? To get into Settings, you select 'Settings'... followed by 'A', or the 'More Settings' option on the remote. The manual does not tell you how to get into diagnostics by design. There are no 'setup' options in the diagnostics pages.

[kevbeck122]

I'm assuming the manual is going by Scientific Atlanta's own software, but TWC boxes here use Pioneer's software... which probably doesn't have the easy initial setup. Just go into settings and press A like mhz40 said, and you'll be able to setup everything there.

[MathWiz579]

Just got my 8300 box yesterday due to my HD in the 8000 becoming FUBAR (2nd box this has happened to).

Very pleased with everything thus far. One question that I am still not clear about after reading through this thread... if I hook up using HDMI, can I still use the digital audio out to go to my receiver?

[Mark Strube]

One question that I am still not clear about after reading through this thread... if I hook up using HDMI, can I still use the digital audio out to go to my receiver?

Yuppers. :)

[Steely]

Just got my 8300HD box today. So far so good. Anyone know if the IR jack on the back is active? I think the manual says something about "for future use", but I'm just curious if anyone has tried it. I have a Xantech IR system and would like to eliminate the stick-on mouse style emitters. The mini-jacks are much more reliable.

Thx,

Dan

[MathWiz579]

Yuppers. :)


Uber-Schweet!

[Mark Strube]

Actually don't quote me on that. The situation might be different if using a cable that's HDMI on both ends. I'm using HDMI -> DVI and digital audio out works for me. Can anyone confirm it working with HDMI -> HDMI?

[kevbeck122]

Actually don't quote me on that. The situation might be different if using a cable that's HDMI on both ends. I'm using HDMI -> DVI and digital audio out works for me. Can anyone confirm it working with HDMI -> HDMI?

Yes, I'm using optical out + HDMI to HDMI cable and it works fine.

[Carmmond]

I'm assuming the manual is going by Scientific Atlanta's own software, but TWC boxes here use Pioneer's software... which probably doesn't have the easy initial setup. Just go into settings and press A like mhz40 said, and you'll be able to setup everything there.


Thanks guys thats what I was looking for.

[Mark Strube]

Mhz40, any inside news as to when the next update might be? Everything's fine except the usual HDNet audio dropouts which are only there on playback, not live unbuffered play of the show it's recording. :(

I read some rumors in AVS Forum that future versions of Passport will allow you to put series recordings into folders... for example... all your recordings of Seinfeld would be in a single Seinfeld folder.

[Greg Oman]

...Everything's fine except the usual HDNet audio dropouts which are only there on playback, not live unbuffered play of the show it's recording.

We've been noticing the audio drops on 512 as well with LIVE TV. I'm using the toslink output for audio. Happened a few times during the MNF games, and last night during Commander in chief too. Buffered doesn't change it at all.

Greg O.

[Mark Strube]

That's due to signal problems... could be at Time Warner, could be at WISN, could be at your end (weak signal, bad cable, etc)... the problem I'm talking about can be fixed with better software in the DVR, which is why I brought it up.

[Domer]

I recently upgraded to HD DVR and Time Warner installed the SA 8300HD DVR box. I have a brand new Samsung DLP HDTV, which I connected using HDMI. I ran the SPDIF digital audio to my Denon amp. So here's the problem - when I want to listen to a Music Choice service on my stereo, I turn off the TV. Within 2 minutes, the SA box will reset and lock up during the reboot process... until I turn on my TV.

I know what's happening - the SA box is trying to communicate with the TV over HDMI and when the TV is turned off, that handshake fails. But the box should NEVER reset, nor should it fail to boot up just because my TV is turned off.

I cannot convince Time Warner that this is a S/W bug. It took me several days just to get a hold of someone who could spell HDMI, much less understand it. Eventually I got someone to escalate the issue, but TW came back and said "tough sh-t, that's the way it is."

It blows my mind that someone could design a box that is supposed to support both audio and video services, but it cannot handle the "audio only" scenario if the HDMI is connected to a TV that is turned off.

Anyone else seen anything like this?

[Mark Strube]

Solution - either leave your tv on or start using component instead. The only reason I'm using HDMI instead of component is because both of my component connectors are in use with my DVD player and OTA receiver. I highly doubt you'll see a quality difference.

Don't count on TWC to fix anything that's a software problem. They don't do that type of thing.

[MoreTorque99]

I just picked up the 8300HD today. TWC supplied a 12' Component video cable.

