Official SA 8300HD DVR Users Thread

[Mark Strube]

I just picked up the new box this morning. Some notes: the component video output is much, much sharper. Program access and channel changing is also much quicker. Very cool search feature: if you go into the guide and hit C to search by title, you can actually TYPE IN keywords (movies, shows, actors, directors) or titles and it'll come up with a list of names, you choose the name you're looking for, and it'll list every show with that person, director, title, etc. VERY cool and useful. Much quicker than scrolling thru a list of shows. I haven't been able to test the HDMI yet, a cable is on its way. S-video output is always active, no need to switch to SD mode. I'd assume composite output is also always active.

[LuckySe7ens]

I called them today, and they said that this box is still in testing, and that there is no way I can order one.

[Mark Strube]

Call the local Mayfair store at 1-866-892-6007 and ask if they have any left. (This is different from the standard customer service number, this goes straight to the store. Customer service never knows what's in stock at what stores.) I picked mine up this morning around 10:30, although I think it might've been one of the last ones that they got in the latest shipment.

[Paul S.]

Ooooo! Does DVI out work?

[JOHN GRY]

Got mine today in Kenosha, Racine store didn't have them yet. I had to go through customer service becuase they were not being released to public yet.

John

[LuckySe7ens]

So, I went to the billing office, after being told on the phone that they didnt have any. Got there, and asked if she had any of the 8300HDs, to which she replied no. And then she handed me a box with "8300HD" printed in big letters on the side. I just grinned. Hope this works better than the 8000HD

[louisd13]

A question for you JOHN GRY or Mark Strube or anybody else that has the 8300 already. Does it output SD and HD at the same time? The reason I am asking is because I feed 2 TV's with my 8000, 1 HD 1 SD and it is a pain when I have to run downstairs to switch the box to SD when I want to watch my SD TV (which is upstairs). I still don't know why TWC doesn't have both outputs (HD and SD) active at the same time, but hopefully somebody will tell me that this problem is solved with the 8300! One more question. What kind of SD outputs does the 8300 in this area have (Coax, Composite, S-Vid)? Just curious for the same reason as above. Thanks.

[RS922]

The 8300 HD has composite and component outputs that are active at the same time. The RF out is active at all times as well. Not sure if the s-video output is active at all times, but I would expect that to be the case.

[mhz40]

Yes, the 8300 does include active down-converted RF and composite outputs. Not sure about Y/C.
The 8300 is built on a slightly different hardware platform, but it does not use different firmware. Therefore lingering issues on the 8000 will not be 'fixed' by swapping your 8000 hardware.
Unless you need down conversion on RF or composite or require an HDMI interface, I suggest you hold off for now. So louisd13 could benefit from a new DVR. Besides, IMO, the new box is uglier than the original... if that's even possible. :o
There are not hundreds of these things out there. You will simply frustrate yourself if you rip your gear out and head for the nearest customer service center for a swap.

[Mark Strube]

Well, I for one am happier with the new box. It operates a lot smoother, and the better picture quality is simply a joy. It finally matches up with the great PQ of the Pioneer HD boxes, it's unbelievable how soft the 8000HD makes the picture. Also, yes, S-video is active at all times. I will be able to test HDMI out in a few days, the HDMI -> DVI cable is on order. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

About composite video: When you configure the box in SD mode, the Y/V connector acts as a normal Video connector, just like on the 8000... however, just like with the 8000, the method for putting it into SD mode that's listed in the manual does not work, and the old CH+ VOL- trick no longer works. SO, there's no method that I'm aware of to put it into SD mode yet... but S-video and RF are always active (and in SD of course), so that should be good for most people.

Ugly? I prefer beefy. Your friends look at it... now THAT'S a box that DOES something IMPORTANT! :D
I also prefer the less wide but slightly thicker form factor better... the 8000 had to sit with a DVD player on top of it, and that's always risky, now this one can more easily be the top item in the tower of electronics for better cooling.

[LuckySe7ens]

For one, I'm enjoying the free Showtime, Cinemax, TMC, and Starz.

and the quality, much better

[LuckySe7ens]

I'm ready to goto the dish....

"Your digital cable service has been disconnected. Please call your cable operator for assistance...."

This is total bullsh**

I get a new box, cause the two previous ones failed, and then I get some sorta message about my digital cable getting disconnected after having it for less than 5 hours.

[Mark Strube]

Heh... chill... this probably has something to do with the service maintenence I mentioned in this thread: http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4885

Simply call customer service and let them know, all they have to do is reset your box. This is a common ocurrence when swapping or getting new boxes.

On another note, I'm guessing that firewire still isn't active since it's using the same firmware... correct? Although, HDMI is active... so who knows.

[Andrew Grall]

I wonder if this is finally worth trading my cable card for, since it is a DVR that uses DVI/HDMI...

Of course, I still wouldn't be able to record Smallville in HD, since TW still does not have channel 18 in HD... :mad:

[yaderhey]

I think I know the answer to this, but will I lose all the shows I've recorded when I switch to the new box? Is there any way to transfer them?

Is it worth making a switch? My biggest beef with the 8000 is how jumpy the picture can get in HD. Is that fixed? Will my $100 DVI cable work?

[Mark Strube]

You'll lose all your shows and series recording settings... so catch up on everything before you trade it in. From what I've seen, pretty much all the major glitches are fixed. As long as you have a good signal (no errors on non-DVR boxes) this should perform close to flawless. Although, there's no guarantee, as with any new technology.

The 8300HD is HDMI, so you'll be able to use it if that's an HDMI cable, or an HDMI -> DVI cable, depending on what connector your tv has. $100? Try eBay. I have an HDMI -> DVI cable on its way for $10 (and that's including shipping). And yes, they work, I got a DVI cable for the same price, works like a charm.

[yaderhey]

Thanks for the quick reply. I just picked mine up from the MLK Time Warner office.

Damn, that company is clueless. First, the rep at Mayfair told me the unit has twice the storage (apparently untrue). Then the customer service rep on the phone told me the units are not available and are in "taste testing mode" (her words, not mine). Finally at the MLK office, the woman told me that the unit is exactly the same, but smaller, and doesn't have DVI.

Opening it up, I see that new port, so I may buy that converter on eBay. Now my real question ... when I had the first TW box, my DVI cable (yes, it was $100 at Best Buy) made switching channels a two-second operation. It was painfully slow. Will that be the same situation with the new box and DVI? Is their a difference in PQ between component and this new-fangled DVI thing? I couldn't tell the difference last time, except for in the speed of changing channels.

Thanks.

--Andy

[shimmer11]

Mark, which type of HDMI > DVI cable do I choose? Female, male etc? Which ebay seller did you buy from, if everything works out I may look into buying from them also.

Andy

[Mark Strube]

I couldn't tell you about channel changing speed or picture quality, since my cable is still on its way in the mail. However, I would assume it shouldn't change any speeds. That's part of the reason the Pioneer HD boxes aren't recommended, and the Scientific Atlanta are.

Shimmer11, you'll need a HDMI Male to DVI-D Male cable. (This is assuming your tv has a DVI port and not an HDMI port.)

This is the seller I bought from... however I HAVEN'T received the cable yet, but I'm confident it will work just fine. (I'll let you guys know.)

http://search.ebay.com/hdmi_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfrppZ25QQfromZR10Q QsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsadisZ200QQsellerZ1Q QsassZauction4pcQQfsopZ3QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompare QQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch

[Paul S.]

HDMI->DVI cables can be found at pacificcable.com 28 for the adapter, or 32 for the hdmi/dvi cable.


Never spend 100 for a dvi cable! There are better quality cables for much cheaper than Monster!!!!

[Paul S.]

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZauction4pc


Looks good to me!

[Mark Strube]

Of course, I still wouldn't be able to record Smallville in HD, since TW still does not have channel 18 in HD... :mad:

They're currently up to season 2 on HDNet. I never watched it before so this is my chance to catch it from the beginning... and in HD! :rock:

I modified my link above to show only the HDMI cables from that seller (since they're selling hundreds of other items). Here it is again:
http://search.ebay.com/hdmi_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfrppZ25QQfromZR10Q QsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsadisZ200QQsellerZ1Q QsassZauction4pcQQfsopZ3QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompare QQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch

[summerfun]

Just picked up my 8300 at Mayfair mall. Not sure if the PQ is better, but I LOVE the new search function in the menu. Channels seem to change faster as well. I am going to hook up both the 8000 and 8300 side by side to check on the PQ for sure. I will post my findings.

The live S-video output will be nice when I want to make a tape of something as well, but I don't do that very often.

[Mark Strube]

I can tell you from experience that the PQ is MUCH better. At one point I went from the 8000HD -> Pioneer HD -> 8000HD... when I went back to the 8000HD, the picture was SO much softer I almost dumped it, but it was still worth it to be able to record in HD. Now the 8300 is just as good as that Pioneer was... the PQ was a big problem for me so I'm glad they corrected that.

[LuckySe7ens]

Heh... chill... this probably has something to do with the service maintenence I mentioned in this thread: http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4885

Simply call customer service and let them know, all they have to do is reset your box. This is a common ocurrence when swapping or getting new boxes.

I guess if its a common occurance, then they should make it a non-common occurance. If the 8300 hadn't worked so well, I'd be switching to sat. The 8000 was junk.

[Mark Strube]

The problem was fixed pretty quicky, correct? If you had gone to satellite I'm sure you'd switch back to cable when it goes out for an hour in a bad rainstorm, right? Every [new] technology will have its issues, these boxes especially... you can't be so reactionary with something like this.

[Paul S.]

Is there a way to see a pic of the backside of this baby?

[Mark Strube]

If nobody beats me to it, I'll snap a picture of it when I need to install my HDMI cable in a day or two. I'd do it sooner but it's kind of a hassle to hook/unhook everything.

[sp44again]

See if this works.

linky (http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003986.pdf)

[sp44again]

What I want to know is if the SATA connection works.

[Mark Strube]

Thanks sp44! Here's an image of the back from his link:

[Andrew Grall]

See if this works.

linky (http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003986.pdf)

Thanks for the link.

[oz]

Anyone try this yet?

[Joseph S]

Another vote for:

1)Does HDMI->DVI work with HDCP displays?
2)Do the firewire ports work?
3)Does the SATA port work?

[Paul S.]

So...when will these be available for everyone?

[Mark Strube]

No idea... like I've said, call the Mayfair store (1-866-892-6007), ask if they have any available, if not, ask when they're getting a new shipment. I'd recommend calling right before you're planning on leaving to go to the store. They tend to disappear pretty quickly.

[wireblsam]

Picked mine up from Mayfair yesterday at lunch. They couldn't activate the box because they were having systems problems. Hooked it up at home and everything worked great except for the HD tier (530, 545-548).