PQ is very good and I have no issues to report yet.

Has anyone tried using the Firewire ports?

BTW, for good, inexpensve cables, go to http://www.monoprice.com

[Mark Strube]

Yours actually has firewire ports? :confused:

[kevbeck122]

I think it's an option the cable companies have.. whether or not to have the port. Since they're now required to provide boxes with firewire if the customer wants it, I'm guessing the newer ones that TWC is giving out have the port.

[MoreTorque99]

It has two 6-pin firewire ports on the back.

The box and remote appear to be brand new.

[Mark Strube]

A few questions:

Wow and you didn't specifically ask for one with firewire? I guess the new ones must now have these ports?

Do you think they'd be annoyed if I went in and asked for a new in-the-box HD-DVR exchange?

Are the ports active and which channels are unprotected? (Any SD digital besides the PPV previews? Any HD channels you can't get OTA?)

[tekdredger]

Firewire ports are NOT enabled. Even though the hardware is there it is not enabled by the Pioneer Passport Echo software. Hopefully this will be remedied in a future firmware upgrade sooner rather than later (but I'm not holding my breath). If you find some notes in the various internet forums about people using the firewire ports they are most likely using Scientific Atlanta's own SARA firmware, not the Passport like we have here in Milwaukee.

Having the hardware ports in place is more of a random luck of the draw, it's not just the newer boxes that have them. Case in point; I got a 4300HD about 6 weeks ago that had the ports installed but I returned it for an issue I won't discuss here. The replacement box was also brand new in a box with a later manufacturing date and it does not have the ports. But like I said, it doesn't matter since they don't work anyway.

Personally, I'd rather see the SATA port be enabled.

[faulkner]

Two issues with my HD8300 DVR.

1: Pressing the GUIDE and INFO buttons on the DVR at the same time does not activate an initial setup screen to tell the DVR that my Mits HD TV set is 4x3 format. The DVR defaults to 16x9 format, and then I have to choose a grey bar, stretch or zoom mode for 4x3 content. What am I doing wrong?

2: My other HD set is a Westinghouse LCD 16x9 Monitor, but TV volume is unsupported by the DVR remote. Does anyone know of a 3rd party programmable remote that works well with the 8300 (LIST, GUIDE, A, B, C, DVR keys, etc...)?

[kevbeck122]

1: The initial setup is meant for Scientific Atlanta's own box software. The Pioneer Passport software that is on TWC's boxes doesn't have the inital setup. You have to press menu, then the yellow triangle to set up the aspect ratio and other box options.

2: The remote can be programmed to use TV volume rather than the boxes. I don't remember how since I don't use their remote but I'm sure others know how.

[MoreTorque99]

Two issues with my HD8300 DVR.

1: Pressing the GUIDE and INFO buttons on the DVR at the same time does not activate an initial setup screen to tell the DVR that my Mits HD TV set is 4x3 format. The DVR defaults to 16x9 format, and then I have to choose a grey bar, stretch or zoom mode for 4x3 content. What am I doing wrong?

2: My other HD set is a Westinghouse LCD 16x9 Monitor, but TV volume is unsupported by the DVR remote. Does anyone know of a 3rd party programmable remote that works well with the 8300 (LIST, GUIDE, A, B, C, DVR keys, etc...)?


For the screen format, you should be able to pick that from the "advanced settings" menu. (press settings and then "a" for more settings)

My Harmony 880 works suprisingly well with my 8300HD. Every function is perfect.

[Paul S.]

My Harmony 880 works suprisingly well with my 8300HD. Every function is perfect.

Mine kinda does. I wish it was better. Do you have it set as 'digital set top' or 'watch pvr'?

[Mark Strube]

New REALLY ANNOYING issue...

This is more of an issue with the guide programming than the DVR itself but still...

For quite a while now, my box hasn't been getting Commander In Chief... I figured it was a hiatus or something... until I saw them talking about a new episode on Best Week Ever. What the heck?

I checked my series recording... everything was correct... except... it was spelled "Commander in Chief" whereas new episodes were spelled "Commander In Chief"

See the difference? Something as simple as this will screw up your series recordings... RIDICULOUS. The DVR series recordings are case-sensitive. Great job. :bang:

Makes me wonder what other series I'm missing...

[Paul S.]

New REALLY ANNOYING issue...

This is more of an issue with the guide programming than the DVR itself but still...

For quite a while now, my box hasn't been getting Commander In Chief... I figured it was a hiatus or something... until I saw them talking about a new episode on Best Week Ever. What the heck?

I checked my series recording... everything was correct... except... it was spelled "Commander in Chief" whereas new episodes were spelled "Commander In Chief"

See the difference? Something as simple as this will screw up your series recordings... RIDICULOUS. The DVR series recordings are case-sensitive. Great job. :bang:

Makes me wonder what other series I'm missing...

I didn;'t even know there was a way to change something like thet. ???

[Mark Strube]

I didn't change anything. Whoever provides the listings changed the "in" to "In" so it screwed up the series recording, since the stupid DVR is case-sensitive, apparently. So I had to delete the old series recording and add the new one.

[Paul S.]

I didn't change anything. Whoever provides the listings changed the "in" to "In" so it screwed up the series recording, since the stupid DVR is case-sensitive, apparently. So I had to delete the old series recording and add the new one.

Ohhh. That bites!

[kevbeck122]

I just noticed we have the audio menu now (DD, HDMI and 2 channel). I found out because since yesterday I have only been getting a PLII signal coming through my receiver. I checked the menu and sure enough, there's a digital audio out option now.

[Mark Strube]

That's strange... is it in the settings? Nothing like that on mine.

[kevbeck122]

It's right under the Audio Level option in the menu on mine... not the quick settings but the full menu.

[Mark Strube]

Yeah it's not on mine... Clock Settins is under Audio Level still. Strange. :confused:

[shimmer11]

I also have no menu option to change the audio to DD. Is this a firmware update or do I have to exchange for a new box? I have an optical audio cable free now, and I would prefer to use it over the analog audio.

Andy

[kevbeck122]

I also have no menu option to change the audio to DD. Is this a firmware update or do I have to exchange for a new box? I have an optical audio cable free now, and I would prefer to use it over the analog audio.

Andy

If you don't have the menu, then TWC is forcing DD. You shouldn't have a problem.

Maybe they're rolling this out gradually... or my box is special :D

[Paul S.]

I have that audio option, now, too.

[svtdougie]

Just got my 8300. They initially gave me an 8000. The picture was just horrible, it looked so SOFT. I read a few pages of this thread and it looked like most people agreed. I then requested the 8300. The picture looks much better and I am happy now.

my question is, can we confirm the HDMI port is activiated. the guy called dispatch and they said only some of them are activated now??

also, if i use HDMI for video on my LCOS JVC, can I still use Fiber for audio to my receiver?

Also, will I notice a difference from component to HDMI for my LCOS JVC which is 61"?

Thanks.

Doug

[gparris]

When TWC first came out with the 8300HD DVR I exchanged all of my boxes with them as time and availablility permitted and all of them had the HDMI active.

Yes, I use the digital optical or digital coaxial audio outputs from the box directly to my A/V receiver.
There have been some issues with the HDMI not sending the DD5.1 output from the 8300HD DVR to the HDTV set so you can then take the optical out (I think JVC's have optical out) to your receiver, why bother, anyway, IMO?
Anyway, you just have to run a digital (or coaxial, depending on the HDTV set) audio line anyway, so run that line from the cable box directly to your A/V receiver like you asked to do...works great without a cable box battle.
Remember, too, that you must have your cable box off and your HDTV set off when connecting the HDMI cable, then when this is done, always do the following:

Turn on the HDTV set first, then the 8300HD will (should) automatically come on.
When done watching your HDTV, turn the set off and the cable box off
(little green dot above the time or channel number disappears).
If you do this and the above audio setup, you should not have issues with your new 8300HD DVR box...enjoy and good luck!

[svtdougie]

Thanks for the response.

[Mark Strube]

There have been some issues with the HDMI not sending the DD5.1 output from the 8300HD DVR to the HDTV set so you can then take the optical out (I think JVC's have optical out) to your receiver, why bother, anyway, IMO?

At this point HDMI cannot even carry full 5.1 sound. Yes, it is technically capable of doing so, but nobody has ever been able to manage any more than 2.0 support thru an HDMI cable. So, even if it worked, you wouldn't want to use it.

[svtdougie]

In your experience is HDMI that much superior to Component? Honestly, I'd be shocked if it was even noticable because the picture looks so good on my JVC. The install guy even commented he'd never seen a picture that nice.