Channel switching much improved over the 8000, and picture quality was slightly better on the analog channels.

[Andrew Grall]

If I decide to pick up this box, what is the most economical package to do so?

I currently have DigiPic 1000 with cablecard and the HD Tier -

I used to have Digital Access with the Pioneer HD receiver until I got a TV with cablecard. I never watch channels in the 100 range...

I want to keep prices down... I already feel like I am paying too much at ~$111/mo for Earthlink cable and cable TV.

[Mark Strube]

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

[Mark Strube]

I just got my cable in the mail today. HDMI -> DVI-D (w/HDCP) works beautifully. There is no slow-down in the channel changing, like some were worried about. Also, it does scale the image to whatever format you like (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i), unlike the Pioneer box's DVI output.

I'm not able to test the firewire or sata ports at the moment, so someone else will have to test that out for us. :)

Another feature I've forgotten to mention... you can also stretch/zoom HD (16:9) channels. This would be useful is something is "pillarboxed."

[Paul S.]

I just got my cable in the mail today. HDMI -> DVI-D (w/HDCP) works beautifully. There is no slow-down in the channel changing, like some were worried about. Also, it does scale the image to whatever format you like (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i), unlike the Pioneer box's DVI output.

I'm not able to test the firewire or sata ports at the moment, so someone else will have to test that out for us. :)

Another feature I've forgotten to mention... you can also stretch/zoom HD (16:9) channels. This would be useful is something is "pillarboxed."


Awesome news! I just ordered a 6ft'er! :) Maybe I'll just go see if they have a box while I'm out and about tomarrow and hold onto to box boxes until I get the cable :guitar:

[Snard]

Anyone try this yet?
Not yet - don't have a SATA external drive.

I did trade in my 8000HD for an 8300HD tonight, and it's up and running & working nicely. My unit doesn't have the Firewire connectors on the back; does anyone else's?

The next question to ask with the external drive is: if I let the 8300HD record a program to the drive, can I then connect the drive to my computer and extract the program? (I guess it's time to head over to AVSForum, because if anyone's done this, I'm sure someone there has.)

[Paul S.]

Also, it does scale the image to whatever format you like (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i), unlike the Pioneer box's DVI output.




Thats even better news. My Sony likes to take 720p and downconvert it to 480p.

Is there a sequence of #'s to hit to get that menu, or is it in the manual? {fart}

[Mark Strube]

Is there a sequence of #'s to hit to get that menu, or is it in the manual? {fart}

It's simply in the main settings, just like with the 8000 model. You tell it which formats you'd like it to put thru. For example, I selected 1080i and 720p... so it passes thru 1080i and 720p just how they are, and upscales 480p and 480i to 720p.

Your Sony donconverts 720p to 480p?? Why would it do that? How would I find out if mine is doing that? :confused:

[Paul S.]

It's simply in the main settings, just like with the 8000 model. You tell it which formats you'd like it to put thru. For example, I selected 1080i and 720p... so it passes thru 1080i and 720p just how they are, and upscales 480p and 480i to 720p.

Your Sony donconverts 720p to 480p?? Why would it do that? How would I find out if mine is doing that? :confused:

You might be able to display all formats as they are. The 510's all downconvert 720p (there is no 720p for the 510). 1080i is the native for me.


You might want to check the SPot. An easier way is to check you set yourself with each signal ;)

[Andrew Grall]

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

Hmmm... That's what I was afraid of... My wife and I both use our earthlink e-mail accounts, so it would kind of suck for us to change.

Thanks for the advice though.

Would you know, by chance the price of Digital Access? Would that change the price of the DVR?

[Mark Strube]

Actually, when I called Earthlink to cancel the service, they asked if I'd like to keep my Earthlink email... so it may not be a problem! :wave: (Or heck, switch to Gmail like the rest of the world! I'll send ya a couple invites if you like :D )

I'm pretty sure you need a Digipic plan to get the HD package (the wonders of tiered service plans). However, I'm not sure if you need a Digipic plan to get just the DVR.

[Andrew Grall]

Actually, when I called Earthlink to cancel the service, they asked if I'd like to keep my Earthlink email... so it may not be a problem! :wave: (Or heck, switch to Gmail like the rest of the world! I'll send ya a couple invites if you like :D )

I'm pretty sure you need a Digipic plan to get the HD package (the wonders of tierd service plans). However, I'm not sure if you need a Digipic plan to get just the DVR.

Already have gmail... But we have been primarily using the Earthlink ones. Just seems more "professional".

I bet Earthlink charges like $9.99/mo to keep just e-mail.

Actually, I used to have Digital Access and the HD package, so it's possible. I suppose I could call and check on the pricing, or maybe just stop in to the Mayfair office sometime. If I am switching out the cablecard for a DVR, can I return the cablecard myself or does someone need to "uninstall" it for me?

Does the vendor you guys are using sell straight HDMI cables too? My TV has HDMI inputs.

[Mark Strube]

Ahh ok I didn't know... "technically" you're supposed to have a Digipic plan to get the HD package, but I know they make special deals all the time. No idea if Earthlink wanted to charge me to keep my email, although I got the impression that they were going to do it for free. I said no because I never really used the account anyways.

I would assume you could easily return the cable card to the office... you can do that with a cable box or cable modem (I even did it with my Earthlink modem) so I don't see why you couldn't with a card, but I suppose it's always safe to check.

Here's a different seller (but with great feedback) selling straight HDMI cables:
http://search.ebay.com/hdmi-dvi_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQcatrefZC6QQfrppZ50Q QsorefinesearchZ1QQfromZR10QQsofindtypeZ15QQsatitl eZhdmiQ20-dviQQsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsadisZ200QQfposZ5312 2QQsellerZ1QQsassZmashy76QQfsopZ3QQfsooZ1QQcoactio nZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch
That's a link that will display just the straight HDMI cables from only that seller (filtered out all the DVI & other cables using the search).

[Paul S.]

Got my box today, just waiting on the cable to set it up and see! I like the new store they have there at Mayfair. I think they could use a few more LG sets lmao!

[Mark Strube]

The new store is great... it's the annoying problems that come with the new locale that bug me... the terrible parking and long walk in for example (sucks if it's bad weather and you're carring a couple boxes all the way thru the parking lot heh).

[gparris]

Got my box today, just waiting on the cable to set it up and see! I like the new store they have there at Mayfair. I think they could use a few more LG sets lmao!

Since they introduced the 8000HD you have been wanting the HDMI/DVI active in the DVR boxes and now since the 8300HD is, I was waiting for you to change your signature pending your success with this new box.
Afterall, your HDTV was calibrated (by the best) using that port and now, you get hopefully what you want. :cool:
Advise us as to how it works for you and any other features you like about it and change your signature....thanks! :wave:

[Paul S.]

Since they introduced the 8000HD you have been wanting the HDMI/DVI active in the DVR boxes and now since the 8300HD is, I was waiting for you to change your signature pending your success with this new box.
Afterall, your HDTV was calibrated (by the best) using that port and now, you get hopefully what you want. :cool:
Advise us as to how it works for you and any other features you like about it and change your signature....thanks! :wave:


Who are you, the Sig Police? :rofl:


I'll change it as soon as I can use it- I'll probally won't get the cable for a few more days (I just ordered it on Sat). I can't wait to use this damn thing!

[Mark Strube]

I'm really interested to know if you notice a difference in PQ, since you're going directly from the pioneer dvi to the new dvr dvi.

[gparris]

Who are you, the Sig Police? :rofl:


I'll change it as soon as I can use it- I'll probally won't get the cable for a few more days (I just ordered it on Sat). I can't wait to use this damn thing!

Ha Ha, Paul S....no police here, just curious because you were seemed to want that interface due to your set's good calibration, originally and I thought you already had your cabling since you have been pushing the site to buy them on. :D

I am sure that Mark Strube and I certainly would appreciate your input on the connections and feel on the newest box from TWC.

Thanks in advance! :wave:

[Paul S.]

Ha Ha, Paul S....no police here, just curious because you were seemed to want that interface due to your set's good calibration, originally and I thought you already had your cabling since you have been pushing the site to buy them on. :D

I am sure that Mark Strube and I certainly would appreciate your input on the connections and feel on the newest box from TWC.

Thanks in advance! :wave:



Youse guys will be the foist to know!

[dicktwi]

I just got my cable in the mail today. HDMI -> DVI-D (w/HDCP) works beautifully. ......
I too was curious to try the DVI input on my tv with the 8300 so I went and bought an expensive Monster HDMI/DVI cable to try it out. As Mark said, it worked beautifully. But...after comparing component video vs dvi video on many channels, I came to the same conclusion as many others on the AVS forums, namely that, with the Sony LCD WEGA sets, there is no discernible difference in video quality between component and dvi. If someone can see a difference then it's too insignificant for me to spend the money for a dvi cable. I'm returning the cable tomorrow.
Oh...I found that the component, dvi and S-video outputs are all active at the same time and the coax digital out to my receiver was still outputting DD 5.1.
Dick Teschendorf
Sony Grand WEGA 60" LCD Rear-Projection HDTV KF-60WE610

[Mark Strube]

If someone can see a difference then it's too insignificant for me to spend the money for a dvi cable. I'm returning the cable tomorrow.
....
Oh...I found that the component, dvi and S-video outputs are all active at the same time...

First of all, we've mentioned this price issue several times, which is why myself and others have provided links to much more reasonably-priced cables. Personally, since I would like to hook up my DVD player and Xbox thru component, and since I only have 2 component ports on my tv, using the DVI just makes sense. And compared to the component, I've noticed a thin barely-noticeable amount of analog noise is no longer there. While it's probably not always noticeable, I like going for the best quality possible... within budget & reason.

Secondly, I've also mentioned, earlier in this exact thread nontheless, that all the ports are active at the same time... next time please read these threads more thorougly, that would avoid all this repeated information (and possibly avoid wasting gobs of money on DVI cable... good luck returning it if it's not defective, guess it depends where you bought it).

[Paul S.]

HDTV Milwaukee Smackdown! :D

[Joseph S]

Cough http://Bluejeanscable.com cough. :)

[Hophead]

If I use the HDMI output will I need to still use component cabled for the channels 1 -99, or will the HDMI work for all channels?

[Andrew Grall]

It should work for all the channels.