Is it worth the 100 bucks for a good HDMI cable to try it?

[kevbeck122]

The most I'd spend on an HDMI cable is $20 (I spent around $10 for mine). The signal is all digital.. you won't notice any difference with a really expensive cable. You might notice a slight difference between component and HDMI.. but not much depending on the TV.

[Mark Strube]

I just use HDMI because I'm using both my component ports for Xbox and DVD player. (1 used HDMI, 1 free HDMI) ...And for bragging rights of course. :D

I'd really have no problem using component, although with a full-resolution 1080p set like mine, it just might make more of a difference, who knows.

[svtdougie]

where are you finding an HDMI cable for 10 bucks?

1080P is awesome. I was 4 months too early on my JVC, but the way i figure it no programming will be in 1080P for a long time to come, at least that is how i keep myself from buying another set!

[gparris]

where are you finding an HDMI cable for 10 bucks?

1080P is awesome. I was 4 months too early on my JVC, but the way i figure it no programming will be in 1080P for a long time to come, at least that is how i keep myself from buying another set!

What?

You have the JVC 61" 1080p set instead of the 720p (older)model?

Cool...I am so envious.:)

Where did you get it?

Note : it has 2 HDMI inputs:

- one for the HD DVR in this thread
- one for the DVD upconverting player
just like the Sony SXRD! :D

[Mark Strube]

where are you finding an HDMI cable for 10 bucks?

eBay is your friend. :)

[TPK]

The most I'd spend on an HDMI cable is $20 (I spent around $10 for mine). The signal is all digital.. you won't notice any difference with a really expensive cable. You might notice a slight difference between component and HDMI.. but not much depending on the TV.

I think I got my HDMI cable from either NewEgg or TigerDirect, I think I paid like 15 bux for it, and its 6 feet long, which is long enough to go from my receiver to the back of my television set...

I switched from component to HDMI from the 8300 now that dolby digital seems to work on the digital output.... I did this to free up a component port, I have not noticed any kind of picture quality differnce (althogh I don't have test pattern or stuff like that to display on the TV to really make a good comparison)... I have some observations though...

For reference, I am using the 8300 HD DVR box from TWC, and I have a Samsung 50" DLP projection television (I believe the model is HLP-5063W)... I also got the 8300 DVR sometime like 2 weeks after it came out, so I am sure that I have one of the 'earlier' models...

1) I do not have a menu that I can see anywhere on the 8300 to allow me to select 'dolby digital' in any type of audio select... It just outputs the dolby digital when it can and I am fine with that...

2) Unless the television is on, no audio goes to the receiver.. This would kinda suck if I wanted to use my DVR box as a digital audio reciever..

3) No audio goes to the television through the HDMI, so I am forced to use my reciever/speakers all the time.. Not too much of a problem for me because that is what I was doing anyhow...

4) When switching through channels that have different resolutions (1080i, 720p, 480i) it takes the television an INCREDIBLE amount of time to adjust to the change of resolution on the HDMI port... It was MUCH quicker with the components input... It got so annoying, that I finally gave in to the cable box, and forced it to output only to 720p, which is the native resolution of the television anyhow... So now the switching between channels is MUCH better, however I am now relying on the DVR box instead of the television to do my up/down converting and de-interlacing (Is this really a horrible thing to do?? Or am I okay doing this??)

5) I have the cable box to go back to the last channel it was on when it turns on... I also have the cable box set up to stretch 4:3 channels.. I have a problem where if that last channel the cable box was on was a hih-def wide-screen channel (720p or 1080i) and the box is turned off and then back on later, the wide-screen picture is then STRETCHED again, so now the right and left edges of the screen fall off the sides of the screen, and everything is stretched wide as if I am looking at a stretched 4:3 picture, even though this is a native 16:9 picture... The picture stays that way until I switch to a standard def channel, and then go back to the hih-def channel, and everything goes back to normal... Actually, this has been happening to me since I got the DVR box (wether I am on component or HDMI) and I ASSUME that this is only happening to me and my DVR box because I havent seen it reported anywhere else here on this forum (please correct me if you are having this same issue)... So I imagine that if I trade this box in I won't be having these problems anymore???

6) I have noticed that the delay between the digital cable and the analog cable is now a lot shorter than it used to be... I can actually make nachos in the oven during a packer game and not miss the action by using my small analog TV in my kitchen, and at the same time not ruin the game for everyone else when I screem in disgust as Favre throws another interception....