[Mark Strube]

Yes, HDMI works for all channels, races, creeds, and sexual preferences. :rofl:

[Hophead]

My HDMI cable that I order for $25 was waiting for me when I got home last night, so I was able to hook-up the SA8300, I currently had the SA800. I can confirm from an earlier post that the SD channels are much better with the SA8300 than with the SA800. Another thing I noticed is the audio, with the 8000 the volume on my tv was normally at 17 - 20 with the digital/HD channels and 32 -35 with the SD channels. When I used my surround system the volume was set at 27 - 30 for the digital/HD channels and I never used it for SD channels. With the 8300 the volume was set to 5 - 7 on the digital/HD channels and 8 - 10 on the SD channels, with the surround the vloume was set to 15 - 18.

Overall my first impressions of this box are very good, much better than the 8000, if my opinion changes over the next few days of using it I will update. But for now it gets 2 thumbs-up!

[mitzymoo]

Just thought id chime in sa8300 have had no problems. Just hooked up my new hdmi cable and its great slight noticable diffrence over component video. Mark Racine, wi Buy the way only paid 15.00 for the six foot hdmi to dvi cable online monster cable? who! :wave: :wave:

[Paul S.]

Just thought id chime in sa8300 have had no problems. Just hooked up my new hdmi cable and its great slight noticable diffrence over component video. Mark Racine, wi Buy the way only paid 15.00 for the six foot hdmi to dvi cable online monster cable? who! :wave: :wave:


Eh? :confused:

[tbest1797]

Got mine today in Kenosha, Racine store didn't have them yet. I had to go through customer service becuase they were not being released to public yet.

John

So how exactly did you go about getting your hands on the 8300 if they're "not released to the public." I'm in Racine and would like to get my hands on one.

Tom

Hitachi 60VS810
Denon 2910
Denon 2805
SA 8000HD DVR

[Snard]

So how exactly did you go about getting your hands on the 8300 if they're "not released to the public." I'm in Racine and would like to get my hands on one.

Tom

Hitachi 60VS810
Denon 2910
Denon 2805
SA 8000HD DVR

They're certainly available at the Mayfair Mall store - I took my old SA8000 in, and they happily swapped it for an 8300. You keep your old remote control and component cables; all they need for the exchange is the unit and its power cord.

[Paul S.]

Does the digital coax out (to AVR) work the way its supposed to when connected via HDMI? I need to set it up like the 3150 when DVI is used. The manual isnt quite clear if Dolby digital is always on...

[mitzymoo]

Took my explorer 8000 into the Racine office and upgraded to the new 8300. Simple as that.

[JKLast]

The 8300HD's are now available at TWC in Green Bay, but they "need to send a technician" to hook it up. They couldn't give me an answer why... So, I'll have to wait until 3/16 to get my new box.

Jeff

[Mark Strube]

Does the digital coax out (to AVR) work the way its supposed to when connected via HDMI? I need to set it up like the 3150 when DVI is used. The manual isnt quite clear if Dolby digital is always on...

Not sure... my digital coax always works but I'm using an HDMI -> DVI cable. I'd say YES I think it is always on, but don't quote me on it.

[tbest1797]

Took my explorer 8000 into the Racine office and upgraded to the new 8300. Simple as that.

Thanks. Picked one up today. I only got to mess with it a few hours before going to work but it did seem snappier in menus and changing to channels of differing formats.

Tom

[Paul S.]

Finally got my cable. First impressions- not too shabby. I can't get the streatch option to stay for some reason, if I do, It'll also streatch HD. And yes, I know what I'm doing ;)

Digital coax out DOES work with HDMI-> DVI.

[Hophead]

A request for mhz40, can you please have TW activate the ability to choose the Audio output on the SA8300. I am using an HDMI cable andf the box switches to 2.0, my Surround reciever then uses ProLogic and I am unable to set it to 5.1 surround. According to several other forums, this feature is a system setting controlled by the cable provider, and currently the only option we have in Audio is the Record Level.

Thanks,

[dicktwi]

I agree with others here that the 8300 is much improved over the 8000, but I'm surprised that no one (including myself) has mentioned that the hated (by me, at least) gray side bars are gone on SD programs.

[sp44again]

Come on! Nobody has a SATA drive to test.

[jkool]

I still have the dreaded gray bars on my SA8300HD. The only time they are gone is on 504,505, etc. during a SD broadcast.

Has anyone else found a way to remove them, or is dicktwi a very lucky person?

[Mark Strube]

Come on! Nobody has a SATA drive to test.

I'd doubt the port is even active yet. Time Warner struck a deal with Maxtor, and will be providing SATA drives for people who want them (I'm assuming for a rental fee). You can read all about it here:

http://www.shareholder.com/maxtor/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=151856&reltype=Product&maxtor_section=press

People with the 8300HD and the SARA software are reporting that the SATA ports are already active, and that they can use them with any SATA drive. I doubt they're active with the Passport software, but it's worth a shot, I suppose.

[mhz40]

A request for mhz40, can you please have TW activate the ability to choose the Audio output on the SA8300. I am using an HDMI cable andf the box switches to 2.0, my Surround reciever then uses ProLogic and I am unable to set it to 5.1 surround. According to several other forums, this feature is a system setting controlled by the cable provider, and currently the only option we have in Audio is the Record Level.

Thanks,
You kinda lost me there...
The box switches to 2.0 what (sorry if I should know this, but I don't know everyting about everything)?
You are passing HDMI through your receiver, or using optical/coax to feed it?
In the past,. if a broadcaster is transmitting in 5.1, the box simply passed it on. I can't believe any transcoders are built into the set top...
Another thing is there are two different applications out there... SA's and Pioneer. Milwaukee uses Pioneer. It's possible the setting you are asking for is in the SA world.
I'll look into it, but I know of no setting of that type that would be controlled by the office --- no other user settings are that way.

[Hophead]

The HDMI is running straight to the TV and I am using a digital coax for my surround, the SA8300 guide states:

Audio Out Using HDMI Connection. An HDMI>HDMI or HDMI>DVI connection will automatically select 2 channel stereo if your TV does not support Dolby Digital (DD). In order to restore DD audio out to your receiver, you need to change the automatic setting. Press the Settings button twice and scroll to Audio: Digital Out. Change the setting from HDMI to Dolby Digital. This will force DD audio to the HDMI, as well as the digital/optical audio outs.

This does not work since the only option we have in Audio is Record Level, TW probably did not activate this because the default is DD unless you use an HDMI cable.

Thanks,

[tazcowboy]

I am having the same problem since I got the SA8300. Only difference I am using optical out from the 8300 to my Sony receiver. :bang:

I contact TW this morning to see if there was any way to access that menu and they had no idea that a audio function existed. The CSR said she would contact the guy who knows the most about SA8300, but it didn't sound promising.

Please let the public know if anyone figures out a way around this.

TAZ
--------------------------------------------------------
Television - Sony 60 inch WEGA (KDF-60XS955)
DVD - Sony DVD 500 DVD changer (DVP-CX77ES)
TiVo - (Direct DVR)
Stereo Receiver - Sony Receiver (STR-DE897S)
Time Warner PVR - Scientific Atlanta PVR (Explorer 8300HD)
Game Console - Microsoft Game Console (XBox)
DVD Recorder - Sharp DVD Recorder (DV-RW350U)
Harmony Remote (688)


The HDMI is running straight to the TV and I am using a digital coax for my surround, the SA8300 guide states:

Audio Out Using HDMI Connection. An HDMI>HDMI or HDMI>DVI connection will automatically select 2 channel stereo if your TV does not support Dolby Digital (DD). In order to restore DD audio out to your receiver, you need to change the automatic setting. Press the Settings button twice and scroll to Audio: Digital Out. Change the setting from HDMI to Dolby Digital. This will force DD audio to the HDMI, as well as the digital/optical audio outs.

This does not work since the only option we have in Audio is Record Level, TW probably did not activate this because the default is DD unless you use an HDMI cable.

Thanks,

[Hophead]

Thanks tazcowboy...I was going to switch my optical from my DVD player to the SA8300 to see if that made a difference.

This topic can be found on several different forums, A/V and HDTVoice.com are 2 that I am aware of, and people on those forums seem to think that this is a setting that the provider can simply turn-on, hopefully mzh40 can investigate and keep us posted...

[mhz40]

:o Understood. This may be an SA function that is not be supported by the Pioneer applicaton resident in the Milwaukee divison's set tops. If so, I hope there is some front panel keypad combo that can change the default setting. I'll try to nail down an answer by the end of the week.

[tazcowboy]

Check out page 11......This is downloaded from the SA website.

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003870.pdf


TAZ
------------------------------
Television - Sony 60 inch WEGA (KDF-60XS955)
DVD - Sony DVD 500 DVD changer (DVP-CX77ES)
TiVo - (Direct DVR)
Stereo Receiver - Sony Receiver (STR-DE897S)
Time Warner PVR - Scientific Atlanta PVR (Explorer 8300HD)
Game Console - Microsoft Game Console (XBox)
DVD Recorder - Sharp DVD Recorder (DV-RW350U)
Harmony Remote (688)

[Andrew Grall]

Well, I will be getting an 8300HD on Monday to replace my malfunctioning cablecard. I'm looking forward to checking this unit out. I only wish that TW would get HD-WB now so that I could record my weekly Smallville.

So, what was the concensus on HDMI-to-HDMI cables? E-Bay? Elsewhere?

Thanks.

P.S. Taz, how are you enjoying your Sony 60XS955? I have the same set and am very happy with it so far. What do you have your settings at?

[Hophead]

Thanks mzh40, I/we appreciate your efforts...

[JK27]

8300HD here ... but I can't find the diagnostic menu. So far, I haven't found any channel which displays this info (e.g., hard drive size). And pressing "Select" and "Exit" on the box (like I did with my 8000HD) also does not work.

Any other ideas? Thanks much! :cool:

[dicktwi]

8300HD here ... but I can't find the diagnostic menu. So far, I haven't found any channel which displays this info (e.g., hard drive size). And pressing "Select" and "Exit" on the box (like I did with my 8000HD) also does not work.

Any other ideas? Thanks much! :cool:

I can display the diagnostic menu the same way I did on my 8000HD, namely pressing Select and Exit on the box and holding for a couple seconds. Then releasing and repeating. Then releasing and repeating a third time. The menu comes up after the third time. There may be another way, but this way works for me. Good luck!

[JK27]

I can display the diagnostic menu the same way I did on my 8000HD, namely pressing Select and Exit on the box and holding for a couple seconds. Then releasing and repeating. Then releasing and repeating a third time. The menu comes up after the third time. There may be another way, but this way works for me. Good luck! I'll try it tonight and report the results. Maybe the trick is doing it three times! Thanks for the reply.

[mhz40]

Check out page 11......This is downloaded from the SA website.

http://www.scientificatlanta.com/ExplorerClubGuides/getting_started/4003870.pdf
Again, that link is from SA's site... providing operational examples of an 8300 running the SA application. Milwaukee is running Pioneer's software. For some reason, some functionality was not written into the current version of Pioneer's code. If that's the case, it will be awhile before any enhanced menus arrive to support additional features at the user level.
An analogy would be your PC. If you are running windows, you have a certain look & feel, as well as user configurable settings. The same hardware running Linux (spelling?) may not have the same UI or settings controls, but still will run on the same hardware.
I'm still checking on the 5.1. I'll add this to my list...

[Paul S.]

The 'select/exit' deal doesn't work for me, nor does the 'hitting the settings button twice' deal.

[Mark Strube]

Was there just recently a software update? My mother noticed that her (standard digital) box rebooted itself, and now I'm noticing a lot more pauses and audio dropouts on my 8300HD. What really stands out is it's doing it while playing a show recorded from 506 (before the update)... which NEVER usually has problems for me.

[Paul S.]

Was there just recently a software update? My mother noticed that her (standard digital) box rebooted itself, and now I'm noticing a lot more pauses and audio dropouts on my 8300HD. What really stands out is it's doing it while playing a show recorded from 506 (before the update)... which NEVER usually has problems for me.


We noticed that yesterday with Judge Judy that we recorded.

[Mark Strube]

Just checked some stuff I watched before the update... It's now doing audio dropouts (and video skipping/pausing) on recordings that previously had NO glitches. What's up with that?? This new update sucks.

[mhz40]

Believe half of what you hear and none of what your read... except this:

Paul S:
There was no firmware update. The last one was months ago. It included the addition of the TV Guide logo in the interactive guide. Search the forum if you need to.

Mark:
It is not uncommon for a set top to reboot. They are networked computers with built-in tuners and 4-32 meg of ram.

Those funny patterns in the wheat fields were not created by ailens and there is no life on Euopa.

I love this one... had to use it: {fart}

MHz40

[Mark Strube]

Well, all I know is that ever since yesterday things have been acting up a bit. Could be due to signal problems, or could be due to life on Euopa, who knows. :p

[Gregg Lengling]

Well, all I know is that ever since yesterday things have been acting up a bit. Could be due to signal problems, or could be due to life on Euopa, who knows. :p


I love references to 2001 and 2010......keep it up.

{fart}

[louisd13]

The 'select/exit' deal doesn't work for me, nor does the 'hitting the settings button twice' deal.


You're halfway there. Push select and exit for a few seconds, until you hear an audible "ding" and the display says "diag" then tune to channel 611 and you should have the diagnostic menu. Good luck

[Paul S.]

Believe half of what you hear and none of what your read... except this:

Paul S:
There was no firmware update. The last one was months ago. It included the addition of the TV Guide logo in the interactive guide. Search the forum if you need to.

MHz40


I have no clue as to why you are using my name...?


Mark- I take it you can't record 2 shows and watch whatever channel on this bad boy eh? I hate having to choose which one I want to record when that little bar comes up at the bottom with a timer lol

If I'm not watching anything, will it record 2 shows at once?

Has anyone found out for sure how much 'time' the box holds for sd/hd?

Tanks.

[Paul S.]

You're halfway there. Push select and exit for a few seconds, until you hear an audible "ding" and the display says "diag" then tune to channel 611 and you should have the diagnostic menu. Good luck


Got it to work, thanks!

[tjjws]

Has anyone found out for sure how much 'time' the box holds for sd/hd?


On the 8300, my testing with HD programs has shown it takes anywhere from 4 to 5g per hour. I'm guessing 720 vs. 1080 has something to do with the variation. So the compression ratios are much better than the 8000, which I didn't expect. My rule of thumb for the 8000 was 7 to 8g/hour.

[mhz40]

I have no clue as to why you are using my name...?
Sorry... I misread one of your posts. :o

[Mark Strube]

I'm guessing 720 vs. 1080 has something to do with the variation.

It has nothing to do with the resolution... everything to do with the bitrate. A 720p broadcast could easily be higher bitrate than some 1080i broadcast. (Example - ABC vs. PBS)

Paul S. - This has DUAL tuners... 2, dos, duex... :D That means you can watch 1 show while 1 is recording, record 2 at the same time while watching an already recorded show... I don't know of a DVR yet that has more than 2 tuners. ;)

[Joseph S]

That means you can watch 1 show while 1 is recording, record 2 at the same time while watching an already recorded show... I don't know of a DVR yet that has more than 2 tuners.

If you've got a nice Dual G5 then you can record as many locals as you please. I'm running two EyeTV 500s now. Will likely get another one or two when the new G5 dual cores come. With that I could timeshift 1 station via firewire cable box and 3-4 with firewire tuners simultaneously off of one box. Hopefully by then we'll have a decent Blu-ray/HD Tivo with CableCard.

So...

Have we found if the the firewire port works on this box yet?

from 4 to 5g per hour
You watch Fox a lot don't you. :D (Fox runs really low bitrates for their HD) Most others are 6+ to 8 GB per hour with commercials, Fox usually clocks in at 4 or less.

[mhz40]

A request for mhz40, can you please have TW activate the ability to choose the Audio output on the SA8300. I am using an HDMI cable andf the box switches to 2.0, my Surround reciever then uses ProLogic and I am unable to set it to 5.1 surround. According to several other forums, this feature is a system setting controlled by the cable provider, and currently the only option we have in Audio is the Record Level.

Thanks,
As I suspected, this is not something that can be 'turned on' at the office.
This functonality (or fix) is already built into the latest code, which is currently in the testing stages. I don't feel comfortable going any deeper than this on the topic here, but felt it was important for me to follow-up as promised and provide some info on the topic.

[Hophead]

As I suspected, this is not something that can be 'turned on' at the office.
This functonality (or fix) is already built into the latest code, which is currently in the testing stages. I don't feel comfortable going any deeper than this on the topic here, but felt it was important for me to follow-up as promised and provide some info on the topic.

So in other words the fix is coming but you do not want to commit to a release date...I can understand that, no need to get us all riled up if the date comes and goes without the fix being posted. Thanks for the update and we will keep our fingers crossed for sooner rather than later. ;)

[Mark Strube]

Have we found if the the firewire port works on this box yet?


What firewire port? There is none. :bang:

[naimbeg]

They're currently up to season 2 on HDNet. I never watched it before so this is my chance to catch it from the beginning... and in HD! :rock:

I modified my link above to show only the HDMI cables from that seller (since they're selling hundreds of other items). Here it is again:
http://search.ebay.com/hdmi_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfrppZ25QQfromZR10Q QsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQsadisZ200QQsellerZ1Q QsassZauction4pcQQfsopZ3QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompare QQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch

Oh no... It seems like that guy is not selling anything anymore.... :eek:
Did anyone order from him? Did you get your order? How was the quality of the cable???
What should I look for in terms of getting a quality cable????
I found someone else selling HDMI only cables for $10 with shipping. Mentioned that the cable is 28 gauge. Should that make a difference????

[oily]

Just exchanged my 8000 for the 8300 and I must say I am truly amazed!

Here is a brief update:

I can now use my DVI on the TV! (using a dvi - HDMI adapter, I got at Best Buy, Mayfair for $37)

The menu's are much faster.

Pressing the Video Source button gets rid of any bars, no matter what the channel.

1-99 look better.

The indicator lights up on the front panel, 480, 720 or 1080 so you know what you are watching.

Channel surfing HD is faster.

It is smaller.

HDMI and Component are active at the same time.

If you have a 8000, upgrade is a must.

-oily

[naimbeg]

Is it me, or are the channels 1-99 extremly bad... And I mean bad like watching a VHS tape recorded on a home player from the early 80's that has been watched and re-recorded on a 1000 times....
Ok wait, that statement would be kind... :(

[Gregg Lengling]

Actually with a Digital box channels 4, 5 and 6 should be as good as 504, 505, and 506 when SD programming is running.

[gparris]

The past two weeks of channel 504 and sometimes 506 have made me glad that with a digital box like the 8000HD, I have the ability to get digital SD pictures since both channels, especially 504 have been badly pixelated with audio drops despite my rebooting the boxes and such.
While not HD, channels as mentioned are good quality SD with DD2.0 sound.
I just wonder why the sudden 504 mess and last night, 506 during "Idol"...what is TWC up to? :(

[Hophead]

I had no issues at all last night during Idol...or with any other channel lately, I am in Caledonia in Racine county.

[gparris]

You live closer by (sort of) and you have the same DVR, not the 8300HD discussed in this thread...I thought maybe I should be replacing my DVRs to the 8300HD because of a software issue...now I am confused. :(

Nothing has been changed, rewired or added/deleted and my subdivision has been finished for awhile now...maybe I should schedule a service call? :mad:

[Hophead]

Sorry...I do have the 8300 I just forgot to change my signature, although I never had any issues with the 8000 either, some minor pixalation occationally but that's it. Since switching to the 8300 I have had no pixalation (knock on wood).

[gparris]

No one seems to be complaining about a really unwatchable 504 except me.. :confused:

I guess I will have to replace the DVRs with 8300HDs and hope that is what it is... :(
oh, yeah-write down the to be recorded shows and load them back in...! :(

Thanks for the answers...but I didn't DO anything and it has just started 2 or so weeks ago...
maybe TWC did load some software into the system for the 8300HD and that is why the 8000HDs are bad
(at least for me!)

[Mark Strube]

I remember back when I had the 8000HD, there were times my recordings from 504 were nearly unwatchable, skipping once or twice every minute or so. I get errors sometimes with the 8300HD, but only once in awhile, and I'm pretty sure those are just due to signal problems. Not nearly as many problems with NBC since I switched.

[gparris]

IF the 8300HD is making 504 watchable again, I don't technically understand why the other channels, with the exception of bad 506 lately and good 505?
Is there a technical reason for this and why does the 8300HD make it work? :(

I will try to get an 8300HD for my HT room this weekend and swap it out for the 8000HD and see if there is a difference in 504 & 506 then do the other ones.

Reading the threads I know I will have to do the whole boot up thing and get my HD channels back and reload my favourites...hope it is worth it...but why didn't TWC at least tell us about this? :mad:

Thanks for the answers, Mark Strube and Hophead-these are appreciated...too bad they didn't come from TWC! :rolleyes:

[Mark Strube]

Well, I can only tell you from personal experience. I too have been experiencing more errors than normal from 506 (although in the past few days those have gone away again). But I do remember many instances when recordings from 504 were terrible, and I haven't had that problem since I got the 8300HD (which I'd recommend everyone switch to even if they're not having issues).

[TPK]

I'm sorry if these links have been posted before (I imagine that they would have been posted before, but I tried to search for some keywords and I could not find them)...