Anyhow, I am happy with moving to the HDMI interface, even though it has these extra problems... Now I have 2 component inputs that I am using for my X-box and my DVD player, and I no longer have to use a component switching device to go between my x-box and my DVD player (my reciever does do component switching as well, but I never got around to hooking up my components that way)...

A question I have is will any of these problems go away if I trade in my DVR box?? If trading it in means that all these problems will go away, then perhaps it will be worth it for me to do that.....

[svtdougie]

Thanks for all the input, this forum is much more responsive than the AVS forum!

I'll probably pick one up to try because that's what we do, right! :)

Oh, sorry for the confusion, my JVC is 720P not 1080P, I was saying the 1080P's came out 4 months after I got mine. I'm not complaining the picture is absolutely stunning, I haven't had one problem or anything else that some people on the AVS forum complain about.

[svtdougie]

Just a quick note on mysetup for those interested:

Theatre 1:

JVC 61" 720P LCOS
Harman/Kardon AVR 630
Harman/Kardon DVD 33
Infinity Kappa 400 x 4
Infinity kappa Center Channel
Infinity CSW10 Subwoofer
Panamax surger protector/regulator
Component video and Fiber optic for sound
Liberty Cables for all

Theatre 2:

Panasonic 40" LCD RPTV 720P
Harman/Kardon AVR520
Harman/Kardon DVD50
Infinity Overture 1's x 5
Velodyne 12" Subwoofer
Component video and Fiber optic for sound
Liberty Cables for all

Had 2 HD DVR's but only going to run 1 for the time being while theatre 2 (which was the original theatre) is on deck.

[Mark Strube]

TPK - If the actual resolution on your hdtv is anything above 1280x720, I'd reccommend having the box output only 1080i. (Some have strange resolutions, like my older Sony.) I've never seen good results letting my HD box scale 1080i down to 720p, but that may be because of the native formats of my sets, since the box does do a great job of scaling anything up to 1080i.

Also, about that stretching problem... in your DVR settings, is it set up as a 16:9 television, and to sidebar (or stretch) only 4:3 content? This could be your issue, otherwise you just got a strange box.

[TPK]

TPK - If the actual resolution on your hdtv is anything above 1280x720, I'd reccommend having the box output only 1080i. (Some have strange resolutions, like my older Sony.) I've never seen good results letting my HD box scale 1080i down to 720p, but that may be because of the native formats of my sets, since the box does do a great job of scaling anything up to 1080i.

Also, about that stretching problem... in your DVR settings, is it set up as a 16:9 television, and to sidebar (or stretch) only 4:3 content? This could be your issue, otherwise you just got a strange box.

Hello there, thanx for the reply ;)

The television is a DLP projection, so it will have a fixed resoultion microdisplay which I highly doubt is anything but exactly 1280 x 720... Was your older sony a projection CRT or another type of microdisplay?? I would imagine that with a CRT type of TV your probably better off scaling up to 1080i since these wont have a fixed resolution and interlace the output anyhow, while with digital microdisplays your better off with a progressive signal like 720p... I suppose thats true until you get to a 1080p microdisplay, then I'm not sure if your better off forcing the output to progressive at 720p, or forcing the output to a higher resolution like 1080i.... I guess with a 720p microdisplay, the choice becomes easier ;)

Well, as far as my settings go, here is where things get a little strange...

I do have it set up for 16:9 television.... However the settings for what to do with a 4:3 picture are different depending on what channel I am on at the time I go to the menu...

If I am on a SD channel, and go to that setting (hit Settings -> A (more settings) -> down -> down) I see that the aspect ratio is set to Widescreen and Stretch...

If I am on a HD channel, and go to that setting, I see that the aspect ratio is set to Widescreen, and Sidebar...

If I change the setting from Sidebar to Stretch when I am on a HD channel, then it stretches out the screen (as I described above) cutting off the sides of the HD picture... At that point, if I change to a SD channel and back to the HD channel, then the HD picture goes back to normal (standard 16:9 picture fullscreen), and if I go back to that setting, I can see that it has reverted back to sidebar 4:3 picture...

Yep, this behavior is quite strange... Its not a really big deal though, its just somewhat annoying is all... The only time that it really affects me is if I come home, turn on the TV and the cable box and see that its been tuned to a channel that I would like to rewind and watch, but now of course the widescreen is stretched and the sides are cut off... So I can rewind and watch the show like that which is sorta yucky... To remedy the problem I can switch to a SD channel and back, but of course by doing that I whipe out the recorded buffer and now I can no longer rewind the show....