Here are a couple articles I found interesting:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050107/sff046_1.html

and

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/sfw017_1.html

... Does this mean that someday soon I may be able to expand the recording capacity of my PVR box myself, or is this all smoke?

[oz]

Now that I've waited a couple of weeks, are there plenty of SA 8300HD DVR's available if I go in to Mayfair to get one?

[TPK]

I went yesterday to Mayfair and got an 8300 DVR no problems.....

[picopir8]

I went last weekend and did something moronic. I took in my remote control. It was a brand new remote. When they gave me a new box, they gave me a new remote which I immediately put in my pocket w/o checking out. Once I got home I noticed that it was pretty beat up. It works, but looks and feels lousy. So if you go and you like your existing remote, keep it at home.

[P-FUNK]

I exchanged my 8000 for the 8300 2 days ago and couldn't be happier!!
I am kinda a newb at this hd equipment and was wondering if the hdmi cable is worth getting and if the picture quality is noticeable?i have a toshiba 52hmx94 DLP
tv which supports the hdmi cable.

[Mark Strube]

I'd only go with HDMI if you'd like to free up a component port, or if for some reason you're unhappy with the current picture quality. It's technically better quality since an HDMI cable is all-digital compared to a component which is analog, but the majority of people don't notice the difference. I'd say might as well get it now, as more and more products become HD compatible, those component ports are gonna get used up. :)

[Paul S.]

I'd only go with HDMI if you'd like to free up a component port, or if for some reason you're unhappy with the current picture quality. It's technically better quality since an HDMI cable is all-digital compared to a component which is analog, but the majority of people don't notice the difference. I'd say might as well get it now, as more and more products become HD compatible, those component ports are gonna get used up. :)


I second that.

[zoothorn]

I picked up the 8300 a few weeks ago and promptly ordered an HDMI>DVI-D cable off ebay. When I hook it up I get a message screen up from the box saying my TV doesn't support HDCP and to please hook it up with the component cables.

Anyone else seeing anything like this? The TV is Sony Wega 32XBR800 that's about 2 years old. Has the DVI input obviously. Is there really something lacking on the TV that this isn't going to work or is this somehow a fault in the SA box? The cable??

Thanks for any replies.

Zoot.

[Mark Strube]

I'm using the same type of cable with a Sony model that's about 1 year old, with no issues. Once in awhile I get that same message but all I do is turn my box off and back on and the problem is solved. Chances are your television just doesn't support HDCP.

[Paul S.]

Yeah, I get that too every now and then.

[gparris]

Nice unit...not as ugly as you might think...faster channel changing, faster response, cool spelling feature I missed when I longer had Tivo w/D* :)

The TWC guy came over and found my problem with 504 and possibly 506 and had one on his truck and swapped it out for the defective 8000HD I had.
The result is 506 still had some problems watching Malcolm Sunday night but the rest is good...when "24" comes on tonight and it works fine is when I will swap out any other 8000HD boxes as time permits...the cable guy was told I only had one box when my account clearly stated otherwise... :(
After he left, my set box was in 4:3 TV and not 16:9 so the stretch feature worked sort of funny...the cable guy, though trying to be helpful, forgot about this setting so if you get this box, be sure to remember this...otherwise good service. :D

[FiberOptic]

So I got my 8300 and just hooked it with my new HDMI cable. The picture and sound is definitely better than with the component. The only problem is once I am in the HD channels with the HDMI source, I can not go to the regular cable channels with out changing my tv source. the folks at TWC that I talked to said to keep the component hooked as well. A little hassle for a better picture and sound quality

[Mark Strube]

I don't understand... it should be outputting every channel thru the HDMI. Could you be a little more specific with your exact problem?

[FiberOptic]

For some reason all channels between 2 and 311 do not go through HDMI, only the premium and the HD channels. The non premium I still need to use the component jacks. The TWC rep said the box does not have the capability to switch between HD and SD

[Mark Strube]

That's ridiculous, it sounds like there's a problem with your box. It has full capability to switch between HD and SD, and upconverts all video to whatever signal you choose (480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i) and all thru the HDMI. I'd go for a new box.

[Paul S.]

Either that or its your set!

[Hophead]

FiberOptic,
Try setting the box to only output the native resolution of your TV. For example I have a Samsung HLP5063W and it's native resolution is 720p, if my 8300 were set to output 480p, 720p, and 1080i my tv I believe would not know what to do with the 480p signal so I would not get a picture on the channels you listed. If I set the 8300 to output only 720p (which I have) I get reception on all stations, if I set the output to 1080i my TV would know to downconvert that signal to 720p.

Hope this helps...

[FiberOptic]

Hophead, it worked. I get all the channels now after I switched to 720. You the man

[Hophead]

Excellent...glad to be of service. I bet switching channels is a lot faster now as well.

[FiberOptic]

You have no idea, it is like night and day :)

[oz]

I traded in my 8000 for the 8300 on Sunday. I have to comment on the new TWC store at Mayfair. The customer service there is great. When I think about that crappy store further down the road with a security guard standing in the doorway – this place is leaps and bounds in the right direction. There was no wait, no questions asked – they gave me the new hardware, and I am very happy with it. Picture quality looks the same or slightly better and the channels change faster. The search-by-name function is cool too.

The best part for me - this box is MUCH quieter than the 8000 was. No more constant hard drive chatter.

[Tom Snyder]

It is a well designed and great looking new facility. Now the only thing in the place that doesn't scream "quality" is ... their PRODUCT!

It amazes me that all around the store, they have dozens of plasma TV's showing just how crappy all their analog channels look on expensive TV's.

That's good, how? :confused:

[gparris]

I understand your logic and if this was a different TWC location like some of them around the country, where the analogue channels are copied into the digital channels it could be different...here in Milwaukeeland, with the exception of channels, 4, 6 and 58, which are digital SD with a convertor box, this is all we have. :(
Curious, why wouldn't the plasmas all have at least Discovery HD Theatre playing to show off the quality of good HD cable with what few HD channels they have since it has been a very long time since TWC added them (couldn't resist).
Sort of mimics what you get in some big-box stores when they attempt to sell HDTVs with some freaky analogue station or play DVDs in a interlaced setup.

Maybe the Mayfair place is run by idiots who don't care what is on or how it is displayed...too bad :D

[Mark Strube]

I remember awhile ago American was showing off their best TV's playing VH1 Classic. Low bitrate digital AND old old low quality video. Genius. :rofl:

I think the new TWC store is cool, and the fact that they've decided to approach it with a store atmosphere is a great idea... but I hate the location. Parking at the mall always sucks and now the lines are much worse. :rolleyes:

[Andrew Grall]

I remember awhile ago American was showing off their best TV's playing VH1 Classic. Low bitrate digital AND old old low quality video. Genius. :rofl:

I think the new TWC store is cool, and the fact that they've decided to approach it with a store atmosphere is a great idea... but I hate the location. Parking at the mall always sucks and now the lines are much worse. :rolleyes:

Parking at the mall... no kidding!?!

Honestly, I'm not sure I can think of a major mall with a worse parking situation than Mayfair. It's bad anytime, let alone anywhere near Christmas. And then they go and use up a bunch of the parking lot with the new Crate & Barrel!

[Marc G]

Sort of mimics what you get in some big-box stores when they attempt to sell HDTVs with some freaky analogue station or play DVDs in a interlaced setup.


... and with the wrong aspect ratios!

[gparris]

Wrong aspect ratios? I am not surprised...well, yes I am since they invested so much is flat panels and the whole store...ugh!!! :mad:

Who runs that store...maybe we should write them directly?

How can you show the merits for good cable and HDTV without the proper setups?

Maybe when get over there from where I live-maybe to shop at Mayfair, parking space found, I will turn them around or get the manager replaced. :D

[Mark Strube]

Many stores use the same video feed for their HD and non-HD setups. That simplifies things and also, depending on what kind of feed they're using, will cause things to look squeezed on their standard televisions, or things to look stretched on their widescreen televisions.

[gparris]

I understand what you said..Mark...but no...TWC IS the source and they can run anything they want as they want because no one is charging them...not like a regular "store"...no excuses...just a bad manager or management at Mayfair. :mad:

[Mark Strube]

Ahh yeah I was referring to stores in general, not the TWC store. :)

[jd91]

As I suspected, this is not something that can be 'turned on' at the office.
This functonality (or fix) is already built into the latest code, which is currently in the testing stages. I don't feel comfortable going any deeper than this on the topic here, but felt it was important for me to follow-up as promised and provide some info on the topic.

Any more information on whether or not the SA 8300 inability to supply Dolby 5.1 when outputting through HDMI/DVI has been fixed yet? I just picked up my 8300 this weekend, and agree the quality is much better... However, I'm waiting to get an HDMI/DVI cable until I know I can still get the 5.1 audio before I switch from Component.

There was something in the 8300 users guide about this issue and it indicated you could go into settings and override the fact that when using HDMI output it defaults to Dolby 2.0. Haven't tried this yet, has anyone else?

[Mark Strube]

I'm outputting video using a HDMI to DVI-D cable, and I get full 5.1 thru the digital coax connector. I don't know if it acts any differently if I used a full HDMI cable.

[mhz40]

A firmare fix for the audio output setting on the "Settings" menu is on the way. No date is set yet. I hope it would be sometime in April... I just don't know for sure.

[Paul S.]

Anyone else have that bad flicker problem? You have to turn the box off and back on to get rid of it :mad:

[summerfun]

Anyone else have that bad flicker problem? You have to turn the box off and back on to get rid of it :mad:

NO, I have two 8300 DVR's, one HD and one SD and both work great.

I had an SD 8000 DVR that flickered a lot, they said it was a Hard Drive issue. They gave the the SD 8300 DVR as a replacment and it has worked flawlessly.

[Mark Strube]

Anyone else have that bad flicker problem? You have to turn the box off and back on to get rid of it :mad:

Are you talking about pretty much right away when you turn it on, the picture goes in and out, flickers between the picture and black? I've had this issue a couple times, I have to turn the box off for about 10 seconds and then back on and it's gone.

[Paul S.]

Are you talking about pretty much right away when you turn it on, the picture goes in and out, flickers between the picture and black? I've had this issue a couple times, I have to turn the box off for about 10 seconds and then back on and it's gone.


Mine happens when I switch to HD or watch a rec show. At least thats when I notice it .

[summerfun]

Mine happens when I switch to HD or watch a rec show. At least thats when I notice it .
Paul, do you have your settings to display more than one output? 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i.

If you do, your box will flicker every time you switch channels or play a recording that changes from one output signal to another. If you have your output set to only one, like leaving it on 720p only, you will not have the flicker.