Oh well, no big deal really, just really strange and kinda annoying.... Perhaps if I decide one day not to be lazy, and I know I will be out by Mayfair anyhow, I will go and trade in this box for a new one... But its not worth making a special trip all the way out to mayfair for this, especially in the thick of the x-mas season, when I try to keep at least a 5 mile buffer between myself and any shopping mall, ESPECIALLY mayfair!!!

[Mark Strube]

The older Sony I was referring to is the 42" listed in my signature. The resolution on that one is 1386x788. This is slightly higher resolution than 720p, and the picture looked noticeably softer if I let the box send it 720p... so I just had it upscale everything to 1080i and it looked great. I'd be losing detail if I had let it downscale 1080i stuff to 720p.

My new Sony (the 50") is full 1080p, meaning 1920x1080... and it does its own progressive scan of all 1080i or 480i video... so it would make no sense to have 1080i stuff downscaled to 720p (1280x720) just because it's a progressive display.

I think you should experiment with a movie or show you're familiar with on a 1080i channel (HBO HD, Showtime HD, Discovery HD, HDNet, INHD, NBC, CBS) and see which looks sharper or more pleasing to your eye (720p or 1080i output) and then do the same for a 720p signal (ESPN-HD, ABC, FOX).

[Paul S.]

Dude, use HDMI over componant cables. Componant cables are still an analog connection. HDMI cables are a digital connection. Which makes more sense to use with digital cable? ;)

As for digital cables like DVI, HDMI, etc, look at Ebay. Don't spend more than 16 bucks for an 8ft cable. Stay away from Monster at all costs.

[Mark Strube]

We just got another 8300HD DVR... my mom could no longer resist. :D

On the new one, I noticed it now has IEEE 1394 (firewire) ports, and also has the additional setting for digital audio (between dolby digital or stereo).

I tested the 1394 by connecting it to my computer with the proper drivers and using CapDVHS and it refused to work properly (even though my PC did recognize it properly as the SA8300HD, installing the correct drivers). I was using the method found here - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695
If anyone has any better tips, let me know!

[Andrew Grall]

We just got another 8300HD DVR... my mom could no longer resist. :D

On the new one, I noticed it now has IEEE 1394 (firewire) ports, and also has the additional setting for digital audio (between dolby digital or stereo).

I tested the 1394 by connecting it to my computer with the proper drivers and using CapDVHS and it refused to work properly (even though my PC did recognize it properly as the SA8300HD, installing the correct drivers). I was using the method found here - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695
If anyone has any better tips, let me know!
Very interesting...

We recently got a new camcorder and I have dumped video from that to our computer using firewire - no problems. This will be very interesting if you get it to work!

On the other hand, it may not be wrothwhile for us to pick up another 8300. We are leaving the state in late June - moving to Tucson! :)

[mhz40]

The firewire port is not yet active on the 8300...

[Mark Strube]

Well, it should be. Just like Time Warner should allow personal archiving of premium HD stations, because we're paying plenty. These copy protection freaks need to open their eyes.

[RS922]

The port is active on the 8300 HD, saw it working a few days back on a Sony HD set. The connection must be hooked up to a device that supports HDCP before you will see any contect flow between devices.

[Mark Strube]

I was under the impression that channels like HDNet are supposed to be set to "copy free." Not too free if you still need an HDCP device to archive it.

[Mark Strube]

Well, my mom didn't like the whole DVR setup, so I took her "newer" box for myself and exchanged my DVR for a standard HD box for my mom. I ended up with a "Pace" branded box.

[MDR]

http://www.maxstore.com/qvx/

Will TWC ever add this product. Would be nice addition to the puny 160G they give you!

[kevbeck122]

I doubt it.. I don't think the Pioneer software they use supports it and I don't see them switching to SA's software anytime soon. Maybe a bigger DVR will come whenever OCAP arrives in the Milwaukee area.

[gparris]

Well, my mom didn't like the whole DVR setup, so I took her "newer" box for myself and exchanged my DVR for a standard HD box for my mom. I ended up with a "Pace" branded box.