[Mark Strube]

Mine's set to output 480p, 720p, and 1080i. I think I recall the problem being like that. When I first turn it on it's fine, but when I switch to an HD channel or recording, the picture goes away for a second (to switch formats) but then it never really comes back except in quick flickers. The problem is always solved if I turn the box off for about 10 seconds.

[Paul S.]

Mine's set to output 480p, 720p, and 1080i. I think I recall the problem being like that. When I first turn it on it's fine, but when I switch to an HD channel or recording, the picture goes away for a second (to switch formats) but then it never really comes back except in quick flickers. The problem is always solved if I turn the box off for about 10 seconds.

Right. The flicker keeps goin until you turn the box off.

[summerfun]

Have you tried setting to only one output? Does that stop the issue?

I have not found ANY reason to have multiple output settings. The PQ is exactly the same if I leave the box set to only output 720p and you NEVER have a flicker.

[Mark Strube]

No, because I've done a lot of experimenting with this, and letting my TV scale 1080i looks much clearer than having the box scale it to 720p. I suspect this has something to do with the fact that the native resolution of my set is 1386x788... 720p is 1280x720. My tv is not 720p, it's inbetween 720p and 1080i. Also, standard digital channels and analog channels seem to look the best when the box outputs them at 480p... I've tried all the different settings, and it's just what looks best to me.

[Paul S.]

No, because I've done a lot of experimenting with this, and letting my TV scale 1080i looks much clearer than having the box scale it to 720p. I suspect this has something to do with the fact that the native resolution of my set is 1386x788... 720p is 1280x720. My tv is not 720p, it's inbetween 720p and 1080i. Also, standard digital channels and analog channels seem to look the best when the box outputs them at 480p... I've tried all the different settings, and it's just what looks best to me.


Huh...same with my sony!

[summerfun]

That's odd as I have the same set. I tried all the settings and never got a better PQ than just leaving on one output. Maybe I need glasses :D

I guess the other issues is the elimination of the flicker that you guys are having. One output equals no flicker. I guess it is just a trade off.

[joeker]

I have a RCA DLP HDTV with and HDMI port and HDCP support, I just switched to TWC and got the 8300HD box......whenever I plugin the HDMI to HDMI cable I get the "Your TV does not support HDCP" error or the my TV's "unusable signal" error.

MY TV does support HDCP...and from reading the threads here it seems everyone's 8300HD box has HDMI enabled.....I just picked mine up yesterday.

I just can't seem to get the HDMI connection to work :confused:

Any ideas?

[summerfun]

Any ideas?
Sorry, I don't use that port, just component.

[Paul S.]

Well, it might be the cable, or get a new box and see if that works.

[joeker]

Well, it might be the cable, or get a new box and see if that works.

Well the box works fine with every other feature, so I doubt it's that....plus getting a new box isn't easy.

:bang: :bang:

[Mark Strube]

Well, we gotta think about this logically. It's either the box, the HDMI cable, or your tv's HDMI port. I would start with switching up the box (no money involved). If that doesn't solve the problem, try switching the cable. If that doesn't help, either something's wrong with your tv, or it just happens to be incompatible with the 8300.

[Paul S.]

Well, we gotta think about this logically. It's either the box, the HDMI cable, or your tv's HDMI port. I would start with switching up the box (no money involved). If that doesn't solve the problem, try switching the cable. If that doesn't help, either something's wrong with your tv, or it just happens to be incompatible with the 8300.


Thats almost exactly what I said lol

[Mark Strube]

Well, he didn't seem so hot on replacing the box, so I thought I'd be clearer about it.

[joeker]

I dont think I can get a new box, they told me they gave me the "last one" :rolleyes:

I guess I'll try it though, wondering if it's really worth it.

[Mark Strube]

All you gotta do is call the store and ask when they're expecting a new shipment. :wave:

[gparris]

You can't just "call the store" anymore as all you get is a 24/7 "800" number manned, of course, with locals (not India), but not the location in your area.
I know, as I was told to pick one up on my way home a few weeks ago and when I got there, they were out as no one could "hold" one for me, like in the old days with local TWC office numbers.
The result as I had a cable person come over the next day with the correct box and do the install as a service call and it worked...try that. :)

[Mark Strube]

Didn't I provide a number directly to the Mayfair store?

1-866-892-6007

Does that no longer work or something?

[gparris]

OK, so the Mayfair store - which is really a TWC "showcase" store to begin with, has a direct phone number, but as for the rest of them - the local offices - all go to a central number 1-800-627-2288 and not this one...that was my point. :D

Not all of us are as fortunate to be so close as some to this Mayfair store.

By the way, whenever any of you are there, see if the manager of the store has listened up to anyone on this forum and has those big plasmas that are all over the walls tuned to HD material and in the correct format unlike previous posts in another thread! ;)

[Hophead]

I've gotten the same error message twice, and I am using an HDMI to HDMI. If you reboot the box, hold the power button until the box says booting, wait until the time is displayed again and then turn on the box. This has resolved the issue both times...

[Mark Strube]

Usually when I get the error message, all I have to do is hit the power button again so it tries powering on again. When that error appears, the box isn't technically "on."

[joeker]

Yeah, I've tried powering and rebooting numerous times.

[Andrew Grall]

I'm not familiar with your particular model of RCA DLP set, but I had heard that some of the RCA DLP sets don't have the most compatible inputs on them...

[sp44again]

Is the Mayfair store open on Sundays like everything else in the mall? My install was terrible and I was figuring on trading in the 8000 for an 8300 anyways but the 8000 they gave me doesn't work. Gives me an error about the hard drive.

[Mark Strube]

Yep! The store has the same hours as the mall.

Mon - Fri: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

[sp44again]

Cool, that's what I figured. Supposedly they had 10 8300's left today. Hopefully they won't be gone tomorrow!

I also have an idea for TWC. Instead of delivering the boxes in a big ziploc bag maybe they should be in boxes. :bang: These things have hard drives in them now!

[Mark Strube]

If you get a brand new one, it comes in a big box. ;)

[gparris]

All of my HD DVRs originally came in boxes, although the 8300 HD DVRs came in plastic ziplock bags without incident at the time of install taken out of their respective boxes from the TWC truck-I should know, since all 3 of them came that way, recently.
Sorry to hear you had such problems, sp44again, maybe TWC should better, then again, summerfun's install was no picnic yet Gregg and I had less difficulty.
I have had Digital Phone since last October and was one of the first installs in my area and I had no difficulty and I had to deal with Verizon and a second line.

[sp44again]

Is the 8300 less sensitive to heat than the 8000? Seems my 8000 is either buggy as hell or heat is causing it to act weird. Lock up, picture freeze, audio dropouts. This is my 2nd box. Trying to get an 8300 has been tough.

[Andrew Grall]

Any update on the firmware that is supposed to allow DD output at the same time as HDMI? Will this update also allow up to change the gray bars to black on the analog channels?

[Cheesehead Dave]

I'm glad I searched through this thread. I just discovered the HDMI/5.1 "feature" and had been banging my head against the wall trying to figure out why my receiver wasn't getting a 5.1 signal when I was sure it did at one point. That was before I installed the HDMI cable.

Any recommendations on how to proceed? I figure these are my options:

A) Buy an HDMI->DVI adaptor and plug the 8300HD into the free DVI port in the back of the TV

B) Drop back to component video

C) Live with it until the firmware is upgraded

D) Dolby Digital 5.1? Overrated! :p

A is probably the one I'm going to go with. I'd feel guilty going with B after buying the HDMI cable which I can't return. Besides, my two component ports are reserved for my DVD player and my Playstation.

A question about C: If the future firmware upgrade gives an option to "force" the 8300HD to output 5.1 and the TV can't process it, does that mean I'll won't be able to hear sound out of the TV and would always have to use the receiver to hear the audio? Not the worst thing in the world, but if I'm just watching the news, the TV speakers are just fine; I'd hate to see them permanently muted.

Just kidding about D...

[Mark Strube]

I'd definitely go with A... I have to because my tv only has DVI. Find a cheapo cable on eBay... it's digital... it either works or it doesn't. No in-between. ;)

[brainee]

Attempted 8000 to 8300 upgrade rant:

I'm trying to trade in my SA8000 for the 8300, but TWC is not making it easy. I was talked to someone in customer service and they ASSURED me that the 8300 was in stock at both the MLK and Mayfair locations. Of course they were wrong, and had no idea when more were coming in. I don't mind if a customer service rep says they don't know, or tells me I'm out of luck, but to give me the wrong answer, essentially costing me about 90 minutes of my day, really ticks me off.

Anyway, from reading this forum it seems tons of people have successfully upgraded over the last few months. Is there any suggested strategy? Is there a certain day that new shipments come, or do I just have to bug them everyday? Thanks

[Mark Strube]

If only people could read words & phrases...

Like I've said, call the Mayfair store (1-866-892-6007), ask if they have any available, if not, ask when they're getting a new shipment. I'd recommend calling right before you're planning on leaving to go to the store. They tend to disappear pretty quickly.
I've repeated this 3 times in this thread now. Anyone else miss it? Maybe if i double-post it this time...

::sigh::

[Gregg Lengling]

I was also told not to go in the evening but during the day when the managers are there. They tend to put the new boxes in a locked storeroom and at night no-one has the key to that room. I got this from a great customer service rep a week ago when I had some problems with one of my boxes. I was impressed with his attitude and service and taking care of my problem remotely.

[sp44again]

If only people could read words & phrases...


I've repeated this 3 times in this thread now. Anyone else miss it? Maybe if i double-post it this time...

::sigh::


This doesn't always work either smarty pants. I called Mayfair, they said they had some in stock, 20 mins later I get there and they are all gone. Very frustrating. Now I don't care. No more TWC! :wave:

[sp44again]

I was also told not to go in the evening but during the day when the managers are there.

This is nice for some but not for people that can't get away from work or want to take a long lunch break and hike it to the mall.

[Mark Strube]

This doesn't always work either smarty pants. I called Mayfair, they said they had some in stock, 20 mins later I get there and they are all gone. Very frustrating. Now I don't care. No more TWC! :wave:

Well, I cannot account for everyone, but that's the best method I can think of, and it worked for me. Why did you get TWC in the first place? All I've seen you do around here is bash and be argumentative about it everytime any problem was mentioned. I'd think you'd be the last person to get it.

[sp44again]

Well, I cannot account for everyone, but that's the best method I can think of, and it worked for me. Why did you get TWC in the first place? All I've seen you do around here is bash and be argumentative about it everytime any problem was mentioned. I'd think you'd be the last person to get it.


All I see you do is be argumentive about everything. At least I came back and tried TWC to compare to what I have. I don't ignore the competition just because of the bad history I've had with them. If they have something better I'm all for changing.