When I do any installations of any kind, the younger folks love the DVRs and the past-60-year-olds are usually scared of the red, blue and yellow buttons on the DVRs.
So until we play with them and get "comfortable", they are confused...I make them happy until they are and offer over-the-phone assistance, too. :D

I feel sorry for your mother, really I do.

Once you get a DVR, its like a microwave oven...you wonder why you didn't have one all along. :cool:

[shimmer11]

During the recording of the office last night on Ch. 504, the HD picture and sound were breaking up like crazy. This has happened to me more than once, and I am beginning to think that my DVR needs a replacement. Some HD channels are fine and some are not. SD is all fine. Anyone else experience HD breakups?

Thanks,

Andy

[klwillis45]

During the recording of the office last night on Ch. 504, the HD picture and sound were breaking up like crazy. This has happened to me more than once, and I am beginning to think that my DVR needs a replacement. Some HD channels are fine and some are not. SD is all fine. Anyone else experience HD breakups?

Thanks,

Andy


My recording was fine. Tried rebooting? Swapped 8300s? Do you have an amp? If not, you may need TWC to install one for ya. I had to have it done (its free) and have had little trouble since.

[shimmer11]

Did try the reboot. It seemed to be ok after that, but the problem still comes up. I may just exchange the box for a new one. I was one of the early adopters and picked one up as soon as it was out. Maybe it is burning out. I may look into the amp as I do not have one.

Andy

[flash]

Well I exchanged my old DVR for the new 8300 that everyone here recommended (thanks by the way!).
My only problem is that with my TV (Sony 51HW40 rear projection HD ready) I get the following issues:
Using 16:9 mode (on DVR)
Normal setting = gray bars and 4:3 picture
Zoom Picture = VERY zoomed
Stretch picture = VERY VERY stretched

I set the DVR to output to 4:3 TV but everything is pretty much the same.

I'm using 1080i only but I tried setting the box to output 720p but not much difference and I am using component cables ('cause that's all my TV has)

My wife keeps complaining because it was MY idea to exchange boxes so it's been
a little frustrating as of late. :bang: :bang: :bang:

Any and all input is appreciated.

[kevbeck122]

Sounds about normal to me. What's the TV set at for picture size? I'm assuming full or normal. Do you have any pictures to show what the zoom and stretch look like?

[flash]

My particular model of Sony locks the aspect ratio when using the composite inputs.
I can't adjust zoom modes via the TV in this configuration so I have to use the built in ratios of the DVR....... the older 8000 model wasn't as noticeable as this one so I guess if your saying this is normal I guess I'll just have to deal with it until the new Sony SXRD models come out this summer and by Christmas time the prices should have dropped. :cool:

Example of zoom:

You know the station logo at the lower right half of your screen like ABC or SciFi etc...
well, I get just the tip of the letters in zoom mode and the tops of people heads are cut off just above their foreheads.

[Detritus]

Has anybody managed to get the firewire ports to work with PCs?

Basic method: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=403695

But I'm running into the same problems described in this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6380734&&#post6380734

Has anybody gotten this to work?

[Rick Sass]

Are the HDMI and component ports active at the same time in the 8300HD?

[jd91]

I know I saw this question somewhere in the past, but can't find the answer now...

Is it possible with the 8300HD to use HDMI output to a 1080p TV and use optical or digital COAX audio output to a receiver? I don't want to buy a new receiver right now that has HDMI capability, but want to simplify cabling as much as possible. I seem to recall people indicating that there was some issue with trying to do this... like if you used HDMI it automatically shutoff the other audio outputs on the 8300HD.

Thanks for any help!

[Mark Strube]

This is no longer an issue. Most (if not all) of the 8300HD DVR's you get have no problems outputting both HDMI and optical (or digital coax) at the same time. Also, I believe most have a new menu option that lets you choose stereo, HDMI, or Dolby Digital output. (You would choose Dolby Digital.)

[Vindi]

TWC finally fixed the problem with HDMI port running through my denon reciever to the TV. Not sure when but I tried it about a year ago and it would not work.

I had it hooked up with component and digital out for audio and now I seen to notice more audio drop outs with the HDMI. Anyone else notice this?

[Mark Strube]

Are you running the audio thru HDMI or are you using a seperate digital coax/optical cable? Most HDMI hardware is incapable of passing thru 5.1, so it gets downmixed to 2.0 stereo.

[Vindi]

Are you running the audio thru HDMI or are you using a seperate digital coax/optical cable? Most HDMI hardware is incapable of passing thru 5.1, so it gets downmixed to 2.0 stereo.