[Mark Strube]

So I suppose it was *absolutely* neccessary to make 2 posts in a row, within 2 minutes of eachother, to prove us all wrong about TWC eh? There's such a thing as the EDIT button "smarty pants."

Boy, you're sounding more and more like your avatar...

[Gregg Lengling]

Okay BOYS lets play nice, if you need to yell at each other do it off line or via private messaging, if it gets out of hand you will be deleted or moderated.

[mhz40]

All I see you do is be argumentive about everything. At least I came back and tried TWC to compare to what I have. I don't ignore the competition just because of the bad history I've had with them. If they have something better I'm all for changing.
Sorry you have gotten hosed so many times. I'd be ticked too. It seems like your biggest frustration is with hardware, not programming or quality of the service itself. I would call the Mayfair store and talk to the store manger/supervier to explain the BS you have gone through. Then arrange for a box to be held with your name on it and tell him if it's not there when you come in for the swap, you will simply turn in your hardware and cancel your account during the visit.

[gparris]

When I asked for an exchange for my 8000HD DVR TWC office said they had some and I should pick it up after work...I did and they were somehow out.
Then I arranged for them to replace mine (and the others, just in case) with the newer model and they did at my home.

I am glad it worked out that they did come as a service call because I had problems booting the new boxes and getting my HD package up and running, too.
So the service call I had was worthwhile...malfunctioning boxes can mean problems with the line, too, so I must have had that and glad they came over.

Try arranging a service call-mine came on a Sunday and so did the newer box.
Just my experience with good service from TWC.
:D

[Hophead]

Is there an update on the upgrade that will allow us to force DD 5.1 while using an HDMI cable with 8300?

Thanks for any info...

[Paul S.]

GAHHHH!!!

I'mn starting to hate this thing. I paused '24' for 15 minutes and it shut off!!! I missed all that action :( Its done this at least once before!

[Mark Strube]

Wow... that's really weird. It's never done that to me before. The only issues I've been having with it recently was yesterday... ever since the stupid weather alert, it would exit itself out of the LIST menu every 10 seconds or so. It kept doing that till I rebooted it.

Those weather alerts really make those boxes screw up.

[mhz40]

Is there an update on the upgrade that will allow us to force DD 5.1 while using an HDMI cable with 8300?

Thanks for any info...

Update on the update is there is nothing to update. :bang:
Not sure what the hold-up is. Maybe the bugs in it are worse than the ones we currently have? (i.e: Shutting down after a 15 minute pause?? Huh??)

[gparris]

GAHHHH!!!

I'mn starting to hate this thing. I paused '24' for 15 minutes and it shut off!!! I missed all that action :( Its done this at least once before!

Were you pausing while recording it (I wouldn't do that) or what?

If you record "24" (it seems as though you are "into" this show),
you should not have the need to ever "pause" it.
Just backup, as I do, to where you left off and let it keep recording.
I have never had a problem with the 8300HD doing that. ;)

If you aren't recording it, it DOES keep at least a half-hour or more in its "buffer" so pausing (again) is not necessary.

The alternative is to try going for the guide, make sure the program you are watching is highlighted and press the record button and it records what you currently have it the buffer and it does the trick...you just have to make it a habit to remember these things....hope this helps you. ;)

[kevbeck122]

I just called and asked if there were any of these boxes in stock and guy told me they were only giving them out if you had a problem with your current DVR... what's that all about :confused: Too much demand?

[Marc G]

I just called and asked if there were any of these boxes in stock and guy told me they were only giving them out if you had a problem with your current DVR... what's that all about :confused: Too much demand?

I would guess that, customer service not withstanding, they are considering cost and having the old boxes in use is cheaper. However, you are having problems with your current box ( channel surfing is too slow, no HDMI support, slow searching by title, etc). I'm sure your current box isn't doing something that a newer box is!

Speaking of which, I've discovered that I'm getting the "your display does not support HDCP" when using HDMI. Power cycling (just off and on) doesn't help, and a reboot helped until I tuned to channel 550 (a digital pbs channel). I wonder if the channel makes a difference? (For trouble shooting purposes, I should naybe add that this box has not been updated sisnce I picked it up, meaning I don't get all of my HD channels that I pay for, but I do get all of the movie channels.)

[Mark Strube]

(For trouble shooting purposes, I should naybe add that this box has not been updated sisnce I picked it up, meaning I don't get all of my HD channels that I pay for, but I do get all of the movie channels.)

This is fixed by simply calling TWC and telling them that you just got a new box and you aren't receiving all the HD channels. They'll send the box an update and whala! :)

[Marc G]

I know and it's the "right" thing to do :( , but right now I have all of my proper channels upstairs plus Showtime and HBO in HD downstairs... :p

Anyway, do you think that would have an effect on the HDCP error?

[picopir8]

I just called and asked if there were any of these boxes in stock and guy told me they were only giving them out if you had a problem with your current DVR... what's that all about :confused: Too much demand?

You must have called the normal customer service #. Ill bet thats the common response b/c they dont want to send a driver out to deliver your box unless there is a problem. If you go to the mayfair store, you can swap the box w/o any problems. Last I checked, TWC does not make the mayfair stores number public so you just have to disconnect everything and take it there and hope they have an 8300 in stock. They swapped my box w/o problems. They asked why I was switching and I said the 8000 only put out component or svideo but not both, and I needed both for my home theater setup.

My only mistake was taking my remote. They swapped it out too and gave me one thats pretty beat up. I didnt care too much though since I was waiting for (and still am) the Harmony 880 to be released. I know, bestbuy has it, but online retailers have it for about 60% of the price, they just havent received it yet.

[Mark Strube]

Last I checked, TWC does not make the mayfair stores number public so you just have to disconnect everything and take it there and hope they have an 8300 in stock.

I think this is repeat #4 now...

Like I've said, call the Mayfair store (1-866-892-6007), ask if they have any available, if not, ask when they're getting a new shipment. I'd recommend calling right before you're planning on leaving to go to the store. They tend to disappear pretty quickly.

:rolleyes:

[Paul S.]

Were you pausing while recording it (I wouldn't do that) or what?

If you record "24" (it seems as though you are "into" this show),
you should not have the need to ever "pause" it.
Just backup, as I do, to where you left off and let it keep recording.
I have never had a problem with the 8300HD doing that. ;)

If you aren't recording it, it DOES keep at least a half-hour or more in its "buffer" so pausing (again) is not necessary.

The alternative is to try going for the guide, make sure the program you are watching is highlighted and press the record button and it records what you currently have it the buffer and it does the trick...you just have to make it a habit to remember these things....hope this helps you. ;)


I didnt have it set to record. I had to pause it to take care of some crap. Less than 15 min later, the box shut off and there was no way to 'rewind' it.

[kevbeck122]

I would guess that, customer service not withstanding, they are considering cost and having the old boxes in use is cheaper. However, you are having problems with your current box ( channel surfing is too slow, no HDMI support, slow searching by title, etc). I'm sure your current box isn't doing something that a newer box is!

Speaking of which, I've discovered that I'm getting the "your display does not support HDCP" when using HDMI. Power cycling (just off and on) doesn't help, and a reboot helped until I tuned to channel 550 (a digital pbs channel). I wonder if the channel makes a difference? (For trouble shooting purposes, I should naybe add that this box has not been updated sisnce I picked it up, meaning I don't get all of my HD channels that I pay for, but I do get all of the movie channels.)

I'd like the 8300 mainly because of the HDMI port and of course the DVR function. Right now I'm using a DVI to HDMI cable on my 3510 and audio is shared with a component jack set on my TV... so I'm out one component set just because of that. I haven't had any HDCP issues, but the box and TV have issues with each other so the box reboots almost everytime I turn it off.

I had the same thing when I first got my box where I got all of the movie channels, but no iControl or HD package. A day later my box was deactivated and I had to call in to get it back up... movie channels were gone :(

[Gregg Lengling]

I'd like the 8300 mainly because of the HDMI port and of course the DVR function. Right now I'm using a DVI to HDMI cable on my 3510 and audio is shared with a component jack set on my TV... so I'm out one component set just because of that. :(

Most sets that share an input with component and DVI have an activity sensor where the digital function takes over, but I realize that with DVI it's not the same as HDMI so you can't use the audio inputs for both. But of course most of us hard-core people never use the internal audio system in a HD set, we all have dedicated surround systems and that's how I get around sharing input one with DVI and Component.

[Millmann]

Is anyone experiencing the top of the picture chopping off? It is happening to me about 50% of the time. Especially noticeable when watching the Brewers and the score line is off the top of the screen (can see the very bottom of it). Sometimes if I change channels and wait about 5 seconds and switch back, it corrects itself, but not always. Sometimes it's triggered by rewinding. Haven't noticed it on High-Def channels, but you may not notice unless there is a graphic on the top of the screen that disappears.

[Mark Strube]

Very strange... normally I'd say your screen just has a lot of overscan but that doesn't sound like the case if it's constantly changing. Have you tried setting the box for different outputs? For example does 720p cut off more than if you have it scaled to 1080i instead? Also, this could be your television not properly switching display modes. Not sure.

You are talking about an 8300HD correct? How is it connected to your tv?

[Mrtanner]

Is anyone experiencing the top of the picture chopping off? It is happening to me about 50% of the time. Especially noticeable when watching the Brewers and the score line is off the top of the screen (can see the very bottom of it). Sometimes if I change channels and wait about 5 seconds and switch back, it corrects itself, but not always. Sometimes it's triggered by rewinding. Haven't noticed it on High-Def channels, but you may not notice unless there is a graphic on the top of the screen that disappears.

It sounds like you might be "zooming" 4x3 content to fill the 16x9 screen. Do you have the bars on the side of the picture when the scoreboard is cut from the top?

[Greg Oman]

Has anyone gotten a 8300 recently? I just came back from the Loomis road facility and had the most unpleasant experience I've ever encountered as a human. The woman (didn't get her name, I could describe her in a derragatory manner but that would reduce me to her level) happily agreed to take our nonHD SA-8000 and upgrade us to the HD-DVR, however when we asked if she had the 8300, she said no. So I commented that we would try the Mayfair store. She said nobody had them. Nobody in this region. When I seemed somewhat skeptical, she goes off on this rant and opens all of the storage cabinets she has. I mentioned that it sure seemed like people in thius and other regions (via the avs forum comments) did have them recently.

If it wasn't my girlfriends service, and the issues with that, I'd have pitched the $135 a month we pay Time Warner on the spot.

Nobody deserves that kind of treatment. :guns: Considering returning to satelite and dsl....

So-- post here. When did you get your 8300. Let's start with 5/20/2005 and later. :bang:

Greg O.