I only have the HDMI hooked up. Not sure where you got the info about the 5.1 because I don't think its true. I get all my audio for my STB and HD-DVD player thru HDMI. I was using only HDMI on my old Denon 1920 DVD player too. They all ran into my 3806 reciever. I was even using HDMI for DVD-Audio from the Denon DVD (SACD needed seperate hookups).

[Mark Strube]

The info is from a lot of experience, however perhaps the very high-end hardware isn't like this. I would look into it.

[Vindi]

Isn't that the whole point of HDMI? Otherwise you can get the same quality from DVI and optical for audio.

[kevbeck122]

TVs are the only thing that can't get 5.1 from HDMI.. they can only decode/output 2.0.. so therefore you won't get any sound through your TV speakers if you set the HDMI output to 5.1.

[Vindi]

Why would you need 5.1 into a TV? Thats why the TV manufactures make them this way. There is no point to inputing 5.1 into a TV.

[Mark Strube]

There is no point to inputing 5.1 into a TV.

Actually, there is. Many HDTV's (including mine) have an optical audio output. It's used for ouputting audio from any source, including the built in OTA tuner, or the HDMI ports. It would be very helpful if it could pass 5.1 thru, it would free up some optical ports on my audio receiver.

[Vindi]

Did you try running your audio thru your tv? I have the same set and thought I remember reading somewhere that only one of the two HDMI inputs would pass the audio through. I dont remember for sure. I have never tried.

IO would assume all reciever would accept 5.1 thru HDMI though. TV's might be the only exception.

[tbarney]

Will TWC let me bring my own 8300 DVR the party and use a cable card in the front slot to receive programming?

The way I see it the unit costs about $15/month between the box rental and for the DVR service. At those rates buying one personally should break even in 2 years. I relize that I wouldn't get updates, just wondering if it is possible.

thanks

[LoadStar]

Will TWC let me bring my own 8300 DVR the party and use a cable card in the front slot to receive programming?

The way I see it the unit costs about $15/month between the box rental and for the DVR service. At those rates buying one personally should break even in 2 years. I relize that I wouldn't get updates, just wondering if it is possible.

thanks

The front slot isn't a cable card. It's a slot for a smart card, similar to the DirecTV cards they use (or used to use - I haven't looked at a DTV system in a long time). TWC does not use the cards, so they don't have any to provide.

Nor will TWC be remotely likely to activate a "foreign" cable box on their network.

Additionally, in the unlikely scenario that they were to do so, you would still have to pay for the DVR service, no matter what.

[DooMer_MP3]

I'm having a problem with my SA 8300 HD DVR. Here is the equipment:

1) Syntax Olevia 37" LCD LT37HVS w/ 1 HDMI port
2) Samsung HDMI Upconverting player
3) Computer w/ 9800pro DVI->HDMI cable
4) MonoPrice HDX-501 5x1 HDMI Switch Rev 2.1
5) MonoPrice HDMI cables

I originally had a Rev 2.0 switch, but since exchanged it in hopes of fixing the problem. To make a long story short, I cannot, for the life of me, get the SA 8300HD to work using HDMI through the HDMI switch. It works when hooked up directly to the TV. The DVD player and computer work just fine through the switch. The switch is a pretty highly regarded piece of equipment on AVS forums, especially for the price.

Anyhow, no matter which port I plug it into on the switch, the DVR always tells me my TV doesn't support HDCP. I've tried different cables, different, DVRs (exchanged to TWC), and also returned my original switch for a new one. The DVR is the only friggin' piece that won't work.

Anyone have any suggestions?!

Thanks!

[Mark Strube]

I'm going to guess the HDMI switch isn't fully supporting HDCP, or it's somehow preventing the specific type of handshake that the 8300HD requires. That's my best guess... have you found out if anyone else in another area with an 8300HD (with HDCP enabled) has been able to get it to work thru that switch?

[DooMer_MP3]

I'm going to guess the HDMI switch isn't fully supporting HDCP, or it's somehow preventing the specific type of handshake that the 8300HD requires. That's my best guess... have you found out if anyone else in another area with an 8300HD (with HDCP enabled) has been able to get it to work thru that switch?

Yeah, that is my thought as well. I'll have to bring it over to a friend's house with a similar setup. Slight revision of my TV (same size/brand) but also with a SA8300HD.