[Mark Strube]

Well, I got mine from Mayfair on 02-27-2005. The woman doesn't know what she's talking about. I would've stayed and asked to speak to a manager or gotten her name and made sure someone in charge knows about her unacceptable behavior.

[Paul S.]

Well, I got mine from Mayfair on 02-27-2005. The woman doesn't know what she's talking about. I would've stayed and asked to speak to a manager or gotten her name and made sure someone in charge knows about her unacceptable behavior.


Got mine a couple weeks later.

[Snard]

http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=ItemDetail&item=CBL10158

And free shipping even!

I assume this will do the trick for connecting the 8300 to most HD sets.

(Disclaimer: I haven't bought one of these yet; I just found out about the deal and wanted to pass it along before it expires.)

[kevbeck122]

I bought one for $8 on ebay and it works fine.

[Hophead]

This morning I saw that HBO HD is now 508, but did something else happen or is anyone else that is using an HDMI to HDMI cable having issues with Audio? I no longer get audio when using that port. I hooked up my component cables and everything works fine.

Just curious if it is my cable (which was working last night) or if it is an issue with the box or if anyone else that is using an HDMI cable is having the same problem?

Thanks

[Mark Strube]

Oh lord... now I need to change all my series recordings. :mad:

EDIT: Just read about it in the programming thread. Nevermind. :D

[Mark Strube]

For a couple days now I've been having an issue with the guide - if I hold down the right arrow to have it skip thru the time a bit, it no longer does that. It starts to move slowly like normal, and then as soon as it's supposed to start going fast, it just "freezes." When I let up on the button, still, no changes, but then if I push it forward once more, I'll see that it's skipped forward like it was supposed to. I've tried rebooting and that didn't fix it.

[Paul S.]

How do you skip a day at a time on the guide? I forgot...


We need a thread that has all the 'hidden' trhings about the box ;)

[kevbeck122]

Press the number of days then press the right arrow.

[DBL]

This morning I saw that HBO HD is now 508, but did something else happen or is anyone else that is using an HDMI to HDMI cable having issues with Audio? I no longer get audio when using that port. I hooked up my component cables and everything works fine.

Just curious if it is my cable (which was working last night) or if it is an issue with the box or if anyone else that is using an HDMI cable is having the same problem?

Thanks

I had the same problem - is it the box ? or is it some other thing twc is doing
please advise if anyone has an answer - I have re-booted several times and the HDMI to HDMi great oicture no sound

Thanks

[Mark Strube]

Since HDMI also carries sound, i believe if you're using this type of cable, the sound is being routed thru that. For now if you wanna use HDMI, you'll have to rely on any digital audio outputs your tv has... or use the analog stereo audio from the box.

[DBL]

That's the point I want to carry the Audio through the HDMI cable as it design to do. and up until Today it was working great. However when I turned on the equipment tonight - Great Picture - no sound. It is like TWC deactivated the HDMI audio from the box. The TV Accepts HDMI to HDMI it sounds great when working.

[Gregg Lengling]

That's the point I want to carry the Audio through the HDMI cable as it design to do. and up until Today it was working great. However when I turned on the equipment tonight - Great Picture - no sound. It is like TWC deactivated the HDMI audio from the box. The TV Accepts HDMI to HDMI it sounds great when working.

I've found that once in a while I'll lose digital audio output from the DVR and found that turning the box off and back on usually fixes it. Although once I had to do a reboot, which you can do by unplugging the power or holding the power switch on the box until it displays boot.

[mhz40]

That's the point I want to carry the Audio through the HDMI cable as it design to do. and up until Today it was working great. However when I turned on the equipment tonight - Great Picture - no sound. It is like TWC deactivated the HDMI audio from the box. The TV Accepts HDMI to HDMI it sounds great when working.

Sounds like a bug in the code and not a hardware issue. Will dig into it Thursday.

[Andrew Grall]

I noticed yesterday evening that I was getting Dolby Digital output while connected via HDMI! :)

Was there an update?

[mhz40]

I noticed yesterday evening that I was getting Dolby Digital output while connected via HDMI! :)

Was there an update?
Yup. It was in preparation for adding the ability to change the audio option in the Settings menu.
You don't mention where your are getting DD. Is it the 5.1 out of the digial output that is working while connected via HDMI, or are you saying the 2.0 through the HDMI cable is now working?
If it's the former, it seems to me that the code defaulted the set tops to 5.1, dropping the 2.0 feed via HDMI. That would explain the problem DBL reported.

MHz40

[Andrew Grall]

I am getting 5.1 through the digital output with HDMI connected.

It was a very nice surprise!

[Absopo]

I'm still confused, I am having the same problem DBL reported, what do I need to do to restore audio via HDMI?

[mhz40]

I'm still confused, I am having the same problem DBL reported, what do I need to do to restore audio via HDMI?
If my theory is right (and nothing has been proven yet), you can't do anything to restore your audio fed via the HDMI cable. Your options are either 1) use the analog L/R putput jacks of the set top to feed the analog input of your TV* or 2) use the SPDIF digital signal into a 5.1 decoder.

* I have seen some HDMI inputs with parallel analog audio jacks for the same HDMI input.

Still no final word. Stay tuned.

MHz40

[MDR]

Had planned on swapping out my 8000 with an 8300 this summer after i had caught up on my saved shows. This past weekend the 8000 started acting up, so i quickly caught up and picked up an 8300 today.
I went to the Loomis office to see if they had any. ( I think I know who the surly service rep. is. ) She went to the storeroom and said they had them but i couldn't get one unless i brought in the old box for exchange. On previous occasions I've updated my equipment by getting the new box and making sure it worked before turning in the old one. In fact this is what i did when i got the 8000 when they first came out.
Is this true that you have to turn in the old unit first or was she blowing smoke. She claimed the new system didn't allow this. I felt just by her demeanor, she"s the one who gave grief to others. Anyway to make her happy i brought in the old 8000 and got the 8300.
The 8300 is definitely a better unit. One strange thing, when viewing the program info sometimes I'll get the sidebars that i expected and other times I'll have a full screen displayed under the info. A minor quirk.

Enough rambling and now the big question. When will our 8300's support and have the SATA drives available. Haven't seen this addressed since the 8300's came out. Hopefully before fall and all the new shows.

[mhz40]

Had planned on swapping out my 8000 with an 8300 this summer after i had caught up on my saved shows. This past weekend the 8000 started acting up, so i quickly caught up and picked up an 8300 today.
I went to the Loomis office to see if they had any. ( I think I know who the surly service rep. is. ) She went to the storeroom and said they had them but i couldn't get one unless i brought in the old box for exchange. On previous occasions I've updated my equipment by getting the new box and making sure it worked before turning in the old one. In fact this is what i did when i got the 8000 when they first came out.
Is this true that you have to turn in the old unit first or was she blowing smoke. She claimed the new system didn't allow this. I felt just by her demeanor, she"s the one who gave grief to others. Anyway to make her happy i brought in the old 8000 and got the 8300.
The 8300 is definitely a better unit. One strange thing, when viewing the program info sometimes I'll get the sidebars that i expected and other times I'll have a full screen displayed under the info. A minor quirk.

Enough rambling and now the big question. When will our 8300's support and have the SATA drives available. Haven't seen this addressed since the 8300's came out. Hopefully before fall and all the new shows.

I think the deal is if you don't return one as an exchange, you would need to add a second set top with all the same services (and pay for it) untill you returned the original.
There is no plan in sight to support external drives that I am aware of.

[FiberOptic]

Had some issues with my sound and then 2 days ago I lost all sound with my HDMI to HDMI setup. Took the box back to get a replacement. I hooked it up and same thing, no sound. When talking to the TWC they do not guarantee the HDMI connections will ever work and will not support it. What a shame! Now back to compenent :bang:

[Paul S.]

Why does mine work so well? Is it because its HDMI to DVI??

[DBL]

I cannot believe that TWC is using the excuse they do not support HDMI to HDMI. They told me the same thing until I pointed out that the connection is in their user manual. I was then told their HD expert would call me back. That was 4 days ago. Does anyone have an actual valdi contact @ TWC that we can call to get the HDMI Digtal audio feature turned back on. As I am convienced that TWC turned it off on purpose. For some strange reason.

[mhz40]

I cannot believe that TWC is using the excuse they do not support HDMI to HDMI. They told me the same thing until I pointed out that the connection is in their user manual. I was then told their HD expert would call me back. That was 4 days ago. Does anyone have an actual valdi contact @ TWC that we can call to get the HDMI Digtal audio feature turned back on. As I am convienced that TWC turned it off on purpose. For some strange reason.
Clearly you haven't read all the reponses to one of your earlier posts in this thread. Your answer lies within...

[Absopo]

I was able to get sound while using HDMI for video by installing a optical digital audio line to my 5.1 receiver.

[mhz40]

Clearly you haven't read all the reponses to one of your earlier posts in this thread. Your answer lies within...
Yeah, that's a little different... DBL is trying to get it working again via the same HDMI cable that provides picture to his TV.

[Greg Oman]

I'm still waiting for our longer fiber cable (20') but I do have our 8300 using the L&R audio outs to my receiver. We've been noticing that the sound level varies quite a bit, both in content and commercials, which is very distracting.

Anyone else notice this? It even occurs if I just drive my TV speakers as well, I think I'm using the RF output to CH3 for that, but I'll double check.

Greg O.

[mhz40]

Source issues. Garbage-in garbage-out. I've seen audio levels vary over 16db over a 30 minute window using Dolby's LM-100 (http://www.dolby.com/professional/pro_audio_engineering/products_testmeasure.html) , which is the defacto audio level meter for AC3 sources. It's depressing, but short of compressing the signal to death, can only be properly adjusted at the original encoding point.

[Greg Oman]

That's depressing! Well, I just got word that my optical cable has arrived, so I'll see how much of an issue it is with some of the stuff on HBO HD, etc.

Thanks for the info!!

Greg O.

[saviorfred]

I have a problem with my 8300 that I cannot figure out. I am trying to use the HDMI port. My TV has DVI so I bought a HDMI to DVI cable. I connected the sound using the AC/3 port. When I plug the HDMI cable in, I do not get any picture at all on my TV. Also, I get sound for a second, then the sound stops. I have tried two different cables and even exchanged my 8300 for another one. I have also tried resetting the box many times. I tried my old HD Direct TV box in the DVI port on the TV and I can get picture using that box. Any thoughts on why I cannot get picture and why the sound stops after a second.

[LuckySe7ens]

Anyone know why you have to pay multiple "service" fees if you have multiple boxes? Why don't they just be truthful and charge $15 / mo for the box instead of adding fake "service" fees? If it's really a service I am paying for, I should only have to pay for it once (per FCC regulations I believe... ie they cant make you pay for your cable service on every TV in your house)